Welcome to our new series! We have recently been reenergized by our vision of serving you all as a resource for all-things-mommy and all-things-Austin. Today, Allison is going to answer a few questions about her life in Austin for the past thirty-something years.

1. What are your top 3 memories growing up in Austin?

Memories

  • Amy’s Ice Cream and the Arboretum Cows is my #1 memory! For those who don’t know, there is a section at the Arboretum that has a dozen or so stone full size cows. Some are standing, some are laying down, but kids love to crawl all over them and I was no exception growing up. We would go a couple times a month for ice cream {I always got Mexican Vanilla with strawberries and hot chocolate} and then I’d go jump on my favorite cow! Thanks to Rexine Villegas, an AMB reader for sharing pics of her cuties!
  • My cheerleading days at Westwood High School! My mom is a teacher at WWHS so even though I grew up in Cedar Park, I always knew where my alma mater would be. I cheered all 4 years at Westwood and loved every minute. Some of my fondest memories and friends come from those 4 years. I’m 2nd from the top, far right. Side note, Westwood is ranked among the top 100 high schools in the nation and recently won the Shell award for top math and science school in the nation!
  • Pageants! I started competing in pageants when I was 14 so they are kind of a fabric of my being when I think about growing up here in Austin. I competed for Miss Austin Teen USA twice (top 10 and 1st runner up where I lost to our contributor, Ashlee Krause) and Miss Austin USA four times before finally winning. This is me 2nd from the right as a teen. I still volunteer for the Miss Austin organization and train contestant’s in modeling and stage presence.
    Having competed in pageants not only prepared me for the real world when it came to interviewing, but it also gave me an opportunity to volunteer for countless organizations such as Mother’s Against Drunk Driving and the DARE program of Austin. I would recommend the Miss Austin Pageant for any young lady!

2. Where did you go on your first date with your husband? Would you recommend it?

  • Wesley and I met Labor Day weekend in 2007. We had our 1st date on Labor Day at Truluck’s on 4th and Colorado. I remember vividly that there was champagne and strawberries already waiting on the table when we arrived. We drank 3/4 of the bottle before our waiter tripped over the ice stand spilling our remaining champagne everywhere. We were given a fresh bottle of champagne. Whether it’s from the nearly 2 bottles of champagne that night or merely true love, we are now married with two children! We try to go back once a year to celebrate our anniversary, but because of life, we aren’t always successful. I would definitely recommend Truluck’s for a nice night out on the town and if you’re in the seafood mood. There are so many restaurants to choose from in Austin, but I’ve never had a negative experience at Truluck’s… even when our champagne was spilled.Date

3. If you were to give Austin a tag line, what would it be?

  • It’s All About Austin! No seriously, just ask Forbes, USA Today, US News, Lucky Magazine, Women’s Health, and every skinny jean and bright colored sunglass wearing, music listening, yoga pant mom, Range Rover driving, dog and cat owner, nature loving, Keep Austin Weird motto living person out there!

4. What are the five Austin businesses you give the most business to?

  • Tio 5 BusinessesFrom the Heart Therapy Services- I’ve blogged about FTHTS in the past. There is no doubt in my mind that they are the #1 locally owned business that received the bulk of our money. You can find us at FTHTS 4 hours a week. Between their therapy and their therapy-based preschool, I could easily spend more hours there. They are fabulous even if you think your child doesn’t need therapy. I’m pretty sure Lincoln thinks his therapists are related to our family somehow.
  • Flores- Flores Mexican Restaurant is hands down our favorite eatery when we have our kids with us {which is always}. They have a playground that is within feet of the outdoor tables so even with little ones you can sit back at your table, sip on a margarita, and let your children play.
  • Lakeway Preschool- Last year Lincoln went to Summit Christian Academy close to Steiner Ranch. This year we are switching Lincoln’s school to Lakeway Preschool for a lot of reasons, but #1 being that we live in Lakeway. Considering at some point we will have two boys going to their school, they definitely do and will continue to receive lots of our money.
  • Kendra Scott- Wesley bought me my first KS piece of jewelry for my 29th birthday in 2009. He bought me a necklace {shown in picture}, matching earrings, and a ring. Kendra Scott was locally popular, but had no boutiques, wasn’t at Nordstrom, etc. Now she has boutiques all over including, Beverly Hills, Scottsdale, and Houston. I can’t say that she’s successful because of me per say, but we definitely contributed to her success 🙂
  • Starbucks- Okay I know I know I know… Starbucks is based out of Seattle, but I can’t talk about where my money goes without including Starbucks. Venti Iced Green Tea {unsweetened} and an occasional cheese and fruit plate is my order of choice!

5. It’s summer time, so vacations and staycations are on the mind…what’s in the works for the Macks?

  • Last year for Memorial Day I blogged about how we went to the Frio River with some friends. I had so much fun that we decided this year to go again! We will be spending our 4th of July weekend floating the river, dancing, cooking, tanning, and spending quality family time. We’ve rented a house on the Frio and we are going with my sister, her hubs, my niece and nephew, and my mom. This will probably be our first and last mini vacation for the year since we have an infant, but we are already planning our big 2014 trip!

Summer Plans

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