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Spring in Waco, Texas 2018
Girls Spring Break Getaway to Waco, Texas
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Fixer Upper, you’ve probably gotten to the end of the show thinking, “Can it really be that picture perfect in Waco?” Well, my friends, the answer is YES. This weekend getaway was about as good as it gets. Time with my best friends and exploring all Waco has to offer. Spring break was perfect this year!
First stop: Texas Tulips!
We went straight from the airport to Texas Tulips. The small tulip farm in Pilot, Texas was the perfect backdrop for my first set of pictures. Owen and CJ willingly posed in baskets and gave me the biggest smiles. I will not confirm or deny if their mamas were dancing like fools waving around a container of snacks.
If you go to Waco, Texas and you don’t stop at Torchy’s Tacos-- you made a mistake. This is my favorite taco spot in Texas. Their Queso is killer and they have the tastiest tacos you ever did eat. The tables are just the right size for endless baskets of chips and a game or two of spades.
Clayton loved pointing at everything on this trip!
We made sure to hit a few antique shops and vintage markets while we were there. The best finds came from the Cedar Chest in McGregor, Texas.
Nothing makes this girl happier than finding the perfect vintage book and toast separator.We indeed had some great finds this day.
Magnolia Market:
Magnolia, sweet Magnolia! Every detail was perfect! White brick, vintage trucks, flowers, and the perfect spot to take a picture everywhere you looked. Chip and Joanna have thought of everything. It was so fun to see the silos in person again and see how much has changed since the last time Andrew and I visited. The biggest addition to Magnolia is Magnolia Table. After a short wait we sat down at the perfect table. The food was everything we expected and then some. If you are wondering how much I really loved my pancakes, just take a look here. ;)
The Silos Baking Co. established in 2016. One of my favorite photo spots! Although it was Sunday, we decided to pop by Magnolia anyways to get these photos while no one would be there! So glad we did this!
Clayton was apparently mesmerized by all that Waco charm. That or he secretly had a leaf in his mouth pretty much the entire time we were there...Clayton: "I think I should probably tell mom about my new chew toy."Brooke: "What do you have in your mouth kid? Is that a leaf? Oh, It is.
"Three words: Steel. City. Pops.
The best popsicles this side of the Mississippi! You can’t go wrong with coconut dipped in dark chocolate or pineapple. Owen and CJ couldn’t agree more.
Magnolia Table + Magnolia Market
Monday was my favorite day in Waco because it was filled to the brim with Magnolia! Started the morning off with breakfast at the new Magnolia Table! It was amazing!! Everything was picture perfect and tasted delightful. After breakfast, we stopped by a well known Waco park to capture a few portraits of Emily and her husband Caleb. After our quick session we headed over to Magnolia Market again! :) After a wonderful time at Magnolia Market it was time for a sweet treat--Heritage Creamery, a local ice cream shop! How cool is their ice cream van!? They have amazing flavors like Honey Lavendar. Then we walked next door to grab some coffee at Common Grounds!
We spent our last day in Waco enjoying Emily's homemade pancakes and a scenic walk before heading to the airport. It was such a wonderful trip from beginning to end! Till next time Waco!
Trip to Italy | Part V: Venice, Burano & Assisi, Italy
Italy Part V: Venice, Burano & Assisi
The last few cities that wrapped up our trip to Italy were breathtaking, to say the least! The best was definitely saved for last! Burano, the colorful island. Assisi, humble yet grand. Venice, pure, glorious magic. Italy really treated us wonderfully and we can't wait to be back!
Venice, Italy
Our final few days in Italy were spent in some of Italy's most unique and gorgeous areas. After leaving the Tuscany area we began to make our way toward Venice. VENICE! One of the main places in Italy I had always dreamt of visiting! I couldn't wait to walk down the streets, to see a gondola and take way too many photos! This was the place I took the most photos and we were only there for about 8 hours total! Venice was captivating. The time we had there wasn't nearly enough but the time that we did have was amazing!
Italy really has amazing scenic views on their highways! The first evening in Venice we went on our first excursion--a Seafood dinner and seeing the city by night! My man, looking like a model. My first views of Venice were at golden-hour, so you know I was in heaven! Golden-hour in Venice... Magic. Thanks for this photo, Alexa Sedge! Simply breathtaking. Because romantic photos in Venice are a must! Thanks again, Alexa! I love that birds were constantly flying into my shots! So amazing! We ended our evening in Venice with a 4-course seafood dinner! It was amazing!
Day Two in Venice
The next morning we left bright and early back to Venice. The city looks so different in the morning. Take me back! Then it was time for our gondola ride! Our gondolier! Thanks for these photos Dave! I turned this next photo into a canvas for my house and I find myself staring at it often. This one is a canvas too! Love this one so much! Thanks for this quick photo random stranger! ;) Then we had a quick and delightful lunch in this spot! One of my favorite moments in Venice. Eating delicious Italian sandwiches as we watched the gondolas passing by... perfection. My happy place. After lunch, we found this spot. I saw the light and it stopped me in my tracks!Naturally, we took way too many photos! ;) New favorite photos of my handsome hubby! Always carrying my bag... my hero. And just like that our time in Venice came to a very sad end. We boarded a boat to Burano. But the small island was just as unique and alive... so that distracted me for a bit! ;)
Burano, Italy
Where do I begin with Burano? This colorful little island was filled with charm, history and so much color! After our 45-minute scenic boat ride from Venice, we arrived in Burano! As soon as we stepped foot on the island my eyes were fascinated by the colors. Naturally, it began to lightly rain and continued the entire time we were there!
At first, I was annoyed. But after walking around in the rain for a few minutes I began to notice that the vividly colored buildings seemed to pop off the gray sky even brighter. So that was the day I really tested out my camera's weather seal (it held up perfectly)!
Later, when I saw the photos, I realized I couldn't have asked for better weather! The rain made this city sparkle. Puddles on the floor reflected the vivid colors surrounding them! Plus, the light was evenly dispersed over the entire city and umbrellas popped up everywhere, adding only more color. It was magical.
We just had to get dessert in Burano after having lunch in Venice. ;) Mint chip and dark chocolate, of course. We miss gelato so much. Then we said goodbye to Burano and headed back to Venice to pick up the rest of our group. We said goodbye to Venice from the boat. So sad. Then the next morning we were off! We headed South West to Assisi. Fields of yellow flowers and cappuccinos make my heart so happy. I can almost still taste it. The views on our drive to Assisi were breathtaking! Take me back to ITALY!!
Assisi, Italy
Easter Sunday was mostly spent traveling back to Roma but during this very scenic travel day we had one more city to visit--Assisi! This little city was filled with charm and gorgeous sights. Although we spent more of our time there shopping and eating, we loved everything we saw!
Basilica Papale di San Francesco d'Assisi
So thankful Dave, Alexa & I were able to orchestrate this group photo; I brought my tripod and wireless remote. After a few minutes, we had everyone set up! It's not perfect but it's a photo with everyone we had an amazing time with! We made such great friends with everyone on this trip! I can now say I have friends in Canada, South Africa & New Zealand (just to name a few!)Such a wild, fun bunch! Thank you for these photos, Ed Mansell! That's Molly on the bottom of the next photo with her arms up! Miss you Molly!! This view was spectacular! Jill & Ron and Janelle & Dave, friends that live in different states back home but met in Italy to share a vacation together! #GOALS Thanks guys for sharing a gondola with us in Venice! :) Next stop, our last gelato in Italy! :(
Andrew went with yummy flavors like chocolate and Biscotti (which I just had to taste, and it was amazing) and I went with something other than chocolate and coconut or mint for once and really regretted it! I got lemon and strawberry! WHY?? Oh well, it looked really pretty. ;)
Andrew was the smart one who got pizza before we left Assisi... I was too distracted to eat, making that the second thing to regret. Then we arrived back in Rome and shared one last evening with our friends! And we prepared for our bittersweet early morning flight back home! Saying goodbye to Italy wasn't goodbye. It was, see ya later, Italy! We will be back! ;)
SEE MORE FROM OUR TRIP TO ITALY BY CLICKING THE NAMES OF THE CITIES BELOW!
Trip to Italy: Tuscany | Part: IV Florence + Pisa
Florence, Italy
On the third day in Tuscany, we spent the whole day in Florence. We visited a leather factory, then had a guided tour by a local guide and had a ton of free time for eating and shopping! Florence is such a large lively city filled with so much history!
We started our day early to spend the whole day exploring this incredible city! First stop was a leather factory and shop! Then we had a bit of free time that we spent in a coffee shop of course! Fun fact: The Netflix show Medici: Masters of Florence gives such an interesting view into the lives of the Medici family and how Florence became what it is today! Then we began our guided tour of Florence! Loved the architecture in Florence!
It wasn't a good day for this bike...
This was Michelangelo's childhood home!
And that was our day in Florence!
Pisa, Italy
On the fourth day in Tuscany we spent a good chunk of the day traveling to Venice, but before arriving in Venice we stopped in Pisa, Italy! Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa was a sight to see! After taking too many photos, we walked around the adorable town and found Andrew a bakery that finally had some Cannolis! He had been looking for some the whole trip! I also got my favorite, a Lobster Tail Pastry and it was SO GOOD!!
Then we were off to Venice!!
See more from our trip to Italy by clicking the names of the cities below!
Trip to Italy | Part III: San Gimignano, Greve + Lucca
San Gimignano, Greve & Lucca
After traveling through Orvieto and Siena we continued to head north along the West Coast of Italy. Our next stops were: San Gimignano, the town of towers, Greve, for wine tasting and Lucca, for an amazing dinner! Every one of these cities had its own charm and incredible history. We witnessed some of the most breathtaking views during this part of our trip and I am so excited to share more from our trip to Italy!
San Gimignano, Italy
San Gimignano, also known as the "city of beautiful towers." At one point in time the town had 72 towers but now only 14 remain. The towers rise above Tuscany's Elsa Valley and make the town look like a medieval dreamscape.
The views from the edges of this town were amazing! Thanks again for these portraits, Alexa Sedge! Andrew climbed up the 177-foot Torre Grossa and captured these amazing views! He actually captured me in the photo below---I'm the white spec with the hat in the bottom right corner! ;) Then it was time for some amazing gelato! Coconut + dark chocolate. Colors of Tuscany--breathtaking.This walkway along the edge of the town gave an incredible panoramic view! We often forgot to grab food during our free time in every city... So as we would be running to get back to our meet up point in time, we would grab a quick slice of pizza! Cheese + Prosciutto. Delicious.
Greve, Italy
After visiting San Gimignano and its magnificent towers we made our way to Greve in Chianti for a tour of the Castello Vicchiomaggio winery! We learned how they craft and store their famous wine---The Chianti Classico. Afterward, we had a delicious wine tasting while overlooking a breathtaking panoramic view of Tuscany.
I really wanted to stop for a photo in that field of yellow flowers! This is where their wine is kept.Sneaking off for a second to get this shot was totally worth it! Then it was time for some VINO! Amazing wine! While everyone stayed inside sipping their wine, I immediately took mine outside for this view!! Then I dragged Andrew out for some portraits of course! Thank you for these shots, Ange Sedgwick!
Montecatini, Italy
We stayed in a lively town called Montecatini Terme for two nights while we explored the surrounding cities of Tuscany. Montecatini Terme is a more modern town established in the early 1900's. It is known for its Thermal Waters which have been known to help relieve arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems, and a few other ailments.
We stayed at the Hotel Settentrionale Esplanade! It was a gorgeous hotel! Tuscany was filled with these extremely fragrant purple flowers! I want these here in Florida! And look at that rosemary!! If only my rosemary plant would grow like that! All ready for a yummy dinner!
Lucca, Italy
After a fun-filled day in San Gimignano, Greve and Montecatini, we headed to Lucca for a farm-to-table dinner at Fattoria il Poggio! We learned that, Lucca is actually the town that the movie Pinocchio was based on. It's a quaint little town filled with some gorgeous scenes!
Fattoria il Poggio is a Farmhouse in Montecarlo in the province of Lucca. The grounds are gorgeous! First, we had an informative tour of their vineyard. It was almost golden hour and the field seemed to glow! Needless to say, all I wanted to do is get some photos taken! Alexa Sedge offered to take some photos of us again! We were and still are so thankful for her willingness to document so many sweet moments in Italy! Then they showed us where they made their cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil! Their olive oil was so good that I brought some home! Then it was time for dinner! Four courses of deliciousness. I was so busy enjoying the food that I forgot to capture the other two! Tiramisu, my favorite!! We finished the night walking around Montecatini Terme! It is a very lively and beautiful town at night!
