tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77297374862660175002024-03-05T14:23:35.443-06:00Daydreaming in Glittercomm & public affairs gal, baylor grad, lover of broadway musicals, football, peonies and all things texaslaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-20948758616244818852014-06-20T09:38:00.003-05:002014-06-20T09:38:39.476-05:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Friday y'all! </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As always, thanks to the hosts</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a.liz adventures</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">carolina charm</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hello! happiness</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the good life blog</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">{<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">one}</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">My sister is coming to visit this weekend! I have no idea what we'll be doing, but I'm seeing some pool time, perhaps the park (she's bringing her puppy!), rose drinking and I'm dying to eat at</span> <a href="http://www.easytigeraustin.com/">Easy Tiger</a> <span style="color: #666666;">again!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{two}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">I'm dying to spend a little $$ on some new summer clothes, but I'm trying to have a little bit of self-control since I've got an upcoming trip to New Orleans. BUT I'm LOVING</span> <a href="http://www.loft.com/wallpaper-floral-maxi-dress/343409?colorExplode=false&skuId=16615427&catid=catl00009&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9042">this dress from Loft</a> <span style="color: #666666;">{as well as everything else they currently have -- random fact: if I could have any store be my closet, it would be Loft!}:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{pic from loft.com}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{three}</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So all of my plants on my porch have died. Yep, it's so sad and didn't even want to bother with a photo. I think it's mostly because I only get morning sun, and these plants need more than that. I'm hopeful in a couple of years when I'm not living in an apartment (or one that has more sunlight), I'll have better luck!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{four}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">What's on your reading list? I've got about 50 pages left in</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Goldfinch-Novel-Pulitzer-Fiction/dp/0316055433">The Goldfinch</a> <span style="color: #666666;">-- which I HIGHLY recommend -- and I have no clue what to read next! I've also read</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whered-You-Go-Bernadette-Novel/dp/0316204269">Where'd You Go Bernadette</a> <span style="color: #666666;">and I also HIGHLY recommend it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{five}</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night I went to see The Grand Budapest Hotel at an Austin-favorite theater, <a href="http://www.violetcrowncinema.com/">Violet Crown</a>. Anywhere I can go to eat popcorn and drink rose at the same time is a winner in my book! But back to the movie -- sometimes Wes Anderson can be a little out there for me, but this one was so fabulous! Laugh out loud funny in some parts! It's now out to rent on iTunes or On Demand -- add it to your weekend to-do's!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great weekend! xo!</span><br />
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<br />laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-32681479512762772302014-06-09T09:35:00.001-05:002014-06-09T09:35:07.467-05:00Weekend Update<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know I say this every Monday, but where did the weekend go? The rain is coming here in Austin, which would make this the perfect day to finish watching Season 2 of Orange is the New Black, but here I am at my desk instead. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After leaving work I came home then grabbed dinner at a favorite Mexican restaurant, Maudie's, before coming home to begin Season 2 of OITNB!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a slow start to the morning but around noon we headed to a lakeside bar for lunch and watch the Longhorns take on Houston in the NCAA Super Regionals! I love the Bevo Teas (think Texas Tea but with a little orange served in a giant mason jar. You only need one and you're basically set for the day. I still think they're wonderful but that may be because I didn't get my share of them in college since I didn't attend UT :)) All in all, it was a successful lunch because UT is going to Omaha! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Accidental filter on Scott's phone-does anyone know how that happens??)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then it was time to go watch Scott's boss play in the championship match in his tennis league. It was way hot (I've got an awesome sunburn/tan line to prove it) but so fun! Unfortunately he didn't win, but it defnintely inspired me to pick up my racket again! I wonder if those lessons I had as a child will come back easily like riding a bike? We will find out!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We closed the evening having dinner at Takoba with Scott's old roomie and his girlfriend. She even brought her 4 month old black lab, Dixie! We had a blast catching up and are now in the midst of planning a summer getaway to Fredericksburg. Can't wait for wine tours and now distillery tours, too!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were up in time for church, and then ran some typical Sunday errands. Afterwards I wish I could say we were productive but it was more watching OITNB (we are only 6 episodes through the season and I hear it only gets better!) and making dinner at home before it was Game of Thrones time!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-20414888274864688102014-06-06T09:38:00.002-05:002014-06-06T09:38:41.698-05:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey hey! Happy Friday y'all! </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As always, thanks to the hosts</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a.liz adventures</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">carolina charm</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hello! happiness</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the good life blog</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{one}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The X-Games have arrived in Austin! They set up last night's ramp one block from my office, but right in front of Scott's! He and some other offices in his building had a get together on the top floor with the balcony to watch! Luckily there was also a TV because you had to literally look straight down. No, thanks. I had someone else take these for me because I was afraid I'd somehow fall over the railing that came up to my shoulder. Logical, I know. It was fun catching up with some of our close friends and even work people I don't see very often! That is the extent of my X-Games participation though...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{love the view from the top floor of his office. it never gets old!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{two}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend! A little pool, perhaps? {summer is definitely here, it has hit 95* and no telling what it actually feels like with the humidity.} Texas is hosting Houston in Austin for one of the NCAA Super Regional, so I hope to make an appearance at one of the games! Definitely rooting for Texas since Baylor unfortunately didn't make it that far this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">{last weekend's pool party. I'm LOVING the</span> <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/">Ban.do products</a> <span style="color: #666666;">lately. They're so fun and girly -- perfect for summertime!}</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{three}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So remember when I planted that little flower garden on my porch? Yeah, it all died. Scott's sister, Morgan, noticed when we were pooling it up last weekend and showed up at my front door Sunday afternoon with new plants to plant! She made sure they were a little more heat resistant! One is a hibiscus and I'm not sure what the other two are -- one has pretty pink flowers and the other ivy looking plant has pretty blue/purple ones. Once they both start blooming, I'll take an updated pic! I'm hopeful these stay alive a little bit easier, although I'm wondering if it's because I only have morning sun and it has been overcast in the mornings the last 2 weeks. Trial and error! By the time I have my own house, maybe I will have a green thumb!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">So y'all know I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones. To let you know, I have caught up and nearly had a heart attack at the end of last week's episode. I've also heard from 3 people that the books are AMAZING. Adding them to my already long list of books to read! But, this was floating around in the internet today. Peter Dinklage's{aka Tyiron Lannister} high school yearbook photo.</span> <a href="http://mashable.com/2014/06/04/peter-dinklage-mullet/">Holy, mullet! But this totally made my day!</a> <span style="color: #666666;">Whether you watch Game of Thrones or not, I'm sure you've seen him in something {South Pole Elf, perhaps? ha!} so I hope you enjoy that as much as I did!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{five}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">It wouldn't be a Five on Friday without mentioning theSkimm! We all need to know top US & world stories, but sometimes don't have the time to browse the news. So why not get them in a quick, smart and witty morning email? You won't regret it and I guarantee it will be your new morning obsession!</span> <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M">Sign up today!</a> </span>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey hey! Happy Friday! I'm very thankful the long weekend has arrived! </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As always, thanks to the hosts</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a.liz adventures</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">carolina charm</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hello! happiness</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the good life blog</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{one}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had work meetings in Dallas all day, but on our way back Southbound 35, my boss suggested we stop at Baylor for a walk around campus so we don't hit Austin traffic. I was more than happy to give him a tour-being back there always brings back such great memories! I also stocked up on some new Baylor shirts and accessories. I realized I haven't updated my Baylor wardrobe since college!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{two}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorite parts of spring is the tree that blooms right in front of my apt window. It only lasts a couple of weeks but it's one of my favorite parts of spring! I love the pink blooms which looks even more gorgeous against the cloudless blue sky we had this week!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{three}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of blooms, I've stocked up on some fresh flowers this week! Randalls and Trader Joe's had some good deals including two of my absolute favorite blooms-hydrangeas and peonies! Only one peony is blooming now-last time I bought them before blooming, they just died. Keeping my fingers crossed this time around goes a bit better!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{four}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">For my Texas friends, don't forget to go vote in the primary run-off election! It's definitely a big one that will change the direction of our state for our kids and future grandkids. Tuesday is Election Day and you can find</span> <a href="https://team1.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionPolling.jsp">your voting location here</a>! <span style="color: #666666;">Doesn't matter how you believe the direction of our state should go, just go vote! Same message to those of you in other states--I promise your vote matters!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend! xo!</span></div>
laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-70140189845788687442014-05-20T13:52:00.001-05:002014-05-20T13:52:06.299-05:00Munich!<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And we've finally arrived at the third and final installment of Eurotrip 2014 {<a href="http://daydreaminginglitter.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-greatest-city-in-world-london.html">read part 1, London</a>, and <a href="http://daydreaminginglitter.blogspot.com/2014/05/amsterdam.html">part 2, Amsterdam</a>}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our final destination of the trip was Munich. I WANT TO GO BACK SO BADLY! I wish we had decided to stay there an extra day -- although I think we made a good decision to fly back on Saturday instead of Sunday to give us a day to rest before returning to work.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Munich is AMAZING -- there's still SO much I wanted to see! But first....the train ride of a lifetime that will never be happening again. For those of you that have had great overnight train travel through Europe experiences...congratulations! Honestly, our experience wasn't that bad, definitely could have been worse, but it just wasn't at all what we had expected.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We left Amsterdam around 8:30pm as the only people on the sleeper section of the train. It was a bit eerie, but we had some fun taking photos and being goofy. There was no wi-fi -- which sounds so first-world problem of me to say -- but we wanted to watch some Netflix to pass the time! We were keeping our fingers crossed we didn't have to share our cart with anyone else. About an hour into it and the final stop in the Netherlands, a young man around our age joined us. We lucked out -- he was extremely nice and chatted with us for a while. He had missed his flight to Austria for work and decided to just take the train instead. He and Scott grabbed some beers and I continued to hole up on my top bunk terrified to leave it {although I was sucked into the end of <i>Where'd You Go, Bernadette</i> -- I HIGHLY recommend it. It's a quick, witty read. Great for summer poolside.} As we reach the German border, a lady around our age as well joined us to make 4 close-quartered sleeping buddies for the night. She was also very nice and she translated for us as the train conductors spoke in German and the border patrol came around to check our passports. Sleep that night was touch and go -- the train would slam to a stop at every stop, and the bunks were so tiny -- at 5'3" even I was too tall. Some genius at 3am decided to smoke which then set off the fire alarm causing the train to slam to a stop. So that was fun. We finally arrived in Munich around 7:30am. After saying our goodbyes to our bunk-mates, we grabbed a cab to our hotel, Ambiance Rivoli. It was a bit out of the city, but was right next to a subway stop -- only 4 stops from the center of the city -- and was very nice. Since it was too early to check-in {although I was in desperate need of a power nap and a shower} we walked down to a cafe and grabbed some coffee and a little bit of breakfast. The hotel was kind enough to hold our luggage while we waited. Around 10:30am, we checked into our room and immediately took an hour nap. Then it was time to freshen up and grab some lunch! Since we only had one day to really explore Munich, we took the subway down to Marienplatz, Munich's town center, to wander around. We grabbed lunch at a really popular looking restaurant -- which turns out was famous as the table of Americans next to us informed us. The day couldn't have been more perfect. The sky was bluer than I had ever seen it, the sun was shining and the temp in the low 70's. After filling up on beer, sausage and the best potato salad ever -- we walked around and did some shopping. This area had everything from H&M's all the way to the typical designer stuff I could never afford {at least in this year of my life!}. We also saw some amazing architecture.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After an afternoon of wandering, we ventured back to the hotel to freshen up for an evening of beergarden tours. Earlier, while we were waiting for our room to be ready, I was reading all the fun, touristy brochures in the lobby. I found one that takes you to 4 out of the ordinary beergardens around Munich -- and for only 15 euro a person. I finally convinced Scott that we should go -- and it turns out that it was one of the highlights of the entire trip!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We met the group at the train station around 6pm. Our guide was Martin -- a German guy in his early 20s. The rest of the group included 3 students from Wisconsin, a couple from New Zealand and another girl from New Zealand that had just moved to Europe {after living in the states for a while, she decided we worked too hard...} and another girl from Canada that was studying in Europe. We grabbed our first beer -- a roadie -- and sipped on it while traveling to the first beergarden. In Germany, you can walk around with beer -- even take it on the subway {although you can't drink it while the train is moving} -- so that made this tour very convenient. The first stop was at Paulaner -- they sell this in the states, too. It was so good and I've become a huge fan of all hefeweizen beers! We had a blast talking with others about our different cultures and just random quirks we all have from all over the world. The next 3 stops are a bit fuzzy..as you can tell from the photos - and these below are the most normal looking of all. The beers were great and the company was great -- we all loved each other by the end. While traveling to the final stop on the train, our guide was telling us to all stay together. Scott, trying to take charge, raises his hand to gather the group. Martin, our guide, walks over and says, "we haven't done that since '45." and we all die laughing awkwardly. Martin also informed us that the tour was supposed to be over at 10pm -- and it was already 10:30pm. We hadn't even made it to the final destination, which made us a pretty fun group and it was time he could start drinking with us. I kindly gave him my jager shot and half of my beer to close out the night. After almost 4 liters of beer, I couldn't {and didn't} need anymore! I'm not usually a big drinker these days -- but I let loose and whoaaaaa did I feel it the next day! Scott and I left around 11pm and while it was a bit spotty back to the hotel, but we managed to make it safe and sound.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next morning when we finally decided to move, we went to rent a car to drive out to the Alps to visit Neuschwanstein. Scott had a blast driving on the autobahn and I took in the scenery. It was GORGEOUS! About an hour and a half later, we finally arrived {after figuring out how to turn our GPS from German to English...} -- unfortunately tours were done for the day but the bus was still running up the hill for photos and to walk around the outside of the castle. It was seriously breathtaking up there. I can't even put it into words. If you go, make sure to wear comfy shoes. Flats were fine, but I wish I had worn some running shoes -- there were some fun looking trails to explore! We took the bus up, but decided to walk the mile down the hill. Again, it was just breathtaking.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the contract workers in my office grew up on the US Army base near Munich and used to vacation in that area so she told us about this little ski town {Garmisch-Partenkirchen} nearby that we HAD to go check out. So we decided to drive through there on our way back. The road took us on the border road between Germany and Austria and straight through the mountains. Again, no words. Gorgeous. The town was adorable, too, but we decided to keep trekking back to Munich to eat at the famous Hofbrauhaus. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After returning the rental car, we made it to dinner. The Hofbrauhaus place is HUGE! We enjoyed the live music as we searched for a table that we finally found in the very back room -- randomly right by the Wisconsin students from our group the night before! We found out that everyone had stayed up until 3am {um, what? I could barely function at 11pm....} although they couldn't recall too many details, ha. We ate pretzels, sausage, potato salad and drank more beer until we couldn't anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By that time, we headed back to the hotel to gather our things to leave bright and early for the flight back to the states.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eurotrip 2014 was a complete success and I absolutely cannot wait to plan our next trip back -- Italy, France, Spain?? The list is too long! </span></div>
laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-60551523423200622132014-05-16T09:49:00.002-05:002014-05-16T09:49:49.550-05:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey y'all! Happy Friday! As always, thanks to the hosts <a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/">a.liz adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/">carolina charm</a>, <a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/">hello! happiness</a> and <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/">the good life blog</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{one}</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a long week with something to do every night this week, I'm looking forward to a relaxing Friday night catching up on laundry and the season finales of most of my favorite shows. Preparing to cry during the Grey's Anatomy finale {yep, I most definitely still watch it!} as Cristina leaves! The rest of my weekend consists of some fun family time and enjoying the warm sunshine weather before it gets too hot!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{two}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the highlights of this week was getting to go to the Governor's mansion for the first time! It was a small gathering for his A&M scholarship fund, but I was just excited to see what the inside looked like! It was very pretty -- but just as you'd expect from an old historic building. As we were first arriving, his new puppy was running around the yard and he was having to go get it to bring it back into the house. It made me laugh at how normal he actually is! You forget these things sometimes. The puppy was adorable, too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{three}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finished my Junior League of Austin provisional year! It was definitely a crazy busy year, but I've learned so much about our community and the programs we help with. I can't wait until the fall as my placement begins with the Sustainable Food Center. I'll be working the tasting booth at their farmer's market Saturday mornings! I get to gather samples from all the booths and let the shoppers have a taste of all the different products -- which means I'll also get to do some sampling. :) Looking forward to doing some shopping myself and having fresh fruits and veggies all year!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{four}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did you participate in <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M">theSkimm day</a> yesterday? If not, you still can! <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M">Sign up here</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As someone that works in PR, I tend to focus on state and my client's industry news -- this is the perfect way to read all about what is going on in the US & the world in a smart, quick and witty way. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ryan Gosling wants you to. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent a little too much time this week taking Buzzfeed quizzes. Those things suck you in! Here are a few of my faves:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/austinhunt/which-mario-kart-character-should-you-actually-play-with">Which Mario Kart Character Should You Actually Play With?</a> (Wario)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/which-hunger-games-district-do-you-actually-belong-in">Which Hunger Games District Do You Belong In?</a> (District 10...)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/robinedds/which-game-of-thrones-character-are-you">Which Game of Thrones Character Are You? </a>(Daenerys Targaryen. Duh.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/scottybryan/which-london-underground-station-are-you">Which London Underground Station Are You?</a> (Camden Town -- can't say I've been to that stop before!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliapugachevsky/which-tv-friend-group-do-you-belong-in">Which TV Friend Group Do You Belong In? </a> (How I Met Your Mother. I guess I should add that to the list of shows to start watching!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great weekend!</span><br />
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laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-37093181601003089782014-05-15T10:00:00.000-05:002014-05-15T10:00:08.139-05:00Happy Skimm Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2q_DQ6fe6EHgPttThKCbL9Sd4rq7CCodqSaBVKtGxZYPUcUilOGI_Mb0Jq3p1hQPn1StiSMAXmfnPrLllvvVl4JBa0FpeuBDUaXgINO6aposAYZV5o3oI5AhyphenhyphenmuuJrvJhSzi3qJdjQDU/s1600/1480644_10202151776130217_1128425899_n.jpg" height="90" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's Skimm Day! New to theSkimm? <span style="background-color: white;">It's a free newsletter that arrives in your inbox at 6am M-F, covers all news – Ukraine to George Clooney getting hitched – in a smart, witty way and gives what you need to jump into any conversation. Basically – they read, you Skimm. It has become my morning addition -- I've even joined theSkimm team as a Super Skimm'bassador to help spread the word about this goodness.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Even though I work in PR, I tend to spend my day focusing on state news and industry news for my clients. This is the perfect way to quickly know what's going on around the country and the world. This is a newsletter you'll actually read!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">It's also National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day -- so grab a cookie and <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M">sign up for theSkimm</a>!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M">Sign up today!</a> I know Ryan Gosling agrees.</span><br />
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<br />laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-84856120822163964832014-05-14T10:31:00.000-05:002014-05-14T10:31:06.608-05:00Amsterdam!<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Part two of Eurotrip 2014:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We left London early the next morning to catch a train to Brussels and then switch trains to Amsterdam. After accidentally getting off in the middle of no where France....we jumped on a different train {thank you understanding conductor!} and made it just in time to Brussels to catch our correct train to Amsterdam.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived mid-afternoon and went straight to the hotel, Boutique Hotel View, to check-in. The lady that owned the hotel was SO nice! Her other job is to work as a stage hand for all the concerts that come through the city. Apparently Beyonce was performing while we were there, and she was looking for additional hands. Maybe next time. Ha. She showed us pics from past performances with Lady Gaga, Madonna...you name it, she's probably met them. After refreshing in our third floor room, with the steepest stairs I've ever seen and no elevator, we refreshed and decided to get familiar with the city.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amsterdam was definitely not what I expected it to be. I loved it, but the whole feel of the city was so different than anywhere else I had been in Europe. The architecture was so different and it was a much more quiet. The overcast skies and weather in the 40's probably didn't help much, but it felt as if we were transported back to the 1940s. We stopped at a pub for a quick snack and some drinks. I had my first rose beer and it was quite tasty! The pub owner was so great and brought us some authentic dutch food to try. It was a winner! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While walking around the Jordaan neighborhood, we came across one of those touristy canal tours - clearly, that was our next stop! The guide showed us some landmarks around the city and we got to admire the city from the water. Boats and bicycles are the way to travel in that city -- although there are cars, but definitely not quite as many as you'd expect in a city. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tour ended near the Anne Frank house -- which we heard has a long line each day. Since it was an hour before it closed, and there was no line, we decided we'd take advantage of that! It was sooooo surreal being there. The bottom floors, where her father's shop was, is now the museum entrance/gift shop/etc. Then you climb some steep stairs to enter the living quarters. The bookshelf is still there...the photos on Anne's wall are still there...the height chart for Anne and her sister is still on the wall. Her father was happy to turn the house into a museum, under the condition it wasn't staged like it originally was. All the rooms are empty but there are photos of how the rooms looked while they lived there. There are also videos from different documentaries playing that go along with where you are in the house. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{I took this later in the week while it was light out. The top 3 floors is where they lived and still have the blackout curtains on the windows.}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> By the time we finished the tour, it was dark and time for dinner! We weren't really familiar with the area still so we found a restaurant, Spanjer van Twist, that was filled with people -- we knew the food would be good and we were right! We had some red wine, mint and lemon infused water to start. I ended up getting homemade cheese ravioli and Scott had an amazing dutch steak with frites (and garlic mayo to dip!) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{we had a dinner guest! Cats are everywhere in this city...}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After stuffing ourselves, we decided it was time to call it an early night and rest up for the next day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next morning we woke and walked around the corner to the Starbucks to grab some coffee and use the free wi-fi for a bit. Next thing we knew, it was lunch time and we walked over to the Pancake Bakery. It was incredible. It was such a tiny place, you walk down some stairs and it's all underground and dark. We decided to split a crepe -- ham, cheese & onion and a bowl of french onion soup. The crepes were bigger than the plate and it was probably my favorite meal of the entire trip! On their menu, there was an entire section of crepes from different countries. I laughed out loud when I saw what they created for the American crepe...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We decided to spend the afternoon out of the city and attempt to see the tulip fields. Unfortunately, we missed the opening of tulip season by a couple of days, but took the train out to Leiden and give it a try! The towns outside of the city are so quaint and adorable! We found a nice cab driver who tried to get us a sneak peek into the tulip garden, but without any luck, we drove around to some of the private fields again with no luck. We had barely missed it! We did see some gorgeous daffodil fields though. Before we headed back to the city, we walked around Leiden -- saw some windmills, did a little shopping. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we arrived back into the city, there was a torrential downpour. The train station was on the complete opposite side of the city from where we were staying -- and we had no umbrella! We made a run for it, and ended up stumbling upon the restaurant, Winkel, I wanted to go to for dinner that night! We popped in and enjoyed happy hour and dinner. It was a great break from the rain and got to enjoy some great fish and dutch apps! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While walking back towards our hotel, we finally found where people hang out at night! And itw as only a couple blocks behind our hotel! We found several bars/restaurants with the typical European outdoor seating. We chose a wine bar and sat outside under the heaters, and they brought us some blankets to wrap up in.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The last day we had to check out of the hotel around 11 although our train to Munich wasn't leaving until that evening. The lady was kind enough to let us store our luggage in the lobby until it was time to leave. We hit up Starbucks again and then attempted to find a deli for lunch before our cheese tasting class. After getting lost (the streets are circular...you think you're going straight but then you aren't and are on the other side of the city!) we just headed over to where the cheese tasting class was being held. Turns out it was in the city centre and there was even more of Amsterdam we had yet to explore! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We picked a little cafe and quickly ate a sandwich before walking over to Reypenaer for our class. This was SO fun! If you're ever in Amsterdam, you have to go here! The class was about 20 people and our teacher was young and hilarious. Cheese tasting is similar to wine tasting -- smell it, taste it, try to figure out what flavors are in it. We tried all kinds of cheese -- the white ones were my favorite. I'd like to think I was the best student in the class because I answered correctly first most of the time. :) We left with 4 blocks of cheese and the "guillotine" cheese cutter. It was pretty awesome, and now that we're back, we've already used it a number of times! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{with our teacher! he loved the fact we were from Texas. When we told him specifically Austin, he said he heard that's like the Europe of Texas and he wants to visit sometime!}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While over in that area of the city, we took advantage of some souvenir shopping and walked around the rest of the city we hadn't seen yet, including the famous red light district. It wasn't that exciting during the day time hours. Before heading to the train station, we headed to the Wagamama near our hotel to grab an early dinner. Wagamama was one of my favorite places to eat when I was in London during college and we didn't have enough time to eat there earlier in the week. I was thrilled when there was one in Amsterdam right by our hotel and Scott loved it, too! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We then collected our things and headed to the train station to catch the overnight {and unforgettable} train to Munich! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Part 3 coming soon!</span></div>
laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-6675256972497186932014-05-12T09:53:00.002-05:002014-05-12T09:53:35.264-05:00Weekend Update<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems like Monday comes around quicker and quicker each week....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I mentioned in my Five on Friday post that I'd be catching up on Game of Thrones all weekend. And that's exactly what I did Friday night. I finished Season 2 this weekend and cannot wait to begin Season 3! Another highlight of Friday -- picking up some gorgeous flowers at Trader Joe's for my bar cart to enjoy through the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I slept in after staying up way too late happily watching Game of Thrones. After easing in to my morning while watching the latest Fashion Police and drinking my new favorite coffee, 2 girlfriends came over for a fun day in the sun! We sat out by the pool and I opened my bottle of Domaine Carneros rose I picked up a couple years ago from my Napa trip -- I saved it for the perfect day. After a little {understatement...I should know better by now!} sun, we headed to Shoal Creek Saloon for some crawfish before the season ended! We watched the end of the draft and now I'm counting down the days until football begins!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">my new favorite coffee -- it makes the BEST iced coffees and tastes like New Orleans in a cup. You can also make hot coffee, but I haven't tried it that way yet. I got mine at Central Market, but check out there website <a href="http://www.iceboxcoffee.com/#!stores/c20sj">here</a> to see where you can get it in your city. So worth it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">nommmm. And Shiner Ruby Red Bird beer is finally available -- summer can officially begin!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We celebrated Mother's Day with Scott's family -- southern fried chicken and enjoyed the mild day outside on their patio. It was second best to being with my mom -- my parents took a weekend trip to see some friends, and when I talked to her, it sounded like they had a blast! The afternoon was followed by more Game of Thrones watching {since the sun was the last thing I needed to be around!} and an evening of cooking dinner and Mad Men watching.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's going to be a busy week for me, but looking forward to it! Have a great one! xo!</span>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-81729604278972824192014-05-09T09:44:00.001-05:002014-05-09T09:44:43.904-05:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey y'all! Happy Friday! I decided today would be the best time to join the Five on Friday for the first time! Thanks to the hosts for keeping this going <a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/">a.liz adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/">carolina charm</a>, <a href="http://www.hellohappinessblog.com/">hello! happiness</a> and <a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/">the good life blog</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. theSkimm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZCoZHUmLid3HNI4YGLF-2Eri1y9o7JRqiEz0DylPVm_hoVxjHb8uzgPyHc4m45rwxMdpXi_b2hsBAyX8OHIiE98zcYu08C0fXwtBNGkwwJRfFL-Kt6O91kXvoiUfMm2sD1iDQD7PJhw7/s1600/theskimm.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently became a Super Skimm'bassador for theSkimm. I get to help spread the word around Austin the rest of Texas and my fabulous blog friends! Haven't heard of it? theSkimm newsletter arrives in your inbox at 6am M-F. It covers
all news – Ukraine to George Clooney getting hitched – in a smart, witty way
and gives what you need to jump into any conversation. Basically – they read,
you Skimm. <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=28K2M">Sign up here today</a>! It has become my morning addiction and I promise it will become yours, too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Game of Thrones</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Y'all. I'm obsessed. Typically I'm not a fan of this time period and the bits and pieces I had seen over the years did not interest me at all. Starting from Season 1, Episode 1 has done the trick. Although it can be a bit gruesome at times, I can't stop watching. This weekend you can find me on the couch wishing I could be Daenerys Targaryen (no spoilers that I may end up changing my mind as I continue watching!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLFlUkibcnQ58U_j9KVTIuw6J-D5_nj8curwl0UdsN8eukjNCHNYiYVIdSsKsVagRMRUsUqJ5G4dq2KLd6l9-qpxql0LbyxyQS8mXsRQg2w8f8ASLOXF4DvQPt-Uof2HhQGA-CwjnrDzy/s1600/gameofthrones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLFlUkibcnQ58U_j9KVTIuw6J-D5_nj8curwl0UdsN8eukjNCHNYiYVIdSsKsVagRMRUsUqJ5G4dq2KLd6l9-qpxql0LbyxyQS8mXsRQg2w8f8ASLOXF4DvQPt-Uof2HhQGA-CwjnrDzy/s1600/gameofthrones.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. My mini garden</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This spring I decided to plant some flowers on my porch. Living in an apartment is so difficult -- especially on the second floor. All I want is some grass to plant some flowers and veggies in! I went the planter box route and I have to say I'm loving it! In the planter boxes are hot pink geraniums and in the pots are snapdragons (that have since died since this photo), pink dahlias (which have died twice since this photo...but the next round is starting to bloom) and sunflowers (which still look the same, just a bit taller. How long does it take for them to start blooming?) Anyway, as you can tell, I don't have a green thumb, but practice makes perfect for the day when I have a yard?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Bon Appetit's List of Official Foods in {Nearly} Every State</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check it out <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/trends-news/slideshow/state-official-snacks/?slide=1">here</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because I love food. (In fact, as soon as I'm done writing this, I'm going upstairs for breakfast taco Friday.) Spot on with Texas's -- chips and salsa. Yes, please!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{picture from the Bon Appetit article for Texas!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Summer plans?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that summer is quickly approaching {or more appropriately has already arrived in Texas...}, I'm itching to plan a long-weekend vacay! Any good beach recommendations? I grew up going to Galveston/Crystal Beach in the summers, so right now that's first on the list -- but open to other suggestions!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope you have a great weekend!</span><br />
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laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-20221416609833282252014-05-04T20:50:00.001-05:002014-05-04T20:50:45.641-05:00Weekend UpdateHow's the weekend almost over already? It was a busy but always one of my favorite weekends of the year! I also decided to FINALLY give <i>Game of Thrones </i>a shot....with two episodes left in the first season, I'm officially addicted!<div><br></div><div>Friday:</div><div>It was the gala for Morgan's 10-week Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year fundraiser. While she didn't win, she did raise nearly $49,000! So proud of her!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMunLvuH35on_lHtQi5IDq5iu8Ha0M_UMiipZEZVddzzHrz9YpFpJy7JOtt8ojernVbTZgdPy9t_p9t6sUIIAGcPgiIsOhZpjaqlj_cRwuEDvGQ8oe9KWjwHvMzTyJgniLlIDmaRg81aR/s640/blogger-image--780878096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMunLvuH35on_lHtQi5IDq5iu8Ha0M_UMiipZEZVddzzHrz9YpFpJy7JOtt8ojernVbTZgdPy9t_p9t6sUIIAGcPgiIsOhZpjaqlj_cRwuEDvGQ8oe9KWjwHvMzTyJgniLlIDmaRg81aR/s640/blogger-image--780878096.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5rtkm351csfbcznM7SBMxK1BX9bo9LqEjxGu3OwzLeDMqELxCyo3W3iDmEytaawSOhBJt2XqKzHH_ggUwKZ-K4HqSWAu4yAHDLEP1FA0lGcigzcPFsu6nOH2YeEcMPSc8ekGjCdd74D9/s640/blogger-image--1310536613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5rtkm351csfbcznM7SBMxK1BX9bo9LqEjxGu3OwzLeDMqELxCyo3W3iDmEytaawSOhBJt2XqKzHH_ggUwKZ-K4HqSWAu4yAHDLEP1FA0lGcigzcPFsu6nOH2YeEcMPSc8ekGjCdd74D9/s640/blogger-image--1310536613.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div>Saturday: </div><div>A group of us attended Austin's first Derby Fest in downtown. They blocked off 3rd street and had live music, a big screen tv and mint julips to go around! We ran into a friend of Scott's who was hanging out with a girl I grew up with - such a small world! We all picked a couple of horses and placed a $5 bet. I thought picking Wicked Strong and Uncle Sigh (who almost won!) was a good choice, but not so much. I love watching the Kentucky Derby, only missing a hat this year! And bucket list...I will watch in person one year! We had an early taco dinner and a couple more drinks before calling it an early night to watch more of <i>Game of Thrones </i>season 1.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBhMDEorBFoVw4G6ls-kmRkFd4JCAHvR3o_hF_7pRtx2VtyvMOwlFo8-rKzlJhT2WHVKEc4XTGm6xV_gOWxtGNlbQK0xZhDck1bJxjihI8h8ozCxfnMUQrq2z5POOMY_Iv0bWOskZI5Ec/s640/blogger-image--2075252203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBhMDEorBFoVw4G6ls-kmRkFd4JCAHvR3o_hF_7pRtx2VtyvMOwlFo8-rKzlJhT2WHVKEc4XTGm6xV_gOWxtGNlbQK0xZhDck1bJxjihI8h8ozCxfnMUQrq2z5POOMY_Iv0bWOskZI5Ec/s640/blogger-image--2075252203.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUp3697eCM2ewwc81Tb5HY6YCNJTrX13IrlQNdyVKhPbV8VjVW79fLawFq_KS7In0XRSw-n75skbHUH1kksidSgYYIdJxufb9irVkpR_-YucJ_acH-a6yZTBE3kdBdsYEoyvm7jqUUwWr/s640/blogger-image-311291139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUp3697eCM2ewwc81Tb5HY6YCNJTrX13IrlQNdyVKhPbV8VjVW79fLawFq_KS7In0XRSw-n75skbHUH1kksidSgYYIdJxufb9irVkpR_-YucJ_acH-a6yZTBE3kdBdsYEoyvm7jqUUwWr/s640/blogger-image-311291139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSncoDrNFeX8ppwuazWQd_k3-hEbBxm3vHlUALRMhEBVg86GTrHK8_1bJ0uMgKZq23-0XeLtoZ88ZGh9LB6gIg88bqgPE11EcaWqKmBBnYb9WJS1tCj4seiLaRv8CX4iYtR6dbEY9xQAFr/s640/blogger-image-21649228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSncoDrNFeX8ppwuazWQd_k3-hEbBxm3vHlUALRMhEBVg86GTrHK8_1bJ0uMgKZq23-0XeLtoZ88ZGh9LB6gIg88bqgPE11EcaWqKmBBnYb9WJS1tCj4seiLaRv8CX4iYtR6dbEY9xQAFr/s640/blogger-image-21649228.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love seeing horses tied up to trees in downtown Austin. So Texas.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div>Sunday:</div><div>We had a lazy morning and watched more <i>Game of Thrones</i> before spending the day by the pool - so happy summer is here! Since the water was still a bit cold, it gave me a chance to read more of <i>The Goldfinch </i>- amazing book so far if you've been considering reading it. Now we're relaxing watching (or I'm trying not to pay attention due to any spoilers that may happen!) <i>Game of Thrones</i> and I'm patiently awaiting tonight's episode of <i>Mad Men</i>.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-fPd5s8XNSUmyW3jFq2vmObqzebB6yLuwgHJSqjobYHpancTvYpeDK9k5M9Z8nP7nboarRmvF-R78igrWZMlVn-TtNRYSn7l6DbwbX4p06WhR_Tb6Q1FF3RsFc_OBwkj0zP_PFteq4M2/s640/blogger-image--1071510070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-fPd5s8XNSUmyW3jFq2vmObqzebB6yLuwgHJSqjobYHpancTvYpeDK9k5M9Z8nP7nboarRmvF-R78igrWZMlVn-TtNRYSn7l6DbwbX4p06WhR_Tb6Q1FF3RsFc_OBwkj0zP_PFteq4M2/s640/blogger-image--1071510070.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not a cloud in the sky for the first pool day of 2014!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have a great Monday and Cinco de Mayo! xoxo</div><br></div>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-8373299200131646542014-04-28T09:35:00.000-05:002014-04-28T09:35:20.657-05:00Weekend Update<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good morning! How is it already Monday again!? The weekends seem to fly by quicker and quicker these days...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday:<br />A group of us went to see Vampire Weekend at Stubbs. Although I don't listen to them all that often, I will say they put on one fabulous show. They are great entertainers live! Scott loves them and was pretty much having the time of his life. It was also so fun to catch up with some of the other girlfriends!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Attended Scott's family reunion out in Winchester. Coming from such a tiny family {seriously, it's like an entire family reunion at each of our holidays...10-12 max...} attending his family events are so fun! With around 50 people in attendance, we had great food, conversation and enjoyed the spring weather! It's also fun to get out of the city and help feed the cows and hang out in the barn on his grandparents land.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{me and Morgan outside of the ice cream parlor. this town is the cutest!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday:<br />My parents came in town on their way back from a wedding in Fredericksburg. Scott and I took them to the <a href="http://themidwayfoodpark.com/">Midway Food Park</a> near the apartment -- seriously, food trailers are the best. There were around 7 to choose from and we sampled a bit of everything from tacos, to a lobster roll, to fried artichokes. I love this location because of all the tables covered by large umbrellas, a stage for live music coming in the summer, a playground for kids and it's dog friendly and BYOB! This was totally up my dad's alley and he's already scheming on how to make something like that happen back home...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My parents and I did a little shopping and had a relaxing afternoon. That evening we had dinner with at Scott's parents house -- it was his mom's birthday! With the family reunion the day before, his grandparents and aunt and uncle also came so I loved introducing my parents to them. His dad put on a great party. He grilled some outstanding burgers, we played some Mexican Bingo {Scott & I won 2 bottles of wine and a Costco-sized jar of picked okra. At least we weren't Morgan's boyfriend who won a sack of potatoes and a sack of garlic that would probably last me the rest of my life! Can't say the prizes were boring. Ha!} and had some great conversation. The birthday cake was fabulous, too! I'm bummed I didn't get any photos, as their backyard is PERFECT for entertaining and is so gorgeous. I'm still so full this morning.........</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great week! xo!</span>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-34447015247702151592014-04-09T11:56:00.002-05:002014-04-09T11:56:35.362-05:00The greatest city in the world: LONDON!<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eurotrip 2014 was special as it was Scott's first time overseas and since returning, we've both fallen in love {me even more so!} with London. I love everything about this city and I'm already counting down until I can go again -- and starting a savings account specifically for the day I can buy my own flat to visit anytime! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After our 8 hour flight, we arrived in London around 10:30 am. We took a cab to the hotel -- which was in a perfect location and across the street from the Victoria Station -- to refresh and drop off our luggage, Scott and I rallied and walked down to Buckingham Palace. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Not a cloud in the sky and in the 60's -- seriously, we lucked out all weekend! Buckingham Palace was only about half a mile from our hotel, so we enjoyed the walk -- especially after sitting on a cramped plane for hours! Unfortunately, we didn't see a single member of the royal family...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We then ventured through St. James Park behind the Palace. The daffodils were starting to bloom and people were already out sunbathing in the grass. Of course I had to get myself a nutella waffle..because, why not?? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We continued our walk down to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey. After a few photo-ops, we took the Tube down to Piccadilly Circus. Scott wanted to see "Times Square" {not sure if Piccadilly Circus was the best choice, but it has all the big screens like in NYC} and we walked around a bit and admired the shops and theaters in the area. Then we stumbled upon a tavern and had a fabulous fish and chips meal. Seriously, why don't they cook like that here? We continued our walking down towards Oxford Circus and did a little shopping. I had to hit up the European H&M's and found some great stuff including a couple of summer dresses, a midi skirt {however, I think I may be a tad short to pull it off. We shall see!} and a fun kimono style cardigan. We also found the most adorable couple of streets -- Carnaby Street -- with so many fun restaurants, shops and pubs. The pubs on this street looked just like you'd think -- tucked behind an alley way, lots of ivy, the young professionals still in their suits drinking outside on the streets {I think it's so strange you can drink on the sidewalks in front of the pubs}-- pretty much perfection. I also loved that Scott is now loving European fashion and the way the men wear their suits and style their hair. I hope he brings a bit of that same style now that we're back in Texas. We then decided it was then time to call it an early night to knock out the jet lag.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That morning, we left the hotel and headed down to Notting Hill to grab brunch and do some shopping on Portobello Road. After finding out they don't brunch past noon {brunch past noon is one thing I do think we do right here!}, we still grabbed a great burger, and continued our walk down to Portobello Road. This was the one thing I wasn't able to do last time I was in London, and I'm now obsessed. The pastel buildings, lines and lines of antique stores, flower shops and fruit stands -- not to mention another day of perfect weather -- made this the highlight of London for me. I found an adorable dress that will be perfect for UT games, and Scott found the neatest antique leather bound book of U.K. maps from WWII for his mom. Portobello Road is a MUST if you're ever there. And a tip: While there are several restaurants as you get off the Tube, go straight to Portobello Road and eat at one of the cafes. The one we ate at was fabulous, but those cafes on Portobello looked just as you'd picture an English cafe to be!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a couple hours of shopping, we ventured to the High Street Kensington area to do a bit more shopping a visit my old stomping grounds! We admired Hyde Park as we arrived at Imperial College -- which looks just the same! It was then time for tea, which I also think we should begin to incorporate into our day-to-day in America.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That evening we attended the Broadway show, From Here to Eternity at the <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Shaftesbury Theatre</span>. It's a bit of a love story and follows the men stationed at Pearl Harbor months prior to Dec. 7 -- it's based off the movie from the 1950s. The acting was wonderful and the songs were catchy. They also had some great one liners that made you laugh out loud. I recommend it! After the show, we went back down to Carnaby Street and grabbed a great Italian meal before calling it a night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We decided it was time for a little history and took a tour of the Churchill Imperial War Museum {and I think the highlight of Scott's trip!}. It really was fascinating that no one knew they were under there and many of the rooms are still in tact exactly as they were left. We got to see all the rooms, the original maps and all the sleeping quarters.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then we hopped on the Tube and went to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Again, it was an absolute perfect day and we enjoyed just sitting on the banks of the Thames with the castle behind us and the bridge in front of us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was then time to take the train to Cambridge to visit one of my oldest friends, Kate, who has been living there since grad school and now works for Christie's Auction House. It was a quick 50 minute ride through the countryside. We wandered the city center -- and is also where Cambridge University is -- before we met Kate and her fiance for dinner at a local pub. Three hours, several beers and wonderful company later, we headed back to London to pack up and head out to Amsterdam the next morning.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{Kings College - part of Cambridge University. This picture doesn't do it justice. Cambridge is breathtaking!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{our train left out of King's Cross so had to visit the Harry Potter platform!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay tuned for the Amsterdam update!</span>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-61422820793471379492014-04-07T10:07:00.000-05:002014-04-07T10:07:53.609-05:00Weekend Recap<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My unintentional blog hiatus was due to a crazy work schedule and the fact I was a bit uninspired. I'm going to blame winter lasting longer than usual... :) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was FINALLY able to see a show on the outdoor stage at Stubbs. It didn't disappoint! The opener, Cody Canada and The Departed was fabulous! I was so heartbroken when Cross Canadian Ragweed broke up a few years ago, and they started to redeem themselves when they created a new band. Now that I've seen them live, I've fallen in love again! Most of their new stuff is still relatively unknown, but they definitely busted out some CCR hits (Alabama, anyone!? High school at it's finest.) Scott even caught one of the drummer's drumstick when it was thrown into the audience at the end of the set.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turnpike Troubadours was also a blast. They put on a great show and I highly recommend seeing them live!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{Turnpike Troubadours}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was up early for a Junior League placement advising session. I feel it was somewhat productive and have the rest of the week to figure out what placements to select for next year....still don't really have a clue.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part about that was that it was at the mall! Loft was having 50% store wide, and I had a $200 AT&T rewards card from renewing my service another year, so free clothes for me! I was able to get:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.loft.com/eyelet-sleeve-tee/323688?colorExplode=false&skuId=15628527&catid=catl000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8878">this top</a>, <a href="http://www.loft.com/mini-heart-print-tank/331953?colorExplode=false&skuId=16009431&catid=catl000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600">this top</a>, <a href="http://www.loft.com/floral-cotton-eyelet-skirt/325264?colorExplode=true&skuId=15997661&catid=catl000017&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=0272">this skirt</a>, <a href="http://www.loft.com/diamond-print-cotton-riviera-shorts-with-6-inch-inseam/331667?colorExplode=false&skuId=15708267&catid=cat640042&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=7941">a pair of shorts</a>, and one more shirt that is no longer online. Loft is still having an extra 40% off sale items today, so <a href="http://www.loft.com/sale/catl00008">hop on over</a> and have a little Monday retail therapy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rest of the day was literally the epitome of laziness. 3 hour nap, lots of TV time, and more TV time...{hey, it was cloudy/rain was on it's way weather!}</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Scott and I braved the rainy weather and went to the Baylor vs. Texas baseball game! Although Baylor lost, it was a BLAST and reminds me just how much I love baseball. {even the girls behind me who kept asking the difference between a ball and a strike and thought the pitchers sitting in the bull pin were the bad players couldn't ruin it for me!} I'm hopeful we'll get to attend a couple more games before the season is over!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03RQ7KtmCfL2Pj77gersccwJND7s1mHRbH8vKweu4914L0ImrMOY0zuPrCyFi88fFtjzUXcZHiLgdY_-uIDD-Bq7MA-IztSK6_KWBbAqHCfrO3lcN94QN43uC-N56_hA0qjM9B793s4Fa/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03RQ7KtmCfL2Pj77gersccwJND7s1mHRbH8vKweu4914L0ImrMOY0zuPrCyFi88fFtjzUXcZHiLgdY_-uIDD-Bq7MA-IztSK6_KWBbAqHCfrO3lcN94QN43uC-N56_hA0qjM9B793s4Fa/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />{wearing his burnt orange and me in green and gold!}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi05LKTPJAR7xpJbWr9aHPjfTpiiSox46FrKyANzmgCyfvJ4lLO2jL14NtVS6ulRmrxy-9K-QZLJ_VZkPCL1EzOxnSn0V3qzlhGFpQnL1920QiZZO8lb8HqIFgHtWPTlalMYzeprTOSIT/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi05LKTPJAR7xpJbWr9aHPjfTpiiSox46FrKyANzmgCyfvJ4lLO2jL14NtVS6ulRmrxy-9K-QZLJ_VZkPCL1EzOxnSn0V3qzlhGFpQnL1920QiZZO8lb8HqIFgHtWPTlalMYzeprTOSIT/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That evening we had a relaxing dinner at his parents house. Great food, conversation and even flipped through some Europe pics! Recap on the trip to come!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And before I go, happy, happy birthday to my BFF and new mama, <a href="http://lifeasthemrs.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a>! I hope you have the best day ever!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85fC5VyZFqv2JkN6pUIuWmpuBzoTsf4UreQuBDn9eBpeivQnHXTGzG6XJzuGgloE8V-gWlY7cxIje9EKoM8omz3V8BUXQBWP_Q2t6nv6CQSnLQ8DXOZJbv-eCm-LwFcl08XQzWPjnF7Ze/s1600/74_529450255373_6989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85fC5VyZFqv2JkN6pUIuWmpuBzoTsf4UreQuBDn9eBpeivQnHXTGzG6XJzuGgloE8V-gWlY7cxIje9EKoM8omz3V8BUXQBWP_Q2t6nv6CQSnLQ8DXOZJbv-eCm-LwFcl08XQzWPjnF7Ze/s1600/74_529450255373_6989_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{2007 Trevi Fountain. Still waiting for that return trip!}</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great week! xo!</span>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-57412164961266540222014-01-15T13:41:00.002-06:002014-01-15T13:41:36.435-06:00What I'm Loving Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's National Skimm Day! If you're looking for a quick and easy way to catch-up on the morning headlines, subscribe <a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=1YZ5X">now to get your daily news fix</a>! Seriously informative with my kind of humor thrown in. It's definitely the best part of my morning. You can thank me later.</span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vacation planning</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I mentioned, Scott and I are in the works of planning a European getaway. I studied abroad in London with <a href="http://lifeasthemrs.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a> in 2007, and this is Scott's first time to go overseas. Flights are booked and now working to plan the rest. TripAdvisor has been a lifesaver but also accepting suggestions for London, The Netherlands and Munich. (Don't worry, Brittany, London is basically mapped out and includes a meal-but likely more than one-at Wagamama and the Texas Embassy.)</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Award season</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is one of my fave times of the year! Definitely brightens up the end of winter months! The Golden Globes were a success -- and has inspired us to catch some of the nominated movies over the next couple of months. Looking forward to the Oscar nominations tomorrow. Since I haven't really seen any of the movies yet, I'm not sure who to root for to be nominated. I always enjoy predicting who will win, so hopeful I'll see many of the movies before the Oscars in March! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And better late than never...my best and worst from the Golden Globes:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSJjw-CsFxN1oJCzrmv9WGWWwgzF43xXNTpbL3nbXVwKgf7Az67uGmISptRFmlWEhLCDIqTyOsTVJowqUkV0iBy1_2Nnaq1K_MVF9cM1iKPkbO_gv1KWfEBF58gH013KJxhXGOm2HcLys/s1600/rs_634x1024-140112152139-634.lupita-nyongo-golden-globes-011214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSJjw-CsFxN1oJCzrmv9WGWWwgzF43xXNTpbL3nbXVwKgf7Az67uGmISptRFmlWEhLCDIqTyOsTVJowqUkV0iBy1_2Nnaq1K_MVF9cM1iKPkbO_gv1KWfEBF58gH013KJxhXGOm2HcLys/s1600/rs_634x1024-140112152139-634.lupita-nyongo-golden-globes-011214.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tie for Best: Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo from E! Online by J<span style="text-align: right;">ordan Strauss/Invision/AP</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPVqMcWOONUaIZpRP312WZOMKYj2PUtg5_GBFrkkpLB1khFK4ix6h_zE8otZdJOYyKdVxHkn373KLLXuV8B4uIrFYhvdY3Q6kJW8BcwFglRFUg0RZibxm4n8-phTEp4mcWbK3e2gvbpks/s1600/rs_634x1024-140112161323-634.Cate-Blanchett-Golden0Globes.jl.011214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPVqMcWOONUaIZpRP312WZOMKYj2PUtg5_GBFrkkpLB1khFK4ix6h_zE8otZdJOYyKdVxHkn373KLLXuV8B4uIrFYhvdY3Q6kJW8BcwFglRFUg0RZibxm4n8-phTEp4mcWbK3e2gvbpks/s1600/rs_634x1024-140112161323-634.Cate-Blanchett-Golden0Globes.jl.011214.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cate Blanchett in Armani</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo from E! Online by Jason Merritt/Getty Images</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_Jb2exwFbmIPYhZQ9IK5M4u-krpaZmheMqM_fE97cc90dxUrdsdWEJlnToL0KxaNlcFjsha8__ceG-I_8YJGSjRE5AirpzZ_cnKOUT72iUbed08iBgCFQOTsrJX-fAvqAQ7GCku5Hyg9/s1600/rs_634x1024-140112153521-634.lena-dunham-golden-globes.ls.11214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_Jb2exwFbmIPYhZQ9IK5M4u-krpaZmheMqM_fE97cc90dxUrdsdWEJlnToL0KxaNlcFjsha8__ceG-I_8YJGSjRE5AirpzZ_cnKOUT72iUbed08iBgCFQOTsrJX-fAvqAQ7GCku5Hyg9/s1600/rs_634x1024-140112153521-634.lena-dunham-golden-globes.ls.11214.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Worst: Lena Dunham in Zac Posen. Think she's so wonderful but yellow isn't a great color on you...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo from E! Online by <span style="text-align: right;">Jason Merritt/Getty Images</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I leave you with these because most have given me a great laugh over the last couple of days:</span></u></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://testyourvocab.com/">How big is your vocabulary?</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/01/14/watch-members-of-congress-read-their-mean-tweets/?tid=sm_fb">Watch members of Congress read their mean tweets.</a> Hilarious.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://fabfitfun.com/politics-booze-chart">Can your preference of booze determine your political affiliation?</a> It wasn't completely accurate for me, but had some similarities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/alex-mann/2014/01/i-found-jennifer-lawrences-cellphone-in-a-cab/">True or not, great story about finding Jennifer Lawrence's cell phone in a taxi</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.today.com/food/no-corkscrew-no-problem-how-open-wine-shoe-2D11899299">In case you don't have a corkscrew to open some wine.</a> Learn how to open it with a shoe.</span></li>
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laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-1078489388242817802014-01-12T15:57:00.001-06:002014-01-12T16:04:09.421-06:00Weekend RecapSo this weekend was pretty low-key for me, which was just how I wanted it after last weekend! <div><br></div><div>Friday:</div><div><br></div><div>Left the office around 6:30 and came home to have pizza and movie night with Scott. We watched "We Are The Millers" and while it was entertaining, I'm glad we used my free U-Verse movie rental on it. It wasn't the worst, but I wouldn't recommend spending $$ on it.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Saturday: um, lazy. I read the entire <i>Divergent</i> book. 489 pages. I'm cool. It was a great read, but was no Hunger Games. I am looking forward to the other two in the series, and if you liked Hunger Games, you'd like this, too. I did take a 45 min break to fit in a workout using the Nike Training Club app so I wasn't completely worthless. :)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Sunday: Another pretty lazy day. I'm actually way sore today from that workout yesterday so my planned 3 mile walk/run down at Town Lake isn't happening. I spent the morning researching hotels and things to do for mine and Scott's upcoming Europe trip!!!!! More on that later. Now I'm glued to my couch watching E's Countdown to the Red Carpet...patiently (or not so!) waiting for the red carpet and the actual show! I can't wait to see all the dresses and I cannot wait to watch Tina & Amy host again! <br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Since I didn't take any photos this weekend, I'll leave you with this one I stumbled upon on Pinterest during vacay research. So glad our timing will work out perfectly and I'm hoping it will look just as gorge as this photo!</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHuq3qDkmfWiuLD_oK9ZfvMZ446H9LicElmx8lqWCMv2abQSvfGRqwHWq4-gZLWmGhqoJoFbBanIouUjaJXwTutDO9Oi31UzD8hXF6WcAtMhcL3I9FXzdoU7Fq2CU3Hj9_u6lm5A3AEaE/s640/blogger-image-110397185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHuq3qDkmfWiuLD_oK9ZfvMZ446H9LicElmx8lqWCMv2abQSvfGRqwHWq4-gZLWmGhqoJoFbBanIouUjaJXwTutDO9Oi31UzD8hXF6WcAtMhcL3I9FXzdoU7Fq2CU3Hj9_u6lm5A3AEaE/s640/blogger-image-110397185.jpg"></a></div><br></div>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-2522281602412035132014-01-09T14:45:00.001-06:002014-01-10T10:41:36.210-06:00The First Weekend of 2014<div><br></div>So the week back to work following two weeks off has been nonstop!<div><br></div><div>I've been wanting to write a post about the weekend, so better late than never? I'm also posting from my iPad so I'm not sure how the format is about to look. Apologies for anything that runs together or looks off...still learning!</div><div><br></div><div>Scott is a member of Bachelors of Austin. Each year they have a huge deb presentation and make the celebration a weekend long event.</div><div><br></div><div>Friday night's cocktail party kicks off the weekend. We met some friends at a nearby hotel for drinks prior to the event then made our way over for the casino night events.</div><div><br></div><div>We posted up at the blackjack table all night. Only proved I'm a terrible gambler-but at least it wasn't with real money! Since it wasn't real money, the dealer had fun with us and helped us out a bit. At the end of the night you can turn in your chips for raffle tickets to try to win a prize. My luck continued and I won nothing...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudBNhDqD0LQS5wpz-otwrr_Da-NxeXlKZZGTWTb7Vk5TwXsgaRboYfHYyN9KxzPFkyIUgPq4GRDy7iKtdKgpm2LT_R_DNJvvAkwF_i8fs2NvaFuC0eWsEHe6x9s-i8YuInUtXk557lS2a/s640/blogger-image-897459061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudBNhDqD0LQS5wpz-otwrr_Da-NxeXlKZZGTWTb7Vk5TwXsgaRboYfHYyN9KxzPFkyIUgPq4GRDy7iKtdKgpm2LT_R_DNJvvAkwF_i8fs2NvaFuC0eWsEHe6x9s-i8YuInUtXk557lS2a/s640/blogger-image-897459061.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>The only picture of us from this night...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokt1Q4fZYp3dqRU2audfu4mYQw5x3ufnKznwNYhBQxifjZQ9MEDoXHiUUKyWbDTyLV0UB-ICwreyruYnr4hvXxxdp-4vN0Qbu2BsUZdlOsAr7-AnXKhN1Y10xuhzpqI6EOtez9J0bksc/s640/blogger-image-1548915796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokt1Q4fZYp3dqRU2audfu4mYQw5x3ufnKznwNYhBQxifjZQ9MEDoXHiUUKyWbDTyLV0UB-ICwreyruYnr4hvXxxdp-4vN0Qbu2BsUZdlOsAr7-AnXKhN1Y10xuhzpqI6EOtez9J0bksc/s640/blogger-image-1548915796.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Our blackjack table!</i></div><br></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Saturday night was the more formal (I got to wear a long dress!!) deb presentation fiesta night. We dressed up, met some friends for drinks then ventured over to the hotel to start the night. The deb presentations are still foreign to me (we never had anything like that in Lufkin) so we went upstairs to finish watching the Saints then went back downstairs to eat. Amazing buffet-with a mac and cheese bar-pretty sure my dress wasn't made for that kind of eating. But all was well once we hit the dance floor for the next 5 hours. They have two bands that take turn playing until 3am. They play all kinds of music-all the fun oldie dance songs to the current hits like "Blurred Lines." At midnight we went to hit up the breakfast buffet and then went back to the dance floor until 3am. Luckily we rented a room for the night so I went upstairs and was finally in bed around 4am. I slept all day Sunday and nearly a week later, I'm still feeling it! I'm getting so old. I always look forward to that weekend every year, but I'm glad it's only once a year!</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXFF-JgJYNUSdThpBeTKPK86EMDV4swGsmFnIzONSgJDIbee0F5qm8WO8rBpV_Fe3I6wNKYYJPNE6nMIa3j35QD_f1PcijZk9oeQsr4G6YeNZdE4PZwci8vH1FRrPkePUKdEBWwGcRhl8/s640/blogger-image-1143496994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXFF-JgJYNUSdThpBeTKPK86EMDV4swGsmFnIzONSgJDIbee0F5qm8WO8rBpV_Fe3I6wNKYYJPNE6nMIa3j35QD_f1PcijZk9oeQsr4G6YeNZdE4PZwci8vH1FRrPkePUKdEBWwGcRhl8/s640/blogger-image-1143496994.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>With Scott's brother & girlfriend</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdqz2JQsb5JUwNNcsBhH2ugbfoMqfiSdNX85gmdWKhrJG4KPle1pYSowWWgXKYMIwhx0oZhVJAvhMF2xcIV2VjiEsgTxtmsDOVaKr6qhwkLxME9pXvi4397XFoJS1EV0Kr5nPXH7ECHgd/s640/blogger-image--2006833260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdqz2JQsb5JUwNNcsBhH2ugbfoMqfiSdNX85gmdWKhrJG4KPle1pYSowWWgXKYMIwhx0oZhVJAvhMF2xcIV2VjiEsgTxtmsDOVaKr6qhwkLxME9pXvi4397XFoJS1EV0Kr5nPXH7ECHgd/s640/blogger-image--2006833260.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSJfSAyixWH008i1wQ0tRmLgaLKjU-OOfc4JdqX9WdJVADiZwT92tZwH4G0cyorGKGOPH1Wd5iAehfRFSTlHOcQOiltX9-xN0B3E-iNKYawplQOFcWOTG6pltmhmwrX7jD0xtlPMLzJnB/s640/blogger-image--1937296118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSJfSAyixWH008i1wQ0tRmLgaLKjU-OOfc4JdqX9WdJVADiZwT92tZwH4G0cyorGKGOPH1Wd5iAehfRFSTlHOcQOiltX9-xN0B3E-iNKYawplQOFcWOTG6pltmhmwrX7jD0xtlPMLzJnB/s640/blogger-image--1937296118.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Photobooth fun!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdfbzXv8QDPx3I5NTwDY2UPt6SD6uDkfRPP9H7XohqV9GyY6R21_mulcjtWJHgP62ZJWds3YxAhcz51YTE8b-2Vzbui336K2D3WZdU3ieuKQTIqpfxGwrnSqHR9wtC5J2cTR9BF9D7awP/s640/blogger-image--1130425512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdfbzXv8QDPx3I5NTwDY2UPt6SD6uDkfRPP9H7XohqV9GyY6R21_mulcjtWJHgP62ZJWds3YxAhcz51YTE8b-2Vzbui336K2D3WZdU3ieuKQTIqpfxGwrnSqHR9wtC5J2cTR9BF9D7awP/s640/blogger-image--1130425512.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Taking a dance break for a photoshoot</i>.</div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>This year, I got the chance to use Rent the Runway for the first time. Let me tell you, best experience ever! I highly recommend it for a formal event (although there are dresses for all occasions!) and they make it so easy. They send you two sizes of the same dress to make sure it fits. They send you a prepaid envelope to return both dresses in-just drop off at the nearest UPS! No dry cleaning or anything! I can't wait to have another event to rent a new dress!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExuyBbqJN4XIomcet1xQ37kWy196ZYdNjXxFcXA8sKah5O7hBlLjN1Lll_2ikqrCNoq_aDr9V-OEzJcs47eCiz06z2oWHDL2rm2TfkNyUst-b2DGDPebhMTqHMUkCeKlcjFj_Qy0uJW9C/s640/blogger-image--1903330125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExuyBbqJN4XIomcet1xQ37kWy196ZYdNjXxFcXA8sKah5O7hBlLjN1Lll_2ikqrCNoq_aDr9V-OEzJcs47eCiz06z2oWHDL2rm2TfkNyUst-b2DGDPebhMTqHMUkCeKlcjFj_Qy0uJW9C/s640/blogger-image--1903330125.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This week <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've been attending a public policy conference which has been fun and informative, but I'm so tired and looking forward to doing nothing this weekend! A friend let me borrow the first Divergent book so I plan on reading nearly all of it this weekend!</span></div><div><br></div><div>Hope you all had a great week and enjoy the weekend!</div>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-86432164428729797392014-01-02T11:13:00.001-06:002014-01-02T13:38:44.924-06:00New Year, New ResolutionsHere I am, once again. It's a new year..so here goes the blog again.<div><br></div><div>Christmas and New Years were great - lots of family time and lots of food and drinks. Pretty much perfection. My boss was kind enough to give me 2 weeks off work - I'm finally feeling refreshed and I now have time to clean the apt and run the errands I usually don't have time to do. </div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Between work, Junior League, and just life in general, I need a place to come to reflect on other things on my mind and to share things that inspire and make me happy. So here comes the blog again.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Resolutions are typically difficult for me to keep. I last a month - maybe two - and then it all goes down the drain. There are things I'd like to accomplish this year, but I'm going to take it month by month to keep me from becoming overwhelmed.</div><div><br></div><div>So for January:</div><div><br></div><div>Exercising 3-4 times a week (which also means learning to become a morning person because after work, all bets are off. The gym will not happen in the evenings) and k<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">eeping the blog alive by posting at least once a week.</span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I guess now that it's live on the internet, I must be held accountable. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Happy New Year! I'm off to enjoy another day off work by taking down all my Christmas sparkles around the apartment. Even though the sun is out, I've got the lights on so I can enjoy it to the very last second. So it's not ok to leave this up all year...?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwAYA2QJ9id1mdq07BkouHDHyJ5z0EfBcGl6GCzsDNyMlZc6sxmbBzbuyvaWRde2irM_XPZMDEHM3-KVEv3RHPew5X33IBnFu2nmR8YR4j-U4gqyFUxTOkP6hl8b8L2dP1J2hqwOBkz6j/s640/blogger-image--808050820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwAYA2QJ9id1mdq07BkouHDHyJ5z0EfBcGl6GCzsDNyMlZc6sxmbBzbuyvaWRde2irM_XPZMDEHM3-KVEv3RHPew5X33IBnFu2nmR8YR4j-U4gqyFUxTOkP6hl8b8L2dP1J2hqwOBkz6j/s640/blogger-image--808050820.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-62834322471113131682013-10-09T10:00:00.001-05:002013-10-09T10:00:17.839-05:00Random Wednesday Thoughts<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Wednesday! The weekend is so, so close! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First, I want to say happy third anniversary to <a href="http://lifeasthemrs.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a> and Brandon! Woo! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Her last few moments as an Ogletree -- we look so young (my hair?!?) and you were beautiful!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Isn't this weather AMAZE? I'm a little bummed it's going to get warmer (and probably rain...) in Austin this weekend and I still haven't been able to bust out my boots yet -- but there will be plenty of time for that soon enough. I'm loving the walks to my office building in the mornings, outdoor lunches and it made last night's happy hour fundraiser on the lake just perfect! The Spazmatics even showed up!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Who doesn't love a great 80s band?? They always put on a great show.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sooo, my fantasy football team is struggling a bit. As in, I'm in last place in my division... 1-4. My week 6 competition is against Scott, so Sunday should be fun! At the moment, I'm predicted to win! Keep your fingers crossed for me because he's undefeated -- even though it's all in good fun, it would be lovely to win. :) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Proof that I'm predicted to win before he realizes he has a bye player he needs to swap out. And, of course, I'm the Dillon Panthers. One of the best. shows. ever. Pretty much sums up Texas High School football.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thinking of going to Dallas this weekend for the TX/OU game and the STATE FAIR OF TEXAS! I've only been once, and I cannot wait to go again! Fried food, football, fall weather and the ferris wheel? Yes, please! Scott is even nice enough to ride the ferris wheel with me again. He's terrified of heights (I am, too, but for some reason this the only ride I enjoy!) and was a trooper in 2011 - even if the others in our cart may have purposely freaked him out even more...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">TX/OU weekend 2011 -- it was definitely a great first experience! It's so strange to attend Texas games. It's completely different from what I experienced at Baylor -- which is probably why I enjoy it so much -- but my heart will always belong to the Bears!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps the most exciting news of all - I snagged two tickets to the last football game in Floyd Casey Stadium on Dec. 7! Baylor vs. Texas here I come! Even though the tickets are on the visitor side, I think that will make Scott feel a bit better, and I'll still get to watch Baylor dominate -- and hopefully be Big 12 champs! (How exciting would that be?!) Anyone else attending? It's going to be a little bittersweet going to that stadium for the last time, but next year the new stadium is going to be AMAZE! Sail-gating anyone?</span>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-58792517536916799292013-10-07T13:35:00.001-05:002013-10-07T13:59:56.355-05:00Bloglovin<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm trying to catch up with the times -- now that Google Reader is RIP, I've been using Bloglovin to read all my favorite blogs. Follow me <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5881747/daydreaming-in-glitter">here</a>!</span><br />
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<a a="" href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5881747/?claim=rn7xym4sexu"></a>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-90145548701078655982013-10-07T10:04:00.004-05:002013-10-07T10:04:47.852-05:00Weekend Update<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow! This weekend really flew by.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although it was a pretty low key weekend, it was still a great one.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Had dinner at a small Italian restaurant, <a href="http://www.milanoaustin.com/">Milano Cafe</a>, (it's BYOB and we definitely took advantage of that) -- it was great food with a lovely cozy, off-the-beaten path atmosphere. Needless to say, with the wine, it was an early night for us. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't even leave the house all day. With ACL going on near my apartment (I could hear some of the music at times!), I didn't want to deal with all the crowds and extra traffic on a Saturday. It gave me a chance to catch up on my DVR, clean out my closet (you're welcome, sister!) and take care of some things around the apartment I seem to neglect during the week. I also started Scandal -- I know I'm a little late to the party here but it really is SO GOOD. The first two seasons are on Netflix -- I'm a couple episodes into the second season and I cannot wait to see what happens! I also watched my Baylor Bears DOMINATE West Virginia! It was the first time I had actually watched them play and I'm so, so impressed and proud of them!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was up early (thanks to the storm that blew in during the early morning -- thunder that rattles everything on my walls? That so rarely happens these days!) and took my time getting ready for church. Church was fabulous as usual but I was LOVING the cool, crisp morning! I can't wait for that kind of weather to stick around permanently! The rest of the day was spent running errands and taking in the nice weather. I did venture out to the grocery store that evening and saw this lovely wine display. As the only picture on this post, I feel it's very appropriate as it's so creepy/hilarious, it deserves to be front and center:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whatever helps you sell wine. I didn't buy that wine though-- I jumped, took a quick photo and promptly walked to check out...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday night routine was as usual -- made dinner with Scott and we watched Sideways (has anyone else seen it?? It was strange yet had some hilarious parts. Overall, I enjoyed it!) while drinking a special bottle of 2001 Matanzas Creek Proprietors Blend.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hard to believe it's already Monday! Have a great week!</span><br />
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<br />laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-14768965821419150472013-09-04T19:45:00.000-05:002013-09-04T19:45:22.518-05:00What I'm Loving Wednesday<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've never done one of these before but I've recently stumbled across a few things that I'm just dying to share!</span><br />
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<a href="https://stitchfix.com/welcome"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sitch Fix</span></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I found out about this via <a href="http://www.pbfingers.com/2013/08/16/things-im-loving-friday/">Peanut Butter Fingers</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sitch Fix is a personal styling service -</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was so intrigued and immediately created an account and filled out the style profile. Then of course I couldn't wait to sign up for a box. A week later...it was at my front door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's what I decided to keep and I'm so excited they're both great summer to fall transition pieces for Texas!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5hvSna6bE466XxDprMPRSQv-KXpLQVqDNcScotjWJ90p_w_t-RWgWeIbRkTUeZyT2pYl7eJOBsQtjN21jVBcAqpDPvUdMDGbNa-_5v0QYq6hWuzv4kRZiVySpENS8ZXJTk_4iyFu10SN/s1600/mail-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5hvSna6bE466XxDprMPRSQv-KXpLQVqDNcScotjWJ90p_w_t-RWgWeIbRkTUeZyT2pYl7eJOBsQtjN21jVBcAqpDPvUdMDGbNa-_5v0QYq6hWuzv4kRZiVySpENS8ZXJTk_4iyFu10SN/s320/mail-1.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZc-qZiyAdqsGEwJMiJbZwq0s7tTEEG3jfCQDn5EHEHmCwcaesPOI8CBuzX4lDNZ7PiuP-1qhDc0peSf1s8IuQ9iWScgZM-COZSxnMucaypNXTP_z6dLuCly71sjOUTLWEwqPoMj_1OIl/s1600/mail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZc-qZiyAdqsGEwJMiJbZwq0s7tTEEG3jfCQDn5EHEHmCwcaesPOI8CBuzX4lDNZ7PiuP-1qhDc0peSf1s8IuQ9iWScgZM-COZSxnMucaypNXTP_z6dLuCly71sjOUTLWEwqPoMj_1OIl/s320/mail.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I only kept 2 of the 5 articles of clothing sent to me (I already had something very similar to the v-neck cardigan and leopard print scarf - only the jacket wasn't really my style) they pretty much nailed my style and size just based on the profile I filled out. And I love you can send your style Pinterest board their way to help guide them as well as select price points so you're receiving clothes in your budget. While I wish I could just auto schedule the delivery, it's just not in the every month budget, but I definitely plan on getting another box when the weather finally changes!</span><br />
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<a href="http://theskimm.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Skimm</span></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel like all I do during the day is make sure I'm caught up on all the headlines and happenings around the world. A friend recommended this to me and I seriously cannot wait to get to work to read it every morning. The Skimm takes 4-5 top stories of the day and breaks it down for you - so you can be part of the conversation. It's so informative yet hilarious when they throw in any social/entertainment type commentary. I mean, their quote of the day is this:</span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Quote
of the Day: “I’m just going over there to have a good time and try to bridge
the gap with Americans and North Koreans.”–Secretary of State stand-in <a href="http://theskimm.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=02e860b1027d7c0e3dbcbe0e6&id=346cefe3fa&e=a1c420958a" target="_blank"><span style="color: lightseagreen;">Dennis Rodman</span></a> is
vacationing in North Korea again. Just visiting his good friend Kim.</span></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.theskimm.com/?r=1YZ5X"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sign up here!</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOOTBALL!!!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Y'all, I was up at 8am ready. to. go. I was so excited. I even intensely watched College Game Day - I was seriously like a little kid at Christmas. Living in Austin, it's a little more difficult to get to Waco for the Baylor games - especially with the boyfriend who is a UT alum. So while I did do a little tailgaiting and wear some orange...I was GLUED to my phone the entire game looking at updates - as well as rub in the fact we were killing Wofford while it took nearly the entire first half for UT to score one touchdown against New Mexico. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffIJfntmKYSpyggGuAn3v5mf4iHeafJORva6dL9d7nD2epHEZw6Z_wcsJYklna-58BKO5_jPI93fDAM9RYegebgIHyPf2iQ_nkzv-I8JdhywYNRuPtsAj0ctCNTL2DFfb5T4zoL8Ebi-2/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffIJfntmKYSpyggGuAn3v5mf4iHeafJORva6dL9d7nD2epHEZw6Z_wcsJYklna-58BKO5_jPI93fDAM9RYegebgIHyPf2iQ_nkzv-I8JdhywYNRuPtsAj0ctCNTL2DFfb5T4zoL8Ebi-2/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also had my fantasy football draft last night. I have zero clue how to play - in fact, about half my team was auto picked for me...I also didn't realize I picked a free agent. Since I knew him in high school, I had to have him on my team. (Will someone pick him up, please?!!?) I threatened everyone in my group if they picked RG3 before me (Sic 'Em!) and chose Jay Cutler as my back-up QB (because he's married to Kristin Cavalleri - duh.) And of course, my team name is Dillon Panthers. I think this will be a winning team (I'm actually not sure who more than have of these people are???):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Texas Craft Spirits Month</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Governor Perry has declared September Texas Craft Distilleries Month! A pretty awesome lobbyist - and now executive director for the <a href="http://texasdistilledspirits.org/">Texas Distilled Spirits Association</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Scott - I'm so, so, so proud of all the work you've done so far for Texas distilleries and their association! Just had to brag for a sec :)</span> - helped the Texas distilleries pass some bills to allow them to give samples to those on the tour of the distillery as well as sell up to 2 bottles of their product per customer at the distillery. There were a couple more bills - but those are my favorite and ones that affect you if you ever go to tour a distillery! As they say, "Come and drink it!" Make sure to buy your favorite Texas liquors this month - everything from Titos, Rebecca Creek, Deep Eddy (which if you haven't had their ruby red grapefruit vodka with a splash of club soda and a lime this summer - you're seriously missing out) and more. One of my personal favorites: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TreatyOak?hc_location=stream">Treaty Oak Distilling</a> which makes Starlight Vodka, Waterloo Gin, Treaty Oak Rum, and Graham's Sweet Tea Vodka. All of those taste fabulous and the Starlight Vodka label is absolute perfection. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DLeMuu6VXQLaMqpes3MBdVimXYVYMdQlipwutdQCldaq4BsMm4fMn4Bznv_IkTWtZfkFszJKMKEFo0aQq8dB2t1n1Z6qjrGln62vl6PCPHQz04ocTF-dhnKVb_n2F_aBL2VVmURaO2h4/s1600/577965_574918885853424_656544471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DLeMuu6VXQLaMqpes3MBdVimXYVYMdQlipwutdQCldaq4BsMm4fMn4Bznv_IkTWtZfkFszJKMKEFo0aQq8dB2t1n1Z6qjrGln62vl6PCPHQz04ocTF-dhnKVb_n2F_aBL2VVmURaO2h4/s320/577965_574918885853424_656544471_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">(photo credit to the Treaty Oak Distilling Company Facebook page)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you, Scott, for the newest apartment addition to go along with my bar cart! (Don't worry, <a href="http://lifeasthemrs.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a>- the "S" has just moved locations in the living room - it's still a favorite of mine!)</span></div>
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<br />laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-9598862883232001752013-08-28T11:57:00.000-05:002013-08-28T11:57:02.221-05:00Here I Am, Again...<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clearly, I'm not very good at keeping up with this...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I figured it was time to post something after viewing <a href="http://lifeasthemrs.blogspot.com/">Brittany's blog</a> and my blog was way down at the bottom on her blog's she reads list - not cool, Laura, not cool.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a busy summer - family vacation to New Orleans, started a new job, my 10-year Waldemar Hilltopper reunion, lots of weekend afternoons at the pool and wondering where the summer actually went since it flew by way. too. fast.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As it comes to a close with Labor Day right around the corner and the most exciting time of the year - FOOTBALL - beginning tomorrow, I'll do a more detailed recap of the summer later this week. Pictures are always a plus and I don't have any with me at the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know I said I'd be better at the whole blog thing, but I am promising to update when I actually have newsworthy things going on. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xoxox</span><br />
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<br />laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-14219115046015864372013-05-23T10:19:00.000-05:002013-05-23T10:19:44.945-05:00RED + TBT<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For Christmas I surprised my sister with tickets to see Taylor Swift in Austin. I lucked out and got a hold of the pre-sale code....those tickets seem to be IMPOSSIBLE to get.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After 6 months of waiting, Tuesday night was finally the night! And we had a blast!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whether you like Taylor Swift or not, she knows how to perform and put on an amazing show. It was probably one of the best shows I've ever seen. In fact, I can't think of anything that tops it....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although we were pretty much at the very top, she did an outstanding job with working the entire crowd. Everything from flying through the air, crowd surfing, and for her acoustic set, putting a stage in the back where the audience was sitting. She had a ton of dancers dressed up in different costumes. Very whimsical and it's almost like watching a broadway number.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And because we were near the top, I wasn't able to get any good photos. I think that may have had something to do with all the lights -- each time I took one, it was just a blob of white! There's also a good chance I just don't know how to work my phone...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Below are some videos of a couple songs. {who knew there was a size limit to videos? sorry if they're a bit grainy. had to compress them a bit...any advice on how to correct this in the future would be greatly appreciated!} You'll be able to see how crazy the lights were but luckily I was able to get in one of the larger tv screens to see her on.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're ever able to see her live -- DO IT. She really is an amazing performer and you won't be disappointed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">{before the show started...this is the only photo that actually turned out!}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{Love Story}</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{We are Never Ever Getting Back Together}</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And now a Throwback Thursday photo, since it is Thursday after all. This is for you Lindsay! Since I didn't even know you read my blog, I thought I'd put this up and remember the first time we ran a half marathon together almost 3 years ago! Third times a charm for reals. After being sick and then a monsoon hitting Waco...our third attempt was a success. We need to get another one on the books soon -- Napa/Sonoma???</span></div>
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laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7729737486266017500.post-32472795476849375492013-05-20T11:25:00.000-05:002013-05-20T11:25:04.566-05:00Weekend Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm not doing so well with the whole keeping up with the blog thing or taking a lot of photos to share...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So here's a little weekend recap for you. Nothing super eventful happened. With the legislative session starting to wrap up, my weekends are pretty uneventful, but relaxing--and it's perfect:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Friday: I took the day off to attend UT graduation -- Scott's sister graduated! UT graduation was pretty similar to Baylor...just too much burnt orange and not enough green.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Morgan with her brothers! They look a bit like bodyguards. You may not be able to tell, but they have headphones in which made them look a bit like security. The House of Representatives decided to have a bit of a meltdown and both of them had bills on the calendar. Luckily for both of them, it turned out just fine!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saturday: I spent the day relaxing which ended up out at my apartment pool with Marcy and Scott. I decided to try a new sangria recipe -- and was a success! I followed <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/03/sparkling-grapefruit-sangria/">this recipe</a>, but I added an extra cup of grapefruit juice. We liked it a bit more tart than sweet. I bragged after successfully opening the bottle of prosecco without exploding it. And then about 30 seconds later, I exploded the bottle of club soda. Typical.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That evening, Scott and I attended the big all-university UT graduation with his family. UT has individual ceremonies for each school on Friday and Saturday where they call the names, all formal ceremony-like. Saturday evening is when everyone comes together out in front of the Tower. It was a really neat experience! I wish Baylor did something like it. Sanya Richards-Ross was the keynote speaker (I was excited about this -- I was just a <i>little </i>obsessed with the summer Olympics.) and as each dean of the different colleges got up to speak, the colors changed on the Tower. Of course, I had to snap a pic when it was green! And to close the show, they had amazing fireworks! That was definitely my favorite part!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">pretty sure this won't ever happen again until graduation next year. Sic 'Em.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVHYKFxhx8yi9pRLThSPDtcRyZO88R7Vf7A7cBwljt4swvGh_f69_fZ1I7L8x5BUniO93VhPjalkW7KwMnq-eZ0YqtwtAO03iZcwHN62kALS29S31cDJ6to5mxr8Cm3-cX06K3RCQDYdd/s1600/mail-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVHYKFxhx8yi9pRLThSPDtcRyZO88R7Vf7A7cBwljt4swvGh_f69_fZ1I7L8x5BUniO93VhPjalkW7KwMnq-eZ0YqtwtAO03iZcwHN62kALS29S31cDJ6to5mxr8Cm3-cX06K3RCQDYdd/s1600/mail-1.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sunday: After church, Scott and I ran some errands and ended up having lunch at <a href="http://www.electriccock.com/">Mrs. P's Electric Cock</a>. Fantastic fried chicken right out of a trailer. Next time you're in Austin, you need to go! It's right on South Congress among other fun restaurants and shops!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I stayed inside the rest of the day....agricultural fires coming up from South America and Mexico created a disgusting haze all over the city. But, of course, that didn't stop the weekly tradition of Mad Men watching to round out the weekend! I'm not so sure how I'm feeling about this season. Don is becoming a bit unlikeable...I'm missing what the show brought during the first couple of seasons!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This morning as I checked my Twitter feed for the morning news, I see my friend, <a href="http://lifeasthemrs.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a>, is a guest post on <a href="http://sparklysweetblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/london-calling.html">this blog</a> today! She talked about the best. summer. ever. we spent in London back in 2007! It was such a nice surprise getting to reminisce -- go check it out!</span><br />
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<br />laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178091284419201571noreply@blogger.com1