27.5.14

Terrific Two

We are bracing ourselves for a two year old!


Lorraine wanted to place each envelope in the mailbox herself :)
We we're so busy last year with moving into our house that we opted out of birthday party, and instead spent the weekend with my family in Houston. Of course Lorraine didn't know the difference, so it was a win for all. But we have spent a lot of time planning and prepping for her birthday celebration this year. Lorraine is so lucky to have her grandparents (minus Papa Lew) be able to celebrate with her, what a special birthday treat! Even though we are so incredibly thankful for another year on this earth with our daughter and welcome year two with open arms, a part of my heart is sad to say goodbye to my one year old. So many milestones were accomplished these past twelve months and watching her little personality unfold before our eyes has truly been a blessing. So in the meantime, we'll just savor every one of the last precious moments with our itty bitty one year old :)






Frozen yogurt, yum!




Much Love,

Corri & Nelson



13.5.14

Austin Fashion Week

Like I mentioned in my last post, Mom and I went to a fashion show! My mom was fortunate enough to have been given free tickets to the final show of a 10 day escapade, and by our seats it's a fair assumption to say they would have cost upwards of $200/ ticket. I didn't really know what expect ( other than what I've seen in movies or on tv), but it far than exceeded my expectations. All of the designers that were featuring a line that night, are Austinites. And although their merchandise is now sold globally, their home base/ original boutique is in Austin!






The show started off with a runway show with "smash groups". In case you've never heard the term
(it was a first for us), a smash group consists of hair/makeup/designer/model/photographer ect. Basically what all it takes from the very beginning to when the model hits the runway. There were about 15 different groups, and of course my overall favorite was the winner!!!





Because it was the final night, many awards and recognition was given to various designers/photographers/makeup artist ect. for their contribution to the fashion industry both locally and globally...a little bonus we weren't even expecting.


Kelly Wynne! Go check out her website, super cute bags/purses/clutches!

Before each runway show, there was a 2-3 minute clip on the designer and the how the brand originated. Despite the fact that I would probably never wear most of what we saw ( mainly because it's sooooo expensive), it was inspiring to witness so much creativity!

My top 3:


Rare Trends:

There was some pretty and unique ( hence the brand name) pieces....some very far fetched! But I love these two sisters motto for fashion: "We believe Women Should Wear Art" 




Isabella Rose Taylor:
She is incredible and ingenious. She's 13 years old AND a graduate of Stanford University :)
I can't remember her entire 'story' other than she was born and raised in Austin, her parents recognized her God given artistic talent at the ridiculous age of two. She graduated high school at 10, and is now a Stanford graduate and world renown designer. Wild! The line she debuted was not to my liking per say, but she has some super cute and trendy styles in some of her other lines.




I loved the idea to tie two balloons to each of the models hair!!!! Pictures don't do her creativity justice because you just can't capture the illusion.


Raven & Lily:
This was by far the best runway show of the night. Her history and the story of the fruition of her brand is genuine. And because of her generosity she has helped thousands of women in impoverished countries come out of poverty by allowing them manufacture her products AND pay them a more than fair wage. Such a simple concept....




The ambience and everything in between made it a fabulous night! I hope it's the first of many fashion shows in my future... with free tickets of course :)

I finally caved and decided it was time to refinish my 1920's cherry oak dresser. Three years ago I told myself I wouldn't touch it until we were in our own home so that I wouldn't have to worry about changing it according to the decor. And now that we're settled, I'm ready...and I'm sure she is too :)



I've heard all about it and have seen some amazing pieces used with Annie Sloan paint...I cannot wait to see my little beauty transformed!

XoXo




4.5.14

A first for everything!

We are so proud of our little munchkin and her newest milestone! Since my last post, we took down the crib and brought in her first real bed. Our baby girl is growing up (tear). It's not just any ol' "toddler bed"...no, not even close. Lorraine's bed was specially designed, built, and painted just for her by our lovely and gracious friends Wade & Jen.  I was a little nervous how she would do her first night. But of course, it was easy breezing, the best (and longest) night of sleep she's had in a while :)


Speaking of my beautiful friend Jen, we enjoyed a super delicious lunch and some vino at The Florence Vineyard. Fact: Central Texas has 12 vineyards ( all within an hour or less from our home) alone, and is the 2nd largest 'wine country' behind Napa Valley... just another reason to love central TX! The vineyard and entire grounds were breathtaking, it's hard to believe it's only 20 minutes from my door. 


I literally could have sat out there all day without a worry in the world.  

Summer is definitely right around the corner, we've been in the upper 80's/ low 90's for a week now. I'm not complaining (yet), but I sure do love all the splash pads all over Round Rock. While we waited for the puppet show to start at the library,  she enjoyed some snacks and the splash pad across the street. 




The heat may be a coming, but it is at least kind enough to stay away in the early mornings. Which makes for perfect play date/ exercise. I am super thankful these two( + Colie) get a long so well, because their mom's love (& need)  some chit chat time :)








My new favorite website: freefuninaustin.com
Whom ever thought/created this concept is brilliant! Everyday there are several posts of all the events/activities going on in Austin ( & surrounding areas) . The majority are free, but some do cost little to nothing. There is ALWAYS something to enjoy with family or friends here...it's simply impossible to be bored! Yesterday the Williamson County Museum was hosting a free Pioneer Day to the general public. We've driven past this place a least a dozen times ( and so have you if you've visited us) and yet we had no idea how much history is packed into that 2 acre lot. The weather was perfect and we came and left before the crowd, perfect!







  


And there were even horses for the little ones to feed :)

There were about 13 different 'stops' at the musuem, each with their own informative theme. The Williamson Wildflower Association was giving away packets with everything you need to know to start the perfect garden/ backyard full of indigenous plants/trees that thrive in Central Texas. And they also were making seed balls. They are clay complied with 10 different wildflower seeds that you throw into your yard or park. The clay prevents the birds from eating the seeds, and when it rains they'll soak right up into our soil! Apparently, they do this to many local parks in the county to help keep our wilflowers abundant. I've got the seed ball recipe and I've made copies for all our close neighbors :) It's supposed to rain the end of next week, and my seed balls are ready to go!!

Lorraine didn't want to partake in making a rag doll, but I made one for her anyway. And of course we've already named her Baby Betty ;)



Did you know you can also make a doll out of cornhusk?! I didn't but I do now...super easy, cheap and cute!


My mom and I went somewhere really neat last night, and it was a first for us both. It's deserving of its own post, so I'll have to update in a few days.

Much Love,

The Lewis's