We spent the better part of yesterday going through model homes to get ideas for backyard landscaping. My husband really wants to have a nice patio in our new backyard. My in-laws gave us money to either do a patio or get something else that is needed. (I think we need a kitchen table, but what do I know!) We saw some nice yards, but I don’t think any of them really go with our backyard. If we have to have some kind of deck, I prefer the ones made out of large stone or slate though.

It’s getting really close to New Year’s, so that means it’s time to start planning our Resolutions! As usual, my plan is to lose weight. I went out and bought an exercise ball. I went to a trainer that had me do some exercises with an exercise ball that were not too hard to do. I found a whole set with a ball, band and some waist belt thing at TJ Maxx while I was in Dallas.

Yesterday seemed like a great time to get it out and blow it up. I spent a whole lot of time blowing it up and when I took the pump out, the air went out with it. For some reason, they forgot to pack the plug in there. So, we went to the TJ Maxx on Great Hills and exchanged it for a good one.

I got the thing blown up now, so I guess I should use it.

I have been updating some of my blog features. I’m still in the learning stages of blogging. The newest feature is that you can subscribe to get my blog postings directly to your email. You can do this by subscribing to my blog through feedblitz. The location of the subscribe button is on the right of my blog where it has a space to put your email address and then hit subscribe me. This way you don’t have to go to the feeds just to read the blog. Of course, there are several feeds you can continue to subscribe to as well.

I have really enjoyed blogging. If anyone has any suggestion for blog ideas or anything else that is helpful, make sure to comment! 🙂

One of the most traumatic parts of moving to a new town is trying to figure out where to get your hair cut. I was very lucky that I found the right place to go the first time out! I had been driving by Avalon hair salon all the time when I first moved to Austin. I actually tried to go to another place as a walk-in and they couldn’t take me. I remembered Avalon and walked over there and they said that Anna had a spot later in the day! The first time around I decided to play it safe and just get my hair trimmed. She did a really good job, so when I went yesterday, I decided I could be a little more bold, since I now trusted her. She takes her time and is not upset if you ask her to trim a little more after she is done. She cut my hair just the way I wanted it! I would highly recommend Avalon and especially Anna!

My dog needs a new collar. The last one I bought was from the Pet Boutique on Garland Rd. in Dallas. It is black with small diamonds all around it. The collar has lost most of the diamonds and it is time to replace it.

Where do you go to find specialty items for dogs in Austin? I still haven’t figured it out. I went online and found Bark ‘n Purr on Burnet, so I drove over there to find the perfect collar for my little precious one. I looked at the store optimistically as I drove up since it had a Best of Austin sign in the window. I was sadly disappointed when I went inside and found your typical dog stuff inside. I asked the guy if he knew where I could find some specialty items for dogs. He was kind of rude and said that was it. I pushed a little and he directed me down the street.

I went up Burnet a little further to the Camp 4 Paws. I wasn’t really sure if it was open, but I got out of my car to check anyway! Luckily, the store was open!! This is the cutest little place. They have really cool clothes and some really nice collars. Unfortunately, they didn’t have exactly what I was looking for, but I will go back another time when I want to buy clothes. I talked to the nicest lady and she told me that she had seen a dog store in Davenport Village over on Capital of Texas Hwy. She wasn’t sure if it was open or not, but that was her best guess.

I went to Davenport Village next. I saw a great sign announcing the Yuppie Puppie! Yea! I’m sure at this point that they will have exactly what I’m looking for. Sadly, as I got closer, I found that the store was closed. 😦 I didn’t find my collar today.

I will be in Dallas this weekend, so I hope I will get the opportunity to go to the Pet Boutique and find a new collar. If anyone knows of any good pet boutiques in Austin, please let me know!!

I’m finally on holiday for the Christmas break! Where does the time go?? I plan to use the free time to shop, try new things and visit family and friends. I will be going to Dallas for the part of the holiday, so I may have to do some Dallas blogs to keep things moving. (I’m sure there is somewhere I haven’t been in Dallas). Then I plan to go to McAllen, Tx for New Years. There are definitely places there that I haven’t been!

I’m thinking about using some of my free time to watch movies. If you haven’t gotten Netflix yet, I highly recommend it. I am on the unlimited two movies at a time plan. I love it. The movies come directly to your house, you never have late fees, and I’m rarely without a movie. I work it out so that I watch one movie, mail it in and by the time I watch another one, I have a new movie in the mail. I have about 70 movies in my queue and I’m constantly adding more. Another bonus is that you can rent whole series. I’ve watched Veronica Mars Series one and two, Lost season one and two and Da Ali G show season one and two. It’s a great way to get caught up on some of those shows that build on the one before so you can start watching the series in real time! If I was renting from the video store, I wouldn’t watch them because I would feel guilty about spending the money. Since I’m unlimited on the number of dvd’s, I don’t feel guilty!! There is usually about a two day turn around on movies.

Austin has helped me to develop an awareness of my allergies. I’ve always had mild allergies (to something that’s in the air), but since I’ve been in Austin, they have become more pronounced! Everyone tells me it’s cedar. Maybe they’re right. I just want them to go away!

Please feel free at any time to give me suggestions or feedback of what you would like to see in my blog. I’ve been racking my brains of ideas of what to write about and I decided that I’d like to write about what you would like to read about!

I also LOVE to get comments. It totally makes my day when I log in and find comments on my blog. So please comment often! Also, this should be a part of your favorites so you will remember to return at least daily.

Those of you that know me really well, know that my favorite movie was filmed here in Austin. I plan to go to the Top Notch Burger place and eat this weekend. Does everyone know what movie I’m talking about???