**I started this post on the evening of July 4th, just as an FYI for some temporal reference 😉 I’ve just chipped away at study breaks**
Hey everyone! We are officially in Austin! We arrived last night. It was a pretty smooth trip out, but an emotional and high stress morning today. I’ll discuss all that more when I actually do our travel posts. BUT we did have a productive afternoon, I made it to my study end point for the day, and then our evening of the 4th was a blast. Currently, I am sitting on the floor in my new “study spot” with my mood lights wrapped around our fan to give some sense of calm lighting- It may be a fire hazard at the expense of my own aesthetic comfort- gotta choose your battles, ya know? (I’ll take a picture now and put it in the post when I have Internet again). Our movers don’t come until the 9th, and we leave the 10th for the wedding- so it’ll be a bit before we are living normal again- it’s all guuud though.
Peep the Ugg boots from 8th grade that I still wear as slippers around the apartment, totally a normal thing, ya?
I have Dynasty, a new show I’m trying out, playing in the background. I downloaded it from the Lobby’s WIFI since we don’t have any yet. I’m also eating Halo Top ice cream because I couldn’t find my normal Dreyer’s Double Chocolate Brownie favorite at the store, and this is probably my second favorite. It’s 11:37 pm, but my body is still on Pacific time, so it feels much earlier to me. I am so eager to discuss all things Austin and our last whirlwind of a 36 hours.. but for now I will try to catch up on everything else from the last month, hah!
In the last recap, I summed up the first part of our sister jaunt through Wine Country. The next winery we went to a winery called Mckenzie-Mueller! I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a touch excited about the shared name; some of those things that bring ya amusement as a kid never die. Ya know growing up when you’d be at a tourist shop and find your name on the little key chain? It’s that same thrill (even if they spelled it differently, close enough). Also, side note about Platypus tours: I think it’s so enjoyable that you don’t know which wineries you are going to until the day of- it adds an element of surprise- I didn’t even know that this winery existed!
This was easily the most beautiful landscape of the day, although the overall feel was a bit more “stiff” than the others. It was so quiet, which was nice, but the host had an air of arrogance that created a somewhat impersonal, cold vibe.
The tasting room was in a fun little nook- surrounded by the owner’s paintings and wine barrels.
So meta, ya know?
We headed out to the vineyards and had a lesson about basically every varietal.
While it was fascinating, and the educational element of wine country is my favorite part, it felt a bit too long in light of the heat. They eventually let us loose to enjoy the grounds ourselves and find respite in some shade in between our galavanting! After getting a bottle for DJ of Sauvignon Blanc, my sister and I went to the vineyards for pics. **If you do visit Napa/Sonoma and want to purchase a bottle, they will often waive the tasting fee. This bottle ended up coming out to about $5- and since Hal and I shared a tasting it was only about $10/person. I highly recommend doing it this way if you do the tours with multiple stops!**
We loaded up into our Tour Bus and headed to the last spot!
And to conclude our tour, we went to Starmont.
At this point in the day the heat was at a high… circa 105F. We decided to move inside after initially starting the tasting outside because the heat was nearly unbearable.
It was a nice winery– but felt more “commercialized” than the others- more of a tasting room than an actual winery I’d say. I think it’s the type of place the locals like to come and hangout on a lazy Saturday. But I think if you want the full Napa experience, pass on this one and go to an actual vineyard.
Time to head to the Ferry!
When we got back into the bus to head to the Ferry, the driver had cheese and crackers for us- yummmy!! Can’t beat that.
After exchanging Instagram handles with friends we made from the tour, we hopped off the bus and waited for the Ferry back from Vallejo to SF. The Ferry never gets old! I just loveeee it.
It was a nice and smooth ride with stunning views.
And for Halston’s bday dinner… We went to Capo’s! It was only about a mile walk from the Ferry, so that was easy peasy. This recommendation came from Kate at LiveintheNautical. When she visited SF, and we met up for the first time, she highly recommended Capo’s to us. I had been eager to try it since, but it seemed we always had something else lined up every time we ventured into the city. One of Halston’s favorite foods is pizza, so I was hoping to give her one of the best pizza experiences of her life! (Also side note: This is the sister restaurant to Tony’s we had tried a few weeks prior).
I immediately loved the entire feel from the brick walls to the red leather seats. I would describe it as casual, edgy, classic, yet somewhat romantic, all at the same time.
We started with the Quattro Forni, a pizza cooked in four different ovens. YES- FOUR. In 2012 this won the “Best of the Best” Pizza award in Las Vegas’s international Pizza Festival. This is cooked in a 500 gas brick oven, deep fried, then topped with all the yums. THEN, it then returns to a 500F brick oven, then a 650 brick oven, and lastly a 800 wood burning oven. I don’t even know if this would be classified as “pizza”—it had more of that feel of a cheesy bread because of the light airiness of the crust- but think the best GOSH DARN cheesy bread you’ve ever tasted in your life. I dream of that flavor (especially the crust). And they only make 10 per day! I made a note in our Yelp reservation that we would like to try one and called to confirm that day that it’d be available. I was determined we’d try one, haha. It was better than I could have ever imagined. Such a uniquely phenomenal creation.
Next up was the pizza-pizza- we had their “cracker thin” pizza- half Farmer’s Pie with mozzarella, provolone, goat cheese, white sharp cheddar, house honey Calabrese sausage, bacon, Guan’s assorted mushrooms, farm eggs, peppadews, arugula, oregano & romano (this half was mainly for DJ since we knew we’d be able to take him some home) and half Haight Ashbury (vegetarian) with mozzarella, provolone, feta, pesto, onions, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, broccolini, roasted red peppers, garlic, oregano, romano. We shared a slice of the Farmer’s to give it a review, but our heart was with the Haight Ashbury. The cracker thin crust was everything I could have dreamed of in a pizza crust- light, crunchy and balanced. The whole pie definitely satisfied our “pizza tooth”. Halston said it was some of the best she’s ever had too!
She was a trooper letting me pull out my obnoxious, incredibly non-subtle, food light to get these shots, lol.
And that’s a wrap! My sister-in-law, Amy, graciously let us stay with her that evening since we were set to frolic in SF the next day! We had fun catching up and chatting with her all about her solo trip to New Zealand.
I’ll recap the next day’s happenin’s in a separate post.
Question for you:
- Did you have a nice Fourth of July?
xo <3
Certainly glad the pizza did not disappoint! Can’t wait to read your travel post, but glad you made it safely to Austin! And I thought the heat in Nashville is scorching hot as is. Hopefully Austin treats you both well! 🙂 Ahh, the wedding is so close, I’m sure you all are suuuper excited! It’ll be beautiful for sure. Have a lovely day in your new city, Mackenzie! ♡
Thank you so much for reading, Stephanie!! Hehe- we actually surprisingly don’t mind the heat so much! We actualllyyyy think we prefer it?!
We are excited for sure! <3 Hope you are having a great weekend!!
Your pizza pics are always to die for Mackenzie, even the ones you make at home in your pizza maker, which you probably won’t see for months ’til you completely unpack. I have to say that for two young ladies who spent the day in the hot sun and drinking wine, you and Halston look fresh as a daisy as that archaic expression goes. It looked like a fun day and birthday celebration. Glad you made it to Austin safely and left the State of California with all its quakes and rumbles – yikes! My 4th of July was uneventful but we are broiling in this heat wave which luckily will be over when a cold front comes through this evening.
Aw I’m so glad you like these pics, Linda!!! (I just pulled out our pizza maker from the packing boxes yesterday too! Can’t wait to use that again!).
Aw you are too kind! I think splitting tastings helped with that- might have been a different story otherwise!
I hope that cool front has been enjoyable and allowed you to get outside a bit!!!! 🙂 thanks for reading and your kind comment. I miss your blog. Can’t wait to catch up when life stabilizes again!
That pizza maker always makes such delcious-looking treats when you feature them. Well heat and wine don’t mingle too well – especially if you have had our heat spikes. We had another one today and for tomorrow. Still trying to walk and those steps in. I do prefer the cool weather. I included a cute video in my post today and you’ll get a smile when you see it – a deer in Saugatuck ambles down from the sand dunes and mixes and mingles with the beach goers. No fear and licked some girl’s knee – he forgot he was a buck, not a human. Glad you enjoy my blog – I have to get posting again, I wasn’t posting a lot due to my finger mishap. Enjoy the wedding festivities – and a little respite from Smalls. 🙂
Thank you so much, Linda!!! It was a nice respite but now Smalls is making me spend double time with him since I was away a few days, lol . (I didn’t know it was possible to spend more time than I was already 😩😂)
I’ll bet it was over too quickly Mackenzie. It is tough to get back into the routine again unfortunately. Too bad you still have to get the apartment arranged and everything to your liking and factor that job into your already precious free time. You and Smalls will remain best buds for the long haul.
Definitely been tough! This week has included a lot of studying and lots of tears 😭😆 but alas, It is finally Friday and a lot of the heavy lifting is done- just time to crank out a few lighter assignments this weekend. I hope you had a nice week!
Glad everything went smoothly and when you have time we’ll read about it – hopefully you didn’t post anything as I am very behind in Reader. We have had a stormy week and weekend and are part of this horrid heat dome that is affecting so many – we may as hot as Texas. 🙂 I had a computer wig out during a critical Windows update and that messed me up but it is better now … hopefully. What would the week be without a little drama thrown in? Hope you get a little down time for yourself after your hectic weekend, then grueling school work. When does DJ start grad school?
Oh man, the heat all over is crazy ! Hope the storms didn’t hit too badly.
Thanks, Linda!! DJ starts Monday! We are hoping to squeeze in a date night tomorrow if we can get our studying done 🤗
Hi Mackenzie – I saw you posted and I am hopefully behind in Reader right now. I caught up some last weekend as we had that horrible heat dome and I stayed inside all weekend, except one small walk Saturday morning at the grocery store – then the grocery store lost power so I stayed inside on Sunday. We have had storms a few nights and I have been incredibly busy at work and will be the next week or so. I feel badly being behind in Reader for all the nice bloggers who comment on my posts, but I will catch up eventually. Last night I did a post just because I wanted to share that little squirrel story – I am actually backed up with photos/posts to do, and hopefully can get on a regular schedule sometime in August. I have a large work project which will necessitate staying late a good part of next week to salvage my weekend. I was lucky we did not lose power – half of our City lost power during Saturday’s storm, even neighbors on either street and across the street as we are on different grids. Last year and in the past, I’ve lost my power and across the street went merrily along with no issue.
Wow – that is early to start the school year, but I guess it is near August already. Ha ha, thinking that right now you are back where you started as a couple all those years ago when you were in school and studying –
would you like to be back to those “school daze” or the “school daze” that are now in 2019. Is DJ excited to begin school? I hope you get your date night in – at least you study side-by-side at home … with no noise … at least I hope no noise and you and DJ are not wearing noise-cancelling headphones.
Have a good weekend Mackenzie.
That’s when you know the heat is serious- when the grocery store even loses power! I feel badly too that I’m so behind- everyone is so understanding, because we all have our days/weeks/months where life is just too dang busy, but I totally understand the blogger guilt! Seems this summer has been busy for everyone though! I can’t wait to read your squirrel story!
HA! You could not have described it more accurately! It really is quite a trip both being back in school. He had his first day today and said it went really well- he seems to be optimistic and excited, even for how challenging the next two years is going to be. He loves a good challenge, so I’m happy for him! And our neighbors are much more quiet- thank goodness!!! Sometimes we hear them, but it’s nothing compared to the ones we had before. I’m very thankful. Hope that dog is pipin’ down somewhat for you! Have a great week ahead, Linda!
Yes, I went to a different grocery store as my friend said she went there after her own power outage and saw they had all their refrigerated food area covered in plastic and the store was dim. I told my friend I was going to another store anyway as they were out of power two solid days. I told the other store (same chain) clerks about it and they said usually they bring in refrigerated or freezer trucks and park them in back of the store – I wasn’t taking any chances. Glad you have settled into a new routine Mackenzie – this last few months have really been a whirlwind for you and DJ.
Oh that’s smart they have those freezer trucks to save some of the goods. Hope there has been no more outages though! A whirlwind is right- I feel so behind in other aspects of life (like blogging) I’m not even sure where to begin! Hopefully I get a couple days to catch up in a couple weeks.
Yes, you’ve had way too much going on and all at one time Mackenzie Unfortunately when you have your school break, DJ will be in full gear with his classes. But … you do need a break from Smalls and your busy agenda, so enjoy and explore Austin!
Totally !! Funnily enough, I wanna do during that break is drink avocado smoothies and catch up on blogging 🤣 but I’m sure I’ll venture out a bit too- the city is calling! Smalls is just plain getting on my nerves at this point, lol. Although I do thoroughly enjoy what I’m learning- just mentally fatigued . Hope you’ve had a great Friday!
I can understand the mental fatigue because you’ve done a massive amount of juggling to get stuff done – preparing for and then the aftermath of a big move, not to mention the details of a wedding in which you did the shower prep, etc., and likely a lot of final details, and all these items were not in the same town in which you live/lived … that’s a huge undertaking along, bopping around from place to place. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and not be too hot to go exploring the eateries and coffee hot spots as well as getting some running in as well. I need to catch up in Reader myself – I’ve not been there since last weekend due to my work schedule and working late most evenings – doesn’t happen often, but have a big project and dealing with the plumber – hot water tank broke, Monday a.m. and happily it did not spring a leak, as I’ve been there too. Enjoy your weekend – if you can try to spare the time for date night – with DJ, not Smalls. 🙂
Thanks for sympathizing, Linda !! I think like you said one of the toughest parts is just everything feels like it takes extra long because it’s all so familiar (lots of wrong turns around here! Hehe).
The weather hasn’t been too bad actually! I have even been able to run outside a couple times!
Aw you sound busy too- so much going on! Hope everything is fixed now with the hot water tank. Hope you had a nice weekend!! And you’ll be happy to know- I only have one week left with Smalls!!
Only one week left with Smalls? Great news and I hope another tome does not come along that is more intense than Smalls?!
Glad it is not too oppressive with the heat – I thought it would be difficult to adjust to after SF.
It has been rough here with distractions – computer issues at work and was going to stay late tonight and more computer issues at work and quite honestly, I need to step away from it all … I just finished with the computer guy and came over here, but so far behind in Reader – will have to catch up on the weekend I guess. We need to have more hours in the day Mackenzie and more time to play! Take care and you can have a book burning, like people burn their mortgage paperwork when the house is paid off.
Yep!! I received some of my books for next semester- while they aren’t as intimidating as smalls in size, the content is still a bit nerve-wracking! We shall see!!
Oh man, that sounds all so frustrating!! Hope they took care of those issues so you can get back to doing work smoothly with no glitches!
LOL!! That made me chuckle!
Hopefully you breeze through them now that all your big events are over and life has settled into a normal routine now. They did fix everything thankfully. We had a gorgeous day today and I went to three parks and walked 8 miles. I will sleep tonight!
It is a tiny bit settled, but we have family here all week, plus many back burner items to be done— so not quite going to catch up on blogging just yet! Maybe next week! 🙂
Glad they were able to fix everything!! woot woot! And that walk sounds just wonderful. Have a beautiful day, Linda
Your first house guests – well, good thing you got all unpacked so quickly then. Yes, yesterday was a great walk – just did 5 miles today, had to hunker down and do some housework – not a fan of housework, but I had to grin and bear it. 🙂
Totally get that !! Bet it feels great now that it’s over with!
Oh, I know … I used to feel such a relief at a semester or trimester end and my studies were not anywhere as intense as yours. My friend Evelyn has just finished grad school and has to finish writing about her 600-hour internship and begin sending out her C.V. and applying for jobs. She is willing to relocate but her husband is not. She will consider coming home on the weekends if need be, but would look for a position near the Richmond, Virginia area So, we’ll see what happens in that regard. Enjoy your respite Mackenzie!
Aw congratulations to her! That is amazing!!!! She went through her program so fast. Hoping she finds something right away!
Yes, it was just two years though, not as long and arduous as your grad school work I wouldn’t think. I hope she finds something soon.
I hope so too ! <3 Keep me posted! I am curious about her journey!
I will Mackenzie … she is quite concerned right now. Her internship did not work out well – she approached them, offering her services as an intern and that was because there were not that many nursing home facilities in the Richmond, VA area willing to take on an intern for 600 hours. After completing the internship, and a 70-mile roundtrip three days a week, and working there every day after graduation in May, they were not kind to her in the review.
Her advisors said that was because they deemed her “pushy” but Evelyn began to feel that she was never included in any meetings, or any sessions where she might be able to offer some input … she had to ask repeatedly to be given a chance to do things besides organize patient records and review some of them which was more of an administrative-type task. She has been looking for a position now since May and no luck and is willing to relocate within driving distance from home to return weekends and holidays. She is going to visit a friend in Asheville, NC for the Labor Day holiday and hopes to scope out jobs there.
She can live with her friend during the week and return to Richmond every weekend, weather permitting. The friend lives there in a cottage during the warmer months, but returns to her home where her husband has a business in Charleston, SC during the colder months. Evelyn’s husband is not willing to relocate and it has been a bone of contention between them since she began grad school. I told her all along that she likely should not have brought up the relocation idea until AFTER school was done in case she found a local job in the Richmond area, as her husband greatly resents the tine spent associated with her graduate program. I will keep you posted as to what turns up for her.
I’m sorry to hear that it’s been such a challenge, but I’m sure the perfect role will come up in due time!
I have reminded her of the old adage “good things come to those who wait.”
Yes, so true. I actually could stand hearing this right now too- so thanks for passing that along 🙂
and thank you!!! <3
Also hopefully the finger is nearly healed?
Hey! You’re in Austin! I’m looking forward to hearing about your adventures in Texas. The pizza looks great and yes I have been to Napa and Vallejo! 🙂
Hi, Kathy! It makes me so happy that you’re looking forward to our Austin adventures 🤗 isn’t Napa beautiful? Thanks for stopping in!
Oh my gosh, that pizza looks amazing!!! Definitely craving some now haha
Hehe hope you got some good ‘za gf! 😋 🍕
I have LIVED for this post! And congrats on the move sweet lady! SO excited for you guys!
And girl you got to do you! Whatever keeps you calm! (I had a candle going on the floor that I was using to calm, give light, and use up the night before I left my apartment sooo. )
I love that! There is a street when I drive to the beaches in Scarborough that is called Katie’s Lane and it gives me such a thrill!
That is so cool! And kind of neat you never know what tours you are going too!
I love that set-up! But it stinks it had an arrogant air about it. I hate that! You pictures are stunning! Girl that romper is gorgeous!
Ahhh girl you are making me miss San Fran something fierce!
Ahhhhh oh my gosh I miss it SO much! (I comment as I read, not sure if I ever shared that did bit with you Lol)
Oh my gosh (how many Tims can I say that?) girlll I dream about the farmers pie! The best pizza ever! Now I want some so badly! Thanks for sharing and making my mouth drool! SO happy you finally got to experience capos! <3
Thank you so much, love!! ❤️💕
I love that you get the importance of the aesthetic!!!! Totally gotta do what you gotta do!! I need to stock up on candles as soon as we get rid of these boxes everywhere 🤪
Ah YESSS you get it!!! Katie’s lane is so sweet- if road names can sound pretty that’s one of them 😆
Hahah I comment as I read too! It’s how I answer comments too- which I think might be a bit confusing at times for people 😬😅
Thank you for reading and, again, for the Capos rec!! That is one of the most memorable pizza experiences of alllll time!! 🍕🤗
I love the idea of not knowing which wineries you’re going to as well- what fun!
Right?! It helps with taking away control from control freaks like myself too 🤣
Yes I’d be doing research for months to try and figure out which ones to go to
Right?! And there are more than 400, so quite overwhelming !!
Oh yes that would be totally overwhelming! I’m bad enough just choosing a restaurant!
Girl, you and me both 😆
sounds like you had a great time traveling the wineries with your sister. I’m glad you found a pizza that was worth eating since the last few your posted about seemed a bit more disappointing. The whole concept of cooking the pizza more than four times sounds a bit much to me, but hey whatever makes it taste good is what counts
Haha I agree- it sounded like it would dry it out and I actually didn’t have that high of expectations for it- but wow it worked! And it was one of the cheaper menu items surprisingly !
You made it to Austin!
Thank you for sharing the trials and joys as you settle in – will keep you close in prayer as you find exciting nooks & cranies in your new home.
All that pizza is amazing (one of my favourite foods in the whole world!) – I’ve never seen that voluminous fried version before – it must have been awesome!
Ju Lyn you always warm my heart with your comments!! Thank you so much for your prayers! And I totally agree- no matter how much different/ unique/ delicious food we try, pizza alwayyys stands as a favorite! Oh and I had never heard of fried pizza either- seems a bit superfluous , but isn’t that what birthdays are for?! 🤣😋
Agreed its definitely a fire risk that one!
http://nataliesdailylife.wordpress.com/
Absolutely! Hope the rest of the year is safe for everyone there!
Napa is wonderful! Love love love! but in the heat wine is not very refreshing. Glad you got inside an enjoyed.
That Capos looks amazing! Yum!
And now you are in Austin! Woo Hoo! I was just in Texas Hill Country… not too far away from Austin. We had a family gathering there and hung out in Boerne and Comfort!
One day you will be settled… but until then… memories are being made my sweet friend!
Totally!! The AC was so nice- thank goodness they had the inside option!!
Oh my gosh!!! Do you have a post about it?! I’m so behind on reading but I’d love to check it out when we’re back from the wedding 😍We passed Hill Country driving in and I’m itching to check it out!
Thank you tons and tons, Nancy!❤️
Haven’t quite finished the post yet — I read that you are in Austin and wanted to jump down here and say CONGRATS on the move!! Austin is lucky to have you and DJ, and I’m so excited you’re in my home turf! Reach out if you need anything!
Thank you sooo much, Taylor! You are the kindest!!!! I can’t wait to get to the recs you sent us- It’s been such a crazy week- we haven’t even gone out to eat yet😱 lol. But to say I’m biting at the bit to try everythingg- I’m in heaven- like South Congress and downtown are both within walking distance with the besttttt looking food/ hangout choices 😍 and we definitely all need to meet up sometime !
Yes yes yes! Reach out when you’re settled 🙂 Hope you get a chance to eat out soon! There are SO many good options to walk to! I used to live right around where it sounds like you are and loved the proximity to everything; I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job taking advantage of it all, just like you did in the Bay 😀
Woohooo!!! Thanks so much! Once we are settled from our move and school isn’t taking up every second of my day I’m so stoked to explore 😍 gosh, we just love it so much already! Also we heard about the famous bat bridge- too funny! Have you seen them?
Also, I’m hoping to check out one of those coffee shops you recommended this week now that I’m out of Starbucks gift cards 🤣 so excited!! I love that one is 24-7!
All of the wine looks amazing and it looks like the best day out ever!xxx
Thanks so much, sweet Chloe 🤗 ❤️ it was great girlie time!
That pizza sounds epiccccc!! I love fluffy crust, but I also think the thin crust sounds phenomenal. You got amazing photos!
You two are positively gorgeous! While I do not drink, I enjoy reading about your winery experiences, and I would want to go just to see those beautiful vineyards. Thank you for sharing, and I can’t wait to hear all about the move!
Hi, Kori!!! Happy Wednesday! I hope it’s been off to a great start for you 🙂 thank you for your comment! Ok if you visit SF I think you’d love Golden Boy- I know we already chatted about it, but it’s the ultimate perfect fluffy crust.
Aw thank you so much 💕 Wine country is known for their food too- so many people will go for the insane food and views 😍🤤 my ultimate bucket list foodie spot is there! Maybe one day…very far away 😅.. the prices are wild at that place .
Have a great rest of your week & thank you for your lovely comment!
Happy Wednesday to you too!! My bucket list is ever-growing! I hope to one day visit!
Food with a view is perfect for me!
I hope you have the best day and rest of your week too!
🤗❤️
I guess I never really looked at a map of the San Francisco area before because I had no idea you could take a ferry all the way up to Vallejo! And now that I AM looking at a map, it looks like you can go even farther!!! All I did was take the little boat that goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and circles around Alcatraz and back. For some reason I thought it was landlocked on all sides except for the Pacific Ocean side. Interesting!!!! Now I want to go back to SF and just ride the ferry as far as I can go on it!!!!
I learned something else in this post of yours but now I can’t find it or think of it. I’m sure I’ll think of it after I hit SEND.
Glad you made it to Austin safely!
Hi Jinjer!!! Isn’t it fun all the places the Ferry goes? Easily one of my favorite things to do in SF! Have you been to Angel Island?
I hope you can go back soon 🤗 I love your new logo by the way!
Hehe- if it’s hits ya I’m all ears!
Thank you tons! Hope you for are having a good week
Oooh more wineries! How cool when you find your name at certain places! There’s actually a city or town with my name in Texas, lol.
Anyway good to know to skip on Starmont. It definitely doesnt look like the other wineries.
That’s crazy to me that they make that pizza in four different ovens and that they only make 10 of them! Whaaaa???
The pizza pizza looks insanely good too! Whoa! I’ll be adding this to my list too. 😆
Haha isn’t it such fun? Rossy is even more unique, so I bet it’s an extra thrill!!!
Right?! The even crazier part is it’s one of the cheaper menu items. You would think it’d be one of the most expensive for how much labor goes into it.
Haha glad you think the pizza pizza looks good 😋 it was soo phenomenal!!
Yeah, about that,…. Rossy is not my real name, lol. All my life people never knew how to pronounce my name, and my parents never called me by my real name either unless they were pissed at me haha, so when I started HS I decided to shorten it and everyone at first was like “what? you go by Rossy now? and I’m like “Yeah, no one knows how to pronounce it anyway” so now I don’t have to explain myself as to why I have “changed” it hahah
My mom said she wanted a different name for me, because most Mexicans give their kids Hispanic names, so of course, mine is not Hispanic like AT ALL haha! I had to keep the tradition going and give my kiddo a non-Hispanic name as well LOL
I added this place to my list as well, I’m gonna miss you introducing us to new places in SF 🙁 but now I get to compile a second one for Austin XD
No way!!! It’s not your real name?!? Wait I really want to know it now- totally understand if you don’t want to share it though. But Rossy is so pretty and I feel like it’s just you!!! I love Ciel’s name too!
And yessss hopefully one of these days we’ll actually be able to explore. We’ve been here two weeks and haven’t ate out once… (although some of that time was in Miami for my sisters wedding). School plus a move is so intense- just zerooooooo free time. I hope between semesters we can actually go explore and eat out a bit!!!
LOL Ok, I guess I’ll tell you my real nameee… It’s Rosslyn. Not much different I guess, but people really always have had such a difficult time pronouncing it? I don’t get why LOL
Awh that’s a shame but yeah moving across states while still in school, I can definitely see how you’d barely have time. Not to mention you’re also trying to get settled in and unbox all your stuff. Well hopefully you get a break soon! 🙂
Aw that’s beautiful!!! And Rossy makes total sense as a nickname too. Not sure why people would have a hard time pronouncing it though ?! Thanks for sharing with me ☺️
Thanks so much!!! Mid August I get a small breather! Counting down the days. How are you?!
Mostly non english speakers have a hard time pronouncing it because its not a traditional Hispanic name lol. But thank you! 🤗
Ah yay! Cant wait for you lol! And I’m doing the best I can despite how stressful and not fun parenting has been this last week or so. 😪
oh that makes sense!
Awww girl, sending you HUGE hugs… you’ve got this! It’s hard, but you’re strong, and if anyone can handle the day to day battles, it’s you <3 Always here if ya need to chat or vent!!
How exciting, a new chapter in your lives!
Thanks, Diane 🤗
Mack, welcome to Austin!! You must have such a range of emotions and thoughts going on right now. Sending a big hug your way. (And, the Ugg boots as slippers are totally a must. 🙂 )
What a neat trip to Wine Country. It sounds like you did this right before leaving for Austin, is that right? Way to check out things around SF that you wanted to do before leaving!! Did you have fun?
I wish you all the best in Austin….blessings of joy, loving, grace and much peace.
Love to you and DJ,
Debbie
ps – that cheesy bread looks AMAZING!! What a fantastic treat – I bet it would be really good after a long run.
Thank you so much, Debbie !! You are so right about that range of emotions- I can’t wait to have time to sit down and process them all!
We did Wine Country beginning of June so a few weeks prior to when publishing (I am very behind lol). It was a great last girls’ hurrah! We wanted DJ to come, but he insisted we make it a girls day!
Thank you thank youuuu! Yes the cheesy bread would be so perfect after a long run 😋 have a beautiful rest of the week! ❤️
Are those like actual fried eggs on the pizza?! If that is, I’ve never heard of that before!! Was it good? That’s such an interesting topping haha — and I do love eggs, but I just never thought about them on pizza before.
I can’t wait to read your travel posts! It is stressful, I know for sure! We need to go to DMV to get our new licenses and vehicle registered this week and it’s already stressing me out. All of your furniture will be there soon but I know it’s so hard being in that transition period! I’m praying you don’t run into any big issues. <3
Yes!!!! Ok you’ve gotta try egg on pizza 😍 it works so well (especially on a meat lovers type pizza as a breakfast option) .
Good luck with the DMV ! I hope it goes smoothly for you- that’s one of the biggest moving hassles- once that’s behind ya you’ll pretty much be in the clear!
❤️
That’s so crazy about egg on pizza but I’d be up for trying it sometime!! It’s just such a new concept to me!
Thank you! We just got all the DMV stuff done today — praise Jesus lol — and it went well. Huge sigh of relief over here, haha!
Yayyy!!!! Ahhh so happy for you! What a relief!! We are hoping to get to it this week now that we’re back! 🤞🏻 hope you are continuing to settle in well 🤗 hopefully in between semesters I can catch up around here!
You had me at “deep fried”.
Right?! Didn’t know deep friend pizza was a thing till then. SO good.
Deep friend pizza sounds ok too. 🙂
Lol!!! Whoooops!! 🤣
That “cheese bread” and pizza look and sound so incredible! I hope you are having a great week girly!!
It was soo stinking good. You would love this place, Jess! Thanks for stopping in 🤗
Congrats on making it to Austin!! I hope the movers showing up goes smoothly! 🙂 Those pizza both look so tasty. And wine tours! How fun!! 🙂
Thank you sooo much, Amy! It could not have gone more smoothly!!!! Hope you are having a great week 🤗
hi mackenzie glad that you had a ball of a time…. I have nominated you for the liebster award and would like it if you readily participated in it…
Hi! Thank you so much for the nomination!! I so appreciate it! I’m in the middle of a move and my sisters wedding is this weekend so I just won’t have any time in the near future to do a post.but I SO appreciate it- means tons!!!
Ok no probs
Thanks !
your pictures are gorgeous! I felt like I was away with you! I love pizza, the last couple of pictures are like WHAT :0 so good.
Aw thank you so much, Sophia! This is such a sweet comment ❤️ the pizza was tremendous! Highly recommend if you are ever in SF 🙂
I’m glad to hear your trip to Austin went well & I’m looking to hearing what you think of the city! If you want some food suggestions, I definitely recommend Torchy’s Tacos! Also my all-time fav restaurant is Veggie Heaven, but I haven’t been there since they reopened after the original owner retired. For grocery shopping, I recommend going to H-E-B since they have everything & at a good price too!
The rest of the winery tour looked nice even though there was an arrogant host & a commercialized tasting room.
That’s crazy Capo’s make a “pizza” in 4 different ovens, but it’s good you & your sister got to try 1 of the 10 they made that day! The Haight Ashbury half of the pizza sounds delicious.
I missed seeing fireworks on 4th of July (Denmark doesn’t even have fireworks on their constitution day boo), but I was excited that season 3 of Stranger Things came out that day!
Hi Karalee! Thanks so much 🙂
I think Torchy’s is the #1 place we’ve had recommended to us!!! Believe it not we haven’t ate out here yet (except Cane’s for DJ).. but I think Torchys is our first stop! I was drooooooling loooking at the menu. Thanks so much for the rec! I’ve heard great things about HEB too!!
The Haight 🍕 was soooo yummy – I dream of it 🤤
Aww that’s a bummer no fireworks!! But I hope you had a great weekend anyways 🤗 how is season 3 so far?!
You’re welcome! Torchy’s should be your first stop! They have the best tacos ever & I like their queso too since they put guacamole in the middle.
I did! I went thrift store shopping but I mainly ended up w/ things for my daughter lol
I LOVED season 3. The last episode was a rollercoaster of emotions & I ended up crying…
Ahhhh I am soooo so excited 😍😍
I have to watch- those type of last episodes are the best when they are able to make you feel that deeply!
Congratulations on being a resident of Austin Mackenzie! I will miss the Cupertino posts but looking forward to seeing your new city. You do have to pick your battles and mood lighting is a good one to have. Wow , the ugg boots look brand new!! looking forward to hearing about your arrival in Austin! That is a great name for a winery , very close to your name! Call me crazy ( it is ok go ahead!!) but if you are in business and want people to buy your product you cannot be arrogant. The tasting room is cute and I love the paintings! That bottle of sauvignon blanc looks so good even at 6am, is that wrong?! Starmont has a nice interior , it is good you spent most of your time indoors in that heat! Some more cute pics of you and the soon to be married Sister! Capo’s does have a nice ambience, love the brick ! A pizza cooked in four ovens!! That is amazing . They are highly recommended after winning that award. That veggie pizza looks so yummy with all the toppings! That was nice to stay with Amy , I guess it was a nice girls night! The good thing is that you can always go back to SF when you have your SIL living there! We had a nice fourth, we spent it with our neighbor and his daughter and some of his friends. We went to a parade in the morning, then had lunch and dinner together as the kids went in the pool nearly all day ( little fish!) Then the guys set off fireworks in the field behind our house after dark. Great post Dear, take care , Terri xo.
Hi, Terri!! Thank you so much ☺️ we already loveeee Austin even though we haven’t been able to explore much.
Thanks for supporting me in my mood lighting endeavors! Hehe
I totally agree! I wouldn’t have bought from them simply because of that reason (but I felt obligated since it was my name after all 😂)
Hope you get the chance to enjoy a glass of some yummy Sauvignon Blanc this weekend!! 🥂
It was such a wonderful girls night for sure 🙂
Your fourth sounded so lovely!!! Thank you for sharing with me since I’m sooo behind on reading blogs and blogging all together!
Have a great weekend ☺️
I am glad to hear Austin is treating you well Mackenzie! I didn’t get to enjoy a glass of white this weekend, The liquor store is minding a bottle for me hehe, I did have a beer though. Take care, Terri xo.
Aw that sounds lovely- especially in this heat! Happy Friday, Terri!
Yayay!!! So happy to hear that the travel to Austin went smoothly. I love that photo of the Christmas lights & your laptop, it looks so peaceful & the way you described it was lovely. <3
I LOVE that the tours surprised you on the day of so you didn't know which wineries you'd be going to. That makes it so fun & that you shared a name! How cool! I always looked through those keychains but knew I'd never find my name lol. Oh well! Sorry about your cold host at the first place you mentioned– that can really ruin the experience. 🙁 The fun little nook & all of the artwork is beautiful though!!
Capo's interior is gorgeous. That cheesy breads sounds sooo extra but absolutely amazing. Can't believe they only make 10 a day!! That's outrageous– SUPER cool that you were able to get one!!
Thanks for sharing all these gorgeous photos, Mackenzie!! Hope you're having a great week!! <3
Aw thanks, Hunida 🤗 The Christmas lights were supposed to be temporary, but I still have them up because I love them so much hehe .
Im so indecisive so it definitely really helps that they choose the wineries for us!
LOL !!! Seriously the most extra cheesy bread in the world 🤣 I had HIGH hopes and it surpassed them! I literally called ahead to be sure we could get one- I even offered to pay ahead hahah.
Aw thanks so much for reading & your lovely and thoughtful comments always! I can’t tell you how much I miss reading your blog. Maybe if school calms down soon I’ll be able to binge read your page a bit 🙂
My sister keeps Christmas lights hung up on her wall all the time! I think a lot of people call ’em ‘fairy lights’ now & use ’em for decoration. ;D
It’s fun that they chose the spots for you, I always love a surprise!! & that’s really crazy those cheesy breads are so hard to get. LOVE that you went out of your way to get one– you are a TRUE foodie!!! <3
Don't worry about catching up on my blog, lol, y'know all I do is ramble away anyways!!! <3 I do miss chatting with you though, hope the school work isn't weighing you down too hard, babe!!! <3
I love that she does too!!! I love “fairy lights” … I am totallly calling them that from now on!
teheh, I guess if being a bit neurotic to assure a menu item means your one, them I am, lol! <3
I LOVE YOUR RAMBLES! And seriously... reading your posts are SOO much fun for me. I cannot wait to read um' all!
Only two weeks left and then I can breathe again for about a week before jumping back in. But hopefully we will have our feet on the ground and some routine so I don't have to take quite this long of a hiatus again!
Thank you. I like and I share. Take care.
https://twitter.com/outosego/status/1167214687374708736
Thank you!
I’ve just finished researching the foods of Roumania to assemble a menu for my evening with Dracula. It begins with an ancient Roumanian wine. Other recipes will follow. Roumania is a bit further afield than Texas (I did find the wine in Ontario, though…), but if you are interested in all things bizarre, here is the link – https://cookupastory.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/roumanian-wine/
Thank you ! I look forward to checking it out. With Dracula- huh?!
Fun! And amazingly… delicious 🙂
How awesome !
Wine and pizza. Two great things with great taste. Very enticing photos!
Yes!! Such a great combo!! Aw thank you- so glad you like them!