There's lots to say.

Austin, I love you so much.

I was in Austin for the weekend with 15 other ladies for my friend Sarah's bachelorette party. Great choice, Sarah! I've loved Austin ever since Jimmy and I checked it out a couple of years ago, and I saw so happy to have the opportunity to explore it further. In just 3 short days, the 16 of us danced, saw, did, shopped, drank and ate so much. There's lots to say, but first for some photos, courtesy of instagram (follow me @allierowe).

As you can tell, we had no fun at all. ;)

Just a couple of highlights, in case anyone's planning an Austin trip (which you obviously should)...

What to --- in Austin.

Eat:

• barbeque. preferably at Stubb's, though I'm sure there are a bunch of amazing places. every last bite was drool worthy, especially when doused with their famous sauce. I'd love to see a live show there, too.
• tex-mex. obvi! we went to Pelon's which we'd heard was great, plus it was right near our hotel (and coincedentally, right across the street from Stubb's!). they put together a delightful taco bar for us, which paired nicely with endless pitchers of sangria and margarita's. and queso dip. lots and lots of queso dip (try it).
• food trucks. the SoCo (South of Congress) district has a wonderful bunch of them, and which Jimmy and I also experienced a couple years ago. So much fun. but sadly, it seems that they'll be dispersing soon. they will have to relocate somewhere though, so just look for nomad dosa, short bus subs, and crepesmille.
• happy hour. tons to choose from. we picked a tex-mex place with a roofdeck, and managed to have a huge meal and 2 drinks each for less than $20 per person. me likey. 

See:

• live music. luckily, you couldn't avoid it if you tried! 6th Street is crawling with great live bands, and we didn't come across a single place with a cover. bar hopping is fun.
• the beauty of SoCo. even if you don't go in a single shop or eat at the food carts, you'll enjoy yourself just viewing the wall art, the fairy-lit oak trees and spur of the moment street performances.
• the treats of Uncommon Objects in SoCo. It's like a museum.

Do:

• tube down a river. this was our favorite day. there are a bunch of places to do it 1/2 hour south of Austin - make it happen.
• honky tonk!! we went to the Broken Spoke ("last of the true Texas dance halls") where a nice young man taught each and every one of us how to two step. feeling confident, we headed back downtown to Rebels Honky Tonk to show off our skills and watch people flail off the mechanical bull. this place was bachelorette party heaven.
• shop. in where else?? SoCo. adorable vintage shops, millions of cowboy boots/hats, cute unique jewelry, crafts -- what more could you ask for?
• get on stage. we befriended an wonderfully interactive band who invited me on stage not once but twice to help them with a chorus or two. rockstar fantasies whaaaat?
• go off the beaten track. after tubing we stopped at the Gristmill in Gruene, TX for a snack. it was the definition of a "local watering hole". so picturesque and just...so texas.

Pack:

• cowboy boots (when in rome)
• comfy, light clothing
• a bubba keg (or other non-disposable drinking device) for your tubing refreshments
• sunscreen
• cheap sunglasses & flip flips for tubing (you might lose them)
• a bachelorette (helpful for free drinks and skipping lines!)

You planning a trip yet?? I hope so!

Lights, Colors, Sea Lions

Back in March I spent a couple of gorgeous days in this new city of mine, just walking around and soaking it in. Postcard worthy shots in every direction, I tell you! We love where we are living out in the East Bay (1/2 hour from the city), but I'm so glad that we've been getting into town as much as we have been. San Francisco is a magical place. 

Tomorrow we're heading to Yosemite! We'll be camping (or rather..."glamping"...) with some amazing friends, and I just can't wait. I'll be sure to post pics soon. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Parker

 

Pics from a beach walk with my friends and their Vizsla a few weeks ago. A dog playing in the waves and chasing birds -- that's what pure bliss looks like.

 

It has been incredibly busy around here. Spring always is, isn't it?? But I had to check in with a few awesome updates. First and foremost: my sister is moving to San Francisco!!!!!!!!!!!! (That is an obnoxious amount of exclamation points, but I honestly had to really restrain myself from doing even more). I am so excited to have my best friend back in the same time zone as me. And I'm so, so proud of her for making this enormous change and coming out here, I know she's going to just LOVE it. See you soon, Steph!! Can't wait to shop and travel and eat and laugh and talk and play with you again!

 

The other exciting update is that I'm about to have an extreme blog makeover. I've been complaining to Jim for awhile about my mediocre layout and lack of design skills, and how I really want to blog more, and how I really think I would if only I had a gorgeous and unique blog that I was a little more proud of. And you know what? The man took the hint and hooked me up with a designer who's going to help spruce things up a bit. The process is still in beginning stages, but hopefully before long things will be looking shiny and new around here!

 

 

That's all for now, but here are some recent links I'm lovin':

• I think Steph and I should start doing this.
• Travel seems like the one thing Jimbo and I do agree on, but for couples who have more trouble with this here are some tips on how to get your travel dreams in line.
• I want to read about a thousand books right now! Add these ones to the list...
• On Pinterest I'm always saying that I'll try this or that (but it never happens). Maybe this challenge will motivate me to actually give something a shot.
• Best socks for travel. I want some!
• Vietnam is now on my travel list.