DIY Drums

As many of you know, I am not a huge DIY person. Seldom do I have the patience or ability to make some of the beautiful products you so often see on Etsy. But, this time I decided to give this easy project a go.

Now that Vivi is on formula, there has been an influx of containers floating around the condo as drums. (This girl likes to make noise!) Not finding them very aesthetically pleasing, I took a trip to Paper Source for some supplies to beatify V's little drums. I already had the washi tape from my favorite little store, Mercury, so all I had to find was paper and ribbon.

Once back home with the needed items in hand, I channeled my inner Martha Stewart. I have to say I am quite proud of myself! The final product was bold, colorful and functional. And although V doesn't notice the design difference, I sure do!

Date Night

We're back online! Vivi and I are pretty much 100% and J is having some daughter time while I am down at Jo's to catch up on blog posting...yea!

After my parents left, Jonathan's mom and dad arrived. We had a great visit and V enjoyed time with her Yia Yia and Papou.

One of the nights, J and I took advantage of having babysitters in town and had a date night...best date night ever!

We started with dinner at a new restaurant, The Bonneville, a couple blocks away from the condo. The design is very minimal and clean, but the decor that is there is very dynamic. After telling Jonathan that all I could think about was the Pontiac Bonneville (born and raised in MI anyone?), we asked our waiter where the name came from. He told us that the owners are huge fans of the Steve McQueen era of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats and, long story short, that is where they drew their inspiration for the restaurant from.

We both enjoyed exciting cocktails while starting with the Creamy Bacon & Egg Raviolo bathed in Brown Butter & Parmigiano Reggiano and the special of Olive Salad...talk about a great start to dinner! Very flavorful! Our main dishes (Chicken “Under a Brick", with White Bean & Seasonal Vegetable Ragout and Bordeuax Braised Niman Ranch Beef Shortribs with Creamy Polenta & Roasted Local Farm Carrots) finished strong. We passed on desert so that we could make our movie at the Violet Crown.

Another block away is the great little locally owned theater playing independent, documentary and international films. They feature reserved seating (you can buy your tickets online),  bar, cafe, and snack bar. Enjoying our sans baby evening, J and I grabbed a couple of beverages and popcorn before we went in to the movie.

I had a quick little convo with the couple sitting behind us before we settled in to our plush recline chairs for Amour. After the movie, when we were on our way out of the building, Jonathan asked if I noticed who was sitting behind us..."You mean the people I talked to?" I asked. "Yes, did you notice who he was?" Well, I didn't and you know who I spoke with and didn't even recognize? Dan Rather! I really impress myself sometimes. Let's just hope I actually realize when Matthew McConaughey or Sandra Bullock are right in front of me!

After the movie we decided to check out the patio at Trace for a little desert. Another great choice! We indulged in the Red Velvet Whoopie Pie and the Drunken Donuts....next time we won't even mess with any other desert but the Drunken Donuts, they were heavenly!

The next day we had a little run and watched the participants of the Livestrong Austin Marathon walking around 2nd Street proudly wearing their medals. Kudos to everyone who participated in the marathon and half marathon! I was even lucky enough to meet up with a Michigan friend who was in town for the half marathon.

The rest of the week was spent with J in Michigan and V and I trying to steer clear of others. 

I am excited to write about a great new restaurant we found this weekend...my new happy place! Stay tuned to read about Elizabeth Street Cafe!

(All I can say is that I am glad this is such an active city with all of this amazing food around!)

Sick babe.

I apologize for the silence, my parents were in town and then Jonathan's. I have a lot to post, but Peanut is not 100%, so we are taking some time for extra loving.

We will be back full force soon!

Be Mine

Kerflop!

We had a special treat at swimming this week, Grandma and Grandpa came! Thanks to them, we now have some great photos and video of Miss V flopping in to the water and swimming in her little boat. There are many more photos, but I figured you would prefer some action over still shots. 

Grandma helping V get ready!

 Splish splash on the hydro.

Boat time!

Notice on the second jump she doesn't even wait for me...she just went for it! Kerflop!

The "goodbye" song they sing at the end of every class.

As you can see, we have quite the little fish on our hands!

Weekend in Photos

It was a busy weekend! We are loving having Grandma and Grandpa in Austin! Enjoy the photos!

Barre3

So, I should probably be cleaning the condo, but I had to do a quick post about my new favorite place in Austin, Barre3. I was lucky enough to be turned on to Barre classes back in East Lansing (thanks Trista!!) but took a little hiatus towards the end of my pregnancy until now...and man have I missed it!

I had been driving by the studio for a couple of weeks now and I finally checked out Barre3 online. The studio looked beautiful and clean, and then I noticed they have the Play Lounge for little ones. After finding this out I decided to walk down and check the place out (it is only a short walk from the condo).

As soon as I walked in I was happily greeted and so was V. I instantly felt welcomed from the staff and  clients, everyone was so friendly! The Play Lounge looked like great fun for V and I knew I would feel comfortable leaving her there while I was in a class. So, I signed up!

This morning was my first class and V's first date with the Play Lounge. We walked over on this beautiful sunny morning and were once again greeted with a smile. I can honestly say I love the staff here, I was even able to meet the owner and she was wonderful.

Being able to drop V off for an hour and dedicate some time to myself was a real treat. I always find a class to be the perfect amount of a workout and relaxation. Today was no different, I walked out feeling lighter and tighter, thank you Sarah for an excellent class!

Below are a couple pictures of Miss Vivi. She jumped right in and was helping at the front desk when I went in to the class, and at the end I found her happily playing in the lounge. Thank you to Meredith and Mary for taking such good care of her!

On our way back, I took a detour by Whole Foods for coffee and breakfast. I have always enjoyed my one-on-one time with V during the days, but lately I love when we can sit enjoy a little snack (and I can enjoy a coffee) and just be. Sometimes she is in her own little world people watching and talking away while I take advantage and check email or Facebook, and other times we hold our own little conversations and enjoy some laughter together. It's our time to kick back and spend some extra quality time together. I love it and her little scrunched nose!

Sorry for no pictures of the actual class, but you can view some great ones on the Barre3 Downtown Austin Facebook page. 

My parents get in tonight from Detroit, so it might be a few days before another post, but I can promise it will be filled with goodness! (I am going to drag my mom over for her first barre class, so I am sure that will be included in a post!)

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

One Lady Band

We are thinking that Miss V might have some rhythm...if nothing else, she is great at making noise. I suppose time will tell. Until then, let us beat on some containers and shake some bells!

Touring around town

I love the weekends. It is two days that the three of us have to spend quality time with one another and to enjoy the city. This weekend was no exception.

We had a bit of a relaxing day on Saturday. The morning started with a wonderful brunch at Taverna (our favorite brunch place so far) with Nicholas and Ellie. After, I headed over to Max's Wine Dive to meet up with an old friend from my lacrosse days at BHS. Seeing her was delightful and I am so happy to know that she is here in Austin...I hope to enjoy her company much more in the coming year!

After my lunch date, J and Vivi were able to spend a couple more hours of daddy daughter time while I headed to Milk & Honey for a much needed hair appointment. Arriving home refreshed, the three of us spent the rest of the evening enjoying dinner and then sending the wee one off to dreamland.

Sunday morning started with a run in the beautiful sunshine. By the time we ended at Annie's V was fast asleep.

I love Annie's for the atmosphere. French flair design and fresh croissants on the menu...and even better they have a sweet little seating area on the sidewalk for people watching while sipping some coffee.

While V caught her nap, J and I were able to enjoy our meals and one another's company. 

After some play time back at the condo, we decided to head to the University of Texas campus to check it out.

We started at the UT Tower and walked from there. The Spanish style buildings and shade trees make for a beautiful campus.

Also on campus is a turtle pond. We found our way there and were amazed with the number of turtles sunning themselves on the rocks. I think J and I enjoyed the pond and its inhabitants more than Vivi - give her about 6 more months and she will be pointing out the turtles and running around!

After the pond we explored some more and came across a perfect grassy knoll for Vivi to have her first "touching grass" experience. A little unsure at first, she quickly started to love the new texture she was feeling.

After a little bit of family play time in the grass we headed back to the car and to the other side of town for lunch.

A first for both of us, we went to Torchy's Tacos, a food trailer on the south end of town. With a menu full of  types of tacos I couldn't even dream of, we each settled on our lunch and opted to eat in the car instead of under the large shade tree at a picnic table...Vivi had passed out in her carseat and we thought it best to let her get her beauty sleep.

The tacos were fresh and delicious...Torchy's will be added to our list of go-to's!

Hearts and Franks

This week flew by, I apologize for no posts! But, I can give you a recap!

Earlier in the week I finally had everything together to do the Valentine photo shoot with Vivi I had been wanting to do. Since we don't have Uncle Dustin here, I had to dust off my SLR and brush up on my photography skills...I need to do some more brushing! But, in the end I was able to get a handful of good shots (that Uncle Dustin helped touch-up) and a sweet little card made!

Below are a couple of photos from the end of the shoot. V decided it was time to have some fun with the backdrop, thus ending the session. I will do a special post with the winning photos on Valentines Day.

I got smart during a Whole Foods run: When getting a smoothie, I poured V her own portion in the Lollacup. This smart move allowed me to enjoy my smoothie and Vivi to happily chug hers down without me interrupting her to snag a sip. Go mama go!

The weather has been beautiful! We have been enjoying walks in the city and on the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Plenty of people and dog watching to keep V kicking those little feet of hers the whole time!

Well, this is just a cute photo of Miss V that I thought I would add in.

In food news, the three of us ventured to Frank for dinner on Friday night. If you are looking for artisan sausage, this is the place to go! With names like, "Notorious P.I.G." and "Carolina Pork It" we knew we were in for a treat. Also, for those with special diets, they have a veggie and gluten free section of the menu...vegan dog anyone? (I also have to mention that they have a couple of gluten free beer options!)

After going through the menu, J decided to go with the Slaw Dog and I went with German Currywurst, we shared a side of the Corn Cup. Delicious! I would have never thought curry would be so tasty in this combination...even V enjoyed a taste of the flavorful curry sauce.

At the end of the meal we left the retro/modern/historical clad restaurant perfectly plump and happy!

So far the weekend has been enjoyably busy. I look forward to reporting out tomorrow night on our eating and personal adventures!