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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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August 2, 2011

$100 giveaway from Joss and Main and At The Picket Fence!!

At Inspiration Friday this week we shared with you are excitement about the opportunity for At The Picket Fence to partner with the fabulous online retailer Joss & Main!

joss-and-main-logo
Our excitement doubled when Joss & Main also offered us a
$100 e-shopping spree
to give to one of you!! 
A little re-cap for those of you unfamiliar with Joss & Main.   Even if you have never heard of Joss & Main, you are certainly familiar with it’s parent company CSN…one of the most popular places to shop online!  Joss & Main is an exclusive members only retailer “that offers private, limited-time sale events on the world’s best brands for your home and life. Each day, members receive an email invitation to exclusive sale events on the best merchandise at prices up to 70% off retail.  New brands and products are added daily by their talented group of buyers who continually strive to find you the best deals on the brands you love.”
So what are some of the “brands you love” that you can find for rock bottom prices at Joss & Main?Tommy Bahama, Graham & Brown, Rachael Ray, Le Crueset, Cuisinart, Lambs & Ivy… to name a few.
In fact, here are just a few of the many things available RIGHT NOW on Joss & Main!
Source: Joss & Main
Source: Joss & Main
 
So here’s how this works! Joss & Main is giving one of our friends At The Picket Fence a $100 e-shopping spree to use in their store for anything your heart desires! All you need to do is:

Be a US resident! Joss & Main currently only delivers in the U.S.
 
  • (MANDATORY) Pay a visit to Joss & Main through our invite (or link in sidebar) and sign up if you are not already a member.  If you are already a member well that counts too, just let us know!  In a comment below tell us if you have signed up through our invite or are a current member and tell us ONE item or product that catches your eye from the upcoming sales. 

THAT’S IT!
Of course we always like to offer you some other chances to win, but you must complete the mandatory requirement first to be entered!

  • (OPTIONAL ENTRY #1) Follow (or let us know you follow) At The Picket Fence through Google Friends, RSS Subscriber or Email! (separate comment)
  • (OPTIONAL ENTRY #2) Like us on on our At The Picket Fence Facebook Page (or let us know you already do) (separate comment)
  • (OPTIONAL ENTRY #3) Follow us on Twitter (@meetuatthefence) or let us know you already do. (separate comment)
  • (OPTIONAL ENTRY #4)  Twitter or Facebook about the giveaway including link to this post using @meetuatthefence (Twitter) or @atthepicketfence (Facebook) and let us know you did. (separate comment)
That’s up to FIVE ways you can enter the $100 Joss & Main Giveaway!! PLEASE REMEMBER: Leave a separate comment for EACH of your entries.

This GIVEAWAY will be open until Monday August 8th at midnight EST! That’s a whole week to enter to win! 
 Can’t wait to see which of our lovely friends wins this SUPER COOL giveaway from Joss & Main, and as always thanks for joining us At The Picket Fence!
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93 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Red Gate Farm says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    I’m already a member of Joss & Main… and I’m liking the look of the upcoming Staub bakeware sale!

    ~Chris

    Reply
  2. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I just signed up for Joss & Main. I think the Olive Leaf Stencils look so neat! Thanks for the invite!

    Pam

    Reply
  3. sweetpea53 says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I just joined Joss & Main at your suggestion and I already “like” your page on facebook.

    Reply
  4. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    I am a happy follower of At The Picket Fence.

    Pam

    Reply
  5. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    I already LIKE you on Facebook.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Pam

    Reply
  6. sweetpea53 says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Forgot to mention that I am excited about the Chalkboard China sale.

    Reply
  7. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Love Joss & Main and am already a member. Great giveaway!

    Reply
  8. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜@ Debbiedoos blogging and blabbing says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Fantastic giveaway girls. COunt me in, I would love to indulge their site!

    Reply
  9. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I am already signed up as a member! {Did so when I hosted a Joss and Main giveaway myself}. Something did catch my eye and I just ordered it this weekend ~ that lanterny birdcage type light you have pictured above!

    Reply
  10. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I am an At The Picket Fence follower!

    Reply
  11. Brenda @ Keeping It Southern says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Great site. I’m now a member at Joss & Main. Love the XBag X-Travel backpack and Chalkboard China!

    Reply
  12. Gail says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Proung cat lounge is my favorite so far, but I just started looking. cgtf@cox.net

    Reply
  13. Ange says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Just became a follower of Joss & Main. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Ange says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Oops forgot to add, I love the Ren Wil stuff.

    Reply
  15. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Great giveaway ladies! I’m already a followers and a member of Joss & Main. If I had to pick a favorite item, it would be the Elegante Mini Candle Chandy… I would give it a nice home hanging over my breakfast table.

    Reply
  16. Kim says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I follow you!!!!! What a fun giveaway!

    Reply
  17. Kim says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    OHHH, I signed up over at Joss & Main and I would love the nautical knot stencils!

    Reply
  18. Kim says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    I am now following you on Twitter…how was I not already?

    Reply
  19. Honey at 2805 says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I am a member of Joss and Main. Love the little candle chandy. It would look terrific in one of my guestrooms.

    Reply
  20. Honey at 2805 says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I am a faithful follower!

    Reply
  21. Honey at 2805 says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I like you on Facebook.

    Reply
  22. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I have already signed up and love some of the rugs! Need a new one for my foyer! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I am a follower!

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I am a follower on FB

    Debbie H.
    curtsmom2002@yahoo.com

    Reply
  25. Deborah says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Pick me, oh please pick me! I love Joss & Main. I am already a follower and love purchasing from them!

    Reply
  26. chedeb5353 says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    I am amember of Joss and Main. I like the Carmel outdoor dinning set. Deb chedeb5353@hotmail.com

    Reply
  27. chedeb5353 says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I am a follower. Deb chedeb5353@hotmail.com

    Reply
  28. chedeb5353 says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I like you on Facebook. Deb chedeb5353@hotmail.com

    Reply
  29. Deborah says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    I liked you on FB!

    Reply
  30. Deborah says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    I am already a follower of yours!

    Reply
  31. michelle says

    August 1, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    How fun! I am already a Joss and Main Member and I love their rugs!!

    Reply
  32. michelle says

    August 1, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    I happily follow you!! 🙂

    Reply
  33. vikki says

    August 1, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I am a member of Joss and Main. If I could afford it I would love to have the Decorative Antique Metal Baby Crib, I also love their chippy frames.

    Reply
  34. imsteelefullofscrap says

    August 1, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Oh my I would love to win this!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

    Reply
  35. Pattie says

    August 1, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    Already a member and I like on facebook and You know I follow you .. Great giveaway…count me in three times….

    Pattie

    Reply
  36. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Hey girls- I am already a member of J&M- great giveaway! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    I signed up thru your invite! Hmmm I don’t know how I missed out on this but I’ve NEVER heard of Joss&Main! Thank you for giving me a heads up and a chance to WIN!

    I’m excited about the REN_WIL mirrors and lamps

    Reply
  38. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    I follow your blog:-)

    Reply
  39. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    I follow on Facebook!

    Reply
  40. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    I also follow on Twitter!

    Reply
  41. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    I tweeted! and Just for good measure and to spread the word…I’m sharing on FB!

    Thanks ladies!

    Reply
  42. Debra @ Common Ground says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    Just headed over to Joss and Main, my first time there. I’m crazy about the totes and luggage. Great site!

    Reply
  43. Debra @ Common Ground says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:45 AM

    I’m such an adoring follower of you gals! xoxo Debra

    Reply
  44. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Hey girls…I’m a member of Joss & Main. I’d love the Ikat Stencil!

    Reply
  45. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:55 AM

    I’m a follower of course…

    Reply
  46. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    And a FB liker!

    Reply
  47. Debbie says

    August 2, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    OK, I’m having some wonky tonky computer issues this morning which seem to really show up when I try to travel my linky. I’ll be visiting them later when I’m not so frustrated and I’ll comment about that mandatory one then.

    Let this post serve as my chance #2 by commenting that I follow you.

    I follow.
    I stalk, actually. I think that ought to be worth two extra shots at the win. Ha!

    Reply
  48. Pia @Jello says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    hey! Clicked the invite link- already a member of Joss and Main…

    Reply
  49. Pia @Jello says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    And of COURSE I am a follower!!

    Reply
  50. Pia @Jello says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    like you on Facebook…

    Reply
  51. Pia @Jello says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    ooops- forgot to mention that i love rugs from J&M…

    Reply
  52. Anonymous says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Thanks for telling us about Joss & Main, I signed up and love their wonderful items, The Olive Stencils are calling my name.
    Kim

    Reply
  53. Anonymous says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I receive your e-mail updates. Looking forward to seeing the Bashian rugs. Kim

    Reply
  54. Debbie says

    August 2, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    OK, I’m back with my “mandatory” comment. That place is so cool that this doesn’t feel mandatory at all!

    I poked around, and still picked one of the first things that I saw as my shout out. I love the chalkboard dishware. I specifically love the honeysuckle ones, both the chargers and the stemware. I have a table all cooked up in my head now.

    Reply
  55. Michele says

    August 2, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I like the chalkboard wine / champagne glasses. What a fun way to keep track of your glass at a party.

    Reply
  56. Pamela says

    August 2, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Been a follower of yours!:)

    Reply
  57. Pamela says

    August 2, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Already been liking ya on FB!:)

    Reply
  58. Pamela says

    August 2, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Already a member of J&M. I think I will be digging the fun clocks and mirrors coming up this week.

    Reply
  59. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 2, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    I am a follower of the Picket Fence of course. I am spreading my comments out to up my chances.

    Reply
  60. fluerdelyis says

    August 3, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    I already belong to Joss and Main webstie. I looked around today and I really like this Millennium Mini Pendant in Teco Marrone (from Quoizel lighting event)on Joss and Main.
    thanks
    Chris
    treehouse.queen18 (at yahoo dot com)

    Reply
  61. Sharon says

    August 4, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    I’m already a member over at Joss and Main (love their one-of-a-kind specials!) and I am excited about the Staub bakeware special starting tomorrow.

    Reply
  62. Sharon says

    August 4, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    I am a new GFC follower.

    Reply
  63. Sharon says

    August 4, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    Following you on Facebook.

    Reply
  64. Sharon says

    August 4, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    I am following you on twitter.

    Reply
  65. Sharon says

    August 4, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    I posted your giveaway on my FB wall https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=228626217174132&id=100001156831237

    Reply
  66. sleepy headed mom says

    August 4, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    I am already a member of Joss & Main.

    I’m looking forward to the Beehive Kithenware event on Aug 7th.

    sleepyheadedmom at gmail dot com

    Reply
  67. sleepy headed mom says

    August 4, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    I follow with Google Friend Connect.

    sleepyheadedmom at gmail dot com

    Reply
  68. sleepy headed mom says

    August 4, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    I follow you on twitter. (@sleepyheadedmom)

    sleepyheadedmom at gmail dot com

    Reply
  69. FABBY'S LIVING says

    August 4, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    I’ve always been a happy follower of both, TPF and you girls and I take the opportunity to tell you I love your blogs. Thank you for the great give away chance. Lots of blessings. FABBY

    Reply
  70. Roselyn says

    August 4, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I used the invite link and signed up for Joss & Main. I’m in love with the Nantucket Inspiration coming on the 9th.
    roselynhellard@yahoo.com

    Reply
  71. mommyoffour says

    August 4, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    I follow At The Picket Fence though Google friends.

    Reply
  72. mommyoffour says

    August 4, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    I like At The Picket Fence on FB.
    Roselyn

    Reply
  73. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    I signed up through your invite. Thanks! Had never heard of J&M before, but I’m going to watch their site closely now. My fav item tonight is the Hampton Morning Dew rug in aqua. It doesn’t match a thing in my house, but I love it!

    Reply
  74. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Following you two? Absolutely – and with pleasure! Fantastic giveaway, ladies!

    Reply
  75. Elizabeth says

    August 5, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    I am already a menmer of Joss. But would still love to win, there are so many great things there even some items to get and give for Christmas!

    Reply
  76. Joellen from Concorded Lives says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    I just joined Joss as a member and I love it! Right now, I have my eye on the Ombre Line – Curves Hour Glass Chair in Vintage Shitake AND the Branches Square Decorative Pillow in Purple! Both would look awesome in our guestroom that is still in the works.

    Reply
  77. Joellen from Concorded Lives says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    I also just liked you on Facebook!!

    Reply
  78. Shel says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    I’m already a Joss & Main member and I like the Cycles de Dion-Bouton art print from DVL Galleries.

    shel704 at aol dot com

    Reply
  79. Shel says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I’m a GFC follower
    shel704 at aol dot com

    Reply
  80. Shel says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I like you on Facebook: Michelle Hudak
    shel704 at aol dot com

    Reply
  81. Shel says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Following you on Twitter @auntiethesis
    shel704 at aol dot com

    Reply
  82. Shel says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/#!/auntiethesis/status/99545871447883776

    shel704 at aol dot com

    Reply
  83. Joellen from Concorded Lives says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    I also just shared your give away on Facebook! Super excited about this giveaway!

    Reply
  84. Le-Ann H. says

    August 5, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Nice giveaway!! Signed up at Joss & Main! I think I could be very happy with something from the Potting Shed Creations or the Beehive Kitchenware. 🙂

    Reply
  85. Lea Ann says

    August 5, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Oh Yes! The Beehive Kitchenware Collection!

    Reply
  86. Jennifer Zuri @ Aquascape Your Landscape says

    August 5, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    I entered Joss and Main through your invite. I love the Staub Ceramic Bakeware.

    Reply
  87. Jennifer Zuri @ Aquascape Your Landscape says

    August 5, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    I’m now following your blog! Love it!

    Reply
  88. Jennifer Zuri @ Aquascape Your Landscape says

    August 5, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    I’m following you on Twitter now, too!

    Reply
  89. Jennifer Zuri @ Aquascape Your Landscape says

    August 5, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    And finally … I “liked” you on Facebook! 🙂

    Reply
  90. dgmills says

    August 7, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    I just paid a visit to the Joss and Main gorgeous website and signed up to be a new member.
    dgmills@tampabay.rr.com

    Reply
  91. dgmills says

    August 7, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    I absolutely love the Kimberton Ridge Outdoor Pendant in Clay Bronze and have the perfect spot for it.
    dgmills@tampabay.rr.com

    Reply
  92. dgmills says

    August 7, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    I am not following At the Picket Fence through Google and delighted to have found it.
    dgmills@tampabay.rr.com

    Reply
  93. dgmills says

    August 7, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    I liked you on your Facebook page.
    dgmills@tampabay.rr.com

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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