Did Someone Say Coffee? Teal House, Mañana, Epoch & Two Hands!

Hey, hey! I was going into this post with the intention of doing a full June recap, and then I realized I had more from June to share than I initially thought, and then I realized mostly all I did in June was go to clinical and study in coffee shops. I had a mission to try as many coffee shops as possible in Austin before leaving. Spoiler Alert- Austin has some good coffee. So, without further a-brew, let’s get into it.

June 2nd I woke up early to walk on the treadmill and get some lectures in before clinical.

On June 3rd, I had a comically unfortunate morning (thankfully it did turn around!). It started by waking up extra-early to be extra-productive. But then I realized I was out of coffee (bad enough, I know). I usually have one cup before going to coffee shops- which I know seems silly, but I have my second cup at the shop and then am set for the day on caffeine. Anyway, I proceeded to burst a tube of makeup all over my bathroom.  Granted, how was I supposed to function without any caffeine in my system? I then went to a coffee shop in town and the barista didn’t arrive to open the shop on time (said another customer standing outside)- so I went to another. I did get a quick laugh out of this stop sign I spotted on my way.

The other shop didn’t open for 40 mins, so I sat in my car and waited while reviewing some of my class notes—  Only to find out once they did open that it was take out only (no sitting in to study). As I was walking back to my car, I watched a bird poop on my driver’s side window. Others in line outside saw it too, so I had to do the walk of shame back to that car being marked by the bird as my own. Then again, isn’t that supposed to be good luck?!

So now I had no option but to go to the car wash. I went to one- it was closed even though it said open online. I went across town to another- they did not accept the only card I had on me. So at this point I went home, got some cash- went back to the car wash and then found another coffee shop.

Things did start to turn around at this point (thank you, bird). The coffee shop (Aka my saving grace that day) was Teal House on South Congress.

It wasn’t crowded at all when I arrived, so I found some perfect study seating. The baristas were exceptionally friendly too. I took one sip of my cafe au lait and the unfortunate morning melted away.

I got to work on my material for class, and then a few minutes later one of the baristas came over with a free cinnamon roll. They are known for them, and wowza- I see why! YUM.

A few minutes after that I received an e-mail from my prof explaining she was pushing back due dates on an a couple assignments. This was a huge blessing since I was heading to spend time with my mom that weekend, so it afforded us more quality time together.

June 4th through the 6th I was in Keller at my mom and Pete’s- I shared about that fun weekend last week if you are interested in reading about it!

The rest of the week was focused on class and clinicals, but my mom was in Austin June 9th for work, and we had an unforgettable dinner at Café Nosé.

She brought with her some storage tubs that she had kept of mine since high school. While going through a photo album, I found these pictures from 2011 of me and DJ. LOLLL. I mean…..the lewks, the running tan lines, the posing. It’s too much. I can’t believe I’m sharing this on the internet.

Here’s one that’s a little more normal I suppose, lol.

Alright, jumping back into this decade. June 11th was a day of running errands. I picked up this Olipop soda at the grocery store- the strawberry vanilla was tasty!

I decided to treat myself to a study-free night that evening. It started with a long walk along Ladybird Lake.

I then did a soothing face mask! Idk if these masks actually do anything, but it completed the illusion of a relaxing night at home.

I also lit up a candle from Whole Foods. I rarely shop at Whole Foods, but I do like to see what fun little finds I can get there when I stop in on occasion. I think I caught up on some blogs that evening and probably watched some trash reality TV if I’m taking an honest guess.

On June 12th, I was craving some baked goods when I woke up. I looked up places with a good bakery selection within walking distance and discovered Mañana.

I walked down South Congress on the beautiful morning and my GPS took me to this coffee shop tucked away off the normal path. I had no idea this was here!

It was so cute and actually had a good amount of open seating.

I had a hard time deciding what to get, so I figured I would get both the turmeric and matcha latte along with their kouign-amann and chocolate croissant and have breakfast set for two days.

They were sooo good. I was pleasantly surprised. I think it’s tough to beat any SF bakeries, but this definitely gave me a good fix!

On June 16th, this ad popped up. I actually was feeling overwhelmed at this point in the summer, so I thought it was kinda cool, but also kinda creepy? I do find it very unnerving when ads read my mind, but this one was sweet, lol.

That evening I went out on a walk on Ladybird enjoying the evening.

June 18th I went to Orange Theory on South Lamar in the morning. I did OT one day per week over the summer. It was gifted to me for Christmas, and I finally was able to use my sessions! I loved it soo much & it really gave me something to look forward to every week. I had to be intentional to stay out of the apartment because too much time in the apartment alone causes me to get in my head.

June 19th I tried another coffee shop a little further away- Epoch.

I enjoyed my iced coffee while working on writing on the blog and getting some school work done.

That evening I went on a nice long run enjoying the absolutely gorgeous evening.I timed my runs around sunset, and they were some runs I will never forget!- the more tamed heat, the spectacular golden hour and good music while running off the stress of the day.

June 21st I walked down South Congress to try a new coffee shop in town- Two Hands.

How adorable is the sitting area?

I tried the mushroom latte, which was actually way too sweet for me. Worth trying, but I would stick to regular coffee next time.

Oh, and last thing- I just got a Nespresso after hearing how much people love it (I also needed to replace my Keurig), but I sadly don’t think it’s for me! The coffee tastes so bitter and strong and the caffeine content seems way too high compared to what I’m used to. I like to have a few cups of coffee through the day, but if I do that with Nespresso I get sick to my stomach and can’t sleep. If you use Nespresso, how do you make it & what are your favorite pods? I’m leaning toward returning but figured I would ask before I do!