Painting with a Twist

Ever since the craft fair, I've wanting to explore my creativity as much as possible. I've been cross stitching, embroidering, and even making necklaces, but I wanted something different.
On several occasions I've wanted to try a painting class called Painting with a Twist, where the class follows the instructor to paint the same painting, all while enjoying whatever kind of wine you bring. It's a recipe for a great time.
At the last minute my friend Kristin and I made plans to attend (with her mr). We each brought wine and tasty eats and had a blast. Though by the time the class ended, we were covered in paint--which turned out to not be washable.
Small price to pay for a good time! And I'll definitely be back.
Love and light.
Adriennr

Enjoying the things that God has to offer

I adore spending my days off delighting in the natural springs that surround the Austin area. Today I chose to do so at Krause Springs in Spicewood, Tx. I had a fantastic day enjoying the beauty that God has to offer. My friend Marisa fortunately had the day off and invited her friend Minh.

 

We weren't that impressed at first sight. There were too many people in the 68 degree, spring-water pool and there wasn't too much water in the natural springs, but we dove in anyway. Well worth it! The water felt incredible, and after spending some time sitting under the pretty little waterfall, I insisted that we each take a turn on the rope swing--I went twice, but called an end to that area when a fish nipped at my toe!

We spent the last bit of our stay jumping in the super cold pool trying to capture the perfect pictures. That may have been my favorite part. The excitement of jumping into an 8ft deep pool, the rush as the cold water covers our sun-kissed skin, only to get back out into the 95 degree heat to do it all over again. It was exhilarating!

After we sun-dried, we took a quick wonder around the "butterfly garden."It was super quant and filled with beautiful, giant wind chimes and so many different types of flowers. I took in as much as I could before I was dragged away to head home.

I love being outdoors! My new goal this summer is to explore as many springs, lakes, rivers and campsites that surround Austin as I can. I want to take in as much as possible and experience all that I can.

Tell me if you know of any places that I must explore.

Love and light.
Adrienne

It's in my bones now...

Last week was a pretty intense week at work; Had to stock for Memorial weekend and we had a big visit from some higher ups and needed to perfect the store (especially our most shopped area...the clothes).

With my background in A&F and their reputation in folding perfection, I was the person that was volunteered to help out the problem areas.

My first reaction was "really?!" but shoot dang, I'm good at what I do. I got a couple pats on the back, but mostly I was just happy to see the aftermath. I love being able to see progress.

Needless to say the visit went well. Hopefully the weekend will be a success too, and fortunately, I have the next three days off! My days will be filled with rest, relaxation and sun basking.

Love and light,
Adrienne

The Renegade Craft Fair

What a wonderful weekend! I couldn't have planned a better time. My sister and I lived a small dream of ours: to be a part of the Renegade Craft Fair. We've gone to every fair since they started showing in Austin, three years ago, and this was our first time to sell our work in it.

It was super exciting for me, and actually ended up creating a new dream in my heart: to one day open a shop with my sister--her as the creative mind, me as the business mind. It sounds crazy, but makes me smile huge thinking about it!

The fair took place Saturday and Sunday. Sadly, the first day my sis had to leave for a few hours, but for a good cause--to support her mr in the Spartan Race, which he owned! Sunday was all us though. With maybe a third of our inventory gone by the first day, we came in with high hopes on Sunday. It was another win for sure. The 200+ business cards dwindled down quick and so did the many rings, clips and bows.

We also had the awesome privilege to do a little trading with other vendors at the fair including Bird Project (our booth mate), BC2 Designs, Snash Jewelry and Molly M Designs. We met so many awesome people with many great stories. It made my desire to travel even grander.

And I got to run into a few old acquaintances! Oh Renegade Craft Fair, how you bring lives together.

Once again, it was a lovely weekend that I'm ending with many beautiful new accessories to adorn and even more memories to cherish. Life is good!

Love and light.
Adrienne

Visited mi hermana

This weekend I went to visit my little sis. As always we had a lovely time. We did our best to get ready for the Renegade craft fair (which is happening in T-4 days), but we didn't get very far. We took an inventory and created a few rings, but mostly we ate, pet prairie dogs and a giant turtle and shopped. Either way, it was worth the trip.

And just a reminder, if you're in Austin or wanting to make a trip to Austin, this weekend is the perfect time! The Renegade Craft Fair is happening on the 19th and 20th. Our plan is to sell out, and it's likely to happen since we are the second table in the first row when you walk in the door. I can't wait! Come visit : )

Love and light.
Adrienne

My CInco de Mayo

Not a bad day at all! Super busy day at work, but all worked out for the best. Management celebrated our great business last week by buying everyone tacos from Taco Cabana and made queso and virgin margaritas for lunch. I love my coworkers and my job.

After work,  I was convinced into upgrading my iPhone 4. I was told after I traded in my phone, I'd get the iPhone 4s for about $40 after taxes. However, I made out like a bandit. I ended up getting $200 for my phone and getting the 4s for $200, but after my employee discount and my Target Redcard discount was applied, I ended up getting $15 back. So basically, I got paid to upgrade my phone. Win, win!

With my extra earnings I bought myself nail polish and potting soil for my new plants--I'm such a girl.

For dinner, I made the mr and me giant chicken and bell pepper burritos to celebrate Mexico's victory over the French.

Today was a fabulous day!

Love and light.
Adrienne

Being Spontaneous

Last weekend I went to Houston to visit my parents. Seeing them always brings great joy to my life. So, yes, it was a lovely trip.

My dad sent me home early on Sunday, so I could drive home with enough daylight. During the three hour drive home, I kept passing field after field of bright, beautiful flowers. Every time a field would pass, I'd regret not stopping.

Since I moved to Texas, I've always wanted to take photos in, with or around the many fields of flowers that sprout up along the sides of the highway.

It took me two hours to finally get the courage to "stop and smell the flowers." I pulled over at a lookout point in Kirtly, Texas. It was a lovely view of the green, hilly valley below, but I wanted more. I found a path that led down through the woods. I was in heels, but I was ready for an adventure!

It was a short but steep walk down, but so worth the trek. Not only did I find a pretty little field of yellow flowers, there were fireflies lighting up all around me!! I hadn't seen fireflies in ages!

It was a wonderful experience and couldn't help but smile the rest of the way home. It was fun finding a little hideaway that no one else got to experience. I'm now adding spontaneity to my daily life.

Love and light.
Adrienne

I lost touch, but hopefully I'm back

Yikes! Since I started working for Target, I've had little time to write anything. It's been tough, but I really am loving my job. It took awhile to feel like I fit in, and for awhile there, I felt like I wouldn't ever get the hang of things, but alas, I've found my groove, and it feels good.

I have my own desk (that I am now sharing, actually). I just got the key to the store, after two warnings from everyone about the importance of locking the store at night. I also have a space on the wall where my picture sits with a short bio. It's like home :)

This week has been an awesome week. The company had a picnic for all the team leaders in the district. We got to meet everyone, play games and eat a bunch of food. I even got to make a banner for the event. Any time I can be paid to be outside, I'm so there.

Love and light.
Adrienne

My 28th birthday

March 7th was my 28th birthday. By far, it was my most low key birthday celebration of my life. The mr and our friends all went out for dinner and drinks the night before. It was lots of fun, but made going to work at 7am really difficult.

By the time 4pm rolled around, I was ready to go home and nap. The mr convinced me to at least let him take me to dinner at a hibachi restaurant. He knew how to get me motivated: with food. It was a quiet dinner, but super lovely. I always have fun with hibachi shows. I even got a bday dessert. AND funniest part of the day was that Facebook announced I was a year younger than I am. I'm ok with being 27 again, if I have to :)

Though it wasn't a crazy eventful day, I still enjoyed it. I accepted my 28th year long ago, so all is well. I even bought myself a pretty little outfit for the day. Sadly, I just wore it out to dinner, but I felt cute the whole time.

Love and light.

Adrienne

Family Vacay

As you may or may not know, I went on a week long vacation on the 26th. My first vacay of the year, and it was much needed.

I flew into El Paso, Tx early afternoon. The 'rents picked me up and we sped to Las Cruces, NM for lunch at my favorite mexican restaurant, Andeles. It's my typical first stop when heading to NM and never disappoints. We were joined by my aunt, cousin, gramps, and family friend, Dela.

Right after lunch, my mom, stepdad, and Molly (the dog), packed into the car and drove the 3.5 hours to Albuquerque to stay with my brother, Michael. Long flippin' day, but tons of fun. I hadn't seen my brother since October, last year.

The next morning we packed back into the car and drove the 7 hours to Ft Collins, CO. where my stepdad was attending an engineering conference for the week.

The next four days were filled with delicious food, mother-daughter-time, spoiling-of-daughter, and breathe-taking sceneries.

Blast from the past

My friend Kristin is a leap year baby and is turning seven on the 29th. It's kind of a big deal, so a bunch of her friends came from all over to join in on the celebration, including my buddies from NM--my friend Brandon, who I haven't seen in four year, and my friends Sean and Marc, who're always a pleasure to see.

Kristin, Brandon, Sean, Marc and my new friend Zach met up for lunch on Saturday at a super tasty bbq place called Stiles Switch. Way too much food was eaten while we all caught up and shared stories.

With much food in our bellies, we split up to kill some time before the birthday party in the evening. Sean, Marc, Brandon and I went to Congress st to get a pair of boots that Sean has been eyeing for over a year. While walking to the boutique, we made stops at a couple little shops to buy last minute bday presents for the bday girl.

The shark skin boots were the main attraction though. It didn't take much convincing from us to get Sean to make the purchase he's been wanting to make for so long, and I'm glad he did, 'cause those boots looked snazzy on him. He wore those boots out of the store proudly!

The party came quick, and was so much fun! Kristin held it at her friend's four-story condo (that had a Jacuzzi on the roof top). It was a beautiful place. I made a lot of new friends, ate a lot of tasty apps, soaked my toes in the hot water, and danced the night away.

I don't remember the last time I mingled so much either. Kristen has some pretty awesome friends, so needless to say, Saturday was a wonderful day.

Love and light.
Adrienne

A quick catch-up

So, to catch you up, I didn't end up having the two weeks off like I'd thought. It turned into only three days off because on Monday morning, I got a call from Target asking me to start early! I tell you, all things seriously happen for a reason.

I went to my first day of work at Target on Tuesday the 21st. I'm not gonna lie, I was super scared and nervous. It'd been three years since I started a new job, so I felt like a total noob, but I had fun and am super excited to learn everything.

On Thursday evening, I got a chance to volunteer through Target. We handed out groceries to underprivileged families. It felt rewarding to help those in need--I'll most likely do it again.

Love and light.
Adrienne

To new beginnings

The past few weeks have been a crazy roller-coaster of emotions: my store closed, I was moved to a different store 30 minutes away, the new store taught me so much about myself, I went through a long interview process with Target, I was offered the job, I put my two weeks in, was told I didn't need to finish my two weeks, and now I'm left with what I'm calling "my two week vacation" before my next big step in life.

Kind of hectic, but I'm a firm believer in that all things happen for a reason. Had my store not closed, I would've continued in a place, I know now, wasn't helping me grow. I was bitter at first when I got moved to a store so far from where I live, but the people at this store reminded me why I love what I do and restored my passion for it. And yes, being told to leave my job before I finish out my two weeks, felt like a slap in the face, but God knew I would be more productive in life by leaving early.

I spent the first few hours with tears in my eyes, then came that epiphany that all is well. An hour later, my mr picked me up and took me on a movie date.

Yesterday was my first full day "jobless." I'd never had a more productive day. I managed to sleep in, make an awesome breakfast/brunch, cleaned my entire apartment (e.g. bathroom scrubbing, all laundry getting done, dusting, dishes, sweeping, mopping and windows), went to Hobby Lobby for some crafting necessities, bought several weeks worth of groceries, made dinner and wrapped up the night with wine and a movie with the mr.

After such a long eventful day, I still somehow managed to wake up at 6am this morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on this new day. I've already finished folding the last bit of laundry from yesterday, made a healthy breakfast of yogurt and fruit, sent off a few emails, joined Pinster, downloaded photos from Henrietta (my camera) and wrote my first blog in two weeks...and it's only 9am. I'm so excited for what the rest of my day will bring!

Love and light.
Adrienne

Goodbye Hill Country

I've spent the past five days working on the transferring-out of items, destruction and gutting of my store after I worked for a year and a half to get it to where it was. My beautiful little store closed for business on the 28th, and a handful of associates and I spent this week sending the inventory to other stores.

It was a fun week of work, mainly because we could wear whatever we wanted, listen to our own music and not have to worry about customers. It was a good way to say goodbye.

I was super surprised at how quick the demolition went. The front of the store was gone within hours the first night we closed. We spent day two transferring out a huge mound of clothes that all had to be desensored. 

The front two rooms became one giant white room in about a day. I'd never seen the store look so bright! My team worked at a quick, steady pace with the removal of the clothes. We had over 300 boxes by day four.

Day five was officially the last day of transfers. By that time, all closets were gone, miscellaneous items were thrown out or moved to another store, and the destruction was moving along quickly.

I think day six was the hardest for me. It was just me there to supervise and sign paperwork as different companies came to pick up computers, phones and furniture. It was a long day and my seventh day in a row of work. I was ready for a break.

Friday was my first day off in a week. It was much needed and, I think, well deserved. I ran errands in the morning, and all I wanted to do when I got done was vegetate. The Mr and I made a pizza and shared a bottle of wine for a late lunch, we watched Apollo 18 and Courageous, and I made a tasty dinner with stuff jalapenos for appetizers. We ended our night with me watching the Mr play the new Final Fantasy game. He did a good job at filling me in on the story line. He's cute when he shows his nerdy side.

Love and light.

Adrienne

Bingo Night

Since I'm now able to hang out with my assistant managers (now that they aren't my subordinates), Marisa and I found it necessary to seize this opportunity. She picked me up after work and took me to bingo! She was an avid player in her hometown and just found the one bingo hall in Austin that's smoke free. I've never actually played the game for money, so I was super excited to go.

No, bingo is not an old person's game. Surprisingly enough, we weren't the only "young" people there. I was a bit intimidated though with all the bingo lingo going on. I had to keep asking what was going on in between games.

We didn't win anything, but I came super close to winning a $300 jackpot.

After bingo, Marisa took me to the Starbucks where she camped outside of during their opening to get a drink card for 100 free grande drinks. She treated me to a carmel apple spice.

Since we were out and about, we also went to Walmart. Not just any Walmart; this one in particular was clean, crowd-free and shopped by attractive looking people. She always told me about it, but it was hard to believe. I was truly amazed.

We were heading back to my car when we decided we'd round off bingo night, which randomly turned into a girl date night, with a nightcap at her favorite bar, Fore. A couple friends of hers were there and bought us a round of drinks for being the only female patrons. Conversation was going so well, we ended up closing down the bar.

Bingo night was a success, and I'm excited I can finally be friends with my (ex)coworkers!


Love and light.
Adrienne

Went hiking

I got up early today to go for a hike at the Greenbelt with Miguel, my assistant's chihuahua who I like to borrow. I haven't been hiking since April and was just super excited to be out in nature. We started down one path and just kept going. We ended up hiking 6.5 miles in two hours. 

With all the rain that happened yesterday, the Greenbelt was filled with tons of cold flowing water--had to trek through it a couple times. It was freezing, but the view from where I hiked to was worth.

Hopefully I can make hiking a part of my routine. Pretty sure I'm gonna be sore tomorrow though. The good news is Miguel and I are going to sleep like babies tonight.

Love and light.

Adrienne