My BFF, Pearl, lives in Nashville and we get to see each other a handful of times a year. Mostly surrounding Music events and shows, so every year we meet up at SXSW for some good times. Unlike a lot of jaded folks, I still think sxsw is like Christmas. It's the best. My recipe for a good time in Austin during this time is to have a super loose/open mindset and go with the day. That way I'm not stressed out about not finding parking, crowds, or missing a show. Usually, I get so caught up in the moment, I forget to take photos or write down fun moments to remember ( working on my memory), so this year I tried something new. I got to road test a Stash (unreleased) Journal to collect all my scraps, photos and stories of sxsw in. In four days, I nearly filled the whole thing up! Anytime I had a moment to my self, I wrote down times, venues, restaurants, drinks, people I met, maps, lyrics, you name it... After that success, I think I will always take a road journal with me on my trips.
 |
| Essentials: Haversack, boots, passport, camera + strap, sunnies, journal |
 |
| <3 td=""> |
 |
| Newly wed Jason & Amanda Isbell @ The Billy Reid Shindig |
 |
| outfit check :) |
 |
| It's always a bonus to see these folks (college buddies) |
 |
| Pearl, Jason, Tracy |
 |
| Bootsy Collins. Holy shite sandwich! |
 |
| Dancing is a sxsw must /// Ruben |
 |
Backstage at the Dawes show on Congress was pretty rad. |
A few personal highlights///
Billy Reid Party <> Leagues <> Jason Isbell <> Amanda Shires <> Lily Hiatt with John Hiatt <> Flatstock 38 <> Ramblin Creek Party <> Suzy Ragsdale <> Daniel Markham <> Seryn <> pedicabs <> Meet Bootsy Collins <> Dawes <> Numerators <> Seeing my friends <> People Watching <> cab drivers <> the whole dang thing
How I survived///
My Stash Co Haversack which held... iPhone <> Charger <> Tylenol <> Sudafed <> 3 cameras (digital, instant and film) <> cash monies <> sweatshirt or button down <> roadtrip journal <> sharpie <> water bottle <> Lipstick <> bags of almonds <> MariGold bars <> a hat <> Tumbleweeds Sunnies <> Gum <> Chapstick
Tips///
You don't have to take, drink or eat it just because it's free.
Don't try to wear a lot of make up, it will only melt off through out the day.
Wear comfortable shoes. If you must wear the really cute painful shoes, wait until the last day. Save you dancing feet!
Drink lots and lots of water.
Be flexible, plans change so be ready to go with the flow.
Don't be a butt head to anyone because chances are you will bump into them again.
When you run into bootsy, don't be too cool to ask for a photo with him.
Carry a sweater because it's cold at night
Brandi's Tips///
Have some cash, toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush, Allergy medicine, chapstick, and hand sanitizer in your bag just in case.
Do NOT talk to your cab driver, they might throw you out on the streets and you will have to walk miles and miles in the middle of the night. Right Fred? Right Nick? (Kelly: FALSE Talk to your cab driver and they will tell you awesome stories about their life, their kids and how their baby mama pissed them off by buying the kid shoes with velcro instead of laces because the whole point was to get him to learn how to tie his shoes, but he really can't be that mad because they are Iron man shoes... right Ruben?)
Stay at a friends house that knows how to cook, you will be hungry and too tired to go sit in some over crowded diner at 3 am.
XOXO