Our home renovation journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind, and we’re thrilled to share some significant strides made recently! While we were away in Austin last weekend, the progress on our fixer-upper was truly remarkable. It almost makes us wonder if we should leave town more often just to spur things along! With new master bath tiles sparkling in place, the dream kitchen steadily taking shape, and even the first yucca plants chosen for our evolving landscape, every corner of our future home is slowly but surely coming to life. This week promises more excitement, as we’re heading to Waco for an inspiring project with Texas Monthly and Magnolia.

Embarking on a full-scale home renovation while balancing family life is a unique challenge, and our little Gwen has been an absolute trooper throughout this entire process. She’s typically a master of self-entertainment, possessing an incredible knack for independent play. However, there are those inevitable days when the demands of work collide with the need to keep her engaged, leading us to a very relatable modern parenting solution: the television. The struggle is real, and the ‘mom-guilt’ that often accompanies screen time decisions is a heavy burden many parents understand intimately.

In our household, it’s become a running, if slightly self-deprecating, joke that Disney’s Moana has unofficially taken on the role of our after-hours nanny. The irony is not lost on us; we were once those parents, full of well-meaning intentions, who vowed never to allow excessive screen time for our children. And then, as so many parents discover, life happened, and we became parents ourselves. Now, she has her very own iPad, and here I am, openly confessing and almost apologizing for it, knowing full well we’re not alone in this digital-age parenting predicament.

We’re constantly seeking ways to foster creativity and reduce our reliance on the glowing screen. If you, dear readers, have any brilliant advice or innovative strategies on how to navigate this delicate balance and avoid becoming overly codependent on the TV, please do share your wisdom in the comments below! We’re all ears. It’s often suggested by well-meaning friends and, especially, the grandparents, that another sibling or playmate would be the ultimate solution to Gwen’s entertainment needs. However, as many of you who follow our family journey know, we’re not quite ready to expand our family just yet. Our hope is that our expansive new backyard, once fully completed and transformed into a vibrant play haven, will serve as a wonderful solution, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and imaginative play.

This past Tuesday, a minor technological hiccup turned into a delightful family adventure. When both Instagram and Facebook decided to stage a collective rebellion (#firstworldproblems, indeed!), we seized the opportunity to unplug entirely from our digital devices. With a sudden burst of spontaneity, we headed straight to the Houston Rodeo, eager to explore all the fascinating animals on display. While Gwen, perhaps surprisingly, wasn’t particularly captivated by the livestock or the equestrian shows, her enthusiasm truly ignited when we made a pivotal decision.

Trading calorie counting for pure, unadulterated carnival joy, we dove headfirst into the Rodeo’s iconic culinary offerings. The moment we introduced her to a glorious, foot-long corndog and vibrant carnival popsicles, her eyes lit up! It was clear in that moment, seeing her delight in every bite, that she is unequivocally my child, sharing the same appreciation for life’s simple, delicious pleasures. The Houston Rodeo, with its vibrant atmosphere and irresistible treats, proved to be the perfect antidote to digital fatigue and a wonderful way to create lasting family memories, even if it meant a temporary detour from our healthy eating goals.

Our recent trip to Austin was an absolute blast, a perfect blend of work and treasured family moments. The city’s unique charm and vibrant energy never fail to impress us, making it one of our favorite Texas destinations. We somehow managed to seamlessly balance our professional commitments with bouncing around and exploring the city with Gwen, ensuring that both work and play were equally fulfilling. Austin offers such a dynamic environment, making it easy to shift gears from productive meetings to playful excursions.

If it weren’t for the ongoing house construction back home and the massive influx of visitors for the South by Southwest festival, we would have undoubtedly extended our stay. The appeal of Austin is even stronger given that Jared’s brother resides there, adding a wonderful family dimension to our visits. The opportunity to connect with relatives while enjoying the city’s unique vibe is always a bonus, and we always leave feeling refreshed and inspired, already planning our next return to this incredible Texan hub.

THE WEEKLY EDIT: AUSTIN’S BEST

Inspired by our fantastic time in the Lone Star State capital, this week’s “Weekly Edit” is entirely dedicated to the eclectic and captivating city of Austin. Get ready to dive into some of our top recommendations and discoveries!

• Austin’s Star Power: Alright, Alright, Alright! Austin is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, and with that comes the exciting possibility of celebrity sightings. Prepare yourself to spot 10 Famous People You Might Bump Into in Austin. And let’s be honest, we are absolutely dreaming of a chance encounter with the very first name on that list – a true Austin icon!
• Designer Dream Home: Alyson Fox’s Austin Oasis: When it comes to interior design and architectural inspiration, Alyson Fox’s hilltop home in Austin is our ultimate #housegoals. This stunning residence, a collaborative masterpiece designed by her and her husband and brought to life by her brother, exemplifies modern Texas living. Alyson herself is an incredible talent – an accomplished illustrator, printmaker, jeweler, photographer, and clothing designer. Beyond that, her work extends to exquisite home goods and captivating textile designs. Is there truly anything this creative powerhouse cannot do? Her aesthetic vision is a constant source of inspiration for our own design aspirations.
• Textile Artistry from Leah Duncan: Another one of our absolute favorite Austin-based home goods and textile artists, Leah Duncan, has just launched her breathtaking Wild fabric collection. Her designs consistently capture the essence of nature with a sophisticated, modern twist. We are also completely enamored with her recent collaboration, the Mountain Blossom Art Print, which brings a serene and organic beauty to any space. Her unique style perfectly complements the natural elements we envision for our own home.
• P. Terry’s vs. The World: Austin’s Burger King: A heated debate in the Texas fast-food landscape: Could P. Terry’s Become As Big As Whataburger? This beloved Austin fast-food late-night burger chain has garnered a cult following for its unwavering commitment to quality, exclusively using fresh, all-natural ingredients. When placing your order, don’t forget to complement your burger with one of their creamy milkshakes and an absolutely irresistible all-butter oatmeal sea salt chocolate chip cookie. And for us Houstonians, there’s fantastic news: a Houston location is slated to open within the next two years! Now, prepare for some potentially fighting words, but we firmly believe P. Terry’s is significantly better than In-N-Out. (Apologies in advance, California!). The freshness and flavor simply can’t be beat.
• Cheeselandia at SXSW: A Dairy Dream: This week, South by Southwest played host to an incredibly unique and utterly delightful exhibit: Cheeselandia! This state-fair cheese-themed wonderland featured a truly unforgettable sight – a giant Ferris wheel of cheese, proudly displaying over 600 varieties of Wisconsin cheeses, collectively weighing more than 1,000 pounds. It was a testament to creativity and culinary extravagance, a truly Instagram-worthy experience that celebrated the humble cheese in the most spectacular fashion.
• Symphony for the Backyard: Music of the Spheres Chimes: With our new backyard becoming a central focus of our home renovation, we’re envisioning ways to enhance its ambiance and create a truly serene outdoor sanctuary. The Music of the Spheres Mezzo Chimes would undoubtedly add a sophisticated and soothing touch. Their beautiful tones would create a tranquil soundscape, perfect for relaxing evenings outdoors or enjoying quiet moments in our newly designed space.
• Your Essential Austin Guides: Planning a trip to this vibrant city? Don’t miss our comprehensive travel guides to help you make the most of your visit. Check out our past posts for an action-packed 24 Hours In Austin, perfect for a quick yet immersive experience, and our more extensive guide for 48 Hours In Austin, which delves deeper into photographic spots and hidden gems. These guides are packed with local insights and must-see attractions to ensure an unforgettable trip.
• Unleash Your Inner Lumberjack: Urban Axes: For those seeking an exhilarating and decidedly non-Gwen-appropriate activity, there’s a thrilling new spot in Austin that promises to help you relieve some serious stress. Urban Axes is exactly what its name implies: an axe-throwing range! It’s an incredibly fun and unique way to blow off steam, challenge your coordination, and experience a truly memorable adult adventure. It’s definitely a departure from our usual family-friendly outings, but sometimes, a little controlled chaos is exactly what you need.