What was the 1st Annual ATX TV Festival? It was a 48 hour festival celebrating tv! The coolest part was the access! The stars just hung out wtih everyone (I didn't have any special access/badge)
Seriously...if you are a tv fan...follow www.twitter.com/atxfestival to see who and what they have coming next!
Friday Night
On the red carpet - Scott Wolf for his new show Kaijudo:Rise of the Duel Masters. I swear he has not aged since Party of Five!
Scott Porter - Played Jason Street on Friday Night Lights...and currently playing George Tucker in Hart of Dixie.
Judy Greer - The voice of Cheryl in Archer. She also is in basically every movie ever made.
Life Unexpected stars: Shiri Appleby - Britt Robertson - and Arielle Kebbel
Do you ever watch Royal Pains on USA? That is Divya!
Later that night...during the after party we got to watch Mae Whitman from Parenthood sing with her boyfriend Landon Pigg
Then after dancing with fans...fellow Parenthood cast member Jason Ritter joined the fun too!
I also grabbed Michael B Jordan from Friday Night Lights and Parenthood.
He is so good looking!
Saturday
First I had to moderate a screening of The League, The new Nick Kroll Comedy Show, Archer, and New Girl. Paul Scheer, Nick Kroll, Judy Greer, and David Wain were in attendance.
**Fun tidbit - Judy Greer shot a pilot for ABC this year. They had an hour and a half meeting about her hair. ha.
Then I moderated a screeing of the new TBS Show starting this summer called, Sullivan and Son. The show stars comedian Steve Byrne.
Producing the show is Peter Billingsley. You might remember him as the kid in A Christmas Story. He is also Vince Vaughn's producing partner. They did the movies The Break Up and Iron Man.
Then I headed to the TBS panel featuring Bill Lawrence (creator of Spin City, Scrubs, and Cougar Town) This was a love fest of tv.
I took pics with Ian Gomez from Cougar Town...remember when he was Javier on Felicity!
Brian Van Holt plays Bobby on Cougar Town
Sunday
Parenthood screeing and Q&A!!!!!
Dax Shepard, Mae Whitman, and Jason Ritter representing!
I am obsessed with these new earrings from Kendra Scott. Obsessed.
They finally debuted in stores yesterday....and now the big debate is which color and size to get. (They come in large and small)
Pair these earrings with any outfit....and you will make a statement.
So since I got my dog black lab Jet, I am really into making sure he is the cutest dog in the dog park. (I know...so silly)
As a new dog owner I have quickly learned that collars get smelly and dirty quick. That is why I quickly grabbed a waterproof collar from the new Polka Dot Bakery line at Target.
Jet is now totally rocking the 80s lifeguarder look!
The line also has some great packable water/food bowls great for summer adventures!
If you are into Pinterest, Etsy, or DIY crafts then take some time to check out the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend at the Palmer Events Center!
Details
Saturday and Sunday *5/19 - 5/20
11am - 7pm
The event is FREE!!!
This is not your typical "craft/art" fair/bazaar with the guy selling soup in a bag/dips etc. The Renegade Craft Fair supports indie craft makers. Expect a lot of handmade jewelry, crafts, prints, cards, pillows, etc.
Grab your girlfriends and go shopping! This is truly a place where you can find some special one of a kind stuff.
Favorite trend of the summer = Neon Shorts!
I normally hate wearing shorts (I hate my legs)...but I feel like the in your face neon-ness draws attention away from the legs?
Also...I just can't say no to neon pink.
Austin Food and Wine Festival was in town over the weekend. I would have LOVED to attend, but the prices were a bit steep for me at $850 a pass. Luckily I have a old friend that had a hook up with Cuvee Coffee from Smithville and he invited me to a dessert tasting at the Hotel St. Cecilia Friday night.
Cassiday was my date and we literally had NO idea what to expect. No idea.
A fancy night calls for a fancy dinner at 2nd Bar + Kitchen. The patio is great...and the menu changes often. I crave their Gin and Jam drink often (a gin cocktail with a big spoonful...spoon included...of jam on top.) We shared Bacon and Eggs, Roasted Clams, and Salt and Pepper Ahi. Check out the menu here for full descriptions.
On to the main event!
As we pulled up to the Hotel St. Cecilia Cassiday grabbed my arm, "I think I just saw Andrew Zimmern walk into the event." WHAT! Yes!!!!
To make a long story short. We somehow ended up at a very private event with all the celeb chefs in town for the festival.
I have no idea why we were allowed to be at this event, but it happened. Pinch me.
Andrew Zimmern of Bizzare Foods on The Travel Channel. Super nice guy...who also has a background in radio! If you are a fan...he has a new podcast called, "Go Fork Yourself."
Christina Tosi (2nd from the left) is the superstar lady behind Momofuko Milk Bar in NYC. If you are travlening to NYC anytime soon...you must go for some cake truffles!
There were quite a few notables from Top Chef! We saw Top Chef judge Gail Simmons and Top Chef Texas runner up Sarah Grueneberg. From Top Chef Masters we saw Tony Mantuano (on the right) of Spiaggia in Chicago and Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto in NYC.
Email from Vickie:
I want to get a new handbag. Any suggestions? Are u seeing any new styles for spring??? $100 maximum limit!
Solution:
I think the best place to start looking is www.Piperlime.com. They have a great section on their website called, "Girl on a Budget." The section includes the season's hot handbags under $100. Here are a few purses featured on the site from the always affordable brands Big Buddha and Melie Bianco.
(Also...just check out the Big Buddha website...they ALWAYS have tons of cute trendy bags under $100.) Click here.
I am obsessed with all of the new fun places popping up in Austin! Today my friend Lindsey and I met for a ladies lunch at the newly opened Hillside Farmacy on East 11th!
I loved this place even before I tried it! It is perfect for a ladies lunch! They also have a dinner menu and a raw bar...so I am thinking this could be a really fun date place as well.
Lunch was affordable...the place was packed in a good way...and the food was really good. I can't wait to go back! (They also have a room with a big table that can accomodate private parties...always good to know)
Here is a really cool article about the history of the place. Click here to read.
There are some amazing looking pastries, desserts, meats, and cheeses in these cases!
Hilside Farmacy is also a mini grocery store with things like local jams and mixes on the shelves surrounding you as you eat!
Even the details like the salt and pepper shakers were cute!
My friend had the Mac and Cheese and the Thank You Sandwich (roasted chicken, smoked mozzarella and strawberry orange jam)...both super tasty. I know this because she shared. What a good friend!
I tried a small plate called, "The House Gravlax." I had to aske the waitress what that meant... turned out to be smoked salmon!
Hillside Farmacy also has an afternoon tea for $20! How much fun would that be with a group of girls! Sign me up!
Since the menus are not online yet...I snapped some blurry/bad pics of the menu!
I am so excited that the documentary Buck is available on Netflix Streaming!
Buck is a movie about horseman Buck Brannaman who is a real life horse whisperer.
Buck won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
I could go on and on…but I simply loved this movie when I saw it at The Violet Crown. I loved the scenery, I loved the horses, and I loved the story. Watch the trailer and see for yourself!
I had the pleasure of seeing Spring Awakening at The Zach Sunday and was very much impressed with the production.
I saw the national tour of this musical a few years back and couldn't wait to see it a second time...and on Zach's intimate stage.  Every time I go to Zach I am blown away by the amount of local talent in this town...talent that rivals any show I have seen on Broadway or in a national tour. The cast for Spring Awakening is very young, and it was so cool seeing local high school students in a few starring roles. Watch out for  Jordan Barron playing Moritz...he was just awesome to watch and is just a senior at Bowie HS this year.
FYI....parents...this show has some adult themes and nudity - so it might not be for all ages.
The show is here until November 13th...and you can buy tickets by going here: http://www.zachtheatre.org/on-stage
This year has flown by and the holidays are just around the corner. An event to keep in mind for Holiday Shopping is Austin Shop Crawl.
Sign up for the FREE Austin Shop Crawl badge and save 10%-20% on participating stores around Austin from November 25th - December 4th.
Stores and restaurants will be announced soon with ways to save on private sales (buy 1 get 1 free) , get free food, qualify for in store give aways, and increase your savings up to 50% off!
Adam has a rare form of cancer. A sincere look at how ones deals with a 50/50 death sentance.
Expectations going in:
I have been waiting to see this movie all summer long. I meanâ¦how could a movie with Seth Rogan and Joseph Gordon Levitt not be good?
My take:
Everything I hoped for and more.
Very rawâ¦very realâ¦very sadâ¦and yet still very funny.
I did some major self reflection while watching this movie.
Things you should know going in:
The movie was written by Seth Roganâs real life friend Will Reiser who found out he had the rare form spinal cancer referenced in the movie 6 years ago.
Make sure to bring:
Kleenex. You will cry.
You will like it if:
You are a fan of Seth Rogan and the characters he plays in every movie â the seemingly lazy pot smoking/drinking friend who surprises you in the end.
You like a good âbroâmance movie
You want to do some serious refection on your own life.
Watch out for:
Anna Kendrick who plays the therapist = rising star!
Would I go with my mom:
Yes! My mother was advised by yours truly she must see this movie.
Good date movie?
I would say this movie is a little heavy for a first date.
The story of Billy Beane  - the GM of the Oakland A's and his attempt to change the game of baseball - with a small payroll and math.
Expectations going in:
HUGE expectations. Everyone that has seen it so far has LOVED it.
My take:
It is not a fast movie, it is not a flashy movie, but it is one hell of a story.The movie was definitely slower than I expected, but I enjoyed every second of it. Finally, Brad Pitt is just plain sexy in this film.
Look out for:
This could be the last movie with a larger Jonah Hill. He has DRAMATICALLY changed his look since filming this movie. I personally don't care what he looks like...he is funny no matter what.
Do you have to like baseball?
I Â think the movie has more to do with life, going with your gut, and fulfilling your purpose...than just baseball. It doesn't hurt to have some interest in sports, and in the romance of winning and losing.
Would I go with my mom:
This is a movie I could convince my whole family to see! I love finding movies I can see with my dad.
Have you noticed? Burnt Orange is fashionable! Burnt Orange is THE color of the season....meaning this is the year to stock up on cute attire to wear to Longhorn events. Every store I have shopped in the past week has something burnt orange....here are some of my favs under $100! (The Peacoat from J.Crew is $245)
A LOT of my friends are having babies...so I am always on the lookout for cute/different baby gifts. I was at a craft fair in Dallas over the weekend and just fell in love with 3 Bears Studio. Maybe it is my love for Babar/Elephants (she paints a lot of elephants), and everything whimsical, but I can't get over how stinking cute these original paintings are!
Even better - they are affordable with many options under $40.
I can think of so many other things I would rather spend $85 on. Click here if you want it. Starbucks has teamed up with designers to commemorate 40 years in business. And this is what they came up with?
How does a wife and mother of 2 balance her personal life with her high powered work life? I just donât know how anyone does it!
Expectations going in:
Havenât seen a single trailer for this movie. I just knew it was an SJP movieâ¦and I see ALL her movies. I would say low expectations going in...which might have contributed to why I liked it.
My take:
Was it AMAZING/Fav movie of the year? No! Was it cute enough? Yes!
This movie came out of nowhere for me. It was a super cute movie with some really funny lines and moments. Â I found it to be very real. It was written by a mom...and you could tell. I mean this movie isn't winning any awards, but it was everything I want out of light-hearted comedy. I definitely think it is worth the price of a movie ticket.
Look out for:
Oh manâ¦I LOVED this cast.
Olivia Munn is hilarious and my new favorite actress. Before this movie I really only knew her as the girl who may have been hooking up with Justin Timberlake.
Seth Meyers is also great in this movie a really obnoxious snarky work bully.
Christine Hendricks is finally dressed in non Mad Men clothes and is adorable!
You will like it if:
You are a womanâ¦and even more if you are a mom
You are a die hard SJP fan
You want a light hearted movie that will make you laugh...2 hours of entertainment.
Would I go with my mom:
Yes â Called her immediately after the movie and told her to see it!
Good date movie?
Oooo â I do not think I would drag my boyfriend to this one. Definitely a girls night movie.
What a day. The Missoni line for Target is here...and now pretty much sold out everywhere. The website for Target has been offline since at least 7am...and stores were ransacked by frenzied women the minute they opened. I got a tip from a listener Melissa that the Georgetown Target still had some merchandise...so after failing at 2 Targets....I was on a mission. When friends/family found out I was going...I got lots of requests. For example, my mom found shoes in my size in Dallas...but still needed shoes in her size etc. etc. etc.
I about had a heart attack in the purchase line, and I felt the need to tell everyone in line that I was just buying stuff for friends/family who lived near sold out stores.
Got to say - really impressed with the quality of the line...and can't WAIT to wear my shoes!!!
Oh...and shout out to Rosa who totally BUSTED me the second I walked into the store. Yes. I did drive 30+ miles for shopping. ha
I just started watching Mad Men on Netflix (4 seasons are streaming now)...and I am slightly obsessed with the clothes. The Mad Men costume designer helped with a 60s inspired collection at Banana! I just want to look like Christine Hendricks please. Click here....and make sure to check out that sweet white lace dress.
Missoni for Target on Sept 13th
I think of all the Target/designer collaborations so far, I am most excited for the Missoni partnership. The clothes are cute...but not really my style. The pillows and shoes?! Yes. Please. Click here for the full collection.
Here is where I found all the materials in Austin.
Leather: Found the leather ( a bit thicker than the directions called for) at both Hobby Lobby and Michaels. It costs between $2-$3.
Crystal Chain: I found the biggest selection at Michaels - $3 chain gives you enough to go around the wrist about 3 times.
Hex nut: I found silver hex nuts at Home Depot. You can get a whole back for around $2.
Waxed Linen Cord: I found one color (pink) at Michaels and none at Hobby Lobby...so I improvised. I have found that crochet thread and embroidery thread is available in more colors and much cheaper. The waxed linen is around $4...but the embroidery thread is about 34 cents.
Here is what I made just yesterday!
The pizza boy has 10 hours to rob a bank or elseâ¦he blows up.
Expectations going in:
Average
My take:
A really dumb movie with awesome jokes and awesome actors.
Let me explain. There are some exchanges between Aziz Ansari and Jesse Eisenberg that are hilariousâ¦and there are some exchanges between Danny McBride and Nick Swardson that are even more hilarious. All of this happens in a really dumb movie.
All things said and done I was entertained enough for my $8 ticket.
Look out for:
Anybody else watch the show Greek on ABC Family? Anyone? The actress Dilshad Vadsaria that plays the rich and bitchy senators daughter is in this movieâ¦and that excited me.
You will like it if:
You like Eastbound and Down
You like the comedy and delivery of Aziz.
I think people either find him super funnyâ¦or not funny at all
You like the song â The Heat of the Moment
Would I go with my mom:
She would not get this movie at all.
Good date movie?
There are explosions, guns, and witty guy conversationâ¦so yes.
Went with my boyfriend and he is a big fan of Danny McBride. He laughed a lot.
I mean where else in Austin can you find an awesome magic act that involves adorable dogs? Â Is it worth the $22 ticket price? YES. Dinner on 6th street + Esters Follies = super fun night out.
Cheese Plate:
Living Room at the W.
My family and I went to the W around 4:30 on Saturday and ordered off their awesome $5 happy hour snack/drink menu. We also splurged on the $11 cheese plate and it was totally worth it! You know how sometimes you spend $11 at a restaurant and they bring you a teaspoon of cheese? They don't do that at the W...they bring you the cheese!
Movie:
Sarah's Key at The Violet Crown Theater
Sarah's Key tells the story of the French involvement in the Holocaust. The movie is very hard to watch...the book is even harder to read, but the event the fictitious story is based around is a part of history that is not widely known.
Baggage Claim - The first single off Miranda Lambert's upcoming album 'Four the Record.' It isn't her best song...but boy is it sassy...and that is why I like it!
A fictitious story about an ambitious, young, and white writer who wants to write a book about working for white families... in the 60s... in Jackson, Mississippi...all from the viewpoint of The Help.
My take:
I LOVED the bookâ¦I really liked the movie. I think the movie is a must see if you have read the book. It is a lovely companion to the book and it is fun to see the characters and moments come alive. I will just say Minnie. Pie. Toilets. :)
If I had not read the book I am scared I would have found the movie a little slow, but friends that have seen the movie w/o reading the book so far love it too! Unfortunately without reading the book you will miss out on things like why the quick shot of Minnie vacuuming the big stuffed bear is SO funny.
So read the book...then see the movie!
Look out for:
It is long. The movie started at 7:20 and we got out at 10!
Bring tissue. You will cry.
You will like it if:
You read the book!
Would I go with my mom:
My mom read the book too and is going to a showing asap.
Good date movie?
Hmmmâ¦.well my boyfriend was nice enough to take me to the movie on my bday. He was one of 5 guys in a packed theaterâ¦and he was a little freaked out by all the sniffling and tears around us. I am going to say keep the men at home and go with your book club of ladies.
So if you watch Top Chef...then you might know chef Rick Bayless who owns Mexican cuisine restaurants in Chicago. Well he also makes some pretty awesome taco seasonings.
Boutique clothing shopping can be expensive. Thank goodness for the affordable boutiques popping up throughout Austin where I can find a cute/unique top or dress. Now I know everyone has their own definitely of what is affordable...so here is my definition. I can walk in a fancy looking boutique and buy something fabulous for $30-$70.
One brand that I am always on the lookout for is Ark & Co.
Just this weekend at was at Luxe Apothotiqe in the Domain and the first thing that I pulled out was a red dress that I was SURE was a $200+ dress, but it was that Ark & Co brand and was right around $80.
Stores in Austin I have seen the brand: (And if these stores don't have the brand in right now...chances are they sell tons of other adorable affordable brands!)
Luxe Apothetique @ The Domain (Some of their brands are expensive, but they also carry their own affordable brand!)
I was reading Twitter this morning...and I saw a tweet from @TheBeautyBean that said "Ready to take nail art to the next level"
Apparently on opening day of NY Fashion Week....Nail Bands arrived. Nail bands are paiting nail polish in bands around your finger...instead of on your nail.
I am really into braids right now...well basically I am into anything Lauren Conrad says. Anyway...how pretty is this new take on a braid! Click here for the how to site.
If you like braids and new hairstyles...here is another awesome blog with TONS of cool tutorials. Click here to check it out!
'Conan O'Brien Can't Stop' It was $7 on my Uverse On Demand movie...but it was a very interesting and candid look into what Conan did after leaving/losing The Tonight Show. Â http://conanobriencantstop.com/
Website:
www.Pinterest.com - Ok. You have to have an invite to get on this sit (ask me!) but it is addicting! Think of it as an easy way to organize and share all the amazing things you find on the web. Especially helpful if you are planning a party, decorating a house, or getting married!
Austin Something:
Hairspray @ Zach Theatre - Seriously folks...you have until August 28th to see this show. http://www.zachtheatre.org/on-stage
Song:
Mat Kearney - Hey Mama - Obsessed with this song! I listened to it over and over again on my last road trip. It just makes me smile!
$1 e.l.f. make up...it really doesn't get any cheaper than this.
I used to be a girl that thought I had to have the expensive Nars blush in Orgasm from Sephora that cost $20+ ...and while I LOVE it...sometimes money is tight...and I realized for my daily make up...the grocery store and Target work just fine. :)
e.l.f. which stands for Eyes, Lips, and Face. Â Most make up on the e.l.f. site is $1. You can't beat that. I mean I can get like 20 eyeshadows for $20...instead of spending $20 on just one. Love it!
I am about to turn 31 in a week and it is freaking me out. I think there is a lot of pressure in turning 30â¦everyone says things like, âyour 30s are your bestâ¦your 30s are when you figure out youâ¦your 30s are when you get things done!â
Ugh. That is a lot of pressure.
My first year in 30 has been good. I have had fun dating, I have joined a comedy sketch group (Thereâs Waldo), I joined a running group (Rogue Running), I have continued to make awesome friends, I have done A LOT of shopping, and I bought a MacBook Proâ¦to edit videos?
BUTâ¦my first year in 30 has not been life changingâ¦.and for some reason right now I want something life changing. I am craving a positive âshake things upâ moment. For year I have felt that I am on the brink of somethingâ¦and I just have to make that one next step and bam!â¦it will happen. Problem isâ¦I canât seem to make that next step.
See pressureâ¦.
What is in between a quarter life and middle life crisis? Whatever it isâ¦I feel like I am having it now.
Changing the subjectâ¦my parents are coming in town this weekendâ¦yay!!! My mother is a clean freakâ¦our house was always PERFECT. Since this will be the first time they have seen my new place I am spending each day this week organizing a different section of my apartment. Today, for example, I reorganized my closet and drawers. Tomorrow I will organize my kitchen cabinetsâ¦and Friday will be the dusting, mopping, sweeping, scrubbing day. I want them to walk in and say, âwow Saraâ¦your place is so nice and grown up!â
Here is our agenda in no particular orderâ¦.Esthers Folliesâ¦Gordoughsâ¦.The Backspaceâ¦.Fonda San Miguelâ¦Farmers Marketâ¦Whole Foodsâ¦Lululemonâ¦Beehiveâ¦and Violet Crown.
