It feels like our life has been in overdrive since moving to Texas three months ago and I have not had the time or the energy to even think about writing anything other than the papers necessary for school. Finally, things have slowed down (or maybe I have finally caught up) enough to sit down and give a little bit of an update and of course, list a few of the things I have been loving in recent months. 

Sean and I are still absolutely loving Texas. We live about half an hour north of Dallas and we could not be happier with where we are right now. Life has been so busy with Sean’s new job, graduate school, and trying to explore our new area as much as we possibly can in our free time.  We feel so unbelievably blessed to be here and have truly seen God’s hand in our lives as He has opened doors we never could have anticipated upon our arrival here. They say everything is bigger in Texas and that must mean the blessings too. I’ve said it before, but it really is incredible how happy you can be when you know you are following the Lord’s plan for your life and can see His involvement in every moment. 

This is not to say that we have not had our fair share of growing pains. Moving is difficult for anyone, making new friends (especially as adults) is hard, and on top of that, these Texas roads are no joke. I think we get lost or argue about not knowing where to park about 50% of the time we try to go anywhere, but with time we will get more and more comfortable. We are so excited for all of the upcoming holidays and festivities and hopefully a “warm” winter without any snow!! 

Now, for the best part of this entire update – favorites!! You better believe that after almost four months of keeping track, I have the biggest list of all time, complete with some new Texas favorites as well. 

Places

Magnolia Silos & Magnolia Table (Waco) – Yes, I am that crazy lady that had to visit Magnolia the day after we moved to Texas. I was not disappointed, everything was picture perfect and just as dreamy as I could have imagined. My favorite things from our visit: the cupcakes (best I have ever had, not an exaggeration), the bathrobe I purchased, and the chicken salad croissant at Magnolia Table (also the best I have ever had). Will I be returning – 1000% 

The Dallas Farmers Market – Visiting the farmer’s market was the perfect fall activity. So many vendors and delicious food options, as well as every kind of pumpkin you could ever think of and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots.

NorthPark Center – This is hands down the nicest mall I have ever seen. It’s full of every designer store I can’t afford, but makes for some fun window shopping! 

Highland Park Village – Similar to NorthPark, this place is full of glitz and glam. Sean and I have only driven through this area once and I am already dying to go back. It is surrounded by the most incredible homes as well, if you love beautiful architecture like I do.

Legacy West – This area is much closer to us and while most of the stores here are still out of our price range, there is a Shake Shack and a Lululemon so we can still somewhat hang with this crowd.

Restaurants

The Original ChopShop – I think I could eat anything here and love it, the perfect healthy spot! 

Pizzeria Testa – Sean and I’s new favorite pizza place. Not only was the pizza amazing, but I’m pretty sure they have the comfiest chairs I have ever sat in at a restaurant. 

Howard Wang’s – Another new goto spot for us – the simplest but best Chinese we have found, perfect for a cozy, Friday night in.

Food & Drink

Trader Joe’s ABC Bars – I am late to the game on these chocolate almond butter bars, but they are addicting and I could eat the entire box at once. 

Salted Caramel Brownie Oreos – There are no words…if you can find them, buy them and eat them with a bowl of popcorn during a movie night.

Crumbl Chocolate Mallow Cupcake cookie – I basically survived off of Little Debbie/Hostess treats growing up so I was very excited for this cookie and it instantly turned into my new favorite when I ate the entire thing by myself. Don’t mind me dreaming about it until they bring it back. 

Honey Dijon Kettle Chips – I normally don’t even let myself buy snacks like this because I will eat them all at once, but I had to make an exception for these chips – they are insanely delicious and everyone needs to try them. 

Honey Mama’s Pumpkin Spice Cocoa Truffle Bar – This took me forever to find at Whole Foods and now that I have tried it, I will probably cry when I can’t get my hands on it again. It’s limited edition, so run. 

Entertainment

Music

Dan + Shay Good Things – This album could be your entire wedding playlist all in one. I will never not love Dan + Shay and this album is just so easy to listen and sing along to. 

LANY gg bb xx – This album is so unbelievably good. Sean and I are going to their concert here in Dallas on Thursday and like Dan + Shay, I have seen LANY multiple times already but am still so excited to see them again!!

Shows 

Making the Cut – Binged this show either right before or right after our move (I can’t remember at this point) and it is so fabulous. I’m a sucker for any kind of fashion/design show. 

Outer Banks (Season 3) – Nothing else needs to be said other than I loved it. 

Virgin River – This is another show that Sean and I binged every episode of and absolutely loved. Much like Outer Banks, it’s cheesy and dramatic but we couldn’t stop. 

Discovery+ – It should come as no surprise that I am obsessed with Discovery+ and all of the interior design, food, and travel shows available. If you need something to watch, my favorites so far have been: Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines, Guy! Hawaiian Style, Bobby and Giada in Italy, and Cheap Old Houses.

Books

The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates – Hands down the best book I have ever read, very educational and empowering. Definitely need to buy my own copy. 

Games 

Play Nine – Basically golf in card game form, super easy and fun to play, takes a little bit of strategy. 

I feel like even after all of that, I am probably still missing a few things! Sean and I are so excited to keep exploring and finding new favorites!! Next up: finishing my first semester of grad school and the holidays!! 

As always, everything is linked above in case you want to check anything out.