A Twist on Tex-Mex

I recently got to go to Sago Modern Mexican restaurant, which is nestled in a new condo development in Austin called The Triangle. This restaurant puts a twist on Tex-Mex dishes such as enchiladas, which are served with beef brisket, roasted chipotle-guajillo sauce and fresh Mexican white cheese. Personally, I was in the mood for something with some crunch, so I got pork gorditas. This dish is served as two corn empanadas stuffed with shredded pork shoulder, onion, spices, cilantro and Mexican white cheese. As a side, I got cilantro-honey rice (talk about unique!) and classic charro beans. Once I devoured the gorditas, I wasn't shy about ordering dessert! Especially because the sopapillas, warm fried tortillas lightly drizzled with agave nectar and dusted with a bit of cinnamon were simply irresistible.

Of course the food was not the only thing that made my heart flutter. I was quite impressed with the overall look and feel of the decor. Like this mirrored tile wall below--WOW! Also I like that they used a bright hot pink and tangerine orange color scheme on the walls. However, the birch wood tones and white leather really tones down these punchy colors. Take a look below:

All pictures provided by Sago Modern Mexican restaurant.

Say Cheese!

Last Saturday, I shot some wedding portraits....which was nerve racking! But I managed to pull off some cute pics of this awesome couple. They were so gracious and I am really thankful for the opportunity.

When we first me, they immediately mentioned that they wanted some portraits done outside to capture the beauty of nature. I hope they liked this experience as much as I did.

Take a looksie...

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Yanez, I am ecstatic that you will have these pictures to remember your special day.

Greek Feast Update

Last Saturday, I hosted a Greek birthday celebration for my friend Christine. We all enjoyed it so very much! Here's the pictures of the soiree...

As you can see, I went with the traditional blue and white colors. I picked up these plates from the Pottery Barn Outlet and I thought they were perfect for the celebration. I also added some silver touches with shells (also from Pottery Barn Outlet). This kept things light and airy. As this was a very casual get-together.

I couldn't find a napkin ring that I was happy with, so I made the ones pictured below out of wire and beads in shades of blue. This really added a special touch.

Finally, to add ambiance to the dinner, I put these white rock votive candle holders in a bubble vase with some glass pebbles and silver shells. Do you love it, or what?

So there you have it, a simple Greek table setting to remember!

Laguna Gloria

This weekend we went to Laguna Gloria, which is part of the Austin Museum of Art (AMOA). This beautiful Mediterranean-style villa boasts an enchanting charm that is truly remarkable. The historic house was built in 1916, and is now a 12 acre park/museum/art school over-looking lake Austin. The inside of the home is just as beautiful as the outside, but unfortunately we couldn’t get any pics of the inside because they were having a special event. Bummer. However, without further ado, here are some of the shots I got on our nature walk.

Steps down to the trail

One of the only flowers in the sea of green

Close-up of the wishin well

One of the statues in The Four Seasons Garden

A dragonfly I made friends with. I shall call him Mr. Flutter Bug


A cute little bench at the Temple of Love. Can ya' feel the love?

This is for sure one of my favorite places in Austin. I had a great time at Laguna Gloria-AMOA this weekend!

More Bang for Your Buck

So, anyone that knows me is very well aware that I do not let a good deal go unnoticed. Yes, I am a cheap-o. BUT, I will not compromise style in the process. I think that stylish, good quality items should be available to everyone because we all deserve to feel spoiled and oh-so-glam...even if we only spent mere pennies in the process.

With that in mind, I bring you my More Bang for Your Buck posts. Occasionally, I am blown away when I find an item's "twin" for so much less that its original. Does this ever happen to you? It feels so great, right?

So, for a while now I had been eyeing the Pin-Tuck Duvet from West Elm, and almost ordered. Well I am glad I didn't because to my surprise, on a recent trip to Target, I found its TWIN! Yay!

So here is West Elm's Pin Tuck Duvet:

This beautiful duvet cover retails for 99 bucks (full/queen size) and if you want to add the matching standard shams for 19 bucks each, you are looking at a total of $137. A fair price for this posh bedding, but we are trying to get the most bang for your buck, right? Right.

Now, step into my office to take a look at Target's Home Kissing Pleat Comforter set for the sweet price of $86 (queen), which already comes with two standard shams and a bed skirt! Plus, it's not a duvet, so you won't need an insert for it. This fabulous comforter also comes in smokey blue and a latte color. Take a looksie:

So, there you have it. Save some moolah, and go get yourself a mani/pedi with your savings! You earned it!

A Greek Feast Underway...

So, I am planning a Greek themed birthday party for a friend. She really enjoyed her time in Greece a couple of years ago and if given a good chunk of change she would move there in a heartbeat!

Now that we have a theme, I decided to get the invitations up and running. Here's what I came up with:

This dinner party will be very low key; about 10 close friends and family members. I can't wait to start planning the menu! Yum...

Do you have any favorite Greek recipes? If so, please share!

Hello World!

Hello, my name is Claudia! Currently, I reside in Austin, TX. I love all things that have to do with design and hope to share my ideas with you. I became a home owner about six months ago and am having so much fun decorating. Creativity has always been a huge part of my life and it’s what keeps things interesting. Occasionally, I find myself daydreaming about great design whether it is decor, clothing, parties, cooking–I think everything should be interesting to the eye!

Come back to see what I have coming up next…I dare you!