blog – simply gray

happy one year, simply gray!

Published on October 1, 2019October 1, 2019 by simply gray2 Comments

It is hard to believe that it has been one year since I made the decision to launch simply gray! For a long time, I was looking for a creative outlet for my writing, photography and ideas, and after a lot of deliberation, simply gray was born. I never realized how much work it would be to balance a career, family and social life, and a blog, but I have learned so much in the process and I am so grateful for it!

When I launched simply gray, the most important thing for me was to create a space where I could remind readers to take time out to enjoy the little things in life. I hope that as readers, you have felt that way, whether it was through discovering a new recipe to make with your family, some party ideas for the holidays or travel tips for you and your friends. I am so excited to continue to share my thoughts, ideas and experiences with you all as simply gray enters its second year. Thank you to everyone who has supported simply gray since it has started, and I hope you enjoy what is to come!

winter slumberland

Published on December 17, 2018December 17, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

Connor and I absolutely love the Christmas season, and celebrating with our friends is one of our favorite parts about this time of year. To officially kick off the holiday season and the countdown to Christmas, we hosted our second annual Winter Slumberland event!

Winter Slumberland is a brunch idea that we came up with where everyone invited shows up in their best Christmas jammies and we eat, drink and be merry! From brunch, mimosas and holiday-inspired desserts to Christmas movies and spending quality time with each other, Winter Slumberland is definitely one of our favorite parties we have ever hosted! Read on below to see how we prepared for this fun holiday brunch!

To get ready for Winter Slumberland and the holiday season, we decked out the apartment with Christmas decorations. This year, we decided on a blue and silver Christmas tree. With some neutral decorations and pops of red, we worked to transform our apartment into a winter wonderland!

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Once the apartment was decorated, it was time to focus on the menu for Winter Slumberland. From French Toast Casserole and bagels, to quiche, monkey bread and Oreo truffles, there were plenty of options and sweet treats! We also made some holiday treats that were almost too cute to eat! Read on below for some of these fun holiday recipes!

Christmas Tree Brownies

This recipe was so much fun and simple to construct. Start by making your favorite type of brownies and let them cool (for approximately 15 people, we made two boxes). Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangle shapes and add in a small piece of candy cane at the bottom for the tree trunk. Then, we used food coloring to dye vanilla frosting green. With a piping bag, we created a zigzag pattern on the brownies, and we topped them with some crystal and pearl sprinkles for ornaments! Last, but not least, star sprinkles for the tops of each tree!

Santa Hat Pancakes

Another easy holiday recipe! Stack several mini pancakes on large toothpicks (we used six to eight pancakes per stack). Cut the tops of strawberries off to remove the stems and create an even base. Slide a strawberry on top of the pancake stack, and top it with a mini marshmallow! Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the pancake stacks before serving!

Snowman Donut Kebabs

These snowman donut kebabs only require 4 ingredients to make! Stack three mini powdered donuts on a kebab stick. Use a piece of fruit rollup to tie a “scarf” on top of the second donut. Then, add an orange gumdrop nose in the first donut and two green gumdrop buttons in the other two. Finally, add in eyes made out of coal by using black food coloring!

With tons of food to eat, mimosas, coffee, and hot chocolate flowing, and a room full of friends, we spent the day lounging, laughing and celebrating the true meaning of holiday spirit: togetherness.

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holiday gift guide: stocking stuffers

Published on November 26, 2018December 4, 2018 by simply gray1 Comment

It truly is the most wonderful time of year, and with our Christmas tree up and decorated, I am in full Christmas mode. While four weeks may seem like a lot of time to go shopping for everyone on your list, time always seems to go by so quickly at this time of year. If you are anything like me — a holiday-shopping procrastinator who goes crazy looking for the right gifts for all of her family and friends — then perhaps you need a bit of guidance in finding the perfect gift for your loved ones.

To help you get the present ideas flowing, I will be posting gift guides to give you some ideas for the holiday season! This week is all about stocking stuffers for all of the girls and guys on your list!

Stocking Stuffers for Her

Tinsy Hoop and Stud Earring Set
Every year, Free People comes out with new earring sets that are the perfect stocking stuffers. This set comes with hoops and studs that are versatile enough for everyday wear. These earrings come in five different colors, so you can easily match any girl’s jewelry style!

Emily Jeffords Monogram Trinket Dish
This monogrammed dish is a beautifully hand-painted item that can be used to display jewelry. It can even be gifted as an add-on to the Free People earring set that is listed above!

Stella & Grace Anti-Wrinkle & Energizing Eye Masks
These eye masks are great to use after a late night out or when wanting to look revitalized and rejuvenated (because let’s be honest, who is really getting 8 hours of sleep every night?). These eye masks are sold in 12 and 24 packs.

Dark Magic Eyeshadow Palette
Morphe eyeshadow palettes always include beautiful colors, and the quality is always amazing. With 10 different shadow colors, this Dark Magic palette is just what a girl needs for the holiday season!

Women’s Ribbed Beanie with Faux-Fur Pom-Pom
This hat will keep any girl warm this winter, whether she is skiing down the slopes or braving a winter storm at home. The best part about it is that it comes in a variety of colors so you can pick her favorite!

Texting Gloves in Everyday Cashmere
The best part about gloves made for touchscreen use is that your hands can stay warm while you use your phone, watch, tablet or other devices! These gloves come in a variety of colors and are great for commuters or girls who are always on the go!

Monogram Candle
Candles are always a great gift, no matter what time of year! This monogram candle from Anthropolgie has a Sparkling Grapefruit scent, and it is a stylish addition to any home, apartment or dorm decor!

Snowman Bomb Bomb
Lush’s bath bombs are the stocking stuffers you need if the girl in your life needs some R&R. If you are looking for a cute holiday-themed stocking stuffer, gift her this Snowman Bomb Bomb bath bomb, which comes with two bath bombs that can be used separately or together! For more bath bombs scents, click here.

Suite One Studio Mimira Mug
For the girl who loves to kickstart her day with a cup of coffee, these Suite One Studio mugs are just what she needs. Help her stay caffeinated all winter long with these hand-painted mugs!

Stocking Stuffers for Him

BirchBoxMan’s Limited Edition Set: One For All
Let BirchBox do the work for you by choosing one of their carefully-curated boxes to fill up any guy’s stocking! From face and body care to shaving and beard care, BirchBox offers a ton of options to choose from. Once the box arrives, instead of wrapping the box for him to open under the tree, fill up his stocking with the products for a great surprise! Check out some of their other collections here!

Men’s Society Stow Away Travel Kit
For the guy who loves a weekend getaway, this travel kit filled with face wash and cream, a mini toothbrush and toothpaste and disposable face towels is perfect. This is a great stocking stuffer for the guy who always likes to be prepared for anything!

Cashmere Seedstitch Beanie and Navy Windowpane Alpaca Scarf
Keep him warm this winter with this hat and scarf combo! Who doesn’t like to be cozy and warm during these chilly winter months?!

Leather Gloves
Sticking with the “keeping him warm” theme, gloves are a great stocking stuffer! These leather gloves from Nordstrom are even touchscreen compatible!

Not Lost Canvas Passport Holder and Luggage Tag
A passport holder and luggage tag set is the perfect gift for the traveler in your life. Send him off on his next trip in style!

Native Union: Lightning Cable Collection
This Lightning Cable Collection will help keep all of his technology charged, whether he is at home or on the go. This collection comes with a keychain charger, a 4-ft charger and a 10-ft charger and is compatible with Apple-Lightning. There are additional options that can be found here.

The Art of Shaving: Beard Maintenance Kit
For the guy with a bit of scruff, this beard maintenance kit from The Art of Shaving includes beard wash, beard conditioner and beard oil to keep his beard clean and smooth all of the time!

Case-Mate Apple Watch Bands
If your guy wears an Apple Watch, chances are that he is using it for his workouts at the gym. Help him polish up his look from fitness fanatic to date-night ready by adding in a leather watch band in his stocking!

Swell Bottle with Personalization
Keep your man hydrated in style with a personalized Swell bottle! Other color and design options can be found here.

JCrew: Fabric Magic Wallet
This fabric wallet, available through JCrew Factory, is a great stocking stuffer for the guy who does not want to worry about the bulk of a wallet. Don’t forget to slip a dollar in for luck!

I hope these stocking stuffer ideas help you this holiday season! Happy Shopping!

slow cooker apple cider

Published on November 19, 2018November 19, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and I am so excited to see my family and share an incredible meal together. I have been testing out different recipes that I can bring for our Thanksgiving feast, and this slow cooker apple cider has definitely made the list. Not only does it taste delicious, but it will also make your house smell amazing while it is cooking!

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Ingredients:
5 gala apples, sliced
1 orange, peeled and sliced
5 cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup of cranberries
6 cups of water

• Cut the tops and bottoms off of the apples before slicing and placing the pieces into the slow cooker. Peel and slice the orange and add it to the pot as well. Add in the cranberries, cinnamon sticks and the water, and stir.
• Cook the mixture on high for four hours.
• Once the cider has finished, mash the fruit pieces into the mixture (I used a potato masher).
• Strain the mixture through a sieve.
• Pour into cups, top with some cooked cranberries and enjoy!

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how to maintain long-distance friendships

Published on November 12, 2018November 12, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

Growing up, one thing I always took for granted was just how close my friends and I all lived to each other. Almost all of my friends lived anywhere between a 5 to 20 minute drive from my home. As we have gotten older, those quick drives have turned into hour-long commutes, whether it be by car, bus, train or plane. Living far from friends can be difficult; however, the friendships are not impossible to maintain. Here are a few tips for keeping your long-distance friendships stronger than ever:

Find the halfway point between you and your friends
A long commute is not that bad all of the time, but now and then it can become tedious. Find the halfway point between all of you, and start researching the towns in that vicinity. Not only will it cut down the time it takes you to be reunited with your besties, but it also gives you an opportunity to explore new places together!

Plan a trip
Visiting a place you have never been to before is a great way to be reunited with your friends and satisfy your travel bug. Whether it is a new city or a new state, vacation time with your friends gives you something to look forward to and plan out together.

Send a care package
If you have friends who moved far from home, they may be feeling homesick, especially at this time of year. If your besties cannot make it home for the holidays, send a care package with their holiday and hometown favorites to cheer them up!

Schedule time to see each other
With everyone having lives of their own, plus the distance between you all, the days of calling up your friends 15 minutes before you want to do something are long gone. Whether you meet for dinner and drinks or an afternoon of binge-watching Netflix in sweats, planning a day to get together in advance guarantees you and your friends will get to spend time with each other.

FaceTime
By far, this is the easiest way to get your best-friend-fix when you cannot see each other in person! While a spontaneous FaceTime call is always welcome from friends, setting aside planned time each month helps make sure you stay in touch and up-to-date on each other’s lives. FaceTime also now has a group chat option, but if you don’t have an iPhone, try using Snapchat’s video chatting feature!

I hope these suggestions help keep you and your friends closer than ever, despite the distance between you all! Do you have other ways you maintain long-distance friendships? Feel free to share them with me in the comments below!

the one where we plan friendsgiving

Published on November 7, 2018November 7, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

One thing I have learned over the years is the importance of celebrating friendships. Your friends are your chosen family, and what better way to express your gratitude for them at this time of year than by hosting friendsgiving?

The rules of friendsgiving are simple: the hosts cook the turkey, gravy and any other menu items they would like, and the rest is up to the guests! From appetizers to side dishes and desserts, it gives guests the opportunity to choose what they would like to bring.

Connor and I have both hosted and been guests at friendsgiving, and no matter what, it is an enjoyable evening filled with good food, laughter and memory-making. Here are some tips for hosting your own friendsgiving event this November:

Plan the menu: There are Thanksgiving staples that everyone loves, but writing up a few suggestions will help your friends think outside of the box for other foods to bring if you have a larger guest list. Surprisingly enough, there is such a thing as too many mashed potatoes! Also remember to include food options that cater to any diet choices your friends may have, including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian or gluten-free options!
Ask your friends to prepare dishes ahead of time: Cooking the turkey is hard enough; having to worry about friends preparing their dishes at the same time that yours is finishing up can definitely get hectic. Instead, have your friends bring their already-cooked meals to the house, and set up sternos for food items to keep everything hot before and throughout dinner!
Set up the food buffet style: While setting the table is lovely, with a large group of people and a plethora of food, buffet style just makes everything easier. To make the table setting feel cozier while everyone is dining, light some candles and scatter some small pumpkins and other fall decorations on the table.
Make the event BYOB: Having a few staples on hand is great, but asking friends to bring their favorite types of wine, beer or liquor contributes to the potluck vibe of the evening, and it gives everyone a chance to share their favorite beverages with the group! If you are feeling creative, add a signature drink to the menu, like this apple cider mimosa: apple cider, champagne and a brown sugar rim is the perfect combination for a festive, fall beverage!
Go around the table and ask everyone to say one thing they are thankful for: Everyone is going to be so excited to dig into the amazing dinner and desserts that have been prepared for the evening, but it is important to remember why you are all together — to celebrate your friendships and express gratitude for each other. After all, this is what brought you all together for friendsgiving in the first place!

I hope these tips help you host a wonderful friendsgiving event this holiday season! Here is a sample menu to help you get started with the planning! Hope you enjoy gobbling up these tasty dishes!

friendsgiving menu

appetizers
• veggie platter
• meat and cheese platter
• chips and dip / salsa

main course
• turkey
• gravy
• mashed potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• stuffing
• cranberry sauce
• salad
• green bean casserole
• corn and/or other veggies
• mac and cheese
• pasta
• chicken or eggplant parmesan
• dinner rolls

desserts
• apple pie with vanilla ice cream
• pumpkin pie
• pecan pie
• brownies
• cookies
• doughuts

drinks
• red and white wine
• beer
• cider
• sangria
• soda
• hot apple cider
• hot chocolate
• coffee
• water
• signature drink

motivation monday: how to stand out at work and advance your career

Published on October 29, 2018December 3, 2018 by simply gray3 Comments

I truly believe in the phrase, “if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” While it can be difficult to discover what it is that you love to do, I am a firm believer in working hard and never settling. That mentality helped me land a job and advance my career with my dream company in under four years. If you find yourself needing some motivation at work, here are my five tips for ways you can stand out and advance your own career:

Be passionate about what you do: I have had a few jobs since I graduated college, and while I liked and did my best work at all of them, I have to admit that I did not have the same level of passion for those jobs as I do for my current job. My dedication to my work combined with my determination to do well fuels my passion, which helps me be a better leader and employee because I am truly invested in the outcome of my work and the work of my team. I love the industry I am in, and that makes going to work each day enjoyable — no matter how crazy the day can get! When you love what you do, people will notice; figuring out your passions and developing them into your career will always inspire you to work hard and do well.

Step out of your comfort zone: Pursuing opportunities that stray from your job requirements is a great way to stand out at work. It is so easy to slip into the routine of showing up for work each day, performing the same job, leaving and repeating this cycle for the rest of the week, so change it up! Search for new challenges that you otherwise would not encounter in your day-to-day duties, whether it be working with another department, taking on a new assignment or traveling for business. Stepping up and out of your comfort zone will help you network with other employees within your company and may open up doors to opportunities you did not realize existed.

Learn to say yes: Be willing to go the extra mile and put in more work than your daily job duties require. Show initiative at work by always helping others, being reliable, taking on new challenges or working on special projects. Sometimes saying yes all the time does not come with an immediate benefit; however, it will always pay off in the long run. Being the person that your boss, your team and other departments can rely on will help you go far in the workplace.

Find a mentor: We all need people to look up to in life, and the same goes for in the office. Find people who inspire you in your field and talk to them. Find out how they got into the industry you are in, what their career trajectory was and what their successes and their failures were. Ask for advice on how you can follow a similar path to them, and then act on it. Finding people whose work ethic you admire, who are well-respected by others and who do their jobs extraordinarily well is important when searching for mentors. Remember, do not look at those around you as your competition; instead, look to them for inspiration and motivation to become an even better employee.

Become an expert in something: While all aspects of your job should always get your full attention, dedicating a little extra time to learning more about a facet of your industry will be extremely beneficial. Communicate with individuals who are knowledgeable about your industry, study and learn as much as possible so that you can become a subject matter expert on something related to your job. Taking the time to learn more than what your job requires will help you stand out to your peers and leaders, and it will help prepare you for whatever your next step within your industry may be!

If you work hard, learn as much as you can and develop new skill sets, you will definitely stand out as a professional in your field. A strong work ethic combined with passion will take you far in any industry, and when you have the opportunity to do what you love every day, it is extremely rewarding.

I hope these tips help you find some motivation at work this Monday!

fall favorites

Published on October 25, 2018October 25, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

This past weekend, Connor and I celebrated our sixth anniversary! I feel so blessed to have someone like him by my side each and every day, and I am always amazed by how much we have done and accomplished together — being in love with my best friend is truly something special. We have shared so many memories and milestones over the years, and our anniversary is the perfect excuse to celebrate all of that!

In the past, we have always tried to travel somewhere new for our anniversary, but this year, we chose to do something different. Life has been pretty busy these days, and our work schedules are completely opposite, so we decided to take a step back and have a relaxing, fun weekend at home.

From pumpkin picking and carving to dinner and a movie, we spent the weekend doing some of our favorite things together. We had such a great weekend, and in the spirit of celebrating, I wanted to share some fun activities that you can add to your fall bucket list. Grab your significant other or a group of friends and hit up some of my favorite spots before the season ends!

Demarest Farms
Demarest Farms is the perfect place to spend a crisp fall day. Hop on a hayride to search for the perfect pumpkins to carve for Halloween, and on the way back, grab a bite to eat. Make sure to pick up some apple cider donuts before you leave, and heat them before you eat them! They are so delicious!

Tip: if you visit Demarest Farms earlier in the season, you can also go apple picking there! Connor and I have some apples that we are planning on baking into a pie this weekend!

Angry Orchard
This is a great place to go with a group of friends! From cider tastings and treehouse tours to live entertainment and lawn games, Angry Orchard has a great property for all-day entertainment.

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Warwick Winery
Warwick offers wine and cider tastings, as well as a distillery tour and live music. In the cooler months, there is an indoor tasting room complete with a wood-burning stove; when the weather is warmer, there is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy drinks and food with friends!

Pennings Farm Cidery
There is a variety of ciders on tap here, offering a variety for all palettes. Pair your favorite with lunch or dinner and enjoy! Starting in November, the tasting room is only open on the weekends and for adults 21 and over.

Bear Mountain Oktoberfest
This is your last weekend to visit Bear Mountain for Oktoberfest (it closes Oct. 28). Grab a stein, fill it with beer or cider and snack on some pretzels while hanging out with friends!

Brownstone Pancake Factory
Brownstone is great any time of year, but it offers amazing fall-themed dishes! From Pumpkin Cheesecake Nutella Pancakes to a Halloween Ultimate Shake, you will be drooling over all of the options!

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Movie Night
Halloween is the perfect movie to get you into the fall spirit this season. Michael Meyers makes his chilling return to the big screen in this classic series, and it is definitely worth the watch. Movie theater popcorn is always an added bonus!

Netflix & Chills
Netflix has several Halloween movies available for binging, but this season, give your full attention to The Haunting of Hill House. This show may have given me nightmares for days, but it is so good. Cuddle up with some hot cocoa and light a few candles, because you will not want to watch this one in the dark!

Almost all of my suggestions are for locations that are open throughout the year, but I do love visiting these places in the fall! Let me know if you have visited any of these spots or have any suggestions of your own in the comments below or on Instagram by tagging @ livingsimplygray!

chocolate covered oreos

Published on October 19, 2018October 19, 2018 by simply gray2 Comments

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset I have to admit, I am a chocoholic, and I have my mother to thank for that. For as long as I can remember, my mom has been making and decorating chocolate. From chocolate-covered ice skates for one of my birthday parties to bridal shower favors and holiday-themed creations, she has both a passion and a knack for this craft. Over the years, she has passed down that love of making chocolate to me. While we always love making chocolate for events or holidays, lately, our go-to has been to make chocolate-covered Oreos.

Chocolate-covered Oreos have proven to be a hit at any gathering, whether it be a work function, graduation party or holiday. Chocolate-covered Oreos take two classics — chocolate and Oreos — and combine them in a fun, delicious way for all to enjoy.

To make approximately 35 chocolate-covered Oreos, you will need the following ingredients/supplies:

Oreo molds (I purchased mine from a local chocolate store, but Amazon has a similar mold available for purchase)
1.5 – 2 lb. of chocolate melts (I prefer milk chocolate, but use your favorite type!)
1 package of Oreo cookies
Colored chocolate melts
Small squeeze bottle(s) for decorating

When it comes to melting chocolate, my mom and I have found that melting a handful or two of the chocolate melts at a time in the microwave is the fastest and most efficient way to work. We start by microwaving the chocolate in a small bowl for 30 seconds. We then stir the chocolate, and put it in for another 15 seconds. We repeat the stirring process and continue melting the chocolate for seconds at a time until it has a nice, smooth consistency. Every microwave is different, so be careful when heating the chocolate. If you overheat the chocolate, it will burn.

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Once the chocolate is melted down to the right consistency, we spoon it into the molds.We have found that this process works best for us in terms of coverage within the mold. The last thing you want are cracks in the chocolate once the Oreo is submerged!

It is important to work fast when it comes to filling the molds, as the chocolate tends to harden quickly. Once you have covered the bottom and sides of the mold, add an Oreo in, and cover it with more chocolate, so that it is completely surrounded by chocolate. Tap the middle of the mold to flatten out the chocolate on top of the cookie if need be. Repeat this step until all of the molds are filled.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset Once that is complete, place the molds into the freezer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes are up, remove the molds from the freezer and turn the molds over to remove the Oreos. Lightly pressing on the mold should release the Oreos easily. Place them on wax paper for decorating.

Here is where you can get creative. Melt your colored chocolate down using the same process you used for melting the chocolate for the Oreos. Once the colored chocolate reaches the same smooth consistency as the regular chocolate, put it in the squeeze bottles and have fun decorating!

Once you are finished decorating the Oreos, be sure to keep the cookies in a room-temperature environment. Putting the Oreos in the refrigerator for storage can cause them to crack, so keep them in a container on the counter until you are ready to serve!

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travel guide: austin, tx

Published on October 16, 2018October 16, 2018 by simply grayLeave a comment

This April, my friends and I hopped on a plane to Austin, TX for a girls’ weekend. Our trip to Austin included a lot of BBQ, beer and bats — read on to find out more about our favorite Austin spots!

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place Downtown: We had a great experience with this hotel. It is located in downtown Austin, so everything we needed was always a quick car ride away. The rooms were clean and spacious; there was more than enough room for the five of us! The hotel staff was also incredibly friendly and helpful. We planned this trip for our friends’ birthday weekend, and the staff helped us kick off the celebrations by bringing champagne and some cake up to the room as a surprise!

Where to Eat

Kerby Lane Cafe: This was our first stop once we landed in Austin, and we knew we were in the right place when our waiter suggested we order queso at 9:30 in the morning. I would do anything to get that queso in Jersey! The food was so good, that we had brunch here twice!

Gordough’s Public House: Gordough’s has a food truck and a restaurant, but I recommend heading to the restaurant. Pitchers of Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s were plentiful, as was the food here! Hands down, this was one of the best meals I have ever tried: crispy fried chicken, a potato pancake, warm cream corn, candied jalapeños — all on top of a hot donut. What more could you ask for?!

Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden: Banger’s is an awesome spot for dinner and drinks. With outdoor seating and a menu of 30 homemade sausages and more than 100 craft beers, it is a great place to hang out with friends, have a few laughs and share a tasty meal!

Torchy’s Tacos: This is the best taco spot we found while we were in Austin! The menu has a huge variety that will cater to anyone’s taco cravings, and while there might be a bit of a wait, it is definitely worth it!

Truluck’s Steakhouse and Seafood: One thing we have learned while traveling on long weekend trips is that we should set aside one night to wine and dine ourselves. Truluck’s was the perfect choice for that. The wine list was extensive, and the food was absolutely delicious.

What to Do:
Bat Watching: Admittedly, I was skeptical about watching bats, but when a handful of people recommended this activity to us, we had to check it out. There are 1.5 million bats that reside under the Congress Ave. Bridge in Austin, and around dusk, they fly out in swarms. Most people were lined up along the entire bridge, while some even sat in boats nearby to watch this phenomenon. If you are looking for an experience unique to Austin, this is it!

Graffiti Park: This was our last stop before we left Austin, and it was one of the coolest things we saw while we were on this trip. The original location of Graffiti Park is on Baylor Street, but there are plans to move it to a new location. We were able to visit the original location while we were in Austin, and it is safe to say we left our mark in Graffiti Park! It was so much fun to look at all of the art that was created here, while making some of our own! I cannot wait to see what the new location will look like once it is launched!

UnBARlievable: This was our favorite bar in Austin, and it was 100 percent because of the “Fun Slide!” Besides an actual slide in the middle of the bar, UnBARlievable has a great atmosphere, live music and good drinks!

Lucille: This bar is set in a renovated house and has an outdoor space with hammocks and lawn games. We stopped here on our first night out in Austin, and we had a great time!

Recess Arcade Bar: This is a fun bar to visit on 6th Street during the day if you want to channel your inner child. From giant Jenga to Skee Ball, there are a ton of games to play while having a drink with friends.

We had a great time in Austin, and we cannot wait to go back and visit again some day!