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One of the reasons why I blog is simply to have the space to write: getting things “on paper” helps me to process my feelings and organize my thoughts. I also love having a record of my life over the past few years: a place that holds all of my stories, my photos, the ups and downs of travel. But sometimes, I also just want to remember and share the little things that brought me day-to-day joy. Every Friday, I’ll give you a peek into the book I currently can’t put down, a great restaurant discovery, a fun new product or an inspiring quote: a few things that I think you might enjoy before we all take off into the glory that is the weekend!

This week feels like such a blur! I came in on a red-eye Monday morning and I flew out to Austin last night: it’s been a while since I’ve had two straight weeks at the airport. And bonus: my boss from LA was in town all week, we had a new person on our team start on Monday,  and we had a big sales team dinner on Wednesday. Suffice to say, I’m exhausted. I honestly attribute most of it to the fact that I haven’t a) worked out or b) ridden my bike or c) gone grocery shopping in almost two weeks. Making time to take care of myself goes SO FAR in keeping me energetic, even when my social calendar is packed. Trying to keep that in mind and schedule in some downtime–even amidst evening rooftop drinks and morning coffee dates–for next week!

Wanderlust

I haven’t been back to Austin since I stopped there for a few days on my epic road trip across the USA in 2012. I absolutely loved it then, and I can’t wait to get back this weekend: I definitely want to go back to Blenders & Bowls and see Barton Springs, but I’m also looking forward to exploring a bunch of new places. And the Four Seasons will be such an upgrade from our hostel days! That said, it made me a bit nostalgic for that summer road trip–so here are a few of the highlights from that trip:

• The ultimate USA road trip: the good, the bad and the numbers
• Seven awesome reasons to go to Austin
• The sweet Southern charm of Savannah, Georgia
• A sorority stop in Macon, Georgia

Eats

My obsession with avocado toast and lattes continues: this time, I tested out the combo at the new Toby’s Estate in West Village. Toby’s Estate in Williamsburg used to be my absolute favorite coffee shop, but it’s just so darn busy on the weekends these days. I’m so glad to have discovered this outpost in Manhattan: the light is wonderful, there’s a variety of seating options and, of course, the coffee and food is just too darn good.

Reads

I’m so into World Without End! It’s the follow-up to Pillars of the Earth: still set in the Middle Ages, albeit a few hundred years later, and full of the same stories of love and lust and power and greed. My boyfriend has already read it, so I’m constantly texting him about dramatic developments and character discussions–I can’t wait to see how it all ends up. [Side note: I’m about halfway through, and I actually have to stop this weekend to start The Royal We for next week’s book club and I am NOT happy about it!]

Jewels

Last week, I stopped by the Absolute Vodka #ElyxHouse at the airport: essentially, a pop-up martini bar in JFK! The dirty martini went down smooth, but what I loved even more was the custom-printed copper bracelet. I opted for 916 since I was on my way back to Sacramento–and to remind me of home even when I’m on the East Coast.

Words

“Something good will come out of all things yet – And it will be golden and eternal just like that.” -Jack Kerouac

I’m spending this weekend exploring Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country! I’m most excited to see some hills of wildflowers and taste some Texas-made wine: follow along on Instagram using on #TexasToDo.