austin eats | part 1

austin eats | part 1

7.22.2014

One of the things we love the most about Austin is all the amazing places to eat. We vowed to not eat at the same place twice in order to ensure that we try a variety of new places. I love looking at restaurant recommendations on other blogs so I thought it might be fun to share the places we've tried and loved so far. 

Lamberts BBQ

I don't really crave BBQ but you know, when in Texas. So we yelped this restaurant and made a quick reservation. It's downtown and actually quite large inside with two floors. There's usually live music and a great bar if you're waiting for a table. The menu is basically meat and sides - so make sure you're hungry! C and I opted to split the short rib (basically a dinosaur bone as seen below) and a few sides - corn, brussels sprouts...yum! I had a delicious cocktail which was basically a moscow mule made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka (grapefruit). 

Walton's Fancy & Staple

I found this gem on yelp and knew it was perfect for a working lunch. I ordered the Turkey Sweet and an iced tea - talk about heaven! I'm not really a sandwich person but this sandwich was life changing. The croissant, the shaved turkey, the onion apple marmalade...it was all just so amazing! This place quickly became a repeat offender so our rule has not applied here. We've been back!

Hillside Farmacy

I discovered this place from another blog and I'm so glad we tried it out! This adorable, low key restaurant had a great, simple menu and gorgeous outdoor seating. We particularly love the East Side of Austin. 

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monday musings.

monday musings.

7.21.2014

>> After a quick trip to Boston in the middle of the week for work, Friday snuck up on me. It's been a crazy summer with all the travel and extra work stuff so I feel like these weeks are flying by. I was able to squeeze in drinks with a former teammate before crashing pretty early.

>> Since my two friends signed up for Birchbox this week, I had about $20 work of points burning a hole in my online wallet. I also had a coupon in honor of my 35th box! I was excited to pick up a few basics from W3ll People now that my samples are depleted. It feels good to have found makeup that truly works for my skin AND is made with clean ingredients. 

>> Speaking of skin, I've been trying to reduce the amount of gluten in my diet among other things in order to see if my skin responds. I'm excited to say that this is probably the best my skin has ever looked. It's so clear and smooth that I'm honestly shocked how well my new routine has been working. I'll be sure to get a full post together soon.  (PS. The gluten-free pizza at Da Legna in New Haven is DELICIOUS!)

>> I have packed for Austin so many times that usually, as soon as I wash the clothes in my suitcase, I just fold them and put them right back in. #lazypacking

>> I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing C this week and hopefully having some R&R time. I've gotten to the point where I try to make every excuse not to use a dish so that I don't have to wash them. On my trek to take the trash out, I'm positive I almost contracted rabies. #dramaqueen

>> If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I've taken up calligraphy and I'M OBSESSED! I'm honestly not very good at it right now BUT it's such a calming evening activity that I think with a little practice, I might be able to get the hang of it. I've been taking this Skillshare class and it's perfect. 

>> I feel like I'm in a book rut. I haven't been inspired by anything that I haven't read anything great in a few weeks. Any suggestions? 

>> Go download this BEAUTIFUL app immediately. 

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monday musings.

monday musings.

7.14.2014

>> Yesterday we celebrated 1 sweet year of marriage. Go Team Thomas! I'm seriously obsessed with the amazing peonies that C had delivered to work for me - he's a keeper, that one.

>> The fact that your yoga class card is about to expire is a great way to get motivated to go to class almost every day. I'd been SO loving yoga lately and I'm happy to have a little extra motivation to attend. Sometimes it feels cumbersome to carve out an hour and a half of my evening to practice but even when I get home at 7pm or 8pm I'm always so glad I went. I even went to my first Restorative Yoga class last week which was basically assisted napping. #awesome

>> My college roommate and long time bestie came out to New Haven this weekend on her way up to Pomfret, CT for a bachelorette party and bridal shower. We had a blast catching up over margaritas at Geronimo's and then wandered down to Oak Haven for drinks and dessert. A weekend in New Haven isn't complete without stuffing our faces with cinnamon roll pancakes at The Pantry and a nice long walk/hike around East Rock.

>> On my way back from Pomfret, I stopped at Whole Foods to grab a few things. My basket ended up costing a small fortune and was filled with a bizarre variety of goodies including avocado oil (for skin), quinoa hot breakfast cereal, some sort of delicious goat's milk cheese, one goat's milk yogurt, some granola bars, liquefied coconut oil, natural deodorant, a bit of kale from the salad bar, some gnocchi, and a bar of amazing smelling soap. #umwhat?

>> I spent Saturday evening curled up on the couch with a face mask on, engrossed in Orange Is The New Black. Lizzie got me hooked and now I'm already 5 episodes in. Is it weird that I sort of wonder what the heck I would do with myself in prison? Would I be like Piper???? I didn't leave the house until 4:30pm on Sunday purely to attend a yoga class. #winning But I did catch up on a bunch of reading, cleaning, laundry, and some more OITNB. 

>> LOVING this tinted moisturizer that has replaced my Bobbi Brown. It only comes in one color but blends beautifully and serves as the perfect base. I love that it's made of healthy ingredients. 

>> I've started to talk a lot about my new skincare and makeup routine. Are y'all interested in a full post on all the stuff I'm using?! I'm thinking about working one up for you.

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one year.

one year.

7.13.2014

Around this time, one year ago, I was probably stuffing my face with Panera mac & cheese, getting my hair did, chatting with my sweet bridesmaids, and obsessing over the fact that I was about to marry the love of my life. Crazy to think that HUGE day was one year ago! Our wedding day was awesome but spoiler alert, marriage is better than the wedding day. 

Marriage has been amazing - crazy, fun, exciting, hard, sweet, encouraging, fulfilling! I made a book filled with pictures to document our first year and it's set to arrive tomorrow! I can't wait to share it with C when he gets back. I'm also excited to read out vows again and the beautiful homily that Elizabeth gave during our ceremony. Such precious reminders of why we decided to do this in the first place. 

It's also so fun to have so many friends and family who share a similar anniversary month - shoutout to Keelie & David, Erica & Tyler, Katie & Patrick, and Becca & Brian! Thankful that we have such amazing people to do marriage alongside.

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book review // The Vacationers

book review // The Vacationers

7.10.2014

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with this Birchbox #Birchbloggers Bookclub book (say that 5 times fast!). However, I was so pleasantly surprised to find it a fun, easy airplane read that I breezed through in just a few days! The Vacationers is the perfect summer ready because the plot is fun and flirty and the pace is just right to keep you hooked while you're soaking up some sun. 

The story is set on the beaches of Spain in what seemed like the most adorable house with some sort of amazing infinity pool. I was totally daydreaming about romantic vacations while reading this book!

I'm excited to check out some of Emma's other books. This book club is such a fun way to discover new authors and join in a conversation with other readers! 

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{recipe} baked oatmeal

{recipe} baked oatmeal

7.08.2014

I learned a whole lot about how your diet affects your skin during my facial last week. Specifically, I learned that excess yeast in your diet can cause your skin become irritated especially on your forehead and chest. With this new information, I've decided to go gluten-free for 10 days to see if my skin clears up. Good news is that there are so many wonderful options out there now that it's really not that hard especially for someone who loves bread so much.

First up, I made a pan of this baked oatmeal so that I'd have an easy, filling breakfast on hand for the whole week.

Baked Oatmeal

2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup coconut sugar (palm sugar)
2 tablespoon chia seeds
1  tablespoon ground flax
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
3 tablespoons melted butter (slightly cooled)
1 egg
1 tablespoon instant coffee (optional)
2 heaping tablespoons peanut butter (optional)

Combine all ingredients through salt in a bowl. Spread in an even layer in a greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Combine milk, butter, egg, and other option flavorings. I made a mocha peanut butter version but this would be delicious with apple butter, cocoa powder, fruit etc. Whatever you desire. If it's of a "wetter" consistency, mix it in with the milk. If it's dry (like cinnamon), mix it with the oats. Pour milk mixture evenly over the oats. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot or let cool completely, chill, and reheat throughout the week. I enjoyed my oatmeal reheated and topped with a dollop of plain greek yogurt (sort of like whipped cream!). It would also be delish served cold with a bit of milk splashed on top.

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monday musings.

monday musings.

7.07.2014

>> I'm back in CT after another whirlwind trip to Austin for the 4th. It was another great visit and it's always so hard to leave. 

>> I had the BEST facial at this spa in Austin, such a wonderful treat! I love that they used natural products and talked about how diet/exercise can help with skin problems. She used the best scrub made of coconut oil, cornmeal, and honey. Amazing. I can't wait to go back sometime. I'd highly recommend stopping in next time you're in Austin. 

>> After a frustrating visit to the dermatologist and mixed messages at the spa, I was basically ready to throw out everything (makeup and skincare) and start over. You already know that I'm hooked on W3ll People so now I'm working to replace my old makeup with this line. Feels amazing on my skin and after one week, my skin is already looking so much better.

>> We went with some friends to see Ester's Follies over the weekend and it was so much fun. I had no idea what to expect but ended up loving the show. It's basically a comedy show, musical, and magic show all in one. 

>> Since we won't be together for our wedding anniversary, we celebrated a little early with dinner at Jeffrey's. Best. Meal. Ever. Honestly. It's sort of like a french steakhouse and it was the best filet I've ever had. Even the butter for the bread was amazing!

>> We attempted to see the bats fly out from underneath the bridge in Austin but after about 16 bug bites and little movement from the bats, we had to bail. Better luck next time! 

>> Can we just talk about how awesome this section in the Birchbox store is? I LOVE that they are really focused on natural skincare. 

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all things natural | W3LL PEOPLE

all things natural | W3LL PEOPLE

7.02.2014

I first heard about the W3ll People make-up line while browsing the Birchbox website. I was intrigued by the "good for you" ingredients since I'm always looking to swap out products that aren't so awesome for my body (hello parabens and sulfates!). I figured if Birchbox was endorsing them, it had to be worth checking out.

While driving down Lamar in Austin, I noticed a store front that featured the W3ll People logo. I had no idea they had a store but I knew I had to go. Upon entering, I was warmly greeted by Kelly. I noticed the store featured other all-natural products aside from W3ll People cosmetics. Kelly gave me a quick overview of the cosmetic line and tested out a few finishing powders on my skin. I loved the feel and the fact that the products aren't filled with chemicals. I knew I couldn't leave without purchasing this setting powder in Light.

I also started getting curious and asked Kelly about her other favorite products in the line. She was excited to tell me all about their renowned Narcissist Stick. Unfortunately, because of their success through Birchbox, she was out of stock but assured me I'd get a phone call when she had more in stock. In case you're curious, she recommend No. 1 for me and I'll be ordering very soon.

Since Kelly clearly had all the answers, I asked her if she had a favorite spot treatment since the store also carried skincare products. Without hesitation, Kelly grabbed this product and started dabbing it all over my face. After proclaiming her love for Arcona's 'Tabula Rasa', she sold me when she said it was only $26. Ladies, that is a STEAL for a good spot treatment. I've used it 3 times now, morning and night, and I swear I can already see a difference. Bye Bye angry skin (Kelly's term!)!

I was falling in love with this place by the minute! I even managed to have my first eyebrow threading experience (life.changed.) that ended with the most glorious forehead massage.

So head's up Austin friends/visitors, make sure you stop into W3ll People next time you're there. It's a one stop shop for all things all natural including perfumes (they happen to carry my very favorite!), deodorant, and haircare.

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