Blue Happy Living

Every year when school ends I make lots of plans to go see and do things that I love, but it never happened.  This year I decided I would make some plans and follow through with it.  The number one thing on my list was to visit Waco, Texas, home of Magnolia Market.  If you aren’t a HGTV fan you have no idea what you are missing.  This show Fixer Upper is amazing starring Waco locals Chip and Jo Gains.  Its funny, smart and full of ideas for your home.  I have all the shows on DVR so I can watch them over and over.   I see something new every time I watch that I didn’t see the first or second time.  I thought everyone had watched this show but clearly they haven’t from the odd looks I got when I talked about my trip.  Clearly these people have been under a rock – Bahahaha!

My daughter Heather, my BFF Karen and my precious grandson Ethan decided to go on a Wednesday.   We arrived in Waco about 10:30 we drove straight to Magnolia Market.  It was amazing so many treasures to look at and so many things I wanted to buy.  She had this great way to welcome you with fresh fruit water set up for you to have as you shopped.  As you enter the store the very happy sweet girls greet you with a big Texas smile and hello.  They were all so helpful when we asked questions.  I knew I wanted a #shiplap shirt that was a no brainer but what else should I get?My head was spinning.  I got my t-shirt and a few other items you will get to see in a later blog when I show you the redo of my husbands poker room.  Thank goodness you can buy her items online because I found myself wishing I had bought more, my list is long starting with her great jewelry.

We left Magnolia Market and headed to visit the store and work shop of  Clint Harp the owner of Harp Design Company.  Jo uses him to build a lot of the custom furniture she designs for her clients.  He is a master at building custom tables, kitchen islands and so much more.  The shop is full of his custom made items to purchase it’s a must see if you are in the Waco, Texas area.

From there we visited a few of the stores in Waco that Jo shops at on the show Fixer Upper.  My favorite shop we visited was The Blue Horse so fun and full of art.  Loved this store!  This to should be a must visit if you go to Waco.

I love this show and the concept of it all.  She uses some new items, some custom and lots of redo and reused items to fill these homes with love.  Items in your home should be what make you feel good and what makes your home work for your family.  If you have a room that no one can go into unless it’s a holiday then its not a room in your home that works for your family.  Make all the rooms usable and loving for your family and your life style.

Our final stop was the Silos of Waco. This is Chip and Jo Gains next big project.  Her blog states it will be late fall when it opens.  To get all the skinny on this project go to Jo Gains blog to read all about it.   I will be there  when it opens, ready to shop her treasures.  I’ve driven past Waco on the highway but never really driven through this sweet little Texas town.  It’s full of charm and friendly people.  It’s not about big it’s about home town neighborhoods and welcoming people.  It’s home of Baylor University and the town shows their love for the Baylor Bears. I found myself thinking what a great little secret this town is and how they are on the verge of something really big.  I look forward to returning to Waco in the fall, shopping and enjoying what this town has to offer.  It’s a great get way from Dallas and an easy day trip.

Most of all I enjoyed the trip with my daughter, grandson and BFF Karen.  Karen and I have said for years now we would start to travel together but life and raising kids always seem to get in the way. This was a great start to our empty nest travels.  I look forward to many more Blue Happy traveled miles.