peace up, A-town

Sorry for being gone for a while.  I've been pretty busy with work, and last Friday, I was off to Austin for a bachelorette weekend getaway.  Unfortunately, I didn't take that many pictures, but here are a few that are blog appropriate.


We stopped at the Little Czech Bakery, off of I-35 close to Waco, to grab some kolaches.  This place is the tiniest shop and it's right next to a gas station.  It was packed both times we made a stop.  I got some sausage and cheese rolls, sausage and sauerkraut, and cream cheese kolaches.  Oh, and the picture on the right is the lady's attempt at spelling my name.  At least she got the pronunciation right!


Friday night's festivities.  It was supposed to be a slumber party, but we decided to go out to a local bar and we danced our hardest!  Sometimes, just winging it makes for a fun night. 


Saturday morning, everyone felt like crap, although you can't tell from the Bride-To-Be's smile!  Sunglasses were definitely a must that day.  We went to the spa, and it was so worth it.  I had a 45-minute massage, and a body wrap.  I've done a massage and scrub before, but have never gotten a body wrap.  They basically paint this sea salt mud on your arms, legs and back, wrap you in hot towels and put foil over you.  I really felt like a human baked potato!  My skin felt so silky smooth afterwards though. 

Some of us were done early, so we headed to South Congress (or SoCo, as Austinites would call it).  The last time Paul and I were in Austin for Labor Day weekend (read more here and here), we never made it down there because it was so freaking hot!  They had food trucks and vintage stores all lined up along the street.  Our first stop was New Bohemia, which is a retro-vintage store.  I scored a red clutch, necklace and a ring for really cheap!  We also went to Feathers Boutique which sells vintage clothing for men and women.  I think driving 3 hours from Dallas to Austin might be worth it just to go shopping!  I wish I took pictures because the weather was lovely.  I could sit out on the patio and people-watch all day.  There were so many different groups of people with such incredible, eclectic style, and everyone seemed to be out with their doggies.

We had a Mardi Gras theme Saturday night.  We ate dinner at Carlos Santana's restaurant, Maria Maria.  A trip to Austin wouldn't be complete without a stroll down 6th Street.  And no, we don't know that guy on the left, but this is what 6th Street will do to you. 

I already can't wait to be back in Austin!  I'm just blown away every time I'm there.  I hope you guys had a good weekend!

Oh and HAPPY LEAP DAY!

lately on instagram

We got a sweet bottle of Port as a gift from my brother-in-law and family.  It was delicious!  Might have to add it to our weekend rounds.

I sported some pink and cream for Valentine's Day. We dined at Gordon Biersch, and it was really good. We've tried their food before but have never actually eaten at any of their restaurants. Their drinks were yummy and there was a good variety in their made-from-scratch menu. We're definitely going back.


I bought this drawing of two frogs on a lily pad for Paul.  Here's a little background story:  In 2006, before we started going out, a group of us went out for Valentine's Day dinner.  Paul was such a gentleman and bought all the girls cards and chocolates - although I like to leave this story out as if I was the only one who got a card and chocolates.  It makes for a better story.  He did say he picked out my card though.  Anyway, mine had two frogs and it read, "my pad or yours?"  So since then, every Valentine's Day, we'd get each other something with a frog on it.  My only request was Lindor chocolates, no flowers.  I got my wish!


Last Saturday, my family and I participated in the Fight For Air Climb.  We climbed 53 flights of stairs up the Renaissance Tower in downtown Dallas, in honor of my Dad, and for those who suffered/are suffering from lung disease.  It was rough, and by the 10th floor, we were all like, "OMG, we're only on the 10th floor?"  It took me 14:27 minutes to climb the whole thing, and it felt great crossing the finish line.  Afterwards, we ate at Cafe Brazil for brunch to celebrate my Mom's birthday.

I haven't really been posting much on Instagram lately.  There are just so many things to keep up with nowadays.  Oh, not pictured, but I did see The Vow Wednesday night and it was so cute.  It was like The Notebook and Dear John combined.  I had plans for a Channing Tatum marathon Saturday night, but that fell through.  Darn! 

How was your weekend?

let there be light

I was supposed to post about our new lamps over a month ago, but completely forgot (I bought them on January 2nd).  As I mentioned before, my brother-in-law was going to stay with us until they found a house (they officially moved into their new home this Monday).  It gave me a good excuse to move the one and only lamp we had in our master bedroom, and buy two new lamps for our side tables.  Here it is in our guest room.

It's not too bad, but it was a little short next to our bed.  It's just the right size with my old bed and side table.  Eventually, I'll update the shade and get rid of the conehead. 

I found these lamps at Home Goods for $39.99 each.  I love the woven shades and the base (leg? body?) reminds me of bamboo.  They are the pefect height next to our bed.

And here they are together.  Paul didn't think he needed one since he doesn't read (we're still working on this).  But he was really impressed with how they turned out.  It's bright enough with both lamps on, and we don't have to use the fan light.  It gives a nice ambiance at night too.  I would love to put something above our bed, like possibly three frames, or a DIY sunburst mirror.  I need to get on that.

So there you have it.  Our new lamps and a little peek into our bedroom, where we sleep.  I think I've taken this relationship to another level!

I'd also like to wish my beautiful Mom a Happy Birthday today!  We love you!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

tune-y tuesday | love playlist

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Here's a playlist that will surely make you gag of corniness (sorry).  I tried not to drown you with all the love songs, but I couldn't help myself.   I hope today is filled with chocolates, flowers, hugs, kisses, and those you love.  Happy Valentine's Day! 

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Valentine / Kina Grannis

I recently discovered this artist and I love her soulful voice.  This song is full of Hallmark goodness.

Friend Crush / Friends

I'm currently loving this song.  This is dedicated to those who are crushing on a friend and want to be "more than just friends."  Seize the day!

Loving You / Minnie Ripperton

A classic but a goody.  Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I can reach that high note.  I think I do anyway, but I'm sure it sounds more like nails on a chalkboard!

Say Hey (I Love You) / Michael Franti & The Spearhead

This is just fun and cheery.

The Sweetest Love / Robin Thicke

A great song to slow dance to tonight.  Robin Thicke knows how to please the ladies.

Loving You / Paulo Nutini

Another swoon.

Turn Me On / Norah Jones

This song never gets old.

book review | before i go to sleep by s.j watson

I usually make fun of my Mom when I find her on the couch, engrossed in a Lifetime Movie.  Then I start asking her what the movie's about, and before you know it, I too, am either crying, screaming or laughing with her.  When I was reading this book, all I could think of was, man, this would be such an awesome Lifetime movie! 

Christine suffers from amnesia.  Every morning, she wakes up not knowing her identity.  When she goes to sleep, her memory is wiped clean, and each day, she has to try and piece her past together.  Can she really trust Ben, who is supposedly her husband?  What "accident" occurred which caused her to lose her memory?

This book was definitely a page-turner.  It kept me up late at night, and sometimes, I'd scare myself, and I had to put it down before I got nightmares.  It's pretty impressive that this is Watson's first book.  Hopefully he'll have another one like this soon. 

Have you read a good book lately?

Currently reading:  1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

all banged up

After months of contemplating, I finally cut my bangs!  I've always had bangs, but swept to the side.  Haven't had it this short since probably elementary school. 

That's me at most likely the age of 4, with Karina, age 3.

Some of my inspirations.

{Rose Byrne}

{Jennifer Aniston}

{Zooey Deschanel}

It's gotten thicker since I got it cut last Friday.  Every morning, I find a new strand to cut.  I might grow it out a little and make it more blunt.  I came to a realization that my hair is just too thin, and it will never look as full as Zooey's.  But so far, I'm having a lot of fun with it.  I've tried wearing my hair up, half up, and have yet to try curling my hair and see how the bangs look with it.  I was afraid that my oily forehead would make my bangs look more like 5 strands, but I've been constantly powdering my forehead and hope to find a good dry shampoo. 

So, what are your thoughts?  Any tips on how to keep your bangs bangin'?

2 makes 8

Two Fridays ago, we took advantage of World Market's furniture sale and bought head chairs for our table.  Original price was $179.99, but with their promotion and my 15% discount, we got both chairs for $127.49 each. 

We chose this Hayden Dining Chair in concrete.  It's made of a velvety microfiber, and also comes in an ivory linen fabric.  The linen fabric was my original pick, but we were both drawn to the concrete one after looking at it in person.  It had a more luxurious feel to it, I guess.  And if I got really ambitious, I could add some studs to match our leather chairs in the living room. 

The chair on the left hangs a little from the end of the wall.  I think a round table would have been more appropriate, but I really wanted a big table to accomodate as many of our family members at once.  We'll just have to make sure our dining room is bigger in our next house!

There was little assembly required.  The legs were tucked away under each seat in a little zippered secret compartment, and all we had to do was secure them with the provided screws.  I like how versatile they are.  I can use them for extra seating in the living room, or put them against the wall if it gets too crowded.  Now, our dining room set is complete.  I can't wait to use them for our next family gathering.

ring my bell

I went home early yesterday (like 30 minutes early-whoop) because I was feeling a little under the weather.  So I decided to curl up in bed and catch up on my shows.  I had like, 20 Ellen episodes saved on my DVR so I figured I should start off with that.  I came across Tuesday's episode with Kristen Bell. 

She has a love for sloths, which was quite surprising, and she was telling Ellen how her fiance, Dax Shepard (not sure how he got her) surprised her with a sloth on her birthday.

Heeelarious!  I thought she was awesome already, but this just put her on another level. I really think we could be best friends. From her sense of humor, to her hand motions, facial expressions, crying whether she's happy or sad...we would really get along!

Hope you enjoyed that little clip.  Oh and I can't take credit for the post name.  That song came on when Kristen Bell was walking on stage, and she was breaking it down. Seriously, love her!