Southern Hospitality

I found fall!

It was right here is Texas, all along. Never made it to California, so I had to travel here to find it. 

Everyone knew I was from out of town, by the way my mouth hung open as I gazed into the trees.  The colors are like nothing you've seen before... well unless you live here. :) 

Staying with Anthony's parents in their gorgeous home, I felt spoiled. We even had a cute coffee bar upstairs, so we could enjoy a cup in bed. His mom is so thoughtful. I snapped some pictures around their home, because I was so in love with the decor. 

Deb really did a fantastic job styling and decorating everything. 

This chandelier was brought all the way back from Italy, they have moved it from their home in California. Who could blame them, it's gorgeous! Their home had a ton of custom work done by the builder. The floor plan is nicely laid out and flows from room to room. 

Treated to freshly baked croissants every morning. 

My bathroom had a Buddha statue and was very spa like. 

This amazing light fixture was actually carved from a tree in the front yard. It's suspended from the vaulted ceilings and adds just the right touch to their kitchen. 

A few more details. 

Deb has been hunting for all things peacock lately.

Another Buddha statue, guards the fireplace. 

The picture above, is taken from the landing that runs the length of the great room. It's the prettiest hand scraped wood, and I'm bummed I didn't get a picture of the underside. The home is filled with natural light from huge windows throughout. 

Maddie posing as a model in front of the kitchen cabinets. 

Yes, that is real pasta enclosed in the front paneling of the drawers. 

An inexpensive touch, that adds a ton of flare. 

My big fat Texas Thanksgiving

Traveling to Texas for the Thanksgiving holiday was such a fun experience!

Brought Maddie along for the trip and she had a great time being one of the "big dogs."

Why did I go to Texas? My sister's fiance's family lives there. The moms  conspired  planned to have both families together for the weekend, so everyone could spend it together. They opened their home for us, to stay with them (which is amazing and I will share some of my favorite decor) and we just felt right at home. With two sets of parents, one sister, one brother, one engaged couple and three dogs. The term full house, was an understatement. 

sunrise as we took off 

They live in a town named McKinney, which is about 45 minutes outside of Dallas. On Friday we went downtown to see it, what a cute place. Great restaurants and shopping, I was so in love with all of the home stores. I could have redecorated my apartment twice with all the decor I fell in love with. You really did feel like you took a trip through time. 

One of the vintage shops we went in, was actually converted from the old bank location. Three full size vaults were still in tact, at the back of the store. 

The town was hosting a Christmas market when we went. They had everything blocked off with vendors and food stands and rides. I actually went on the ferris wheel, I normally sit it out because my mom doesn't like to ride them.. and I don't want her to get lonely. 

Sister looking cute and matching the leaves.

So much charm, everywhere you turned. 

We ate at Rick's Chophouse which was very good. I can't say I ate any chops (I'm a vegetarian) but I did enjoy my delicious salad and extra spicy bloody mary. ;) It was very dark and masculine when you walked in, but I appreciated all the old brink and cool art. Even the bathroom was neat!

On the last day, we visited the best grocery store in the entire world. No.. the actual name is the Central Market.. but it was the coolest one I have visited. They had samples throughout the store including wine  what??

And they had a huge variety of local products and produce. Tons or organic and holistic things and the best nut butter bar. I tried to get a sample, but then my Dad brought me a paper cup. 

"taste testing" 

This was a cool bar where we stopped to get a drink after visiting the Christmas market. The catch is that they had no liquor license.. so you had to "become a member" in order to have a drink. 

my sister enjoying a refreshing root beer float

Kendal and Anthony being adorable.