A quick trip to Waco and Salado revisited

A quick trip to Waco to meet my mom cleared any doubt in my mind that whatever navigation skills I have are from my paternal side.

It was a lovely day for a drive through the hill country and an opportunity to meet up with my mom is always welcome.  Waco is halfway for us, but oddly enough I arrived 30 minutes before her so I checked out a cute boutique full of mini stores called Spice Village – located downtown next to Ninfa’s.

I usually opt for Ninfa’s or Rudy’s when in Waco, but Collins Street Bakery has been on my list of places to try so I was happy to have my mom along to check out this little deli.  We didn’t try their famous fruitcake, but I can report they have a nice little soup/sandwich combo and they will give you a free cookie if you ask to try one.

Since my last trip to Salado was on a Sunday some of the stores were closed and I have intended to go back.  Today was a good reason to do just that.  If you need a break from I-35, Salado is a wonderful place to stop for a breather (Mom).

There are quite a few stores to check out on the main drag – Magnolia’s, Side by Side, Southern Comforts, etc etc

This looks like a place my mom and I would like

Horsefeathers was my favorite new find – they have a great shop located in a cute, little house with gifts and decor at very reasonable prices.

It’s been about 15 years ago that my friend Jessica’s mom told us chickens were in and  I think they are back (or maybe they never left)- I see them everywhere

I’d love to show you what I bought, but it is a gift for a friend with an upcoming birthday who I think may actually read this.  The picture of the sparrow is from Taylors.

I usually try to avoid I-35, but there are some really great places to stop along the way, if you have the time.

Can I also say, what is with wordpress changing their format constantly?  Is there a trick I don’t know to keep it from changing?

Somewhere down in Texas

Things I am loving this week:

LOTS of restaurant recommendations from people in Austin

Gusto, Fonda San Miguel , Trattoria Lisina, Bangers

A Cajun New Years Eve complete with black eyed peas, collard greens, and Emeril’s chicken and sausage jambalaya

My newest cookbook. I highly recommend it.

Texas Eats by Robb Walsh

My brand new knife from Sur La Table

A chance encounter with a really cool (and very friendly) rock legend

I hope you are having a great week!

Fearless in 2013

Happy New Year!!!  The beginning of the year is when I am my most optimistic and as I was thinking about what resolutions I want to make the word FEARLESS kept popping up all around me.

It all started when Jamie gave me a fearless necklace

Make a wish and put on your necklace. You are a true trailblazer….fearless and always up for the next adventure! With your courageous spirit, life will always be an incredible ride.

Then the book “Fearless” by Max Lucado was mentioned in a sermon at church

“Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out?”

This verse kept showing up

AND I realized something.  I live so much of my life in FEAR.

Fear of failure

Fear of being alone

Fear of another year of the same

Fear of snakes and heights (ok those two might never go away)

The only thing that these fears do is lead to worry and anxiety that drain my soul dry.

I know it won’t be easy, but I am going to devote this year to fearless living and fully trusting that God is in control and putting faith in HIS timing.  Not an easy thing to do, but I’ve never been one to shy away from trying something new.

I will also fearlessly write more blog posts that are actually about road tripping and eating in Texas, but thank you for listening today.  What resolutions are you making this year?