Just before the holidays (yup, that’s how long it has taken me to write this post…all too often, life simply gets in the way) Coach informed me that he was attending a conference in Austin, Texas.

After a quick google map search, I determined that Waco, Texas-the home of all things Chip & Joanna Gaines-was only a stones-throw away, so I asked if I could tag along, see the sights of Austin and maybe I could rent a car and head out to Waco on one of the days? And so, I did. First stop, the silos, not as huge as they appear on TV or in social media, but nevertheless impressive.

To see those rusty old silos that sit on a street corner alongside some railroad tracks and imagine them as the anchor to your empire…well, you’ve got to give Chip major credit for that! The silos, the bakery and the Magnolia Market are on this block, along with some food trucks and the most gorgeous public bathrooms I have ever seen. I mean…

If you are a Fixer-Upper addict, as I am, you will recognize every style,

décor and design choice-even the old Jeep parked by the garden center…

that is absolutely on brand and pretty as the pictures you have seen a thousand times.

Shiplap, subway tiles, vintage tile floors, vintage wood doors, metal signage-walking into any of the many Magnolia establishments

feels like wandering into one of their many transformed homes-and it just makes you feel like you’re home.

The Silos Baking Company

is sweet…again, much smaller than it appeared on the show…the magic of television…

and filled with delectable treats.

The outside enclosed “compound” has places to sit a spell,

take pics

and wander around the field at the silos where they hold their concerts and “Silobrations“.

The Magnolia Market at the Silos

had been decked out for the holidays,

all vintage country style.

Once I did a bit of shopping and checked out

“Chip’s Corner”,

I headed over to the newer Magnolia Press and took a peek, but didn’t stay for a bite because I was off to find Magnolia Table–

their full-serve restaurant on the other side of town. Tasting yummy, hearty, stick-to-your-ribs fare while being surrounded by more of the Fixer-Upper signature style made for an enjoyable afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to take a drive through Waco to check out some of the many homes they have renovated (there are actually maps online to follow their reno path), so that will have to wait for another trip to Texas! Have a great Wednesday, everyone, and remember…

xoxoxo Susan