We made a stop in Waco to tour the Dr. Pepper Museum. I was probably in the 6th grade the last time I had gone through the entire thing, and Dave didn’t remember ever doing it before. It was still interesting, and we of course had to buy a drink to go from the old time soda fountain and a six pack pure cane sugar DP for my dad. It is definitely a fun pit-stop if you are a fan and have never been.

Awhile back when we were planning our trip to Paris I was obsessed with watching the Food Network and Travel Channel for fun places to visit while on vacation. I had remembered that Adam Richman (Man v. Food) had visited Round Rock, Austin and Driftwood, and I had been looking forward to trying some of those places ever since.

Once I saw Round Rock Donuts featured, I knew I had to try one. I am not really a donut person. I’d pass them over for a kolache any day. If I do have a donut, hot is my favorite. Our local Krispy Kreme store closed, so it has been awhile since I’ve had one. We pulled into town around noon and the place was still packed and we had to park next door at Papa John’s. We ordered a glazed Texas Sized, because who can resist a warm pastry the size of a toilet seat. But seriously? It was awesome! We ate it for several days, and we both thought it was one of the best ones we’ve ever had. I would definitely stop again on my way through town.

Next we checked into our hotel and made the scenic drive through the Hill Country to Driftwood, Texas. People have been going crazy for The Salt Lick as long as I can remember, but I had never made it out to the original.

Supposedly the atmosphere is half the experience, and I’m going to have to agree with that. The property is lovely with vineyards, picnic tables and a wine cellar. They even have live music. We met our friend Ruby, and waited about 90 minutes for a table. I wish I could say it was worth it.

We all ordered the All-You-Can-Eat for $20 a pop which included brisket, ribs and sausage as well as potato salad, coleslaw, beans and toast. Meh. To me the best part was the unique BBQ sauce. The peach cobbler was even disappointing– more like bread pudding consistency than pie like I was expecting. I’m glad we checked it out to say we experienced it, but it was highly overrated in my opinion.

That night we went to the Alamo Drafthouse to see an indie movie Dave had heard of and wanted to see, and we were introduced to Waffles and Spaghetti O’s, a complementary treat (eww) from the theater that tied into the movie. It. Was. Disgusting. On the plus side, I sipped sangria and had the best fried pickle spears ever. We haven’t eaten this bad in a long time.

My very favorite restaurant in Austin is Le Cafe Crepe. I could eat Chloe Nutella and Strawberry crepes every. single. day. The crepes here are as good as the ones in Paris, and I only wish I could find a place like this in DFW.

We had a great time, and I am looking forward to our next adventure. This trip inspired me to suggest that we try a new restaurant we’ve never been to at least once a week. Hopefully we will enjoy trying new things and finding some new local favorites. Wish us luck!

Each team is sent clues and challenges to complete on their cell phone using text message or the SCVNGR app. The couple who has the most points at the end of the two hour event will be presented with the ring at an Awards Ceremony held at the House of Blues at 2:00 PM.

To sign up couples are required to submit their love stories at BachendorfsDiamondDash.com. If you sign up using codeword LAURIE you will be guaranteed a spot to participate. You can see the grand prize diamond ring on display (it is GORGEOUS) at Bachendorf’s at 6019 Berkshire Lane in Dallas along with more details on how to play.

Dave and I have discussed renewing our vows for our 10th anniversary, so we signed up to compete. We have participated in one other SCVNGR event to win a car, and had a lot of fun even though we didn’t win. You learn a lot about the city, and the trivia and challenges require a lot of physical activity and teamwork. Who wants to come with us?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. While I was provided a press release and compensated monetarily, the opinions expressed are completely my own and were not influenced by the sponsors.

My favorite Gap gathered maxi dress of all time returned for a second year. I purchased it in every single color and print last year including a backup of both black and teal that I tucked away in case they shrunk, faded or became too worn. I really did live in them last Spring/Summer. I was giddy when I saw it was back in more colors last week. I wanted it to be purple like the online photo, but it ended up more maroon in person. Still, they made improvements to the chest and if I put on some platforms it won’t drag the ground. That means I’ll be getting it in every. single. color. again this year.

I LOVE these Lauren by Ralph Lauren Cecilia espadrilles, especially in fuchsia (and turquoise and black, and dark brown and silver). These add the perfect pop of color, especially if you aren’t feeling the bright pants trend (which I am definitely not). I will own at least two colors by summer. No worries if you don’t have a Bloomies near you. I first spotted these at Dillards and have been dreaming of making them mine ever since. Also? Lauren shoes hold up amazingly well. I have a favorite pair of red and denim wedge platforms from over 10 years ago in near perfect condition. They are a classic.

A butterfly flew in front of my car today (really!) and reminded me that these Tiffany & Co. Butterfly earrings are on my mental Wish List. It would be especially magical if the Easter Bunny delivered these. They just shout Spring! to me and are begging to be self-gifted.

What are your big Spring Fashion Splurges of 2012 going to be?

What is it you ask? It’s a 2012 Chevy Sonic hatchback, exactly like the one in the OK Go Needing/Getting video. It’s so much fun to drive. The first place we took it after driving away from the dealership? Sonic Drive-In. Yes, Seriously.

I don’t think I’ll be doing anything like what they do in this video anytime soon, but it sure looks like fun!

It’s Clinique Bonus Week at Dillards, so I stopped by tonight and picked up Lovely Honey and Chic Honey. I’m still disappointed that my original color didn’t make a comeback, but these are good for a nice hint of glossy semi-sheer color. They are now sold for $15 each. That’s only 50¢ inflation after all these years! Did you have a fav back in the 90s too? ]]> http://laviedelaurie.com/2012/03/15/clinique-brings-back-my-favorite-sort-of/feed/ 2 http://laviedelaurie.com/2012/03/15/clinique-brings-back-my-favorite-sort-of/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LaVieDeLaurie/~3/0L3FfDCdg6c/ http://laviedelaurie.com/2012/02/06/give-a-little-get-a-little-at-medieval-time-dallas/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:52:26 +0000 Laurie http://laviedelaurie.com/?p=5610 As you know, I love Medieval Times. The Dallas Castle is currently trying to collect 2000 pounds of food donations for Dallas Life. This Thursday if you bring a non-perishable food item you will receive 50% off an adult admission. So far they have collected 1306 pounds, but have 694 more to go. Can you help?

Check out Medieval Times Dallas Facebook for more details. It’s a win-win. Give a little, get a little (plus some good karma on the side). Have I mentioned how much fun the new show is?

What did I do on my birthday weekend? On Saturday Dave took me to a special advanced screening of Beauty & the Beast 3D. Another fun fact? It is my favorite Disney movie ever. Can you believe it is over 20 years old? Yeah, me either. It was fun to see it on the big screen again, even though I think 3D movies are overrated. I may have even teared up during the dance scene. Quite a few parents even brought their daughters dressed as Belle. If I had a daughter I would have done that too. Afterward we went to La Madeleine and lunched like we were at a Paris cafe. The tables were so close together (just like in France) that we were practically touching our neighbor’s chairs. Parisians certain like to pack in the people. It was a very Ooh La La day if I do say so myself. And I do!

On Sunday we brunched with friends at Blue Mesa and did some shopping in the afternoon. Yet another fun fact? I was born on a Sunday around 3:30 PM. Dave made my birthday dinner reservations at Craft. It is my favorite restaurant in Dallas, and it didn’t disappoint again this year. I almost always get braised beef or pork, and it is always amazing.

Yes, it looks a little like baby food, but trust me it is the best food ever even if Chef Tom didn’t cook it this time. We had: braised pork belly and pineapples , swordfish, braised beef short ribs, butternut squash puree, yukon gold mashed potato puree, sticky toffee pudding, and chocolate cake.

They always serve several amuse bouches also. We had a sweet potato and pecan soup, as well as fresh pears and caramel. They also served a trio of cookies. I was disappointed that caramel corn wasn’t on the menu that night, but they brought me a special bag to take home anyway. I have never been so full, ever.

I took Monday off to renew my drivers license, and we wasted 3 hours standing out in the rain and in a waiting room. Not the most glamorous ending to a long birthday weekend, but we munched on caramel corn while we waited and caramel corn makes everything better. What is even better? Having an awesome husband who took me to do all of the above, not to mention all the fabulous gifts including new Coach sunglasses and perfume plus more charms for my new Pandora bracelet. Spoiled. xoxo

I didn’t have a wallet I felt matched my new LV, and I definitely was not going to shell out more money to be matchy-matchy. I usually don’t even like gold (or brass) hardware, but this Stacy does a good job of blending in without being too flashy. Kate Spade has sales pretty frequently, so I would suggest getting on their e-mail list.

Winter temperatures (even the mild ones in Texas this year) bring chapped lips. I recently discovered Fresh Sugar lip treatment. Love it. It is a little pricey, but you can also buy tinted varieties and it doubles as lip gloss. Also? During your birthday month you can get a free mini lip duo (Sugar and Sugar Rosé) if you are a Sephora Beauty Insider.

My parents gave me a giftcard to Macy’s for Christmas. I got these houndstooth Sperry Top-Sider slip ons. No I’m not a boater, but it did rain every single day for a week after I got them so I had a lot of opportunities to break them in. They are super comfy, and I also love the silver laces. Bring it, rain!

I have always wanted to try extensions, and my wish came true thanks to Shammah at Additions. I wanted longer hair, but I was constantly getting it cut due to split ends from heat styling. It was fun to get my desired length overnight, and she matched my color perfectly. I love the thickness, and I have been enjoying trying different styles. Surprisingly I have been wearing it curly more often. If you are near Dallas and have been wanting to give extensions a try, I definitely recommend Shammah. She put my fears to rest, and has been amazing every step of the way from the consultation to maintenance.

Do you have any favorites so far this year?

Speaking of things I don’t like to do when I get home, I also had to throw in a load of laundry. Today while working on a project, I accidentally got red highlighter marks all over the sleeve of one of my favorite sweaters. The horror! First thing in the door I peeled it off and went to work scrubbing with Purex Triple Action. Dave said I was SOL and that the red marks were permanent, but I am happy to report that thanks to Purex and a little old fashioned elbow grease, the stain is gone. Vanished. Disappeared. Poof! Also? It smells so fresh. I get so many complements on how my clothes smell since I have started using Purex. And oh how Purex has made my life easier (thanks to Ultra Packs, Crystals (my fav), and Complete 3-in-1 Sheets). Whatever my laundry situation, they have had me covered for the past several years.

I may have the opportunity to provide a few readers with coupons for one or more of the products mentioned above. If you are interested, keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway soon.

Disclosure: I am a Purex Insider and occasionally get to try their new products for free. I have not been compensated nor was I required to post a review.

xoxo,
Laurie