Fashion Finds

My closest said Thank You a few weeks ago when I scored this jacket on a great sale price.

I want these loungewear leggings for lazy days around the house

Can never have enough black dresses

I also adore this dress

I love these tee's. I own this t in 3 different colors. 

They are super soft and wash up really nicely. 

and how in the world could these pants be flattering on anyone?

Our Lost Pines Family Vacation

We had so much fun during our mini getaway that was literally 45 mins from our doorstep to the beautiful grounds of Hyatt Lost Pines. So many fun memories were made and we can't wait to return next summer. This will definitely be a family tradition. 

 Summer Days are meant for ice cream!

 and more ice-cream! 

Enjoying some ice cream at Lock Drug. One of the oldest Soda Fountains in the state of Texas. 

 and a s'more. 

I promise you my kid never gets this many treats especially in one day! 

Plus, its vacation and who can say no to a s'mores

 Then there is the wonderful sand beach where we spent a majority of our days.

floating on the lazy river

and the water slide. 

This was Elle's new found love. We probably rode this slide 50xs. 

Enjoying the peaceful view of the Colorado River

Bye Lost Pines. 

Until next summer thank you for the wonderful family time!

Book Review of The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani

Thanks to Italy book tours I am excited to highlight The Supreme Macaroni Company by New York Times bestseller Adriana Trigiani. 

With the main character Valentine falling in love and getting married we see first hand the struggles she faces balancing the demands of caring for her family and meeting the demands of owning a successful family shoe business. This feeling amongst women is not uncommon in today's society.   I felt like a lot of women are able to relate to Valentine's struggles in this read.

I did like the whit and humor that comes across in the characters, but at times it was hard for me to get into the book. It always felt like there could have been more development to the characters. The family banter was a bit much and there were times where Valentine's selfishness in the book turned me off from wanting to continue reading. There were several times where I kept thinking this is simply an Italian version of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and how I just wanted to eat delicious Italian food.  For that part, it reminded me of summer 2001 when I was roaming the streets of Italy while I studied abroad. 

Overall, I would give this book three stars. I do enjoy Adriana Trigiani as an author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Thank you Italy Book tours for this opportunity. 

Cheers to 2 years in Austin

Today marks our 2 year anniversary of moving to Austin. As much as I wish we lived closer to my family we have been very grateful for how things are working out. 

Tonight we are hosting our wonderful neighbors/our very first friends we made over for dinner. 

The best free "toy". Oh how Elle loved playing with these boxes during our first few days in the house.

To continue with our tradition of a family weekend stay-cation we decided to try out a new resort. We are going to stay at Hyatt Lost Pines this year. Our original plan was to visit the Texas Gulf Coast but  there is a really bad seaweed infestation this summer. Elle has been begging to see seashells and sandcastles so this was our plan B. They have a lazy river, man-made beach, s'mores at night, live music, movies with popcorn on the porch, story time in the morning and crafts in the afternoon for little ones. I am also hoping to sneak away to their spa if time allows. 

We really need this time to come together as a family and to focus on what matters. 

Quality family time.

Have a wonderful weekend!