December 18, 2009

Merry Christmas to Me!

I’m sure you all have your own lists of what you want for Christmas, even if you haven’t formally made a list since you were about 13. Well, I think it’s time again. Except that my parents bought me a trip to LA for Christmas, so I won’t actually be getting any gifts from them. But things I might just buy for myself (or mom will buy for me from grandma) include:

Hunter Boots

I realize that we live in Austin, Texas, where it neither rains nor snows with any alarming frequency, but I love these freakin’ boots and I just want a pair. At $115 they certainly aren’t practical, but that’s what Christmas is for, right? And I want them in Aubergine. Purple is the new neutral.

Renew my TiVO

I’ve written about my love for TiVO and how it allows me to watch the ridiculous amount of CW I do and still maintain a normal lifestyle for someone who isn’t in high school. Well sad news is on the horizon, folks: my three-year subscription to the budink, budink service is running out.

Ugg Dakota Slippers

NORMALLY, I despise Uggs as much as the next person with a pair of eyes. But THESE Ugg Dakota slippers, first released last year, are beautiful. Cozy, comfy, and CUTE. The all-around suede contrasting lace? The shearling lining? That they’re “rated” to keep bare feet warm to -30 degrees and bare feet cool to temps as high as 80 degrees? I love them. $100 a pop, also not so practical.

Teeny-tiny charm necklace

The Vermonster aptly pointed out on my birthday that I like Statement Necklaces, but there is also a time for a wear-all-the-time necklace, a simple chain with a meaningful charm. Dogeared has my faves, like their teeny tiny heart charms and this airplane number–that’s for you, Vermonster, since now I have to spend time each month on a plane flying to see you, where my feet freeze because I have no Dakota slippers … plus they’re pretty cheap, the leeetle airplane is just $46 in sterling silver! Free automatic upgrade to Express shipping until 8am on 12/21, 20% off your entire order until 2am tonight with this code: GB2009

Fujifilm instax mini 7 + film

Like a Polaroid, except they’re going to keep making the film for it. This instant camera prints out a credit card-size color photo that is reportedly sharp and clear–awesome! Camera is $84.95, film $30 for 20 pics (nothing instant is ever cheap … except EZ-Mac?).

Dehydrator*

I know nothing about them. I couldn’t even recommend a brand to you. But if I had one, I could make flax snax crackers, and that sure would make eating Paleo a lot easier.

Elana’s Almond Flour Cookbook

I’m pretty sure I could experiment my way into a lot of these recipes, by why not get a book where it’s done for you? Available at Amazon for just $11.55 … perfect stocking stuffer! This book is from a blog I really like – Elana’s Pantry. Check it out for a sampling of the recipes!

*Disclaimer to make sure that I will not be responsible for the demise of any relationships: dehydrators and other kitchen appliances are not good gifts for wives/girlfriends/crushes, no matter how much they talk about wanting/needing one. They are akin to getting someone a vacuum for Christmas (thanks Mom and Dad, Christmas ‘07). Practical? Yes. Christmas gift? No. Surprise gift on a random Tuesday in the middle of March? Awesome. Thoughtful holiday time gift? Not.

Think “things she wouldn’t buy herself” NOT “things she’d use.”

December 18, 2009

Thank You – You Guys are the Best!

Just a quick post to say a big thank you to all of YOU, because you guys made the Austin Post White Elephant Party an AMAZING success. I loved meeting new blog readers and seeing old ones … you guys rock! Hope you had a wonderful time tonight, and enjoy tomorrow morning’s hangover in the glow of a bright yellow Real Time Reporter tee … don’t forget to report about it! ;-)

Also, a HUGE HUGE HUGE shout out and thank you to my AMAZING Real Time Reporter friends, JOEY, GEORGIA, ARUN, LISA, ROBI, and KRISTI. You guys are the BEST. Also, a huge thanks to my mom–the awesome woman in the Ms. Claus dress that was once an aunt’s BRIDESMAIDS DRESS–couldn’t have corralled the white elephant gift craziness without you.

Pictures coming soon!

December 16, 2009

Don’t Forget: Austin Post City-Wide White Elephant Party

Elephants never forget.

Even though the RSVPs are closed, you can still come! RSVP list gets priority access, but does not guarantee entry, so capacity permitting, everyone can come. Show up earlier for a better chance at getting in …

SEE YOU THERE!!

December 16, 2009

Musical Advent Calendar

When I was little, my grandma gave us the most wonderful Advent Calendars, and my brother and I got spoiled with days and days of personalized Santa notepads, toys, and games. Sometimes we shared the items if they were “big things.” I guess I’ve outgrown advent (how could someone really ever outgrow 25 days of presents?!), but Amazon is offering a digital version to perk things up.

For every day in December leading up to Christmas, a new song is hand-picked by Amazon MP3 editors and offered for download for free. Check out http://www.amazon.com/25daysoffree every single day!

My faves (so far):

  • “Christmas Tree” by Lady Gaga
  • “All Wrapped Up in Christmas” by Tracy Lawrence
  • today’s pick, “The Night Before Christmas” by Brandon Heath

Selections range from traditional holiday songs performed by modern artists to some unique holiday-themed originals. You could find something totally awesome to replace the Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree that your Pandora station has been blaring since November…

Download away!

December 15, 2009

So hot: Taste the entire Carillon for $30!

Chef Josh Watkins is a little bit of a local legend, a young phenom who took over the storied Driskill Grill in 2007, only to leave in 2008 for the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center. There he heads up 4 restaurants and 50 staff members, but the Carillon is the flagship.

Tomorrow, Dec 16, through Saturday, Dec 19, you can enjoy a HUGE tasting menu of his faves for just $30. I mean, read the thing: hamachi, scallops, pork belly? Mero, NY strip? Parsnips? Goat cheese cheesecake? Sounds freakin’ amazing to me. I’ve never eaten there, but I suggest you get thee to the Carillon fast. And report back, please.

December 14, 2009

Bikes for Kids

This is the 13th year that JB and Sandy have frozen their asses off three mornings a week as they raise money to buy 800 Bikes for Kids each Christmas. One of my fave bloggers, Republic of Austin’s Chris, recounts his first biking story here, so I won’t tell you mine because that’d just be repetitive.

Long story short: JB & Sandy (Mix 94.7 morning show hosts) are collecting $$ to buy Trek bikes, helmets, and locks to nominated underprivileged youth. This Friday, they’re donating it all … and Mr. Juan Pelota himself Lance Armstrong usually gives away the bikes on the big day too. So grab some change, head to a Whataburger (and grab a taquito while you’re there? never was a fan of those things, but all my drunk friends were), and help a lil kid get a big bike this Christmas.

Locations you can still go to donate/hear JB & Sandy broadcast live:

Tuesday, December 15 – 7 to 9am – Whataburger at Parmer, 6301 W. Parmer Ln.

Wednesday, December 16 – 7 to 9am – Whataburger in Lakeway, 2011 Ranch Road 620 S.

Friday, December 18 – DISTRIBUTION DAY – 6 to 10am – Live Broadcast at Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces St.


December 11, 2009

Lips of an Angel – Grounded in Music Benefit

I am a sucker for Jack Ingram. Not so much the man himself, but the voice … well, maybe just Lips of an Angel, because I like it when Hinder sang it too (although I never understood how they both released it at the same time, and the two don’t sound very different). ANYWAY, the man is performing in Austin with Patty Griffin and Scott Miller this January! I realize the normal person might be more excited by Patty Griffin …

Grounded in Music’s 3rd annual VIP fundraiser at the Paramount Theatre is January 21, 2010. Grounded in Music is a nonprofit that launched in 2007 whose mission is to change the lives of under-privileged children by exposing them to music as a career, hobby, or alternative to life on the streets.  Students are taught a variety of skills in musicianship such as writing lyrics, playing instruments, alongside exploring other areas of the music industry. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to purchasing musical instruments.

The fundraiser will also mark the official launch of the brand new state of the art charitable media and recording studio at the Boys and Girls Club in South Austin. This fully-functional studio is complete with all the latest technology in recording software and will be used to record single artists and full bands. The children can pursue whatever interests them–recording, mixing, mastering, editing–because the studio has it all.

Mentors in the program include well-known artists like Board Member and event headliner Patty Griffin, My Morning Jacket, Vallejo, Broken Teeth, and Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights. Ray Wylie Hubbard and Cory Morrow have financially supported the program.

Prior to the event, there will be a VIP cocktail party at 6pm featuring a performance by Porter Davis and a silent auction. Tickets are just $35 and officially go on sale Saturday, December 12 and can be purchased online. If VIP is your style ($100/ticket), email lindsay@groundedinmusic.org.

For more info on the organization, check out www.groundedinmusic.org

December 9, 2009

Announcing Austin Post’s City-Wide White Elephant Party

I am beside myself with excitement about Austin Post’s upcoming party, and I hope each and every one of you hip-n-happenin’ Austinites reading this here blog will come to the event!

RSVP HERE

What’s this City-Wide White Elephant thing? Bring a wrapped gag gift and exchange it for another wrapped gift–but this gift could be any number of fabulous prizes from our sponsors, or it could be Aunt Nelda’s hand-crocheted coasters. Trading is A-OK, and you’re required to write your gag gift on your nametag, so outlandishness is encouraged.

What else is there?

Seriously, I have not been this excited about a party since, well, ever. Since I put it together, it’s all my favorite things, and I can’t wait to see everyone there! PLEASE don’t forget to RSVP, as it is required for entry. RSVP HERE.

Facebook invite here if you’re into that sort of thing (does NOT count as RSVP)

Bring fabulously hilarious gag gifts and see you there!

December 9, 2009

Shop787 at Phoenix & Sugar Mama’s

Two of my favorite companies are doing fun stuff on Thursday!

Shop787 at The Phoenix

The latest shopping extravaganza from the Launch787 clan is an assortment of pop-up shops inside the swank Phoenix (formerly Pangaea). The next two Thursdays (Dec 10th & 17th) feature happy-hour priced cocktails from 5–9pm, 20 vendors (they’re different each night). No cover, and if you’re one of the first 300, get an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag from Gables Park Plaza w/ discounts for the vendors’ booths!

shop787phoenix

Tweetvite

Official RSVP

The December 10 lineup includes: 302 Designs, Aldea, *annemarie*, Annie Bradley Art, Cornucopia, Couture Cottons, Deborah Main Designs, Garbo. a Salon, GvE Designs in Metal, Jenny N. Design, Jeremiah the Innocent, Modo Designs, Queen of Sheba Fashion, ShopItUpChic.com, Sikara, Skye Salon, Spectacle Sunglasses, and Stella & Dot.

The December 17 lineup (which you are only allowed to attend from 5-6pm, since an impending announcement of a BADASS Austin Post party will make you busy from 6-9m) includes: Ax + Apple, Beyond Tradition, Bloomingnails, Cory Ryan Photography, Davie Clothing, Diamonds & Guns by Action Jackson, Dress Shop, FOXY Fusions, Happy Max Designs, Marnie Bugs, Meline Collection, Micah Yancey Jewelry, Monsterami by Raquel, Paige King Jewelry, Rene Geneva Design, Soigne Boutique, Taylor Moseley Jewelry, Teddies for Bettys, Two Winey Women, and Wings of Addiction.

FREE Sugar Mama’s! Oh, I mean Canned Food Drive

Thursday, Dec 10: Sugar Mama’s 2nd Annual Canned Food Drive = Bring in 2 or more non-perishable goods and get a free cupcake, cookie, or dessert bar! One per customer per day. (Straight from the release: If we catch you coming back in a fake moustache or sunglasses, we’ll pelt you with cans and make you replace the ones that got dented on your head.)

For furry friends, you can bring in non-perishable pet food items! Bring in 2 items and get a free pupcake! Same rules apply as the human food drive and the kibble goes to the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption.

They’ll be leaving the boxes up until Christmas Eve if you don’t make it in time for the food drive but can’t stay away from the amazing joy that is a cupcake from Sugar Mama’s… try the seasonal flavor:

Candy Cane
A brand new seasonal flavor! Chocolate cake with white chocolate chips, topped with a winter cap of peppermint buttercream and fresh peppermint bark.

Mmmmmm. Shopping and cupcakes, what could be better?

December 8, 2009

My Fit Foods Update – Open & Huge Discount!

My Fit Foods’ Westlake location finally opened last Friday (here’s my previous coverage of My Fit Foods), and today a fantastic Groupon arrived in my email box:

$15 for $40 worth of food – that’s 64% off!

I immediately bought it. My Fit Foods is prepared foods that are healthy in the real way (low carb, low sugar, good fats) and easy to store and reheat. Can’t wait to pick up some grub!

If you haven’t heard about Groupon, it’s pretty awesome. The idea is that a local business offers a steep discount (coupon) that it only has to provide if a certain number of people (group) buy it. I bought an awesome deal from Mangia and have seen sweet deals on spa treatments, manis, pedis, gym memberships, and more. Fun!