Austin, TX City Guide

Austin, TX was one of the greatest cities I have ever visited. Here is my guide to the best places to eat and visit while you are there!Food Trailers. The best place to eat on earth. The trailer park eatery has Torchy Tacos- which is amazing.The Oasis: A great restaurant to watch the texas sunset. Go up to the 3rd floor- which frequently has live music and tables are more available up here. Austin Java Cafe: Our absolute favorite place. We ate breakfast here every morning. They make a great cup o' joe and make killer egg quesadillas!
Mt. Bonnell: We climbed up and saw a spectacular view of Austin from here. Again, Food Trailers: The infamous Cupcake trailer is located here on South Congress Street- ate here frequently!The Pioneer Town: On our way to Salt Lick BBQ- we wandered off to The Pioneer Town, which is an old wild west town set up in Wimberley, TX.A house made of bottles at Pioneer Town- must look gorgeous at night with lights on!Duchman Winery: Sampled some delicious wines here (& gorgeous scenery)Salt Lick BBQ: Highly suggested for great atmosphere and fabulous food. We bought a bottle of wine and brought it with us. The BBQ was delicious and there was a live band playing there as well. Loved it here!South Congress Street: There are amazing places to eat and shop here. Venture on down for the day/night to take it all in!Here are a few other restaurants that I would visit while in Austin:1.) Hop Doddy - the most delicious burgers around2.) La Condesa - we tried to eat here but they are closed in between lunch/dinner - we have heard great things about this restaurant
3.) Uchi4.) Curra's grill
Shop your heart out:1.) Uncommon Objects2.) By George 0 gorgeous designer labels3.) Parts & Labour- my favorite. You can find little handmade gifts in this shop from the Texans4.) Shiki5.) Breed & Co. - Home Decor6.) Strut7.) Room Service Vintage8.) Kendra Scott9.) BookPeople - more than just a bookstore10. Blackbird
You just cannot go wrong with the majority of eateries in Austin. I miss the food already!!

Dress Code: Wedding Guest Attire

So excited about this you guys! A new series called: Dress Code! I decided it would be fun to showcase 4 blogger looks for specific events throughout the year. The series will start as once per month- but if you love it, we can pick up the pace ;)We started off with wedding guest attire since wedding season is coming upon us. 
(from left to right, top to bottom) Kim from Penny Pincher Fashion, Yours truly ;), Kate from Oh My Heart, Katie from Running on Happiness
My outfit details: Modcloth Dress - sold out (loving these 2 styles as well: Aquamarine Hue & Vertical Wave          Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch      J. Crew Bracelet     gifted K.Amato Bracelet     Nine West Heels
What types of outfits do you want us to feature? Are you dying to know what to wear to your friend's bachelorette, a baby shower, the 4th of july?! Let us know! 

Hard Rock (& Giveaway with Jennifer Zeuner)

Shirt from Piperlime     Macy's Leather Shorts -similar     Zara Heels    gifted Blair Ritchey Clutch     Love at First Blush Bracelet     Sunglasses via Amazon (loving these)        gifted Jennifer Zeuner Necklace
OK super exciting stuff here people. You have the chance to win the necklace I am wearing (retail value: $242)! Flipping awesome, right?!
To Enter:1.) Make sure your following via GFC or Bloglovin'2.) Follow JZ on twitter 3.) Follow along with JZ on facebook
Extra Entries:2.) Tweet this giveaway: "I just entered to win an amazing @jenniferzeuner necklace on @sparklingstep's blog: http://goo.gl/xqQxX"

The Pioneer Town

Catherine Malandrino Dress      Zara Heels & Leather Vest     Coach Willis Purse     Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace
While in Austin, TX we visited The Pioneer Town, which is a rendition of the old wild west. Kind of corny but still fun at the same time. Definitely a must see for a first timer!

A Summer Picnic

Anchor Picnic Basket     Hudson Blanket     Gingham Shirt     Chevron Notebook     Topshop Skirt     Hego's Bow Flats     Gingham Pencils     

Every Day Uniform & Giveaway

Gap Tee (crazy comfy- I bought a few!)     Current Elliot Roller Boyfriend Jeans (similar)     Zara Heels (recent purchase)    Melie Bianco Purse     80's Purple Sunnies     Vintage Belt    Vintage Long Chain Necklace     Gold Chain Necklace via Etsy (LinzGutz)
I swear that sometimes I could live my entire life in ripped denim and a tee. There is nothing on this earth that is more comfortable....
I've been eyeing pretty much everything in Lindsey's etsy shop- there are so many pretty jewels and here is your chance to win a bracelet from her shop that is similar to the necklace above!Win this aqua blue bracelet!To Enter:1.) Make sure your following via GFC or Bloglovin'2.) Answer: What is your favorite piece from Lindsey's shop?
Giveaway ends one week from today: May 29th!
PS. I am featured today over on elembee, check it out! :)

Gypsy Queen

Dress by Georgie (I want this top by Georgie!)     Vintage Gold Chain Necklace     Zara Flats     Vintage Fedora     Sunglasses via Buffalo Exchange in Dallas, TX
Monday's Line-up

• These pictures were taken while road tripping from Dallas to Austin. I am absolutely in love with the fact that you can see for miles on the highway. 
• This is hands down the most comfortable article of clothing I own. Love this dress.
• We are moving this week/weekend - I am dreading packing everything and transferring it - but am excited to live in a new place!
• These sunglasses were $8. I know you can't see them that well in these pictures, but they are yellow and AMAZING.
• Today's quote: "You cannot hate other people without hating your self" - Oprah Winfrey

Nautical Dreams

DVF Open-Toe Raffia Wedge -  Noir Bracelet - Rag & Bone Blazer -  Tory Burch Head Scarf -  O'Clock Mirror Face Watch -  Super Sunglasses- Ciccio - Tory Burch Body Bag 

J.Crew Shorts -  Striped Tee

I've been dreaming of summer night and red, white & blue! 

Colored Stripes

Thrifted white collared tank    Gap maxi dress (love this one)   Melie Bianco Purse    Karen Walker Sunnies     Thrifted chain necklace     Max & Chloe Monogram Necklace     TJ Maxx Sandals
One of the first outfits I wore on vacation in Dallas, TX. I have to say it was a bit hot for a maxi dress but I seemed to manage. I couldn't believe the amount of humidity while I was down there- Crazy HOT!
How do you dress for hot/humid weather?* Make sure you enter the giveaway!

Giveaway with Hat Attack

I promised you all a little giveaway on Monday and here it is! One of you will be given the hat I am wearing here (with your choice of ribbon color). Here is the link to the hat on the site: Raffia Braid Sunhat
To Enter: 1.) Follow along with Hat Attack on Twitter or Facebook2.) Follow along here on SF with Bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect
That's it! The winner will be chosen one week from today: Tuesday May 22ndRemember to purchase your hat to protect yourself against the sun before the end of May. 20% of the proceeds go to the Skin Cancer Foundation!

Bright Hues

gifted Gorgeous Raffia Braid Sunhat     J. Crew Collared Shirts     ASOS Skirt                     Steve Madden Heels     gifted Ann Taylor Jelly Bag (available mid-May, I will let you all know when it's up!)     
Monday's Menu

• I teamed up with Hat Attack to spread the word about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Everyone knows someone who has battled or is battling skin cancer and it is very important to lather up with the SPF and keep your face covered! These hats protect you from 97.5% of the sun's harmful rays.
• Stay tuned for a giveaway on Wednesday regarding this outfit! 
• For the month of May, 20% of the proceeds from purchasing any of the hats here will go to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
• Oh, by the way, I did steam this skirt and look at it- it's a wrinkly mess. You win some and you lose some...
• Since this blue jelly bag from Ann Taylor arrived - I haven't put it down. The hue is perfect for spring/summer and it holds everything - which is important for a gal like me ;)
• The bag will arrive in mid-May and I will be sure to update you with the details!
• Happy Monday everyone! 
• Quote of the day: "Whatever you are, be a good one" - Abraham Lincoln

Things I am Afraid to Tell You

^^Crazy, Awkward picture
When Meg approached me to participate in Things I am Afraid to Tell You, I jumped at the opportunity. As bloggers, we frequently post about things that are beautiful and perfected. Let me remind everyone that I am not perfect, not even close. We all have worries and fears that we encounter on a daily basis. My friend Christina from Profresh Style recently opened up to her readers about a recent personal event in her life that has really inspired me to become more aware as a woman. Listen to her story here. We are all bound to the events that happen to us throughout life, some bad and some good. How we react to the unfortunate events in our life- make us who we are. Stronger and better - the older we become. 

Without further ado, here is a list of 5 things I am afraid to tell you all:

1.) I have a fear of being mugged- which is why I learned to shoot guns. I should also clarify (since there were some comments regarding this...) that this was my choice. I do not advocate guns or tell everyone they should get one to feel safe. You can make your own decisions about that...

2.) I have pretty severe anxiety, which I thankfully- have been able to control by myself without medication (although, there is nothing wrong with that). 

3.) I sometimes think blogging can be somewhat of a popularity contest, which is why I had quit back in 2010. I started back up a few months later because the reason I blog is because I love it and I don't care who else does :)  - Although my readers are flippin' awesome and I heart you all.

4.) I have a fear of venturing away from home. Massachusetts has been where I've lived my whole life- we are moving 90 minutes away and that is a huge deal to me. HUGE. But I will live :)

5.) I am so often inspired by people who do not live with materialistic means, rather gets through life by way of a strong mind. There are many of these folks that I meet on a daily basis at work in the hospital. Be thankful for what you have and do not ask for more than you need.

Well that's it guys, as vulnerable as it gets!
Here is the rest of the crew that posted:


Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg: MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup  / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor's Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest /Tobe: Because It's Awesome / Becca:{extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / Erika: Small Shop Studio  / AV:Long Distance Loving / Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla: The Best Laid Plans / Jen:Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

Ultimate Spring Skin Survival Guide with Dove

The view from The Oasis in Austin, TX
*"As part of the DailyBuzz Style Program, I received free Clear Tone Deodorant and a stipend from Dove. However, my opinions are entirely my own."

My recent trip to Texas sure made me aware of the upcoming weather that is to be expected in CT the next few months. Hot, sticky and just plain unpleasant at times. Thankfully, I am always cold, unless it reaches >90 degrees and then I get a bit sweaty :)

Here are the ways that I encourage you to keep your skin glowing and to keep yourself smelling fresh!

Step one: Apply Dove's new clear tone deodorant. The first deodorant that I have applied that doesn't leave that "caked" on look. You all know what I am talking about. Gross. 

Step two: Oh shoot, the first step should have said "take a shower". Although, with this deodorant, you could probably just apply it and wait a few days ;)

Step three: Wear the biggest straw hat you can find, to shield your face from the sun and keep your complexion lookin' gorgeous. 

Step four: Spin around five times and scream "I smell great today and I will not sweat," deep down knowing that if you do- you are still protected.

Step five: Be confident. Chin up. Straighten your back. Smile.

Mixing Threads with Interiors

Flamingo Print Maxi

Joan & David Heels

Flamingo Collar

Pink Lamp

Mixed Media Shag Rug

Tinted Sea fan in Tropical Pink- Framed

White & Polished

Alice Yim Blazer     Old Navy Chambray Top     Zara Shorts     Zara Heels     Forever 21 Necklace     Jewelmint Bracelet     gifted DKNY Watch
My first outfit post from Austin, TX! We were driving around close to our place and found these amazing fence murals and knew instantly that this was a photo spot.I am a huge fan of the short suit this year, it's just so classy and effortless. I kept it simple with all white and a chambray top (which was a steal from Old Navy). Austin was so amazing and I cannot wait to do a roundup post of all the things we did, all the food we ate and encourage you all to visit! :)

A sneak peek of Austin

A little instagram action from our trip to Austin. Stay tuned for outfit photos and a post of my must see places in Austin!

Follow me on instagram: @sparklingfootsteps


(left to right) our first place- we stayed in Dallas using airbnb.com - a trolley ride through Dallas - our second place in Austin using airbnb.com - waiting for the bats under Congress Bridge - Duchman Winery - Cupcake trailer - Ski Shores cafe view - Mount Bonnell view - View & sunset from The Oasis - A storm rolling in - Barton Springs - Trailer Park Eatery - View from The Oasis 2 - A cute blurb on the side of a building - Live Music Rocks

Simplicity

Zara Blazer & Heels     Forever 21 Striped Tee ( love this one)    H&M Skirt     Coach Willis Bag     J.Crew Bubble Necklace   Bauble Bar Scorpion Bangle     J. Crew Bracelet     gifted Accessorize Rings
A simple look for a dinner a few weeks back. These heels from Zara are the perfect height and ridiculously comfy. They are quickly becoming my new favorites.

Fit & Fashionable: featuring Helena from Brooklyn Blonde

Helena from Brooklyn Blonde: On Yoga

I've always been a pretty active person with some form of exercise incorporated into my daily routine. However, getting myself to the gym was always a big struggle. It wasn't something I particularly enjoyed, but something I forced myself to do. This past year, a yoga studio opened up a few blocks away from my apartment and after trying the class for a few days, I was hooked. 

Almost a year later, I'm going 3-4x a week and I cannot imagine my life without it. The physical benefits are incredible and  I've truly seen women that are in their 40's and 50's have their bodies transform. Aside from the physical, the mental/spiritual benefits have been the most rewarding. I've never been more patient and at ease. Things that would bug me in the past, like annoying people during my morning commute, don't get to me anymore.  Having a fast-paced city life stye can sometimes take a toll on you, but yoga has really helped to level that out. I know it sounds so incredibly corny, but it's so true for me.

I think the biggest thing with incorporating some form of physical activity into your life is finding what you truly enjoy. I have a few friends who are total "gym rats" and actually look forward to going to the gym and I have some friends who feel the same way about running. I feel that way with yoga and now cannot imagine my life without it. 

Slitted

H&M Jacket     H&M Black Slit Dress      Vintage Scarf     Steve Madden Boots     Coach Willis Purse
Currently coveting anything with a slit and sky high heels.