New Books, New Beginnings

Happy 2011!

My first book purchase of 2011- Water For Elephants. I am really interested in the book so far and I've only made it through Chapter 1 (I bought the book yesterday). I'll post my thoughts every now and then and maybe do a review when I finish.

I also read Into The Wild over the break and had mixed emotions about the book. Chris McCandless, the young man who drops off the earth from his family, friends and everything secure, embarks on a great adventure "into the wild." I believe his intentions are admirable yet selfish and I think there's a whole other piece to the puzzle not mentioned in the book. I'd love to have a conversation with Chris McCandless, but I don't think he'd like a person like me. He despises all that is worldly and I, unfortunately, can say there are lots of worldly things I like. For example... Anthropologie, shoes, massages, and delicious elaborate dinners and cocktails. However, I do love the outdoors and an occasional "adventure." I'm not sure I've been on an "real" adventure in Mr. McCandless's eyes. One day I hope to get away like Chris, but I'd like to be with my family or a friend. I don't mind being alone, but it's not something I'd prefer over company. My life would feel empty and meaningless without people to share it with. McCandless does, through quotes and letters, open your eyes to the emptiness and false security in material things and a secure future. McCandless was so radically against those things that he judged and belittled people who did value those things even the least bit. Materials and a secure future are only negative things when people place their personal value, confidence and security in them.

The position that Chris's family and friends endured for years is a miserable feeling and Chris was selfish to ignore the obvious fact that his disappearance would cause lots of hurt and confusion. The author, Jon Krakauer, does a decent job of portraying Chris from all different perspectives. Some people called McCandless a narcissist and some, a hero. Personally I gathered that Krakauer greatly admired McCandless for both his adventure and his spirit. I have mixed feeling towards him.

Christmas break was filled with much-needed R & R, friends, family and FOOD. Blogging to come about the break's activities- Happy 2011! It's going to be a great year!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Ah, the Christmas season! As I write this post I am sitting next to a best friend, sipping hot chocolate and watching Elf. Clearly, I'm not complaining. There's something magical about the Christmas season, even if you're not 4 years old or don't still believe in Santa Claus. I recently bought the Glee Christmas Album in attempt to cheer myself up after quietly sobbing in the stationary section at Target as I searched for a graduation card for Kristin. The album is incredible! The last song, O Holy Night, gives me chills. Maybe that's because O Holy Night is tied as my favorite Christmas song, but really, go buy it!!

Thanksgiving was a wonderful break from school and I was able to do some fun things with Austin friends and spend time with my family. Becca and I got really domestic and made some delicious dinners. She always teaches me the newest and most nutrient rich veggie foods, like quinoa. 

                                                                                        

Quinoa somethings that Becca made- so good!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries

Turkey and Spinach Shepherd's Pie

Just before Thanksgiving break my roommates and I took our 3rd annual trip to Austin for our "roommate weekend" and for the Christmas Affair. Friday night we went to various places on 6th street but the highlight was for sure the Boom Boom Room. The BBR is exactly what it sounds like. Lots of bumping and grinding and perfect for anyone who wants to dance. We of course kept to ourselves but we did bust a move or two. The only thing that put a damper on my night was a snag in my brand new tights. Not to worry, returned them the next day for a new pair. Friday night before downtown we went to the Headliner's Club. The dinner was amazing and the company, even better!

That's all for now!

Merry Merry!

Woode Wood

Town Lake

This semester I am taking a photography class. I've always loved taking pictures, but I've never taken notice to the different techniques in photography. Our most recent assignment was to create a photo story. The photo story needs around 10 pictures with an attached story. Each photo is different and unique and should speak for the story. I chose to take pictures of one of my favorite places in Austin- the Town Lake Trail, recently renamed Lady Bird Lake. Here are my pictures for my assignment!

I got some strange looks as I snapped pictures of complete strangers... but I turned and walked quickly away before anyone could ask me what I was doing. This probably isn't the best idea considering it makes you look a lot sketchier than you really are. Oh well. I forgot to email myself one of my favorite pictures of Woode Wood. Woode Wood is a man who stands on a ledge looking over the trail and plays his guitar for passerby's. He is an interesting character and a bit creepy if you ask me. As I took photos of him he came down to talk to me and to show me his newest music video, "pretty girls." The video showed a wide variety of different girls looking into the camera whiping their hair to and fro or looking seductively into the camera. "These are girls around Austin I have met who said they'd be in my video!" Woode said. At this point I was genuinely freaked out. So I politely said thank you and kept walking at a faster pace. I'll post my Woode Wood picture later...

Howdy Doody

I'm not much for "Nashville" country music. I do love a few songs here or there, but mostly I favor Texas country! A few friends and I ate dinner the other night and watched the CMA's. There were various great performances and I do enjoy watching talented artists receive recognition. But come on country music industry, lets not forget out roots! Rascal Flats performed with bejeweled jeans and manicured fingers and Brad Paisley wore a skinny tie? I'm sorry, Who? What? When? Why? I was reminded of my appreciation for genuine COUNTRY. Which reminds me of my roommate, Alexis. Alexis isn't really all that country, she's actually from Michigan. But she went through a phase listening to the song "She's Country" for nearly 89 days straight. I know every word now! Anyways lets move on to the point of this post- Carrie Underwood was BEST DRESSED. She hosted the event so of course she changed about 4 or 5 times. I watched jealously as she presented awards, each dress more obsess-worthy than the next. I can't even pick a favorite! They were adorable...

So, Carrie, if you would please just send them in the mail. Thanks girl. 

The first dress is edgy and sexy. The following two are definitely more feminine and classic. The last dress risked seeming 80's prom but I think the color really pulled it off. 

Short and sweet post, but I couldn't resist sharing these! Love them. 

Happy Fall Y'all

It is officially beginning to feel like FALL! It's about time. Ok, let me begin with the highlight of my weekend. Ready? Baylor BEAT Texas! Was that a dream, you ask. No! It happened before my eyes. Honestly, I never thought I'd live to see the day. Sitting amongst Texas fans, both young and old, as the gap between the Baylor and Texas scores became larger and larger, I must admit that it felt DARN good! The stadium was quiet with disbelief and by the 4th quarter had cleared out considerably. I stayed until the very last second, soaking up the glorious victory. All that was left in the stadium when the clock hit 0:00 was a roaring Baylor football team and a faint "Baylor" clap clap "Baylor" clap clap. It was AWESOME. I believe the win was well deserved and no, I don't feel bad for Texas fans one bit! Share the winning wealth, will ya?

Friday night some friends and I ate dinner at Moonshine in Austin. Located in downtown almost adjacent to I-35 and 3rd street, I believe. The food was incredible. I've only been there one other time but I had forgotten how unique the place really is. It was pretty packed since it was a Friday night, but the back patio and fireplace made for a lovely wait. I ordered a few grapefruit and vodka's... my staple drink! Gotta get the vitamin C! The drink was made with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and was totally refreshing and delicious! I give Moonshine an A++ for food, drinks and atmosphere! Loves it.

Saturday was game-day. I forgot to pack any green so I stopped by Beehive to get an appropriate green game-day shirt. I found a great slouchy forest green tye-dye top and a statement gold necklace that paired nicely with my Halloween costume that night (coming later). The game was fun, clearly. And the weather was perfect! Here are a few pics from the game...

After the game was the second best highlight of my weekend. I. Was. LADY. GAGA. I legit looked like her and felt like a total rockstar. Check it...

 You can sort of see the necklace but it was a major steal at Beehive for $30. And it was perfect for both occasions of the day (Game-day outfit and Lady Gaga). Cory and I walked around on 6th trying to find a bar that didn't have an hour long wait outside of it. Our search was a fail and we opted for late night breakfast and milkshakes at 24 Diner. 24 Diner is located on Lamar just across from Anthro/Rei where the old Waterloo used to be. It's so good! Unfortunately there was another Gaga in the restaurant, but I got over it. We ordered the 24 Hash and a, get ready, TOASTED BANANA AND CINNAMON milkshake. It was literally heaven. Best Halloween EVER. Seriously, go there, order it.


Overall, pretty great weekend! Things to look forward to:
Fall parties! WOO! Not...
Baylor football, the possibilities are endless!
Austin weekend with the roommates
Thanksgiving break
Montana trip

Fall things I am currently craving incluuuude:

Plaid coat from Free People... this jacket is SO SOFT and perfect to wear with anything!

These Frye boots which are classy yet sassy... no rhyme intended. 

Totes love them. Ok that's all for now! xoxo

These are cool

http://www.lululemon.com/about/culture