A perfect lazy Sunday afternoon...

This past Sunday I was fortunate to spend a lovely, lazy afternoon with my parents, Alex & Porgy at 5 Mile Dam in Kyle. Highly recommended!!


(borrowed image)

My husband and I found the Five Mile Dam by accident one day as we were looking for a friends’ house in Kyle. It’s a well-kept secret although it’s well-known by the locals. Situated on the banks of the Blanco River, the park is a short drive from both Austin and San Marcos, perfect for a day retreat. The area is known as Five Mile Dam, but officially, its two parks next to each other: Randall Vetter Park and Dudley Johnson Park (Hays County Park). They are virtually the same, except that Randall Vetter Park has covered picnic tables and less immediate access to the river (you’ll just have to walk a few more feet). Dudley Johnson Park has quick access to the river and lots of grassy area to sprawl out on a blanket, shady trees, picnic tables (uncovered) and outdoor grills all over. Other amenities include lots of parking, a boat launch at the West end of the Dudley Johnson side (no motorboats allowed), and outdoor port-a-potties. A word of caution: steer clear of huge red ants (their bite really hurts).


(borrowed image)

Five Mile Dam is situated on the Blanco River, but if you’re searching for a dam you’ll likely miss it. The “dam” doesn’t really appear to be a dam at all, just a rocky ledge for water overspill (see pics above). The water behind the dam is calm and fairly shallow with a few deep pockets. The characteristic white limestone that gives this river its name allows you to see the bottom easily. Access to the water is easy: just slip in from the grassy bank.
The river bank and surrounding area is a beautiful, lush, tree-covered hill country – much like Wimberley.

My photos












Directions:
From IH-35
Exit Yarrington Rd (County Rd 159) – go West (from Austin you’ll take a right, from San Marcos you’ll take a left)
Take a left on Post Rd (140)
Right on Old Stagecoach Rd (County Rd 136)
The park is on your left

Before I took my parents home we stopped off for a cone at Sandy's!

Run Meg, Run!

(She is proabably going to shriek when she sees that I posted this!)

I just want to do an old-school shout out to my dear friend Megan for completing the Austin Marathon this past Sunday! There was no doubt she would, but in my eyes, that's quite an accomplishment.

-Finished in 3hours, 32 minutes!

-Ranked 78 out of 2,000 women!

WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU CARROT!!

I-heart-vintage

**Update** I added some photos for La Luz and Hog Wild

My friends and I did some vintage-store browsing this weekend. We made a stop at some of the best shops in Austin: Homegirls, Hog Wild, Room Service (north), Austin Modern and La Luz. I picked up this lovely little ceramic casserole dish with lid by Oven Proof USA at Room Service for only $4.25. I collect vintage dish-ware and this will be great addition to my pieces (I'll show you sometime), plus, great price, huh?


All the shops have such a great selection of vintage finds.

Austin Modern, Homegirls and La Luz all have a well-edited selection and reasonable prices. Austin Modern had some great lamps. This set caught my eye (one of a set shown, around $120/set).



Photos from La Luz's myspace page:








Hog Wild and Room Service are more on the kitschy/rockabilly side of modern. It's so much fun to rummage thru their stores. They really feel like you've stepped back in time.

Photos from Hog Wild's myspace page:

Easy-breezy skirt

I took a sewing class this past weekend -- learned how to make the cutest wrap skirt. And it was the easiest sewing project ever. No zippers, no measuring, no seams. I can now whip up one of these in an hour.



I didn't have any help with these photos, so they aren't very good. And the skirt ties in the back -- which made it difficult for me to get a shot from that angle.





This is the skirt laid out in all it's glory. As you can tell, it will fit a wide range of sizes, which is why it's perfect!

If you are interested in making your own super cute wrap skirt you can sign up at Craft-o-Rama. You will probably need some basic sewing machine skills for this lesson.

Can I gush about Craft-o-Rama for a second? I really love this place people. Like, a lot. Craft-o-Rama is a fabric & supplies store, sewing/knitting lounge and crafty boutique. It's located on S. Congress across from St. Edward's University, next to Amy's Ice Cream. The owner, Hayley Pannone, is so friendly and inviting. I sent my daughter here for a week-long crafty camp this past Summer and she enjoyed every single minute. Hayley still asks about her...how sweet is that! What I love most about Craft-o-Rama is the selection of designer cotton fabric. I'm talking Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Alexander Henry, Robert Kaufman and so much more. It's hard to find that stuff around town. If you sign up for email updates you can receive valuable coupons and these fabrics don't go on sale too often (if you've perused the internet you know). Also, the classes are very affordable and all of the instructors are down to earth. The store definitely has an Austin vibe and is gaining attention for it. Craft-o-Rama was just named "best place to get hooked or needled" in the Austin Chronicle's Best of - Critics' Pick 2007. Congrats! - it's well deserved.

Love for Austin

Austin does quite well in Travel & Leisure's "America's Favorite Cities 2007" report. The report ranks 25 cities across the U.S. in categories like overall characteristics, people, food & dining and much more. I was surprised to learn which city was named the best for museums and clubbing because I thought NYC would rank #1 in both categories. However, I was not surprised to learn that Austin ranked #1 for barbecue! Full article here.