Austin Road Trip 2012
By Laurie | March 29, 2012
A few weeks ago we decided to take a weekend road trip to Austin in the new car. Luckily the weather was nice – high 70s and low 80s in March, y’all! I forgot the days we chose were the last weekend of SXSW, Spring Break, and St. Patrick’s Day, but we decided to go anyway.
We made a stop in Waco to tour the Dr. Pepper Museum. I was probably in the 6th grade the last time I had gone through the entire thing, and Dave didn’t remember ever doing it before. It was still interesting, and we of course had to buy a drink to go from the old time soda fountain and a six pack pure cane sugar DP for my dad. It is definitely a fun pit-stop if you are a fan and have never been.
Awhile back when we were planning our trip to Paris I was obsessed with watching the Food Network and Travel Channel for fun places to visit while on vacation. I had remembered that Adam Richman (Man v. Food) had visited Round Rock, Austin and Driftwood, and I had been looking forward to trying some of those places ever since.
Once I saw Round Rock Donuts featured, I knew I had to try one. I am not really a donut person. I’d pass them over for a kolache any day. If I do have a donut, hot is my favorite. Our local Krispy Kreme store closed, so it has been awhile since I’ve had one. We pulled into town around noon and the place was still packed and we had to park next door at Papa John’s. We ordered a glazed Texas Sized, because who can resist a warm pastry the size of a toilet seat. But seriously? It was awesome! We ate it for several days, and we both thought it was one of the best ones we’ve ever had. I would definitely stop again on my way through town.
Next we checked into our hotel and made the scenic drive through the Hill Country to Driftwood, Texas. People have been going crazy for The Salt Lick as long as I can remember, but I had never made it out to the original.
Supposedly the atmosphere is half the experience, and I’m going to have to agree with that. The property is lovely with vineyards, picnic tables and a wine cellar. They even have live music. We met our friend Ruby, and waited about 90 minutes for a table. I wish I could say it was worth it.
We all ordered the All-You-Can-Eat for $20 a pop which included brisket, ribs and sausage as well as potato salad, coleslaw, beans and toast. Meh. To me the best part was the unique BBQ sauce. The peach cobbler was even disappointing– more like bread pudding consistency than pie like I was expecting. I’m glad we checked it out to say we experienced it, but it was highly overrated in my opinion.
That night we went to the Alamo Drafthouse to see an indie movie Dave had heard of and wanted to see, and we were introduced to Waffles and Spaghetti O’s, a complementary treat (eww) from the theater that tied into the movie. It. Was. Disgusting. On the plus side, I sipped sangria and had the best fried pickle spears ever. We haven’t eaten this bad in a long time.
My very favorite restaurant in Austin is Le Cafe Crepe. I could eat Chloe Nutella and Strawberry crepes every. single. day. The crepes here are as good as the ones in Paris, and I only wish I could find a place like this in DFW.
We had a great time, and I am looking forward to our next adventure. This trip inspired me to suggest that we try a new restaurant we’ve never been to at least once a week. Hopefully we will enjoy trying new things and finding some new local favorites. Wish us luck!
Topics: Nom Nom Nom, Travel | No Comments »
2nd Annual Bachendorf’s Dallas Diamond Dash
By Laurie | March 28, 2012
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Are you newly engaged or soon-to-be engaged but don’t have a ring? Do you live near Dallas? If so, you will definitely want to sign up for the 2nd Annual Bachendorf’s Diamond Dash this Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 AM kicking off at Woodall Rogers Place. They are awarding one lucky couple a stunning $15,000 Ritani Diamond Ring following a scavenger hunt of downtown Dallas. Curious about how it works? Check out the short video: |
Each team is sent clues and challenges to complete on their cell phone using text message or the SCVNGR app. The couple who has the most points at the end of the two hour event will be presented with the ring at an Awards Ceremony held at the House of Blues at 2:00 PM.
To sign up couples are required to submit their love stories at BachendorfsDiamondDash.com. If you sign up using codeword LAURIE you will be guaranteed a spot to participate. You can see the grand prize diamond ring on display (it is GORGEOUS) at Bachendorf’s at 6019 Berkshire Lane in Dallas along with more details on how to play.
Dave and I have discussed renewing our vows for our 10th anniversary, so we signed up to compete. We have participated in one other SCVNGR event to win a car, and had a lot of fun even though we didn’t win. You learn a lot about the city, and the trivia and challenges require a lot of physical activity and teamwork. Who wants to come with us?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. While I was provided a press release and compensated monetarily, the opinions expressed are completely my own and were not influenced by the sponsors.
Topics: Big Money | No Comments »
Spring (Fashion) Forward
By Laurie | March 19, 2012
We already did the Spring forward thing last weekend, so I took that as a invitation to do a little Spring shopping. It has also been consistently in the high 70s and 80s when it isn’t raining (got to love Texas), so sundress and espadrille weather is already here.
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My favorite Gap gathered maxi dress of all time returned for a second year. I purchased it in every single color and print last year including a backup of both black and teal that I tucked away in case they shrunk, faded or became too worn. I really did live in them last Spring/Summer.
I was giddy when I saw it was back in more colors last week. I wanted it to be purple like the online photo, but it ended up more maroon in person. Still, they made improvements to the chest and if I put on some platforms it won’t drag the ground. That means I’ll be getting it in every. single. color. again this year. |
| I LOVE these Lauren by Ralph Lauren Cecilia espadrilles, especially in fuchsia (and turquoise and black, and dark brown and silver). These add the perfect pop of color, especially if you aren’t feeling the bright pants trend (which I am definitely not). I will own at least two colors by summer. No worries if you don’t have a Bloomies near you. I first spotted these at Dillards and have been dreaming of making them mine ever since. Also? Lauren shoes hold up amazingly well. I have a favorite pair of red and denim wedge platforms from over 10 years ago in near perfect condition. They are a classic. |  |
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A butterfly flew in front of my car today (really!) and reminded me that these Tiffany & Co. Butterfly earrings are on my mental Wish List. It would be especially magical if the Easter Bunny delivered these. They just shout Spring! to me and are begging to be self-gifted. |
What are your big Spring Fashion Splurges of 2012 going to be?
Topics: Fashion | No Comments »
Needing/Getting my new Chevy Sonic #ChevyGirls
By Laurie | March 16, 2012
| Guess what? I got a new car. It’s been a month or so, but it still has new car smell. That still counts as new, right? I actually just scotch guarded the seats tonight, and hit 2000 miles last week. Super sad face to that. We may or may not be taking it on a road-trip this weekend. The XM radio and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation will definitely come in handy.
What is it you ask? It’s a 2012 Chevy Sonic hatchback, exactly like the one in the OK Go Needing/Getting video. It’s so much fun to drive. The first place we took it after driving away from the dealership? Sonic Drive-In. Yes, Seriously. I don’t think I’ll be doing anything like what they do in this video anytime soon, but it sure looks like fun! |
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Topics: #ChevyGirls | 1 Comment »
Clinique brings back my favorite. Sort of.
By Laurie | March 15, 2012
 From left: Black Honey, Shy Honey, Tender Honey, Spice Honey, Luscious Honey, Chic Honey, Lovely Honey, And Flirty Honey. |
In the 7th grade I started wearing makeup (girls start earlier these days, no?) and Clinique was my go-to brand. My very favorite product was Almost Lipstick in Fruit Ice. It continued to be my signature lip color well in high school and until they discontinued it. Cue the violins. I was super excited to hear that in addition to Black Honey (the only shade that remained from the Almost Lipstick line), 7 new “Honey” shades were announced for Spring 2012.
It’s Clinique Bonus Week at Dillards, so I stopped by tonight and picked up Lovely Honey and Chic Honey. I’m still disappointed that my original color didn’t make a comeback, but these are good for a nice hint of glossy semi-sheer color. They are now sold for $15 each. That’s only 50¢ inflation after all these years! Did you have a fav back in the 90s too? |
Topics: Beauty | 2 Comments »
