Lavender Ridge Farms

My favorite kind of Saturdays are the kind with no plans where you wake up and anything can happen. We like to wander and explore ...get lost and see what you find. This usually leads me especially looking for beauty and relaxation and trees ;). A few Saturdays back we found Lavender Ridge Farms... And it completely exceeded my expectations.

It's only about 30 mins north of Denton. A pretty short and beautiful drive for us.

Texas really is beautiful and this reminds me of the farm road I grew up on in East Texas. 

When you pull in you are immediately warmly welcomed by signage and some locals...

There are some rules like play nice with the wildlife and have fun!

So basically the way it works is you can cut as much as you can hold in a twisty tie for 8 dollars. 

They give you some instructions like above and your tools 

They are extremely friendly and happy to help. Once you have everything you are free to gather as much as you happy heart desires.

And my heart was happy! Feeling relaxed and at peace the whole time ;)

They even have helpers to show you the best bushes or maybe the ones with the lizards in them.

Look at my haul...After you have as much as you can fit in you twisty tie they will help you bag it up.

And if you know anything about the Texas Summer you will need a refreshment. Luckily they have an adorable cafe.

Complete with twinkle lights a lovely breeze and a screen door that immediately transfers me back in time. 

Naturally I got the lavender iced tea, lavender honey chicken salad ...when in Rome.

The man got the lavender cheese cake it was all delicious and just perfect for a warm day. 

Feeling refreshed we walked around the delightfully shaded property. Picked something from the chary tree ;)

And into the sweet gift shop

It's a pretty great way to spend a Saturday 

Here is my fresh bunch 

I will enjoy it fresh for a couple days then hang it upside down to dry it then I will have it forever. You know sometimes you have to get out of your normal routine and when you do you are free to realize there is such beauty and adventure in everyday life...I don't want to miss it, I don't want to take it for granted, I want to live my life even if it is by slowing it down. 

I suggest you stop by and see my new friends at Lavender Farms...you won't regret it!  

Gather for Brunch

We tried out a new brunch spot this weekend in downtown McKinney. I love brunch especially on the weekends. I like to dress up and linger over a relaxing meal with champagne ;) This spot is attached to a cute little shop with tons of rustic chic decor. 

In love with this sofa

This wall decal 

And these adorable white little duckies.

After a little shopping it was time for brunch.

They have byob (or byoc champagne for brunch mimosas )

The food was really good but I have to say a little cold. I am hoping it was just a fluke because the food tasted great. The enchilada casserole and the nutty French toast were the best!

I am not a huge buffett person usually because I don't eat that much, I feel wasteful and I would like my food super hot. I will give the place another chance because the atmosphere was perfectly adorable. One of those places that would be great for a rehearsal dinner or shower!

 

Rustic chic and charming. The owners were also delightful.

Delicious desserts served on sweet plates.

Gather in McKinney check it out!  

Floral Friday

Happy Friday!! I am traveling today but I took these before I left they are some of my favorite Tyler roses around my house. They were going strong so hopefully they are still there when I get home.

By my kitchen sink

In the living room

On the entry way table

In my bath room...the color is so vibrant!

And last but not least on the dinning table. 

And here is one from where I am staying...I almost passed out!

Happy weekend! I have my annual girls weekend starting today so looking forward to some Mexican food and pool time...adios.

Ancient Ovens and Hidden Hills

Friday night date night I threw on my boots and Super Man grabbed a couple bottles of wine and some peach vodka then we headed out west...north west to be exact.

we drove for quite awhile and the road was flat and boring. Then all of the sudden the road went from flat to hilly and green

and the temp dropped 15 degrees so the windows came down for the rest of the drive

Then we took our first turn and ended up here in a little sleepy town

The kind you see in movies it was quite and mysterious

We took one more turn and we were greeted by a sweet country road and some barnyard friends

The view just kept getting better

Once we made it the very sweet hospitable owner and his wife welcomed us in and gave us a spot right next to the oven. (if you come in a small group your chances of getting in close are good) Not that there is a bad seat in the house. You just might have to wait in line longer once the grub starts rolling out.

We took our seats

Poured our drinks and settled in to take in the sights

Then the first course was ready to be served. They cook four delicious courses in the wood burning oven that the owner built after he retired from the navy

Yummy soft bread covered in a delicious cheesy, herb dip. I had to pace myself.

Then Lauren prepped the next course ...Italian tear drops. The only tears will be when they are gone.

These were my favorite, olive and cheese hugged by a thin crispy shell!!

We got to my favorite part of the night when the sun started to set...

and the twinkle lights came on

my bartender mixed me up some drinks

The music seemed to get a little louder and the pizza's went in the oven

Everyone seemed to jump up with excitement and hunger to help themselves. They had every thing pepperoni, spinach, jalapeno, all kinds of peppers, sausage, mushroom ...

Just when we thought we couldn't take another bite and we had gotten deep into conversation with some of our neighbors. I was starting to feel really relaxed and wondering why we don't live out in the country, then it was time for dessert...nutella goodness wrapped and baked in pizza crust.

it was ooey, gooey and just the right amount of sweet crispiness.

I had to walk my food off a little so we headed over to check out their stash of local art.

We wound it down and stumbled out of our little western retreat.

thanked our host and headed on down the road. I spent the walk to the car and the drive looking and how bright the stars were. I grew up in East Texas on some farmland and I have seen the stars this bright before. I guess they are always there, sometimes we just have to stop, look-up get out from under the lights and mess that clouds our day, to see the tiny beauty shining through. I watched during the drive home as my stars started to fade back into the city lights.

Thank you Ancient Ovens for getting us out of the city, for stuffing our belly's and for reminding me to look up!! 

Link here