Austin Trip

We had so much fun exploring Austin!

We arrived Friday at lunchtime and headed start to 6Th Street to eat at DH favorite place, Old Pecan Street Cafe. Afterwards strolled around 6Th Street during the daylight since we had our son.

Then we headed over to the capital. It was so cool! I haven't been since I was a kid and this was our sons first trip.
We did stop in the Visitors Center to pick up some souvenirs. Then we headed to check into our hotel, the lovely Hampton Inn. DH took a nap and I took son to the pool to read my new book. Then we got ready for dinner at one of my favorite places, Brick Oven Pizza. We strolled around the Arboretum shops window shopping and then went to Central Market for dessert, yummy carrot cake. We were exhausted the first day!

Saturday we got an early start and head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. I loved this place and it was my first visit there. Not much blooming right now since it was so hot but I'm sure during the Spring the place is beautiful.
After leaving the Wildflower Center, I wanted to stop at a store that I had found on-line, Homespun Cottage. It was very nicely decorated and I wanted everything in the shop. I did pick up some cute ladybug magnets because you can never have too many ladybugs. I visited with the shop owner and found out her daughter lives here in my city. I will definitely be back to shop some more.

We were starving and stopped by my sisters favorite place to eat, Hickory Street Cafe. Enjoyed a nice lunch. Then we headed straight for the Bob Bullock Museum. This place was incredible. It's a must see place when you are in Austin. Be sure and get the combination ticket and do it all. We saw the film in the Spirit theater and we had a giggle. We learned about all things Texas in the exhibits and then we saw the I-MAX film Extreme. Our son loved seeing all the extreme sports!

After exploring the museum we went to the shop Uncommon Objects, which I found out through Garden Antiques. This place was packed with all kinds of goodies. I had so much fun looking at everything but didn't buy a thing. There was stuff hanging from the ceilings, stacked on top of each other. You can literally spend all day in there. Thanks Theresa!

Then we went back to the hotel to recharge. And then went to one of the most fabulous places to be at sunset for dinner, The Oasis. This place is so nice to sit out on the deck eating dinner and watching the sunset over Lake Travis.



Sunday we headed to Georgetown to explore Inner Space Caverns. I didn't get to shop at any antique stores here. Maybe next time!

Inside the cave!

Mining for gems!


For lunch we drove up to Salado and ate at the Stagecoach Inn before heading home.

Thanks for reading this very long post!

Thrifty Finds

Found this cute Pyrex bowl at Salvation Army. It was a steal at only $0.79. I have been searching for Pyrex and its getting harder to find in the thrift stores. However, you can find tons of it at antique stores but pay an arm and a leg for it. My collection is growing.

What have you found lately out treasure hunting?

Menu Planning Monday

Not much going on this week. No baseball this week so we are going to catch up on our movies. Have you seen Mama Mia? It's on my list to see.

Our menu is simple due to husband working so frozen meals are on the list.
Monday~Pizza
Tuesday~Son sleeping over at cousins so I'll probably have a bowl of cereal.
Wednesday~Lean Cuisine
Thursday~We have a party to attend
Friday~Lean Cuisine

Hope your week is off to a great start!

July Pay It Forward Book Exchange Winner

Congratulations to Jubilee! You have won this months book. Please send me your e-mail so that I can contact you for your mailing information.

Thank you to everyone that entered. Check back next moth for a new book and another chance to win a great book to read.

Have a great day!

Friday Fun

1. I believe whatever doesn't kill you is a good thing.
2. If you're good at something then make the most of it.
3. Why so quiet?
4. Something is out there, it's bigger than all of us.
5. If my life were a sitcom, it would be titled Shopaholic.
6. Sitting on my back porch I see a porch that needs some attention.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating out in Austin tomorrow my plans include a museum and Sunday, I want to explore a cave.

Have a great weekend!

Summer Fun

At my sister's new neighborhood, they have a splash pad. It's a good size area with ankle deep water at one end with things that splash water and the other end is 5 feet deep with two slides. This place is perfect for taking the kids this summer and we have spent a great deal of time splashing around here. The littlest has fun in the splash area and the bigger ones have fun swimming in the deeper water. So grab your swimsuit and come join us! It's going to be another hot one today!

Menu Planning Monday

Short and sweet today. I have my niece and nephew today. The plan was to hit the Y for a kids movement class then hang around the house until my sons baseball game. But the instructor didn't show so we had to change plans. We ran some errands and watched some movies. Then we sweated to death at my sons baseball game.

Here is our plan for the week:
Monday~Out with niece and nephew
Tuesday~Pineapple Beef Teriyaki
Wednesday~Pizza
Thursday~Lasagna
Friday~Out of town

We are heading out of town this weekend to explore our state capital of Austin, TX and surrounding areas. I will try my best to share photos when we return next week.