We’re Gettin’ Hitched! Our Story + The Proposal

May 2015

Soo…Friday morning the most magical, blissful, (insert-any-other-ultra-happy word), thing happened. Blake asked me to marry him! Okay so for those of you who don’t know the Blake + Olivia saga that has been the latter half of my life, prepare yourselves for a story.. However, I’ll preface with this – Blake has always been the one, the love of my life, my unicorn, the only guy for me, etc. Let’s just say when we met in high school, I was 17 and he was 16…the rest is history.

Strong is the New Pretty

April 2015

This morning I woke up to an email with the subject line “inspiring,” sent from one of my best friends in Chicago. (It’s Kayla, my Chicago road trip buddy from this post a few months back). Well, of course that immediately sounded like something I muuust start my day with, so I opened it right away. It took me to a Huffington Post article about a photographer named Kate Parker who is showcasing some truly beautiful and authentic photographs of little girls – two of which are her own daughters. So why was this newsworthy? Because these images showcase an accurate depiction of what little girls are and not what society broadcasts in ad campaigns, and that’s something you don’t see everyday. The article begins with, “Messy. Loud. Athletic. Joyous. Fearless.” I’m beginning to think we can learn a lot from these photos!

25 Things About Me – Birthday Edition!

March 2015

Hello there! Today I turn 25 (where did the time go?!), so I thought I’d share 25 things you may not know about me! I’m pretty sure after reading this list, you’ll know me a lot better!

I am the baby of 5! I have 3 older brothers and an older sister – everyone lives in Austin, too. We’re a super close family! (Oldest is 34, all the way down to 25).
My boyfriend, Blake, is my high school sweetheart! We dated way back when, then went our separate ways in college and got back together over a year ago. Let’s just say he’s always been my “unicorn.” :]
I used to work for Kendra Scott Jewelry in the marketing department doing social media and fashion blogging with Lauren of Vandi Fair. This is where I learned a lot of blogging and Photoshop skills – and met one of my very best friends who I’ll soon stand beside as a bridesmaid in her wedding!
I studied long form feature writing in college under the “magazine and print writing” umbrella. I majored in journalism at UT Austin and graduated in 2012. Hook ’em!
Upon graduating college I had my sights set on NYC and a magazine writing career, then two of my sister-in-laws AND my sister got pregnant in one year and I knew I was meant to stay in Austin to be close to my family. Truthfully, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made! So many opportunities opened up, Blake and I got back together and I’m Auntie O to FIVE perfect nieces and nephews.
I currently work in media operations for an amazing company in town. My job is so difficult to describe! Hmm, let’s see, if LinkedIn is a social network for business professionals, this company is a social network for IT professionals. I represent 6 different, major tech brands within this social community. Let’s just say I have learned A LOT in the past year! I’m so blessed to work for such a renowned company that truly cares for their employees, it’s a lovely place to be!
Maintaining this blog may appear “effortless” (or I certainly hope it does!), but I work my little booty off to keep my blog up and running. I wake up at 6:15am every morning to edit images/tend to emails, etc., before actually going to work. Then I go to Starbucks everyday during my lunch break to continue working on it (I’m finally a regular at a coffeehouse, how exciting ha!) and then I get home, hang out with Blake for a bit and then get right back to it. I never knew how far I could push myself in terms of work ethic, and starting this blog has really shown me just how determined and passionate I can be about something. It’s what I love to do, so I’m very fortunate to have an amazing support system of people who encourage me daily to pursue my little corner of happiness (aka this blog!).
I am a super people-person! Thus, if you were to look at my call log, I’ve likely already talked to my mom and sister about 5 times on any given day and a few friends who live out of town. (I sit in traffic for over an hour everyday = lots of talk time!). Seriously, I’m not one for too much alone time!
Pasta is the second love of my life. Obsessed is an understatement. I could (and mostly do) eat it everyday! Ps. This Mom’s Sauce is bliss.
I was born & raised in Austin – a true Austinite right here!
Fun/random tidbit: My three most used emojis are the monkey covering his eyes, the clinched teeth smiley and the pink heart. I’m all in on the emoji bandwagon.
My current playlist consists of Sucre and Leon Bridges – ohh those voices! You MUST listen!
Favorite coffee bev = hot latte in the morning, iced latte from 2-4pm. Gotta get my double dose of caffeine everyday!
When I ask my friends to describe me in one word, multiple said the same thing: genuine.
I’m a SUPER sap! I cry like a goon at anything remotely romantic, sad or heartfelt. Honestly, Blake must think I’m nuts haha! It’s all good, I just have a lot of feelings.. 😉
Stress relief to me is: a hot bubble bath and a glass of red wine…and my phone on silent in the other room.
Swimming is my favorite summertime activity. It’s also my favorite workout! (And you knowww I get that funky goggles imprint on my eyes that stays for like 3 hours after you’re done swimming laps…that’s what sunglasses are for, right?). Both of my parents were big time swimmers in Texas, so my whole family basically learned to swim before any of us were even walking!
My most precious material item is a gold band ring my mom gave me for Christmas about 4 years ago. I asked her for a “dainty, thin, hammered gold ring” …so she went to Zales and got me a solid gold wedding band. Hilarious misunderstanding haha but no one wears a gold wedding band on their pointer finger – so it’s so perfect! Mostly it’s so special because it’s from my mom.
I have a personal Instagram account (set to private) that only close friends and family follow. I post a zillion Auntie O pictures with all of my nieces and nephews on this account. It’s like my little family picture book!
(Warning: about to get sappy) – A few months ago Demi Lovato was featured in Glamour magazine and I read a little snippet that I found really inspiring. In the interview she said, “You can be the most beautiful woman in the world and see yourself as hideous. You must love yourself. To look in the mirror and tell yourself that you’re a rock star!” Ever since then, every morning I’ll repeat to myself, “Olivia, you’re a rockstar! You’re a badass! You can do anything you set your mind to!” Honestly, just encouraging myself daily has really increased my confidence level – I highly recommend this!
One word to describe my life at the moment: hustle. Three words? Go go go! (Yes, I could definitely use a vacation…or a nap!)
In my car CD player (because I drive a Nissan Versa and definitely still jam CD’s everyday): It flip flops between the new Taylor Swift album and KGSR’s Broadcast Volume 20 (a local radio station’s annual album).
If you can’t tell via social media or my blog, I am a very silly person!
Blake and I watch Vine every night before going to sleep. It’s our thing…and we are obsessed! If you ever need a pick-me-up, just watch the popular page on Vine and you’ll be laughing within 6 seconds…
My grandmother recently passed away and the greatest thing she taught me is to cherish the relationships you have and unconditionally love those you care about – time is a precious thing. She’s the biggest component to why family is such a huge priority in my life.

As I hit 25, I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year! I am so thankful for your support and kind words as I continue to update LivvyLand each week, it means so much to me that you’re stopping by to read this post! I hope you learned a lot more about me from this list – it’s challenging to 100% accurately depict who I am by way of social media and this blog, so hopefully this gives you a little more insight.

Please feel free to comment and share a little about yourselves, too! I would love to get to know you better!

Hello there! Today I turn 25 (where did the time go?!), so I thought I’d share 25 things you may not know about me! I’m pretty sure after reading this list, you’ll know me a lot better! I am the baby of 5! I have 3 older brothers and an older sister – everyone lives in […]

Sleepy Sunday

March 2015

Good morning! I am finally enjoying some peace and quiet (or rather, the calm after the storm that is SXSW here in town), and sitting down to unwind after a busy week and weekend. Blake generally sleeps in a bit longer than I do, so it allows for some alone time where I’ll cuddle up on the sofa, make a big cup of coffee and read my favorite blogs, spend some time on Pinterest and catch up on the news. This really is my “me time” happy place. It rained all weekend, but today the sun is shining and I’ve opened up my blinds to let the natural light in. Morning is by far my favorite time of day…so still and sleepy, especially over the weekend, this is when I’m in full relaxation mode.

Here’s what I’ve been scoping out this morning:

-My two favorite blogs, Love Taza & A Cup of Jo. I’ve been following these gals for years! They’re so real and have that layer of depth I love to read and relate to…writing is a powerful thing and these ladies are very good at it! Joanna Goddard can always make me tear up…and I love reading her comments section. What an incredible group of women that rally behind her and support one another – it’s like a little community in her corner of the internet. Simply reading the comments is often inspiring enough!

-This beautiful New York Times story about a couple who falls in love as she is going blind. They ignore the realities of blindness and rather focus on romanticizing a worsening condition. “Losing my vision, I explained, was teaching me to really see. I would go blind with a bang, not a whimper, by seeing and doing more in the next decade than most people did in a lifetime. All true, but only part of the story. The pretty part.”

-Super into these banner wall hangings over at Apartment Therapy.

-This gorgeous bachelorette loft in LA – umm, yes please!

-Oh right, and you can always find me on Pinterest. Not so much a place for reading, but it sure is an endless abyss of happiness in image form.

Grab your morning cup (or afternoon…I know I’ll need a second dose of caffeine here shortly!) and enjoy some links I’ve been loving – Happy Sunday, everyone!

What To Do In Austin, TX – SXSW City Guide

March 2015

Alright, folks! SXSW 2015 is fast approaching…we’re now just days away! I am always so excited for this time of year because 1. it’s a blast (see the last row on my list…) and 2. so many out-of-towners get to experience Austin at it’s finest. (Live music everywhere you turn, great drink specials, happy people…what’s not to love?). Given that a lot of festival goers come from places near and far, I thought I’d suggest a few of my favorite spots within the downtown area to add to that ever-growing, “must do in Austin” list! Thus, everything listed below is within walking distance, or at the very least, a pedicab ride away from all of the downtown festivities.

COFFEE: …Because after a night…or rather, a few days of drinking…this is a must on the list. I am a stickler about quality espresso, and each of these coffee shops have received my seal of approval (hey, for what’s it worth!).

Caffe Medici Coffeehouse – Congress Avenue & 2nd Street. Pull up a barstool and watch the baristas work their magic…these gals know a thing or two about latte art! (Their cortado is my personal fave drink)
Houndstooth Coffee – Congress Avenue at the bottom of the Frost Bank Tower. You pick your latte espresso, pretty snazzy!
Jo’s Coffee – 2nd Street. I recommend an Iced Turbo, prepare for ultimate deliciousness.

EATS: I picked the three most “Austin” food options (well, at least in my opinion! Brisket, tacos & pizza) that I could rally together. This list was super tough to narrow down to just three, but I think I represented them fairly well.

La Barbecue – East Cesar Chavez Street. I mean…you really can’t go wrong here. Brisket, beef ribs, sausage. My stomach is growling just thinking about it. Oh right, bring beer and lawn chairs for this one, you may be in line for a while…but it’s worth the wait! (Here in Austin, we will wait hours to eat quality bbq, just a heads up!)
La Condesa – 2nd Street. If any restaurant has ever achieved a swanky yet down to earth vibe, it’s La Condesa. It’s bliss in a restaurant, both in ambiance and food! Order a ‘rita and enjoy some fresh guacamole, everything is good here!
Home Slice Pizza – South Congress Avenue. Definitely worth the wait! I recommend a greek salad to start (they’re pretty big, easy to split) and a side of ranch dressing with your pizza. (True Austinite foodie style right there with the side ‘o ranch)

DRINKS: The Austin bar scene is only getting better as this city grows, and these three bars are a few of my favorites. Honestly, whether you’re going for cocktails or a solid IPA selection (my personal beer of choice), any of these spots will do the trick. Oh right, and they’re all adorable!

East Side Showroom – East 6th Street. As soon as you step foot inside, it’s like you just walked into a 1920’s speakeasy…dapper mixologists ready to serve you a top-notch cocktail (try an old fashioned). This place is seriously a must on your list, it’s cocktail lounge perfection!
Whisler’s – East 6th Street. Amazing patio, the cutest/coolest interior design (it’s stunning and so cool) and there’s a Mezcal bar upstairs. Lots of fabulous cocktails + a good beer selection, too.
Easy Tiger – 6th Street. Grab yourself a freshly baked oversize pretzel (the bake shop is upstairs, the beer garden is downstairs) and a craft beer. This place rocks for it’s chill atmosphere and on-premise food options.

That’s my spiel! If you have something you think Austin visitors must try, please feel free to share in the comments section! I’m a big fan of trying to new places around town, so perhaps it’ll be new to me, too! Enjoy!

**images: austin skyline, caffe medici, houndstooth, jo’s, la bbq, la condesa, home slice, east side showroom, whisler’s, easy tiger

South Congress Shopping Spree Giveaway!

March 2015

Hey Austin gals & SXSW goers! Want to shop like a local? I’m hosting a super amazing giveaway to my favorite shopping district in town, featuring a $100 gift card to FIVE iconic SoCo boutiques. Yes, that’s a $500 South Congress shopping spree for one lucky winner!

As a born and raised Austinite, I have a true appreciation for supporting local businesses (and keeping Austin weird, of course!). Now it’s your chance to enjoy a full day of shopping at these beloved boutiques: Strut, Feathers Vintage, Limbo Jewelry, Parts & Labour, and Creatures!

So how can you enter? Simply find this image above on my Instagram feed, and follow the directions in the caption. It’s as simple as that! This contest runs Sunday March 8th at 10am CST to Sunday March 15th at 6pm CST. The winner will be announced as a comment on the Instagram and I will contact the winner to exchange the prize. Winner must be U.S. resident and over 13 years of age.

Good luck, Austin lovers!

5 Things That Happened in 2014

January 2015

What a craaazy year it’s been! Honestly, 2014 was by far my biggest year of life changes thus far (if you read this list you’ll understand why!). This handsome, silly, perfect guy above (Blake) has been more than incredible and made 2014 overwhelmingly wonderful, despite some not so wonderful other life happenings along the way. Blake and I dated in high school (first loves, yada yada) and we got back together in 2013 (hey, dreams do come true! Yes yes I’m a cheeseball but if you know how much and low long I’ve cared about him, it’s really the truth), but, 2014 is special because we moved in together! We went out to dinner last night and both said our best and worsts of 2014, and we both said that moving in together was part of our top picks. Coming home to your best friend and the one person who can always make you laugh? Not to mention the infinite cuddles? Win! (Ps. Blake, if you’re reading this, sorry for the sappiness above…couldn’t help myself!)
If you read my coffee/espresso post from last week, you’d have read that I worked at Caffe Medici (the cutest little button of a coffeehouse here in Austin) for about a month over the summer. This past June, I had been working for Kendra Scott Jewelry in marketing for nearly two years when I finally decided to leave the company. This decision had been weighing on me for quite some time and it just felt like the right time to move forward. Life is short. Be brave and follow your heart. Walking away gave me time to invest in my blog and allowed me to pursue some other opportunities I’d always wanted to try…like working at a coffeehouse! (Something forever on my bucket list). Given that I had zero coffee background (and Austin is filled with crazy talented baristas), I was so incredibly fortunate to have worked for such a prestigious Austin shop as my first coffee gig! Although another full-time job opportunity came shortly after I began with Caffe Medici, I cannot say enough amazing things about the lovely environment, beautiful coworkers and the sweetest customers I met along the way. Truly, this job restored my faith in healthy and happy workplaces and I will always appreciate it.

As I’ve mentioned, a major part of 2014 for me was starting this blog! As you can see above, these were some of my logo options – illustrated by my talented sister! She is an amazing artist and came up with the latte art logo concept and painted a few options for me to choose from. It was pretty awesome to watch her in action, she has two kiddos (ages 2 and 1), so I went over and watched them so she could get away for an hour and paint. She was still in the same room, just barricaded off to the side. Her two littles would climb up on the sofa and both peek their heads over the edge and watch in awe as their mom worked her magic. It was adorable! I am so fortunate to have such willing and talented folks so close to me. I love that this blog is filled with friends and family who support me, it makes every detail that much more meaningful.
Ooh la la, I chopped 10 inches off my hair and went blonde! It was time for a change, ya know? So happy I did it, this new do just feels more “me” at the moment! If you live in Austin and are on the hunt for a brilliant hair stylist, call mine! (Ask for Shannon). She’s a hair genius and so much fun to chat with throughout your visit.Who are these gorgeous folks? They’re some of the fashion photographers behind Livvyland! This blog has given me the opportunity to meet so many passionate and creative fashion-lovers and artists near and far, and each of these people above has been a major component in achieving the Livvyland aesthetic you see today. Benjamin Stelly, Kayla Snell, Laura Morsman and Corbin Chase – thank you all! I am so grateful for your beautiful work and styling collaborations we’ve done together. It’s been a joy meeting Laura and Kayla since starting this blog and to watch their photography careers reach new heights in Austin. As for the guys, they’re based in NYC but come into Austin over holidays – I love shooting with old friends who are both so hilarious and talented!
(See my fashion posts with each here: Benjamin, Kayla, Laura, Corbin).

What a year for me! I just want to thank everyone for their support and kind words along the way. It’s been such a blessing for me to have this outlet and meet likeminded and inspirational people because of it. So, thank you for following along! I look forward to what 2015 has in store!

2014 Music Mashup (Warning: may cause dancing)

December 2014

Ohh 2014, what a year! I’ll write up a sappier New Year’s post later on today (obvi), but I wanted to get this mashup up as you start your day. I heard this a few weeks back and I am obsessed! We had some pretty fun/catchy songs top the charts this year and this DJ compiled them all into one incredible song! Oh yes, and the talent continues because they made a video, too. Now, that’s some serious patience and concentration to create this mix!

So, enjoy as you get ready for your day or perhaps later on tonight as your girlfriends trickle in and you pop open that first bottle of champagne to ring in the New Year!

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