Fiesta Friday Faves

¡Vamos de fiesta a San Antonio!

---

Let’s party, San Antonio! Fiesta SA 2019 kicked off yesterday and we couldn’t think of a better way to start it off than with our Fiesta Friday Faves and some goodies to get you in the mood!

Fiesta began in 1891 as a one-parade event as a way to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, it is a nationally recognized festival that spans two weeks in celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures.

So our Friday Faves’ goodies include a playlist for you to throw on shuffle and party for the next two weeks! We’ve also included some great phone backgrounds from Capital Confessions…you can even get one with your monogram by clicking here.

Here’s to going out and exploring all the events this weekend or throwing your own fiesta! If you do host your own, post a photo on Instagram and tag us so we can see!

---

#MedalMonday : 2019 Fiesta Medals We Love!

Fiesta is upon us, San Antonio - time to add to your medal collection!

For those of you not from the area or are new to town, let us explain this crazy little tradition. It’s actually not a new thing - the origins of Fiesta medals can be traced back to 1946 when King Antonio first gave out commemorative coins at parades and other events (according to Henry Graham's History of the Texas Cavaliers). Then years later, SA’s retailer Joske’s started handing out wearable coin-holders that children wore as badges…thus starting the medal phenomenon. What is considered to be the first official Fiesta medal was handed out in 1971 by King Antonio XLIX Charles G. Orsinger. Other medals were used before then, mainly worn by Fiesta royalty, so these were the inaugural ones distributed to the public. Then the craze of collecting different medals really took off in the 90s.

They are an easy way to make a statement during the Fiesta season, so we were so excited to put together our list of favorites for 2019! Here they are:

---

Overall winners!

Best All-Around

Belle & Union’s first ever Fiesta medal made its impact on us! Not only because of its unique colors and spinning letter press wheel, but because 25% of the proceeds made from this medal will go to Soldiers Angels, a local and national non-profit that supports our military and veterans. Since it landed in three of our different categories and leaves a lasting impression, we chose it as the best all-around medal for 2019!

Most Unforgettable

La Casa Frida is a Mexican inspired boutique based in San Antonio that specializes in unique and one of a kind handmade items from all over Mexico. Housed in an Airstream trailer on Broadway, their mission is to bring a little piece of Mexico with unique products that represent the art and culture of our heritage. Their Mexican tile inspired medal paired with the unique pattern on the ribbon made this medal most unforgettable! Head to their trailer to grab yours today!

Most Iconic

Any San Antonian can attest to the lasting impression Coach Gregg “Pop” Popovich has had on the Spurs organization and our city. His one-of-a-kind post-game interviews make us laugh and his steadfast loyalty to the players and coaching staff make him a truly stand up guy. On top of all this, he’s now the NBA’s coach with the most wins of all time. That’s why this medal by Push SATX is our Most Iconic medal of 2019. Pop, you will always be our “Gran Papi", GO SPURS GO!

---

Medals For a Cause!

Teed Off at Cancer

Teed Off at Cancer is a San Antonio-based nonprofit, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. They work with The Children's Hospital of San Antonio and University Hospital to bring hope and comfort to families who have recently learned of a cancer diagnosis in the family. Head to their Instagram to find out where they are selling medals next!

Merit Coffee

Merit Coffee began in San Antonio and has expanded to Austin and most recently, Dallas. Their #GoodEnergy is tasted in all their coffee and felt in every shop you walk into. This year, proceeds from their coffee bag medal is going to support Band of Runners, an organization that empowers veterans and their surviving members by sharing the community of trail running, and the physical and psychological benefits that running in nature provides. Head to a shop near you and grab yours!

Art of Donut

The Art of Donut creates unforgettable memories by combining new and distinctive flavors in their donuts. Their motto is, “We don't just craft donuts, we craft moments.” We love that motto! Their medal is a burst of color and glitter on maracas resting in a donut, how fun is that? This year, 100% of their proceeds will go to The American Pit Bull Foundation. Head to their shop to get a donut and a medal, you won’t regret it!

---

Movers and Shakers!

Chick-fil-A

A fast-food chain that needs no introduction, their Fiesta medal for 2019 features a dancing cow sporting a sombrero and cowboy boots holding their classic “Eat Mor Chikin” sign in Spanish. This medal sticks to the Chick-fil-A that we all know and love but adds in just enough San Antonio touch that we can’t resist adding it to our collection. So “Koma Mas Poyo” and purchase your Fiesta medal at a location near you!

El Paraiso

Celebrating 35 years of business, El Paraiso’s ice cream and fruit bars are a delicious San Antonio treat that everyone should enjoy during the warm, summer months! When you’re driving down Fredericksburg, you can’t miss their blue and white striped building. Their medal not only pays homage to their iconic stripes, but also has a spinning medallion in the center. Treat yourself today with an ice cream bar and a fun medal to go with it!

---

Skull-Tastic!

Summer Moon

Summer Moon moved to San Antonio just a few years ago but have really jumped into the Fiesta spirit with their glittery sugar skull! We love the combination of orange and turquoise in their medal, but what makes this one so special is the wood-burning eye sockets that give a shout to their wood-fired coffee. Head to their Tri-Point or Alamo Ranch location to grab a coffee and medal to-go!

Burgerteca

Chef Johnny Hernandez has outdone himself on the restaurant front and now in the Fiesta medal arena as well. The sombrero rocking skull gives a playful and fun feel to the skeleton we have come to know and love sitting outside of Burgerteca. So turn on your Coco soundtrack and head to Burgerteca to grab your medal!

---

Most Colorful!

Salata

Salata’s 2019 medal gives us all the tutti-frutti, Carmen Miranda feels. The bright yellow ribbon makes this festive medal stand out even more. Treat yourself today to a delicious salad and a fun medal!

Rise up

Rise Up’s mission is to serve healthy and delicious food that everyone can enjoy. Well their medal is almost as colorful as their acai bowls. Healthy living starts with healthy eating, and that’s their commitment.

The Fruteria

This bright and glittery medal makes us want to sit pool-side with a Las Fresas fruit drink from The Fruteria! These medals come with either a lime green ribbon or a red ribbon. Head to one of their locations fast so you can choose the ribbon color of your choice!

---

Support Local!

From Scratch Farm

From Scratch Farm is located in Boerne and its products are made with the most natural and simple ingredients. We love their punny medal and could not resist showing it off. Follow them on Instagram to find out where you can purchase their medal.

Fiesta Feet

Fiesta Feet is a local business whose shoes are handmade in Mexico with bright colors and genuine leather. Proceeds from Fiesta Feet are donated to Casa Kamami in Guadalajara, Mexico — a foster home for abused girls. Our favorite thing about this medal is that it includes the famous line “Show your shoes!” that you often hear at the Battle of Flowers Parade.

Bless your heart

Simple, dainty and beautiful, this fiesta medal will have you falling in love with the Fiesta season! Head to one of Bless Your Heart’s two boutique locations to shop for your Fiesta wear and grab a medal.

---

Take Your Medal to Work!

Pella

Founded in 1925, Pella is an innovative window and door company that has been owned by the same family since its existence. We love that they chose to stick to their roots in their Fiesta medal with this adorable window pane highlighted with colorful flowers and a fun Fiesta banner.

G.W. Mitchell Construction

We might be biased because this medal was designed by our very own Stephanie Hill’s husband, Preston, who won G.W. Mitchell’s Fiesta medal design contest amongst their employees. The brightly colored medal is dressed with the Mitchell’s “M” dangling from a crane and a papel picado background design.

Round Top Outfit Inspiration

We are so excited to roll our windows down and take the back roads to Round Top, Texas this week for the 50th annual Texas Antiques Week! This event spans for miles and offers finds from around the world. There are a lot of crazy things you will see, so we love it because you can show up and be accepted just as you are. Check out our outfit inspiration for the week — a combination of cute and comfortable that will leave everybody complimenting you.

---

Flower Child

This outfit is perfect in that it’s not just simple and comfortable, but it’s super cute as well! The flowers remind us of the ones you’ll see along the highway on your way there and the touch of color gives this outfit the pop of spring that Round Top deserves. Plus, the embroidery + turquoise detailing on the buttons gives it a true Texas feel.

All About Fringe

As you explore tent-to-tent you’ll find a lot of great things that have been spruced up with extra textures or bling. In the same way, this shirt has an extra pop with the fringe on the sleeves and tie at the bottom. It can get warmer during the day, so don’t be afraid to whip out your shorts. With all the walking you’ll do, we suggest some sturdy sandals that will give you support all day long.

Muted Spring

Hunter green is everywhere this season which is why we threw in these classic green pants! They are casual but with the added details of the cinched waist and bow, these pants are easy to dress up. We threw on a muted pink, floral top to bring this look together. The top can be tucked, tied, or left hanging. Both the pants and the top are lighter materials to help keep you cool.

Ranch vibes

This look gives us all the Jurassic Park vibes but with a modern flair. Denim on denim is not just for the Canadian Tuxedo, but is a go-to outfit that anybody can rock. Throw on a beautiful mustard scarf and full brim hat to complete the look.

here comes the sun

For warm, sunny days searching for the best antiques, throw on a bright top and denim shorts. You’ll be turning heads — not just with your antique finds, but your cute outfit as well!

Red dirt cute

Lastly, we have this red dirt colored dress that is easy and breezy. Paired with a light burgundy scarf and turquoise earrings, it’s perfect for long days searching for the unique pieces for your home or just swinging by Royer’s for a homemade pie. Either way, you’ll be rocking this outfit.

Round Top Playlist

Happy 50th birthday to Round Top’s Antique Fair!

It’s a magical time of year in Texas - spring has sprung, bluebonnets line the highways, and green is everywhere. If you journey down the back roads between Austin and Houston, you stumble upon the quaint little town of Round Top, population 90…that is, most of the year. Then twice a year (once in the fall/once in the spring) antique vendors from all over the world land in this area for Texas Antiques Week.

We are so excited to head to the town of all things antique to get our shopping on! Nothing makes a road trip more than a solid playlist, so we’ve created one just for those headed that way. We are big fans of folksy, feel good vibes so our Round Top playlist on Spotify will get you in the mood to roll your windows down and take the back roads. Check it out below and stay tuned for all our favorite finds from the week!

---

Friday Faves - Books We're Loving!

Making your first impression your best is only possible if you are being your true self and owning who you were made to be. These books are on our list of Friday favorites because they encourage everyone to own who they are and live shame free. The world deserves to know the real you!

---

self to lose — self to find

Everyone is loving the Enneagram these days and we are no exception! Self to Lose — Self to Find by Marilyn Vancil takes a biblical approach to the 9 Enneagram types guiding you toward self-awareness. By uncovering your Enneagram type, you gain a deeper understanding of your true self.

Favorite Quotes:

“This invitation [to deny oneself] is less about depriving the self, and more about disowning, or renouncing a relationship with the part of ourself that is not what God created us to be.” 

“The ultimate desired outcome is freedom — freedom to love God, love yourself, and love others.”

“In our natural minds, it’s hard to comprehend that there might be a beneficial result of releasing our protective shell, our seed coat that is familiar and comfortable and seems to serve us so well. But there is more to letting go than just losing. There is also something wonderful to gain.”

Preach to yourself

Hayley Morgan is such a cute author who isn’t afraid to write hard truths but in a gentle and loving way. Her latest book, Preach to Yourself, is all about breaking the cycle of self-doubt in your life, owning who God says you are, and living into your true identity. You’re going to want to order this one right away!

Favorite Quotes:

“Instead of letting your mind reflect the state of your day, keep it fixed on what you know to be true. With Christ, you can do it. In Him, you are enough. And, He is powerful enough to bring change in any life or situation.”

“Believing with your head is a great start, but God’s call to us is to keep going. Believe with your head and let this belief sink deep into your heart, your hands, your feet — your whole life — as you live the very truth you believe.”

“You were created as a child deeply, impossibly loved by God.”

Girl, Stop Apologizing

Rachel Hollis is taking over the book loving world! Girl, Stop Apologizing is the anthem we all need right now. Hollis names a hard truth, women do not always live into their full potential. With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, Hollis identifies the excuses to let go of, the behaviors to adopt, and the skills to acquire on the path to growth, confidence, and believing in yourself.

Favorite Quotes:

“There is so much untapped potential inside people who are too afraid to give themselves a chance.”

“Embracing the idea that you can want things for yourself even if nobody else understands the whys behind them is the most freeing and powerful feeling in the world.”

“You are enough. Today. As you are.” and “Stop waiting for someday; someday is a myth.”

Girl, Wash Your Face

Before Girl, Stop Apologizing there was Girl, Wash Your Face. Rachel challenges women to stop believing lies about themselves and start becoming who they were meant to be. A lie I often believe as a woman is that I am not good enough, Rachel combats this with practical truths to get you out of believing that lie. So run, don’t walk, and get this book today!

Favorite Quotes:

“Comparison is the death of joy, and the only person you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday.” 

“Friends, it’s not about the goal or the dream you have. It’s about who you become on your way to that goal.”

“God has perfect timing, and it's highly possible that by not being where you thought you should be, you will end up exactly where you're meant to go.” 

“I cannot continue to live as half of myself simply because it’s hard for others to handle all of me.” 

Whiskey in a Teacup

“My grandmother Dorothea always said that it was a combination of beauty and strength that made Southern women ‘whiskey in a teacup.’ We may be delicate and ornamental on the outside, she said, but inside we’re strong and fiery.” If you have loved Reese in any of her movies, you’ll love her book! Reese is a fierce woman who knows exactly who she is and she’s not afraid to own it. Her book is full of decor, recipes, and family stories AND it doubles as a great coffee table book!

Favorite Quotes:

“…we don't have to diminish ourselves as women to be seen as strong. You can push for societal change and you can love getting dressed up. You don't have to choose.” 

“Life isn't about perfection. There is no rule book. Life has many different chapters, and every chapter deserves celebrating.” 

“You can be nervous as all get out. Just drink a beer and do it anyway.”

“You won't meet a friend sitting on your couch.” 

Birth Month Flowers

You all probably know what your birth stone is, but did you know that birth month flowers are a thing? Before Made by Mary (MBM) released their line of birth flower necklaces, we had no idea! These necklaces come in silver, gold, and rose gold and can even be layered. Being the floral lovers that we are, we adore the illustrated flowers on the dainty necklaces. Check out each necklace by month + click on the necklace of your choice to purchase!

---

January

January’s flower is the Carnation which symbolizes self-love. Fun fact: the Carnation also represents 1st wedding anniversaries (so boys if you’re looking for a good gift - there you have it…you’re welcome). The Carnation is a classic flower often used as a filler flower in arrangements and worn on special occasions like Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day.

February

The flower for February is the Violet which means true love. Violets are often represented in poetry and are a sign of true love + everlasting affection. Their short vase life (from two to three days) makes them unviable for a commercial product, so you’ll just have to enjoy them in your garden.

March

The Cherry Blossom is the March birth flower that represents gratitude. Cherry Blossoms are a symbolic flower of spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life and are huge part of Japanese culture. With a fleeting life span, you have a small window to catch these flowers in bloom — but with this necklace, you get Cherry Blossoms year-round.

APRIL

A classic flower, the Daisy represents purity and the month of April. Dasies are the flower of fresh starts — perfect for anyone taking on a new adventure! Did you know there are actually 43 different types of daisies?? Many look much different than what you probably think of right off the bat. You can see a complete breakdown here of the different types, and some even appear later on down this list, so keep reading!

May

The beautiful Lily of the Valley represents the month of May and means happiness. The name of this flower means “return to happiness” and represents all the little things in life that bring us joy.

june

The always popular Rose is the flower of June and represents balance. With its delicate flowers and rigid thorns, it is the perfect flower to represent the balance of life — challenging times make us appreciate sweeter moments of life even more.

july

The Lotus represents personal growth and is the flower of July. Even with its roots deep in muddy pond water, the Lotus grows into a beautiful flower. The Lotus represents different things to different cultures, but across the board, personal growth is something that knows no barriers.

august

The flower of August is the Poppy. Poppies represent celebrating your dreams. They are an emblem of all the hopes and desires you hope to become, achieve, and create in life. So keep on dreaming August babies!

September

The flower of September is the Peony which symbolizes faith. Peonies are unique in that a single plant will bloom year after year for over 100 years. Every year you can trust these beauties will come back in full bloom. They are good to have in a wedding bouquet not only because they’re beautiful, but also because they are regarded as a symbol of good fortune and a happy marriage.

october

The Marigold flower is a symbol for reminisce and is the birth flower of October. A plant of the Daisy family, the Marigold flower comes in shades of yellow, orange, and copper-brown. The Marigold flower is a symbol of remembering the dead. Taking Marigold flowers to graves of loved ones is a usual practice and it is done in many cultures around the world, especially for Dia de los Muertos.

November

A flower meaning optimism, the Chrysanthemum represents the month of November and is nick-named “Mum”. These flowers are the latest bloomers of the year! The Chrysanthemum brings us the message that even the beginning of winter can have joy and beauty.

December

A Christmas floral, the Holly represents the month of December and means strength. It can grow in the hardest environment and represents the love and dedication to the things that mean the most to you. This plant is symbolic for Christian culture, representing the thorn crown on Jesus.

Friday Faves - International Whiskey Day!

Cheers, It’s International Whiskey Day!

Enjoy 3 of our go-to whiskey cocktails, there’s a drink for everyone.

Whiskey is typically my winter liquor of choice, however, we stumbled upon these three recipes that would definitely make for great summer drinks. I never realized there were so many different options out there when it comes to whiskey drink recipes, but when we decided to stick to “summery” drinks, our research showed us so many fun, new options. My favorite discovery was white whiskey, which I had never had before. If you’re not typically into whiskey, you should give the Casting Aspersions drink a try (uses white whiskey)…you might be, as Toby Keith says, a little “whiskey girl” after all.

---

casting aspersions

This citrusy cocktail is perfect for the summertime, it’s incredibly refreshing and easy to drink. For this cocktail, we did not have Amaro Nonino on hand, so we left it out and it still tasted great! Feel free to mix up some of the ingredients to fit your particular taste of choice!

• 2 ounces white whiskey

• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 ounce fresh grapefruit juice

• 1/2 ounce honey syrup (2 teaspoons honey mixed with 1 teaspoon warm water)

• 1/2 ounce Amaro Nonino

• Dash of bitters

• Ice

• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients except the ice and garnish. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled ice-filled rocks class and garnish with the mint sprig.

smoky mountain sipper

Another refreshing cocktail — the Smoky Mountain Sipper incorporates fresh blackberries making it unique in it’s own right! If you’re not a fan of pulp, make sure to strain this drink well. We did not have fernet on hand, so we left it out and it was just as delicious!

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon (we traded for Jack Daniel’s Whiskey)

• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce blackberry puree

• 1/4 ounce fernet

• 2 mint sprigs

Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with crushed ice and garnish with 2 mint sprigs.

ole smoky salted caramel sour

If you’re a fan of caramel, this is the drink for you! Not a huge fan of sweet drinks? Feel free to stick to the top two cocktails!

• 3 ounces Smoky Salty Caramel Whiskey

• 1 1/2 ounces lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce

• Fresh lemon twist

• Caramel sauce for rim (optional)

Mix the ingredients into a shaker over ice, strain over fresh ice or into a martini glass and garnish with the fresh orange twist. Enjoy and drink responsibly!

Fiesta Spotlight - Primavera Collection + Fiesta Feet

Fiesta is right around the corner!

Check out some of our favorite pieces from Primavera Collection + Fiesta Feet.

---

Why is Fiesta my favorite holiday? Because I love how it's celebrated with vibrant colors, delicious food, and way too many margaritas. On top of all of this, the fashion is so fun and just puts a smile on your face. I truthfully wear it year-round because it makes me feel as though I’m on a Mexican vaca. We had the treat of partnering up with Primavera Collection & Fiesta Feet to show you some of our favorite looks for this Fiesta season and the warmer months to come.

White Multi & Pink Antonia Dress,

Yoko clutch + Havana wedges

This dress is breezy and flattering in so many ways. The San Antonio embroidery and pink edges give this dress a great pop! Accessorize with a colorful Yoko clutch and finish off the look with beautiful neutral wedges!

Mama Maria flats + Confetti Popper flats

Colorful flats that look great and feel great too! These flats scream Fiesta! So whether you’re walking around at NIOSA or The Flambeau Parade, these shoes will be your go-to's.

Off-the-Shoulder Otomi Blouse

This off-the-shoulder piece is vibrant and fun with a classic pink pin-striped pattern, you can dress it up or dress it down. What’s also fun is it can be worn multiple ways - it is a longer blouse that can be tied up on the side. Either way, you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go!

Gatsby Flats

In a classic gold metallic, these shoes can be paired with any outfit and worn year-round. They are made with real leather and will stretch just a bit with wear, so be sure to choose a half size down.

Jalapa Bardot Blouse

We love off-the-shoulder tops because they can be worn so many ways! The contrast of solid black to bright and colorful patterns make this top a show-stopper. Throw on a bold necklace to complete the look and you are ready for Oyster Bake!

Friday Faves - St. Paddy's Day

Don’t get pinched this St. Patrick’s Day!

Check out our fave St. Paddy’s accessories.

---

Deep Olive Tote

A girl’s purse is her best companion. We are loving this deep olive tote from Target made by Universal Thread! It is the perfect size to hold your necessities and more. Dress it up or dress it down, either way, people are going to be giving you all the compliments on this one!

Light Mint Sunglasses

Everyone needs a fun pair of sunglasses! These light mint sunglasses from Target are designed by A New Day. Perfect for the beach, mountains, or St. Paddy’s Day Parade…these glasses are versatile and fun with a small price tag, so you don’t have to spend your whole pot of gold on them!

Acrylic Dangle Drop Earrings

These cute earrings actually come in a set of 4 on Amazon! They are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and add a pop of color to almost anything. Buy the 4 pack and use the other 3 as gifts for your girl friends!

Light Green Scarf

A green scarf or bandana is a simple way to fend off pinches. Whether it is already warming up where you live or still snowy and cold, a scarf is nice and versatile. With a fun pattern and tassels for texture, you can’t beat this cute scarf.

Thirsty Goat Amber Ale

Celebrate with an Amber Ale from Thirsty Planet out of Austin, TX. This beer has a sweet, malty and rich, deep flavor with a spicy finish. And better yet, it is locally brewed in Texas. Cheers to a great St. Paddy’s!