Author Archives: Adora Mae

The office continues



Well, the office/sitting room is coming alone nicely. I have all the furniture I think I’m going to get, but not a whole lot on the walls just yet. Still, I thought I would show you all what’s going where and where those things came from.

img_6047^ChairSide TableDIY PillowOttoman/PoufPlexiglass Sign^

FullSizeRender^Better Shot of the Plexiglass Sign and my cute cat^
img_6049^TV StandSimilar BasketsSimilar TVDrawer Pulls^
img_6048^DeskChairDrawer Pulls^

That’s all for now. I’ll update y’all when I add more to the walls. So far, I’m loving it and I hope you are too.

xoxo,
Adora

A nice little office 



img_6046

The long term plan for the 4th bedroom in our new house is for it to be a nursery, but only God knows when that will actually be needed. So, for now, I’m making myself a nice little office and sitting room with a my little old TV and a whole lot of cuteness. I’m trying to pick some affordable pieces of furniture that in the future could be used in a nursery so I don’t end up having to replace everything. Here’s a shot of some cute stuff on my desk. I’ll show y’all more as it develops. Yay for rooms to decorate!

xoxo,
Adora

30 Best Things to do in Austin



Recently I came across Air-bnb’s list of the 30 best things to do in Austin, I was skeptical at first but when I read the list I realized it had all the things I suggest Austin visitors do and see, and that we had already knocked at least 15 of their suggestions off the list. I became determined to finish the lists and our date nights lately have centered around this goal. Later, I realized they have a list like this for a lot of cities and decided I will be using it as a jumping off point when Josh and I visit new places. Below is the list I’m slowly ticking off one thing at a time, maybe a few photos as well as some commentary on the item because it’s my blog post and I’ll do what I want to. See if they have a list for your city, it’s a pretty cool way to be a tourist in your own town.
Welcome to Austin

      1. Barton Springs Pool
      2. Franklin’s BBQ
      3. The Continental Club  – A cool bar with live music, ended up here one night when our friend was visiting. They were playing country music and I even got Josh to dance with me.
      4. Bouldin Creek Cafe – Vegetarians rejoice! This sweet little joint Josh had already been to and a few date nights ago, I got to go with him. It takes a VERY good vegetarian place to keep Josh coming back. I also credit this place with inspiring the yogurt bowls that have been his go-to breakfasts of late.
      5. HopDoddy – Another SoCo location place so we had the advantage of getting to go here during non peak hours so we got to skip the long lines and walk right in. Seriously DELICIOUS burgers.
      6. Uchi
      7. Homeslice – Another SoCo spot that was a 2 minute walk from our old apartment. I heard a new yorker say that it was as good as NYC pizza. I say it’s better, because you get to be in Austin when you eat it.
      8. Alamo Draft House South Lamar – This is our go to date night more often than not. Hard core enforcement of no talking and no cell phones partnered with food delivered to you in your seat makes for the perfect movie experience.
      9. South Congress Cafe – This is a fancier place than I think the word Cafe makes you think. It’s our more expensive date night pick. The steak au poivre which is no longer on the menu, made me into a steak lover.
      10. The White Horse
      11. Blue Dahlia Bistro – I dream of the coq au vin blanc. Legitimately dream about it. Also their cheese plates are top notch.
      12. Jo’s on South Congress – Probably better known for their “i love you so much” wall than their coffee; however, Belgian Bombers were our every Saturday morning treat for the year we lived across the street from this location and they are AMAZING.
      13. Elizabeth Street Cafe – A Vietnamese place and a french bakery had a baby. Anywhere you can get Pho for dinner and macaroons for dessert is a magical place.
      14. Torchy’s Tacos – All day every day. Give. Me. Tacos. Also, their very spicy queso is awesome.
      15. East Side Show Room
      16. Sway – Date night a few weeks ago, we sat at the bar that looks into the kitchen which was fascinating. Super delicious too.
      17. Austin Convention Center
      18. Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar – I think more expensive than it’s worth for dinner, but they have an great brunch.
      19. Hillside Farmacy – LOVE. This was one of our first places we went after moving to Austin so it would have a special place in my heart no matter what, BUT, the food is incredible and the vibe of the restaurant is just perfect.
      20. Cenote – Coffee coffee coffee. So good. Also, they have good food and a cute frog statue out back.
      21. Guero’s Taco Bar – Delicious Tacos – Obvs. But here’s a little secret, they have the best pancakes I have ever had in my whole life on the breakfast menu. They come with fresh fruit and are seriously life changingly delicious
      22. Broken Spoke
      23. Zilker Park – Green green grass, tons of off-leash puppies, a beautiful view of downtown, and the place where Blues on the Green happens. There’s no downside to Zilker.
      24. Contigo – I’m obsessed with this sweet little rustic joint. I freaked out a little more than is acceptable that they have magnet clips to keep their menus on the side of your table so you have room to eat. I enjoyed the drinks more than the food, but this place has a great vibe and is worth swinging by.
      25. Magnolia Cafe South Congress – “Sorry we’re open.” is what the sign says. Also, fun fact: This place was on Diners Drive-In’s and Dives. Of course, the food they featured is not what I would order there. They have some killer queso though, get that. Not to mention they’re open 24/7 so you can always get some delicious food.
      26. Justine’s
      27. Black Sheep Lodge – Delicious burgers – your basic bar food, but you know, genuinely delicious. This place gets REALLY rowdy during sports games so if that’s not your scene – steer clear until the offseason.
      28. Quickie Pickie– Think organic convenience store meets cute little coffee shop meets delicious cafe. Since first trying their coffee and food, I’ve been back 4 times with friends for brunch/lunch, and stopped in for the random grocery need. This place embodies Austin for me, and I can’t express enough how much I LOVE it.
      29. Thunderbird Coffee – A lot of seating, fast internet, delicious coffee. It’s the trifecta for coffee shops.
      30. Polvos – AMAZING Mexican food. Get some margaritas and order the queso. It comes with the mix ins that you can add yourself so everyone’s queso can be just the way they like it.

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xoxo,
Adora

How to Baked-potato-bar properly



Before we moved into our house, I had one final book club meeting in our old apartment. There was wine as has always been standard, but I wanted to go out with a bang and so I served a baked potato bar. It was a hit as I’m sure every halfway decent baked potato bar in the history of man has been. So, I want to share with y’all a few tips on how to successfully serve this delicious treat. Also, please note my classy chalkboard sign welcoming my guest; sorry mom!

1. Bulk cool your baked potatoes in foil in your Crockpot. It makes life much simpler.

2. Sour cream, bacon pieces, and green onions must be available. That’s the most delicious flavor combination in my humble and correct opinion.

3. Broccoli and melted cheese are another classic combination a lot of people who grew up eating Wendy’s enjoy

4. Some good chili and red onion should round out the options list for those seeking the heartiest combination available.

The great thing about this is it’s very little work, just a lot of dirty dishes, but that is future you’s problem, so ready the potatoes and send out some invites.

Then let me know how it went. Enjoy!

xoxo,
Adora

Holy. Crap.



I haven’t blogged in nearly half a year. So, here is my list of excuses/life events for your reading pleasure.

  1. Josh was in a horrible accident that broke his hip and totaled our only car. He had to walk with a walker and spent weeks and weeks in pain doing physical therapy. (He’s better now. Thank You Jesus.)
  2. The Holidays. Imeanwhatchagonnado?
  3. We bought a new (to us) car to replace our demolished XB (RIP Herman)
  4. I went to San Fran to throw Briana a baby shower (see her blog for baby pics!)
  5. I quit my job after 6 1/2 years! (and have yet to find another…whoops!)
  6. We bought a HOUSE!
  7. We traveled to Florida for a wedding that we were in. Twice. As in two weddings.
  8. We went to DISNEY!
  9. We moved into the house we bought (boxes as far as the eye can see)
  10. Josh quit his job and got a new one working from home. In fact, today is his first day.

Anyway, here are some photos depicting the above. I’m pretty determined to get back on here. I have a big house now that will be full of projects, and a lovely new kitchen that needs some breaking in, so I invite you along on this upcoming journey.

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xoxo,
Adora

What I’m reading 11/6/15



 Since I read more than I do pretty much anything else, I like to share snippets of the books I’m reading with you all. Just little phrases that stick out to me.

I swallowed. “Mum, you’re not going to get divorced, are you?” Her eyes shot open. “Divorced? I’m a good Catholic girl, Louisa. We don’t divorce. We just make our men suffer for all eternity.” She waited for just a moment, and then she started to laugh. -After You

What I’m reading 10/13/15



 Since I read more than I do pretty much anything else, I like to share snippets of the books I’m reading with you all. Just little phrases that stick out to me.

“I had no idea you were such a feminist,” I say. “Feminist?” Stormy makes a disgusted sound in her throat. “I’m not feminist. Really, Lara Jean!” “Stormy, don’t get so worked up about it. All it means is you think men and women are equal, and should have equal rights.” “I don’t think any man is my equal. Women are far superior, and don’t you forget it.” -P.S. I Still Love You

wood & vinegar



Along with most women who spend a considerable amount of time pinteresting (that shouldn’t be a word, but I’m pretending it is), I have heard that vinegar and steel wool can combine their home cleaning powers and actually become a wood stain alternative. This week, I finally had a reason to test it out. A friend of ours asked Josh to build a little stand to put cupcakes on at her wedding. For germ reasons, we wanted to start with new wood, not scrap wood. I added the steel wool to a glass bowl, poured white vinegar over that until it was covered and then dumped a scoop of coffee grounds in for good measure. Then I covered that bowl with a plate, because vinegar smells horrible.

So, Josh rubbed the vinegar mix on with the steel wool and about an hour later, we had this awesome antique look! It worked as well as everyone has been saying it would, but word to the wise: give it time to dry. This was a late night project for us and the house smelled like vinegar for a whole day while the wood dried.



Anyway, give it a try, we love the way it turned out!
xoxo,
Adora