Desert Paradise

Our favorite part of Scottsdale was our stay at the Saguaro a.k.a desert paradise. It's located in the heart of Old Town. So bright, so beautiful. I could definitely live there. We lounged by the pool most of the time and even did some night swimming. They had underwater speakers. It just doesn't get more magical than music under water.

We also put the bikes to good use. If you're not a regular, apparently you're sore for days. Who knew?

We had to try out the Distrito. Their chorizo is everything. I think it may have been the best I've ever had and I've had some pretty amazing chorizo. 

So long, summer! You were so good to us.

An Arizona Adventure

This picture just about sums up how I feel about Scottsdale, Arizona. Kandee and I traveled to the valley of the sun this month and had an absolute blast. We couldn't get enough of Old Town and the desert. I may not miss the 115 degree weather, but I do miss that charming town full of culture.

The best Jalapeno Pecan Cakes from the Orange Table Bar.

Just chatting it up with some locals.

When we weren't stuffing our faces with food, we were shopping at Mexican Imports. We went to this store at least once a day. We left with Mexican blankets galore. I had trouble fitting all of the goodies into my suitcase and had to even take a few blankets as my carry on. Yes, I was that girl. There were so many places we didn't get a chance to explore. Take Goldfield Ghost Town for example. I guess I'll just have to go back. No complaints there!

An Afternoon in Austin

Kandee and I spent an afternoon in Austin this weekend. The food alone was worth trip. We grabbed lunch at East Side King on East 6th. The Pork Kimchee Stew and Fried Potato Noodles. We'll take both, please.

We also did some shopping at the Domain. Excuse the MySpace mirror shot, but please note the milkmaid braid. It may look cute from afar, but there were 100 bobby pins sticking out everywhere in that hair a.k.a. not cute. My new summer goal is to master that hair style. With less bobby pins, of course. Another goal is to find a way to get my hands on those planters at Free People. So dreamy and perfect. I need those in my life.

We wrapped up this trip with some gourmet donuts from Gourdough's. If you can't already tell, we support the food trucks. I ordered the Funky Monkey (Grilled Bananas & Cream Cheese Icing with Brown Sugar) and Kandee ordered the Heavenly Hash (Marshmallow with Chocolate Fudge Icing Topped with Fudge Brownie Candy). Sugar coma for days, but totally worth it. Austin never disappoints.

Girl's Day Out

Our sweet mama's Birthday is today so we went to Austin for a little celebrating this weekend. By celebrating I mean eating delicious food and going shopping. What other way is there? We spent Sunday afternoon at the Domain. I haven't had a girl's day with these ladies in such a long time. Oh how I miss it! I've also discovered that I could probably live in H&M. I was actually still in there yesterday when they shut off the lights. True story.

Happy Birthday mama and aunt Carol! Love those twins.

P.S. I made this vine video of me and Kandee goofing around while shopping for sunglasses. I don't know how I feel about vine yet. It seems a wee bit intrusive for me, but it's kind of fun so hey why not? We'll see how I long I keep up with these social media shenanigans.

The Graduate

My little sister graduated on Saturday and we couldn't be more proud of her! Now for a ridiculous amount of family pictures celebrating this lady.

Uncle Fernando and mom proudly sporting that maroon and gold.

Kandee joined the December Graduate Club with me and Tad. Best time of year for graduations, let me tell ya. The ceremony was short and sweet. After graduation, the gang went out to eat at Shady Grove in Austin to wrap up this perfect day. We are so blessed with the most amazing friends and family. ConGRADulations, Kandee. You did it. You're going to change the world. I just know it.

Portland in Pictures

Well folks, there you have it. Our trip in a nutshell. Kandee went to town with my camera. A budding photographer if I do say so myself. Boy did we do a lot one in one week. We spent most of our time exploring darling shops and restaurants in the Pearl District. We almost moved there, but decided to come home for Klifford's sake (just kidding, Tad). We also visited the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden. I renamed it the secret garden. It was kind of perfect. The City stole my heart. I told Tad I wouldn't mind at all if he applied for a few jobs there. I'm also sure Kandee will have set up shop in Oregon by next year.

P.S. See that Portland Oregon Old Town sign? You probably don't because it might be the worst picture ever, but I was so excited to see it. If you only knew what I did to get that picture. Went a little crazy. We're talking knocked Kandee out of the cab kind of crazy. The best part is I didn't even get a great picture of it, and I took around 25. Bless our cab driver. It made for a good laugh later. You know the make your stomach hurt kind of laugh. You're welcome, sister.

In case you missed our Portland adventure to Voodoo Doughnut, you can check it out here. We will be back to this City, but not soon enough!