Bayou Bend Gardens

Tuesday Caroline and I decided to go to Bayou Bend Gardens. The weather in Houston has been so nice I want to do anything and everything that involves being outside. Usually I go to Starbucks with a good book to read and enjoy the sun, but lately I've been exploring more of what Houston has to offer. My Uncle and I went to the Bayou City Arts Festival this past week and over the weekend Caroline and I went to an outdoor Matisayhu concert. (I must remember to bring the camera when I do things like this!)

We spent a few hours in the gardens that were a little more difficult to navigate with a stroller than the guard led us to believe. But, none the less, we did a good job of wandering the gardens and even ran into the staff parking lot where we were kindly asked if we knew where we were going. At the back part of the house there was a small grassy area with a fountain that seemed perfect for a picnic (minus the fact that food isn't allowed). However we did stop to soak in the sun and snap a few pictures. I think Baby E enjoyed watching the fountain the best.

Outfit

Dress: Forever 21 (old)

Shirt: Forever 21 (old)

Sandals: Aldo (similar here)

Jewelry: Stella & Dot earrings, Stella & Dot bracelet, bracelet from Greece, vintage name necklace, gifted bangles from my mom

Sunglasses: Vintage Christian Dior

Brunch

The Sunday Amanda was here we went to brunch at Backstreet Cafe. I didn't realize how popular this place was so I didn't have a reservation. However, I called that morning and was able to get a 1pm reservation (thank you rain for the cancellation).  After brunch we went to see The Vow with Channing Tatum. The movie was just decent, but I definitely enjoyed watching Channing Tatum!

When we sat down at our table they brought us this small plate of muffins and scones. My favorite was the simple walnut scone.

I ordered the benedict without meat and Amanda ordered the waffle, which looked delicious!

Here are just some snapshots we took at the table. It was pouring down rain outside which is why there are no full outfit photos.

Outfit

Top: Banana Republic sweater

Bottom: 7 for all mankind jeans (not pictured)

Shoes: Steve Madden boots (not pictured)

Jewelry: BCBG ring, Stella & Dot earrings

T'afia

My best friend Amanda was here for the weekend (which would explain the lack of posts, sorry!). She came once before so this trip was really relaxed. We went out to lunch the day after she arrived at T'afia. My uncle Matt suggested the restaurant since they use all local and fresh ingredients and the chef, Monica Pope, was on Top Chef Masters (he knows my weakness for Bravo TV). There was a set menu for Friday lunch for a prix fix of $22, pretty reasonable considering her celebrity chef status.

The meal did not disappoint. I started with a chickpea soup with harissa, which gave it a bit of a kick. Amanda got the lentil soup, which had quite a bit of bacon. There's no picture since this was my first stint at taking food pictures and I must say....I need a little bit of practice!

The next course I ordered tarro and roasted sweet potato salad, mustard greens and herbs, while Amanda got the 5 spice chicken, corn pasta, coconut milk, carrots, leeks, and red peppers. Hers was reminiscent of a Thai dish with the coconut milk and flavors.

(Note to self: pictures of Amanda's food taken from across the table don't make for good pictures)

For dessert Amanda ordered a lemon custard, which had a very strong lemon flavor so she was only able to eat part of it. I ordered carrot cake topped with chocolate, which was more of a spice cake in my opinion, but still delicious.

After lunch we were able to snap a few quick pictures of our outfits. I love Amanda's mint top! She's more of a neutral tone kind of girl, but this pop of color looks so good on her!

I love these pants but never seem to find a good place to wear them. A friend once described them as pajama pants, which they kind of are because they are so comfortable!

Outfit

Top: blue spaghetti strap from Forever 21, white top from H&M

Bottom: BCBG pants

Belt: Target

Shoes: Aldo (old)

Jewelry: Marc Jacobs watch, BCBG "My Bad" Bracelet, Stella&Dot bracelet, Braided bracelet bought in San Francisco, vintage gold name necklace

New Hair

My hair was in dire need of a haircut so my friend Caroline stepped in to help a girl out. She works at Studio 3 salon which is how I first met her. When it comes to my hair I'm extremely picky about who cuts it. I've had one too many bad experiences and when I find someone I like I stick with them. My uncle gets his hair cut at this salon and that's how he introduced Caroline to me when I first moved to Houston.

I told her how I needed a haircut badly and she offered to have me come in as a hair model (this was back when I first moved). I went in very apprehensive about the first hair cut with her, was it going to look okay? Would she keep it long like I asked? Turns out I had nothing to worry about. She did a great job! She listened to what I wanted, kept my hair long, and fixed my layers and overall cut. This is when I knew I found "the one".

Yesterday I went in for a haircut and brow wax (was in dire need of that as well).  The second time around didn't disappoint. She also introduced me to some new shampoo and conditioner from Kerastase. I had been using Paul Mitchell products but was willing to give this a try. Will update you with my thoughts on these products soon!

What do you think of the overall result? If you like what you see and you're in the Houston area, check out Studio 3 Salon and ask for Caroline :)

K.L.

Here's a quick outfit post of what I wore today.

I purchased these Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's gloves this past Christmas but haven't really found a great time to wear them until now. What do you think of how I styled his cut off gloves?

Outfit:

Top: Tucker for Target

Jeans: Hudson

Shoes: Aldo (old)

Gloves: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's

Jewelry: Forever 21 pearls, Tiffany heart tag necklace and bracelet, Chanel costume earrings