My Family in My Life: Austin

Showing posts with label Austin. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Lick

Day 16 of Blogtember: Review a book, place, or product.

I'm a little ashamed to be just now trying Lick, and it's almost October. I've heard rave reviews of this hopping little ice cream spot, so I've been dying to get the scoop. Pun intended.

Anyway, my mom and I checked it out, and I can honestly say this is the very best ice cream I've ever (eveerrr) had. Such curious flavors, and every one we tried was so incredibly delicious! My favorite was Lemon Lavender, but Cardamom Pear Cake and Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean received very high marks as well. I'll be back to try all the other flavors. All of them. Thanks for being innovative and awesome, Lick! ;)

Dominican Joe

I enjoy a good cup of coffee. I even specifically remember when I started enjoying it, too. Up until a certain point, I thought coffee was disgusting and I didn't know how my parents could endure the taste. But then one day, probably about 7 years ago now, I was in New York with my best friend, and we were staying with her aunt. We had to get up super early on a chilly fall morning, like before the sun early, because we were catching the train into the city. My friend's aunt made a pot of hazelnut coffee, and we all drank a cup before we headed out. I remember the aroma of it mingled with the excitement for the day ahead, and I remember falling in love with that flavor and that smell and maybe even the possibilities I've associated with a good cup of joe ever since. :)

I also enjoy a good coffee shop, and there are plenty to choose from here in Austin. A couple of my other favorites are Houndstooth and Vintage Heart. Today I'm sharing some photos from Dominican Joe. Such a great little place, and a company with conscience. Stop by, if you're ever in the neighborhood!

Meet Altar'd State

A few weeks ago I received an email from someone over at Altar'd State, a brand I had not heard of and was actually super excited to receive an introduction to. Austinites, this store is brand new over at The Domain (near Anthro!), and if you haven't stopped in yet, it's a must. The interior is absolutely beautiful and the products well made and more affordable than you might think. But what really makes this store stand out is the heart behind the brand. Their slogan is "fashion focused, cause motivated," and you get that feeling as soon as you walk in the door. Read a little more about their story here, and explore the brands and causes they support here. The proceeds from many of your purchases give back, and on "Mission Mondays," 10% of net proceeds go to local charities. Neat, huh?

This Monday I had such a nice time with the girls at the store, trying on outfits and snapping some photos of the gorgeous touches all around the place. I loved everything I tried on, but ultimately this little number came home with me - lace and leather and gold? Don't mind if I do.

Dress, necklace, and bracelet c/o Altar'd State

Below are a few snapshots from inside Altar'd State at The Domain. Be sure and check them out online or shop around the store, if there's one near you! Also, Altar'd State is now a sponsor of Texas Style Council, so if you're attending (which you should be!! only two weekends away!), be sure and visit them there, too. :)

Have a great day!

Peché, Austin

I’ve been hearing good things about Peché in Austin for a while now, so when some friends and I were deciding on a spot to go for happy hour last week, I jumped at the opportunity to finally try it. Just as I suspected, it was super cool and really perfect for get togethers with friends or for a hip date night spot. I loved the gritty-glam decor and the food and drinks were delicious. Another A+, Austin food scene. I just can’t quit you.

*More around-Austin posts here.

Austin photog brunch

By some unlikely twist of fate I found myself surrounded by a handful of the most talented photographers in Austin at brunch last Wednesday, and I simply couldn't resist snapping a few photos of the engagement. Michelle's apartment was like something right out of an Anthro catalogue, and it was so nice to meet the faces behind websites I've purused and photography I've admired. If you're in the market for a wedding photographer, especially, these will be your go-to girls (see below!).

From left: Taylor (and her two interns!), Elissa, me, Shalyn, Kelly, Shelley, Caroline, Leah, Michelle, Jessica, Abbey & Andrea

The Steeping Room

The Steeping Room is a real favorite of mine here in Austin. There are what seems like hundreds of tea varieties to choose from, the presentation is beautiful, and the food is delicious. It's an obvious choice for dining if you're out shopping at the Domain or in need of a cute meeting spot up north, and I hear there's now a second location on Lamar, as well.

My friend and I went for lunch the other day, and I ordered English Caramel tea (umm, delicious), and she got a flowering tea. It was the neatest thing - when your tea pot arrives, the flower is still closed, but you know the tea is done steeping when it opens up... so pretty!

Here's a few photos from our lunch. Happy Hump Day. :)