I think my new favorite phrase lately has been hoo-boy. As in, "Hoo-boy, it's been a while since I've done a recap, so buckle in for some readin'." Highly underused phrase.

I have a lot going on with work-work, which leaves little time to produce #content/write for free on my blog. I'm really glad that I have a job where I'm using so much of my brain though, even if it is a little scary that someone put me in charge of stuff.

Plus, per usual, I'm avoiding my problems. But, since it's been a good eight months since I bared my heart on the page, probably time to change that. Working on it.

THINGS I PUBLISHED "RECENTLY:"

Storytime Wednesdays:
How/Why I Moved to Italy
In case you were wondering

Why My Mom is Amazing
Just in time for Mother's Day, awww.

The Creepy Men Series:
Athens
Sicily, Part 1 (Part 2 coming tomorrow)

8 Spots to Cool Off With Frosé in Austin (Eater Austin)
This one blew the fuck up, because - who knew? - people like frozen pink drinks.

Where to Sip Cocktails Poolside in Austin (Eater Austin)
Equally important to staying cool this summer.

Where to Work Out and Drink at the Same Time in Austin (Eater Austin)
I recently went out with someone who hadn't heard the phrase "detox and retox" before lololol we're all alcoholics. Anyway, go read because I WORKED REALLY HARD ON PUTTING THIS TOGETHER.

Your Guide to the Best Happy Hours in Austin by Neighborhood (Austin Way)
HINT HINT for anyone who would like to take me out for a drink, for whatever reason.

5 Austin Brunch Spots for Every Mom on Mother's Day (Austin Way)
My family went to Jacoby's, which is not on this list, but was pretty darn good (though WHERE DID THE BUNNIES GO???).

Book Your Next Staycation at Any One of These Luxe Penthouses in Austin (Austin Way)
Ever wondered what the inside of penthouses look like?

8 Irresistible Frozen Cocktails to Keep You Cool This Season (Austin Way)
It's hot. Drinks are frozen. Simple solution.

Oh, and I was on the Feedbak podcast talking about dating. You can listen to me laugh nervously and tell inappropriate stories here. There's also a video somewhere. The good news is, no reading required! Hooray!

INTERESTING THINGS FROM OTHER PEOPLE:

A GoFundMe Campaign Is Not Health Insurance (The Nib)
Sometimes, it makes me angry that we actually have to specify this.

The Writer's Process (The New Yorker)
"My experience of writing is a giddy, pleasurable one, and does not feel like being trapped inside a cage that is on fire."

When Your Child is a Psychopath (The Atlantic)
Not that my parents ever needed this...right mom and dad? RIGHT???

My Family's Slave (The Atlantic)
I'm sure everyone read this already, but incredible story worth reading again. The Atlantic killed it last month.

OBLIGATORY RANDOM PICTURE OF ME:

Last year, I went to the W Hotel's pool party and it was the absolute greatest. So when they announced that they were doing it again this year, I could not WAIT - and the party did not disappoint. I started the day with a class from The Barre Code (I work out 3 or 4 times a week and I was expecting some ballet-based class to be a walk in the park but THAT SHIT IS HARD, YO), then we had brunch (DUCK CHILAQUILES. I REPEAT, DUCK CHILAQUILES), and then finally, the party, where this glorious moment was captured by A Taste of Koko (which, PS, read her article about how much it costs to be a blogger):

Forgive me while I go on a 1-minute, profanity-laced rant about RuPaul's Drag Race. What? You don't watch? Well look, I have made some bad decisions in my life too, but I don't go around flaunting them when there's a remedy. Go watch. Start with Season 3 or Season 6. You'll love it.

So okay, Drag Race. ADORE, W.T.F.? I THOUGHT YOU WOULD WIN. Adore Delano is one of the most captivating drag queens to ever appear on the show: She's stupid talented (the only queen to produce songs that actually sound good), charming, and you always have a sense of who she is. I GET that she felt she wasn't being rewarded for being herself, but WHY DID YOU DO THE SHOW? I'm sorry but I'm calling #conspiracy because everybody wants Alaska to get a crown.

Also, Tatianna has probably had the biggest redemption of anyone this season and she gets kicked off in Week 2? She makes the show infinitely more watchable! And freaking PHI PHI was in the "Top 3?" Not about that.

What am I about? #TeamKatya. That Björk laugh killed me.

Okay. I am done. Let's talk about food.

THINGS I PUBLISHED RECENTLY:

8 Cozy Wine Bars Perfect for Romantic Date Nights (Austin Way)

Need ideas for a date night? You'll hit a home run (in the figurative sense) (but not THAT figurative sense) with any one of these choices.

Austin Food Bloggers Share Their Favorite Summer Bites (Austin Way)

Here's something food bloggers don't tell you: We may eat out a lot and write clever captions, but the prettiest pictures aren't always the things that taste good. Here's the inside scoop from the top influencers in Austin on what is actually delicious. For the record, my favorite things were either the madai nigiri from Uchi, the baked spaghetti (I know how it sounds, trust) from Sophia's, the fromage blanc from VOX Table, or literally anything from Cafe Josie.

The Best Travel Books to Inspire Your Journey (Andrew Harper)

Warning: whether you fantasize about lavish globetrotting or retracing the Oregon Trail (in a covered wagon!), these books will give you some serious wanderlust.

INTERESTING THINGS FROM OTHER PEOPLE:

The Most Exclusive Restaurant In America - This New Yorker investigation into the tiny farmhouse restaurant with a "25-year wait list" will leave you mystified.

I Got Scammed By A Silicon Valley Startup - AKA one of the many reasons why the Bay Area terrifies me. (Reason #2 - Why are people wearing jackets in August? That is too cold.)

The Best Restaurant In New York Is... - RIP Gawker.

I am running out of random photos of myself so these are a little uncensored.

First, here is my mane in its full glory (I have a lot of hair, you guys).

Second, here is me in my natural habitat. (From TheChive/wherever internet photos are from)