First things first

Remember when I said that I went to the Zilker Kite Festival?

I wasn't even lying!

It was a gorgeous day. We met up with Brook and Michelle and enjoyed some picnic and kite watching. Here's some proof of the relaxing nature of the day:

Rob and I were both on our guard, given that we were surrounded by little people all afternoon. Luckily, we seemed to stay below the radar. No full-scale offensive was launched on our group of childless adults. My only moment of concern came from seeing a tent selling hula hoops. I've heard about "hooping" as a fitness craze. It certainly sounds crazy enough to catch on here. I am personally reminded me of my childhood days jumping rope for hours on end. Compare that to my adult attempt to try the same thing (very painful results ensued) and you'll understand my reticence to give hooping a go. It did look fun, though...

 

So so much

We went from Rob's sister and fiance in town straight to out of town friends and SXSW madness. I will post soon I promise. Today I am still just tired and dreading the stack of work awaiting me tomorrow.

ps- Someone please tell Metallica to stop stalking me. More on that later.

Five Favorite: Coffee shops

I went to the Zilker Kite Festival last weekend. It was a lot of fun and garnered many pictures on my camera. Sadly, the pictures are still on my camera. Need magic cable to make pretty pictures appear on my computer. (I make my IT hubby so proud sometimes)

In the meantime, here's a look at some of my favorite places to caffeinate.

1. Mozart's - Ah Mozart's, my darling favorite place to while away any amount of time. Tasty coffee, excellent desserts, and a Lake Austin view that makes me smile every time.

2. Green Muse Cafe - Kind of a weird location, but talk about a hidden gem. The back patio feels like it's own secluded garden. Also, they have damn good snickerdoodles. Unfortunately, they can't be my favorite because their cash register proclaims a loathing of Apple, and my marriage won't stand for that kind of talk.

3. The Hideout - The best downtown. Tasty drinks, eclectic art, and a great little theatre round back for improv shows and small stage productions.

4. Jo's (South Congress) - This coffee stand / patio provides some of the best people watching in Austin. Most of the seating faces the street in a heavy pedestrian area. It's also in an area popular with the celebrities that have "discovered" Austin over the last few years.

5. Texspresso - I wouldn't even know this place existed if I hadn't been super early for a movie at the Village Drafthouse. Try the Alamocha. It's so amazingly good that I don't even mind venturing toward North Austin to get it.

Honorable mentions (also known as "how can I possibly pick only 5 coffee shops?"):
Genuine Joe
Flightpath
Progress Coffee

Places I haven't been yet, but will soon:
Clementine
Emerald City Press