Tag: Travel

PLACES I LOVE – Bird Bird Biscuit – Austin, Texas

April 25, 2019 3:00 AM April 25, 2019

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During a quick trip to Austin, a few weeks back Aaron and I had the day to just roam. First on our list was breakfast. After some intense Yelp searching,…

During a quick trip to Austin, a few weeks back Aaron and I had the day to just roam. First on our list was breakfast. After some intense Yelp searching, Aaron found Bird Bird Biscuit, and I am forever grateful. 💗

The Menu

As we stood in line waiting to order we read the menu over and over trying to make the best decision. Anytime Aaron and I try a new restaurant it is always our goal to order different things so we can try more options. Everything on the menu looked soooo good from the cinnamon sugar Dough-Doughs to the basil pesto on the Lovely Day (I am a pesto fanatic!). We discussed options and looked around at others orders and when it came down to ordering we just had to have the Queen Beak. Two Queen Beaks (with extra honey on the side), one Biscuit and Jam and one Orange Juice was the final order – and I am so glad we did. There is no way I would have shared my sandwich! 😍

The Restaurant

The restaurant was small in square footage but bright and colorful in appearance. The walls were stark white and covered with painted confetti. The open-air kitchen allowed you to watch the biscuits coming out of the oven and the chicken going down in the frier. During our Sunday morning visit the line was 8-10 people long constantly and every chair was filled with brunchers enjoying their biscuit treats!

After ordering we moved out of the way and waited for our breakfast. In a matter of moments, our paper bags were ready! Everything perfect (including the extra honey!)

The restaurant offers a couple inside tables, a window bar seating and several outside tables. Perfect for a patio with friends and family. We opted to run up the street to a park area to enjoy our meal. The sun was the perfect addition to this morning – such a beautiful day!

The Queen Beak

SO. GOOD. (Look at it!!! 😍🤤👆🏻) From the amazingly moist and flaky biscuit to the perfectly crispy fried chicken, this sandwich had it all. Throw in the bacon-infused chipotle mayo AND the cayenne black pepper honey and I was floating above the clouds. So spicy, so sweet and so perfect.

I’d love to tell you I plan to try something new on my next visit (and there WILL be another visit), but that would be a lie. This is the sandwich I will compare every other chicken sandwich too for the rest of time – I’m looking at you Chick Fil’A. 😏

Next time you are in ATX, please do yourself the favor of experiencing Bird Bird Biscuit (I’ll meet you there! 🚙💨).

Until next week! Have a great afternoon!

xo,

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A D V E N T U R E

Places That I LOVE – Grand Mesa Lodge – Grand Mesa, Colorado

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February 28, 2019 3:00 AM February 28, 2019

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Growing up in Colorado we were constantly going for drives to the mountains, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. In 2011 my family and I moved to Texas and instantly…

Growing up in Colorado we were constantly going for drives to the mountains, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. In 2011 my family and I moved to Texas and instantly missed having the mountains in our back yard. Nowadays we work to get to the mountains at least once per year, the crisp air, blue sky and gorgeous terrain always renews our spirit. One of our favorite places to visit is Grand Mesa Lodge. Grand Mesa Lodge has the best accommodations, endless activities and has been beautifully remodeled!

Location

The Grand Mesa of Colorado is on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The mesa (meaning an isolated flat-topped hill with steep sides) covers an area of about 500 square miles. The Grand Mesa is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world and boasts 312 natural lakes.

From Denver International Airport (DEN) it is about a 5-hour drive to the lodge. Looking for a shorter commute? You can also fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) where you will only be 1-hour from the lodge. Depending on the season roads can be messy so plan ahead, get a 4-wheel drive vehicle and take your time – it’s a beautiful drive!

Borrowed from ColoradoVacation.com

As you pull up to the lodge on 65 you can’t miss the iconic Grand Mesa Lodge sign! Be sure to pull in to the lodge – where you can get checked in, enjoy a hot beverage or a cold beer!

The Lodge

After the historic snow of 2016-2017 season Grand Mesa Lodge had to do some intensive roof repairs. While the lodge was under construction the owners Mike and Rose Wenner discovered extensive damage to the structure, this finding let them to a nearly complete renovation. The new and improved lodge is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends and family!

The view of the back of the lodge showcases the large picture windows and outdoor seating – these windows overlook the beautiful Island Lake below. The lodge sits at an elevation of 10,500 ft and is the highest year-round operational lodge.

Inside the lodge, you will find a fully stocked general store! Everything from deodorant and toothpaste to fishing poles and (the softest ever) sweat pants! I always seem to find something I can’t live without! 🛍 During our recent trip, our group (mostly from Texas and California 🤷🏻) were excited to find canned Oxygen (Boost Oxygen) in the store. Everyone enjoyed having this on hand during our active weekend on the mountain – the elevation is no joke!

In addition to the general store, the lodge features a cozy seating area around a wood burning stove! Such a great place to relax and warm up after playing in the snow!

Of all the improvements made to the lodge, this one might be my favorite! 🍻 During their renovation, they added a bar and large seating area. The bar serves everything from local beer on tap to cocktails and wine by the glass. In addition, they also offer delicious bar food such as, house-made pizza, HOT wings and chili! Each food item we had was served hot and better than the last! I highly recommend Mikes secret recipe HOT🔥 wings – they are perfect for the spicy food lover!

The night we arrived, the lodge featured live music by a local artist. Her music was easy to listen to and enjoyable. The perfect addition to this cozy atmosphere!

One cannot visit Grand Mesa Lodge without meeting Wylie! Wylie is the resident pup that loves to greet newcomers from his stoop. This friendly pup is sure to make an impression on every Mesa visitor!

“Many guests have become good friends and it’s like welcoming guests to our home when they stay here because we live here and want them to get the most out of their visit”, –Mike Wenner.

Photo borrowed from Grand Mesa Lodge’s Facebook Page

Accommodations

While staying at Grand Mesa Lodge there are 16 private cabins and 2 hotel rooms to choose from. Each cabin has an individual layout accommodating different quantities of people (check out the cabins here). We always stay in Cabin 12 which has two queen beds (in private bedrooms) and a futon couch. In addition to sleeping accommodations, each cabin has a full kitchen with a dining table. The kitchens are stocked with dishes, silverware and some select cookware – everything you need to make a hot breakfast or a can of soup!

❄The Grand Mesa averages 425 inches of snow per season, that is over 35 feet!!! ❄

Activities

While staying at Grand Mesa Lodge there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun!

Winter –

Snowmobiling (Mike is the BEST tour guide!)
Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country Skiing)
Ice Fishing
Skiing/Snowboarding @ Powderhorn Ski Resort (a 20-minute drive down the road)

Summer/Fall –

Fishing
Boat Rentals
4-Wheeling
Golf @ Cedaredge Golf Club (a 30-minute drive down the road)
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Fall Color Viewing
Hunting

Photo borrowed from Grand Mesa Lodge’s Facebook Page

Photo borrowed from the Wenner’s collection.

Weddings

If you are looking for a wedding spot look no further. Grand Mesa Lodge offers the most beautiful untouched canvas, perfect for tieing the knot surrounded by those you love.

With cabins for the whole party, a gorgeous overlook for the ceremony and the beautiful lodge for the reception Grand Mesa Lodge is your one-stop shop for a classic mountain wedding. Interested in more information? Click here.

If you are looking to take a step away, to unplug and enjoy nature as it’s intended
Grand Mesa Lodge is the place for you.
Mike and Rose will welcome you into their home like family.
It really is Colorado’s hidden gem.

If you have any questions leave them below, if you make the trip make sure to scratch Wiley’s ears for me! 🐶

xo,

Interested in more information on our Colorado travels? click here

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A D V E N T U R E

COFFEE TIME – The Wild Detectives

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January 24, 2019 3:00 AM January 24, 2019

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As a resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex my husband and I have worked to explore new parts of town regularly. In February of 2015 we discovered a part of town…

As a resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex my husband and I have worked to explore new parts of town regularly. In February of 2015 we discovered a part of town known as The Bishops Arts District. This small area of South Dallas is in the midst of huge change. Between the high-rise apartments being built and the historic business districts, you will find rows of craftsman homes. Each and every home gorgeous in its own right. Smack dab in the middle of West Eighth Street, you will find this little orange facade.

This little orange house not only features (in my opinion) the BEST coffee in Dallas but also, a bookstore for all ages, and a bar for the night owls. The wide variety of entertainment it has to offer makes The Wild Detectives such a fun and entertaining spot!

Their No WiFi Weekends is one of my favorite aspects of the coffee house.

I love the idea of just being present with those at your table and truly enjoying the moment unplugged.

Did I mention that The Wild Detectives has the BEST coffee in town? It really does. The Wild Detectives proudly brew coffee roasted locally by Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters. As a creature of habit (and one who loves what they love) I always go for the Americano. ☕ The hubster on the other hand almost always chooses something different.

No matter what he chooses, we always leave with a smile. The energy in this place is contagious.

In addition to their coffee, The Wild Detectives offers a great selection of breakfast items and savory toasts. Their menu features several selections from restaurants in the area.

As for the nightlife, The Wild Detectives offer a full bar including craft beer, craft cocktails and a suitable wine list. In their backyard area, they host fun events like concerts, poetry jams, plays, book readings and panel discussions. Check their events calendar to join the fun!

In addition to good vibes and great brews The Wild Detectives inventories a solid collection of literary works. One of their four initiatives is “100% Vetted Books”. This initiative states that the list of literary works featured in the bookstore is a carefully curated list created by book lovers of the Dallas community.

During your next visit be sure to peruse the Book of the Month and other featured books. While at The Wild Detectives you are sure to find something well written and worth the time to slow down and read it.

So why did the owners mix together the environment of a local coffee house, with the conversation of a bookstore and the energy of trendy bar?

“We want our space to encourage people to have a drink and talk to one another, to open up and share ideas, to hang out smartly, to engage in a conversation that will open new realities for them. That’s what talking culture does. It opens spaces that weren’t there before. Because culture accumulates into more culture.”

-The Wild Detectives, About

As a repeat customer, I truly believe that they achieved their goal. The Wild Detectives is such a fun and free-spirited place. Whether you are studying for school, out on a date or just in search of some human connection and a hot cup of joe you have found the spot.

If you are in Dallas, please take the time to stop by The Wild Detectives, you’ll be glad you did!

xo,

Carolyn

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A D V E N T U R E

Places I LOVE – Fort George Brewery + Public House – Astoria, Oregon

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September 27, 2018 3:00 AM September 27, 2018

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During our visit to the Pacific Northwest this past summer a stop in Astoria, Oregon was at the top of our 16-year-old daughter’s list. She was determined to visit The…

During our visit to the Pacific Northwest this past summer a stop in Astoria, Oregon was at the top of our 16-year-old daughter’s list. She was determined to visit The Goonies house and see The Goonies exhibit at the Oregon Film Museum. So we set off north from Newport to Astoria. Along the way, we played in the sand, stopped for a million photo ops and worked up quite the appetite. 😉

As we were driving we were talking about what kind of food we wanted for lunch. Our visit in Newport was filled with delicious Clam Chowder (Read more on that here), sweet treats and even BBQ. One thing we hadn’t had was a really good burger. In addition to a good burger, we were all ready for some roughage 😋- time for a salad!

We drove into town and were quick to find a parking spot on the main drag (Commerical Street). There we set off for lunch – something with a great burger and salad.

As we headed up the hill we spotted the beautiful old building that hosts the Fort George Brewery + Public House. After a quick Yelp search, we knew we had found it – the perfect spot for lunch.

I started my meal off with their garden salad which is described as, “Local Kingfisher Farms organic greens, cherry tomatoes, shaved carrots, English cucumber, croutons with choice of dressing”. I mean like nummmmm, makes my mouth water just typing it! 😍

Adreena went after their Ceasar Salad, “Organic romaine, house-made Caesar dressing, parmesan, croutons, lemon wedge”. So fresh and crisp – she was obsessed!

For the main course, Adreena and I shared their Fort Burger, “1/3 LB. Painted Hills Oregon beef” served with a side of organic house cut fries and a pickle. This burger was flavorful and juicy – just what the doctor ordered!

Aaron opted for the Beer Cheese Burger, “Aged Tillamook cheddar sauce, frizzled onions, Applewood bacon” served with a side salad. He was highly satisfied with his choice.

We all left the table with full bellies and happy hearts. The Public House was beautifully designed with small touches of contemporary style mixed with the natural state of the building. It provided a cozy, comfortable environment that was very enjoyable.

Of course, we couldn’t visit a brewery without trying some of the local selection! 🍻 To go with our lunch I selected a cider and Aaron went for the Vortex IPA. Both were ice cold and delicious! I can’t wait to try more Fort George options, their beer list is a mile long!

Have you made it to Astoria or tried Fort George? I highly recommend it if you ever get the opportunity!

xo,

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A D V E N T U R E

COFFEE TIME – Perk Beverage Co.

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August 23, 2018 3:00 AM August 23, 2018

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As you pull in to Vale, Oregon you can’t help but notice the newest building on Highway 20. At the corner of Highway 20 and 17th St N, you will…

As you pull in to Vale, Oregon you can’t help but notice the newest building on Highway 20. At the corner of Highway 20 and 17th St N, you will find a great new coffee spot in town! Whether you’re looking for a drive-thru or a quiet spot to read Perk Beverage Co. has you covered.

Hours

Perk Beverage Co. is open Monday – Saturday with hours during the week ranging from 6:00 am -7:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. No matter the time of day Perk has a comfy place for you to sit and a hot (or cold) beverage at the ready.

Perk Beverage Co. offers your traditional coffee beverages, teas, fresh fruit smoothies and Italian Sodas. During my visit, I stuck to my standard drip coffee with sugar and a splash of cream. The coffee was full-bodied and smooth – absolutely delightful! Coming in at $ 2.00 for a 20 oz cup I was pleasantly surprised! Adreena went for a fresh fruit smoothie while Aaron chose a Breve.

In addition to drinks, Perk Beverage Co. has you covered on the snack and food front! From freshly baked pastries to paninis and salads – regardless of time, they are sure to please.

A Place to Socialize

Perk Beverage Co. prides itself in being a gathering place for the community as well as a stopping point for passers-by. It’s convenient location and roomy interior are perfectly paired to meet that mission. Perk offers free wi-fi, a selection of board games, ample parking, clean bathrooms and great customer service! What more could you ask for?

Well, there is one more thing… and adult beverage would be nice now and again. 😉 Well actually Perk Beverage Co. does serve adult beverages, they offer a selection of canned beers and wines for consumption during your visit. 🍻

If you ever passing by be sure to stop in, you’ll be happy you did!

Until next week, cheers to Friday Jr. ✨

xo,

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M I N D F U L N E S S

Mindful Screen Time – A lesson in being present

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July 26, 2018 3:00 AM July 26, 2018

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So often in my daily life I feel conflicted about whether to document life toward my blog goals or just be present and experience life first hand. As I build…

So often in my daily life I feel conflicted about whether to document life toward my blog goals or just be present and experience life first hand. As I build my brand, I feel especially torn.

All of these thoughts have circled to a head as the hubster and I head to Hawaii for a dear friend’s wedding. To gram or not to gram, that is the question?

As I debate with myself on how much time is too much I found these simple tricks to make my screen time more intentional.

Limit Notifications

All too often I will download a new app and feel pressured into “Allowing Notifications” – I can’t be the only one, right?! Days, weeks and even months later I still have daily notification from apps I used once (hello Wayfair 🤷🏻).

It was amazing to actually see the amount of apps I had allowed notifications for. Before our trip I sat down with the list and really evaluated if notifications were necessary. On those that I deemed necessary I then went one step further and carefully chose the kind of notification each app would require. Only those apps with the highest priority received access to my lock screen.

My hope is that by reducing the amount of lock screen notifications I will be able to leave my phone unattended for longer periods of time. I often feel addicted to the constant screen glow – it’s a rush!

Be Intentional

Decide before you unlock your device, why you are logging on. Make a mental note of your tasks and stick to it. Work to keep you mind focused and on task.

By being intentional with my time I have created a world where I can allow myself to be both engaged and unplugged. #balance

Budget Screen Time

Decide how much time you need to achieve your list of tasks, be realistic and then set a timer. I prefer to set my timer for 10 minutes prior to my desired budget. For me it’s all about the warning – and choosing how I spend those last few moments. Allowing me to prioritize my final work, I feel more accomplished come that final bell.

On occasion that budgeted time turns out to not be enough, knowing that it is okay is half of the battle. Evaluate what you were unable to do and work it in to another budgeted session later in the day.

I do find it valuable to not run over the time. You have to respect the time limit otherwise this practice will be ineffective. The more you work with time lines the better you will be with handling tasks in an efficient manner.

Moments are Fleeting, Don’t be Wasteful

There are many times I reach for my phone for distraction instead of productivity. Saturday mornings, for example, you can often find me “stuck” in Instagram Story loops for hooouurrrssss. It’s unhealthy and unproductive but I love it! My weekend guilty pleasure – my weekly check in with all the beautiful people that create my Instagram community. Although I believe you should allow yourself these indulgences, timing is everything.

This weekend I have promise myself to put down the phone and not get stuck. In addition, I promise to not scroll aimlessly, a vow to myself in search for new experience and opportunities. There are billions of humans on this planet. This weekend I will work to make connections, to breathe life into strangers and grow from the friends I make along the way.

Be Bored

Last but certainly not least I feel it is important to allow yourself to sit still, be in silence and perhaps even be bored. In today’s world we are constantly bombarded noise. When given the chance don’t be afraid to just be.

There is growth, peace and wonder in silence. Boredom often opens the tool box of creativity. Take these moments to breathe and enjoy the simple pleasures; a hot cup of coffee, the grip of a loved one’s hand or perhaps a smile from a passerby.

See what there is to find in that silence, allow your mind to play. You’ll be glad you did.

xo,

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