Capturing The Adventure

August 2018

It’s that time again…we’ve got the itch to go somewhere and explore! In a few weeks, Blake and I are headed on a two week cruise through the British Isles…Ireland, Scotland, England…we’re ready to escape the Texas heat! I’ll share more on that trip soon…but in the meantime we’re looking forward to photographing and sharing all the details, big and small.

Blake and I have been so fortunate to have traveled near and far these past few years, and capturing our adventures is something I LOVE to do. Not only is photography a passion of mine, but I love to print our photos and reminisce about the memories in those 2 x 3″ frames…I feel pangs of nostalgia as I look at each of these prints and I’m immediately transported back in time. What we did that day, whether it was hot or cold out, the smell of the cuisine in each country. Ohh the power of a photo – it truly is something so special. Which is why I am thrilled to partner with HP and share why I’m loving the new Sprocket 2-in-1 portable photo printer. If you’re one for adventure or simply love taking photos (…which is most anyone with a smartphone these days, ha!), then you’re going to LOVE this pretty little thing!

ROSE GOLD & WHITE / RED / GOLD / BLACK

A big thank you to HP for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

Healthy & Flavorful: Kale Rice Bowl

July 2018

By Jessica Lee

Have you heard about the restaurant Sqirl in LA? I’ve never been, but it’s one of those spots that you hear about all over the place — in food-centric magazines, on Instagram, from that one stylish friend who came back from a vacation in sunny California. The owner, Jessica Koslow, is one of those badass women who worked hard to pursue her dream of owning a restaurant, aka she’s kind of my hero.

So after scooping up her cookbook, Everything I Want To Eat, last week, I knew I needed to recreate one of her recipes for you guys. This Kale Rice Bowl is the most delicious bowl of health. I swapped out a poached egg for a hard-boiled egg because I had some on hand, but a poached egg or fried egg would also be really delicious here. And don’t skimp on the fresh dill!
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Vermicelli Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce

July 2018

By Jessica Lee

There’s a restaurant here in Austin called Elizabeth Street Cafe. It’s probably one of the most instagrammed restaurants in the city, but it’s not just aesthetically pleasing. The restaurant serves some of my favorite food in Austin. During the winter, I cozy up was a warm bowl of pho and then when summer comes around, I always order their fresh spring rolls.

Packed with tofu, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles and more, these spring rolls are insanely delicious. So delicious in fact that I’ve been working on recreating them at home…
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Peach Caprese Salad

June 2018

By Jessica Lee

Here in Texas it is H-O-T. I’m talking walk-outside-and-already-start-sweating hot. It’s pretty brutal, but luckily, here in Austin, there’s always a pool and icey cold margarita not that far away.

On days like these, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. So this Peach Caprese Salad is the perfect anecdote. It combines fresh summer peaches with the classic mixture of tomato, burrata and basil. I know it seems simple, but if you get really good ingredients, it’s a pretty magical combination…
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Poolside Cocktail: Aperol Spritz

June 2018

By Jessica Lee

Summer has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier. Even though I don’t technically have summer vacation like I did when I was in school, there’s just something about the way summer feels that’s always made me feel more relaxed. Maybe it’s the fact that I find myself next to a pool most weekends or maybe it’s the relaxed work hours, but summer just feels more chill.

Each summer, I find myself almost exclusively ordering one drink when I go out. Last year, it was a margarita with mezcal, but this year, I can’t help but gravitate towards Aperol Spritzes. What’s an Aperol Spritz, you ask? It’s a simple combination of Aperol, Sparkling Wine and sparkling water. Plus, it’s low alcohol, which makes it perfect for sipping on those extra hot days.

Prepare to be obsessed…

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe

May 2018

By Jessica Lee

When I posted this recipe on Instagram, my friends lost their minds. I got texts asking how I made it, I got invitations to come over and make it for dinner, and I quickly realized that this dish is a crowd pleaser.

Ok, so that wasn’t really a surprise. I LOVE this dish. One of my favorite dinners in town is at Juniper, and they offer a side of Cacio e Pepe. Like as in order a pasta and get a side of buttery, cheesy pasta. That’s my kind of place…

So when I was thinking about recipes to share with you guys, this one immediately came to mind. I love how truly easy it is to make, and how elegant it feels. I always serve it with a salad because hello that’s a lot of butter and cheese. #balance

Life Update, Vol 1

May 2018

As you have probably noticed by now…LivvyLand got a makeover! This has been a long time in the works behind the scenes, and I am thrilled to finally share the new logo + site design (and a life update) with y’all!

jeans – EVERLANE / tee – URBAN OUTFITTERS / basket bag – POPPY & SAGE

Summer Zen

May 2018

Austin is filled with so many beautiful lookout points, and Mount Bonnell is one I hold dear to my heart. It’s a short hike up to jaw-drop stunning views of Lake Austin (…and the mega mansions that surround it!), and on a weekday evening it’s not yet filled with tourists. It was once a hidden gem in town, and thankfully on a random Wednesday night as the sun was setting, we were able to set up camp and practice some poses. The sun sets around 8:30pm these days, so luckily most folks had left the area and were headed home – which gave us plenty of space to stretch freely and soak up the cliffside views, lush greenery and open air.

leggings – BEYOND YOGA / sports bra – BEYOND YOGA / sandals – TEVA / yoga mat towel – MANDUKA YOGITOES

SHOP MORE YOGA FAVORITES

A big thank you to Backcountry for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.

Weekend Brunch Recipe: Shakshuka

May 2018

By Jessica Lee

I just got back from a trip to Marfa, Texas, and I’m still walking on a cloud. I haven’t been on a real vacation in a few years, so it felt so good to unplug and relax. I spent the days swimming, looking at art and laying in a hammock and reading. Perfection.

When I got back from the trip, I wanted a homemade meal, but I didn’t want to work too hard for it. This Shakshuka is just that. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it’s full of deliciously complex flavors. It can be served for dinner but also makes for a great brunch meal. My one suggestion: serve it with toasted, crusty bread. You’re going to want to dip it in the tasty tomato broth…

How I (Should) Spend My Time

May 2018

Artwork by Kimberlee.

File this post under: my love/hate relationship with social media. (…aaand the saga continues!)

A few weeks back during a trip to Japan with my husband, I had a major realization: I spend a LOT of time on my phone. Our trip was 14 days total and in the first 12 days, Blake read four books. While he was exercising his brain, learning and enveloped in stories, I was glued to social media, learning zip (except for what top so-and-so was wearing, or where so-and-so was vacationing…very important, life altering facts, right?) and in reality, feeling pockets of doubt every time my thumb hit the screen because social media has a special way of messing with our psyche.

Blake doesn’t have Instagram, he rarely gets on Facebook and is a quiet lurker at times on Twitter (mostly for news updates…or when Kanye tweets). He has no social media on his phone. In stark contrast, Instagram uses up 40% of my phone battery on the regular. That’s on a good day. Hi, my name is Olivia and I’m addicted to Instagram.

Lifestyle