Texas Conference for Women 2014 is almost here!

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Lindsay S

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the last Texas Conference for Women here in Austin. I loved hearing from Rachael Ray and Esmerelda Santiago. Jenny Lawson kept us laughing…oh how she understood our lives! And Leymah Gbowee, the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate brought tears to our eyes — it’s amazing what one powerful, committed and compassionate woman can do to change so many lives.

As amazing as last year’s event was, I am counting the days until this year’s conference on November 13th. I want to hear Diana Nyad, who will remind us that dreams don’t come with an age limit. Dr. Cynthia Ackrill will be teaching us how to take stress and turn it into accomplishments, and Jenny Bowen who works tireless on behalf of the world’s orphans and other forgotten children will inspire us to make a difference. And then there’s Soledad O’Brien and Debbie Sterling and author John Gray (yes, a few men are on the agenda!)

I don’t know what your plans are for the 13th of November, but if you’re a woman in Texas and you want the tools to change your life or make it better or figure out how to get over that last sticky obstacle, let me suggest this conference. It might just have the answers you need.

I don’t advocate for many events. But this incredible gathering of wisdom and advice and experience is not to be missed. I think tickets might still be available. Do check it out.

The Specs

November 13, 2014

Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez
Austin, Texas 78701

http://www.txconferenceforwomen.org/

7:30 am – 5:00 pm

It’s a Mobile Food Throwdown on Taste of Austin Tuesday!

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Lindsay S

You’ve watched them on the Food Channel. You’ve seen it on the Cooking Channel. Now it’s time for the gloves to come off here in Austin.

That’s right. We’re pitting food truck against food truck. Acknowledged food truck masters The Peached Tortilla and Chi’Lantro BBQ will go head to head in a no-holds-barred competition right here in Austin on February 22, 2014 at Draught House Pub & Brewery to determine the king of Asian fusion street food in Austin.

The event starts at 2 pm, and runs until 5. You’ll be able to watch the cookoff, and rock out to the sounds of Jambulance ERuption. Advance tickets are available online, and include tasting and other goodies to make the event super-special. You can also check out the event Facebook page for more info.

Of course, you’ll have to be 21 plus to indulge in the beer offerings, and yes, they will be checking IDs.

This awesome foodie knockdown is a production of FoodTrailersAustin.com, a food trailer owners and food trailer fans group started back in 2010 to “provide a hub for Austin’s burgeoning mobile food scene.” The group is promising even more events for foodie fans in the coming year, so keep an eye out and I’ll share them as they’re announced.

See you at the Throwdown!

Eat chili, hang out at Jo’s, help people: what’s not to love?

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Lindsay S

Jo’s is one of the coolest spots on South Congress. Yummy meat, dessert and vegetarian menu choices, all kinds of coffees and teas, and a chance to people watch from a shady spot. It’s also close to the Pets Alive trailer, so I can get some puppy visits in (but that’s a story for another post!)

And now there’s another reason to love Jo’s. I just found out that Sunday January 26 it’s going to be the site for the 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by Shiner. The cook-off benefits the Sustainable Food Center, a wonderful local Austin charity working hard to make it possible for more people to have access to nutritious, affordable food through education, access to gardens and more.

So all in all, that means South Congress, Jo’s Coffee Shop, chili, music (live music will be provided by Jeff Hughes & Chapparal, the Jo’s House Band and DJ Ben Nuhn), beer for those who love it (and I know a LOT of Austin folks do!) and a chance to do something really good for people who are struggling to put healthy food on their family dinner table.

The festivities (including chili tasting!) start at noon and run until 3. And there are even prizes! Yes, some of those chili chefs will walk away with great prizes, so not only do you get to eat, you get to vote and help your fave cooks win some good stuff!

It’s $20 to join in the event, and that includes samples of all 14 chili entries, plus all the great music and atmosphere you want to enjoy. Beer and other drinks will be for sale, so you can safely go ahead and take a bite or two of that habanero-spiked chili, then put out the fire.

Jo’s is located at 1300 South Congress in Austin.

Austin Food and Wine Festival frenzy begins early

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Lindsay S

It’s no secret that the annual Austin Food and Wine Festival has quickly become one of the highlights of the culinary year here in the Capital city. But I had no idea the fight for tickets to the coveted event started so early!

This year’s Festival will be April 25th-27th at Butler Park and Republic Square Park in Austin. The strictly 21 and over event attracts foodies and chefs from around the globe, who come together to sample amazing creations, show off their masterpieces and gather inspiration for feasts they’ll just have to make in the coming year.

Tickets for this year’s fest go on sale January 21st…that’s next week! That’s also when you can find out who’s going to be featured, and get a first peek at the schedule.

It’s gonna be a yummy weekend in Austin! See y’all there!

(This Taste of Austin Tuesday is making me hungry! Come on, April!)

MomCom Austin brings together creativity, inspiration and innovation

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Lindsay S

Twice a year, moms in Austin are treated to a full day of inspiring speakers, networking, a good dose of laughter and even a few tears at MomCom Austin.

Founded by PR pro Trish Morrison (who I have been lucky enough to get to know since moving here!), MomCom Austin gives local moms a chance to hear from successful business women, writers, bloggers and leaders who are also moms. “It’s a place where it’s okay to say you went to a meeting with baby puke on your sleeve,” said one attendee. “We all understand because we’ve been there, and that feels great.”

This was my first MomCom Austin, and after hearing the speakers and talking with the other mom’s I agree with the another comment I overheard. “You mean, it’s not just me? I feel so much better!” Trish has created an event where we all feel better for not being the only one. Everyone there knew what it meant to be a mom and whatever else you’re trying to be, too.

This year’s summer event at The Oasis introduced attendees to new inspiration and new food for thought. We got to hear from Palo Alto Software CEO Sabrina Parsons about doing interviews while nursing her newborn, and Tiffany Harelik, the author of Trailer Food Diaries, about incredible loss and unexpected (but well earned) success.

The speakers made us laugh (thinking about Wendy Aarons’ letter to the creators of the mind-boggling “Have a Happy Period” Campaign still makes me giggle out loud!). And the speakers made us cry (how do you keep going when you lose everything? One speaker knew first hand.)

Best of all, they made us all feel that almost anything was possible.

Yes, there is a registration fee for MomCom Austin. But the modest ticket price is nothing compared to the incredible feelings we all had when the day was done. Thank you, Trish! I can’t wait until January!