a peaceful morning at hamilton pool, austin

the last time we tried to go to hamilton pool we arrived promptly when they opened only to be turned down because of too many people [but it ended up being a great day at reimers so, whatever]. luckily, HP now takes reservations [at first i thought was annoying because it takes away all spontaneity], however it's actually pretty genius. you can make them in advance *here* and choose one of two time slots: 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm. the pool is not over crowded this way, and it's more than enough time to enjoy the water. we chose the morning slot to avoid the heat, however i think the afternoon shift likely gives you better lighting for photos if you're into that. 

it was the perfect girls day with my mom and sister to celebrate lindsay's birthday and enjoy the warm summer weather austin is having right now. some tips if you're planning to make the visit:

• bring cash for parking, they don't take cards
• wear chacos or tevas, there is a mini hike down to the pools and you'll want to wear sturdy waterproof shoes
• pack blankets or chairs, the "beach" is pretty rocky
• bring a small cooler full of snacks and cold beverages [but no glass!] * you will have to hike up hill back to the car so don't bring anything you won't want to carry back
• a floatie or two might be nice
• leave your pets at home [they are not allowed at the pools and it's much too hot to leave them in the car]

happy summer!
 

^^ our morning ended with lunch at hula hut on lake austin, and i kind of forgot how much i love this spot! 

quick weekend guide to austin, tx

last weekend we had friends visit from both coasts – SF and NYC. we had all kinds of fun with them. 

we stayed in the most prefect little airbnb rental, we ate and drank at some of our favorite spots – elizabeth st. cafe, east side king, whisler's, mescalria, weather up, stay gold, and of course had a late night dance party at hotel vegas on east 6th. the entire weekend was spent on two wheels, and ended with a barton springs plunge + sno beach, and pool time at martha's. it was a whirlwind and so lovely to have these two. 
 

SXSW {a glimpse}

SXSW this year was a bit of a blur – it was rainy, crowded, and we were all over the place. 

some memorable highlights include: south x san jose, sawyer and co. for shrimp po'boys, black lightening shots and dinner @ bar congress, john legend {and more shrimp po'boys from east side king} @ cheer up charlies, the rainy dance party @ IFC fairgrounds (where we saw ODESZA and enjoyed a few little lucy's}, slumber parties @ the ashton, and making it all happen by drinking lots of coffee from jo's. 

9th annual jo's chili cook off

a few weekends back was chili cook-off, hosted in my fav place in austin to hang out – the parking lot shared between hotel san jose and Jo's. they've hosted this event since 2005 to support non-profit groups addressing hunger issues locally. it's a great cause, the chili was delicious (i think "cream team" was my favorite), the music and two stepping was oh-so-texan, and the drinks at SJ were as refreshing as always. 

this *freezing* austin weather has me looking forward to SXSJ and spring jazz brunches starting tomorrow!

radio coffee & beer

early saturday was spent in south austin enjoying coffee + all natural breakfast tacos with friends who recently bought a home in the area {so adult of them}. this spot is similar to one of our favorites {brew and brew} in that they serve awesome coffee, beer, delicious food {pizza + pastries available inside and the taco truck is parked out front}, they have live music, and also lots of beer garden–esque outdoor space. pop in if you're ever in the area!