Looking Back

I forgot to look forward to our trip to Austin. Once a quarter my hubby goes to a board meeting, and we always have a great time. We usually stay in the Renaissance at the Arboretum area but not this time. Our hotel is determined by the state and they have made another excellent choice: the Westin at The Domain.

The Domain is a new area that has parks and jogging trails combined with shopping, dining, and entertainment. It also has several hotel, condo and apartment options. And office space. The Domain was planned with the principles of Green Urbanism in mind: walk instead of drive, energy-efficient homes, recycled building materials, and lots of trees.

Let's talk about shopping for a minute. This place has serious shopping. Shops I have no reason to wander in to. Neiman Marcus is an anchor! Then there's Burberry, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, and Stuart Weitzman. Several jewelry stores including David Yurman and Tiffany & Co. Sur La Table. Juicy Couture. BCBG. Betsey Johnson. And they promise a Nordstrom's and a Whole Foods.

Now eating. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse. McCormick & Scmick's. Joe DiMaggio's Italian Chophouse. And -- California Pizza Kitchen. (I don't know why CPK always tries to pull me in their door!)

All that being said, I didn't buy a thing. And we didn't eat there. But look out next quarter.

I will come prepared.