{Five on Friday // Florida, Blogging Schedule, Social Media, DIY}

 It's been a while since I have done a Five on Friday post, where I share five things from our week, so here I am. Last week I shared a weekly REPORT and I think I'll alternate between that format and this one each week. Anyhow, our week has been a good one...pretty routine for us. We are in between hockey seasons right now, so our only time at the rink is when we pick up a private lesson. It feels weird to not be at the rink 4-6 days a week right now. But, we are soaking in the time at home before our busy season ramps up again. I was able to cook meals at home this week and that was a sweet blessing! 

Here's a look at five things from our week...

{O N E} //

My parents are in Panama City Beach, FL this week and sent this photo! Oh, how I wish we were there and that I could get a picture of my Mason in front of this place!! I'll be living vicariously through them this week. 

{T W O} //

After blogging for over 16 years (wild, right?!), I feel like I’ve finally found a groove that really works for me. I’ve always loved writing and sharing the bits and pieces of our life...this space started as a way to document our family memories and it still holds that purpose so close to my heart. But over the years, I’ve also found a love for writing beyond the scrapbook-style posts... sharing our favorite places, thrift finds, thoughts, and things I’m learning along the way.

So, I sat down a few months ago and mapped out a loose blogging schedule that gives me both structure and flexibility (my favorite combo). Here’s what that looks like:

• Monday – Weekend Wrap-Up | A peek into our weekend adventures and memories made.

• Tuesday – Texas Tuesday | All things Texas… places to eat, towns we explore, roadside stops, hidden gems—anything goes as long as it’s Texan.

• Wednesday – Wednesday Hodgepodge | A fun link-up with Joyce and a great midweek check-in.

• Thursday – Thrifted Thursday | Where I share my recent thrifted treasures or how I styled them. And hey, as long as I have a blog series about this I have to keep thrifting, right? I kid. Kind of. 

• Friday – Weekly REPORT, Five on Friday, or Friday Favorites | Kind of a catch-all depending on the week and what I’m in the mood to share.

• Saturday – Wildcard Day | These are totally random, anything-goes kind of posts. No rules, just whatever’s on my heart or mind!

• Sunday – From the Front Porch | A faith-based series I started to share a devotion, a Bible study insight, a scripture, or something the Lord has been teaching me. These have quickly become some of my absolute favorite posts to write and share.

Of course, if I have a trip to recap or a holiday to post about, I’ll shift things around a bit to make room for those special posts. It’s flexible and fun...and feels like the perfect balance of creativity and consistency! So, if you were curious, that's what you can expect to see on Hall Around Texas.

{T H R E E} //

Let's talk about Social Media. Which platforms are your favorite? I honestly don't enjoy Facebook, but I have one to keep up with my family and friends all over the world. Instagram has always been my favorite and I've taking a liking to Tik Tok now that I have it trained to show me things I actually enjoy. Anyhow, my whole reason for discussing this is because I would love to follow more of my blog friends on these platforms. Can you please leave me your links or @s so that I can follow? Below are mine...

Facebook (personal)
Facebook (blog page)
Instagram
Tik Tok

I recently had to create a new Facebook page for my blog. The other page I've had for years somehow gained over 1000+ spam accounts and I found it easier just to create another one. 

{F O U R} // 

Are you guys following the Forrest Frank broken back story? WOW is all I can say. I’ve been so inspired lately by his testimony. If you haven’t heard, he recently shared about breaking his back and how God miraculously healed him. It’s powerful, raw, and such a beautiful reminder that we still serve the same miracle-working God today. The ultimate Healer. The way Forrest gives all the glory to Jesus in the middle of his pain and praise is so moving. I highly encourage you to go watch his recent videos. His story stirred something in my spirit and reminded me that God is still in the business of doing the impossible. If you're in need of hope or healing, let this be your reminder—miracles didn’t stop in the Bible days... we’re still living in them.

{F I V E} // 

My mother-in-law gave us this bench several months ago, and while it’s been sitting on our front porch, it never quite fit the vibe...it was all brown and just kind of blended in. If I’m being honest, I’ve neglected our front porch since spring because we spend most of our time out back. But this week, I decided it was time for a little refresh! On Wednesday, I grabbed some chalk paint and gave the bench a bold new look. It’s a bit bright right now, but I know the sun will soften it over time. I also plan to sand it down in a few spots for a more rustic feel. Already, it feels so much more me, and I love how it’s coming together!

I forgot to take a "before" picture...so this is a in process picture. 

Like I mentioned earlier, it was a pretty normal and low-key week around here. Aside from Mason’s private hockey lesson on Tuesday, we spent most of the week at home enjoying home-cooked meals and a slower pace. Nate and I did make a wild Thursday night run to the grocery store, ha! I recently moved all my prescriptions over to Tom Thumb, a new-ish grocery store near us that offers a fun little rewards program. For every five prescription stamps, you get 20% off a grocery trip...so naturally, we wanted to check it out in person and get familiar with the layout.

This weekend we’re heading to my in-laws’ for a back-to-school bash for our little nephews...they start school next week, while Mason doesn’t go back until after Labor Day. On Sunday, we have a surprise going away party for one of Mason’s hockey coaches who’s heading off to Scotland for a PhD program. We’re so excited for him and all that’s ahead!

What about you...any fun weekend plans?