Austin, Texas Is As Good As It Gets
I went to Austin last weekend for work and I really, really liked it. People always have amazing things to say about this city so I was afraid my expectations were too high, but they weren’t. This place did not disappoint.
We were lucky to be there when the university was on vacation and places were not crowded. The weather was perfect (I hear the summer is excruciatingly hot) and the whole trip was incredible. What surprised me the most about this city was how laid back everybody is. There is a lot less attitude than in LA. Also, people are really into decor! All the places we went to were beautifully decorated. South Congress, for example, has many corners with beautiful murals and cute restaurants. 
Food in Austin is off the hook! We went to so many amazing restaurants. My personal favorite was Launderette – if you happen to go there do not skip dessert, or I will personally scold you later.
Josephine House was my favorite breakfast place. It was strange, because this restaurant is in the middle of a suburban area, with no other businesses around, so I didn’t know what to expect – well, it was heaven. The best part about eating out in Austin (aside from the food) was that we could get into all places without a reservation. I am so used to LA by now where everything is busy and crowded, that I really liked the break from stressing out about making reservations three days in advance.
We tried going to the Barton Springs but they were closed because of flooding… boohoo. Still I was able to snap this photo from far away. 
We decided to walk around the park instead. I had no idea Austin was so lush. 
If you go to Texas, you NEED to go to a cowboy boots store and be very touristy by trying everything even if you are not interested in buying. It will make you feel cooler by osmosis. 
Torchy’s Tacos has the best cheese salsa for chips. The tacos were good but I wasn’t that impressed. I guess if it is good enough for Obama is good enough for me. 
Café No Sé was gorgeous. Even if you are not hungry, go here for the decor and the ice cream. You can always fit some ice cream inside of a full stomach.
Whisler’s, one of the most beautiful bars I have ever been to. Tall ceilings, vintage decor, and a big outdoor area made this one my favorite bar.
I can’t finish this post without saying that the music scene is as good as they say. The weekend we were there, we found many festivals and bars with all kinds of music. Very cool.
Other places I liked in Austin were Coopers for barbecue, and the South Congress bridge at sunset, where you can see close to a million bats flying out to find food.
Thanks, Austin, you are awesome!
Also, a post about my trip to Chile, our trip to Costa Rica, and, the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena.
You wouldn’t know, but bread is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G in Chile. If you ever come here you need to eat hallullas and marraquetas with butter or avocado. That is a chilean breakfast for you. 
I thought this chair was kind of cool. I liked the color too.
I needed to get some chilean handcrafts so I headed to the “Pueblito Los Dominicos” in Santiago.
This sign for the gentleman’s bathroom is so cool- bronze, vintage, Spanish… right up my alley. 
These planters are big and cheap. You can paint them in any color you want if you don’t like the terra-cotta – so much potential!
Do you spot the plane’s shadow on those clouds?
Every single house and building in downtown Concepción has something written on it – mainly poems or political statements.
Piano Stairs.
My mom, my sisters and I. Sometimes I wonder if I was changed at the hospital when I was born, as I am twice their size and dark -but I was not. My dad and grandmother are proof of that.
We went skiing to Big Bear back in January. It was the first time for Víctor and Max, and they both loved it. How could they not? There was plenty of snow and 60 degrees weather… only in California.
Look at this little one on his mini-skies! People were so surprised to see him going down the mountain with us. He is a tiny creature! He was, without a doubt, the youngest kid on the mountain that weekend. 
And here he is in the middle of Snow Summit mountain… totally exhausted. 
A well deserved meal. I have never seen my kids eat so much.
Big Bear Village is a cute little town with nice restaurants and coffee shops. After spending the day skiing, it was fun to go there to have dinner and relax a little bit.
Max couldn’t make it through dinner. ha!
Back in LA, Max’s favorite hobby is eating ice cream. 
This is a picture of Salt & Straw, one the best creameries on the west side.
Hi there, Víctor!
Did I mention Max can read? Not really, but he looks super smart here.
I found this picture of George when he was 25 years old, so very cute, and he still has that jacket!!
George and my friend’s son, baby Andrew!
As some of you know, I have been obsessed with the Flower Market in DTLA. I have been there almost every weekend for the last 2 months. I know the vendors, the flowers, the smell. I love it so much, I am always finding new excuses to go.
Hey, Max!
Victor being very helpful – decorating for Easter.
More ice cream!!! and filthy children. 
There are a lot of hugs and kisses going around in our house.
Here is me trying to take a picture for my profile. George thinks is too cold. I kind of agree so I am just posting it here. Also, as you can see, I am not a fan of makeup. 
Eating at Maple Block Meat, the best meat restaurant in Culver City. It is just excellent.
Max and I spending our Tuesdays together.
Having brunch at S + W Country Diner in Culver City. This place is so good it gets crowded 10 minutes after opening. You need to be there early! BONUS: Lots of toys for kids to play with. Perfect!
My friend Sarah celebrated her birthday at the Commissary in the Line Hotel. We had brunch with friends in this gorgeous place. It was fun! and the only hip thing I have done in the last 3 months, so I am sharing it here. 
Another proof that I am not into makeup. 
My favorite part of the Commissary was the mismatch-vintage dinnerware they have. Look at this beautiful coffee cup I got!
Hope you enjoyed the photos! Have a wonderful day!
Can we talk sexy, please? Here is George looking effortlessly cute, as always:
Here are a couple of pictures of Samara. Samara is a small town located only 20 minutes away from Playa Carrillo. It is charming and it has some good restaurants. I liked the Carrillo beach better, but it was nice to go to Samara in the evenings to grab something to eat after spending the whole day at the beach. 
We took a day trip to Punta Islita beach and stayed all day at the 
Look at that blue. Isn’t it beautiful?
Here is Víctor waiting for breakfast and being very, very charming at the restaurant of the
Our days in Costa Rica involved a lot of sun, water, fruit, fish and happiness:
