#tbt Spring Break: Austin, Texas #MBsociallydriven

SPONSORED/ UNPAID 

SXSW, Austin's mega-festival of Interactive, Film, Music, and Comedy runs March 10-19.
How convenient that it coincides with some Spring Breaks! 
St. Patrick's Day is always during the festival, so you can imagine the zoo that is 6th Street (where there are lots of clubs and bars). They block off the street, open containers are allowed, and it's mayhem.

My first foray to SXSW was with Severo in 1997. Here we are with Beatle Bob.
Beatle Bob for the win in pattern clashing. I look sedate in comparison. 

I could prattle on and on about my love for Austin.
Instead, here are some links to posts I've already written: on SpyGirl, on The Glutton's Progress, on Dessert Safari.

Austin was on the list of official Socially Driven cities, so here's the 9 second mini movie (don't blink):

(The components, also mini).

Legacy text about the #MBsociallydriven campaign:
So, what's YOUR version of [insert city name]?
If you live in or plan on visiting NYC, LA, Chicago, Austin, Miami, or Denver, Mercedes-Benz is inviting you to share your city in a simple and artistic way on Instagram. It's easy—you create a quick (but beautiful) animated album of 5 of your best geotagged photos and upload it to Instagram. Then, you share your album on your feed with the hashtag #MBsociallydriven—and your photos might be featured on the Mercedes-Benz website! Get busy, the deadline is March 5.
[OOPS. MISSED THE DEADLINE -- the app still works, though. Access it here from your smartphone].
MB suggests these guidelines:
Because this is a Mercedes-Benz brand initiative, please avoid posting the following types of photos (as much as we love them): competing car brands, celebrities, outdoor murals and graffiti, images that primarily focus on tattoos, advertising, and profanity.

I still have the link open for YOUR neighborhood slideshow over on my Los Angeles post.

If you don't have a smart device, a GIF builder is a good way to create a DIY slideshow.

I recently used Imgflip, it was easy.

The link-up here is for this month's #tbt: SPRING BREAK

Where In the World: TxSC Symposium, Austin, TX

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wearing my outfit from Savers
featuring drapery as an overwrap
l-o-v-e the giant grommets

The TxSC Symposium on Sunday was a big learning day for many of us. I wrote copious notes and did quickie sketches.
Here are a few re-caps from fellow bloggers (in no particular order):

TxSC: the good, the bad, and the awesome - Genny's Journal

On Texas Style Conference (and style conferences in general) - Consider Me Lovely

Tiny hats were all the rage at the 2012 Texas Style Council - The Frugal Fatshionista

Takeaway thoughts from TxSC - And She Loved

Texas Style Council Teaches Fashionistas How to Dream - Audrea Diaz

[Untitled] -  Devon Rachel

The day ended with me waiting for Severo outside the Blanton Museum of Art and watching the sun set on the State Capital.

Where In the World: TxSC, Austin, TX Saturday Night

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at Threadgill's - food details on the Glutton sometime soon

Severo braved the roomful of girls and joined me at the soiree sponsored by Poshmark

in the airstream photobooth

Bloggers working on their copy writing skills
for the Modcloth challenge "Name this Dress"

the gorgeous gams and silver shoes of...

the lair of the evil genius, or something like that

Austin Advent -- M&M&M: Migas, Maria's and Magnolia

Migas... When one considers how many Industry people go to SXSW, why are decent migas unobtainable in LA? [If you know of a spot, please enlighten me]. What? You've never had migas? They are eggs scrambled with fried tortilla chips, salsa and cheese. Mmmmm! 

Migas at Maria's

Migas at Magnolia

Our two favorite places for migas in Austin are Maria's Taco Xpress and the Magnolia Cafe. They are both delicious renditions and I can't pick a favorite. Here is a recipe from the Homesick Texan. I've tried making them, but they're still better in Austin. Maybe it's the water.

Austin Advent -- Uncommon Objects

Uncommon Objects:
1512 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 [they had to move!]
1602 Fortview Rd, Austin, Texas 78704Resistance is futile... you WILL find something that you MUST buy!

Here are some of the uncommon objects that have gone home with me:

moderne lamp

beautiful japanese kimono yardage
that I made into a tunic

funky glasses

letterpress fez stamp

If you are into Shriner gear, there are some vendors that specialize in it there.

Austin Advent --Yard Dog

Yard Dog, 1510 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704  512-912-1613
is an art gallery. On their site, they give these categories: contemporary folk art, outsider art, fine art, funky art and pop art from North America.

photo courtesy of Yard Dog

We always visit when we go to Austin.
Great art, wonderful books, and some cool gifty items.
And sometimes there's live music in the back!

My finds:

Roy Orbison shrine in a matchbox
by Suzie Millions (YD no longer represents her)

I bought this cross by Brad & Sundie Ruppert online in 2008!

Austin Advent -- Tesoros

Tesoros means treasures and that's exactly what you'll find here at 1500 S. Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78704

I lifted this description from their website:
Tesoros Trading Company is a retailer and wholesale distributor of folk arts and crafts and traditional items from over 20 different countries including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, USA and Vietnam.
Amazing, right?
Here are some of my tesoros:

robot wallet that fits IDs easily

There really is something for everyone here.

Austin Advent -- Hey Cupcake!

South Congress has a lot of great shopping. I suggest that you fortify yourself with a cupcake first! Hey Cupcake! is housed in an airstream that is parked at the 1600 block on So Congress. (see their site for other locations).

(my cupcake flipped over on the table and got punk frosting)

It was many cupcakes ago when I last had a Hey Cupcake...
(three years ago, now that I calculate it).
In the deep dark recesses of my memory, my vanilla/vanilla was large, sweet and delicious.

Sweet tip: get on their mailing list and get a free cupcake voucher!

Austin Advent -- Threadgill's

Hungry yet? In the mood for some Southern comfort food? Go to Threadgill's!
301 West Riverside Dr, Austin, 78704, 512-472-9304

corn muffins

I ate: grilled tilapia, cheesy grits, stewed okra

he ate the beige dinner:
chicken fried steak with gravy, cheesy grits, butter beans

We are especially fond of the cheesy grits, as you can see - we both order it for one of our sides so that we don't have to share.
You CAN cook the grits at home -- I found the recipe in Blue Plate Specials & Blue Ribbon Chefs, by Jane and Michael Stern. There is also an official Threadgill's Cookbook [looks like both are out of print].
Here is a scan of the recipe:

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my notes are for a stovetop version 

Austin Advent -- The Driskill Hotel

Someday, when I'm rich and famous,
I'll stay at the Driskill Hotel,
604 Brazos St. Austin, Texas 78701

It was built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Check out the lobby, even if you can't check in!

love the carpet!

Austin Advent -- Jon Dee Graham

Finally, some Austin music!

Jon Dee Graham is a "local legend" they say. You can usually find him Sunday nights at the Continental Club. (I hope to see him this March). I don't remember when I first saw him perform... it was during a SXSW when our friend Rafael backed him on drums. From the opening strains of "Way Down In the Hole" he had me hooked.

Most of the videos on YouTube are "rough" fan recordings of gigs (which give you a good idea what his performances are like). Here's a more subdued one with the studio version of "One Moment" accompanied by a slide show:


"Faithless" live at The Continental Club, SXSW 2011:


He has a catalogue of 8 albums and I think they're all great.
Mark Finkelpearl made the documentary "Swept Away" on Jon Dee in 2008.
Here's a taste:

Austin Advent -- Austin Country Flea Market

It's epic:

photo source + info

Located on US290, 5 mi east of I-35, open on Saturday + Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Live bands!
Food!
Souvenirs!
Hats!
Clothing!
Treasures!

Here are some items that I got there
[if I remember correctly]:

sweetheart pin

very cheap vacu-formed madonna
with foil garland + lights

the last supper with glitter

3-in-1 shadow box
AND

it lights up!

Austin Advent -- The Grackles

Crawck! What is that horrible racket? What are those big scary iridescent black birds?
They are Great-tailed Grackles and they are the Punks of the bird kingdom. Pray that you haven't booked a room that is near a "grackle tree" -- you will get NO sleep.

What do they look like?

photo ©2011 Brian Ralphs

Now imagine a bunch of these... worse than those crows on the playground in The Birds! OK, maybe not.

I thought I had a picture of them [I seem to be missing photos from a few Austin trips] but all I have is this:

see them? no?
me either!
look below:

still can't see them?
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I wish I had a recording of their raucous calls, but no. Now that I have a smart phone, maybe I can capture them in all their Bad Bird glory. Meanwhile, if you want to learn more, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a very informative article about them that includes sound and video.

Austin Advent -- The Boiling Pot

Ready for some seafood? Go to The Boiling Pot!
700 East 6th Street * Austin, Texas 78701 * 512-472-0985

We go to The Boiling Pot every time that we visit Austin.

what time is it? 

oyster time!

behind the wall of boil

yum! crawfish, sausage, potatoes, and corn

Austin Advent -- The Corner Shoppe Mall

The Corner Shoppe Mall, on the way north side of town (5900 N Lamar Blvd, 78752) is a taxidermy shop. You have been warned!  

In 2000, a ratty stuffed lion greeted you
as you drove by on Lamar.
I was actually lured by the smiley face flag
(You can see it on the far left. Yes, I purchased it).

After you park, you will see an array of cow skulls.

Here, Robbie demonstrates that,
yes indeed, the horns are SHARP!

I would love to mount a set of horns on the front of my Prius, the way they do in Mexico on trucks. Maybe I'd get more respect on the freeway!

Inside, there is all sorts of stuff. It's been 11 years since I've been - I can't even remember! Cowhide almost anything - rugs, boots, belts, footstools... Snake items, including whole stuffed snakes. Tarantulas and scorpions in resin. Desire deer heads or antlers? I'm sure they have them. Various taxidermied critters, some quite, um, old and worse for wear. If you've done some hunting in one of those places in the Hill Country, they will mount your trophy for you.

Here is the cowhide belt that I still have.