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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

October 16, 2012

My Better Home and Gardens Feature is here…a perfect weekend!

Do you ever have those “perfect storms” in your life?

You know, the kind where everything seems to just happen in sync for good or bad?
We’ve had a few of those recently, and no I’m not talking about my son deciding to actually wash his own clothes for the one hour I was gone and didn’t see that the washing machine hose was detached and started a load and went to his room to play X-Box and put two loads of water on the laundry room floor and flooded our finished basement…nope this is not THAT perfect storm.
This perfect storm is a a Blogging Perfect Storm…and it was a good one!
This WEEKEND was our Perfect Storm here At The Picket Fence! 
It started with an invitation for Heather to speak at the Southern Bloggers Conference  and my BF Forever and ever and ever Robin was able to come with me(details to come!)



 

Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl, Heather (me) from At The Picket Fence, Kelly from Eclectically Vintage and KariAnne from Thistlewood Farm

and then gained momentum when LG Electronics contacted us for Vanessa to not only review one of their brand new top of the line dishwashers, but then proceeded to fly her and one of our READERS to the Food Network Wine and Food Festival in New York City on the SAME weekend (more details to come!)…

….and then the perfect storm formed…because as if ALL of that was not amazing, surreal and fabulous enough…this arrived on newsstands Saturday…

my Better Homes and Gardens feature…and so it came to be, our most amazing WEEKEND ever on our blogging journey!
I am still pinching myself. It was beyond my wildest dreams to purchase that magazine while in the company of one of the most special ladies in my life (where she proceeded to scream at the top of her lungs in a Food Lion) and then to share it with a group of the most fabulous blogging gals on the planet! 
 

thank you Jessica of Mom 4 Real for sending me this picture

I mean WHO can truly, really appreciate a moment like that but friends on this blogging path with us.  They shouted, and whistled, and I think there were a few tears (Shirley) and it made the moment beyond anything I could have imagined…well except, the PERFECT PERFECT storm would have been having Vanessa next to me. 😉 
It has been the most incredible weekend of my professional life (I love I can say that THIS, what we get to do, IS a profession AND a passion now) 



I want to say THANK YOU to Kit from Better Homes and Gardens for finding my kitchen worth gracing the pages of this amazing magazine…
I want to thank Stacey for making my kitchen look magazine worthy with her incredible photo styling talent…
…and I want to thank Edmund Barr for doing what he said..making me feel good about seeing myself in print…and for including my precious Zoe. (Did you see her in the right-hand corner?)


Storms…they can be difficult, they can also bring new seasons and new breaths of life…this weekend was 
definitely that kind of storm! 
Love you all…from this gal who humbly and gratefully hangs here…at the picket fence!

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88 Comments Filed Under: Better Homes and Gardens, Kitchen Remodel

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Comments

  1. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    October 15, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    What a perfect weekend! Congratulations! Enjoy this time of your life. I can’t wait to see your feature in BHG. Have a great week!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  2. Anita says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:00 PM

    Congratulations!!! That is just wonderful!! I’m so happy for you!!

    Reply
  3. Kate@StillRoomToGrow says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    Congrats! It looks great!

    Reply
  4. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Congratulations Heather! I can feel your excitement! What a weekend for you both.

    Reply
  5. Shelia says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Congratulations, Heather! My heart is just bursting with pride for you and your sister.
    Your kitchen is gorgeous and the blog conference was blessed to have you!;)
    I know someone famous!
    You two are sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  6. Robin says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    Congratulations! I would definitely have to agree that this was the perfect weekend. I really enjoyed meeting you and hearing you speak this weekend! You have really taught and inspired me!

    Reply
  7. Leen says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    so excited for you! and so happy to have met you. Looking forward to meeting Vanessa next time 🙂

    Reply
  8. Barbara says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    What a fabulous weekend for you gals! So happy for you both…congratulations!
    I’d normally say have a fantastic week, but I am sure your feet won’t hit the ground until at least Friday! 😀

    Reply
  9. Patty (Patty's Pretty Things) says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    My copy is sitting on my desk at home! I can’t wait to get home and take a look! This is so exciting. Congratulations!

    Reply
  10. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    CONGRATS Heather…sooooo very happy for ya!!!! I will be sure to pick up a copy. Sounds like one heck of a weekend:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  11. It's All Connected says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    I’m squealing in excitement, too! I’ll be standing at the magazine rack telling everyone, “I know her!”. You’ve worked very hard and in a truly professional manner on this blog and deserve to call yourself a professional! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  12. { amy } says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    Congrats!! What a dream! I actually just got that issue in the mail yesterday, so I can’t wait to read it:)

    http://www.theblissfulbeeblog.blogspot.com
    http://www.walton-interiors.com

    Reply
  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Congrats, Heather! I’m sure it’s just as exciting as when they came to take the pictures, to actually see it in print now. Boy, you girls had a real whirlwind weekend!

    Reply
  14. Stuff and Nonsense says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    so much excitement
    and fun for you both

    congratulations
    on a mountaintop weekend!

    {alison}

    Reply
  15. classic • casual • home says

    October 15, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    Oh, I cannot wait to get my issue, Heather! You deserve all your hard earned success. You are so talented. Thanks for giving me a GIANT smile this morning!
    Mary Ann

    Reply
  16. FABBY'S LIVING says

    October 15, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    Congrats pretty Heather, you deserve it, you very talented girl!! Hope I can get the issue here, it’ll take a while though. How exciting for you to finally see those great pics on print! Have a fabulous week and enjoy this great times, with so much wonderful things going on for you. Love the pics with the fellow bloggers too..you all look lovely!
    FABBY

    Reply
  17. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    October 15, 2012 at 3:57 PM

    Congratulations Heather!!!What a BIG DEAL!!!! I get BHG in the mail… you bet I’m excited to see your featured article. I am sososososooososo sad that I did not go to the Blogger’s Conference! I’m not missing the next one!!!
    You are one beautiful gal!!!

    Reply
  18. Cynthia says

    October 15, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    Congrats, what a HUGE deal!!! I am so happy for you.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  19. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    October 15, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Congrats, and I can say I knew you when. It is amazing what blogging can add to our lives. So good to see you again at the conference. Truly enjoyed your presentation.

    Reply
  20. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    October 15, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    Congratulations! What a thrill! And the conference must have been so much fun!

    Reply
  21. Judy says

    October 15, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    What a perfect weekend. I can’t wait to pick up a copy and check it out. So happy for you!!

    Reply
  22. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    October 15, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    I am bubbling over with excitement for the both of you. You are two of the sweetest and most deserving ladies in blogland. Can’t wait to run out and pick up that mag!

    Reply
  23. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 15, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Heather, again CONGRATULTIONS on the BHG feature….what an enormous honor!…I so loved seeing the excitement on your face when you showed us the magazine…AND…Food Lion has Kari on tape of her screaming and waving her hands when you two picked up the magazine!!!….I am so very happy for you and Vanessa for the wonderful success you two so deserve!!….Thanks for being a speaker at the conference…you were amazing!!!

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    October 15, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    Congratulations Heather! I’ve seen your kitchen in person and know how hard you worked on not only the island but all of it – the cabinets, the counters, the moldings, etc., etc. Vanessa and you did NOT get your talent from your Dad or me. You are definitely self-taught and we are proud of you both. Love you, Mom

    Reply
  25. Joani says

    October 15, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Congratulations! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

    Reply
  26. Leslie says

    October 15, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    Congrats on everything!!! The article looks beautiful, and I can’t wait to read it for myself! God is showering you girls with blessings and enjoy every moment! What an exiting time for you!
    Blessings,
    Leslie

    Reply
  27. Leslie Harris says

    October 15, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Heather, I’m so happy for you. I can’t even imagine how it must feel to see yourself in a magazine, and BHG too! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
    You deserve it all.
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss blog)

    Reply
  28. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says

    October 15, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    What a special “surprise”! well deserved! have not received it yet. Can’t wait to read the article!

    Reply
  29. Debbiedoo's says

    October 15, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Heather, I am so so happy for you and your sissie. How amazing to be on this exciting journey together. I can imagine your delight to open up that fabulous mag and see your beautiful kitchen and your beautiful self on the glossy pages. AMAZING feeling indeed! Congrats, it will be something you forever will cherish.

    Reply
  30. Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says

    October 15, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Heather,

    Congratulations! You and your sister are an inspiration! I can’t wait to go out and get my copy of BHG! Enjoy this special time!

    Blessings,

    Doreen

    Reply
  31. Chenoa Woods says

    October 15, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    Heather-

    Congrats! My daughter is in the same kinder class as Lauren and Vanessa had her copy in hand at pick up today! She was so proud to show you off! What an awesome experience and well deserved!

    Best-
    Chenoa Woods

    Reply
  32. Gina says

    October 15, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Congratulations! How exciting!

    Reply
  33. Dixie Delights says

    October 15, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Congrats! I love it!!

    Reply
  34. April says

    October 15, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    Congrats on all the success! I know you were thrilled with the Better Home and Garden story, how cool!

    Reply
  35. Carol says

    October 15, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    Yay, Heather, and congratulations! My copy just arrived in the mail today, & I couldn’t wait to get that dang plastic cover off and look for you! I think it is so thrilling when one of our own (meaning a “Blog Sister”) hits the big time! I am so happy and thrilled for you!

    xoxo,
    Carol

    Reply
  36. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    October 15, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Heather, Congrats on the feature and I can’t wait to get a copy. I am so excited for you!

    Reply
  37. Petticoat Junktion says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    Congratulations Heather, Your mom’s comment made me tear up. I was in awe when I met you at SBC but you are so sweet and Kari is so sedate I can’t imagine her screaming and getting overly excited!!!!!

    Reply
  38. Vicki Shead says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    SO COOL SO COOL SO COOL! I would have cried too! You are so deserving of this sweetness! BUT… I have one question. Did your son really flood your basement? I gotta know, I’ll just worry. I mean, you’re trying to sell your house! YIKES! I know having to deal with all of those wonderful inspections daily in my 8-5 job how tricky that can get. :/

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 16, 2012 at 1:31 AM

      Yes Vicki, that did happen. sigh. It’s all fixed now thank goodness, and good as new! It’s been a crazy few weeks around here. We caught it so quick that we didn’t run into any “water issues” just caused some dry wall damage. Thank you for your sweet words about the feature, still doesn’t seem quite real! 🙂

      Heather

      Reply
  39. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Yay, Heather!!!! The feature is amazing, but soooo deserved! So sorry I missed the conference, but “life” was happening at warp speed, as usual. Next time…
    Congratulations, my friend!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  40. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    Heather, congrats on all of the wonderful things coming your way! This is just one of many, and so well deserved!!

    Reply
  41. Anonymous says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    I am so proud of you! So excited for you girls! Sooooo deserved!
    Melody
    OneChattyChic.com

    Reply
  42. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    Congratulations to you Heather — such a fabulous feature! I’m humbled and proud to share the moment with you! And Vanessa — can’t wait to hear more about your super fabulous weekend in the city that never sleeps!

    And Heather, you are just as warm and kind and wonderful as I imagined … and as pours through in your posts! It was a true pleasure to finally meet you (and your Sherpa 🙂 in person …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  43. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Very Cool Heather! Congratulations!
    Susan
    Homeroad

    Reply
  44. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Oh Heather I am so excited for you!!!!!!!!! You look beautiful in the photo! And your kitchen rocks – I am so glad it was featured – you are an inspiration with your mad skills!! Congratulations!

    Reply
  45. Sue says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Boy, You weren’t kidding when you say it was the best blogging weekend ever! Congrats to you…and Vanessa!

    Reply
  46. Two Succulent Sisters says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    How WONDERFUL! Good job!! Linda

    Reply
  47. Finding Home says

    October 16, 2012 at 2:04 AM

    So truly excited for you! Such a well deserved honor and you look great to boot! And how fun to find out with all your blogging friends – just sorry your sister wasn’t there too! Take care, Laura

    Reply
  48. Marty Walden says

    October 16, 2012 at 3:05 AM

    No one is more deserving or more humble! Loved meeting you this weekend and hearing your news! There is certainly enough trials so that when the blessings come they are more perfect and precious!

    Reply
  49. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 16, 2012 at 3:11 AM

    Can’t wait to get my issue, and girl, You look fabulous!

    Reply
  50. thistlewoodfarm says

    October 16, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Heather,

    Where to begin….first of all….you are amazing. Well….okay….Zoe is amazing too! I am so excited for both of you and where this exciting blogging journey has taken both of you. I know that this is only the beginning and there are so many more weekends of “perfect storms” in your future. Congratulations to you and Vanessa 🙂

    Have a great day rock star!
    karianne

    Reply
  51. Christie says

    October 16, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    I am so excited for both of you!! Heather, you look BEAUTIFUL and I am going to go out tomorrow and buy a copy, so I can show that my friend was featured! (’cause you know I feel like I know y’all!) You deserve it! I wanted so badly to go to the Southern Bloggers Conference…only a three hour drive for me, but I couldn’t get it together…maybe next year and I will get to meet my friends! Vanessa, I am drooling over the trip to New York! What an opportunity and how fun!! You girls deserve it!! Enjoy, enjoy!! Christie

    Reply
  52. Jessica Kielman says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    You already know how excited I am for you, but I’ll say it again, “EEEEEEEEks!!!!” So super exciting!!! I’m so glad that I was there shortly after you saw it, when you were still smiling from ear to ear! Congratulations!!!

    And, Vanessa, I heard you had quite the amazing weekend too…so jealous you got to see Bobby Flay!

    Reply
  53. JP says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Heather,
    What an exciting time for you…Congratulations on the feature. I can’t wait to see it on the stands and you look marvelous!

    Reply
  54. Eclectically Vintage says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    It was the perfect storm – for two fabulously amazing and talented ladies who I am thrilled to call friends!

    Now that you girls are BFF’s with Bobby Flay and appearing in national magazines – don’t forget the little people!

    Thrilled to be there with you Heather when you got your first peek at your magazine feature!
    Kelly

    Reply
  55. Debbie says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    I just have one simple question.

    Are you doing the queen wave?
    Because you really, really need to be doing the queen wave.

    I’m proud of you and for you!

    Reply
  56. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM

    What a great weekend for you both!! Congrats Heather, I am so happy for you & can’t wait to pick up a copy!!

    Reply
  57. Becca says

    October 16, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    Yippee … yahoooooo! So very excited for you both! Vanessa, I can’t wait to hear about your amazing experience in New York, and Heather, such an awesome and well-deserved feature … loved seeing you this weekend! Congratulations to you both. xo

    Reply
  58. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    October 16, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    Congratulations, Heather! You look fabulous, and so does your beautiful kitchen. 🙂

    Reply
  59. Sherry says

    October 16, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    Congratulations Heather! You and your kitchen look beautiful! Glad you had a great weekend. It is nice to see your blog taking you into to new ventures!
    Hugs!
    Sherry

    Reply
  60. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    So excited for you Heather and yes, an amazing weekend for sure!! Congratulations to you both!!

    Reply
  61. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    October 16, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Congrats! The feature is so awesome! …and of course you, and your kitchen are beautiful!

    I enjoyed your presentation at SBC this past weekend! Very inspiring! 🙂

    Reply
  62. pam {simple details} says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Congrats, Heather ~ so exciting, what a beautiful feature!! I got mine and told my boys, “I know her!” 🙂

    Reply
  63. LowCountryLiving says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    Your kitchen looks wonderful! I’m so excited for you and you so deserve to be in BH&G!

    Reply
  64. Denise Z says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    Just got back from the mailbox and have my new issue of BH&G in my hot little hands. I immediately flipped to the back page to see you “in person”–and there you are! What a nice feature. You–and the island–look amazing! Congrats!

    Reply
  65. Angela @ Cottage Magpie says

    October 18, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    Squeeee!!!! SO excited to see this! My son JUST handed me my new copy from the mailbox and I am looking at your feature right now. So cool!!!!

    ~Angela~

    Reply
  66. Brenda says

    October 18, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    You are so deserving of this perfect storm – and the others (all good) that I’m sure are headed your way. It was great to meet you – you are as kind, warm, and gracious in person as you come across on your blog. Such a pleasure, and such an honor for a baby blogger like me to have been at the same table with you when you had such an amazing moment!
    Brenda

    Reply
  67. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    October 18, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Oh..congrats!! Perfect all around!!

    Reply
  68. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    How absolutely exciting–I will look for this magazine issue! Congratulations!

    Reply
  69. Julie redheadcandecorate.com says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:08 PM

    Yahooo!!!! Getting my copy tomorrooooooowwwwww……I hope they aren’t all gone!!! EEK! Great pictures too you guys!~ Julie

    Reply
  70. debra says

    October 19, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    How wonderful! Congratulations! I’ll be picking up a copy later this afternoon for sure! 🙂

    Reply
  71. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    October 19, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    Vanessa and Heather, you ladies ROCK!! I’m so super excited for both of you. I love that talented bloggers are finally getting noticed by companies and by magazines. All well-deserved recognition for all of your hard work, and great talent. I’m toasting you right now from home in my pj’s.. cheers!!!

    Reply
  72. Shoot Fly Shoot says

    October 19, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    SO AWESOME!!! 😀 Can’t wait to check it out in person!

    Reply
  73. Lettered Cottage says

    October 19, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    Oops! I didn’t know I was signed in under Kevin’s name! 😀

    Reply
  74. craftythriftydecoratingwifemom says

    October 19, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    I got my Better Homes and went right to you & your kitchen! Great feature!
    Janet

    Reply
  75. Hibiscus House says

    October 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    That is so wonderful! Enjoy every moment.

    Reply
  76. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    October 20, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Yay, yay, yay!! I’ll be picking up my copy today while I’m shopping for groceries. Can’t wait to read it. =)

    Reply
  77. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    October 21, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    Congrats!! What a fun storm to be in the middle of. Love that they included your pup. 🙂

    Reply
  78. Teresa says

    October 21, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Congrats and your dog is just sitting still. I’d have to hide my dog and tape her mouth up.

    Reply
  79. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    October 23, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Heather and Vanessa, congratulations to both of you! What exciting times At The Picket Fence. 🙂

    Reply
  80. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    October 28, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    I subscribe to BHG and was thrilled to see you in there when the magazine arrived in the mail! Congratulations on that and all the other elements of your perfect storm! We are bracing for our own “perfect storm” here in the Northeast…but I don’t think it is something we will be happy about! Let’s hope Sandy heads out to sea fast! Enjoy your week!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  81. Michele (Finch Rest) says

    October 28, 2012 at 3:42 PM

    Awesome beyond words, grats- couldn’t have happened to a better lady.

    Reply
  82. Trish @TheOldPostRoad says

    October 28, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    I SAW that article but did not realize it was you! (I am a skimmer – can you tell?) How cool! Excited for you!
    -Trish

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Thanksgiving Family Traditions says:
    November 1, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    […] a fabulous idea in the current issue of BHG { you know the one with our bloggy friend Heather from At The Picket Fence in it! } This little guy is going to be at our home all during the Thanksgiving season, gobbling […]

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  2. Our Best from 2012 ~ Happy New Year! says:
    January 1, 2013 at 6:01 AM

    […] Better Homes and Gardens […]

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    June 2, 2014 at 5:43 PM

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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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