Dog Days

Nollie Tank Top, AE Bandeau, Banana Republic Shirt, Zara Sandals, Ray Ban Aviators, Kate Landry Crossbody

My foodie friend and I took a chance and tried out James Coney Island's latest gourmet hot dog of the Chefs and Show Dogs series, the Mutt Barkus, created by Eatsie Boys chef Matt Markus. I missed out on the previous gourmet hot dog (which was apparently amazing), so I needed to see if this next one was just as good. In addition, Eatsie Boys offered free ice cream to anyone who brought in a receipt for the Mutt Barkus, so we couldn't pass that up. While I wasn't entirely impressed by the hot dog, the dulce de leche ice cream I had was delicious.

To balance out our indulgent meal, my friend and I originally planned to visit the James Turrell exhibit at the MFAH but found out, to our dismay, the museum is closed on Mondays. We then set our sights on the Glassell School of Art and the Rice Gallery to replace our afternoon plans. I guess I'll just have to find some other time to visit the Turrell exhibit before it leaves Houston.

I wanted to dress as comfortably as possible since I knew I'd be eating a hefty lunch and doing a bit of walking. I've had this dress for such a long time and worn it countless times. It's probably one of the best $5 buys I've ever made. It's actually an XL tank top worn as a dress since I'm so small; just one of those petite perks!

(Photos courtesy of my friend)

Lunch, Laughs, & Lace

Zara Dress, Zara Heels, F21 Sunglasses

I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with a childhood friend over lunch at Philippe Restaurant + Lounge (courtesy of Houston Restaurant Week). While we chatted and laughed about our experiences this past year, the chef himself was nice enough to come over to our table and greet us! I realize as I get older, the relationships I've developed over time are priceless. When a friend and I can go months or years without contact yet still be able to catch up over coffee or a meal like we never parted, that's when I know we'll be lifelong friends.

I thought this lunch reunion would be the perfect occasion to wear this beautiful lace dress I scored from the Zara sale. I love how it has a classic sheath shape but with an open back and that the lining is sewn to the dress, so I don't need to worry about it riding up (does anyone else ever have this issue?). There's something about shirts (like in this post) and dresses with open backs that just reel me in. I guess if I want to show some skin, I'd rather it be my back than anywhere else.

Three for Triniti

 Rustic + elegant design

Loved the menu on a clipboard (checks were on mini clipboards, too)

My beautiful friends

 What's brunch without bubbly?

Triniti's Hot Brown Bennie (their take on Eggs Benedict)

I wasn't planning on going to brunch this past weekend, but when one of my roommates invited me to go to Triniti, I couldn't pass it up. At first I was hesitant to go since Triniti isn't known for being affordable, but after looking up its brunch menu, I discovered the brunch pricing was perfect for my budget ($12 entrees!). The whole experience was fantastic with attentive staff, calm atmosphere, deep conversations, and delicious food. For their Hot Brown Bennie, they used a mornay sauce instead of the usual hollandaise. While I love hollandaise sauce, I found the mornay sauce even creamier and enjoyable. This meal was a perfect way to tie the long weekend together.

Two Day Getaway

 Spent Independence Day by Lake Travis

 Set off personal fireworks with friends

Can't forget sparklers

At the (welcoming) cool waters of Barton Springs

Adorable dogs were abundant

Spotted the largest colony of urban bats

Beautiful sunset + downtown Austin skyline

For the 4th and 5th, I, along with many other friends, went up to the capital and stayed at a friend's lake house for the holiday weekend. While I could only stay two nights, due to work on Saturday, the trip was exactly the kind of break I needed. Most of the time, we were outdoors swimming in Lake Travis, lounging on my friend's beautiful porch, wading around in Barton Springs, or playing volleyball (I attempted to play). All the physical activity was a welcome change from my Houston lifestyle. I've been to Austin multiple times, and each time I leave liking it even more. If I had to could choose which city in Texas I could end up in, my first pick would be Austin.

ASBenedict

Wooden installation at Canopy

My first eggs benedict (new fan of poached eggs)

My Alternative Spring Break (ASB) group from the past year had a mini-reunion over brunch at Canopy. I can't say I didn't have anything to do with suggesting the restaurant since Canopy has been on my list of places to try. The ambiance was very peaceful with many green motifs, and there didn't seem to be the typical hustle and bustle among the staff during Sunday brunch, which I highly enjoyed. Overall, I had a great time catching up with everyone as I rarely see most of them on campus. Hopefully we'll plan another group outing sometime before the summer ends. As for what I wore, I decided to stick to the basics with chinos, a silk blouse that I stole from my mother's closet long ago, and my (new) Zara sandals (last seen here).

 Charter Club Silk Blouse, J. Crew Scout Chino (last seen here), Zara Sandals (not pictured)

Grand Opening

image source

One of the many activities I planned for my best friend's stay over the weekend was to attend the opening day of the Houston Food Park. I invited a friend from school as well since I knew, as a foodie, she'd appreciate the event. Due to city regulations against propane-fueled trucks, many food trucks aren't allowed to park in the downtown area, so Houston has never had a particular area where food trucks could gather. Houston Food Park provides a space that borderlines the downtown area for people to go and have a wide variety of food trucks to choose from for lunch and dinner.

While I'm an avid fan of food trucks, I also wanted to give my friend a glimpse of the outdoor activities that many Houstonians are willing to brave the summer heat for. There was quite a turn-out with live music, a shaded area from the sun, and of course, delicious street food. I know I'll definitely be returning!

 Admiring the street art

    

American Eagle Embroidered Top, DIY Cut-off Jean Shorts, Cole Haan Crossbody, UO Studded Belt, Call It Spring Sandals, Ray Ban Aviators

Something To Look Forward To

Gianni Bini Dress, Kate Landry Crossbody, Fossil Watch, Vince Camuto Bangle, LC Lauren Conrad Platform Heels

I've never been in the habit of having brunch (I actually can't remember the last time I had brunch), but for this week, my friends and I decided on a brunch outing at Benjy's as something we could eagerly anticipate. What better way to explore the city of Houston but through food; you really can't go wrong with trying out new cuisines and enjoying the ambiances of each restaurant. Ambiance has become a much bigger factor for me when choosing restaurants just because many restaurants in Houston do a fantastic job on making their places unique. The restaurant experience has turned into a feast for both my taste buds and eyes!

Here's to the rest of summer and a little something to look forward to each week.

On the Wall

credits // 1 2 3 4

I'm moving into an apartment with two of my friends in less than a month, and all I can think about is how we should decorate. Of course, I'm on a college student budget, so my criterion is practicality with aesthetics. To make the apartment feel more like home, I've been searching for wallet-friendly DIY wall decorations that will provide a touch of personality. Here are some ideas that have stood out to me:

1 // I often get bogged down and distracted by the endless worries of school and often forget to step back and look at the big picture. These simple (but effective) framed memos would be great reminders to keep on our walls. After all, we are only in our twenties, and we should make the most of the prime years of our lives.

2 // I am an avid reader of Aimee Song's blog Song of Style. For her DIY framed chalkboard, she uses a picture frame from the flea market to give the chalkboard some glam. She even filmed a how-to for her DIY. This adorable chalkboard would be great for grocery lists, to-do lists, or even passing thoughts to my roommates when we don't see each other often.

3 // Inspirational quotes are always nice to keep nearby. In times of doubt, I find reassurance in relatable quotes. The wooden backing + quote is a nice spin on the typical canvas + quote to hang on the wall. This quote is particularly meaningful to me as I truly believe in forming relationships with people I can be truthful with.

4 // I have a strong impulse to cover one wall in the apartment with a gold glitter chevron pattern. It's just too adorable to pass up.