scarf crazy

Due to my week long illness, I went a little crazy with my free time. I made some scarves - I haven't had time to put these on my etsy site, but they are available if you'd like one. I'm working on 3 more that will be done by the end of the week. I'll throw those up too.

This one if my absolute favorite. It's so long and thick. You can wrap it like 3 times and still look cute. Believe me, I tried it on the boys and they even liked it.


This scarf was made with sock yarn. It's incredibly soft and delicate. It only wraps once.
This one is a bit on the short side. It would look good to just hang. But the colors are so pretty.

Oh mah God my cat is so cute!

I wish I had a video tape of this. Colotte is snoring and shaking her
paws. Wonder what she is dreaming of?

The Hyatt Regency Austin Gingerbread Village

In case you haven't had a chance to look at my Facebook or Twitter account - here are some pictures from the unveiling of the Gingerbread Village this morning. Chef and his crew went above and beyond your average gingerbread house and created this gorgeous recreation of the UT Tower, Capital and the Hyatt. It really looks so incredibly life-like - with little people figurines, a moving train and a lake.

Here is the story:
The Story of the GingerBread Village at the Hyatt Regency Austin


We started to build the village in October…

It is composed of the following buildings:
Capitol Building
Hyatt Regency Austin
UT Tower
Chef Javier’s Chateau House

The total time it took to build the village is over 200 hours,
Time worked by our Engineering, Stewarding, and Culinary teams.

The village is comprised of:
50lbs of icing
80lbs of assorted candies
Jelly Beans
Candy Canes
Tropical Punch Pop Rocks
Strawberry Punch Pop Rocks
Watermelon Pop Rocks
Swirl Lollipops
Mini-Pops
Psychedelic Pops
Spree
Mike & Ikes
Key Lime Mints
Peppermints
Over 200 trees

But mommy I want some turkey!

My poor cold hands

I don't know what it is but my hands and feet are always, always
freezing.
I was in desperate need to find a cute fingerless glove pattern-- and
tadaa!! Here they are. Super cute shell pattern really adds to the
look.

I'm not 100% happy with these since it was my first go at it, and one
warmer is slightly larger than the other around the scalloped edge.
Being a perfectionist sucks.

Holidays Schmolidays

With the upcoming holidays comes impending doom for a newlywed couple. Basically this means the new couple wants to share in the fact that they now have an inviting adult house. One of the many ways to show off your home, besides throwing lavish parties, is to invite your family to your humble abode for Thanksgiving dinner.

In the moment, one does not think about all the preparations that loom - for instance, finding open space for all family members, which also includes a few days of heavy cleaning. This type of cleaning sometimes involves things you may not do on a regular basis - for instance cleaning the ceiling fans, hiding the bong and boxing up the sex toys.

I haven't even begun to touch upon the cooking debacle that looms. Good thing my husband is an excellent cook. I basically put cookie dough on a cookie sheet and expected it to bake in the oven. (See December's cookie blog fail.) The part I have played in the planning is compiling a list of recipes. Matt chose the ones that would be most appetizing. I give my seal of approval on all the choices and I haven't even tried them. Are you curious? Wanna see what is on the menu at the Mitchell's this Thanksgiving?

Stuffed Mushrooms

The Maple Roasted Turkey

Buttermilk and Dill Mashed Potatoes

Green bean Casserole


Of course I expect a few random sides in there, but this is the jist of it. ANNNND I even bought a cute apron from Etsy for the occasion.
I plan on being in the kitchen and trying my best to lend a hand. It may get burned, mangled or cut, but that is the price I will pay for being hostess.

Yelp Elite Party Mad Men style at the Highball

Wow. I had such a good time! Yelp always puts on a great party, as usual. This one was free food, bowling, karoke, Maker's Mark and Harpoon Brew. Annie Ray was also in attendance with her fabulous photo booth.

I had to get my hair done for this event, I was so excited. The wonderful Leslee at Wet Salon did my Joan-wannabe updo. It was super fierce and got tons of compliments.

There was quite a few appetizers passed around but I only partook in a few bites since I am officially off the cleanse today. Can't let all this great work go to waste for one event.

I love this picture. The guy taking it was giving us directions on how to pose. I think he told us to look forlorn and lost. Mission accomplished.

Look at Lindsay's lips! Those babies are huge. I bet they could smother a small child.

Awww much better smiling.

My favorite girls, poor Dana had to go to Jim's softball game right afterwards so she couldn't dress up.

RAINBOWS and KITTENS

Today at lunch I was sitting in the cafeteria when my attention was drawn to the television. Every single thing that was on CNN was about something terrible - either pedophiles, sex crimes, or murder. Honestly, the coverage put me in the worst mood. We began a discussion on why there is never anything cute on the news. I agree....CNN is a negative Nancy.

Therefore I have decided to make this post a HAPPY DAY post! Here are some things that make me happy:

Getting into a warm bed at night and having Colotte follow me in, crawling into her favorite spots (in between my legs or under my butt.) <----- both places must emit large amounts of heat!

Trying on a pair of pants and having them be too big for you.

Thursday and Sunday night TV shows (even though I am sad about Mad men being over)
A perfect dish of calamari



Burning a fresh candle that smells like cookies or cake

Not peeing out of my butt



Finding cash in my back pocket

Snuggling with Matt on the couch

Now don't you feel good? I know I do.

See what happens when I don't eat for 8 days?

So I got crafty this weekend and looky what I did. I'm going to throw them into my etsy shop as soon as I get a few more done. These pictures don't do the colors justice, I was too lazy to color correct and actually use a decent background. But that red hat is freaking fabulous. Actually they all are. I wouldn't mind if they don't sell. I'll keep them all for myself.

See something you like? Let me know and I will reserve it for you and knock off a little from the price.

Fun stuff this weekend!

Need some ideas for cool things to do this weekend? Here are some events and cool things that may interest you. If I see more things pop up, I'll add to the list!

Thursday

Heads & Holgas: Art by Hope Perkins & Cory Ryan

Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm Austin Art Garage

Free adult beverages!

Austin Daily Press - Thursday's Launch Party from 6-8. Free beer & awesome pressed sandwiches.

Mugshots happy hour - $4 pitchers of Lonestar, $2 cheeseburgers, $3 Boca burgers & $3 jagers! Every Thurs & Fri from 5-8pm. Friday

Saturday

Tiff's Treats Grand Opening Charity Event!

When: Saturday Nov. 14th 9:00am-5:00pm
Benefiting: Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central & South Texas
Where: New Southwest Austin Store @ 3201 Bee Caves Rd #172. Austin, TX 78746
What: In honor of our 3rd Austin location, we will be selling cookies for $3/dozen! All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish®.
Fun Stuff: We will insert prizes into random boxes of cookies, so you have a great chance to win an awesome gift card or prize!

2009 EAST Austin Studio Tour

Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th & Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd
10 am - 5 pm each day
This year, for the first time, the tour also features:
20 Exhibition Spaces, 49 Happenings, and 30 Programs
all taking place throughout the 9 days of the tour

Doc's Backyard this Saturday for our Thanksgiving Food Drive and ESPN Austin Away Game Watch Party as UT takes on Baylor. Donate at least 3 non-perishable food items and you could win the Ultimate Ticket Prize Pack: Spurs, Toros, Stars and Houston Texans tickets

And so it begins. Winter is fast approaching, and I have this insane desire to cleanse myself before this horrible thing that is Thanksgiving debauchery starts. The one exceptional thing about working in an office setting is the vast amount of home-baked goods from coworkers. While this idea puts a spark of joy into my heart, and tummy for that matter - it leaves me with this feeling of dread. That feeling you get after you gorge yourself with pumpkin pie and tarts and brownies. I know it's coming, and I will be ready for it. Hence today is Day 1 of the Master Cleanse. I've been pro-active and cleared my weekly schedule of all things that involve food, drinking and frivolity.

I've gotten back into the groove of working out to the 30 Day Shred. Alas, the day Matt mentions he can see a difference in my fluffy belly, our xbox decides to die on us. Our dvd player does not work and I am SOL at the moment. Good wishes please on the safe and quick arrival of our repaired xbox. Till then, I starve myself with visions of maple syrup, lemons and cayenne pepper dancing in my head. Wheeeeeee!

These are a few of my favorite things....

My recent blog post got me thinking last night. Sometimes I stumble upon certain items or products that really blow my mind. There isn't a plethora of things that get me really excited - but when I find that certain something I want to shout it to the world - "Hey try me out! I swear this doesn't suck!" I try not to swear by too many things - but these, seriously, are my favorite things.

This luxurious Tempurpedic bed has really made an impact in our sleeping and comfort level. I cannot tell you the difference we feel from our old mattress, or any mattress for that matter. It's expensive - but so worth it. Especially for you side sleepers - it's amazing to lay down and not feel the springs or creaks or sags. You just sink into it - your whole body relaxing in a pool of warmth. Get this mattress!

We have 2 disgusting pets. They shed all the time. I can't believe we ever lived without this Dyson Pet vacuum cleaner. If you know us, in the beginning Matt would give everyone that came over a cleaning demonstration for months after we got the Dyson. We got the one that specializes in pet hair pick-up. It rolls on a ball, which is so handy when it comes to cleaning corners, underneath the tables and sofas. Plus the price has gone down considerably from when we got ours years ago. Another tip - you can check out woot.com. I always see some kind of Dyson for sale pretty cheap.

You saw the previous post on Zico. Enough said.

This workout has really changed my body. I'm lazy and I don't like to do much. That's not a good way to lose weight. I had to find a way to really lose weight and gain muscle in a relatively short amount of time (3 months.) Before the wedding, I would check out the Knot wedding forum and all the brides would swear by the dvd workout. You can find it at Target or Amazon for under $13. Basically the 30 Day Shred is a workout dvd by Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser. It consists of circuit workout of 3 minutes strength training, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute abs - 3 times. No breaks, no water, nothing. It's really tough and you can feel it the first time you try it. The workouts come in 3 levels. For me, it takes about 5-7 days to master a level. One of the best things about the different levels are the girls on it. One of them, Natalie, is always doing the more advanced version of the workouts - higher impact. Anita is lower impact and very good to follow on your first few days. I've done all the levels and think level 2 is the hardest. But it really works! I could feel muscle tone in a week. After 2-3 months of the Shred I was looking amazing, had a ton of muscle definition and felt fantastic!

There is a lot of negative comments when I mention the Master Cleanse. Personally, I don't care. It works - you can lose up to 10lbs and cleanse your system out to the point of feeling light and amazing. Yes it is hard. Should it be a diet? No. Do I use it for one? Sometimes. But every time I come off the Cleanse, I do feel like a million dollars. I would not recommend this on a monthly basis. Maybe once a season. But those that have been down this road know the benefits and drawbacks. You won't keep the weight off unless you completely change your eating habits. Remember, the first few days you are losing water weight. That stuff comes back pretty quickly. But the Cleanse can be a great way to kick start a new diet or healthy eating routine.

I'll think about some more....

My fabulous find!

I have let a few of my friends in on my secret lifesaver, I think it may be time to let the rest of the world know. I have the best hangover cure. It's called Zico and it is amazing.

"ZICO is 100% pure coconut water with natural flavor essences. With five essential electrolytes, more potassium than a banana, low acidity, no fat, no sugar added, and no cholesterol, ZICO is the natural, refreshing way to hydrate and replenish."

This stuff is for reals guys. It works well when taken the night of drinking, usually when you are crawling into bed. If you forget, reach for it first thing in the morning, take a nap, and you will wake up feeling much better than you started.

You can find Zico at Central Market and HEB. I'm not sure on the other healthy stores in town. Check out the zipcode look-up on the website.

I've tried the passion fruit and mango flavor and not been too impressed. I prefer the original. And another great thing about Zico - they are now selling them in large containers, so you can leave them in the fridge and have enough for the weekend.

Ok, enough gushing. I'm really in love with this product. There, I said it. Now you all know. Go spread the word my children and be free!

Cupcakes and Wine? Yes plz!

When it comes to happy hour, I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy myself than partaking in cupcakes and wine. Yes, that's a deadly combination for a cupcake fanatic like me...but throw in the fact it's for a good cause?? I'm sold.

We had a good time at House Wine and meeting Lori with The Cupcake Bar. I need to remember to bring my camera next time. The iPhone is not cutting it for showing off those delicious cupcakes!

The next 3 weeks....

Are jammed pack with fun events. This has been the first month where my social calendar is almost full. Share time!

Wednesday, October 21st - Cupcakes and Wine For Breast Cancer


The Cupcake Bar will be at House Wine w/cupcakes & wine pairings. Proceeds will benefit Komen Austin Org. Oct 21st 6-8pm RSVP: 903-0187

Also, leave with a little treat from Komen Austin. We will have a little "trick or treat" back for you to take with you! We would love to see you out and our menu ($13) includes a taster of 3 cupcakes and choose a glass of wine.

Try all 3 Lucious Cupcakes:
A "Race for the Cure" Berry Pink Strawberry Cupcake with Whipped Cream Icing. Filled with Strawberry and topped with Pink Sparkling Glitter
Halloween Caramel Apple Cupcake with Vanilla Cinnnamon Buttercream. Filled with Caramel and Topped with Cinnamon Apples and Toasted Walnuts

Dark Chocolate Cupcake with Spooky Orange-Vanilla Icing. Filled with Caramel and Topped with Candy Corn and Pumpkins.

Choose a Fabulous Wine:
Conde' de Subiratz, Cava, Sparkling Rose, Spain
Lovely effusive sparkling, chock full of luscious strawberries and raspberries; fine delicate bubbles.

2008 Reisling, The Stump Jump, Australia
Red apple, passionfruit & rose petals, crisp lime opens to lemons and a cascade of tropical fruits.

2007 Shiraz Viognier, Yalumba, S. Australia
Bright and youthful this wine is deliciously spicy, savory and silky

We hope to see you out at this amazing event for a great cause. Please RSVP so we can make sure to have enough wine and cupcakes on hand!

Saturday, October 24th - South Austin Community Acupuncture Re-Grand Opening Party


Join us in celebrating Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day AND our Re-Grand Opening!
Open house and FREE ACUPUNCTURE from 10-4
Then we'll PARTY, with and music by Conjunto Los Pinkys.

Come on out and enjoy some food, drink, and conversation around the clinic.
Bring a friend.

http://acupunctureworldheadquarters.com/

Wednesday, October 28th - Paint The Town Pink


Mani's, cocktails and dessert? Yes, please! Gather your girlfriends and make it a girl's night out at Paint the Town Pink while supporting a very worthy cause!

Paint the Town Pink is an all ladies happy hour to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This event is organized and sponsored by local women-run businesses to help support Breast Cancer Research.

The night will feature Sugar Mama's pink cupcakes, Cornucopia's pink popcorn, Tito's pink cocktails, & Milk + Honey spa's manicures (with pink nail polish!). We'll also have some great giveaways and raffle items!

Please donate at least $20 on the race page linked below. We will have will-call at the door, but you can also bring $20 cash at the door that night.

Susan G. Komen race link

November 1st - Yelp Drinks Week Kickoff Crawl 'Opening Ceremonies'
Let's try on some half-price cocktails! To kick off Yelp Drinks Week, we're hosting a crawl to try out some bevvies downtown. Join us at the beginning at 7:30 or drop in along the way, we'd love to see ya! Let's do this up pseudo-Olympic style and kick the five days off.

We're hitting these in order (with featured drinks listed):

LA CONDESA
Enlightened Austin Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
El Cubico (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
Las Ascendentes (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6

ROARING FORK (Downtown)
Huckleberry Rita (reg $7) During YDW $3.50
Blackberry Madras (reg $8) During YDW $4
Category 6 Lemonade (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

THE BELMONT
Belmontini (reg $10) During YDW $5
Classic Mojito (reg $8.50) During YDW $4.25
French 77 (reg $12) During YDW $6

November 1 - 5 - Yelp Drinks Week!
Austinites love unwinding with a cold beer, glass of wine or a tasty cocktail. This November, for the first time ever, Yelp brings you YELP DRINKS, a city-wide chance to sample something cool at places locals love! Participating locations will feature up to 3 adult beverages for 50% off throughout the promotion.

A few quick notes:

1) Yelp Drinks prices are good all day Sunday through all day Thursday while supplies last. Though we're calling this a happy hour, it's better -- this one lasts for five days.
2) Please tip on regular price.
3) Please consume responsibly.

LA CONDESA

Enlightened Austin Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
El Cubico (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
Las Ascendentes (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6

CEDAR DOOR

Austin Ultimate Mexican Martini (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Treaty Oak Lemonade Martini (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Pinky Friedman (reg $11) During YDW $5.50

MAX'S WINE DIVE

Sangria Max (blend of red + white wines w/ select fruit juices)(reg $6) During YDW $3
Luxury White (Cape Mentelle Chard) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50
Luxury Red (Beringer Knights Valley Cab) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50

CISSI'S WINE BAR

Sake Mojito (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88
Sangria (reg $5) During YDW $2.50
Spiced Apple Cider (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88

ROARING FORK (Downtown)

Huckleberry Rita (reg $7) During YDW $3.50
Blackberry Madras (reg $8) During YDW $4
Category 6 Lemonade (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

MARKER 10

Dr. Tito's (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks $5
Candy Corn (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks $5
Pumpkin Espresso Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks $6

HOUSE WINE
2006 Zinfandel, Cycles Falcon, California
Reg. $9 glass / During YDW: $4.50

2006 Tempranillo, Tinto, Paso A Paso, Spain
Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4

2008 Reisling, The Stump Jump, Australia
Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4

NOMAD

Pisco Sour (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Caphirinha (reg. $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Fernet and Coke (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50

PAGGI HOUSE

Raspberry Lemonade (reg $8) During YDW $4
Elderflower Royale (reg $10) During YDW $5
Blood Orange Margarita (reg $8) During YDW $4

IMPERIA

Kung Fu Cosmopolitan (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Imperia Pearl (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Jade Martini (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

THE BELMONT

Belmontini (reg $10) During YDW $5
Classic Mojito (reg $8.50) During YDW $4.25
French 77 (reg $12) During YDW $6

ANNIE'S

The Old Austin (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50
The Diablo (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50
DRUNGO ICE HOUSE

Live Oak Oaktoberfest (Reg $3.75) / During YDW $1.88
New Belgium Hoptober (Reg $3.75) / During YDW $1.88
512 Wit (Reg $3.75) / During YDW $1.88

BUFFALO BILLIARDS

Raspberry Lemonade (regular price is $5.50) / YDW $4.25
Peach Tea (regular price is $5.50) / During YDW $4.25
Pyramid Hefeweizen (regular price is $4) / During YDW $2

EDDIE V'S (Arboretum)

The Red Dragon Mojito - (reg. $8) / During YDW $4
Mayfair Martini - (reg. $10) / During YDW $5
Purpletini - (reg. $9) / During YDW $4.50

CLUB DE VILLE

Margarita (reg price $6) / During YDW $3
Lone Star (reg price $3) / During YDW $1.50
Jager (reg price $6) / During YDW $3
THE GINGER MAN

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Deschutes Black Butte Porter (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Sunner Original German Kolsh (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50

THE GHOST ROOM

XX (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
Shiner (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
(well) vodka & soda (reg $4) / during YDW: $2

CHUPACABRA

Frozen Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Spicy Mango Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Frozen Sweet Tea Vodka (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75

MIZU

Lychee Mint Martini (reg $9) / during YDW: $4.50
Chile Patron: (reg $12) / during YDW: $6
Mizu Margarita (frozen): (reg $8) / during YDW: $4

November 12, 6pm - United Way Benefit Wine and Cocktail Tasting

Raise a Glass for a Great Cause!

Republic National Distributing Company and the Hyatt Regency Austin invite you to start the holidays off with a wine and cocktail tasting benefitting the United Way Capital Area of Austin.
This organization assists over 6000 local agencies in our own community and the money they raise helps your friends and neighbors when times and circumstances threaten to overwhelm them.
Please join us for fantastic wines and cocktails and delicious hors d' oeuvres while doing something wonderful for those around you who need your help this year more than ever!
Tickets are $35 at the door and responses are kindly asked so we may plan accordingly. Parking is complimentary in the self-park lot. to the right as you approach the hotel. Bring your ticket with you for validation.