The weather here lately has been so warm and gorgeous that I’m starting to walk with a new spring in my step. NO PUN INTENDED ;) Having the windows open and a fresh breeze flow through our home has had me on cloud 9. We took full advantage of this beautiful weekend by spending as much time as possible outside. Heyyyyyyy patio weather. I like you very much.
E’s parents and I met him for lunch on Friday at my all time favorite place Walton’s. Everything- literally, everything on their menu is outstanding. Plus the interior decor and array of plants and succulents (I HEART succulents) make the place one of a kind in Austin. They serve pretty coffee (who doesn’t love pretty coffee?) and lots of soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, and more.
After lunch, Grant, Kelly, and I visited the Zilker Botanical Garden. I’ve driven by it numerous times but have never actually gone inside. It was awesome! Filled with ponds, fish, beautiful garden beds, and lots of vegetation, we had a great time strolling the grounds and snapping pictures. If it’s this pretty at this time of year, I can’t imagine how beautiful it is when the trees and flowers start budding.
After Zilker, we drove over to one of my favorite places in our neighborhood called Mayfield Park. If you read my post from last fall, you saw some of the fun pictures I took there :) What you may not know is that the park is filled with lots of live and friendly peacocks!
After a little afternoon siesta, we enjoyed margaritas and sparkling wine at the Hula Hut on Lake Austin. Not a view you’d expect in Texas, huh?
We ate dinner at South Congress Cafe and I did very well with my ordering: pan seared scallops with brussels sprouts, bacon, dijon cream sauce, and toasted almonds. HOLY COW. Taste buds were not expecting those explosions of goodness. I was overjoyed.
Saturday was a really fun day. We decided to drive up to Waco to visit Chip and Joanna Gaines’ (HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” show hosts) store Magnolia Market. It was amazing! We did not expect such a long line forming around the building, but it was further proof that we were in for a good experience. And the line moved quickly!
Joanna hand picks every item for her store. She had TONS of faux flowers and vases and signs and all sorts of interior pieces that got us excited. I picked up some faux red tulips and a white vase. I’m so in love with them! And you can’t tell they aren’t real. See how they look on my windowsill! :)
After browsing the store (a little too quickly, because crowds and such), we enjoyed “Skinny Elvis” smoothies outside from a food truck. Peanut butter chocolate banana goodness. The whole area outside the store is filled with food trucks and gardens. It was so neat! Bonus- I got to hold a baby goat. Me with my Animals = Pure Bliss.
It was early afternoon when we returned to Austin and the dogs were ready for a much needed walk. We drove down to Lake Austin Blvd and parked by the water so we could walk the boys over to Zilker. I was unaware of this route to the park and I’m so excited that I can walk underneath the bridge now! So easy! There were TONS of people out enjoying the weather like we were. We got to see some water polo action and a zillion people on paddle boards. AH- I love this city so much. So active. So energizing.
We finished our day at Shady Grove because eating outside on the patio was a must.
Sunday turned out to be my favorite day of our weekend. Maybe because it was Valentine’s Day and I love a chance to celebrate anything. Or maybe it was the 8th grader singing ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls at the Youth Sunday Service at Church. THAT VOICE. Or maybe it was because I hit some of the best golf balls of my life under the instruction of Grant. Man. The exhilaration of hitting a ball perfectly… I’m starting to love this game ;)
E just left for Chicago and Grant and Kelly are en route home to Ohio. I’m off to enjoy this lovely Monday.
Hope you had a great weekend!
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