I’ve been seeing so many adorable Bible DIYs floating around TikTok lately, and they’ve completely inspired me to add a little extra sweetness to mine. I’ve always loved making my own bookmarks for my Bible, but recently I’ve been wanting to do something a bit more. I think part of it is because our Bibles are so much more than just books… they’re living and active, the very Word of God. And for me, making them personal and beautiful is another way of honoring the time I spend in them.
Happy Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start. We had such a good weekend and it truly went by way too fast. Isn’t that always how it goes? Even when we try to slow down and stay home as much as we can, time still seems to slip right through our fingers. We have definitely been in our homebody era and loving it, but the days still move quickly. This weekend was a good mix of going out and staying home. Anyhow, here’s a look at what our weekend looked like.
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year... a season filled with family, food, and all the cozy feelings that make my heart so full. But if I’m being honest, it can also be a season that gets loud, busy, and a little overwhelming if I’m not careful. Between traveling, cooking, cleaning, and trying to make everything “just right,” it’s easy for the peace and gratitude I want to feel to get buried under the to-do list.
There’s something about Thanksgiving that just feels sacred... a whole day set aside for gratitude, family, and slowing down long enough to remember how blessed we really are. It’s one of my favorite days of the year...the smells from the kitchen, the laughter of family, the coziness that fills the house.
But it’s also easy for Thanksgiving to slip into routine... the same menu, the same rush, the same checklist of things to do. So this year, I’m being intentional about creating moments that make it feel a little more meaningful... a little more memorable... and a whole lot more centered on thankfulness and Jesus.
Happy Thursday, friends!
We’re already into the second week of November, and I’m still amazed at how quickly this year is flying by. I’ve been trying to slow down a little more lately, to savor the cozy evenings, the cool Texas air, and all of the little things that make this season so special. It’s so easy to rush ahead toward the holidays, but I don’t want to miss what God’s doing right here, right now.
Like I mentioned last week, I’m spending each Thursday this month sharing five things I’m thankful for...a simple list, but one that helps me reflect and refocus my heart. Gratitude really does shift our perspective. So here’s what I’m thankful for this week...
Happy Wednesday, friends! I hope you're having a great week so far. We've been busy cleaning, decorating for Christmas, baking, cooking... all the things. It usually takes me a couple of weeks to fully decorate for the season. I like to pull everything out, look through it all, and decide what I’m going to use this year. Then I start placing things where they feel right. I move pieces around until everything just clicks. I also love to craft and DIY along the way...sometimes updating things I already have and other times creating something brand new. There’s just something about putting on Christmas music, lighting a candle, and getting creative with holiday décor that makes me so happy.
How long does it take you to decorate for Christmas? I always start in November because I love to soak in the season for longer than just the month of December. There’s so much joy and peace that comes with twinkling lights and cozy evenings at home, and I don’t want to rush through it.
Anyhow, it’s time for this week’s Hodgepodge... so let’s jump into it!
This fall looked a little different than years past... but honestly, it was exactly what our hearts needed. We didn’t check off nearly as many “bucket list” activities as we usually do...no jam-packed weekends, no rushing from one event to the next...but instead, we soaked up something far more meaningful: time together. The kind of slow, simple days that remind you what really matters.
Even though I love a good tradition (and y’all know I do!), I’m learning to find peace in letting go of the pressure to do all the things. There’s a special kind of beauty in just embracing the season you’re in...not the perfectly curated one, but the real, lived-in one. This fall was quieter, cozier, more intentional... filled with laughter at home, slow evenings, and those small, sacred moments that tend to linger longest. And truthfully? That’s more than enough for me.
There’s just something about fall that makes me slow down a little. The crisp mornings, golden sunsets, and cozy evenings on the porch invite me to pause, reflect, and spend more time in the presence of the Lord. For me, one of the sweetest ways to do that is through worship music.
Fall feels like a season of gratitude, reflection, and drawing near to Jesus...and the right worship playlist can set the tone for those quiet moments. Whether I’m driving Mason to hockey, sipping coffee on the porch, or journaling in the Word, worship music helps shift my heart from busy to still.
Today I wanted to share my Fall Worship Playlist...a mix of my favorite artists and songs that have been encouraging me in this season.
It’s the 10th of the month, which means another 10 on the 10th! November always feels like a month wrapped in gratitude...the changing leaves, family gatherings, comfort food, and a slower pace before the hustle of December. Today I’m sharing 10 ways I prepare my heart for Thanksgiving.
Fall always has a way of slowing me down... reminding me that just like the leaves, it’s okay to let some things go. It’s the season where God whispers in the wind, “Be still.” The world around me seems to hurry ahead...rushing into the holidays, making lists, decorating, planning...but my heart feels Him pulling me back to simplicity... to rest... to Him.
November always feels like an invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for what truly matters. As the leaves turn and Thanksgiving draws near, gratitude naturally takes center stage. But I’ve found that gratitude doesn’t just stay tucked away in our hearts…it spills over into action. One of the sweetest ways we can live out thankfulness is by showing kindness to others.
The good news? Kindness doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures…a smile, a note, a helping hand…that make the biggest difference. This month, here are 10 simple, meaningful ways to spread kindness in your home, community, and beyond.
Happy Friday! I’m here with another edition of this little series I’m calling Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T. — a weekly roundup of different topics that change with the seasons. This week’s edition is Fall-themed with a heart rooted in faith. Think of it as a peek into my heart and home, kind of like sitting on the front porch with a warm cup of spiced tea, watching the leaves dance in the breeze, and catching up.
This week I am sharing what I’m Reading, Eating, Preparing, Obsessing , Recharging, and Trusting. Let’s jump in…
Happy Thursday, friends!
As the leaves keep falling and the days grow shorter, my heart feels extra full of gratitude lately. I don’t ever want to rush through this season without pausing to truly soak in the goodness of God and the blessings He’s tucked into my days. Big ones, small ones, the everyday-in-between ones... they all matter.
So, for the month of November, I thought it’d be sweet to start a little series here on Hall Around Texas... “Thankful Thursday.” Each week, I’ll share five things I’m thankful for...a simple, reflective list of moments, people, and graces that made my week a little brighter. Because even in the chaos, there’s always something to be thankful for.
Here’s what I’m thankful for this week...
Happy Wednesday, friends!! Just when I thought I was finally going to get caught up in this space... life got busy again! Isn’t that always how it goes? Between work, hockey, crafting, decorating for Christmas, and just the beautiful busyness of life, my days have been full. And honestly, any free time I do get lately has been spent in my Bible, crafting something fun, or tweaking Christmas decorations around the house. There just aren’t enough hours in the day! Still, I couldn’t miss out on one of my favorite link-ups...the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So, let’s jump right in!
Around here, “pumpkin spice season” is practically its own holiday, and our local coffee shops never disappoint when it comes to creative fall drinks. Whether you’re a die-hard pumpkin spice latte fan or just looking for something warm and cozy to sip while strolling downtown, here’s my Waxahachie-style round-up of favorite spots for fall coffee.
When you think of fall foliage, your mind might jump to the mountains of New England or the forests up north. But did you know that Texas has its own share of beautiful autumn color? While we may not have maples on every corner, certain pockets of the Lone Star State come alive each October and November with golden yellows, deep reds, and fiery oranges.
If you’re looking to plan a fall road trip or just want to soak up the beauty of the season, here are some of the best spots in Texas for leaf watching.
Happy Monday, friends! I hope you had the best weekend. We sure did...though, like always, it went by way too fast. Isn’t it funny how that happens? Even with both Nate and I off on Friday, it still felt like the weekend zipped right past us. We were originally supposed to have doctor appointments that morning, but our doctor had a family emergency and had to cancel. So instead, we decided to use the unexpected free day to get a few things done and spend some quality time together as a family. Here’s a little peek at what our weekend looked like…
This time of year feels like a gentle invitation from the Lord to stop rushing, to stop striving, and to simply be thankful. Not just thankful for the big, obvious blessings...but for the small, quiet ones too. The ones that slip by unnoticed when life feels hurried. The ones tucked inside ordinary days... the laughter around the dinner table, the sunsets that stop me in my tracks, the feeling of peace that comes from knowing God is near.
If you’ve been around here long, you know that thrifting is one of my very favorite pastimes. Some days you leave empty-handed, but other days? You walk out with armfuls of goodies that make your heart sing.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that there are a few categories I always gravitate toward when thrifting. These are the things that bring me the most joy, have proven to be the best deals, and add that perfect touch of charm to my home and wardrobe.
Happy Wednesday, friends! I pray you’re having the best week. The weather has finally started to cool off here in Texas and it has me in the absolute best mood. It finally feels like fall, the kind of crisp mornings and breezy evenings that make you want to sit on the porch with a blanket, a Fizz, and your favorite playlist. We’ve had a few days in the 70s and even the 60s, and I’m soaking in every single one of them.
I may have joked about putting up my Christmas décor already... okay, maybe only halfway joked. I promise I’ll wait until Saturday (ha!), but I’m definitely listening to Christmas music as I type this post. There’s just something about those familiar songs that instantly bring joy and peace. Anyhow, it’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge, one of my favorite weekly link-ups. Let’s jump right in!
It’s almost November in Waxahachie, and that means light sweaters, small-town charm, and a full calendar of fun community events. This is one of my favorite times of year here in our little corner of Texas... the air feels crisp, the town square looks extra magical, and there’s something happening just about every weekend.
Whether you’re looking to honor our veterans, sip and shop downtown, enjoy live music, or just soak in the beauty of fall in Waxahachie, there’s something for everyone this month. So grab your planner (or your favorite cozy fall drink) and mark down these upcoming local events!
Fall in Texas may not look exactly like the picture-perfect autumns you see up north, but let me tell you, it has a beauty all its own. While the leaves may not turn as vibrant and the temperatures may not always cooperate, there’s something uniquely Texan about this season that I absolutely love.
From small-town festivals to sunsets that take your breath away, fall in Texas holds some of my very favorite moments. Today I’m sharing 10 things I love about fall in Texas...the simple joys, the traditions, and the little pieces of home that make this season so special.
Hi friends! Life has been so full lately that I feel like I’ve barely had a moment to catch my breath... but I’ve missed sharing in this space, so I’m playing a little catch-up here. Let’s start with a weekend wrap-up! I’m actually kicking things off on Thursday because that’s when it felt like our weekend officially began.
Written on 9/15/2025
Last Tuesday after hockey practice, we stopped by Taco Bueno for supper. Nothing fancy, just an easy weeknight meal together as a family. When we walked in, the young man behind the counter looked at Nate and said he liked his car. He had seen us pull into the parking lot. Nate smiled and told him it was actually Mason’s. He pointed toward Mase, and the kid’s face lit up as he replied, “That’s so awesome. That’s why I’m working here...to save money for my first car.”
Hi friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve shown up in this space, and I’ve missed it. Life has been full lately... in the best ways, but still full. Between a busy work season, adjusting to having a new little kitty (more on that sweet fur baby soon), spending time crafting or DIYing, diving deeper into my Bible studies, and creating videos... the days have just been flying by. I’ve been having so much fun sharing encouragement and the Good News over on TikTok, and I feel like God has really been using that space. But with all of that, I haven’t had as much time to sit down and write here. The last couple of weeks have been filled with scheduled posts, but I’m ready to get back to writing more freely and catching up with all of my sweet blog friends again.
And what better way to jump back in than with Wednesday Hodgepodge, one of my very favorite link-ups? This week we’re chatting about family, the good in the world, the color orange, and a few fun “this or that” questions. Let’s dive in...
One of my very favorite things to do in the fall is simply… go for a drive. There’s something about the combination of cooler air, wide-open skies, and cozy backroads that makes autumn in Texas feel so special. And here in Waxahachie, we’re blessed with some of the prettiest country drives...complete with barns, fields, farm animals, and sunsets that will take your breath away.
For this week’s Waxahachie Wednesday, I wanted to share a guide to some of the best fall drives around Waxahachie. Whether you’re heading out just to clear your mind, or you’re looking for those perfect golden-hour photo spots, these roads deliver all the cozy, small-town vibes.
October in Texas brings cool evenings, pumpkin patches, and the perfect excuse to dive into a few ghost stories. And let’s be honest—Texas has no shortage of them! From historic ghost towns to eerie hotels and campfire legends that have been passed down for generations, there’s plenty to make your spine tingle this spooky season. So grab a blanket, a cup of cider, and let’s explore some of the haunted spots and ghost stories that give Texas its chilling charm.
There’s something about fall that just makes me pause. Maybe it’s the cooler mornings, the leaves drifting down, or the way pumpkins and mums brighten every porch in town. From my own front porch, I see the signs of harvest all around me, and it always nudges my heart toward gratitude. Scripture often connects the idea of harvest with God’s provision, His timing, and the fruit that comes from a faithful life. Today, I thought we could take a moment to reflect on a few verses together.
I’ve always loved decorating for the seasons...there’s just something so fun about refreshing little corners of the house with pumpkins in the fall, twinkle lights at Christmas, or florals in the spring. But here’s the thing: if you buy everything new every season, it can get really expensive, really fast. That’s why one of my favorite secrets (well, not so secret anymore!) is to thrift my seasonal décor.
Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge...a fun little mix of questions that always spark the best conversations. I love how these posts capture bits and pieces of everyday life... from the small joys to the things that make us stop and smile. Let's jump in!
There’s just something about a Saturday morning at the farmers market that makes me smile. The smell of fresh produce, the hum of conversations between neighbors, and the joy of finding that perfect pumpkin or jar of homemade jam...it all feels like small-town Texas at its best. And here in Waxahachie, our Downtown Farmers Market shines especially bright in the fall.
Happy Texas Tuesday, y’all! Fall in the Lone Star State is more than a season...it’s a feeling. Sweater weather, football games, pumpkin spice everything… and the best part? Festivals everywhere you turn. Whether you’re craving rustic charm or city vibes, there’s a fall fest calling your name. Here are a few that make my heart so Texan this year:
There’s something about sitting on the front porch this time of year that feels sacred. The air is just beginning to shift... mornings are cooler, evenings come a little quicker, and the trees whisper that change is near. Fall in Texas may not always show up on the calendar’s exact date, but you can feel it in your bones when it finally does. And in those first hints of autumn, I’m reminded that God is present in every changing season of life.
There’s just something about a pot of chili simmering on the stove that feels like fall in Texas. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for those evenings when the air finally turns a little crisp. Now, I’ll be the first to admit... our favorite chili recipe is not anything super complex or secret. Actually, it’s quite simple. But it’s our favorite, and I think that’s what makes it special.
Happy 10th, friends! That means it’s time for a round of 10 on the 10th.
When I think of fall evenings in Texas, I picture our porch glowing under a cotton candy sunset, a blanket wrapped around my shoulders, and maybe even a hockey game streaming in the background. Today, I thought I’d share 10 cozy things that make fall evenings my absolute favorite.
Happy Thrifted Thursday, friends! You know how much I love this little weekly series... there’s just something so fun about the thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding something unique, and the satisfaction of giving new life to old treasures. This week, I wasn’t necessarily on the hunt for fall décor...mostly because, let’s be honest, I already have plenty of it tucked away in bins and baskets. But you know how it goes... sometimes the best finds are the ones that find you!
Happy Wednesday, friends! You know what this day means around here... it’s Hodgepodge link-up day! I always love these posts because they feel like catching up with old friends over coffee... or maybe a caramel macchiato ;). This week we’re chatting about how far the apple falls from the tree, what we’re nuts and not-so-nuts about, what abundance truly means, our favorite caramel treats, memories that come with falling leaves, and of course... a random thought to wrap it all up. So let’s dive in!
Hey y’all... welcome back to another Waxahachie Wednesday! I love this series so much because it gives me the chance to highlight some of my favorite things about our little hometown, and this week, it’s all about the spooky season!
If you’re looking for something fun, family-friendly, or even a little frightful to do this October, Waxahachie has you covered. From haunted houses to trunk-or-treats to pumpkin-filled festivals, there’s something for everyone in the mix. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, your favorite cozy sweater, and let’s take a little tour through all the fall fun happening around town this Halloween season.
There are few things that scream fall in Texas more than football, cooler evenings, and a big ol’ bowl of chili. And around here, chili isn’t just dinner...it’s practically a love language. Texans take chili seriously (beans or no beans… I won’t start that debate today), and fall is prime time for cook-offs all across the state.
From tiny town squares to big city festivals, chili cook-offs are a staple of Texas culture. They bring people together with live music, cold drinks, local vendors, and of course, simmering pots of spicy, savory goodness. Today, for Texas Tuesday, I thought it’d be fun to round up some of the best fall chili cook-offs in Texas that are worth checking out!
Written on 9/6
It’s Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., and we are headed to our very first hockey game of the new season. The air feels different...crisp with anticipation, heavy with the sound of gear being packed, and light with the chatter of excitement. And as I sat there reflecting, it struck me just how quickly the trajectory of life can change.
My heart is in full-on fall mode right now, and you know what that means… a little fall baking had to happen! There’s just something about the scent of pumpkin and spices filling the house that makes me feel like autumn has officially arrived. Today I wanted to share the simplest little recipe with you. Wait… can I even call it a recipe if it only has two ingredients? lol! Either way, these muffins are too good not to share.
There’s something about fall that just begs for cozy evenings at home, candles flickering, soup simmering on the stove, and soft blankets close by. One of my favorite ways to make our home feel like fall is to whip up a simple DIY simmer pot. It’s natural, inexpensive, and fills every corner of the house with the most wonderful fragrance. Think of it like a hug for your senses!
While the stores are full of autumn-scented candles (and don’t get me wrong, I love them, too!), a simmer pot has its own special charm. There’s something intentional about slicing fresh fruit, sprinkling in spices, and letting it all gently bubble away. And every time I catch that warm, spicy aroma, I’m reminded of God’s goodness in the simple things... even in the fragrance of His creation.
It’s time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge, and I am loving this week's questions!! All things fall, food, and country! Just three of my very favorite things. Let’s jump into the questions...
Every small town has its traditions, the kind of events that bring the community together in ways only locals can understand. For Waxahachie, one of those traditions is Oddfest, a celebration that perfectly captures the quirky, creative, and small-town-friendly spirit of our community.
Fall in Texas may not always come with chilly air and crunchy leaves, but it definitely comes with plenty of pumpkins, hayrides, and family fun! One of my very favorite parts of the season is visiting pumpkin patches and getting lost (on purpose!) in a corn maze. Luckily, Texas is full of both. From small-town charm to big, sprawling farms, there are endless options for a festive fall day.
For this week’s Texas Tuesday, I’m rounding up some of the best pumpkin patches & corn mazes in Texas. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a fun date idea, or just the perfect place for a fall photo op, these Texas favorites have you covered.
Happy Monday! What a wonderful weekend...that went by way too fast. Even with the extra day off on Friday, it still felt like it flew by. But we packed in so much family time, and that is always the best. Here’s a little look at what we were up to...
Written on 8/20/2025
I recently came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks... “A peaceful home is a sanctuary for the soul.” I couldn’t agree more. Over the past several months, I’ve been intentionally working to make our home exactly that… a sanctuary. A place where peace fills the rooms, where laughter echoes through the walls, and where we genuinely love to just be.
Happy Friday, friends! I’m so delighted to share another round of this new little series here on the blog that I’m calling Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T. — a weekly roundup of different topics that shifts with the times and seasons. This week’s theme is extra special because we’re entering my very favorite time of year... fall! 🍂
This week I’m sharing what/how I’m Resting, Embracing, Praying, Overflowing, Rooting, and Thanking. Think of it as a little peek into my heart and home... almost like sitting together on the front porch with a cozy blanket, sipping a warm drink, and catching up on all the things God is stirring in this season. So let’s jump in...
It’s no secret that autumn is my absolute favorite season! There’s just something about when the leaves start to fall, the air turns crisp, and the evenings get a little cooler that makes my heart so happy. While the calendar marks Sept 22nd as the first day of fall... for me, fall begins the day of the very first college football game. That’s usually when I start itching to pull out my bins of fall décor, light all the pumpkin-spiced candles, pull on a cozy sweater and boots, and start checking things off our family bucket list. When does fall "officially" begin for you?
Over the years we’ve created so many fun fall traditions as a family, and now I can’t imagine autumn without them. These little seasonal rhythms...the pumpkins, the hayrides, the chili simmering on the stove...make me slow down and savor what I love most about this time of year. So here’s a look at our Autumn 2025 Bucket List... a mix of old favorites and a few new adventures we want to try.
Fall has officially arrived in Waxahachie, and let me tell you...our little town knows how to celebrate the season! From downtown festivals to pumpkin patches and community fairs, Waxahachie is full of small-town charm this time of year. The courthouse square comes alive with twinkle lights and pumpkins, the air carries that crisp hint of autumn (on the good days, anyway), and there’s no shortage of family fun.
For this week’s Waxahachie Wednesday, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the best fall festivals and events right here in Waxahachie. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or planning a little day trip to our corner of Texas, here’s your guide to soaking in the season.
Hi, I’m Crystal — daughter of the One True King, wife to my high school sweetheart Nathan, and Mama to our 15-year-old son, Mason. I’m a proud hockey mom, homeschooling adventurer, wannabe homesteader, and Texas girl through and through.Around here, I share our life...the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. From chasing dreams and thrift store deals to traveling this beautiful state (and beyond), to finding Jesus in everyday moments... this is our story. Welcome to Hall Around Texas!! I’m so glad you’re here!