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camp blanco
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SCOUTS' HONOR
A Weekend Getaway to an Old Girl Scout Camp on 18 Acres in the Heart of Texas
I have come to absolutely adore this large family of mine! I’ve fully embraced “the more the merrier” sentiment and admit that our vacations are way more fun with all these kids! Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s a lot of stress to pack and prepare for 7 people. However, there are a lot of advantages to large families. First, everyone has a buddy, so there’s always someone to play with. It’s rare to not have someone willing to jump in a game of pool, ping pong, or Roblox. Secondly, there are plenty of helping hands with dishes or taking out the trash. Even meal preparation has become a family affair and I love my helpers! Furthermore, older kids make great babysitters. Our oldest son is responsible enough to care for his younger siblings which gives Robert and I the chance to run a quick errand or take a walk together.
TIME TO REST + RELAX
A place in the sun! Sarah found the perfect place to catnap and catch some rays in one of the hammocks. She happily gives her seal of approval. Thumbs up!
There is no shortage of adventure here! Kayaking on the river was an instant favorite for the kids and provided hours of recreation and entertainment for all of us.
Each element was covered here at the camp, and we relished all the time of togetherness; especially roasting marshmallows around the fire.
TIME TO LAUGH + PLAY
CONNECT
TIME TO TALK +
A DESTINATION VACATION
If you’ve followed my journey on social media, then you are familiar with Lodgewell, a destination vacation rental company in Austin, Texas and the surrounding hill country. Lodgewell is well known for rolling out the ‘red welcome mat’ to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. For instance, guests receive a ‘welcome box’ filled with items from local and small businesses. This is proof that we are kindred spirits! Their properties include one-of-a-kind, off the beaten path getaways that can not be duplicated. Seriously! I’m done with the traditional hotel room. I’m only vacationing in unique rental homes where I can spread out, explore like a local and feel inspired when I leave.
Two years ago, my relationship with Lodgewell began when they so graciously provided me an amazing getaway at the Littlefield Lofts in downtown Austin on New Year’s Eve. Prior to going, I had just received unsettling news from my ex husband that sent me into a tailspin. Because he would have our kids for the next 10 days, my choice was to get out of town or slash some tires. Just kidding, but I am still grateful to Lodgewell for the reprieve! Since then, there have been countless memories made while staying at their rental properties.
Most recently, I was excited to take my newly blended family and our neighbors to Lodgewell’s newest property, Camp Blanco. Get this… Camp Blanco is an old Girl Scout camp, y’all. It is awesome! There are six structures on the 18-acre property which spread across 600 feet of the Blanco River. The Ranger, which is the old lodge, The Brownie Bunkhouse, The Kookaburra game room, The Daisy guesthouse, and The Tagalongs, literal tents for the ultimate glamper, make up this amazing camp. Lastly, the Do-Si-Do is the original and revived girls and boys bath house.
FINDING REPRIEVE
YOUR NEXT GETAWAY
Our kids LOVED this property. You know that you booked a good one when tears are shed on check out day. We cooked huge breakfasts, watched movies, and played endless games together. The Kookaburra game room includes three garage style doors that open onto an expansive patio. The outdoor views and indoor space was the perfect atmosphere to play poker, shuffle board, foosball and darts. Our family hosted a traditional talent show on the back deck. Oso, our puppy and newest addition won 2nd place, while I performed ballet moves! In addition, we fished, kayaked with boats (provided in the outdoor pavilion) and played football along the water’s edge. The water was so clear that you could almost reach down and grab a fish. The kid inside me really wanted to jump into the Blanco River. However, the trip took place in January and I don’t do cold! At night, we gathered around the bonfire pit to roast hot dogs and s’mores provided by the Lodgewell team. Seriously, our kids can’t stop talking about this trip and can’t wait to go back.
If you are looking for the perfect place to take your family this year, look no further than Lodgewell. I have no doubt that you will find an amazing vacation property to bring you and your loved ones closer together. Simply, take a look at our past stays and find more property information on their website. Our Turn It Over podcast listeners and Homemade Magazine readers will receive 10% off their nightly rate (taxes and fees excluded) when you book at Lodgewell.com with code “TURNITOVER."
GOOD MORNING RANCH 3.5 beds/1.5 baths-1800 sq ft Wimberley, Texas
10 acres of outdoor wander near Wimberley, Texas. This is a great spot for the whole family to turn off technology and enjoy the great outdoors. During our stay, our family rented a boat on the lake and explored nearby nature preserves. We ended each night around the bonfire soaking up the Texas sunsets and roasting s’mores. Visit susierobb. com/blog for Rob’s signature cocktail that he created on this particular trip! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1,800 square feet of living space for 8 guests to spread out and soak up all the country vibes. 2-story lofts in the epicenter of downtown Austin, Texas. I’ve stayed here with my girlfriends for a girls weekend, and brought the whole family for a trip, too. Each December, Lodgewell hosts ‘Dale on the Rail,’ who is the tallest elf in Texas and sits on the patio rail overlooking Austinites from his swanky downtown digs. My favorite is the over-the-top decorated, open concept 2-bedroom “winter wonderloft" at The Littlefield Lofts. The holiday stay includes a Santa mailbox, treats, hot cocoa and Austin skyline views! Condo sizes vary, so visit Lodgewell.com to find the perfect one for you!
THE GRAEBER 3 beds/3.5 baths Austin, Texas
Party like a rock star! No, seriously. The hottest musicians stay at the Graeber for SXSW, so you’ll feel like a celebrity too, when you rent this beast! The Graeber is an insane trailblazer mansion that mixes the 1880's stone walls with a 1960's renovation on 6th Street in downtown Austin. Unique features include an indoor swimming pool and a glass dome ceiling that was flown in by way of a helicopter. Plus, it’s located among some of Austin’s most popular places and events. On my stay, we attended a comedy event at Stubb’s BBQ. 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 9 beds Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Heierman's building once operated as the first-class Provident Hotel from 1890 to 1920. Over onehundred years later, the three floors have been completely remodeled and updated while retaining its original old-school charm. Whether you're staying overnight, gathering for work, or hosting an event, The Trifecta gives you three unique and versatile historic downtown spaces for any of your creative uses! Board rooms, office space, team summits, bachelor parties, photo shoots. Endless possibilities to use one floor or the whole building! 3 spacious urban lofts, 3,000-4,000 sq feet
READY TO BOOK?
Visit lodgewell.com, use code “TURNITOVER" for 10% off your stay!
8FD Designs, Texas, USA
8FD Designs is a broad range designer and manufacturer of home decor, specializing in private label work for major retailers. Located in Decatur, Texas, their 32,000 square foot facility features a full woodworking, welding and sheet metal shop with areas for screen printing, digital printing, laser engraving, leather working, glass slumping and fusing. Plus, the space includes a classroom and retail store. They are the pivotal business model for shopfromsusie.com featuring one of a kind, exclusive products, proudly made here in Texas. Follow their Instagram page to see the wide range of processes that Ben and Lynne McCall use and the latest products they make and sell.
An exclusive design by Susie, this Raised Round Tray made of pine with a mango finish has beautiful details without being too fussy. A modern take on a kitchen staple, the pedestal style tray features a turned curved base and a thick, sturdy lipped top. It can be used as a stand alone display piece on shelves, to organize supplies near the kitchen sink or to add height to a group of your favorite decor finds. Will it replace Mimi’s favorite riser for her tidy tray, also made by 8FD? We will find out!
Shop: Instagram @8fd_designs Like: @8fd_designs
Bedford Collection, New Hampshire, USA
"Bedford Collection has been manufacturing decorative throw blankets in the United States of America since 1982. Styles, textures, and colors have changed over the years, but their commitment to providing quality and timeless designs remains the same. We love what we do, and it shows in the depth and variety of the products we offer. Design, quality, and development have proven to be the cornerstones of Bedford Cottage & Kennebunk Home." -Richard Sherman
This is the third collaboration with Bedford Collection for the Makers’ Décor Box. We’ve created a cashmere-like throw and a cable knit throw in the past, but this Spring we wanted something special. What’s amazing to me is their ability to take yarns and threads and weave a truly custom and unique throw. For this season, we wanted to keep it lightweight and neutral, so we chose natural and charcoal fibers. What we accomplished is truly special and will look great on your sofas, bedspreads and lounge chairs. It is made from 95% Acrylic and 5% Polyester. So, please care for your throw by hand washing and laying flat to dry.
Shop: bedfordcottage.com Like: @bedfordcollections
mondays on the christian parenting network, turn it over with susie and rob
search “turn it over" on apple + spotify podcasts
Join us as we pull back the rug, turn over everything to God & tackle remarriage, dating, exes, single parenting, finances, life and love, one discernment at a time.
Mark your calenders! On April 8th, we will be speaking at Christian Parenting's virtual event, Parenting with Purpose. Book your All Access Pass now at perfectlyimperfect.org.
In case you missed it, Robert and I started a podcast! Christian Parenting, a part of Denison Ministries, is hosting our little corner of the internet. The show, which is available wherever you listen to podcasts, follows our journey as we blend children, finances, friends and family. I think what makes our podcast unique and quite wonderful is that Robert and I are not afraid to be honest and vulnerable. You probably already know that about me, but maybe you didn’t know that about him. In the last episode we recorded, I made a comment that I continue to hold true; I believe women are thirsty and desperate to hear the hearts of their men. Traditionally, it seems that men have become more and more closed off. The men that I know or have dated are wounded, distrusting, emasculated and passive. I believe women want the intimacy of the secret chamber in a man’s heart, but don’t know how to get inside. Perhaps they were the ones who wounded him, or perhaps their man has never opened up. Either way, we as their wives long for their emotional availability, their strength, and their leadership. It takes a healthy man to embody all of that at the same time. In dysfunctional relationships, often times leadership looks more like abuse. Strength can turn into stoicism and emotional vulnerability is thought to be a sign of weakness. So we are left with men who maybe want to be known, but can’t seem to navigate how. Well, let me introduce you to Rob Brinck. Robert comes from an abusive childhood and more than one broken marriage. If you tune in, he’ll let you peak inside the corners of his mind and the wounds in his heart. It’s such a beautiful and honest look inside God’s masterpiece of man. Robert is altogether precious in His sight, but also in mine, and it’s a joy to share a part of him with you.
If you or someone you know are married, divorced, remarried, or if you’ve been touched by divorce even as a child, this podcast is for you! Join us as we sit at the table, turn over our cards and show our hearts to each other. We’re trusting in our God to walk us through this new journey and hope you’ll join us.
Four years ago, I bought a shop.
Since then, not only has my little brand grown, but so have I. From a single mom to a wife to Robert, we’ve recently launched a marriage podcast. I’m now attempting to raise teenagers as a privilege of having three bonus boys. I feel like so much has changed the past few years!
We can be grateful for the change we experience, but we also need an abundance of grace for ourselves when are weary about the things that feel stuck.
As you prepare for this season of Spring, may I encourage you? If you feel like the tattered agave plants in my yard that are barely hanging on from the Winter freeze, know that the great spirit of hope and comfort will always be with you. I pray that you would experience His presence now more than ever.
Thank you for walking alongside me on this incredible journey that we call life.
xo susie
Last month, we welcomed our sweet new furry boy OSO into our family!! Thank you to Taylor Made Goldendoodles for making our dreams come true!
decor box
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