Six Smiles

Living according to the calendar year has me a little thrown off. My mental clock is set for another semester of school and a built-in social schedule surrounded by all of my friends; but, it will soon find that the structure of a work week punctuated by weekends is here to stay.

I'm not complaining. I'm just adjusting to managing my many blessings on this schedule, like these six things:

this aluminum tray from Rice Village party good haven Sloan Emerson serves as a casual alternative to a more formal entertaining piece

Post-grad perks include learning to play hostess, which I did with snacks and sparkly beverages for a homey happy hour with Caroline and Alexandra.

on the menu: Greek salad with orange vinaigrette, grilled Halloumi & zucchini // homemade flatbread with grilled chicken & tzatziki sauce // honey-glazed figs & frozen yogurt

Learning to cook makes the list too, so I eagerly accepted Nicole's invitation to join her at this Sur la Table Greak Greek Cooking class.  

a foot's happy medium between heels and sandals

My mad search for a pair of flatforms came to an end just in time to sport them for the final days of summer.

ADAMS, an Austin-based vanilla extract maker, now churns out ice cream.

All credit for discovering the best, fluffiest carton of vanilla ice cream stocked on the supermarket's shelves goes to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McConn.

Remember this? Claire Martin Designs turned a photo of me and Merl into artwork to display in her D.C. room during our long distance friendship.

the second publication from Cupcakes + Cashmere (to add to the first!)

Thumbing through what came inside my market bag from Moll, I found the best thing inside our first favorite blogger's new book to be the home decor tips for renters, which I hope to soon be!

+6 more not pictured: restaurant research for Labor Day in the Windy City: intrigued by this patio brunch spot, Parson's (all recs welcome!) // might have found my first Netflix binge series, Peaky Blinders // never have I ever had such silky smooth hair 'til ESPA shampoo and conditioner (sad to say only the body wash is for general sale) // DJ Weezy on the track // establishing a Sunday smoothie run tradition with WD //  call people, print photos, clean make-up brushes and 10 other things we should do more of

Happy Friday to all!

Oh Boy!

Benjamin Graham

Within sixteen days, I have not one, not two but three new nephews to claim. That makes me Aunt Molly to eleven little ones.

I met Max in the hospital. Benjamin stayed with us this week while my mom spent time with Lucas in Boston. That made me mom for the week, and every time I have to fill those shoes, I'm stunned by just how much selflessness and quiet strength it asks of you.

It made me think of my siblings as they begin or continue to form families of their own. I have always intently observed my older brothers and sisters. Their interest in the food scene sparked my own. Their marriages showed me what to seek out in a spouse. Their delight in wit has no doubt made an impression on me and my choice of words. Now, I see what it really looks like to have someone's best interest at heart. Witnessing these moms, dads and baby boys restores belief in real goodness.           Maximilian James

Lucas Michael

It's a clear invitation to grow in the gift of service together.
It's an opportunity to show and receive love in its fullest capacity.
It embraces that which is "living, personal and whole," and it's a wonderful thing to see.

Have a great weekend!

Six Smiles

This Six Smiles screams that summer is in full swing. So does the pinkish color of my sun-kissed skin. Soaking it up while it lasts! I hope you are too.

celebrated National Watermelon Day with an agua fresca cocktail at La Grange -- Houston's latest and greatest come happy hour o'clock



these summery shades, with faded blue lenses and peach hardware, felt like a fresh take on the old aviator classic

next order is Nico's favorite at Island Grill: the George Bush

hers & his neon straws to slurp down two NRG smoothies for a blueberry & banana blended breakfast

staying cool while soaking up the clear sky views

a bench swing beats bar stools any night, especially for reunited old roomies & besties

not pictured: She got me my own! // catching the top 10 and 7 lower tier candidates in the GOP debates during the drive to & from Austin // the only thing that got me to cave to the anniversary sale // an extraordinary testament to the power of blogging

Happy weeks!

Five Blessings

I'm surprised to find myself sitting here writing a post after a whirlwind of a week. Monday through Friday was spent in the magical land of Disney for work.

And the weekend was spent lakeside for leisure.

It's weeks like these, though, that make pausing and pondering all I have to be thankful for even more gratifying. Wonderful events like these inspire that thankful mindset...

My newest nephew, Benjamin Graham, arrived today. All smiles for the Modge Podge with mom, dad, big brother Sam and sister Emily surrounding him with all their love. Baby Benjamin is a blessing for us all.

As were my safe travels from Florida back to Texas and

my mom's trip to Boston. She took my sister Carolyn on a babymoon in Kennebunkport, Maine. Here she is strolling soon-to-be big brother, Alexander, to little Lucas Michael through the charming town.

Have a great week!