Texas: Texas Music Scene

Have you tuned in to Texas Music Scene? It's hands down my favorite music show and not just because I'm married to the person who produces it (believe me, they don't have more than 70,000 facebook fans for nothing).

 Imagine, a show with actual musical performances and interviews, not some reality television nightmare. Click here to read more about it and visit here to find show times in your city. 

Everywhere: Best Made Compass

Here it is. What I think is one of the best gifts for a thoughtful grad about to make it out in the world: Best Made Company's Cruiser Lensatic Compass

 Who doesn't need help with direction? 

Buy here. 

Abbott: Willie Nelson

I can't stop listening to Willie and his son Lukas Nelson's cover of Pearl Jam's "Just Breathe" from his new album Heroes. I heard it a few weeks ago on the radio and have been obsessed with it since. 

The harmony of his lower register and Lukas's similar tone, but higher voice is just so beautiful. Watch but be warned: you will be on iTunes buying it and listening to it over and over. 

Austin: Ski Shores

 One of the things that I love about Austin and I wish there was more of in Dallas is family-friendliness. It seems that just about every place you go to in Austin kids are in tow and it's a-okay, downright welcomed. Do that in Dallas and you get looks. 

Ski Shores on Lake Austin takes first prize when it comes to welcoming kids. Every Friday is Family Movie night so while the kids eat their grilled cheese and sip on milkshakes they can also take in a fun flick while you have a cocktail. 

What kid wouldn't be entertained by this playground?

And new this summer: dockside pick up. Call ahead, place your order for burgers and fried pickles and they'll bring it out to you so you never have to get outta your water ride. How much do you love that?

Photos courtesy of Ski Shores' flickr site

Dallas: Trader Joe's

So it's official. Not only is Trader Joe's opening on Greenville Avenue in Dallas and S. Hulen in Fort Worth, they are now opening two more locations: one in Plano at Park and Preston and another in Dallas on the northwest corner of Walnut Hill and 75. 

That's right. That vacant piece of property sitting there as you exit to get to Preston Hollow will be the new home to a Trader Joe's. The west side can rejoice. Inexpensive gourmet, hard-to-find, unusual foodie items will now be a five minute drive from me.