
What. A. Week.
The Hurley House AC gave up the ghost and breathed her last. We did our best to push through and work in the heat, but on Wednesday we had to close, and we remained closed the rest of the week while the new unit was being installed.
These things are never convenient are they? And always so freaking expensive. Truly, I am grateful, in the midst of the inconvenience and expense. I was able to spend several days at home with my children, sleep in a few mornings, and (hello!) we will now have a brand new AC which will only make this summer more enjoyable.
Here is what we talked about this week…

ONE.
On Monday I was part of a crew of celebrity judges at the Ranger’s front office baking contest. It was a blast. The event was well-organized, the entries were creative and delicious, and it was so fun to meet and connect with other local bakery owners. I love when a community of people who are technically competitors can instead be sources of collaboration and connection. So good for my heart and my mind to be reminded of how we are all on the same team.
TWO.
This week we were able to test out the effectiveness of mobile cooling units. Two thumbs WAY DOWN. If you stand right next to them, you can feel the cool air. But as far as cooling an entire room? Nope. Not even a little bit. I’m not sure how helpful this information will be to you, but in our world, this news was quite disappointing.
THREE.
kate spade. I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that she is gone. Her style, her whimsy, her creativity and flair for being equal parts classic and quirky played an influential role in my life. My first “real” handbag was her classic black Sam bag twenty years ago. I carried that bag until it fell apart. I own her jewelry. I have a pair of her shoes. I use her calendar. My favorite poolside caftan is hers. Her coffee table book is on my dresser. Everywhere I turn, kate is there. I feel sad when I look at her whimsical touches that accessorize my life and think about how she died.
FOUR.
Have you been to the Central library in downtown Fort Worth? It’s the only library my children and I visit, and it is a treasure. Beautiful archetecture. An enormous children’s wing. Super easy to access. And I always feel very metropolitan and sophisticated when we go.
FIVE.
On multiple occasions this week I found myself having conversations with people in which the subject of authenticity came up. Specifically, in all of these conversations, we talked about how frustrating and off putting it can be when the image that is portrayed online does not match up with reality. I have done a lot of hard work personally to get to a place where I am comfortable allowing myself to be seen. I always hope to promote an environment of “what you see is what you get,” meaning the image presented matches up with reality. But I know that even here, on a blog, with styled photographs and edited copy, it can quickly become a place of perceived perfection. Yes, I strive for beauty in all things, and I believe in doing this with excellence. My heart is to also be transparent with my struggle, and to bring you in to my world so that we can connect and find commonality. I hope I do this well.
SIX.
I discovered this recipe for Strawberry Summer Water (barely a recipe, more an idea) and immediately whipped up a huge batch in a gallon pitcher. I have been refilling it for the past three days, and I am obsessed. This will be keeping me well-hydrated all summer long, and my children love it too. The best part? It turns the prettiest shade of pink, which is the kind of detail that makes me smile big.
Have a lovely weekend!
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