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Take the time to waste a moment | The big 3-5

October 28, 2016

I’m 35 today. That’s a LOT of candles.

| Take the time to waste a moment |

When I was 27, single and traveling 24/7 working on a Presidential campaign I didn’t foresee a husband and 3 kids at 35. A LOT has happened in the past 8 years that’s for sure. My Mom always told me my 30’s would be my best years. They have certainly been the most major of years in my life, a husband and almost three kids later. I look back over my 30’s so far and if I can take one thing away for the next 5 it’s to slow the F down and enjoy it all a little bit more. It’s not naturally in my DNA to do this. I didn’t realize it until I was talking to Leighton’s teacher about her personality and her feedback was exactly what I’d seen written on my report cards year over year. In so many words, lighten up! People see a fun, outgoing exterior but at the end of the day, I’m pretty intense and overly focused; Serious about being a good mom and wife to a fault that I dwell on my own shortcomings way too much. And serious about doing things in this word productivity wise—being successful in business, making money, contributing to my church and community. It’s exhausting and it’s time to slow my roll. Say yes to less. Take the time to waste a moment. And while I’m at it, enjoy the moment. Put the phone down. Nothing is that important that it can’t wait a few more minutes. This new mantra might not help my punctuality though. Oh well.

Wow, I really got off on a tangent there guys. I’m sure most of you have already clicked to the next thing on the internet by now so I’m probably just talking to me (and maybe my Grandma who reads this blog religiously). Anyhoo…..here’s to the next 5 years that make up what I will probably look back on as the best years ever.

All coffee talk aside, it wouldn’t be a birthday on L. Avenue without a wish list. Since it’s Friday, I’ll give y’all my Friday 5 ultimate birthday wish list.

top photo by Candid Chic

bottom photo by Traci Ling | my dress by Emilia Wickstead, shoes Jimmy Choo | kids dresses by Lullaby Set

Coffee Talk, Eats, Featured, Friday Five, Lifestyle

Friday Five | Get Well Soon

October 21, 2016

rainbow brunch at Houston’s Pondicheri :: beet pancakes and fresh squeezed OJ all day

At work, we’ve started a wellness challenge to put our best foot forward before we press rewind as we fa-la-la-la-la through the holiday festivities. So, today, the Friday Five is broken down into the five categories we’re competing with each other (and mostly ourselves) on daily:

Step It Up :: Reach 10,000 steps.

Never have I ever had a FitBit, so I’m finding out the hard way how difficult it is to hit the recommended ten thousand steps a day. These 13 tips should help, starting with shopping a little more and parking farther from the store!

Heartbeat High :: Increase your heart rate for 20 minutes.

My personal goal is to go to a workout class three times a week. I’ve found my favorite instructor at my gym, which I’ve found to be a game-changer in motivating me to show up. If you don’t have a gym membership, here’s ways to shake up your exercise routine.

Waterlogged :: Drink a gallon of water.

What I’m finding even harder is to guzzle a gallon of water a day. Read this honest testament about how more water makes for more energy and fewer face blemishes.

0% Alcohol :: Consume zero alcohol.

What helps increase my water intake is decreasing my alcohol consumption. But, when I need a change of pace, I reach for things like prickly pear Kombucha at Local Foods. Its fuchsia color few me to the fermented drink, so here’s why we should all indulge in the most colorful foods.

How Sweet Homecookin’ :: No eating out allowed.

No UberEatsing or Favoring fast food for us; we’re prepping all our meals at home, people. Here’s how the girls at Cupcakes + Cashmere make their favorite restaurant meals at home. I can’t wait to try to copy the Sway Thai‘s Tom Kha Gai now that it’s cold outside.

Join us if you’re so inclined, but keep in mind, we push the pause button for Friday and Saturday. We’ll reset Sunday, so treat yourself. It’s the weekend!

-Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary

Coffee Talk, Fashion, Featured, Friday Five, Sale, Uncategorized

Friday Five | Shopbop Sale Favorites

October 14, 2016

When I really fleshed out my blog and added several pages devoted to all the parts of my “diary,” style was one of them. I called it my ‘Closet‘ and upon clicking, you’d find what I had freshly hung. I’ve taken about a four-year long hiatus from updating this, but in a dream world, I’d get back in my groove. Goals for 2017, I suppose. So, for today’s Friday Five, I’m showing you what I’ve got my eye on from the Shopbop sale.

Miss New Bootie :: I ordered a pair of Joie booties off a flash sale site months ago, but I’m now in decision crisis mode after being tempted by the Rag & Bone pair that rarely go on sale.

For Formal Affairs :: With wedding season in full swing (starting this weekend here in Houston!), I need a pretty place to stow my cell phone, some cash and lip gloss. This DVF clutch goes great with the LBD you’ll wear all winter and the sparkly number you’ll have on by New Years Eve.

High Neck :: Instead of the plunging necklines seen all over red carpets and runways these day, I much prefer making a statement with a high neckline. I finds it flatters the collar bone and shoulders; not to mention, it’s much easier to deal with. This cerulean blue romper would do me right on a Houston winter night.

On Trend :: Since working for an interior designer, I’ve developed an affinity for all the fabrics, so I’m very on board for the velvet trend. These would satisfy my craving for a fun-colored pump and I wish I had snagged these navy slip-ons navy before they sold out of my size.

Blending In :: Hunting season is here! Something I thought I’d never say. My boyfriend has given me buck fever, and I can’t wait to head to South Texas as soon as the temperatures drop. Until then, I’ll be sporting camouflage on my feet with these Rag & Bone sneaks.

Don’t miss out!

Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary

Coffee Talk, Featured, Friday Five, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Friday Five | Entertainment Edition

September 30, 2016

When given the choice between a computer or television screen, I’d make do with my Mac any day. But, since starting a full-time job, I’ve been reminded of how relaxing it can be to sit in front of a television set and enter a new world. So, today, I give you the entertainment edition of the Friday Five, full of the things I’m enjoying in hopes that you might, too.

What I’m reading :: My book club met Wednesday night to discuss You’ll Grow Out of It, a refreshing comedy by Jessi Klein who covers the complete gamut of relatable guilty pleasures for girls like Anthropologie and The Bachelor. Next up is The Thousandth Floor, authored by Katharine McGee, my good friend’s sister, so I’d read it regardless of the fact that it made the New York Times bestseller list.

TV I’m tuning into :: William and I just finished HBO’s The Night Of. We were wary of the ending as more than a few friends said it was unsatisfying. Turns out, I loved it start to finish and highly recommend it.

the heavenly honeymooning in Menorca c/o @chaneldror‘s feed

Who I’m following :: This weekend starts my wedding marathon which won’t settle until February. I’m excited to see how my friends and family style their festivities, taking mental notes for my own. I’m off to a good start, spending a good chunk of last weekend screenshotting photos from former co-worker, Chanel’s, wedding. Follow @chaneldror or #jetaimetarlo to sneak a peek inside their chateau wedding weekend for aaall the amour feels.

What I’m listening to :: I’ve had Tove Lo’s Say It on repeat ever since it was the anthem of The Hamptons. Also loving this song.

Movies I’m watching :: The oldies - classed Casablanca off my list (inspired by my Insta), then fast-forwarded to Say Anything, an 80s flick Say Anything and most recently watched Richard Gere and Winona Ryder in Autumn in New York, filmed in 2000. I hope to find a recent gem for me and W to watch tonight. Recs welcome!

Have a great weekend.

-Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary

PS: Ladies DO NOT miss 25% off your entire order at Equipment. Equipment is my go to for a staple color or bold print statement blouse. Rest assured you can always find one to suit any occasion. I love the outlandish prints paired with a classic blazer and jeans and these flats or these fun gold ones. Effortless and classic with a pop of pizzazz. Shop my fave Equipment pieces below.

Around {H} Town + Travel, Coffee Talk, Featured

Pregnancy update….

September 17, 2016

What are your pregnancy rituals? Besides the obvious eating extra ice cream and crazy nesting impulses, I also journal during my pregnancies. The journal is written to my unborn baby, telling he/she all about my pregnancy and other deep thoughts (ha), stories and pieces of inspiration that come to mind. I started putting pen to paper way earlier than 27 weeks pregnant in my last two pregnancies. I’m already playing catch up with baby #3!

Anyway, as much as I enjoy blogging, the old school pen and paper journal writing has been a hobby of mine from the time I could hold a pen. While writing the other day I realized I haven’t really talked to y’all very much about my pregnancy. I get messages on Instagram, are you really even pregnant?! Yes, I promise I am. But I might be pretty good at shooting angles and only posting photos that disguise the bump so every shot isn’t a “this is how big my bump is today” photo. This is the first time I’ve been pregnant while blogging and my approach has been to not go overboard with bump shots; for fear of annoying y’all, or moving away from what I want this blog to be about. But every once in a while an update doesn’t hurt, right?!

Around {H} Town + Travel, Coffee Talk, Fashion, Featured, Friday Five, Lifestyle, Sale, Uncategorized

Friday Five |Fall Sale Alert

August 26, 2016

biscotti & blue jean shorts for breakfast

It’s your Friday Five Sales Alert! When Lyndsey posted about her spirit state, she reminded me how much I love Brooke Feather. Despite being a bit out of my budget, I was excited to see a rack with a sign noting 70% off, and I snagged the perfect pair of denim cut-offs in my size. Mine were four-years old and had four-too-many holes.

Bonus incentive was discovering a huge role model of mine, Brettne, is besties with the Brooke Feather owner (and my sister!). A small world that makes shopping at boutiques more fun. But, today, I bring you the big brands, leading you to all the right links for steals on summer and fall styles.

Gap‘s suede game is strong this season. I still love the suede shift and jacket I got in New York in the coolest caramel color. Shop for yours and get 40% off with code More.

Speaking of suede, there’s a fabulous pair of green suede flare shorts on extra, extra sale at Intermix…among other darling things you didn’t know you needed until now.

J. Crew just launched their new collection, and plaid crop pant, my eyes are on you. Get 25% off with WEEKOFSTYLE when you check-out.

Get comfy in Calypso cotton and linen for your Labor Day weekend getaway or staycation.

And for local Houstonians, head to Biscuit Home next week for the Mi Golondrina pop-up. Get there at 2 sharp on Wednesday, August 31st as the gorgeous, hand-embroidered tops typically fly off the racks fast. And the dresses, which make for the prettiest maternity gown.

Happy shopping!

-Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary

Around {H} Town + Travel, Coffee Talk, Eats, Interiors, Lifestyle, Travel

Friday Five | The Little Things

August 12, 2016

little things, like looking up, can change your perspective on your week

As I added a coffee date with Lyndsey this morning to my calendar, I noted the charming ‘event name’ example text Google provides: “Breakfast At Tiffany’s.” It’s the little things that can make a big difference during your week. So, here’s some little links and things that made mine. Hopefully, yours too.

on-point design :: I’m heading to The Hamptons next weekend to put the ultimate exclamation mark on my summer. And I’m. So. Excited! While I plan to spend most of my time outdoors, I hope to scope out the modern interior of this hotel in Montauk.

future fantasizing :: My brother and soon-to-be sis-in-law are going to New Zealand for their honeymoon; my bestie and her fiancé are also crossing the Pacific to Thailand. Here several bloggers dish it out on their chosen destinations.

but also being present :: I’m nearly done with Bread & Wine and can’t wait to start Present Over Perfect with a Bible study group. For all you moms about to enter the fall frenzy of back-to-school, packing lunches and pretending to be sane, this read might be for you too.

savoring the season :: I had aaaall of the summer things last night with almost aaall of my sisters: a watermelon cocktail, a peach burrata salad and an eggplant entrée. It was szechuan at State of Graceand and totally insane. Here’s some other delicious ways to serve eggplant.

planning ahead :: I’m also putting my white ensembles on heavy rotation before Labor Day hits, especially last weekend at White Linen Night in the Heights. But, my eyes are peeled for the winter ahead and having borrowed my mom’s black coat all last year, I figured it was time to invest in my own. Here she is, shipping to my doorstep soon! Maybe got these beauty booties too.

But since we’re clearly still in the midst of summer, get your hands on the bag of the season. Rest assured, it’ll carry you through next spring and summer, too. Or you’ll carry it, rather 🙂

-Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary

Beauty, Coffee Talk, Eats, Fashion, Featured, Friday Five, Lifestyle, Sale, Uncategorized

Friday Five | Feel, Look & Be Good

August 5, 2016

The buzz in the blog world seems to be all about balance. Work and play. Drink your coffee and cocktails, but drink plenty of water, too. Spend time with those you love; spend quality time with yourself. So, I approach this week’s edition of the Friday Five with an attempt to provide you equal measures of advice on everything from beauty to fashion, food and fitness.

Looking forward to a fall full of casual football games and formal weddings. And I want this sale LBD for the latter. Check out all of L. Avenue’s Shopbop summer sale picks here.

The Olympics draw attention from around the world, sports lovers and non alike. See a stunning list of statistics.

Speaking of sports, tennis is my current game and fly fishing is up next after flipping through William’s photos from Alaska. When I read this (and saw these photos) from the Fresh Exchange on Monday, I was sold:

I’ve always thought fly fishing was both beautiful in form and peaceful in method. On a great day you can bring home a fresh trout, on the worst days you bring nothing home but got to spend the day on a peaceful river. Not bad right?

I just ran out of tinted moisturizer and was so bummed I restocked before Lyndsey posted about Juice Beauty Products. I would have gotten this, but I think I’ll spring for this instead.

I loved this article’s real definition of health; hint: it’s “so not a sphere of kale and sweat.”

May you have a well-balanced weekend!

-Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary

Around {H} Town + Travel, Coffee Talk, Fashion, Featured

Romper Room

August 1, 2016

Well hello guys! I’ve been pretty checked out this past week. I hosted a few groups of friends in beautiful Santa Barbara so the laptop got pushed aside and replaced plenty of pool and beach time. My hosting itinerary was pretty aggressive being nearly 7 months prego but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. My friend and beauty blogger pal, Kathleen joined the girls and me with her two boys the first half of the week and then my friend and business partner Lauren flew in with her two boys. At one point the lineup was 3 moms vs. 6 kids under 6. And 2 of the 3 moms are very prego! WILD times, but good times and even better, happy and hilarious memories. I’m not going to lie I’ve never appreciated having a hubby more from a parenting teammate standpoint. The guy does a lot for our girls, not to mention he’s a lot of fun too. I think he deserves some extra loving this week.

When it comes to having no extra time for getting ready I’m most often throwing on a dress or romper because it’s one step faster than two pieces. Rompers are a go-to during the summer. I found this cute ikat print at J. Crew and it actually fits the baby bump, so that’s a plus too. It’s just so easy which is exactly what busy mamas need. Even on vacation, there’s never a dull moment and rarely time for primping. I’ll definitely break this guy out again next summer. It also comes in black and it’s currently on sale. Not too shabby for a Monday.

photos by Mari Rice

Coffee Talk, Eats, Featured, Friday Five, Lifestyle, Travel

This & That, Here & There

July 29, 2016

Tryst coffee shop in D.C. - LZ’s old stomping grounds!

I am so thankful I took a full four-day weekend to visit my very best friend. Supposedly, it takes a minimum of that many days to truly unwind from work. She’s even better than how I remembered, and I feel rejuvenated until we meet again (here in Houston!) in October.

These strangers unwind and relax sans a vaca.

This year’s presidential election have your political compass out of whack? See where you really stand.

These shrimp tacos are on the menu to cook with my mom tonight. We’re savoring summer’s best ingredients while we still can; next up’s okra and fresh Fredericksburg peaches are soon to follow.

I tried SoulCycle for the first time in D.C. when I spotted a studio a stone’s throw away from Merl’s house on 14th. I dug it and experienced some of this, but I’m not an addict…yet.

As I continue to fine tune my photography skills, I’m struck by professionals who’ve found their signature style. Like Irene Suchocki who makes all cities look magical when peering through her lens.

‘Til next time,

Molly Bridget of Bridget’s Own Diary