Archive for December, 2011

December 30, 2011

Feel Good Friday 123011

Feel Good Friday is a roundup of the things that made me feel good or that I’m grateful for all week. Join me and leave your Feel Goods in the comments!

  • Family time!! + #StarbucksChristmas + Mom’s healthy cooking
  • Mom and my 7-hour shopping marathon. Exhausted. Quote of the day (from mom): “I only wear cute clothes to go shopping for other clothes.”
  • Christmas #2, where my parents surprised me and my bro with presents AFTER Christmas! Check out these babies … I’m in love:
    boots
  • An AMAZING massage from Christopher at Hiatus Spa
  • Friend-time catch up dates (sorry if I missed you, I love you!). Memorable quote: “Adults keep getting older as we get older … we’re not adults” and tickle-neck with my baby bro
  • Biz plan edits … makin’ moves!
  • Three straight days of Bikram yoga
  • A walk around Town Lake. There’s just nothing like it.
  • Blo. Hello, yes, I usually step off a plane looking ahhhh-mazing.
  • New Year’s Day … I don’t usually make resolutions (as I’m always trying to better myself!), but I’m pretty excited this year for the feeling of a fresh start, clean slate, and prosperous 2012.

See last week’s Feel Goods here.

December 27, 2011

NYE Giveaway! Check out Sneakpeeq

Super sale sites from Groupon-esque (eversaveLivingSocial) to fashion-flash (RueGiltHauteLookideeli) are a dime a dozen these days, but new site Sneakpeeq seeks to add a unique twist: prices are only revealed when you “peeq,” and you have limited numbers of peeqs until you invite, share, buy, and more on the site. It’s a gaming mentality that’s quickly populating sites completely unrelated to gaming: earn X badge and you get Y reward.

Luckily for you, life in austin & aspen got an insider’s peek at sneekpeeq and just for checking out new flash sale site Sneakpeeq, you’ll get lots of goodies: sneakpeeq is giving away 20% off your next purchase just for entering, plus three of you will win a $25 sneakpeeq gift card to use on your favorite food, style and home products. Five second place winners will receive a $10 sneakpeeq gift card—which goes along way in sneakpeeq’s low-priced boutiques!

giftcard

Enter the giveaway by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/sj6ezK and joining sneakpeeq. Leave your name in the comments and you’ll be entered to win! All winners will be announced on my blog on Thursday, 12/29/11 … Happy Holidays!

December 23, 2011

Feel Good Friday 122311

Feel Good Friday is a roundup of the things that made me feel good or that I’m grateful for all week. Join me and leave your Feel Goods in the comments!

  • The chance to go home for Christmas! Booked a last-minute flight Monday evening, currently en route to Austin … cannot wait for family time and to refresh & recharge
  • Supportive parents who give me room to explore, space to make mistakes, and guidance to get me back on my feet
  • Lights for my Christmas tree:
    tree
  • A random Tuesday night out with friends
  • Aspen Academy Film Screenings … just saw Young Adult and it’s interesting … I recommend.
  • Shooting a live fashion show. Fake it til you make it.
  • Avocado oil … elevating average salads to greatness
  • Nali’s extended family taking care of her + doggie summer/winter camp at the Aspen Boarding Kennel

See last week’s Feel Goods here.

December 22, 2011

Austin: New Year’s Eve

I won’t be in Austin for New Year’s, but as a last-minute planner myself, I thought some of you might appreciate this list of what’s the haps in Austin to ring in 2012. So weird that it’s already 2012, right?

New Year’s Eve Eve with Achachay!

Stubbs new years eve eve achachay

Get your tickets online at Frontgate tickets right now. $8. The full lineup is TBA; Achachay! is scheduled to close the night starting at midnight. Disco-themed so get your frizzy ‘fro ready, bust out white pants, extra wide ties, and leisure suits. Whether you’re wearing go-go dancer outfits, hippy clothes, or just about anything brown and orange the important thing is that you’re ready to boogie. Invite your friends to the Facebook Event, be there on December 30th!

Celeb Style at Hotel San Jose

You know if the celebs are in A-town for NYE, they’ll be at the All Tomorrows Party: A Warhol Factory New Year’s Eve with a photobooth by Alison Narro, DJs, bubbly libations, room to dance and of course a toast at midnight. Black and white attire is encouraged but not required. No cover charge / DJ from 8-midnight / www.sanjosehotel.com

Swank at the Dubs

TRACE at the W Austin is offering two separate seatings and menus to accommodate any partygoer’s plans. The first seating from 5:30pm-7p offers a four- course menu for $95 (with paired wine for $145). Each guest will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling with dessert. The second seating begins at 9pm and offers an extensive menu (attached) of various small plates and shared items for $75 per person food and beverage minimum (not including tax and gratuity). 512-542-3660 for reservations.

The New Year’s Eve “Drop the Ball” party in the W Austin Living Room is open to the public (based on availability) with regular hours 11a – 2a. The nibbles menu will be available à la carte and DJ Rich will be spinning for the party. Guests can reserve a seated area for $175 (includes tax and gratuity) per person. Reserved seating includes a welcome SIP, a platter of Chef Paul Hargrove’s NYE Nibbles, a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne (for every two guests), and party favors. 512-542-3633 for Living Room reservations.

Sushi Sensation

Uchi and Uchiko are still accepting early reservations for New Year’s Eve, and walk-in guests are welcome at the sushi bars. Uchi will serve its tasting menu for $75 including a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and Uchiko will offer its tasting menu for $125 with complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Vivo Lake Creek New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

Live music, dancing, plenty of bubbly and a special menu devised by celebrated Chef Paul Petersen runs from 10p New Year’s Eve through 2a, Jan 1. General admission to Vivo’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball is $50 per person, reserved seating is $100 per person. Guests who make dinner reservations at Vivo Lake Creek for 8 or 8:30p on New Year’s Eve may keep their table for the Masquerade Ball for $50 per person.

Sullivan’s & Sully’s

Celebrate the arrival of 2012 at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Sully’s Side Bar. Sullivan’s is offering a special prix fixe menu at either restaurant for $79 from 4-5:45p and $89 from 6p-close, including a champagne toast at midnight (alcohol, taxes and gratuity not included). Guests have the choice of an appetizer, a salad or soup, an entrée, side dish and dessert. For reservations, 512.495.6504.

Sully’s Side Bar kicks off the dance party at 10 pm with DJ Kurupt. The bar will be open for full drink service and guests are invited to dance, drink, and celebrate the New Year!

Destination: Lakeway Resort and Spa

Travis Restaurant at Lakeway Resort and Spa will host an elegant three-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Axline. The night will also feature plenty of music and dancing at Josey’s Grill and Bar with Americana music by Andrea Marie and The Magnolia Band and a special complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.

The appetizer course of Lakeway’s exquisite New Year’s Eve dinner includes a choice of baby arugula, spiced pecans, poached bosc pears and Brazos Valley Cheese or grilled Texas quail, stone ground grit cake, smoky bacon, braised leeks and chard. The entree course features a choice of grilled Hereford beef filet, gulf shrimp, whipped potatoes, pan roasted Brussels sprouts; vital farms half chicken, mashed potatoes, French beans, bacon fat almonds; pan roasted California halibut, charred tomatoes, marinated olives, fingerling potatoes and sweet peppers. The dinner also features a dessert course consisting of chocolate chip mint bread pudding, toasted challah, dark chocolate ganache or caramel apple cheesecake, bourbon anglaise and whipped cream.

The three-course dinner is $45 per person (plus tax, plus gratuity). Reservations are required: 512-261-7379. Take the elevator home with the New Year’s Eve Package! Rates start at $219 per guest room, plus resort fee and tax. The rate code is NYE2011.  The package includes Resort Accommodation on 12/31, a 3-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two Adults, the restaurant sales tax and gratuity, New Years Eve entertainment, and a champagne New Year’s toast. You can book online at www.lakewayresortandspa.com or by calling 512-261-6600.

Malverde

The end of the year dance party will feature premium open bar all night, a champagne toast at midnight, party-favors, desserts and a photobooth by Trevor Ray Thompson. Flashing Lights’: ElectroFunkyDisco and DJ Chicken George will be spinning all night. Tickets are on sale now for $100 at malverde.eventbrite.com. For table reservations email alexis.lanman@malverdeaustin.com.

FINO or ASTI

FINO is serving its regular menu with NYE special cocktail Fish House Punch: Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Smith & Cross Rum, Laird’s Apple Brandy, Orchard Peach Liqueur, Lemon & Turbinado Sugar, and menu items:

Crispy Oysters Aioli Verde, Preserved Lemon 12.
Maine Lobster Bisque Lobster Oil, Chives, Sherry Crema  12.
Tuna Crudo Sauce Vierge, Spanish Estate Olive Oil 18.
Lobster Paella for 2 Saffron Bomba Rice,Peas, Piquillo Peppers, Lemon Aioli, Pea Shoot Salad 65.
Cana De Cabra Fig & Cherry marmalade, Crostini 10.

FINO Restaurant Patio & Bar, 2905 San Gabriel Street, Reservations: 512-474-2905

Sister restaurant ASTI will do a three-course prix fixe for $45. Here’s what I’d order from their selections: Lobster Zuppa Sherry Crema & Pangritata or Niman Ranch Beef Carpaccio to start; Butternut Squash Risotto with Maine Lobster or Wild Mushroom, Chestnut & Cipolline Onion Ragu for dinner; and Chocolate Truffle Tart with Praline Ice Cream, Fresh Figs in Caramel or Antonelli’s Artisanal Cheese Plate with Red Wine Poached Pear & Walnuts in Honey.

ASTI Trattoria, 408 C East 43rd St., Reservations: 512-451-1218

December 22, 2011

Aspen: Finnbar’s

When you’re abroad, as an American, about the first thing you look for is the Irish pub. It’s where you’ll find all the other American tourists … but also the friendliest locals. Finally, Aspen has its own Irish pub in the newly-opened Finbarr’s Irish Pub & Kitchen. With lots of strategically-placed big screens, plenty of beers (and cider!) on tap, and tasty food, Finbarr’s is one new Aspen restaurant that’s likely to be around for a long time.

My first visit, I ate mainly off the appetizer menu. My second, the bar menu. My third and fourth, just drinks. Overall the portions aren’t huge, but they aren’t expensive either, so I’m ok with it. Maybe it’s not the best place for post-pickup-basketball grub, but for snacks or a girls’ night, the food is tasty and creative.

beer cheese fondue

Can't go wrong with Guinness cheese fondue and pretzel bread ($10)

kale art dip finbarrs aspen

Kale (instead of spinach) artichoke dip ... not my favorite app ($?)

mussels

Mussels were delicious: fresh and tasty, but not standout ($11)

I also had the french onion soup ($6 and delish) and the braised greens ($5 and not so delish). The bangers and mash got rave reviews from my companions, the burger not as much, though more for its size than flavor. Every time I’ve been in Finbarr’s, it has been packed with locals and tourists—which is exactly what you want in a real Irish pub.

December 20, 2011

Austin: Holiday Spa [Beats the] Mania

With the stress of the holidays, you deserve a little pampering. Since you might be too busy worrying about others to worry about yourself, here’s a rundown of the latest spa news so you can snag a quick refresh for yourself, and maybe a gift card for someone on your list …

Super-Hot, New, and Best Deal

Award-winning day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat celebrates its grand opening in Austin with a Founding Membership in its membership program, the H-Circle, which locks in $49 per month spa services for life. This introductory offer is only available now through February 14, 2011.

How awesome is a $49 spa treatment a month? It’ll force you to go and is cheap! H-Circle members can enjoy a different signature “Essential Service” every month, including: Hiatus Massage, Hiatus Facial, Body Glow, Revitalizing Body Wrap, or a Mani-Pedi Retreat. Plus, Founding Membership offers unlimited spa services at significantly discounted H-Circle member pricing. A one-time initiation fee of $29 applies. Perfect for you and as a gift!

hiatusspa.com /  Gables 5th Street Commons, 1611 West 5th Street, Ste 155

For the Fellas

Staying in tune with Travasaa’s signature musical massage treatments, the Double Trouble couples massage is inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, a Texas icon whose band was called Double Trouble. The treatment is composed of rhythmic movements that are choreographed to Stevie’s blues music. Reflecting the blues influence, the treatment features Blue Cypress, Agave and Sandalwood ingredients, a schematic blues-themed decor and guests receive a distinctive takeaway gift. (Cost $135 per person for a 50-minute session)

The new exclusive men’s What Ale’s You (apostrophe abuse but that’s how they spell it) spa package features an 80-minute Energetic Edge massage (intensive sports massage therapy for active athletes) followed by a Peppermint Zenergy foot treatment, completed with an refreshing, organic Texas ale of choice.  (Cost is $265, including gratuities with tax additional, for a 2 hour treatment)

All of Travaasa Austin’s spa offerings: travaasa.com/austin/#/travaasa-spa-overview

Seasonal Specials

San Saba Spa at Lakeway Resort and Spa has three new seasonal spa treatments:

Pumpkin Oatmeal Body Scrub: Natural apricot seeds gently scrub away dead skin cells while vitamin-rich pumpkin and oatmeal nourish the skin and work together to build up natural defense barriers. Botanical oils and extracts remind the senses of autumn delight. $210 for 100 minutes

Peppermint Mocha Scrub: the peppermint mocha body polish and white chocolate soufflé wrap includes the healing properties of chocolate with the gentle exfoliating peppermint mocha scrub to smooth and soften. A stress reducing and moisturizing White Chocolate Soufflé wrap rounds out this delightful treatment. $222 for 95 minutes

Spiced Stone Hot Massage: Using the traditional holiday spices of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla combined with warm polished river stones, therapists will soothe, balance and restore you thisholiday season. $192 for 80 minutes

http://lakewayresortandspa.com/

December 16, 2011

Feel Good Friday 121611

Feel Good Friday is a roundup of the things that made me feel good or that I’m grateful for all week. Join me and leave your Feel Goods in the comments!

  • The comment section for last week’s Feel Good Friday blew. me. away. I freakin’ love you guys.
  • This. Effing. Closet. Seriously, how amazing is the closet in my new place??
    dream closet
  • I killed-ed my very own Christmas tree for the first time ever! I chopped it down and carried it out. killed xmas tree
  • Seeing my baby bro just for a night.
  • Finishing second place in my fantasy league, giving me a bye for the first week of playoffs, saving my playoff dreams when my team only scored 60 points total … usually that’s Arian + Cam by themselves. Wish me luck this weekend!
  • Tim Tebow. I love watching him to continue to defy all odds.
  • New frontiers … I painted designs on the walls for lululemon in Aspen + committed to some projects outside my comfort zone. For the record, I’m open for freelance social media marketing consulting, content creation and strategy, and more. Shoot me an email at lyssa@lyssawrites.com for any biz needs …
To be honest (and you know I always am), this was a rough week for me, but reminding myself of all these Feel Goods lifted my spirits. Post and lift yours!!

See last week’s Feel Goods here.

December 13, 2011

Make Your Necklaces into Headbands

I went to a tacky sweater party this weekend sans tacky sweater, so I knew I had to do something big to compensate. Out came the ever-useful gold pants and gold blazer, and with the addition of an art deco necklace worn as a headband, I was a smashing Christmas tree topper.

headband

You can use any necklace as a headband in a cheap, temporary way. All you have to do is cut a thin elastic, tie each end of the elastic to each end of the clasp, and voila! Headband!

necklace

This works better with shorter necklaces so the elastic is tighter, but you could experiment with looping and doubling over long necklaces.

So easy!

December 12, 2011

Feeling So Good + Winner

You guys rock!! The Feel Goods you all submitted are so heartwarmingly awesome I can’t even contain my excitement! Random number generator Generated #11 as the winner, but as Mr. Anonymous failed to provide his email address, we had to regenerate…

So #5 wins a Massage Envy one hour massage … Tyler G., Whaddya Want From Me?! Congrats!

Keep up the Feeling Good, everyone!

December 9, 2011

Feel Good Friday 120911 + Giveaway!

Feel Good Friday is a roundup of the things that made me feel good or that I’m grateful for all week. Join me and leave your Feel Goods in the comments!

This weekend only, if you leave a Feel Good in the comments, you are entered to WIN A MASSAGE ENVY GIFT CARD for a ONE HOUR MASSAGE! Whoohoo! I need nothing more than a massage, and I’m sure you’re the same … leave a comment before Monday!

Ski dates with a whole crew of people I haven’t seen in forever.

Applegate Farms happy pepperoni pizzas.

Hot tub + computer streaming Packers game + beers = Sunday night heaven.

lululemon wunder unders, I’m pretty sure I wore them every single day this week. Don’t worry, I have multiple pairs.

Moving back into the apartment complex I moved away from two months ago. Maybe I’m not thankful for that, exactly, but I am thankful for that apartment, those neighbors, and Nali’s doggie boyfriend Rye.

puppy love

puppy love

“Every day should feel like your birthday”

The design possibilities in my new apt … I have a clean slate and can’t wait to decorate. Been looking for creative, crafty ways to do things.

The end of half of limbo! Now to get the other half un-limbo-ed…

See last week’s Feel Goods here.

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