For my birthday Mark bought me a Nikon D5100  and a new tripod. Since it was such a lovely weekend (minus the rain) I thought I would go outside and test out my tripod.  It definitely wasn't as easy as I had anticipated, and at first it looked like I was standing in front of a green screen with my apartment superimposed, but after a couple of tries I was able to capture a couple of photos. 

xoxo

SHIRT: J-Crew, SKIRT: H&M,  CLUTCH: vintage (via Cream Vintage), SUNGLASSES: Kate Spade 

I love checking out new restaurants. Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised, and other times you are unfortunately disappointed. After venturing to Union Park, I still can't decide what my impression is of this new sports restaurant in downtown. It has a cool vibe - with an intriguing lamp installment behind the hostess stand, illuminated red mirrors, and exposed concrete pillars. The restaurant appears to be divided into three sections: the bar, the main restaurant, and a lounge area (equipped with a pool table, couches, and flat screen tvs). We sat in the bar area so we could take full advantage of the live band, which I liked. I also enjoyed the food, but our service was lacking. Luckily, the owner was aware and I was extremely appreciative of how he handled the situation. I think I will probably try it again... just might give the restaurant time to work out their kinks.

I'm a huge fan of patio dining. Unfortunately, living in Dallas limits the amount of time spent outside eating, but I was determined to endure the Texas heat, so I persuaded one of my accommodating girlfriends to join me at Charlie Palmer at The Joule. The Joule is one my favorite hotels downtown. Admittedly, I've never actually stayed here, but what's not to love about this super posh hotel? The historical architecture mixed with the contemporary designs are amazing.  

The patio was definitely well equipped for the heat; between the misters and fans it felt rather "cool". We quickly decided on two cocktails and lobster corn dogs. You read that correctly - lobster corn dogs, served with mustard crème fraiche. It was probably one of the most unique (and delicious) small plates I've ever had. A complete fusion of a Texas's speciality and my ultimate favorite food...lobster! 

After my girlfriends took me to The Chesterfield for my bachelorette party, I've been itching to go back. The swanky bar is definitely up my alley - the eclectic collection of cocktail glasses, the velvet wallpaper, the gorgeous chandeliers hanging from the tin ceiling, and of course the fabulous cocktails. 

The cocktail menu features an endless amount of choices. However it was their $1 lunch cocktails that I couldn't resist. It's only from 11 - 3 and you have to order food alongside your cocktail; that's not a bad deal if you ask me. I sipped on a Raspberry Collins and munched on the standard flatbread (roasted tomato, house-made mozzarella arugula pesto).  

The fixed menu consists of: Basil Gimlet (vodka, fresh lime, basil); Raspberry Collins (vodka, lemon, raspberry, soda); Buena Suerte (tequila, lime, ginger, mint); Ward 8 (whiskey, lemon, orange, old grenadine); Vanilla Old Fashion (whiskey, vanilla, orange, angostura). 

Absolutely a place to check out, again and again. 

xoxo