Girls Trip to Round Top, TX

Posted in Happiness by rockparkerscissors

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This past weekend, we took a girls trip to antique week in Round Top, TX. I joined my mom, grandmother, and my grandmother’s best friend since grade school for this fun trip. It was definitely something I have never seen before. Round Top, and several surrounding towns were full of tents and vendors. Everywhere you looked, there was somewhere to shop.

Round Top’s antique week happens twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Round Top is actually a series of small towns that set up hundreds of vendors for two weeks. There are thousands of people here shopping during that time. Normally, the population is about 90 people in Round Top. But when it’s antique week, the population turns in to about 30,000.

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While a majority of the shops were antiques, there was great jewelry, clothing and furniture booths too. I’m not a big antique shopper, but the way items were set up and displayed was something to enjoy.

My main role on the trip was co-pilot. My mom and grandma studied and planned certain areas we were going to shop, and I had to help us get there.

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This event has a very thick magazine that lists most of the vendors that will be at antiques week. It also provided a very wide map that was our best friend by the end of the trip.

I bought a few things throughout the weekend, but my favorite part of the trip were the memories we made. There were a lot of laughs, some great food, and great views with the spring flowers blooming amongst the hills.

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Hat: Ralph Lauren | Shirt: Red Raider Outfitters | Vest: Columbia | Pants: Nike | Shoes: New Balance

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My mom’s hat: Ralph Lauren | Mom’s shirt: GAP

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After my Round Top experience, I have a few tips to share:

Take a basket or cart to keep your purchases. We had a foldable basket that we took everywhere.
Bring snacks and water. Because these are small towns, there are not a lot of gas stations or restaurants around. It was easy to throw those in our basket as well.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes. You will see everything, from sweats to skirts and heels. But with all of the walking, you won’t want your feet to let you down.
Get a fried pie! I’m not the biggest fried pie fan, but there was a food truck that made fresh fried pies. They had a TON of flavors, and usually ran out every day. They are located in the Blue Triangle section.

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I hope you all have the opportunity to visit Round Top someday. Happy Traveling!

22Mar2016

Oliver & Otis

Posted in Fashion by rockparkerscissors

Do you love looking cute and being comfortable at the same time? Oliver & Otis mastered the perfect t-shirt for this look. Some are funny, some are sweet, but ALL are guaranteed for a compliment (in my opinion).

photo by conebyphotography.com

I recently had the pleasure of participating in the company’s recent photo shoot. It was a blast! But along with the photo shoot, I want to explain how I learned Oliver & Otis was local to me. I have to thank Facebook for this one.

Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed one day, I came across a post from one of my old college friends and sorority sister. The photo she posted looked very similar to the park I frequently go to in town for family picnics and walking our dog. So naturally, I investigated further. As soon as I clicked on her profile, I learned that she didn’t live far from me at all! I instantly messaged her, and we were able to catch up with each other.

With our chat, I learned that she created Oliver & Otis with her family. What a dream! To actually follow your passion and start your own company. I already loved these shirts, but I had a greater love for them after I learned the story behind creating the company.

So if you are looking for a fun gift, or just a cute shirt to wear, I highly recommend Oliver & Otis shirts and supporting small businesses!

photo by conebyphotography.com

Photo by conebyphotography.com

photo by conebyphotography.com

Shirt: Oiver & Otis | Jeans: LOFT | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Bracelets: Pura Vida | Earrings: BAUBLEBAR

15Mar2016

Having fun with pants

Posted in Fashion by rockparkerscissors

I think color and printed pants are a lot of fun. The only catch is making sure they don’t make you look bigger than you really are.

One little secret about any pants with pockets – make sure the pockets are placed under your rear, and the pocket size isn’t too small or too large. It will make that rear of yours more appealing. The wrong placement of pockets can lead to your booty looking flat, wide, and sometimes longer than it really is. If you are nervous about that pocket size, look for nice colored or printed pants that don’t have actual pockets at all! Problem solved.

On the front side, make sure your pockets don’t gap. There is an easy fix to this to make your pants look much more flattering. Take the pants to your favorite seamstress, and have them close your front pockets. You’ll be looking great in no time.

I have several colors and patterned pants, but one of my favorites are these red pants of mine. If red is too bold, find the color that works best for you.

Similar top: LOFT Paisley Top , LOFT Utility Blouse (I strongly suggest waiting to purchase anything at LOFT until they have their flash sale, which is a 40-60% discount) | Pants: Old Navy | Similar shoes: 6pm , Sole Society , Steve Madden | Earrings: Kendra Scott , Urban Outfitters | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Bracelet: David Yurman | Watch: Michael Kors

(Notice how my chambray top is one of my favorite pairings with these pants! Feel free to see more denim top ideas on my previous blog: The Basic Chambray )

So have some fun today, and let it show with those pants. Choose the styles that look like you, and don’t be scared to wear them!

8Mar2016

Stripes for DAYS

Posted in Fashion by rockparkerscissors

I have a love for stripes. It is so easy to create different looks, and most stripes are pretty comfy too! I purchase most of my striped clothing from Old Navy and Nordstroms, but it is easy to find stripes anywhere. Here are a few outfit creations with stripes:

So grab that striped shirt out of your closet and get creative!

2Mar2016

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Posted in Happiness by rockparkerscissors

Image created by Margaret Hodges

In honor of Texas Independence Day, I wanted to share five things I love about my state:

Texas Country Music

I love Texas country, and great musicians that came from our state. George Strait, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Abbott, and more! What’s even better is they come to visit our state quite often too.

2. Floating Rivers

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During those hot summer months, nothing beats a relaxing float down one of the many rivers in our state. It brings friends together, literally tied together with rope, and guarantees great memories.

3. Sports

With two NFL teams and several great college teams, Texas is well known for football. But when it comes to Texas sports, I am a fan of the San Antonio Spurs, Texas Rangers, and Texas Tech football. So blessed to live in a state with such great sports!

4. Stock Shows and Rodeos

I was an active member of 4-H and FFA all the way through college. During elementary and high school, I was extremely involved in stock shows. Raising animals taught me so many things, and I am forever grateful for that. Now that I am older, it is fun to watch kids show their animals and then go to the rodeo that night.

5. The People

When you meet a Texan, they will not be a stranger by the end of the night. So many Texans are friendly and treat everyone like family. I grew up in a town, where everyone felt like family. Wherever I go in the state, I always feel welcomed and it’s a great feeling. I have such great friends, and I love my Texan family even more.

If you haven’t visited Texas, I highly recommend it. You will definitely have a greater appreciation for the word “y’all” too.

1Mar2016

Going Bananas

Posted in Food by rockparkerscissors

When your bananas are going bad, and you are trying to think what to do with them, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is banana bread. I wasn’t in the mood for banana bread this time, so I researched some recipes to use for my four bananas. Both were two thumbs up on the taste factor, and I wanted to share these recipes with you today:

My favorite find was the peanut butter, banana, and oat blender muffins. I found it on the blog, Like Mother Like Daughter. Not only was this an easy recipe, it really fills you up! Below is the recipe, and you can find it directly from the blog too: Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oat Blender Muffins

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Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oat Blender Muffins

Serves 18 regular, or 26 mini muffins

2 cups old fashioned oats
½ cup peanut butter
2 ripe bananas
2 eggs
½ cup plain greek yogurt (or vanilla)
¼ cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips or nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place all ingredients (except chocolate chips or nuts) into a blender and mix until smooth. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts if desired (I put the chocolate chips and nuts just on the top of the muffins). Pour batter into a muffin tin lines with muffin liners, or grease muffin tin (regular or mini)well with nonstick spray. Fill ¾ full. Bake for 7-8 minutes for mini muffins, and 9-12 for regular muffins.

I still had two bananas to go, and I wanted something sweet for dinner. I found some great banana drop cookies from the blog, LOVEFOODIES (recipe by C&H) , and they are a yummy treat. The recipe is located below, and you can aslo find it on the blog is here: Banana Drop Cookies

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Banana Drop Cookies

Makes approximately 50

1¼ cups sugar
2/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup banana; mashed well
2 Eggs, beaten
2¼ cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For topping (optional, but I did it)

1/4 Cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cream sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in banana. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet. Chill 30 minutes in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 400. Drop teaspoon sized balls of dough two inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture; if desired. Bake 8-10 minutes or until browned. Cool 2 minutes, then transfer to racks.

I hope you enjoy these recipes, and best of luck to your baking creativity with your bananas! If you have any tasty banana recipes, please share and I would love to try them!