SHOP | Ballad of the Bird Dog
Brenham is a quintessential Texas town (and home of Blue Bell Creamery) located smack dab in the middle of Austin and Houston. Eye-catching murals and quaint bookstores make this a must-stop, along with one of our favorite spots, Ballad of the Bird Dog. Filled with well-curated goods, Ballad is the perfect place for everything from vintage inspired tees to delicate jewelry to statement pieces for the home and everything in between. Swing in the back and visit the barbershop or grab a coffee from Mescalito Coffee located inside, and don't forget to say hi and give a pat to the bird dogs themselves when you stop in.
LISTEN | History This Week
We wouldn't have labeled ourselves history buffs, but this podcast has a way of making us excited to tune and turn back the clock. History This Week highlights a story that aligns with our current moment in time, taking a look back at events we may recognize from high school textbooks and some that are brand new but just as intriguing. The first performance of A Christmas Carol, the birth of hip hop, the Great Boston Molasses Flood - with a wide range of subjects it's easy to find something that interests you, and who knows. Maybe it happened this week in history.
EAT | Nightingale Bistro
There's socially distanced outdoor dining, and then there's Nightingale Bistro. Located in Georgetown, TX, enjoy french-inspired wares, quality coffee or (for date night) delicious cocktails and wine, all spaced out on their vine-covered patio or on their private lawn under that big Texas sky. If you stop by for breakfast, try the gougeres (also known as some of the best cheese puffs we've ever had). They also have a Bistro Burger, Cauliflower Steak and Braised Short Rib. Show up hungry.
READ | Unorthodox
A New York Times bestseller, Unorthodox is a memoir that details the life of a young women's Hasidic upbringing and her eventual separation from the only life she's ever known within her small, sheltered community. Courageous, controversial and completely engrossing, Deborah Feldman bares all in this account of her departure from religion and introduction to the world she had been warned about. If you love the book, we suggest checking out the Netflix adaptation where you might even spot the writer herself making an appearance if you're paying attention.
SIP | LoLo
Need the perfect bottle of wine to pair with your date night dinner at home? Looking to unwind with a glass at the end of the week? One of our favorite spots to satisfy both of these is LoLo on East 6th Street in Austin. It isn't just the quality selection and the fact that we've loved everything we've tried there. It's the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff that can hear "I don't know, I'm looking for something red...maybe white...." and still find the perfect bottle every time. Not sure what you want? Leave it in their hands - you won't be disappointed.
FOLLOW | Sarah Dahir - @nawaal_illustrations
Based in South Africa, Sarah Dahir recreates the world around her and the women in it. 24 years old and new to a career in art (she only started working professionally within the last year), she's wasted no time making stunning pieces that display strong connections drawing from her own relationship with her three sisters. Earthy, neutral tones with pops of color, all surrounding remarkable portraits, each one is more striking than the one before. Give her a follow and see where this incredibly talented women goes next.