Dallas: Cold Ones Artisan Paletas

Earlier today we had Cruz's 7th birthday party.

For the past four years he's wanted a water slide and it's always a hit with his friends.
But this year we added Brent Fogarty and his fabulous paleta bike to the mix.

His company, Cold Ones, will come to your event and hand out icy cold Mexican-style popsicles handmade from local/organic ingredients.

Today he brought a slew of orange vanilla bean and lemon lavender and I'm not kidding when I tell you they were so delicious and the perfect thing to eat in the stifling heat.

Everyone at the party raved and Brent and his bike are on my permanent list of recommendations when someone asks me for something that will add an instant layer of cool to their event. Click here to see the Cold Ones facebook page.

San Antonio: The Monterey

I'm itching to take a trip down south to SA to see my familia, but work is prohibiting me from doing much else but write. Aside from hanging out with my grandmother and watching forensics shows with her, I'm dying to go to The Monterey for dinner.

I went to a party at owner Chris Hill's home when I was in Careyes for Sara Beltran's birthday in May. Chris was crazy nice and we talked about Monterey as well as his other watering hole, The Esquire Tavern.

The menus at both places look mouthwatering - the corn with lime yogurt, chile and cojita and octopus with white curry and country ham at The M have my name all over them - and I feel that with John Besh's Luke and the upcoming opening of Andrew Weissman's Luxury, SA is having a foodie moment.

Photo courtesy of www.style-extraordinaire.com

Dallas, Houston, SA, Austin: Army Navy Store

Just about every city has an Army/Navy store. I visited one earlier this week - seriously, if you know a 6 to 10 year old boy this place is a gold mine of birthday presents - and unexpectedly purchased a few things for myself.

Those friendship bracelets that everyone is wearing right now? There's enough colorful rope and cord here for you to make hundreds.
A cross body messenger bag
Dozens of lightweight scarves
I bought myself a knit navy wool hat
And this wool sweater also came in navy. Would be so cute with some cut off shorts and Isabel Marant Dickers boots.

Houston: BHLDN

My son's birthday party is this weekend and the opening of BHLDN in Houston is making me want to head down there for some party supplies (and stop at Buc-ee's along the way. Cannot get enough of their jerky sticks and Beaver Nuggets, these totally addictive sweet crunchy treats).

It's the ultimate destination for all those Amy Atlas-esque mix and match decorations. Here's a peek at some of their soiree decor nooks.
I can't get enough of paper pom poms. Doesn't matter what color, I love them.

Houston: Mortar

Even though Mortar traffics specifically in men's clothing, it's still one of my must-stops when I'm in Houston. The lines they carry - Hamilton Shirts, Rag & Bone, Farm Tactics, Garrett Leight California Optical - are always inspiring and beautifully made with great stories behind the designers.

I'm constantly checking out their blog, which is seriously one of the best ones out there. It's always thoughtful and gives great information. I kind of consider it the place to go when I want to know something that I already don't, when I want an insider-y newsy nugget to toss out to my friends that will give me instant cool cred.
This month they've received some new books from Assouline. Be sure to read their blog. I promise you'll be hooked.