easy summer; easy weekend


Sometimes the hustle&bustle of Atlanta excites me. I love the way there's always something going on - a new restaurant opening, a fun event and constant entertainment. I love how there are always new people to meet and access to everything you could imagine.

But every now and then, especially when I'm feeling homesick, I yearn for a small town. I yearn for the way we didn't lock our doors growing up. The way we walked a few blocks to Main Street for a milkshake and put it on an expense account. No keys needed, no money needed. Just easy, carefree pleasure. Yes, I yearn for the slower; the more innocent. 

And this weekend, although I didn't get to go home to Indiana, I did have the pleasure of heading to Newnan, Georgia to visit my friends, Katie and Austen. Chris and I drove down for dinner and a sleepover Friday night and it was so lovely to be in that little town with great friends.


They made an absolute feast, which we enjoyed alongside Moscow Mules, good conversation and lots of porch sitting. We stayed the night Friday and got up Saturday to go for a walk around town, get coffee and eat more food :) I loved swinging on their porch swing, sipping coffee and talking about life with that crew.


After that, Chris and I headed back to Atlanta where we basked in the rare and lovely glory that is a Saturday afternoon without commitments. We went to the grocery and relaxed and got iced coffees (again. I know!) and it was perfect. 

Sunday, Mel and I got up early to go for a walk and try out a new coffee shop in the Highlands, Henry & June. After that, we headed to church, then met up with a whole crew of friends at Victory in Decatur for the World Cup. 




Sunday night, Chris and I capped off the weekend with a swim, grilling and some wine. 


And I woke up Monday, happy, refreshed and grateful for my time both in and outside the Perimeter this weekend. 

I hope your weekend was wonderful!


things i've loved this week


Listening: This sermon on relationships and love. One of the most relevant sermons I've heard in a long time. Totally hit the nail on the head for me and my friends that were there - and we're all in different relationship spots. Be sure to listen until the end.

MovingChaos conditioning. Chris and I went to the 6 a.m. Impact class Monday and loved it. Between that and the sermon Monday night, I felt so refreshed going into the week.

Drinking: Dasani Sparking Water. I've been a La Croix girl exclusively, but this stuff is growing on me. I hope they come out with more flavors!

Eating: This almond flour banana bread. I bought bananas last week and forgot to use them, so BB was the obvious choice! I made a lot of changes (I used three bananas instead of two, added flax and cinnamon and omitted vanilla because I was out), but it was still quite good. Great protein-packed snack when topped with sun butter.


Watching: This video. I know it's an old one but my friends and I were joking about it at bible study and I forgot how great it is. I like my liiiiife!

the happiest of fourths


Oh, Fourth of July. It's just the best.

I had the pleasure of spending the Fourth at my friend Katherine's house in LaGrange, where we boated and bonded and enjoyed the insane generosity of her parents.



 

There were iced coffees and cocktails and boating and floating and the absolute bliss that only the water can bring.




The relaxation of the rocking boat combined with sunshine set in right when we arrived and carried me into work Monday.


Not to mention Saturday I headed back to Atlanta, where my brothers had their first cookout (so grown up!) with some of my very best ATL friends. We relaxed outside on their porch, eating hot dogs and having drinks. I felt so happy to move from a lake weekend to a cookout with my real-life family and my Atlanta family, all on one deck.


It reminded me that life right now is just so good.

I hope your Fourth was lovely! 

How to Spend a Weekend in Austin

Last fall, I went to Austin for the Love Does conference with Robyn. We didn't have a ton of time to explore, but I fell for that city. And not just because they have the first Whole Foods ever. But that certainly didn't hurt.

I'm hoping to get back there sometime in the next year for a more exploratory weekend, so I decided it was the perfect city for my next weekend guide.

With the help of my brother, Sam, who recently went to Austin and is also just a pro and finding the secret treasures in cities, we put one together. So, if you have 48 hours in Austin, here's the best of it, in our opinion:



Coffee
Wright Bros Brew & Brew - Local coffee and beer in East Austin. Sam says drink the local roast in the aeropress
Flat Track Coffee - Tiny, hidden espresso bar in East Austin with top-knotch breakfast croissants. Sam says? Drink the Americano. Also I, personally, want their t-shirt.
Jo's Coffee - Three locations with brews and java. Mmhmm.

Eat
Koriente - Healthy Asian food. --> eat - the hummus roll.
G'Raj Mahal Cafe - BYOB Indian food --> eat - the Naan no matter what. I still think about it. 
Torchy's Tacos - Food truck with fresh tacos --> eat - The Democrat
Homeslice Pizza - Pizza on South Congress --> eat - Classic Pepperoni
La Condesa - Farm fresh Tex-Mex --> eat - the tacos, ribs, cactus...everything
El Sapo - Pretty new Mexican infused burger spot --> eat - the Lamburguesa
Magnolia Cafe - They say everybody knows and everybody goes. --> eat - the black bean entree
Hop Doddy Burger Bar - Burger Bar. Need I say more? --> eat - the Continental Club


Drink
Weather Up - Craft Cocktails in an old house in East Austin --> drink - the Presbyterian
Easy Tiger Beer Garden - Beer Garden with homemade pretzels and craft beer

Shop
Whole Foods Flagship Store - It's beautiful. I can't even explain the bulk bin section. 
Stag Austin - The end-all, be-all of men's attire
Tesoros Trading company - Crafts and folksy.
Uncommon Objects Antiques - You may call it junk but I know my antique-loving roomie would call it a honey hole.


Stay
Hotel St. Cecilia - Near South Congress and looks absolutely beautiful. Last time we did an Air BnB but next time around I want to stay in one of these!
Hotel San Jose - Sits on South Congress and every Austin guide recommends it. Apparently it's the bees knees.

Treat
Amy's ice cream - I didn't get to try it but I hear it's the best.
Gourdough's Donuts - I'm not normally one for doughnuts but their crazy concoctions are worth trying.

And that's all we know :) Now, I'm coming for you ATX!