Bites of My Life

Coming off such a great week with family and friends. Claire had her sweet baby boy Jack Morgan prematurely two and half weeks ago. It was a shock and a very scary few days. While he’s growing and getting stronger in the nicu, Kathleen and I spent a few days in Austin last week, getting to hang with the new parents! I won’t get to meet my nephew for a couple of months, but what a day it will be when I finally get to! Unpacked from Austin to re-pack for the lake with my college besties. We’re on year 3 of our annual lake trip, and I’m so thankful for the dedicated time outside of weddings and bachelorette parties that we choose to spend together.

-What a week for television. Millionaires are going to space and the start of the summer Olympics. I’m a Today Show and NBC loyal fan and have always been. Catch me more excited about diving and gymnastics than The Bachelorette the next two weeks 🤣! Pictured here is me multi-tasking an Obé pilates class and watching Jeff Bezos go to space.
-Arrived in Austin on Wednesday and picked up lunch with Claire from Tiny Grocer to eat at home while working and waiting for Kathleen to get in.
-While Claire and Mike visited Jack in the NICU I got to meet up with Mads and baby Ralph for a walk near Lake Austin.
-I’ve coveted Elizabeth St. Cafe for years for their dishes and design. I flipped through their cookbook after spotting it at ByGeorge on South Congress last week
-We then decided to order in from Elizabeth Street that night. It is insanely good Vietnamese-style street food by the always good MML Hospitality.
-Besties unite!
-We rented the cutest lake house on Cedar Creek lake. Dallas is a central meeting spot for our crew, and Cedar Creek is only about an hour outside of DTX!
-I love this trip and these friends so much!

Annie

Bites of My Life

Twenty-seven, an age I didn’t want to turn. I was pretty vocal about how I did not want to turn 27 last year. There was a list of internal reasons why I didn’t want to get older last year, but add a pandemic on top and I was not in the headspace to “age.” Come this year and I felt confident going into 28. The week shook out a bit different than originally planned, but I’m still holding strong to confidence in year 28. It’s not a novel idea that birthdays make you think and reflect, but this past week was a glaring reminder of how incredible my friends and family are. The people I’ve somehow tricked into my corner of community are the best, bias but very true.

-I don’t have a lot of love languages, but a surprise decaf latte is definitely one of them. Bonus points for a latte that comes in a cheery yellow cup with an uplifting saying.
-I thought Crumbl Cookies were just a Tik Tok trend, but boy was I wrong. These bad boys showed up on my porch and were everything of the sort. I cannot stress enough how yum there were. SB, I owe you!
-Celebrated Mary and Charlie with a send-off party before they are NYC bound. Can’t wait to visit these Upper West Siders!
-The early stages of getting to this final cake masterpiece were documented on Tik Tok by Olivia and now have 2.1 million views….incredible!
-A chill night with a ton of cheese the most epic homemade cake and some of my closest friends, was the best way to enter my 28th year!
-My very own Park Cities Petals :) The best in the Dallas flower game!
-What was meant to be an hour visit while stopping through town, turned into the best 24 hours hanging with my sis and brother-in-law at their new house in Austin, Texas!! #StateMates! Claire has been in New York the past 12 years and by a twisted fate, we are now in Texas together.
-There were some big talks about these breakfast tacos from The Carpenter Hotel. Homemade tortillas, eggs, green chorizo, and housemade tomatillo salsa. The tacos lived up and were the perfect fuel post-Lady Bird Lake trail walk and pre-drive back to DAL.
-Pulled back into Dallas Saturday, just in time for the first pool day of the season!
-Had to cut out a few to make it fit in the square. While I think we may have been the only few in town, just glad it was us. This expanded group of our college besties are just that, the best! Spent the cloudy and cooler Sunday at Katy Trail Ice House, sipping on one too many summer beers and playing an extensive round of Cheers Govna’. that after two hours I’m still not sure we finished.
-A hot dog was 1000% necessary for Memorial Day weekend and the kick-off to summer.
-The Green Goddess Salad with Paleo Popcorn Chicken from Origin Kitchen is the most craveable salad. Made for a happy lunch with my bestie Carol girl!

Annie

Meal prep bites: I made a batch of my Whole 30 Tahini Chicken Salad for lunches this week, and I’m now officially counting down until lunchtime.

Bites of My Life

Summer, I can feel you. And you feel real good. Really warm weather, things slowing down (a bit) and the most fun weekend away in Austin, only to come home and love on my momma made for a perfect week. I'd do a repeat this weekend if I could!

-Prettiest salad I ever did see. Get the details here. 
-When happy hour gets a healthy spin on it!
-We move into our company office in less than a month. Only a few grind sessions left with my make-shift standing desk. 
-Women in food. Proud to be one and proud to work alongside these other ladies. See our faces in the current issue of Edible OKC. 
-Pre-bachelorette protein shake vibes!
-Touched down in ATX for Stacia's Bach weekend and headed straight for Happy Hour. Have I mentioned I'm coming to terms with gin? Never thought it would happen but drinks like this strawberry, basil and gin punch from Irene's has me sipping on the once distasteful liquor.
-All the girly drinks all weekend, including the best darn mudslide and brandy ice found at the Four Season's in downtown Austin. 
-Wiggin' out for the future Mrs. Ranallo!
-Lake day for our soon-to-be bride!
-Sweetest almost 9 1/2 month old there ever was. 
-Vinegar cocktails, yes you heard that right. Using my favorite new Comice Pear White Balsamic Vinegar from The Oil Tree, mixed with a shot of Tito's and Le Croix! Perfect way to cheers my cute momma on Mother's Day!
-FIrst time of the season taking my little cruiser out for a spin. Perfect end to the weekend. 

Annie