austin road trip

My husband and I recently visited Austin to see some good friends of ours and I thought it would be fun to share a few things we did there! For any of you who have never been but would like to, I recommend the following stops:

Bar Chi

This trendy restaurant had excellent sushi and a super fun atmosphere! It was very moody and dark inside with upbeat music [sort of like a club vibe.] Be prepared to wait a while if it's a weekend/evening.

Austin Farmers' Market

I was so excited to finally see this! There are many farmers' markets in Austin, but this one was downtown. We brought cloth bags to hold our goodies while we shopped and taste-tested the wares at various booths. There is a sweet little picnic area to stop and have a bite to eat [there were a few booths the served ready-to-eat snacks... we got tamales!] Even if you never visit Austin, I definitely recommend checking out your local farmers' market. PS: Make sure you bring cash! A few vendors accept credit cards but not many.

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Thirsty Planet

Thirsty Planet was a cool little brewery on the outskirts of Austin. We didn't make it in time for a tour, but for $7 we got a keepsake pint glass and tickets for three beer refills of our choice. It was a little chilly outside but we sat on a picnic table and enjoyed the fresh air and sunlight over a game of chess [chess boards available inside the brewery.] Overall, I thought this was a really neat place and a great budget-friendly way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

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If you're an Austinite, what other stops do you recommend for my next trip? I love discovering hole-in-the-wall, non-touristy places. xo

valentine's day on a budget

With Christmas not far behind, many of us don't want to break the bank for another holiday [especially a "Hallmark" holiday.] However, the hopeless romantics out there--myself included--still enjoy celebrating the holiday as an excuse to dote and be doted on. Here are some ideas that will save you some bucks this Valentine's Day while guaranteeing your holiday is still sugary sweet. xo.

1. Top; 2. Pizza; 3. Wine; 4. Candles

1. PJ Set; 2. Chocolates; 3. Romantic Comedy; 4. Fondue Set

favorite west elm accessories

If you have read my previous home decor posts, you may have noticed I am obsessed with West Elm. I get endless inspiration from their designs and color schemes. Their  crisp yet lived-in furniture and accessories blend beautifully with any home decor styles, from contemporary to eclectic. As such, I have picked out my top 10 favorite West Elm home decor items of the moment--even just one of these would freshen up a dull space! xo.

1. Pillow Cover; 2. Vases; 3. Candlesticks; 4. Tray; 5. Picture Frame; 6. Pouf; 7. Lamp; 8. Rug; 9. Throw; 10. Floor Mirror

waffle grilled panini

Living in a 900 sf. condo has it's perks, but one thing I had to learn is how to be creative in a small kitchen with limited space for appliances. When I was registering for wedding gifts 2 years ago, a panini maker was not on the list [though I really wanted one]. We just didn't have room for it! However, I did get a Belgian waffle maker that not only makes amazing waffles but doubles as a panini press.

All you need to make a delicious panini is:
2 slices of bread
Butter or margarine
Season salt [optional]
Cheese of your choice, shredded or sliced [sliced is less messy]
Sliced deli meat of your choice
Veggies such as tomatoes or avocados [optional]

Directions
1. Spread a very small amount of butter or margarine on one side of each slice of bread. I used about 1/8 tbsp. for each slice. Sprinkle lightly with season salt for extra flavor.

2. Once the waffle maker is at desired temp [I set it on the highest temp because it cooks faster and gets super crunchy], place one slice of bread butter side down on the grill. Add a slice or two of meat and a slice of cheese, then put other slice of bread butter side up on top of the sandwich. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle a little in the middle of the sandwich so that when it melts, it will not go over the edges and get all over your waffle maker.

3. Close the waffle maker and let the sandwich sizzle in there for about a minute or two. You can open it up periodically and check to see how "done" it is. I like mine pretty brown, but if you don't you can take it out sooner.

4. Turn off the waffle maker and remove the sandwich with a fork or tongs. Lift up the top slice of bread and insert sliced tomato, avocado, etc. if you'd like [it would get kind of messy to add those in before cooking.] Serve with ranch to dip in if desired.

valentine's day date dresses

I love getting decked out in reds and pinks for V-day dinner. Call me traditional, but there is something so romantic and sweet about those colors! Whether you are going out for cocktails with your beau or a fancy sit-down dinner with the hubby, these outfits will make your date do a double [or triple] take when you greet him at the door. Ah, l'amour... xo.

flirty dress / sweet dress / sultry dress / heart earrings / wing bracelet / hearts bracelets / arrow necklace 1 / arrow necklace 2 / pumps / flats / sandals