The Texas State Fair

Recently I went home to Dallas for a short weekend jaunt. It is not that often that I find myself missing Texas, but this time of year something always has me yearning for a Flethcher's Corny Dog and spin on the Texas Star. State Fair time is the best time of year in Dallas. As a kid, we always got to take a school holiday for it. As I have grown up, I have learned that not all fairs are like the Texas State Fair. In fact most other State fairs that I have been to do not even exist in the same realm of reality in which the Texas State Fair lives. Naturally, everything is bigger in Texas. It is more like a full blown amusement park than a State Fair. It goes on for three glorious weeks in October, so you if you have never been to the Texas State Fair, I highly recommend you add it to your bucket list. Here is a small taste of what you can expect:

Are you planning your trip yet?

House Tour, episode 1

 Welcome to my house! I can't believe that it has officially been one year since we packed up the Uhaul and drove it across country to Virginia! This whole year has been one crazy adventure filled with so much that is good! One of my favorite things about my life here is our home. I have had so much fun gathering and making pieces to ensure that this space is cozy and inviting. I want to share it with you! Here is a glimpse of two of our most used areas, the living room and the dining room!

 A few of the pieces in this space, I have created and that labor makes them very special to me. The lamp behind the couch is made out of an old lawn sprinkler that I found at a thrift shop and had a clear vision for. I love the way it turned out. I have recently developed a sewing addiction and have made a few of the pillows scattered around, including the heart one and the black and white one. I love the painting above the buffet. I saw a similar one on Pinterest that was in a gorgeous white frame but since I had an extremely limited budget, I decided to paint a piece of wood white, tape off a border, and make my own!

 Almost every piece of furniture in these spaces has been Craiglisted or thrifted and then revamped. The only thing I bought new was the leather arm chair that I am in love with. And even that I got at a deep discount from World Market. I hope you like these spaces and I am excited to continue to share my home with you.

What do you love about your home? I'd love to know.

Music Mondays. A New Series.

These are a few songs that I have really been digging recently. All three have a similar vibe and really compliment each other well. I want to start a new series here called Music Mondays. I am constantly listening to the world around me and there is amazing music around every corner. I have always been passionate about music, and have a wide range of genres that speak to me. So as I discover new music, new to me music, or just revisit some plain old classics, I want to share them with you.

What are you jammin to these days? I would love to hear what kind of music you are into and what songs that you thing need to be discovered!!

Wish List Wednesday

1) These log pillows are to die for!  I slept in our tent for the first time this season over the weekend and I wish had these bad boys to make the experience even that much greater!

2) I have been scouring the interwebs and the local mall for a great looking and great fitting one piece bathing suit, this one might take the cake.

3) This bike, I mean c'mon, and surprise! It's electric, I need it now!

4) Some people might say Moscow Mules are over rated or overplayed or whatever, but I aint lying, I love a good mule and I seriously need to add these copper mugs to my bar cart, STAT!

5) I love all things succulents and I really want to hang one on our front door in place of a wreath, this one is gorgeous. I was thinking about DIYing but haven't taken the plunge quite yet.

6) This is the perfect three season jacket, I think I am a little obsessed and need it to be my new staple.

7) I can never have too many cuffs, I love the mix of delicate pastel stone and rough gold here. Moorea Seal always knows how to tug on my heart strings.

8) Nothing makes me happier than a nap in a hammock, and the color orange, I love orange, so check out this beautiful marriage. Check please!

What are you currently swooning over? I wanna see it!

Nascar.

Last weekend,I felt more American than any other time in my life. And that folks, is because I have now witnessed the great sport they call Nascar! Enjoy!

Colorado.

Although I grew up in Texas, went to school in Maine, and now live in Virginia, there is something about Colorado that will always feel like home. I do not know if it is the serenity I gain from the mountains, the animals all around or the people that make it such a special place for me. It is probably a combination of all of these things in addition to the fond childhood memories I have vacationing there. I have lived in various parts of the state for the past seven years and never thought I would leave. As I have mentioned before here and here, I have been having a blast on this new adventure but I would be lying through my teeth if I said I did not miss my western paradise.

It has been almost nine months and finally I am returning this weekend. I can not wait to visit all of my friends and my family!! My sister and brother are still there. Sometimes I feel as though they are a limb that was amputated when I moved, they are both so special to me as are so many other friends in Colorado.

I am beyond excited for a long weekend filled with laughter, happiness, adventure, and whiskey. There will probably be whiskey. 

What are you up to this weekend?

Bedroom Inspiration.

Since moving into our new home, I have had a ton of fun finding pieces that all fit together, I am hoping to get a home tour post to you soon! However, the one room that seems to have been neglected is the bedroom.It definitely needs a little attention. Here are some photos that I am looking to for inspiration as I tackle this next project!! Let me know what you think!

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Instalately.

Here is a glimpse of what I have been up to recently. Trips to AL for Mardi Gras and my grandfather's funeral, great weather, terrible weather, pics of Cash, a high river, and WSMFP!!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @thezaleinvail