You're way out of the loop if you haven't seen or heard that there is now a Taco Deli on North Lamar. Even more wrong than not knowing there's a new-ish location, is not having eaten there.... so you if you haven't yet, then you just need to make it a priority. Since it isn't brand new the lines aren't quite as terrible as they were at first. I've also been generous enough to chow down at this location on at least six times by now and can verify that they definitely have their sh*t together. So go, enjoy and let their Dona sauce Blow. Your. Mind.

But... in the meantime, let your eyes feast on the smorgasbord of pictures below until you can get some in your belly.

A beautiful cup of cold brewed heaven from Hound's Tooth Coffee next door.

Long time no write! So, it's been a while and things have been beyond hectic and I'm so glad that it's settling out a bit and I'm really ready to get back to writing. Brent's 40th surprise party and trip were a total success and I'll get the post up about Belize soon but for now I'm ready to tell you about a great experience I had a while back at Beet's Cafe! I took a cooking class there that I had auctioned on while at the Umlauf Garden party which I posted about here (an awesome event by the way).  I can't remember the exact name of the class but it was basically an intro class into raw cooking.  I don't eat an exclusively raw diet but I do enjoy the food and how it makes me feel, so wanted to learn a few techniques.

So, I bid on this class also because they were going to teach basic knife skills. In my head I had envisioned a more hands on sort of class where they would watch your skills and give you pointers and that didn't happen.  The students (I would say 20 or so) sit in chairs and are given handouts and then it's a series of demonstrations. While in the class I was disappointed simply because it did not fit my preconceived notion, however, as the course went on I was distracted by the beautiful veggies and the wonderfully informative instructors. I was afraid they were going to push their raw-vegan beliefs on the students but they really didn't do that. I learned a lot, about eating raw, where to buy things, and about incorporating raw into my diet but didn't feel like I was judged because I do partake off eggs and such. Whew!

I was so glad when they made their creamy almond mild. I would never have known how to strain it through a cheese cloth and the almond milk was the creamiest I've ever had. It was nothing like what you buy in the store, which seems so watered down now. You can view the recipe here but I can guarantee there's some technique that's just easier seen than read.

Again, I though I was at first disappointed with the lack of hands on practice, that all melted away when I went home to create the various menu options that I learned. Upon first report when I left class, I thought I had wasted my time and money but I was oh-so-wrong and it took about a week to realize the true beauty of everything I learned.  Thanks so much to the Chefs!

Cream of Zucchini Soup, lick the bowl good!

This was the not-tuna-pate or something like that. I don't like onions so I didn't save the recipe but it looked amazingly like tuna salad.

I have tried to make Kale salad SO many times. It always tasted like I pulled a weed out of the garden and just started chomping, which is unfortunate a) because I love Kale and b) because I've had kale salad so many times and loved it. I can't give away all the secrets so you'll have to take the class to learn the secret! Their Mediterranean Kale Salad was perfectly fantastic.

One of these contraptions is definitely on my wish list for purchases. I wasn't fooled that it was pasta, and that's not the point, but he texture of the zucchini noodles was far better than I expected. I was impressed.

No meal is truly complete without dessert and a fabulous, incomprehensibly vegan (no milk or dairy) Chocolate Mousse was created. Nice ending ladies!

There is sincerely nothing bad I have to say about this experience. I learned a ton and have definitely used the skills a few times and hope to do so more and more.  If nothing else I definitely suggest visiting Beets for lunch or a delicious, mostly guilt free dessert!

First of all let me say that all the shops on the GlamShop tour were fabulous. We first went to Beyond Tradition and met the Co-owner Phillip. He was quite a character.  Cory, pictured above,  designs Tikkr watches.  Kappie was a doll and told us how she fashioned her "Fashonista" beverage with cranberry juice, vodka, and champagne... nice! They have some really cool/chic items from jewelry to bags for chicas and wallets to watches for men. 

We then ventured to Eliza Page where a young lady was very helpful in my futile attempt to find a replacement wedding ring for Brent. Next was Girl Next Door, which I learned has a super secret back room with up to 70% off. I found a fabulous dress for $69 that was normally $350. If I had bigger boobs I would have bought it but it isn't a bargain anymore if you have to add a 5k boob job.
Last and definitely not least was Estilo. These ladies were superbly helpful and I literally tried on about 12 dresses as I was looking for something special to wear to my friend's wedding this Sunday (which I'm uber excited about). Unfortunately I didn't find anything but they had some truly truly fabulous things. It isn't a store I could afford on a daily basis but for a special occasion it's worth the splurge!! The ladies were so friendly, helpful, and I definitely didn't feel they were trying to send me out the door with a big bill and a big accentuated butt. Thanks lovelies! Hopefully next time I'll find something and after that great service I can guarantee I'll be back.

So, now on to the GlamShop concept. In my meager opinion the "event" did not go off well. I paid $6, and additionally convinced my friends to pay for tickets that would have cost like $12 at the door. For some reason, maybe because of the fact that we had to buy tickets, I thought it would feel special. At least a little more unique than simply frequenting shops I can go to on any other day of the week, but it really wasn't chic or glamorous at all.  The only other difference from other times I've been shopping on 2nd street was the fact that I had a ribbon, similar to what one would use to tie a balloon to a child, on my wrist to indicate that I was idiot enough to pay $6. Yes there were beverages... but just a few. Food? Um, I don't consider a cheese plate at one shop and some chocolates at another to really be food. Now I know it's hard to get events together. I've been there. Austin is a tough crowd. We like to be out and about but we want a lot for our money. We RSVP but don't always show BUT when you throw something like this and advertise it like I saw everywhere it was quite a let down. Next time I'll pay at the door AFTER I see there's actually a buzz going in terms of  energy and booze. So, all in all, I'm glad to visit the shops once again but equally thankful more of my friends didn't come because I felt bad for inviting anyone at all.  I don't believe it's the shops "doing" but I don't really know. The way it's promoted it seems like some company puts these on.
Oh yeah, and the first 100 people that showed got goodie bags.  What do you think of when you think of a goodie bag? I think of a samples: lotion, cheap this and that's that make you feel fun and special. This goodie bag had coupons. Coupons to expensive stores that didn't really make a difference when you took off 10-15%. Thanks. This concept definitely needs to be revisited.

While Brent's in NYC I enjoyed a nice dinner at Whole Foods pasta bar. My favorite dish: 1/2 order of the pasta of the day, extra spicy, and a side salad with a bargained price glass of Italian Chianti for $4.50. For reading: some Tribeza, Austin Monthly, and a few other local magazines. The perfect wind down from an errand filled evening.

This weekend seemed like it was going to be nice and relaxing, slow and lazy. All of that took a quick turn when we began our day at 24 Diner, which I've blogged about here. I've visited a few other times and it was never quite as good as that first visit but we gave it another chance this weekend and it was pretty tasty. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of my food but the Veggie Sausage Patties are fantastic! They are bright red and when they come out actually look like some raw red meat, kind of ironic and funny.
So while at Breakfast we ran into two very nice folks from Dallas, Carolyn and Lampo.  They were in town for a wedding and looking for some fun things to do in the afternoon. After it was all said and done they were headed out to meet us on the boat a few hours later!

It isn't often you meet two people and then they meet your friends and you all end up getting along splendidly. Then it's even more rare, I would think, that you would end up spending the day together and then re-gathering for some night time fun. There were eight people on the boat and miraculously after sun burns, dehydration, and mild hangovers we all ended up going out (and everyone actually made it!) and headed to Shangri La, which I've also written about before here. Shangri La is one of those great Austin hangouts with the rare cheap drink, awesome outdoor backyard, and oh-so-hot bartenders! There's great people watching to boot. Tonight we less into people watching so much as our crew rallied from the day and continued to have a most awesome evening, though I did have to let one girl know how much our table liked her style. She then proceeded to tell me that her dress was actually an apron... clever.
I love Austin because I really don't think there's many other places where strangers meet and then actually hang out. I credit Brent for speaking to them when I stepped away and my awesome girlfriends for being so welcoming to new girls that come into the group. Ladies, you know it's hard to find girls who aren't catty and I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such a troupe. Of course, it's also the people you meet so thanks Carolyn and Lampo for the company!

Sadly, the night did have to end and we ended it by stuffing our faces at the Onion around 3am. In my opinion, the Onion has the best late night pizza around. They've moved and I hope the construction zone in front of their place doesn't detract people because it rocks! I love/hate that it's right in front of my house.

Well, lately I've decided/ been pushed a little into the sport of golf. It only makes sense as I'm taking over the running of mine and Brent's business, Eye Caddie. So since I need to know a bit more about the sport I've acquired some clubs, got some super cute golf outfits, and the all important pink golf shoes and I'm ready to go. Timing worked out perfectly because Young Executives partnered with Grey Rock and had a special golfing event Friday night.  Young Execs got to play some golf at a special rate and then head to the clubhouse for some live music, food, and drinks.

So after a few times at the driving range and a mere 8 holes of golf how am I doing? Well, I am pretty consistent. Whether it was a Par 3 or a Par 4 it generally took me 8 shots. SO, I'm not really that good but at least I am trying. I think I'll like the golf a bit better than I thought I would but the pink shoes and cute get-ups certainly help in my feeling inspired!  I also learned how much our Caddie's work and I see a definite need for me to hire one the next time I'm out!

Recently I went to FINO with my long-term career counselor, Doug. It was my first time at FINO and I decided to try it out since I bought a gift certificate on Restaurants.com. If you hit their website at the right time you can get like 80% off of a certificate and it challenges me to try places I haven't been before. So, I got a $25 certificate to FINO for like $5 bucks. Not bad! Granted you have to buy two full entrees but it's totally worth it!

One thing I didn't realize about the restaurant is that it serves a lot of Texas local meat, so I was happy to split a couple of entrees with Doug and I got to try several of their dishes; it was really good!

The stuffed peppers wasn't my favorite dish of the night; it was good not great. Our server did a great job at suggesting wine pairings!

Somehow I didn't get a picture of my favorite dish:
Za'atar & Roasted Garlic ChickenSpinach, Hazelnuts & AppleCurrants & Garbanzos.  The chicken I will definitely be back for, the garbanzos were toasted and the chicken was flavorful and cooked perfectly! I'm not even a big chicken fan but I will crave this dish and can't wait to bring Brent in to try it. We liked it so much that Doug, in his usual extroverted fashion, raved about it to the table next to us and they both ordered it as well. I'm never that bold but he made an excellent recommendation!

So, dinner was good and as always it's fun to catch up with Doug. Doug helped me find my place in the world a couple of years ago professionally. In this crazy world, if you find yourself soul searching for where you want to be/what you want to do, look him up! (His LinkedIn link is up top). Every time I meet with him he presents to me a simple yet brilliant challenge. Though he helped me find my niche a few years ago, I'm ready to spread my wings again and with his guidance, continue onward in my journey to be a Young-ish professional. 

I hope everyone is doing well out there and if not, head to FINO for some wine and food and I promise, you'll feel better fast.

I continue to fall in love with Heather at Salon Sovay.  I blogged about her here and here. I don't even think I've been going to her for a year yet and I love that she helps me put a twist on my look almost every time I come in to see her.  She's so great at what she does; Heather is a perfectionist and always wants us both to be happy when I walk out the door. I was almost embarrassed to come get my most recent "do" re-done simply because it had been way to too long since I saw her last. I couldn't believe I was STILL getting compliments on my locks up to the very day I walked in the front door.

Since my hair was a little long I insisted on keeping my little pig tails. I was afraid to change everything all at once, I've never in my life gone this light before on the color, so I was terrified and excited. 

The whiter more platinum color, where my roots are, is the goal. We knew there would be some issue with the previous dark color that would be underneath and I can't believe how good the results came out! Of course, she was willing to spend more time with me and get it whiter but in the end we both agreed to give it some time and see if it lightens up on its own.

Clearly, from my ridiculous "Dark Knight"/joker smile, I love it. Once she dried my hair and styled it, I knew that all the mental preparedness I had done leading up to this was for nothing. There was no adjustment, no tears of sadness for making a big change, there is nothing but a big grin on my face and it looks awesome!

Brent didn't know that I was loving the big change, so I psyched him out a little and sent him a text message saying I wasn't sure if I liked it. He had a martini, with a freshly frozen glass, waiting for me was I walked through the door. He actually made a quite nice beverage calling it a "Hellfire Tini". It was made with Tito's, pickled jalapeno juice, cayenne pepper, and an olive. I will definitely have him stir one up for me again sometime. Poor guy, he thought he was going to have to deal with a mess when I walked in the door. Sucka!

I hate that I'm writing this post so late but that's how I seem to roll sometimes. Anyways, I went home, several weeks ago, to my hometown to celebrate my Mother on Mother's Day. It was a short visit but a good one none-the-less. My mom isn't so easy to shop for but she has a lovely garden to which I wanted to contribute. So, we sauntered down to the local Lowe's to do some browsing and shopping. I don't think either one of us really thought we were going to come home with trees when we chose our little sports car over the 4-runner my step-dad drives. BUT I saw the plum trees and we both loved 'em so you just make it work! Oh yeah, and there were two rose bushes in the trunk... Brent would have died! Granted, we did have to drive 25-30 miles-per-hour on the drive home but it was an adventure and well worth it!

My mom's house is a fantastical place to visit in the Spring. There's always life year round with horses, goats, chickens, peacocks, bunnies, donkeys, turkeys, dogs BUT in the Spring there's always babies. You never really know where you are going to find the new little ones hiding and I was home for a full day before I finally spotted the mama chicken that was nestled in the sidewalk foliage that you pass every time you walk from your car to the front door. I couldn't believe her amazing ability to hide and only discovered them because I heard a little "cluck, cluck" as a dog ran by, not seeming to care that they were even there. As I peeked down at her she moved around and 9-10 baby chicks just started peeping up a storm. It was so freaking cute I could hardly walk away! By the time I left the mom took the chicks out for their first walk in the yard, not very far mind you, but it's always a sight to see all the babies waddling behind.

My mom has a lovingly and lovely landscaped yard. I particularly enjoy visiting when everything is so green and luscious.

There is one part of the yard that has a tiny little table and two white chairs. (The picture didn't come out as I hoped so it isn't posted). Anyways, you can actually imagine that little fairies come out and play here at night. Between all the peacocks, birds, and various animals you actually feel like you might be "one" with the Earth. Yeah, I get my Hippy side from my mom.

Reyna was my dog when I was in college. Needless to say, as many college dogs do, mine went to my parent's house eventually. I miss her so!

All in all, it was a wonderful visit. I got to see my awesome nephews and got in a really nice visit with Jim and Mom.

I love you Mom with all my heart, I really do. I can't imagine being a parent and watching your kids grow up and how hard that must be. We make choices you are afraid of, do things a little differently than you might like but I know you always want the best for me, even if I don't do it like you might want. I am proud to be your child. I am proud to be the caring, loving, jovial person I am and that is because of you. I hear my laugh and it's yours. I see the way you make people feel welcomed in your home and how you take care of your guests and I definitely get that from you. Thank you for your guidance and your support over the years, though I may not heed it all, I do listen.  I'm glad to be in the special relationship we are in today and look forward to continuing to grow, together.

Lots of love to my dear mother, Tessa-