Indiana in the pool!

Today was a cloudy and relatively cool day! Something that seems rare lately. We're in the throes of summer and it is honestly my least favorite time of the year. Even though I've lived in Texas my whole life, I've never gotten used to the summers. I hate the heat! And the harsh sun! And it's even harder with a baby, who is the only person on the planet paler than me. But summer means swimming and today was nice! So we decided to take Indiana for her first swim, since she seems to be a fan of water. And she liked it! I think? She got tired pretty fast (we were approaching nap time), but she kicked her little legs and was smiling so I'm taking this as a win. And I over documented, as usual. 

Clearly on the fence about the whole thing at first.

She cracks me up with that squishy face. And all her extra sun protection! Long sleeves and a hat... she's like a little old woman. But better safe than sorry, right?

Love love love that baby.

It's crazy that babies just sorta know what to do in the water. I put her on her tummy and she just started kicking away. They're full of surprises. I hope this is the start of a love of water for her. We were going to do baby swim lessons this summer but you have to be six months+ and she turns six months in the middle of the last session. Figures! Next year for sure though. I want my baby to be a fish! And as safe as possible in water!!!!!! I'm gonna be that mom who wraps her kid in 1000 floaties.

Austin Ice Cream Festival!

Saturday we ventured out into the Great August Summer Heat (who has just now decided to grace us with it's presence and I am totally okay with it, it's been such a lovely cool summer, I'll take a whole month of 100+ degree days!) to check out the Austin Ice Cream Festival. We've been talking about going for years but have always had to work. Somehow miraculously this year we both had the day off! So to celebrate ice cream we went!

This is just how photos of me go, so I'm embracing it. I am actually not a fan of ice cream, but Mr. Hogan on the other had loves the stuff. I ate a lot of fruit/ice things, which there was plenty of! Tickets to the event are $10 per person and you get 3 sample tickets to try out different ice cream vendors. So between the two of us we had 6 tickets, and we got to try almost everything! You can also buy more tickets, but we were sugared out by 6. Oh, and there's unlimited Blue Bell ice cream goodies. Literally, unlimited. They had a Blue Bell truck that they were just piling out ice cream cups, bars, popsicles, etc out of to any one who wanted some. Ice cream insanity.

They had this super cute craft set up for kids (and adults who are children at heart), tons of popsicle sticks and elmers glue! We got in on the action. I made some swirly thing, and Brendon made... a turkey! A turkey!! That boy wins for creativity. Watching him make that thing was adorable.

Someone explain to me whats up with this baby sculpture on top of this van. Creeeepy!

I think that was fruit popsicle number 3 for me? This was the coolest little event, and if you get the chance next year I highly recommend it! SO MUCH ICE CREAM! Also tons of free junk from random vendors. We both got new obnoxious colored sunglasses, because you can never have enough. And sunscreen, which was a genius move on Concentra's part.

Thanks for the good time Austin Ice Cream Festival! You were a great way to beat the heat and get a crazy sugar high.

Running in the summer

This picture has little to do with this post, aside from the fact that I'm sweaty from running. I was laying on the floor blasting the fan and AC trying to cool down, and it was game on for Sophie. She's licking the sweat off my face. Cats are weird.

So we're about halfway through the summer? Kind of? Lets say yes. I haven't quit running (!!!), which is something I was very scared would happen. However, let me say this has been the mildest summer I've experienced in a long time. I can't remember a summer like this. We haven't hit 100 degrees yet, which is amazing as we are mid July here. We've also had a fair amount of rain (never enough) to keep it relatively cool. It rained last night, and when I ran this morning at 9:30 it was only like 78. Although the humidity was a whole different beast. So it's been a mild summer so far. But still, it's Texas and it's hot. But I've kept up the running.

This is my first summer as a "runner", so I've got nothing to base any of this on. I am also not competitive or hardcore or any sort of expert. I just run because I like seeing myself improve and, well, I love running. But this is what I've learned so far during my first summer of running:

WATER. Dear lord, drink you some water. All day every day. Before running, after running, while running. Take water with you. Brendon and I have a big water bottle that we run with, and he carries it because I'm a huge wiener and can't run with it. So when I run alone I run waterless, and boy does it suck. We've also just about run out of water on our "longer" runs. I've been talking about buying one of the little handheld water bottles, but I've yet to do it. I need to. Water is so so so important, especially in the heat.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you feel like you're going to puke and pass out at the same time, stop running. Get into some shade, drink some water, and cool down. Overheating and dehydration are not playing around. Twice this summer I've come close to losing my cool, literally, and it was very scary. Both times I thought I was going to puke, then my brain was going to explode. Not cool. If you feel ill, stop. If you're dizzy, stop. If you're seeing spots, goodness STOP! Listen to your body!!

SLOW DOWN. You're going to be slower in the heat no matter what, it just comes with the territory. I run about a minute slower now than I did in the spring. And that's okay. But it also helps if I make a conscious effort to run a little slower, especially if I'm trying to run a longer distance. If I'm just running a 5k I'll push myself a little harder because I know I've only got a few miles to do. But if I want to run farther, or run hills, I make sure I stay at comfortable pace. I focus on my breathing and slow down when I feel it's getting out of control (this works well for me in any temperature).

And on that note, IGNORE YOUR MILE TIMES. This is a personal thing for me. At first my slow pace was discouraging, but right now I just focus on getting out there and running. Getting in your run in no matter how slow. We have this Garmin watch that tells you your current speed, and I completely ignore it. It also makes this lovely beep when you wrap up a mile and gives you the mile time, and I also try to ignore that. I focus on, "YES, ANOTHER MILE DOWN", not "oh my god that was almost an 11 minute mile". You're out there doing the damn thing, sweating your ass off. Give yourself credit.

HIDE FROM THE SUN. Seriously. My dad is one of those crazy folks who loves running in the heat of the day because it's a better work out. I did not inherit that gene. I am a vampire, the sun sucks the life out of me. It makes everything more difficult. Run in the mornings or evenings, when the sun isn't high. I am not a morning runner because I'm usually at work by 5:30am and if I'm not, I want to sleep in! So we run in the evenings at like 7 or 8. It's hotter than in the morning, but the sun isn't shining directly on you and man that makes a world of difference. The downside is the mornings and evenings are a bit more humid, but I'll take humidity over the sun any day.

WEAR AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. Seriously. If it's real hot, I'm running in shorts and a sports bra, that's it. Your shorts come with built in undies? Use 'em. Layers are not your friend. Also, swamp ass. No one wants it. On days I do run in a shirt, it's moisture wicking and relatively loose fitting. No cotton. You will sweat all over it and it will get heavy and hot and gross. Also SUNSCREEN! I am not good at this, thus, I have a very prominent runners "tan". By tan I mean freckles.

KEEP POSITIVE AND KEEP RUNNING. The big one, y'all. The heat and humidity are humbling and can be incredibly disheartening. It takes time to acclimate, and during that time you feel like you've never run in your life. I've had runs this summer when I've thought "I wasn't cut out for this, I'm not a runner, I suck I suck I suck, why am I doing this???". But you keep running. And I'm not saying it's easy to run in the heat, but it does get easier. Just keep trucking through. You might not be able to run as fast or as far, but it's a hell of a workout. And although this is my first summer as a runner and this will be my first fall as well, when that first cold snap hits, I'm thinking I'll be feeling pretty damn good. Stronger and faster. And that's what I tell myself when I'm a hot sweaty zombie mess and I feel like if I take another step I'll melt into the pavement and/or burst into flames.

So that's the plan. I can survive a couple more months of this and I WILL be a better runner because of it. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger! (But running in the heat can kill you, so BE CAREFUL! Pace yourself! Water water water!)

Summer versus fall

It's been a while since one of these went down. A terrible webcam photo of yours truly and a boring post without food or pretty pictures, revolving around my actual day to day life and thoughts. Wooo. But first and foremost, look at that busted chair. Thanks, cats. I reupholster a nasty chair with the cheapest fabric in the scrap pile for the living room corner painting studio that I never use and this is how you treat it? Shame.

Pharmacy school has started. Oh pharmacy school. Can we break up already? This is year three out of four, so at least we're over half way there. The constant studying and a certain wife falling asleep alone hasn't started yet, but I can smell it. I'm just trying very hard to look at it from the "the sooner it starts, the sooner it's over" side, but it's got me a little bummed. And I know Brendon isn't stoked either.

This cycle with pharmacy school has brought on mixed feelings about my favorite time of the year. I am not a summer person, and I don't think I ever have been. I look forward to the fall months leading to the holy time of December (so much irony) all year long. But this year, I want to hold on to summer. Not the heat, hell no, not the heat, but the summeryness of summer. The freedom and the fun and the carefreeness. The husband out of school and the adventures we have together. TWO incomes. Bright colors and sunglasses and tan lines and even sandals. Luckily for me, we live in Texas and summer is basically forever, or at least until November, but school starting is the unofficial beginning of fall regardless of temperature. There are cases of pumpkin syrup on my shelves at work, begging to be latte-ed up. Stores are clearancing their shorts and showing off their sweaters (and I want them all, oh my goodness especially this one). Leaves are starting to change in regions of America with seasons. My Facebook newsfeed is unfortunately flooded with football posts. Halloween costumes are being schemed and I've got a hankering to watch You've Got Mail. And somehow tomorrow is the first day of September. It's happening. Fall is happening. And usually I'd be lapping it all up, but I am clinging to summer. I am a fairly forward thinking person, but I want to go back. I want to rewind to May and do it all again. Madness. I blame this on a wonderful summer and funky things happening in my life at the moment. Fall is the season of change and maybe that's what I'm afraid of. But I need to quit it. Fall is the most wonderful time of the year, followed by the most magical month of the year. I am going to enjoy it, damnit. One pumpkin latte at a time (kidding, not actually a fan of pumpkin outside of candles). So bring it on, September. Whatever you bring, I'm armed with a handful of fake red and yellow leaves and an arsenal of fall baking ideas.

And this has nothing to do with anything, but because I'm a maniac and love working 50+ hours a week, I got a second job. This summer I started sewing a day or two a week at a drapery workroom with the sweetest lady ever. Seriously, nicest boss in the world. This job is my happy place. It's the greatest escape and I am learning so much. I get to sew with fancy machines on fancy fabric and learn fancy tricks and techniques. I haven't sewn at home since I've started, but I imagine my little machine will feel... different. But this little job has made me realize even more that I am happiest when I am making something. When my hands are at work. Even if it's drapes for someone's home that I'll never see, I'm creating. I'm not sure where my calling is in the world (honestly, is anyone? If you know, then tell me the secret to figuring it out), but I feel like I'd be pretty happy as long as my hands are at work making something. Preferably something pretty. I think I need to take this more to heart.

End ramble. If you made it this far, congrats. I think all that typing about fall has me ready for it. I'm sad to see summer end, but I'm about ready to tackle this fantastic season. Maybe I'll just pop You've Got Mail in and let it push me over the edge.

Shiner, TX

We have been all over Texas lately. Tuesday we drove over to Shiner, TX to check out, well, where they make Shiner! It was one of my favorite Texas trips with Brendon so far. Shiner is the cutest little town, we loved it. And the brewery was perfect. It's the coolest little place and so very Texan. We got to take a tour which also included four decent sized samples of beer. All for free! It was the best. You should go!

A lab with beer on the counter? Brendon, you are not using your biochemistry degree correctly.

The bottling room was my favorite. It was like "How it's Made" with a little "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" thrown in. They were bottling up Ruby Red Bird, which is currently my favorite beer. Maybe ever. They can only bottle one type of beer at a time and those big beautiful copper tanks up there can only brew eight types of beer at a time. I loved how small this place was but yet they were churning out so much beer! It's still family owned and operated and they only have 125 employees. What a fun place to work, huh? Oh and you get beer on your lunch break. Some guys stopped by the sample taps for a few little brews on their lunch. Best job ever?

Open your eyes sleepy head!

Yes, we got that ridiculous road sign. It's hanging in our bedroom. Tacky enough for you? I think it's perfect.

After touring the brewery and sampling all sorts of delicious beer, we explored the town a little. They claim to be the "cleanest town in Texas" and I might have to agree! It looked like a little town out of a movie. The houses were so cute! We stopped at a little candy shop (surprise) and then went to the coolest antique store that was also a bar! They serve beer and wine and have the cutest patio in the back. There were SO many beers to choose from. The sweetest lady who ran it let us in on all kinds of beer knowledge, she was a beer guru. Also, she makes a killer coffee fudge with Shiner Blacklager in it. Delicious.

The drive to Shiner is beautiful. We've been driving out and about towards the west lately, it was nice to see a little of the east. Sweet farm houses and rolling hills with the greenest fields. It was so pretty and again I am so thankful for all the rain that has Texas looking so green.

I am getting spoiled rotten with these little trips with Brendon. Can we do this forever? Just had adventures all the time? Life is so good without pharmacy school!

Hamilton Pool

It must be noted by all, that I am currently blogging about something other than food. Although on this day I did also bake some cookies.

After living in Austin for over a year, we finally ventured out into the hill country and visited Hamilton Pool. It's on those "Must do in Austin" lists and everyone always raves about it. And it was pretty cool! It's a long way out from the city, which I enjoyed. The drive there is beautiful, as it almost always is when you're driving in the hill country. We were a little disappointed in the water level (the waterfall was reduced to a trickle) but we should have known better because, duh it's summer in Texas. We've gotten significantly more rain this summer than last, but we are still in a big ol' drought. It was beautiful regardless, and the water felt great. I'm usually a baby when it comes to water, but I loved this little swimming hole!

That little low area in the ridge is where the waterfall usually is.

It was extra warm out that day, which is good because that water is chilly! Brendon said he felt like his hair was melting off, hence the towel getup. This place is not huge. It's pretty tiny actually. You kind of have to just claim your little towel space on the beach area. There were lots of people there, so we were right in the thick of it all. Not as bad as I thought, but it's definitely not a place to chill in the sun in peace.

Handsome husband of mine.

Everything was so green under the falls area (and everywhere really). So much life! After we got our fill of swimming in the pool, we hiked down a little trail to the Pedernales river. We went to Pedernales Falls state park last summer, and the river was basically nonexistent, so it was cool to see it (although a completely different portion, miles upstream) with some water in it!

It was a good day for green apparently.

If you're looking for a quieter place to hang out, this is it. We hiked over there just before the park closed and had the whole river to ourselves. It was so serene and the water was the perfect temperature. I could have stayed there for hours. Unfortunately a park ranger kicked us out.

It was a pretty cool little place. I highly recommend going (perhaps after a good bout of rain). There are so many beautiful places like this around Austin, we are so fortunate to live so close to it all. One more place that the Hogan's have explored!