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.
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!