Pumpkin Patchin’

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One of the things we really wanted to do with Addison this fall was visit a pumpkin patch. We wanted to do it last year, but we just never got around to it. To be honest, I think it turned out perfectly, as she wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much as she did this year.

We went to a local farm that also had a few animals available for petting, which Addy really enjoyed. They also had several games and “rides,” but those were not really age appropriate for her yet, so we enjoyed the animals and the pumpkins. Actually, Addy’s favorite thing seemed to be climbing on all of the hay bales in the “pick your pumpkin” area.

We were happy to spend a gorgeous Colorado fall day together and pick a couple of pumpkins to bring home and carve.

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Albuquerque Style

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Pink sweater from Marshalls, AE tank, Lucky Brand skirt, BP booties, Rebecca Minkoff Regan Satchel Tote, Tiffany & Co lock necklace, James Avery Turquoise Ear Posts.

Last weekend, we traveled to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta for the third year in a row. I absolutely love New Mexico; the food, the history, the landscapes, the fact that our really good friends live there, and obviously, the Balloon Fiesta and the magic that it is.

The day started out so warm, so I pulled out my favorite denim skirt (that I got for a steal on ebay!) and styled it with a super-soft pink light sweater, and some black booties. Did I mention I love boots of all kinds? I might have mentioned that once before.

Each year, we try to see a bit more of the city and perhaps another joint from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. We began our day at Pueblo Harvest Cafe, which was actually featured on Guy’s Family Road Trip. The funny thing is, I totally found this place before that episode ever aired. I guess I know how to pick ’em. 😉 We enjoyed a delicious breakfast there and a fun day exploring antique stores around the city.

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Flea Finds: Pins

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I am so behind on blogging all of the fun things we have been up to, but there are little peeks on Instagram if you’re interested. 😉

One of my favorite things to look for while flea-ing are fun, vintage pins, which you may have noticed appearances of in other posts. I think it all started with pin trading at Disney and just ballooned. I usually choose pins that represent places we have been or bring back some sort of memories. I like stories and I love finding things that have a story, especially if they represent my story.

Arizona reminds me of visiting the Grand Canyon with friends in 2015, it was so cold and we only had a few hours to spend there, but totally worth braving. The Six Flags pin brings back so many fond childhood memories of all the time spent at Six Flags over Texas with my parents and siblings while growing up. The New Mexico pin reminds me of all the time spent in the state with our wonderful friends, whether it was stopping on the way through to and from California at Christmas, or the three Balloon Fiestas we have now attended together. The Texas with the state flower is definitely near to my heart AND my roots. The Sandia Peak pin reminds me of going to the peak with our friends when I was halfway through my pregnancy with Addison and just enjoying the large portion of the day there, taking in the magnificent views.

I have to mention the glass slipper pin, because as I said, I love stories. 😉 I first spotted it last fall while perusing one of our favorite antique stores in town. I honestly almost walked right past it, but I am glad I looked a little closer. It is a vintage Disney pin that I immediately fell in love with. I did not, however, love the price. I decided to wait it out, even though I was so afraid each time I visited that it would be gone. I watched it for almost a year, until the vendor of the booth priced all their jewelry 50% and I grabbed that thing up quick! I am so excited and can’t wait to wear it on our upcoming trip to Disney.

Do you have any fun collections that you love adding to?

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Zoo Style

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Banana Republic dress from Ebay, Thrifted Matilda Jane sweater, Nordstrom Rack flats, Goorin Bros. cloche, James Avery necklace charms, Pandora bracelet. 

Jason and I have been talking about visiting the Denver Zoo for a while now, and we finally decided to go this past weekend. It has been pretty warm here in Colorado, so a light sweater and sleeveless dress worked perfectly! I found this dress a while back on Ebay and have been waiting for the right occasion to wear it, and the zoo felt like the definite right place.

We loved the Denver Zoo! It was gorgeous, had a great variety of animals and interactions with the animals for guests to see, and the food was so good too! If you’re on the fence, go! You won’t be disappointed.

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City Eats: Extraordinary Desserts, San Diego

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When Jason and I visited San Diego, one of the places I wanted to visit most was Extraordinary Desserts. When trip planning, the piece I get most excited about is definitely searching out the best food spots. When I stumbled upon Extraordinary Desserts, I knew it had to happen. I mean, look at those insanely beautiful desserts!

So, after spending several hours at Balboa Park, we walked across town to enjoy an afternoon treat. It took me a ridiculously long time to decide, but I finally chose the strawberry shortcake – so, so good! Jason ordered the banana cream pie. Both desserts were delicious! If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, try to make it over to Extraordinary Desserts, your stomach (and your eyes) will thank you.

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A Day in Vail

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Though we have lived here almost a year and a half already, we are just beginning to check some places off of our Colorado To-See list. We spent a day in Vail with my sister and niece recently and we all really enjoyed ourselves.

We took the scenic route from Colorado Springs, which was so nice and relaxing and we were also rewarded with wonderful vistas and views. We arrived in Vail around lunch time, so we started our day there with a meal at Alpenrose Restaurant, a German-Austrian restaurant. Vail is so reminiscent of Germany, so it only made sense to enjoy a German meal there. Everything was delicious, but hands-down, everyone’s favorite thing was the Spätzel! It was cooked the way we like it, with just a bit of crunch. We dined al fresco and enjoyed people-watching and seeing the festive attire worn by skiers and snowboarders – most went all out, as it was the last ski weekend of the season.

After lunch, we spent time shopping in Vail Village and then walked from there to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, where we were rewarded with stunning views, peaceful streams, and once at the Gardens, the babies were able to enjoy some time on the lawn playing together.

I think our day in Vail was my favorite kind of day: no real plan, no time constraints – just exploring a new place with people I love. The kind of day that fills my soul and that I know I’ll always remember and cherish.

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Silo Style

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Texas Home T, Lace skirt from store in Germany, H&M sweater, Miz Mooz sandals, Fossil watch, Target beaded necklace, Waxing Poetic fleur de lis necklace, James Avery turquoise studs, Lucky Brand hat.

During our time in Waco, we spent some time exploring Magnolia Silos and the city of Waco. We had so much fun eating, exploring, and antiquing our way through Waco. What a fun town! The weather was a warm respite from some of the weather we have been experiencing here in Colorado and I loved pulling out some of my Spring pieces to wear on our trip.

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City Eats: Silos Baking Co., Waco

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Recently, Jason was invited to speak at Baylor University. Since we had already been trying to figure out a time that we would be able to get down to Texas and take in all things Magnolia and Fixer Upper, we were so excited for the opportunity to spend some time in Waco. Of course, at the top of the list of things we wanted to do, was enjoy some treats at Silos Baking Co.

I absolutely loved everything about Silos Baking Co. The black and white decor of the shop, the mix of vintage, modern, and rustic elements that came together so perfectly, the display of the treats – each element complementing the next so effortlessly. This is a place that inspires me to create, to dream.

The treats themselves were just another successful creative element that tied everything together. We sampled the Lemon Lavender, Nuts and Bolts (vanilla cake filled with pecans and walnuts, topped with cream cheese frosting), and the Strawberries ‘N Cream cupcakes. All were delicious, but this cupcake-loving lady surprised even herself by being most enamored with the Silo cookie, a chocolate chip cookie filled with peanut butter chips and walnuts. I think it might be the very best cookie I’ve ever eaten. We loved Waco, the Silos, + that cookie, and cannot wait to get back.

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Fall in the Front Range

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Can you believe these views? Views like these are one of the main reasons I love living in Colorado. Back in the fall, we took a little drive to check out Cripple Creek. While Cripple Creek was a bit of a disappointment, our drive was not. We got to see some of the most gorgeous views, with the foliage in all its fiery glory. We ventured off the beaten path somewhat (which got a bit sketchy there for a bit), but our reward was being able to enjoy the seclusion and just appreciate the beauty of the Front Range.

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State of Mind

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Texas Home T, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Gap jeans, Target sweater, BP boots, Cherry blossom anniversary ring, Coronado Beach sand ring.

My sister, Hayden, and Riley got me a Home T for Christmas and I love it so much. When I wear it, it brings me so much joy! I cannot help but think of home and all the things that are home to me.

The open skies, the stars, sunrises, and sunsets. Long drives on country roads with nothing but wide open spaces for miles. Rangers baseball with my family. Receiving Ruby Red grapefruit in my Christmas stocking growing up. Having Daylight Donuts on Sunday before church, when Dad would treat himself to the massive Apple Fritter and get us kids the plain glazed (which coincidentally are all I crave now when I find a Daylight Donut joint anywhere). Hanging out on Cedar Creek Lake with family. Camping every Memorial Day weekend at Purtis Creek State Park. Going out on the barge with friends and family and spending the day on the lake. Ochoa’s salsa. The Hill Country. Texas Country music. BBQ. Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla. Cowboy boots and hats everywhere. Shiner Bock. Dublin Dr Pepper (RIP). Collin Street Bakery’s fruit cake. Tex Mex. Oxbow Pies in Palestine. Bluebonnets. Seeing the Dallas skyline in the distance, while it is still miles away, specifically distinguished by Reunion Tower. Friday night football. The State Fair and all things fried and delicious and saying hi to Big Tex. H-E-B and Central Market. The Piney Woods. Floating down the Guadalupe River. Vacations at Schlitterbahn. Pat Green. George Strait. Selena. Willie Nelson. The Alamo. Galveston. The Polka Festival in Ennis. The Riverwalk. Dining al fresco at Casa Rio. Gruene Hall. “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas with Willie and Waylon and the boys..” German food in Fredericksburg. Saying hello to everyone you encounter. Clements Scout Ranch (where Jason and I met and got engaged). Whataburger. Twisted Root + their homemade root beer + atomic pickles. Torchy’s Tacos. Salt Lick. Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop. Spending summers at the library with my Mom and siblings. Six Flags and sharing the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had (at least that’s how I will always remember it) with my Dad. Green chile cheeseburgers and Shiner with my Grandparents. Running into people who knew my Dad and share stories and memories that include him. Family. HOME.

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