Peach Caprese Salad

June 2018

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.

Spring Vegetable Pasta

May 2018

By Jessica Lee

It really feels like Spring has officially sprung here in Austin. I spent the weekend basking in the sun at Barton Springs Pool (if you’re ever in town, add this to your “must visit” list!) enjoying the periodic cool breezes. It’s that perfect time of year where you just want to be outside all of the time.

So let’s make the most of spring and avoid spending too much time in the kitchen cooking. This Spring Vegetable Pasta is super easy to make, plus it’s packed with vibrant, in-season veggies. Serve it hot or let it cool and take it as a picnic food. It tastes great either way, but I’m partial to enjoying it al fresco… 🙂

Everyday Breakfast Tacos

April 2018

By Jessica Lee

Here in Austin, breakfast tacos are king. You can find them everywhere from coffee shops to gas station convenience stores to my office break room where a kind lady comes in and sells her homemade version every morning (how great is that?!).
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Greenbelt Hike

April 2018

The best way to clear your head and let go of that do-list that won’t stop running through your brain? Get outside! There is nothing more calming than the sound of a flowing stream, the beauty of vibrant nature around you and that exhilarating feeling that breaking a sweat during a hike can bring. This weekend Blake and I ventured down to a spot we’ve been visiting since our high school days (…it was fun to reminisce as we hiked down to the water…so many memories here!) – the Austin Greenbelt. There were some heavy rains last week, which meant hitting one of our favorite swimming holes was a great idea. It was SO beautiful, peaceful and best of all, a pleasant morning date that gave us a wonderful, fresh start to the week ahead.

shorts – HURLEY / top – FREE PEOPLE / shoes – BIRKENSTOCKS / swimsuit – L*SPACE (wearing size US4) / hat – (similar, mine sold out!) BRIXTON / towel – THE BEACH PEOPLE / backpack – FJALLRAVEN KANKEN

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

Lifestyle