In April we went to Waco after picking Wayne up at the Austin Airport (makes complete sense right? lols). We stopped and ate at Kitoks a local burger dive recommended by the The Texas Burger Guy. We are a hamburger loving family and I thought what a great chance to try a new burger. It was very good and we loved the oriental fries. Kitok's is a combination Burger Joint Asian Restaurant you could not do a skit of the joint without being labeled a too far fetched or a racist but the place exists and they make a good burger!
Then we went to our destination which was Homestead Heritage and it was wonderful. Of course we are all about homesteading so this place was right up our alley.
What is Homestead Heritage: Our Visitors Center stands just inside the front gate at Brazos de Dios, our 510-acre homesteading community. At the log cabin Visitors Center you’ll find information about our seasonal activities and special events as well as the various craft courses and teaching seminars we offer throughout the year.
We saw:
My favorite part was the herb garden. Where we were able to talk to one of the gardeners. She even gave me some yarrow to take home and plant in my herb garden. I was so excited I took it home and planted it immediately by the next morning some critter ate my yarrow and I cannot find it anywhere locally.
Parker loved the potter shed. In fact, I've already purchased an appropriate Christmas Gift for her to practice her new found love of pottery. Plus what mom could pass up teaching their child how God is the potter and we are the clay while they are elbow deep in the stuff.
Peyton liked the stairs. She is fascinated with stairs and they had some long beautiful paths of steps.
Pearson just loves anything where she can get some food!
Wayne was fascinated by how they use the windmill, cistern and water tower to catch and move rain water around the facility. liked the
It was a very fun and educational family field trip! They even offer classes and Wayne and I are considering going there this year for our Anniversary to take classes in Bee Keeping (Wayne) & Gardening (Kyle).
But a few months back I purchased some rooster place mats (4) clearly not enough for a family of 5 but ultra cute. A week or two ago I purchased that cannister from Twin City Missions 2nd chance shop for about $1. The baskets I had and I'm sure at some point I bought it at a garage sale for .10! But by making these simple changes the hot drinks area went from hum drum to yum yum! Hey does anyone have any ideas how to hide those pesky cords?
Then there was the bathroom. I had all of my things on Grandma's mirrored pedastal but it tended to get crowded and look messy. Plus, I really wanted the pedastal on my dresser with perfumes only! 
So I tried to make it look neater and 'Country Shabby Chic'. The metal was too harsh next to the antique brass faucets. I just didn't like the white basket, even though I was sure it was going to be shabby fabulous!
This is what we went with now all of my lotions and sprays and misc items are neatly tucked away in this very country looking basket. The basket was free it was given to me full of goodies as part of a baby shower gift!
But since I am trying to creat that shabby chic enviornment I looked around and found this pot on my front steps, empty! I may come back and stencil on it or paint the "braided" portion that runs along the top of the pot. Since this picture was taken I've pushed it to the side to hide the financial paperwork poping up over the edge! I think the garden gate feel of the pot fits our home nicely. 
These are just a few simple things anyone can do with the things around your house, things picked up at garage sales & goodwill.
These 3 little country girls who are waiting for summer love to read poetry. Around here and our current favorite is Robert Luis Stevenson. I love the simple rhyme scheme it keeps the kids attention. His images have sparked many play adventures at our house! So here is another good one ! 
