Leftovers: February 2014 Edition

Winter dealt out its worst for us in February, but despite the less-than-ideal weather, this month FLEW by around these parts. In this month’s leftovers post I’ll recap our trip to Dallas and Austin, share some great reads, and throw in a few of my other favorites from the month!

We started off this month with a trip to Dallas to visit the Mr.’s family. This family is bursting with new babies and we had a wonderful time hanging out with these cuties, celebrating a late Christmas, and enjoying some above 50 degree days!

will and carson

We ended our trip with a short trip to Austin. We’d heard a lot about the Austin food scene and were excited to see how it lived up to the hype.

Unfortunately, we made it to Franklin’s BBQ a tad too late and they were already sold out. However, that didn’t stop us from enjoying some solid Q at County Line. I’m pretty sure this is the Mr.’s happy place.

BBQ

My favorite meal of the trip was definitely at Moonshine Grill, where we tried their original Corndog Shrimp (OMG. SO GOOD.) and I had a killer Fried Chicken and Poblano Sandwich. Starting off the meal with a bucket of complimentary popcorn didn’t hurt the overall vibe either.

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While in Austin, we also had some fabulous breakfasts at 24 Diner and 1886 Cafe. Both had really charming atmospheres, despite being very different kinds of restaurants. 24 is more modern/hip, while 1886 is a French style cafe and bakery with a warm interior. I’m still dreaming about these skillet huevos rancheros from 1886!

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Our plane rides and travel time gave me some welcome reading time. After hearing so many good reviews, I picked up The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, which chronicles the story of Handful, a young slave girl, and her reluctant young mistress, Sarah. The story spans over three decades and provides a powerful look at their unlikely friendship, struggles with injustice, and search for self worth and purpose. This book was heart breaking, empowering, and moving. Definitely a must read.

February Book Reviews

I also read The Husband’s Secret this month, which is another book from Liane Moriarty. I sped through this one just as quickly as her other ones, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as What Alice Forgot or Big Little Lies. This book felt darker than her other works, but it was still a great mystery with some interesting twists and turns.

Alright, here are some fast and furious links to some of my other favorites from the month!

Serial. Oh boy. I started listening to this during baking sessions and was instantly hooked. If you enjoy mysteries, anything to do with criminal justice, or just enjoy driving yourself a bit crazy, you’ll love this series. I finished last week and now I don’t know what to do with my life.

Selma. It was SO. GOOD. It definitely reminded me of my community organizing days and why I still believe that work is so necessary, powerful, and important. This is required viewing, in my opinion.

If All the Bible Translations Had a Dinner Party– Hilarious and scarily true.

53 Lessons You Learn from Watching Too Much HGTV– #27 and #28. I laughed out loud.

Finally, I have a big announcement! This week my site will be switching over to a new design! It is beautiful and fast and easy to use and I CAN’T WAIT to finally share it with you. More details about the new site will be up later this week, but I just wanted to give you all a heads up so you won’t think you’re in the wrong place next time you visit!

For more glimpses into our day to day life, be sure to follow me on Instagram! Happy March everyone! Here’s to spring!

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4 Comments

  1. Woo hoo! Can’t wait to see your new design!

    My husband is on a current crusade to force my entire family to move to Austin! We all love it there, but I think I’d just miss Boston too much (though not this snow!!).

    Sues

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