I found fall

Pirouetting Autumn

The tree blushed - a rude blast of air


Betrayed a shapely bough. 


My saddened heart aware


That Nature's clock was chiming, 


I froze upon the twelfth 


Clanging tone, caught alone, 


Staring at a creaking door -


Left ajar for dancing, coloured Autumn, 


Pirouetting in her leaves, 


While agitated summer creatures


Backed away resignedly, 


Sighing in protracted breves.


I turned; gave company; 


We stood together, watching


Summer slowly blow away.

~ Mark R. Slaughter

The one thing I'll never come to terms with about Austin is our lack of a consistent Autumn. In September, when it seems like the rest of the world is buzzing about the dropping temperatures and changing leaves and sweater weather and hot lattes, it's still a bazillion degrees here, and I begin to become extremely perturbed by our location within the hemisphere. Fall is just my favorite season, and we get ripped off a bit here in Texas. Teased with a few chilly days before the temps hike back up for a week. Teased for a few more chilly days, before the temps hike back up for a week. And so on and so forth. It may or may not even be cold on Thanksgiving and Christmas. So annoying!

But the conditions here this fall have made for a bit more leaf-changing, most especially at a little park where I held a photo session over the weekend (Old Settlers Park, for you curious Austinites). It was a hazy, chilly morning, and I drove up to scope out the lay of the land before my clients arrived and was so happily surprised by the beautiful colors I found. Damnit if they didn't make me want to run straight home for a hot bath and some spiced cider.

Enjoy your Monday, whatever part of the world you're in... :)

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Josephine House

I haven't been getting out much lately, but yesterday I met a friend at a new-ish little spot downtown called Josephine House. The cuteness factor was out of this world, so of course I had to document it a bit. What a great spot for lunch, snacks, or an evening drink with a date. Perfection.

house-made vanilla-cherry soda (I'll try cucumber next!) ^ 

My friend Kate's baby is the cutest and sweetest baby on the planet...

Sweet potato beignets with serrano & honey glaze... I was skeptical at first, but they were to die for. Complete savory sweet awesomeness....

Check out more around-Austin posts HERE

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Lick

Day 16 of Blogtember: Review a book, place, or product.

I'm a little ashamed to be just now trying Lick, and it's almost October. I've heard rave reviews of this hopping little ice cream spot, so I've been dying to get the scoop. Pun intended.

Anyway, my mom and I checked it out, and I can honestly say this is the very best ice cream I've ever (eveerrr) had.  Such curious flavors, and every one we tried was so incredibly delicious! My favorite was Lemon Lavender, but Cardamom Pear Cake and Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean received very high marks as well. I'll be back to try all the other flavors. All of them. Thanks for being innovative and awesome, Lick! ;)

Dominican Joe

I enjoy a good cup of coffee. I even specifically remember when I started enjoying it, too. Up until a certain point, I thought coffee was disgusting and I didn't know how my parents could endure the taste. But then one day, probably about 7 years ago now, I was in New York with my best friend, and we were staying with her aunt. We had to get up super early on a chilly fall morning, like before the sun early, because we were catching the train into the city. My friend's aunt made a pot of hazelnut coffee, and we all drank a cup before we headed out. I remember the aroma of it mingled with the excitement for the day ahead, and I remember falling in love with that flavor and that smell and maybe even the possibilities I've associated with a good cup of joe ever since. :)

I also enjoy a good coffee shop, and there are plenty to choose from here in Austin. A couple of my other favorites are Houndstooth and Vintage Heart. Today I'm sharing some photos from Dominican Joe. Such a great little place, and a company with conscience. Stop by, if you're ever in the neighborhood! 

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Meet Altar'd State

A few weeks ago I received an email from someone over at Altar'd State, a brand I had not heard of and was actually super excited to receive an introduction to. Austinites, this store is brand new over at The Domain (near Anthro!), and if you haven't stopped in yet, it's a must. The interior is absolutely beautiful and the products well made and more affordable than you might think. But what really makes this store stand out is the heart behind the brand. Their slogan is "fashion focused, cause motivated," and you get that feeling as soon as you walk in the door. Read a little more about their story here, and explore the brands and causes they support here. The proceeds from many of your purchases give back, and on "Mission Mondays," 10% of net proceeds go to local charities. Neat, huh? 

This Monday I had such a nice time with the girls at the store, trying on outfits and snapping some photos of the gorgeous touches all around the place. I loved everything I tried on, but ultimately this little number came home with me - lace and leather and gold? Don't mind if I do.

Dress, necklace, and bracelet c/o Altar'd State

Below are a few snapshots from inside Altar'd State at The Domain. Be sure and check them out online or shop around the store, if there's one near you! Also, Altar'd State is now a sponsor of Texas Style Council, so if you're attending (which you should be!! only two weekends away!), be sure and visit them there, too. :)

Have a great day!

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