Texas: Magnolia Market

MY TRIP TO TEXAS FINALLY CAME!  It did not occur to me that I should visit Magnolia Market in Waco until the day before I was planned to fly to Texas.  Eric and I both love watching Fixer Upper and both dream of living in Texas again one day and picking that area.  I've been home to Texas two other times since it opened, but never made plans to go and I don't know why!  I'm so happy it worked out this trip.  It was a blast.

The first thing you have to understand about Magnolia Market at the Silos is it is very well thought out.  The idea is genius.  The design is beautiful.  It has Joanna Gaines ALL over it.  I love the episode where she brings Chip to this location and tells him she has a dream for it.   It also happened to be the Silos Baking Company's one year birthday!  It was a HUGE celebration.  The balloons were magical! 

First, we walked around just taking it all in.  There is a huge pavilion with picnic tables, more shaded picnic tables, a stage, food trucks with yummy smelling food, and the recognizable grassy opening with swing sets and games.  This is what I loved the most.  You don't have to pay a thing to walk onto the ground of Magnolia Market.  It's a great family atmosphere to hang out and throw the football or frisbee (that are provided complimentary) with your family.  

Next, we checked out the store.  That was something else, especially if it's your style.  I did get a few things like a magnet (we're that couple that collects them) 😂 and a magnolia t-shirt and a mug! #souvenirs. 

It was hot and humid.  But no worries, they provided umbrellas for everyone to block the heat and provide shade.  Like what??  HOW THOUGHTFUL! 

I did not know that there was a garden as well.  It was charming and enjoyable to explore! 

The bakery was adorable.  I'm not one to stand outside in long lines, but come on, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a cupcake.  I was amazed how quickly and efficiently the line moved into and through the bakery.  

And the BEST part... biting into this yummy cupcake.  I got the Birthday Cupcake and it was SO good.  I'd rather eat a chocolate cookie than a piece of cake or cupcake, so I was really surprised how much I did like it!   

Thanks Mom for taking me!  I will definitely take as many future trips back with friends and family.  

Things to Look Forward to

This is really the first time that I have been BORED with routine.  I usually thrive on it and feel content.   I have an itch to leave St. George, which I've never had before because I really love living here.  It is probably because we have such fun trips planned.  I am looking forward to the rest of the year and wish it was all happening this week!

 
OFFICAL COUNTDOWN :
Texas: 5 weeks, 1 day
California: 7 weeks, 5 days
Snowbird family reunion: 11 weeks
Idaho: 12 weeks
HAWAII: 20 weeks, 2 days

I booked my trip to Texas at the beginning of January!  I'm taking this trip solo, but I'm excited to go back to my home away from home and spend time with my family and friends.

Okay, I know the itch is because I spend 100% of my free time researching Hawaii.  I have 50+ new bookmarks saved, 100 or so pinterest pins and always a tab open to youtube to discover activities and hikes to.  Eric and I have never really took a "vacation" together.  This is a huge trip that I am being OCD about.  I know it will be a trip of a life time and that is why I am putting so much effort into planning and perfecting an itinerary.  Oahu and Maui, we are coming for you!

Our California and Idaho trips are both for weddings!  One is for a best friend and I am so excited to be with my group of college friends again.  The second is for Eric's brother and family weddings are always a great time! 

 
I've recently been wanting a change at my job.  So I decided to switch to doing day shifts for the time being.  My last day shift job was insanely busy and I would usually end up working 14 hour shifts (4 days in a row).  So when I was told I would have to start on night shifts at my current job I was okay with that.  It felt like a break and I ended up LOVING it.  I love the night shift staff and I had a great schedule.  Somehow I made it 13 months working night shifts and I feel like my health can't take it any longer.  I'm giving up working with some of my favorite nurses and CNA's and being able to attend church every Sunday, but I feel that my health is more important. The best to sum it up is I feel like I have jet lag constantly.  On my 4 days off a week I feel exhausted, grumpy, sluggish... and not enjoying life.  And shout out to you if you maintain a physically fit body and perfect nutrition plan working night shifts.  Some weeks that feels impossible!  I felt like this feeling/realization all came in the same week.  At the end of the week I was called for work to just check on how I was doing on night's (because I never see anyone from administration) and there was an opportunity to switch if I wanted to.  I didn't have to think twice and knew it was a type of change I was needing.  I also realized how happy it made Eric when I told him. He looked at me with his large brown eyes, he started to smile and said "I get to sleep with you every night?" ❤️ 

Now some super random photos... I really need to be better at taking pictures.

We enjoyed a night at a Brian Regan show with Eric's family. 

Brian Regan and the opening act were both super great! 

Still enjoying our evenings with our view and we got this fun fire pit.   The city has also put a new bike path in very close to the house and I'm really excited to start using it!

Eric worked his buns off and bought himself a dirt bike.  I have to hand it to him... it's a pretty awesome bike and he really loves it.  I took this picture of him with his new bike on my new DSLR camera.  I have no idea what I'm doing with it, but I am excited to learn! 

Before he took off for church. I just follow behind in my car 😂

We are coming up on a YEAR since we moved into our new home.  Maybe some people feel like they have everything unpacked and organized way before a year mark hits.  But I know I still have 3 boxes stuffed away that I want to have sorted before.  I also want to do a huge update from when we first moved in to a year later!  

More House Projects!

About every other week I put a decoration on the wall.  And I consider that excellent progress!  I'm a little nervous each time I put a hole in our brand new walls, so I want to make sure what I am doing is exactly what I want.  There is a small wall that I was 99% sure what I wanted to do with it and it involved finding geometric shelves to hang. I searched and searched, then found a set I liked and was reasonably priced.  I was about to click purchase online when Eric walked in from work.  I showed him what I was planning to do and he said "I'll make that for you!" 

And that is just what he did!  I seriously lucked out with this handy husband of mind. This is the FIRST one he made and I am shocked how well it came out.  I was going to wait to post the shelf stained and hanging on the wall, but I couldn't wait!  There are a few improvements we will make to the next one we make and that is the one that I am going to hang.  We had so much fun making it and I love it!