Lots of life-forms thrive in the silver ducts of central air-conditioning systems: dust and dander, mold and microbes. Texas Green Air sucks 'em all up with a giant snaking vacuum cleaner, washes down the interior of the air handlers, kills mold spores, and cleans out your dryer vents for good measure. This young mom-and-pop company is run by the Naim family, who offers fast, friendly, infant- and pet-safe services to make everybody's lungs happy.

Texas Green Air
512/779-2913
www.texasgreenair.com

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We've named Salon Intuitions, the hip hairdo joint at the Triangle, Best Cut as an homage to their oh-so-talented staff, former Toni&Guy hairdressers who dared to dream and decided to cut ties with the mall chain to manifest their own vision. Salon Intuitions reflects everything these daring folks imagined having in their own salon, and that realized concept is something clients no doubt appreciate. So what about the Dye part in this award? Well, in addition to giving fabulous 'dos, they're just really damn good at coloring hair.

Salon Intuitions
4616 Triangle Ave. #401
512/323-0880
www.salonintuitions.net

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We all know that locally grown, organic, in-season produce is the best kind to grace our tables. How about the added benefit of directly supporting a local farmer to boot? That's what community-supported agriculture is all about, and Johnson's Backyard Garden shines brightly among the lot. With convenient neighborhood pickups located all around this fair city and weekly or biweekly options, it's a surefire way to get your greens, save some green, and keep a local farming family working their land.

Johnson's Backyard Garden
9515 Hergotz
512/386-5273
www.jbgorganic.com

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Remember how being your own boss looked cool until your home office became more office than home? Don’t feel like shushing that coffeehouse poetry slam just because you’ve got a client calling? Where other business service centers just have rules and cubicles, this pet-friendly commercial hothouse brings small entrepreneurs together in both physical space and online community to flourish and cooperate.

Conjunctured
1309 E. Seventh
512/524-4296
conjunctured.com

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For most creative-class types, there's a pretty clear distinction between making a living and living one's dreams. In Austin, the line gets a bit thinner, as so many folks in this town are invested in our creative culture. So when a local musician names his yard-mowing biz Starving Artist Lawn Care, it strikes a chord. And in the interest of allowing local guitarist, saxman, and vocalist Jason Benford to make enough dough so he can continue to "strike chords" in the clubs at night: Hire him. He's enterprising, efficient, and inexpensive. Why not support local music while you pretty up your hood?

Starving Artist Lawn Care & Landscaping
512/751-6198
www.starvingartistlawncare.com

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Keeping pleats pressed and buttoned-up wearables starched, this neighborhood dry cleaners is family-owned and -operated and well-steeped in the Downtown tradition of friendly, fast efficiency. Coupons, frequent-patron cards, and an honest smile every time are what keep the regulars happy. Quick turnarounds and quality service are what make newcomers stay.

Cathy's Cleaners & Alterations
231 W. Third
512/320-8111
www.cathyscleaners.net

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Dr. Kathryn Van Winkle, one half of the two-vet team that is the Barton Creek Animal Clinic, may be the closest thing to a dog whisperer that Austin has. And that's a great thing when your pooch or puss ain't feelin' so good. Van Winkle and her team are smart, kind, and gentle. Whether your pet needs annual shots or just a weekly acupuncture session, Van Winkle's got you covered.

Barton Creek Animal Clinic
4201 Westbank Dr.
512/327-8300

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We dinged our baby – bad. A cannonball-sized dent in the back of its shiny red bumper. First three places turned us down flat; fourth one wanted to replace the whole shebang for more than $1,000. Then we found Bumpers Scuffs Plus. Matt explained our options then worked his magic while we waited. Forty minutes and a mere $95 later, our bumper was gorgeous again (and not in the landfill). Fast, honest, cheap, locally owned … what better place to cure your road rash?

Bumper Scuffs Plus
8308 Research
512/454-3330
www.bumperscuffsplus.com

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As gas prices skyrocket, eco-awareness rises, and traffic congestion becomes a total drag, a lot more Austinites (including Chronicle staffers) have been hopping on the bus at 3,000 stops around town. With positive 2008 changes such as the upcoming MetroRail, new buses, expanded service, simplified 'Dillo routes, and new regional partnerships, Cap Metro deserves kudos this year (even factoring in the reasonable fare hikes). Making a big, positive difference for regional planning are Doug Allen, the new executive vice president and chief development officer, and Todd Hemingson, vice president of strategic planning and development. Reading, Web-surfing, or napping while commuting – it sure beats swearing at idiot drivers.

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 E. Fifth
512/389-7400
www.capmetro.org

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For the brave, daring to go fully bare, down there, it's off to the oft-feared Brazilian waxer. Thankfully, Jessica at Milk + Honey and Esty and Montana at Montana skin-care studio have perfected the craft of making you feel comfortable in the most uncomfortable positions. The pain is (as much as it can be) fleeting, their professionalism stellar, and the fear of the 3-2-1 count is soothed by the calmness and the serenity of the day-spa surroundings. In addition to hair removal, both salons can help you with your skin, nails, or stress. Want a pick me up? Leave it to these top-notch glamour gals.

Montana Skin
1211 Parkway
512/535-1475
www.montanaskin.com

Milk + Honey
100-A Guadalupe
512/236-1115
milkandhoneyspa.com

Esty
1919 S. First
512/903-8225
www.estyspa.com

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It's not their job. That's the first fact that everyone should remember when thinking about how the volunteers with these two charities stepped up to help the Hurricane Ike evacuees. It was the Red Cross that staffed shelters and the Capital Area Food Bank that handed out emergency supplies to those that had fled the coast. This award is not so much for the institutions but for the people that sacrificed their time and energy to help those in need – and will again.

American Red Cross of Central Texas
2218 Pershing
512/928-4271
www.redcross.org

Central Texas Food Bank
6500 Metropolis Dr.
512/282-2111
centraltexasfoodbank.org

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It was a sad day when Phyllis Nunez left Gaitan's Barber Shop. We even commemorated her new location with a "Best of Austin" back in 2006, just so loyal fans from the landmark Hyde Park shop could find her. The very week the issue came out, however, Phyllis excitedly called to tell us she had moved back to Pop's shop on Duval Street. Now the tried-and-true team is reunited, and it feels so good: buzzing razors, sharing the latest gossip, and taking a little off the back, just the way it should be.

Gaitan's Barber Shop
4224 Duval St.
512/453-9855
www.sharoos.com

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Cynthia Riley Loera is improving Austin one house at a time. She believes strongly that the way we live makes or breaks communities. Her goal as a Realtor/broker is to support clients through life's changes while steering them toward the best option for the environment, Austin's neighborhoods, and one's stress threshold. Her company, Rocket Science Realty, specializes in small-imprint living. If you are looking for a house bigger than 3,000 square feet, she's not your gal. She's a straight shooter and a breath of fresh air in Austin's housing-market madness.

Rocket Science Realty, LLC
4414 Jinx
512/415-5616
www.rocketsciencerealty.com

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So why would you look way out Manchaca Road for computer repair? Because it's so affordable waaaaaay south in the county. Owner Dave Davis keeps his in-store crew busy with reputable repair services and legit, registered program installations. Plus, as the sign says, no city sales tax!

That Computer Store
11629 Menchaca Ste. D
512/441-8100
www.thatcomputerstore.com

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Foundation Communities offers relief from tax-preparation anxiety in the form of this free program that runs mid-January to mid-April. Nine different locations, staffed by countless volunteers, make it more than convenient. Instead of dropping a bill at large corporate tax centers, taxpayers earning within certain limits can take care of their yearly pain through this local nonprofit.

Foundation Communities Tax Centers
3036 S. First #200
512/447-2026
www.communitytaxcenters.org

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We love curly hair – but don't always love the responsibility of it. Fortunately, there are masters who are trained to tame, and when it comes to curly hair, Bô Salon's founder, Ron King, has some of the best hands in the business. From the catwalks of New York to the pages of Vanity Fair, Ron's take on beauty and styling is definitely not for the faint of pocketbook … but service from a top-notch pro rarely is.

Bô Salon
2004 S. Congress
512/448-0060
www.bosalon.com

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