weekend engagements

It’s Friday, and I have a date with Husband-to-Be to see the Five Year Engagement this weekend! I am beyond prepared to enjoy this movie, especially since Ash and I are in the midst of finalizing the details of our wedding in the fall. For those who’ve planned a wedding, you’ve experienced the joys and sometimes the stresses that can come with it. We’ve been engaged for almost two years, and while I am reminded occasionally that this is long by some peoples’ standards, I wouldn’t change a thing. One thing I’ve had to remind myself – it’s not about how long it takes or any other aspect other than spending the rest of your life with the love of your life. Even if it takes a romantic comedy to put things in perspective!

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have love, will travel

The Black Keys “Gold On The Ceiling” from PEDESTRIAN.TV on Vimeo.

Based on my last few playlists, it’s probably pretty obvious that I love The Black Keys. So when I saw a few months ago that their tour was coming to the area, I most definitely bought a ticket. And finally, after all that waiting, they’re playing in Austin tonight!

Which would be awesome… if my ticket was for tonight’s show. Here. Where I live.

Instead, I {along with some wonderful friends I somehow coerced into going with me} will be making the trek to Tulsa this weekend for their Saturday night show. Who needs logic when you can have love? And an eight hour drive. One way.

At least we’ll have plenty of good music for the car ride… Happy hump day! 

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something old / new / borrowed / blue / 02

01 / OLD / Brass Containers {for rent from here}
02 / NEW / Brass Garland {here}
03 / BORROWED / Hair & Makeup by Steph {love her blog!}
04 / BLUE / Bora Bora {Four Seasons Dream Honeymoon}

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sweet on berry scones and honey chai tea

The first time I visited New York City was with my grandparents when I was 12-years-old and my grandmother took me to the Plaza Hotel for high tea. I felt like a princess. What is it about little girls and tea time? Some things never change. My love for tea grew during the year I lived in England and it has become a sort of comfort for me. Sitting in a cozy chair with a book or watching a favorite TV show while sipping a hot cup of lavender earl gray or chai with milk and honey is the equivalent to a long brunch with a best friend – it just feels right. So naturally I’ve been spending a lot of time at Alice’s Tea Cup, a cozy little tea house three blocks from me on the Upper West Side started by two sisters with a love for all things tea. I’m embarrassed to admit that purchasing their delicious mixed berry scones and chai tea with milk and honey has become a weekend habit. In an effort to save a little money and a few blocks of walking – I’ve recreated this experience. Let’s have tea and scones together. :)

Continue Reading →

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it’s friday, man

It probably comes as no surprise that I’ve been teased about my last name more than a few times. A day. Since I was 11. But then it occurred to me – how many people get to have their own holiday? Eh? Eh? Jealous?!

If you can’t laugh at yourself…

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

image via my favorite stoner flick

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midweek music

Gotta say, one of my favorite things about my recent move to Austin is getting to drive through the hill country on a regular basis. It’s so gorgeous, and admittedly hills are a bit of a novelty for someone who’s lived most of her life at sea level. Clearly inspired by my new surroundings, I’ve been listening to a lot of folk rock and country inspired tunes {with a sprinkling of indie rock thrown in for good measure}.

By the way, I can’t seem to get enough of The Head and The Heart. Pretty much obsessed. In fact, I may or may not have included two of their songs in the mix. Sorry I’m not sorry.

Listen to the playlist after the jump! Continue Reading →

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around town / fort worth opera shots

So, you’ve heard it here before – but this time it’s the third and final time to catch Fort Worth Opera Shots this season!

Opera Shots at Zio Carlo Magnolia Brew Pub in Fort Worth
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
6:30p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
RSVP appreciated. To RSVP, call 817.731.0726 or online here.

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happy friday the 13th?

Are you superstitious? I’m not especially, but this appropriately overcast Friday the 13th morning does have me wishing I could have spent a few extra hours hiding under the covers. Hanging out with my black cat, obviously.

Since I was planning to work on sprucing up my porch this weekend, I am hoping the rain holds off so I can go check out the annual Austin Cactus & Succulent Society’s Spring Show and Sale happening this Saturday and Sunday at Zilker Park. Fingers crossed that luck will be on my side – if not today, at least the rest of the weekend.

So, what does your weekend have in store?

image via designspiration 

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mad for marfa

After a recent excursion to Marfa, TX {my home away from home}, I decided it was only inevitable that I do an outfit post to celebrate the too-good-to-be-true Spring weather, and share the magic that is West {West, West} Texas.

I blame this partly on being a born & raised Texan, but it’s really hard to top the joy I get when a cowboy boot can work with such a variety of outfits, and that’s just what I’m here to prove! These three outfits include several of my favorite Spring/Summer staples, and I simply added a West Texas-spin with a pair of brown vintage boots. Easy, simple, fun! Continue Reading →

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diy wedding florals 101

With Rachel’s upcoming nuptials upon us, there has been a lot of wedding talk between all of us at the By and By. It was requested I discuss the topic of wedding flowers. Full disclosure: I am by no means a florist, and having had only one wedding, I am not an expert either. But I am happy to share what I do know and if it helps any other budget bride {and if you’re like me, a clueless bride} out there than it will have been well worth my time. Given my background, there was no question that flowers would be an important wedding element for me. I originally thought the only way to go was to hire a florist to do bouquets, boutonnieres, and tabletop arrangements. However, once planning was in full force and deposits were being paid every which way, I quickly realized it wasn’t worth going broke for floral arrangements. I investigated my options and realized I had few. Continue Reading →

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