aka: "Attorneys Are People Too"
This will probably come as a shock to you: lawyers are people too. Stefanie works all hours of the day (and night) in an effort to zealously represent her clients. But she's been known to take some time off to relax and recharge with friends and family.
mouNtain air
Beach vacations are amazing, but nothing beats frolicking amongst nature in the mountain air. Beginning and/or ending the day curled up near the fire in a cozy blanket, with a hot mug of tea (Masala Chai in the mornings; Lavender Peppermint in the evenings) and a good read, is Stefanie's definition of an ideal vacation. Snow-capped mountains are a bonus.
Photo © Tone Molnes
EXPLORING international cities
Growing up on a small town in West Texas influenced Stefanie in countless ways. In addition to giving her a great appreciate for Southern charm and Southern comfort food, spending her formative years in a quaint town inspired her to seek out and appreciate the various cultures of the world. If asked to name a favorite city, she couldn't. But amongst her top picks are Porto, Portugal; St. Petersburg, Russia; Montreal, Canada; Budapest, Hungary; and Barcelona, Spain.
Photo © Alain M. Photography
BOOKS
Stefanie has been a bookworm her entire life. When she was young, she earned the nickname "Belle" (after the Beauty and the Beast heroine)--and not because she danced around wearing a blue dress and white apron every day. Although most of what she reads nowadays involves the law--at least to some extent--she still very much enjoys reading for pleasure.
Here are a few of her favorite recent reads:
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
*The adorable cocker spaniel pictured above belongs to Stefanie's mom.
Photo © Stefanie Scott Shah
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The most amazing thing about enjoying the outdoors is that fun is literally around every corner. Yes, you could take an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile) or through the fjords of Norway, or you could step out into your own backyard. Some of Stefanie's favorite Austin area outdoor haunts include Pedernales Falls State Park; McKinney Falls State Park; Bull Creek District Park; Barton Creek Greenbelt; Austin's 360 Bridge Lookout; and Mt. Bonnell.
Photo © Stefanie Scott Shah
ENTERTAINMENT
Every year Stefanie and her husband brave the cold to watch independent films at the Sundance Film Festival.
A few of her favorite Sundance movies include:
Whiplash
Beasts of a Southern Wild
The Devil's Double
Fruitvale Station
Crown Heights
Birth of a Nation
Stefanie also enjoys coming home to dinner and a tv show (just like the rest of America). A few of her favorite television series include:
Madame Secretary
The West Wing
This Is Us
FRIENDS
House of Cards
Downton Abbey
Modern Family
Photo © Stefanie Scott Shah