Postcards from Austin Part Two

Day two through five of my Austin SXSW adventures contained plenty more walking and more interesting sights and eats. Throughout the week, we visited plenty of food trucks and tested lots of barbecue. I never found myself a cowboy to bring back as I had hoped, but all in all, it was an exciting trip! Austin was filled with adventures and new things to try.

This is the lil guy that hovered above my friend and I as we ate at Riscky's (Ft. Worth), which to me was overhyped by the kind people at the gift shop next door.

Keane at Stubbs Bar-B-Q outdoor venue.

Blitzen Trapper at Stubb's.

A little Indiana Jones?

This man's tie looked almost like half of it was dipped in paint. I enjoyed all of his color and prints- Note the fun socks!

One part Patriotic, on part Daphne and Velma from Scooby Doo.

This girl just looked so hapy and chic. Big fan of the big hat and leopard loafer.

Feathered mohawk at the Kreayshawn show.

Witchy woman.

I adored the candy coated, glittery walls at Beauty Bar.

A roadside pet adoption center = BEST idea ever! This place was so precious, ull of sweet lil puppies. I wanted to bring one home so bad. Now the cat trailer was a different story...sweet in theory, but the smell of that trailer was no sweet ending.

Mighty Cone food truck was mighty cute!

I love cupcakes and I love food trucks. HEY CUPCAKE!

Red velvet, strawberry with a strawberry cream cheese icing, and "John Lemon" :)

Saw this winged style vixen at Lamberts during a Saddlecreek Records showcase.

Slinky, sexy...and a raccoon tail?

Zoom in and check out the cool spike covered shoes of the girl with the blue hair. This picture doesn't do them justice.

Strawberry daquiri sorbet sandwiched in between snickerdoodle cookies- Yum!

Schoolgirl charm.

I spotted this guy and fell in love with the combination of his navy shirt with the grey slacks and wine couch and the blue patterned socks really cap it off!

This cayenne color is so spring.

Her outfit was very pocahontas-esque. Leather-ish top and turquoise and gold accessories...soooo tribal!

Strappy sandals in the dirt.

Thee was something so romantic about their ensemble combo.

Casual jumpsuit, denim and chinos.

I loved this woman's huge bun just piled on top of her head, and her friend's blunt bangs are smashing! And look at those smart outfits.

These boxed waters were all over Austin. I have this weird love of boxes, so I was fascinated by this. It's not only neat, Boxed Water is also an eco-conscious company. Can we get some boxed water action, Omaha?

Buenos Aires Cafe

The cute little window table we were seated at with a street view.

The delicious prosciutto wrapped tilapia with potato gnocchi and dark, spicy chocolate creme brulee for dessert.

Two guys I thought were interesting at the convention center. I gathered from listening in on their conversation that they are in some band. Didn't gather a name though!

Casino el Camino restaurant

And lastly, my photo of the day. Couldn't help but admire the postered stone brick wall.

Trocadero is now on Pinterest!

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We're excited to join this new social media platform and share a few of our favorite things! Whether you love our blog for its recipes, fashion tips, or just want to learn how to live "the good life," our Pinterest account is the perfect place to go to see what we represent all at once. Find our favorite upcoming fashions on the "Spring Trends" board or get some dinner inspiration from the "Menu Board." 

You can also find our latest stock quickly and easily through the "Products We Carry" board. Anytime you see a must-have, simply call us at (402) 934-8389 to place an order! 

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Postcards From Austin

Last week I headed to Austin, Texas for the music festival SXSW (South by Southwest). One week in Texas yielded a lot to take in- from food trucks, crowds, outrageous outfits, to countless bands and endless clubs, bars and venues.

My first day began with brunch at the Magnolia Cafe, and from there the journey and never-ending walk began. Enjoy my photo diary of my first two days in the Lone Star state, and be sure to come back for my reel of the next three days.

The sign alone does it for me.

My 3 egg frittata full of smokey shards of bacon, broccoli, and topped with creamy sour cream. (Barely pictured, far left: a Sprite and hibiscus tea concoction that was quite refreshing.)

The garden patio of the Magnolia Cafe.

Brooklyn Vegan showcase at Hotel Vegas.

Daytime sparkle at Vegas.

Beards, caps, and shades.

More beards in hats at the Whole Foods Dark Rye tent.

Patio snapshots at Beer Land.

70s chic.

Traffic stopper.

My photo of the day. I loved this building side with these beautiful flowers!

KEEP CALM & WHATEVER

Everyone knows the saying and has seen this poster:

Right? Or at least a MILLION knockoffs like it. Like these:

(Patty's Day appropriate?)

I'll admit, these annoy me. My hours of pinning, seeing SO many of these, a girl can only handle so much. Until last night, I was visiting one of my favorite blogs, and came across a video on the meaning behind the simple saying. Needless to say, I have respect for the original now, and still don't care about the other ones. Although, I will probably tweet the beer one tomorrow!

Click here for the history behind the infamous poster!

Post some of your favorite - or not so favorite, 'Keep Calm' posters, or add them to our facebook page!

The Bra Every Woman Should Own

The other day I was shopping at Village Pointe. Yeah, it's my guilty pleasure. Before I used to go there exclusively to visit the genius bar at the Apple Store; now I seem to go there so often either on nice days for a stroller ride with Annabel or to pick up a cosmetic item here, or get a new item for my closet there. A couple years ago I would have never shopped at VP; it was way too commercial and mall-like for my tastes. But fast forward to living in suburbia, having a baby, not wanting to spend a ton of money on designer clothing and wanting to walk around outdoors.

I had picked up this new top on sale at LOFT and while it seemed something normal people would wear a camisole underneath, I specifically bought the top because I loved the low cut v-neck...something that is fairly hard to find without being vulgar.

I just knew I had to find a bra that would work for low cut tops and dresses. I took one step into Soma Intimates at Village Pointe, took a spin around and discovered a bra that was exactly what I was looking for.

Tada! The Soma Intimates bra is called the multi-way plunge bra and it looks exactly as it sounds. It has the lowest "scoop" front of any bra I've seen in a while and it also has adjustable straps that allow the bra to be a halter, criss cross, low back or traditional style. The cups are slightly molded but not super padded so the look is truly natural and comfortable to boot. It also created the best cleavage of any bra I have ever owned. I liked the bra so much I bought one in nude and one in black.

For the past year or so, I seem to only wear my nursing bra. It's easy, I don't have to think about it and it slips on and off in seconds (it's like a sports bra tank style). But even I have to admit that I can't always wear it (despite my wanting to!) and when I'm now only nursing at 7am and at 6:30pm, there's really no excuse. But with this new Soma multi-way plunge bra, I know it will work with practically everything in my wardrobe.

This bra will replace every other bra in your drawer. It's a great deal at $44 (and right now it's $34). So go on and check out Soma Intimates either online or in person.

Can't Live Without: Patricia Wexler MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum

Many years ago, a beauty editor friend of mine at In Style gave me a giant container of a Patricia Wexler product called MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum. I think I had complained about dry skin and she went into her cabinet of beauty products and handed me this full size container. All I knew was that "Pat Wexler" was a very popular dermatologist in Manhattan and now had joined the bandwagon of becoming a household name by creating a line of skincare. I also knew this stuff was expensive -- over $100 -- and was grateful for the freebie from my friend.

I remember liking Patricia Wexler's MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum, especially the consistency of it. Slick with a non-greasy "silicone" finish, I loved that this "serum" wasn't a liquid and it had a "powder" finish to it that seemed like a great foundation...for well,....foundation. I couldn't help but also love the bright pink, slightly fuchsia hue. It went on clear but I liked that it had a bright, cheery color as if it was "play" makeup!

Fast forward a few years and I found myself in a Bath & Body Works store at Village Pointe in Omaha and rediscovered my "old" friend. They were having a special sale: buy any Patricia Wexler product for $35+ and this normally $150 3.4 ounce Patricia Wexler MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum is only $45. Seriously, it wasn't hard to pull the trigger on that deal.

It was the same giant sized tub that my friend had given me years earlier. All I remembered was that I liked the consistency, that it didn't do anything terrible to my skin and that I would use it very sparingly as I wanted to save it.

For reasons I can only attribute to being a "magazine editor cheapskate" (it was hard to actually buy beauty products when so many items were available for free by asking a beauty editor for something or a dollar at the beauty sales), I had never bought the Patricia Wexler serum again even though I liked it.

I'm now on my third purchased jar of Patricia Wexler serum. I am still a cheapskate, though; I bought all three jars during the $45 special promos that go on at Bath & Body Works.

The Patricia Wexler MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum is worth every penny (even if you have to pay the full price of $150). For those of you who like primers, this really takes the place of a primer and a moisturizer for those days that you don't want the heaviness of a lotion. It truly has an amazing powdery finish that is smooth but not greasy. And that bright pink color is definitely a cheery way to start the day!

photo source

photo source

Forget Happy Hour... Happy Day is here!

I was just in Portland, OR and I found it was a city that is REALLY into their happy hours. All bars are required to serve some kind of food which opened the arena for a plethora of cheap, tasty appetizers, delicious martinis or local brews, whatever your flavor... on that note....

It inspired me to start mining for gold in my own backyard...

We look to travel across cities, countrys or even continents in search of something new. While that's all very important and fun, most days we aren't trekking across the globe, we're right at home. Here is one great happening right in our own community!

Our local Old Market neighbor, Urban Wine Co., made me very happy today. They just announced in my inbox that all fridays in all of March are ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR! So I guess that makes it... Oh, Happy Day!

Once this month, try to make this your destination after work, or heck, get there for lunch and take the rest of the day off. They have a fairly wide selection of house made sushi rolls for $5 and will roll out a sample of wine tastings right at the bar for you at an affordable price. Ask them about their Wine Club.

Located at 1037 Jones St in the Old Market, check their website for current hours and specials. Find them on Facebook here!

Got any favorite Happy Hour hangouts? Let us know where you go and why you love it!

Codfish Congee

Congee, traditional Asian rice porridge "soup", is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a light lunch. It's also soothing when I'm feeling under the weather because it's neutral and settles the stomach.

 This was my first time making congee all by myself-- the key I've found is to use short grain rice and be attentive to the consistency-- you want it thick (like porridge), but you can always add more broth to your liking. I choose to use cod fish-- chicken is common, and I'm curious to try salmon in my congee. It all depends on what kind of flavor you're craving. There are also numerous garnishes to try with your congee besides the traditional green onions-- try it with bamboo shoots, sliced chinese doughnuts, chili radishes, etc.

Codfish Congee:

(serves 4)

1 cup short grain white rice (I used sushi rice)
5 cups water
2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
1/4 cup ginger, peeled and julienned
1/4 cup green onions, thin slices
2 small cod fillets, cut into 1 inch pieces
salt to taste
dash sesame oil

soy sauce & sambal to taste

Wash the rice under cold water. Place the rice and 5 cups of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, occasionally stirring the rice so it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stir in more water (or broth) as necessary if the congee starts to get too thick, about a cup at a time. Turn the heat to high, bring it to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Add ginger and salt to taste. Continue to simmer until the rice is practically disintegrating and very soft (about 2 hours). When the congee is the almost done, add more broth to achieve a soupy consistency or continue to simmer to desired thickness. Add cod and cook until fish is fully cooked (be careful not to overcook!!) Top with green onions, soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil and sambal if you like your congee spicy. Enjoy!

The Illusion of a Lady

I have this phrase I always use with friends- "You have to keep the illusion of a lady!"-meaning that one should always be on their best behavior and put their best self forward when in public. (Yes, this includes sitting straight, shoulders back, and legs crossed). It seems that on the spring runways, designers took my advice by showing lady like ensembles in pastels and 50's inspired frocks.

Take a little mix of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and top it off with a bit of Blair Waldorf and you've got the right look. Designers like Marc Jacobs (for Louis Vuitton), Giambattista Valli, and Miuccia Prada all seemed to take inspiration from decades past with delicate details like lace, modest skirts that fall to the knee and ladylike pencil skirts, and demure blouses. The light and airy easter egg hues also lent themselves to the trend-- pastel pink, sorbet yellow and green seem to be the colors of the season.

Ladylike inspirations (clockwise from top):

Edith Head's Dress for Success, Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Pepto Pink, Prada SS 12 collection, Tocca grapefruit and cucumber hand cream, MZ Wallace Little Alice bag, Ginette_NY mini boy and girl 14 k gold w/ diamond necklaces, Prada SS 12, Dolce Vita suede pump, Louis Vuitton SS 12 collection.

I, for one, am pleased to see the nod to purposeful dressing. I cannot express enough my views on dressing for your career and stage in life, and then there's something to be said for just dressing to express all the right things and keeping some of it a mystery.

What are your thoughts? Too prim and proper or refreshingly sophisticated?

**All photos courtesy of Google images.

Manly Reminder

Ladies, this is for you!

I came across some advertisement clips last night that were deemed as "worth watching," so of course I had nothing better to do then to watch some, and I discovered one that I thought was pretty hilarious and wanted to share!

It's actually for a good reason, AND you get to stare at a few male hunks worth watching too.

What do you guys think about this advertisement?

The It Shoe of Spring 2012

It's been a while since I've gone gaga over a shoe. But this one from Pierre Hardy just does it for me. I LOVE the day-glo pink with the neutral beige. Forget about trying to walk in heels like this...I gave up years ago. But if I was still in NYC working it, I would totally tell the folks at Pierre Hardy that this shoe is the one. The shoe of the season!

Available at net-a-porter for a cool $1050.

Another Wardrobe Staple

It's Paris Fashion Week and I have absolutely no idea what the trends are for A/W 2012. I'm more of an inspired shopper than one to follow trends. I shop"non-seasonally." What does that mean? I'll tell you...

It usually starts with some flashback image of a look that I want. It can be a photograph or a picture of something I saw in a magazine or a flyer. Or it can be a memory of something I used to wear or of an item I saw at a store years ago that I can't get out of my head (obviously, should have bought as I continually think about it).

For a while now I've been wanting a gray light wool tuxedo jacket with a shawl collar. I know that sounds utterly specific and ridiculous. But it is a "look" that I have been searching for high and low. I came close to finding something similar in the summer of 2009 at the store Confederacy in Los Feliz but it wasn't quite right. Plus it was way over my price range and too small to boot.

I've been on that search for that perfect gray tuxedo-style jacket (just as I was for that perfect black leather motorcycle jacket), and my search has finally come to and end...

All I can say is "Thank goodness for the internet."

Yesterday my gray light wool shawl collared tuxedo jacket arrived. It's almost perfect. It would have been better if the shawl collar was more tuxedo in its scoop-depth (such as this Balmain to the left). It's actually more just a shawl collar gray jacket. But I'm not going to complain. It will serve its purpose.

This was all in thanks to shopstyle. Thanks to the folks over at PopSugarFashion sites, they make it so easy to do a "fast search" for something you are looking for. Type in black ankle boots and they'll find everything on the internet that has black ankle boot in its description that is on e-commerce. I'm thankful for shopstyle for finding me a bunch of things. Including this jacket.

Of all the places, my gray shawl collar jacket was from Ann Taylor. But living in Omaha, I've become a fan of places like Ann Taylor and LOFT as I don't have the access or funds to shop like I used to. But looking at shopstyle's site for tuxedo jackets, I couldn't find one that was gray. It wasn't until I typed in shawl collar gray jacket that I found this almost-perfect item.

While browsing the site, I found this jacket as well. I had seen a great double-breasted jacket (also from Balmain) that was over $2000. A great navy number with gold buttons. I thought, "a cool double-breasted jacket would be nice too," but didn't even think about it until the jacket to the right came across as one of the items during my gray shawl collar jacket. It's not exactly a shawl collar but I'm glad it made its way onto the search.

I loved the look of it. I could tell it was super long, oversized and had great potential. But I didn't know that it was $169.99 and reduced to $14.90. Fourteen dollars and ninety cents. With shipping, it was $20.85. Thanks to MANGO, I received a seriously awesome jacket yesterday. It might look not so great in this photo, but I put it on and was wowed by how perfect it was. Plus, it has great tailoring in its lining. My only pet peeve: I wish women's blazers had inside pockets like men's jackets.

I've added two fantastic gray jackets to my wardrobe and feel like I'm getting closer to achieving what I think are the best staples for any woman's closet.



source gray jacket
source white jacket
source gray double breasted jacket