May 10, 2012

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Although you should honor thy mother every day, Mom’s extra-special day is coming up this weekend.  Here are some ways you and your Momma can share the day together in Austin:

1. Mother’s Café and Garden is an adorable spot in Hyde Park to take your mom out for Mother’s Day brunch.  Their vegetarian and vegan menu is inventive and has a taste for everyone.  We recommend the Enchiladas Mole—with special ingredient unsweetened chocolate—or the Banana Walnut Pancakes.  Both are oh-so tasty!

2. Lake Austin Spa offers a Mother-Daughter Delight package in their Day Spa. The treatment includes an 80-minute massage for two, followed by a pedicure and manicure in the salon. The package also includes lunch and a gift for each of you. This option is a little on the pricey side, but we think Mom’s worth it.

3. If you won’t get to see your Mom this Mother’s Day, but want to send a card home to show her that you’re thinking of her,  head to the Paper Source on Lamar.  This is the ultimate spot for unique cards—the paper and color options are virtually endless.  They also carry a selection of gifts, making it incredibly easy to build a chic care package for mom.

April 11, 2012

smu 

Spring is all about being outside and soaking up the Vitamin D whether you’re studying on the patio at Starbucks or at the park playing with your precious pooch. To soak up some more of the spring rays, take your workout outside! Here are some places that SMU students flock to for burning calories under the sun:

1. Katy Tail

Katy Trail is a great location for SMU students and is the place to go for running, bicycling or rollerblading. Measuring about 3.5 miles long, the trail runs from the American Airlines Center past Knox (and right past campus).  On those triple-digit days, we really appreciate the water fountains and water coolers strategically positioned throughout the trail.

2. White Rock Lake

If you’re more of a long distance runner, centrally located White Rock Lake has 9.33 miles of hike and bike trails—you can even rent kayaks to take out on the lake!  The zen-like setting leaves you with a happy mind and body at the end of your workout.  We try to plan a workout on the second and fourth Saturday of the month so we can stop by the Farmers Market for some fresh fruit afterwards.

3. The Falls:

Time for the fun part: after breaking a sweat at Dedman Sports Center, reward yourself with a dip in The Falls. SMU’s tanning pool is an awesome place to meet up with friends, soak up the sun and relax after a hard work out! Open Monday through Friday from 6am-9pm, Saturday from 8am-8pm and Sunday from 1-6pm, you’re bound to find some time in your busy schedule to soak up some rays.

April 10, 2012

tcu 

If you plan on stopping by Montgomery Street Antique Mall—and we recommend doing so—go ahead and allot yourself a couple of hours to browse.  The stunning selection of antique and vintage jewelry—not to mention a to-die-for collection of turquoise—immediately draws you in, but the endless rows of antique treasures and quirky finds keep you lingering for hours on end.  You can spend anywhere from $10 to a couple of thousand on vintage store signs, old lamps, rare books and antique furniture dating back to the 1800s.  Let’s be honest, you probably don’t have ten grand to drop on a dresser, but we can never resist pretending like we’re shopping for our non-existent summer estate in the Hamptons. Stop in during the next couple of days and get 20% off your next purchase!

April 9, 2012

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Straw accessories are absolutely making a comeback this season.  Whether you’re spending a hot summer day at the food park or have plans to vacay in Miami, don’t get caught without your straw hat and clutch under your arm!  Here are a few straw accessories that caught our eye:

1. Marc Jacobs Solid Straw Sami Tote
2. Kate Spade Delavan Terrace Delora
3. Tory Burch Raffia Straw Reva Ballet Flat
4. Kate Spade Dunes Lane Straw Cat Eye Sunglasses Hat
5. Sonia Rykiel Straw Sun Hat
6. Ash Parasol Coral and Camel Shoes

April 7, 2012

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We’ll be honest with you: when we first shipped off to college, we used to fly back home every time we wanted a trim.  Even though our frequent flyer miles balance benefited, the wallet ended up taking a big hit.  Thankfully, Celebrity Spa & Boutique helped us overcome the separation anxiety—it was even voted the 2009 Readers’ Choice for “Best Beauty Salon, Boutique, Day Spa and Nail Salon.”  Located just past Barron Road on Highway 6, you can get a trim, a manicure and a facial in the amount of time it’d take you to go through security at the airport.

April 6, 2012

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What do you think of when you think of lace? Your grandma, doily tablecloths, and old-fashioned? Likely. We think it’s time for a fresh perspective on the trending material. Lace is such a delicate and romantic fabric that can add sophistication, class or even a flirty vibe to your outfit.  It can speak for itself in a cute top, or be paired with other fabrics as an accessory.  The great thing about this trend is that it’s so versatile and can be worn day or night.  Here’s our fresh take on lace:

1. Lace Skater Skirt
2. Jolie All Over Lace Fanny Top
3. Asos Skater Dress With Lace and Mesh
4. Meadow Lace Underwire Bikini
5. High Waist Lace Shorts
6. Vintage Lace Scarf
7. Sleeveless Lace Dress
8. Lace Trilby Hat
9. Freya Jersey Lace T-Shirt

April 5, 2012

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Austinites of all ages know that when it comes to dining, Perla’s, Lamberts, and Bridges Ranch are some of Austin’s finest. But, what you may not know is that the owners of these three fabulous dives have opened up a new café that everyone’s talking about! Elizabeth St. Café is a French Vietnamese café located downtown on South 1^st Street. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, this chic café is the perfect spot for a delicious croissant, chic dinner with girlfriends or a to-go stop for picnic munchies by the lake.  What is “French Vietnamese” cuisine, you ask? Well, featured items span from croissants, bún, phỏ and báhn to mî, tea and Vietnamese coffee.  If the only words you could pronounce were “croissants,” “tea” and “coffee,” we’re in the same boat.  But take our word for it, this stuff is delicious.

April 4, 2012

baylor 

We’ve been spotting cheetah print loafers all over campus lately!  These funky slide-ons add pop to your ordinary outfit.  The bright colors of spring look so fresh against an animal print, so it’s easy to rock this look on a daily basis.  Sam Edelman, Steve Madden and Brass Plum are a few designers we’ve seen selling these fierce shoes.

March 29, 2012

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The rising temperature means you can absolutely justify bi-weekly trips for a frozen yogurt pick-me-up. Recently we’ve been digging Spoons, an Aggie-owned and operated frozen yogurt shop with two locations in College Station.  Not only do we get a (relatively) guilt-free cool down, but photos from local photographers are on display at both Spoons locations.  We love supporting a local business who returns the love!

March 27, 2012

smu 

When TOMS first showcased their unique shoes back in 2006, they soon captured the hearts and wallets of customers across the world. TOMS have been a hit ever since, and this spring they have some new arrivals that we absolutely love! They can be found at Neiman Marcus and other local stores around Dallas. Fresh new spring colors, patterned wedges, and ballet flats have been added to their collection. Check ‘em out!

March 25, 2012

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Even though the only thing a girl really needs for a day at the pool is a swimsuit and some good sunscreen, we can’t help but use it as another excuse to amp up our accessory collection.  The new spring 2012 collection from Vera Bradley is packed with vibrant prints and bright colors that would look killer next to our chaises poolside.  Coach House Cards & Gifts in Post Oak Mall has the best collection of Vera Bradley in College Station and just received a shipment of new spring patterns—go claim your favorite print now before pool season is in full swing!