So Long, Farewell

The clock is ticking on 2010, and I can't help but think of the wonderful year that has passed...and wonder about the one approaching.  In 2010 I got engaged, turned 30, became an Auntie, became a wife, changed my name, and paid off my student loans.  I traveled to Hawaii, Denver, Albuquerque, and Bali.  I discovered some great music, went to several amazing concerts, and started going on the social bike ride on Thursday nights.  I tried yoga for the first time, ran the fewest miles ever in a year (since 2003), but finished strong by running the most miles ever in a December.

All this makes me think of 2011...of what's to come.  A year ago I had no idea where the next 365 days would take me.  I'm excited about next year.  I'm excited about this "secondhand challenge."  If anything, I'm doing this for the adventure...to see if I can change one thing in my life for a period of time and see where that takes me. 

And because I've fallen in love with Bat for Lashes over and over again this year, and can't seem to get her music out of my mind...a beautiful picture to end this year's blog, like a farewell kiss:

Love you all

May 2011 bring mystery, adventure, love, and knowledge.  May our time be spent with family and friends, in good health and spirit.  To all that the coming year will bring...may the moments not be passed without notice.

Goodwill Good Luck

Thrift store shopping is always more fun when you go with a friend.  For me, it's been good luck, especially when I take Ginny with me.  :)  She always finds the best stuff!  And...we're not the same size, so there's no fighting over who spotted the cute dress first.  The last time we paid a visit to the Gucci Goodwill, she found this amazing vintage skirt -->

I love the bright colored plaid and the shape of this skirt.  If only it were my size!  She also bought the most adorable little strawberry ring, and is the person responsible for finding the 2 dresses that I purchased that day.  Needless to say, I'll be taking her along on as many thrift store journeys as possible during my year of secondhand shopping.

She's great at sifting through all the junk to find the good stuff, and won't hesitate to tell you that "you look like a garanimal in that dress," if you're about to make a regretful purchase.

So, I wore the black and white Calvin Klein dress today for the first time, and I've received so many compliments on it.  Sorry my head is cut off in the picture, but it's all I had to work with.  Anyway...for only $12.99 it's a great dress...super comfy and versatile...it doesn't wrinkle...and it doesn't require dry cleaning!  This dress was a total score...thanks for finding it, Ginny!

 

The People

Travelling during the holidays has its perks.  I had to take a quick trip for work this week, which put me right in the middle of Christmas Holiday travel.  While crowded and mostly miserable, it did make for some great people watching.  Like the girl sporting the pink Moon Boots in 80 degree weather as I passed through the Dallas airport.  These things seriously reminded me of a soft cast you would wear if you were recovering from a broken foot. Really, I'm not sure how she walked around without tripping over her own shoes...in 80 degree weather!  I guess you can get away with most anything while in college.

Then, there was the middle aged woman, with furrowed brow creases, reading the book When Our Grown Kids Disappoint Us: Letting Go of Their Problems, Loving Them Anyway, and Getting on with Our Lives in the middle of the airport...en route to visit her adult children for the holidays?  At least she didn't forget a family member at the security check point, as did one mother in Austin on my way out.  It's 6:30 in the morning, and over the intercom comes the message "Mrs. Smith, please come back to gate 15...for your son."  Whoops!  Then, there was the adorable little girl...hair still disheveled from sleep...walking slowly through the airport, still in her foot pajamas, pulling her rolling carry on.  So cute! 

But the best thing of all...observing the Holiday spirit.  I left my iPod touch in the seat back on my 2nd flight out.  When I arrived in OKC, I thought it was gone for good.  I called Southwest to file a lost and found report, without much hope...and they actually called me back!  Someone turned in the iPod in Dallas, so I picked it up the following day on my way back home.  I guess there are still good people in the world!  There was also the gentleman in line for lunch at Schlotzsky's in the OKC airport, who bought lunch for the complete stranger who was next in line.  It's these small acts of kindness and decency that really give me hope.  So, until next time...I hope you all are enjoying your holiday, and making the most of the small things this season.

Best Music of 2010: My Favorite 15

I'm definitely not an expert on the subject, but I do LOVE music.  Every year, I make a list of the albums that I really enjoyed, and this year, I'm sharing with you. 

My favorite albums of 2010 (in no particular order):

1.  Yeasayer - Odd Blood .  I have to admit, it took me a little while to get into this album.  I had it for several months before I really listened to it, but once I did, I couldn't get enough.  I love putting this on when I'm working out or riding my bike.  Madder Red, I Remember, Love Me Girl, and O.N.E. are my favorites.
2. Matt and Kim - Sidewalks .  I saw Matt and Kim perform at the ACL Music Festival this year, and they were so much fun!  For only 2 people, they put out a great sound, with lots of energy.  I was looking forward to the release of Sidewalks, and I might even love it more than Grand.  Block After Block and Cameras are my favorites.
3. Broken Bells - Broken Bells.  In this album, Danger Mouse teams up with the vocalist for the Shins.  I knew that I would love this album before I heard it.  I only wish I could have caught their free show during SXSW, where they played in a parking garage...I heard the acoustics made for one sweet show.  It's really tough to pick favorite tracks on this album, because it's all really great, but I'd say Vaporize might top my list.
4. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast.  I really love this album, and can't wait to see what SB comes up with next.  I was really bummed that I wasn't able to attend any of the many shows they played during SXSW, but will be looking for opportunities to catch them live in the future.  Anchorage is definitely my favorite track on the album, but there are others like Floating Vibes and Swim that are super, as well.
5. glasser - Ring.  I've only had this album for a couple weeks, but I'm in love with it!  The sound is so creative and new.  I love Apply - it's a song that will stick in your head for hours...interesting sounds with the vocals in this one.
6. Phantogram - Eyelid Movies.  This is an album that I bought on a whim when it was Amazon listed it for $1.99 in a daily deal.  I'm so glad I purchased this one!  Every time I play a song from it, people ask "who's that?"  Favorite songs from this album: Mouthful of Diamonds, Bloody Palms, Futuristic Casket, and When I'm Small.
7. Sleigh Bells - Treats.  The first time I heard this, it really got on my nerves.  It was just so loud and in your face.  But then I listened again during a workout, and it really helped to get me going.  Since then, it's included in most of my playlists.  I've really grown to love this album.  I don't think it's something that I'll go back to year after year...but it's really great right now.  Plus, I love the album art.

8. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs.  Another brilliant album from one of my favorite bands.  I listened to this on repeat while driving through the desert in a rented convertible on my way to Albuquerque.  Every time I hear it, I think of watching the sunset over the mountains.  Favorite tracks: Rococo, City With No Children, Suburban War. 
9. Beach House - Teen Dream.  LOVE. THIS. ALBUM.  Listened to it so much over the summer while lounging by the pool.  They put on a great show at ACL Festival, too...it was one of my favorite performances this year.  It's hard to pick favorites because I really enjoy every song, but here are a few that stand out: Lover of Mine, Norway, Real Love.
10. The Morning Benders - Big Echo.  This is another album that I listened to so much this year.  Excuses is one of my favorites, as well as Promises and All Day Light.
11. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor.  This is one of those bands that I thought went from good to great after seeing them play live.  I saw them at ACL Festival, and they put on a really great show.  I love the cover art for this album, as well.  Wide Eyes is definitely one of my favorite tracks this year, along with Sun Hands, Shape Shifter, Warning Sign, Who Knows Who Cares...oh hell, the whole f*ing thing is great...if you don't have it, go now.
12. Azure Ray - Drawing Down the Moon.  It's been awhile since their self titled album, and I have to say I am so happy they are back.  Simply put, Azure Ray is beautiful music that evokes so much emotion.  Don't Leave My Mind is one of my favorite songs of the year.
13. M.I.A. - Maya [Explicit].  M.I.A. is a badass, and this album will melt your face off.  It's such a unique and interesting album, and might take a couple of listens to really appreciate.  Xxxo, It Takes a Muscle, and Born Free are among my favorites on this album.
14. Rogue Wave - Permalight. I got to see these guys perform a free show at Mellow Johnny's during SXSW last year.  It was a great show, with lots of free swag. :)  This album was on heavy rotation in my workout playlist this year.  Here's a photo I took at the show --->
15. Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager [Explicit].  This is another album that I've only had for a few weeks, but I'm addicted!  Forget about the new Kanye West album...get this one instead!  I especially love the song Maniac, where he samples from St. Vincent's song The Strangers.  Which...makes me remember the great show that St. Vincent put on at Mohawk.  We were right up front:

I also listened to the following albums a lot this year, even though they were released prior to 2010: Bat For Lashes: Two Suns [+digital booklet], Miike Snow Miike Snow, Cut Copy In Ghost Colours, and Foals Antidotes.  So, that's the year in music.  I'm looking forward to what 2011 brings.

Wedding Story - A Tale of 2 Dresses

Looking back on our October wedding, I can laugh a little about this story...although, at the time it wasn't so funny.  About 3 weeks before the big day, I went to the tailor for my final dress fitting, and as I was standing there, checking the hem line in the mirror, a thought occured to me...I don't feel my most beautiful in this dress.  I hate this dress!  I started to panick.  Those of you who have ever ordered a wedding gown (or even a bridesmaid dress) know that it takes MONTHS for them to come in.  So...being 3 weeks away from my wedding and having a meltdown about the dress was not a comfortable place for me.  But, something had to be done. 

So, I got on my computer and immediately started browsing wedding gowns on the J.Crew website.  I chatted with a sales associate, who informed me that wedding dresses are shipped the same as a normal order...about a week.  The only problem...there was nowhere to try them on before ordering (unless I had the means to fly to New York).  I started thinking about the dresses I owned that I felt were the most flattering, and here's what I came up with:  scoop neckline, fitted waist, a-line skirt.  There were two dresses online that fit this description.  So, I made my way to the J.Crew store to have my measurements taken, and ordered the dresses.  Two days later, they arrived at the condo, and I'm sure Jason was wondering what the hell I was doing when I locked myself in the bedroom after 2 huge J.Crew boxes were delivered. 

The first new dress I tried on was the one I really wanted...and it fit perfectly!  I only had to have the hem line taken up a couple inches...no other alterations necessary.  The next day, I dropped the dress off at the tailor (a different one, so my first lady wouldn't think I was absolutely insane...even though I was starting to feel that way).  The alterations only took 4 days.  So, there I was, 2 weeks away from the wedding, with a completely different dress than what I had originally started out with.  But, I felt happy...this was THE DRESS.

Beautiful detail in the back.

Simple.  Elegant.  Effortless.

With just the right amount of train.

And my accessories?  Everything but one piece would have fit into the not-quite-new year challenge.  I'm not sure that this is enough to offset the fact I bought TWO WEDDING DRESSES.  But, it's a start.  The necklace is a vintage piece from Room Service Vintage , the blue bangle and rose earrings were borrowed from Ms. Margaret, and the navy clutch is a vintage find from Ebay.

I'll be listing the first wedding gown purchase on Ebay soon.  Hopefully, it'll be someone else's perfect dress for their perfect day.  Oh, and remember those vintage milk glass vases I bought for the wedding? 

They turned out so cute!  (More about that, to come). 

Wedding photography by Francis Joseph Photography . 



Hand Me Down, Please

I'm the only girl in my family, so growing up, I never really had to wear second hand, or hand-me-down clothes from my siblings.  Sure, there was the occasional dress I would borrow from a friend, but overall, if I wanted something new...I'd bargain with my Mom until she caved and took me to the mall. 

Flash forward into my 30s, and I'm still more likely to buy something new for every special (or not so special) occasion than I am to borrow from a friend.  Over the weekend, I started thinking about the year to come...and, I must admit...the thought of going through an entire year without being able to order new clothes from J.Crew or hit the sale section of Anthropologie set me into a bit of a panic.  What would I do if I needed something special to wear to an after hours work function or party?  I started having doubts about my ability to pull this off.  Then, I thought about all the fashionable friends I have and considered how fun it would be to bring them into the challenge...if only to help me out by passing along their unwanted items throughout the year.  We could have swap parties where we bring all our unwanted clothes and play dress up while drinking a few glasses of wine.  This made me feel better, and I started to regain some excitement about my not-quite-new year.  I'll have the chance to live like I have sisters...with all the hand-me-downs I can stand.  :)

Here's a lovely J.Crew wool blend sweater that I got from a friend over a year ago.  She ordered it online and it didn't fit...so she passed it along to me.  It's something that I wear quite frequently in the cooler months...and a bit of inspiration for next year.  And...I think of lovely Stef every time I wear it.  Free fashion from a friend...what could be better than that?  

Testing the Waters

So the goal for 2011 is this...to see if I can go the entire year without buying anything new (with the exception of consumable goods like food, of course).  If I succeed, I would basically spend the year buying all clothing, gifts, and housewares from thrift stores, garage sales, or Ebay.  Nothing new...only used.  I don't really know why I want to do this.  I've reached a point in my life where things are finally approaching a level of financial stability...so it's not about saving money.  I think maybe it's this...plain and simple, I think I buy too much stuff.  Stuff I don't need...stuff I just pick off the rack without even thinking twice about it...because I "deserve" it.  I'm sick of myself and my shopaholic ways.  So...I'm going to challenge myself to go a year without...and see where that leads me. 

On Friday I went on a trial run to see what I could find at the "Gucci Goodwill," which is basically just the Goodwill that is located in the really nice part of town.  I stopped by on my lunch break...and totally scored!  I found 2 dresses and a birthday gift for a friend...and walked out of there spending less than $40.

This is going to be a challenge...but I think an adventure as well.  We throw away so many lovely things in this country because we're so impatient and so insatiable.  I want to see if I can take a break from all that.  The challenge officially starts on January 1, 2011.  Wish me luck!

Here's a picture of one of the dresses I bought at Goodwill last week.  Only $12 for a piece that is sure to be a wardrobe staple (by Anne Klein).  Sure, it's a little "Raiders of the Lost Ark" - ish...but I dig it!

Day 5 - Patience or Patient

So, I finally broke down and went to see my doctor this morning because my back was killing me.  I'm sure it had little or nothing to do with the fact that I decided to lift weights this morning (I chose light weights and only exercises where I could lie down on my back).  He basically told me that I pulled something in my lower back, gave me some meds to help with the pain, and said I need to REST if I want to get better.  Swimming and walking are okay...but I need to stop with the cycling and weights (and definitely no running) until I feel better. 

So, here's the new plan:  I'm going to take about a week off (swimming and walking only), get some rest, and resume my wedding workout challenge starting July 22nd...at which point we'll be 100 days away from the big day.  Provided that I feel better, I'll resume my plan of working out every day.  It actually has a better ring to it, anyway...the 100 day wedding workout challenge.  Until then, I'll continue to monitor my calorie intake (goal = 1,700 cals per day), and will take it easy on the workouts.  If don't use some patience and let this thing heal, I'm likely to wind up a patient of physical therapy again...which I don't want.

So, until next time, I'll be taking it easy, enjoying the soothing sounds from one of my favorite bands of the summer, Beach House.  Listening to their album, Teen Dream now.

I'm sure I'll be feeling better, in no time at all:

Ebay Love

Okay, since I felt the need to gush about Etsy this morning...I've decided to show some love for Ebay, as well.  Check out the super cool milk glass vases that I bought for the wedding:

I know what you're thinking...these will look absolutely perfect with the burlap table runners I got from Ruflly Owl, right?  Exactly.  And then there's this AMAZING silk robe I bought from the Sisters of the Black Moon Ebay shop...which is one of the best spots for finding unique vintage items.  Sometimes I visit the shop just to check out the amazing photography and styling of the models. 

I can't wait to wear this on my honeymoon.  xoxo

Sometimes I think I was born about 2 decades late.  I should have been a teenager in the 70s.  Thankfully, I can go back in time whenever I want.  Ebay is only a couple clicks away.      

Esty Love

Dear Etsy,

I love you...and your little Ruffly Owl, too!  I ordered these super cute burlap table runners to use for my wedding.  The seller offered me an awesome deal because I was ordering in bulk, and I received my goodies only a few short days from placing the order!  Check out how cute they were packaged:

I can't wait to use these at my wedding!  Check out the Ruffly Owl's Etsy shop here: http://tinyurl.com/2fsbgqw or Dacia's blog here: http://tinyurl.com/23dnov2 .  Happy shopping!

Day 4 - Invigorating

Another one down!  Today's activity included a 20 minute early morning walk with Pace in the Barton Hills neighborhood, followed by 20 minutes of laps in the pool.  I forgot how great and invigorating it is to swim in the morning.  It really helped wake me up and get me going this morning.  I'm going to give my back some rest this week before attempting to run, but I must say...I really can't wait to get out on the road again. 

Day 4: 20 minute walk + 20 minute swim.

So far, I've had mixed feelings about this wedding weight loss challenge.  I'm happy that I'm off to a good start (4/4), but at the same time, very frustrated that my back has been hurting so much.  I can't run or lift weights, and it makes it hard to feel like I've really put a good solid effort into it.  I guess I just need to continue with patience and persistence.

With that said...a song that I can't get out of my head today, and thought I'd share with you:  "Big Big Love (Fig.2)" by Foals.  If you don't have the album Antidotes, you're missing out...it's really great to load into your iTunes workout list...and...they'll be at ACL Festival this year, so no better time than the present to get to know this band.

Day 3 - Stationary Submission

Today I found myself in the gym at 6:00 am on a hampster wheel of sorts.  Bicycling in place with nothing to keep my mind occupied but the view from the 2nd floor of 24 Hour Fitness.  If it weren't for the couple displaying an inappropriate amount of PDA, which left me completely perplexed, or the amusement I gained from the lady sporting the neon Jurassic Park muscle shirt, I would have gone completely nuts.  I prefer to spend my workouts in the outdoors running, swimming, biking, etc.  It helps me clear my mind and prepare for a day spent indoors, seated, at a computer.  However...the genious that is drunk Lindsey decided, about 10 days ago, that it was a brilliant plan to have my 130 pound girlfriend stand on my shoulders.  After about a dozen failed attempts in the pool, I limped away with a sore lower back that is still hurting to this day.  (Note to self: you should learn from past mistakes and not attempt cheerleading moves and/or stunts while drunk...or ever, for that matter.  You are in your 30s.)  So, until my back heals, I'm stuck with low impact options, such as swimming or riding a bike in place (it's too dark to ride outside early in the morning...I'm afraid of being run over by a half-dazed suit on his/her way to get their morning cup of joe).

This leaves me frustrated, especially when I boot up my computer this morning, and get the reminder that I'm supposed to "start training for the Austin marathon" this week.  Ugh.  I wish!  For now, I'll have to relinquish my workouts to a state of stationary submission...and be more careful with my back in the future.

Day 3: 30 minutes on the stationary bike + 10 mintues of abs and stretching.
(Lindsey = 3; Laziness = 0)

Day 2 - Walk It Off

Another rough day for my wedding weight loss challenge.  Normally, my Sundays are spent lazily reading in the morning, then finishing up chores to prepare for the work week (this weekend, I started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and it would have been super easy to spend all day on the sofa with this book).  Today, however, began with a World Cup Finals party at Blake and Lamanda's place.  So, another day of early drinking and shenanigans.  I slept it off early this evening, then walked it off for 30 minutes with Pace in the Barton Hills neighborhood.  (Lindsey = 2; Laziness = 0)

Day 2: 30 minutes walking through Barton Hills

Taken alone, the 30 minutes spent walking through my neighborhood wouldn't seem like much...but take into consideration the fact that I was slightly hung over from drinking too many wine spritzers early in the day, and I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself.  It would have been so much easier to nap on the couch in the A/C.  Plus...Pacers got in on the exercise today...and loved it!  (He's still happily panting on the hardwood floors...cooling off underneath the fan).  Two days down...100 to go!

Day 1 - Getting My Feet Wet

So, day 1 of the wedding challenge went about as expected for a Saturday (remind me why I didn't start this thing on Monday???).  While I spent most of the day lounging on the sofa, watching Avatar or in front of this computer researching honeymoon destinations (Tahiti, Bora Bora)...I did actually manage to log in my activity for the day.

Day 1: 20 minutes of laps in the pool

Even though I only put in 20 minutes, I was quite proud of myself for following through today.  It would have been much easier to continue sipping mimosas in the sun, and trust me, the thought crossed my mind.  Not bad for a Saturday!

Wedding Challenge

So, it's 113 days until the "big day," and I still have lots of work to do to get in shape for my wedding gown.  The summers in Austin always lead to a bit of weight gain for me...I can't resist sipping margaritas on a patio somewhere with chips and salsa...which inevitably leads to the skipping of my morning workout routine.  Increased alcohol calorie consumption + too much Tex Mex = 10 pounds to lose in less than 4 months.

The challenge:  Lose 10 pounds in the next 112 days and firm up to look super fab on my wedding day.
The plan:  Engage in some sort of physical activity every day and log my calorie intake every day.  And, of course, blog about it.

112 days.
10 pounds.
1 dress.

I start my adventure tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

When We Were Young

You had gone away for college, and I was still home.  It was a school night for Jeff, but we were out and about.  We hopped in the lizard and headed to town to buy beverages.  At that time, I didn't really drink, so I opted for some Zima, and you grabbed a 6 of whatever lite beer the small town convenient store proffered. 

We went cruising...my first exposure to Radiohead.  I don't remember if it was OK Computer, or The Bends, or both...but I was mezmorized.  And, for the first time, I felt like we were in this thing together...like I wasn't alone.  Drive drive drive.  Through town and to the next.  Bottle caps tossed quickly and without apology...out the window.  We headed to the cornfields...the spot where only 2 years earlier I had learned to drive stick shift.  Where the high school kids would party after football games and we all knew to flash our lights twice as we approached the spot...as to not scare off all our under-aged drinking friends. 

This night it had been raining for days, and the fields were muddy.  We sloshed along in your 4 cylinder truck...slowly...happily.  Until, the wheels continued to spin, but we sat still.  Stuck...and had to call our little brother, awaken from his slumber to tug us out with his Jeep.  To tug us out of that moment...when we drove...when we listened.  When nothing mattered but the music and the open air.  To our parents' divorce.  To the fact that no success in our college courses could ever compensate for the fact that we would never learn.  Not really.  Not what mattered.  It was only a moment.  But it's what I keep.  I've always loved my brothers...but this was one of the first times I knew that you understood what it was like to come from our family...what it meant to always try but never quite get it.  From that day forward, I listen.  I keep listening.

Encore!

I know you just finished listening to "Like Ice In Water," as I recommended in my post a few minutes ago.  So, why not move on to my next favorite - "Endings."  Before you know it, you'll be in love with The Rocketboys, just like me.

Encore!!!

Encore?

M-W online defines the word encore as "a demand for repetition or reappearance made by an audience."  Sounds to me like the owners of the new Austin music venue, Encore (611 Red River St), missed the mark when they were naming their new bar.  I ventured out to the locale for the first time last Friday, and I can tell you, there will be no demand for repetition coming from me...and you can count me out for reappearance at this venue.

I bought VIP tickets for the Simple Massive Release - to check out one of my new favorite bands - The Rocketboys.  I should have known something was slightly off when the bartender working the VIP bar was pouring our free beer with 1/2 glass full of head (too much pump, not enough pour from that keg).  I was willing to overlook that - the beer was "free" with the extra $15 spent on VIP tix - and the bartender was a sweetie, so we can move on to the real issue.  About 3 songs into the Rocketboys' set, the power on the speakers went out, thus interrupting the show for at least 30 minutes (we left after 30 minutes because my fiance had to work the following morning, and there didn't appear to be much progress on the speaker situation).

Although I was super disappointed in this lame ass venue, what little I did hear from the Rocketboys was great.  Lucky for me, these guys are located in Austin now, so odds are in my favor that I'll have an opportunity to see them again.  If you haven't checked out their music yet, it's a must have album for 2010.  "Like Ice In Water" is currently my favorite.  If you are a member to Paste digital downloads, you can get a copy of their album for free.  If not, check it here: 20,000 Ghosts

With that, I'm signing off.

March Madness

Aah, March in Austin.  It's sunny...it's cool...music fills the air and people hit the streets once again.  My bike has been calling to me all week, and I think she'll get a little tune up this weekend to prepare for the many rides to come.  What a wonderful time for my little outdoorsy heart!  So, for today...3 things:

1.  Red's Porch is the new Uncle Billy's.  Okay, here's the thing...I LOVE Uncle Billy's.  They brew their own beer (and make a damn good pale ale), they are walking distance from my condo, and they allow my awesome dog on the patio.  It's great if you want to share a locally brewed pitcher on the patio with your favorite pooch.  Even though I'm not a big fan of BBQ (especially overpriced BBQ) the beer is so good, I was even willing to overlook the fact that they blocked me on Twitter (I wasn't stalking them...promise!).  Then, I made a discovery - Red's Porch on South Lamar.  No, I can't walk there (but I can drive and only have to go through 1 stoplight), and Pacer can hit the porch with me.  Add the outstanding view, super yummy spinach salad, and the fact they have New Belgium's Ranger IPA on tap...and I'm completely sold.  I'm not saying goodbye to Uncle Billy's for good...we just need a break.  And, Red's Porch is my rebound.
2.  SXSW - no, you don't need a wristband.  The truth?  I've never purchased a wristband for SXSW.  I know, as a self proclaimed music junkie, I should be ashamed of myself!  But, here's the thing...you really just don't need one.  Sure, I was disappointed last year when I couldn't see St. Vincent play at the awesome church venue that everyone was talking about...and yes, I'm sure I missed out on loads of other shows.  But...this is Austin, people...and the bands you missed out on will surely come back soon to play a $15 show at Emo's or Mohawk, anyway (with longer sets!).  I can still spend 4 days riding my bike downtown, enjoying copious amounts of free music and beer (the day shows at Club Deville and Mohawk have yet to be topped I must say) without an official wristband.  From Spoon to Ice Cube...the Rosebuds to Port O'Brien...and my favorite little Swedish gem, Jens Lekman...I've seen it all without spending a dime on entry fees!  This year, I'm stoked about Saturday's lineup on Auditorium Shores!  With bands like Deer Tick and She and Him...what more do you need?  I'll be on the hunt for free shows featuring Rogue Wave and Surfer Blood, as well.  And who knows...the best shows are sometimes the ones you stumble upon randomly while in route to find a slice of pizza to help soak up the free beer you've been drinking all afternoon.  Keep your wristbands...I'll go my own way.
3.  Surfer Blood - my springtime crush.  I'm going to be completely honest here...I stumbled upon this band by mistake.  I had just returned from Hawaii, and I'm completely addicted to Amazon mp3, so naturally I was online searching for Hawaiian music to fill my iPod and take me back to the island where I was engaged.  So, when I came across an album by a band called Surfer Blood, I was immediately drawn in.  While the music is definitely not Hawaiian, the name took me back...way back to January and the 5 minutes or so I spent attempting to surf before deciding that I'd rather lie on the beach with a beer in my hand.  I can't seem to stop listening to this amazing indie rock alblum.  Those who know me know that I don't have a knack for describing music...just listening to and collecting it.  When I hear this band, I think a little Animal Collective (but more catchy), and maybe some Rogue Wave and early Weezer.  Just take my word for it people...it's super cool, and the perfect addition to your iPod, just in time for Spring.  And, best of all...you can download it for only $5.99.

With that...I'm signing off.  Going to crank up the SB and get back to work...and before you know it, happy hour will be here (and maybe Red's Porch, too).  xoxo 

the Knot

Hello blogosphere; I know it's been a while, but I've been busy making plans...plans for tying the knot with my favorite guy in 2010.  That's right!  After dating for a number of years that outlasts most first marriages, my boy and I have decided to get hitched...tie the knot...strap on the old ball and chain (did I just type the words "strap on" in a blog about marrying the love of my life?  I guess I did...but I digress). 

About 4 weeks ago, Jason proposed on the first morning of our 2 week vacation in Oahu, in a spot overlooking Waimea Bay on the North Shore.

The location was super romantic!

It was a lovely morning shared with my favorite guy.

After the engagement, we were off to grab a plate lunch at L&L Drive In, to grab some Hawaiian style fast food.  I went with the chicken katsu and mac salad...YUMMY!

It was 2 weeks of solid bliss in Hawaiian paradise.  We spent time with family and friends, and went to the beach as often as possible.  Flash forward a couple weeks, and we're back in Austin, back to our normal routine lives.  We had only been home for 2 days when I had my first Wedding Induced Panic Attack (WIPA).  Those who know me know that I'm a planner, and an overachiever, and the type of person who stresses more than I should.  So, the thought of planning an intimate wedding event for 90 of our closest friends and family...on a tight budget, no less...caused me to lose much sleep over the first week back on the mainland.  Set the date...create the guest list...find the venue...etc etc etc.  The thought of stepping in to a David's Bridal in search of a wedding gown makes me break out in hives (for fear of being swallowed up by a huge taffeta mess).  And...don't even get me started on the logistics of pulling 8 girls together for a bachelorette party (I thought this was supposed to be fun).  All this was enough to make me consider begging J for a quick weekend trip to Vegas, thank you very much.  Whew! 

Not to worry, my lovely blog readers!  I won't turn this into WIPA whining column.  It seems that I've grown quite accustomed to the ever growing list of wedding stressors.  In the few short weeks since my first WIPA, we've set the date, secured the venue, and even whittled down our guest list (sorry Mom).  I've assembled a team of well qualified helpers to sort out the remaining details, and feel confident that as the wedding approaches, the only thing we'll have to worry about is what to pack for the honeymoon.  We're going to kick this wedding's ass, and have a wonderful time doing so!