Greetings from Austin Part 3 - Adventures Thus Far

My life since February 12th, my life back in Austin, has been drastically different. I feel so free and renewed and... young again! I feel like I've done more things and seen more friends in the past few months than I did in all of 2013. Seriously, it's amazing. A few of the 2014 goals I set for myself included living a more active lifestyle, exploring Austin and enjoying life in general. Well hello 2014, jump aboard the happiness train!

Eats and drinks. I can't. stop. eating. I've cooked a little less for myself and have let others take over the pots and pans. Not only has it been amazing, it has been delicious. We've hit up many of our favorite places, indulged in happy hours and brunches, tried some new spots, taken full advantage of grab-n-go and have spoiled ourselves with some Ben E. Keith Austin food and bev perks. Here are a few shots that I took (imagine Jeff shunning me while snapping these photos):




Oyster bar at Whole Foods Domain. Lots of Ben E Keith on draught.

The ORIGINAL Chuys on Barton Springs.

Drinks... lots of craft beer... and drinks in general.

One of our fave quickie burger spots - Mighty Fine. The shakes R.O.C.K.

First visit to Noble Sandwiches.

Brunch club at Swift's Attic. Pecan cream cheese stuffed french toast was SPOT. ON.

Boss came to town. Took her to none other than Hula Hut on a beautiful day.

We literally walk to Ramen Tatsu-ya from our house, delish.

 

Austin adventures. In Dallas I was BUSY, and don't worry, I'd let you know how busy I was, but here in Austin I wanted to be busy with loving life, and that I am (by choice of course). I'm not strapped to my house. I don't slave over dishes (despite the fact that I have no dishwasher). I don't stress over remodeling and DIY. I'm not glued to my computer. The to-do list can wait because I'm BUSY living (and loving) life. There's SO much to do and see, old and new, so I'm taking full advantage.
 

Birthday adventures, brunch, games, karaoke and vintage bowling at The Goodnight.

TopGolf Austin with the fam.

Hook 'em Horns with birthday friends at Vince Young Steakhouse.

Blues tunes at the Brass House.

Perfect weather and blanket jamming at Old Settler's Music Festival.

Butler Park views @ the SXSW Foster the People show.

Active lifestyle. I had a gym membership for over four years, and I’d say I used it pretty regularly (not that I was a regular). But as much as I "tried" to keep up with my fitness, when I was in a funk, I had no saving grace. So knowing that I was moving to Austin, I set a goal to live a more active lifestyle in general – not just visits to the gym, not just exercising as though it was a chore. Now, I don’t even have a gym membership, and I’m more active (and outdoors) than ever: trails, tracks, parks, hikes, water, Austin, dog time, friend time, missing traffic time… all I need is some sports.



Cloudy days but always amazing views while running at Town Lake.

Fishing, kayaking, camping at Bastrop State Park.

Easter weekend family hike at Enchanted Rock.

When people ask me how living back in Austin is going, I typically respond, “GREAT.” But for real, I don’t know how else to describe it. I’m having a great time. I feel happier and less stressed. Even my dogs love it more! My life is a very different kind of busy now, and I’m really hoping this positive momentum is really just a positive life change. So far, so good; I’m accomplishing everything I set out to do when I learned I was moving back… not that I really expected any less from this city ;)

I try my best to keep up with my adventures on Instagram, so feel free to follow along @kitsyco.

XOXO

Kendra

Don't forget to visit my shop, Kitsy Co!