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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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May 23, 2011

Big Girl Bedroom Reveal and Featured Blogger

It all began with a pillow….
Ok. Well, technically it all began with realizing that our crib-turned-toddler bed was just not cuttin’ it anymore for our Little Miss.  Her legs weren’t quite dangling over the end but it was getting close!
But the inspiration behind this transformation was this pillow!
I knew I wanted to work with her existing decor and particularly the yellow toile that has been apart of her room since she was a baby. So, taking cues from this pillow, I set about to add some pops of color and some sweet vintage charm to my sweet girl’s space.
Would you believe that there are 6 different patterns represented in this room?
If you are counting to make sure I’m correct, be sure to notice the tiny pink flowers on the pillowcases at the back of the bed! When it was all said and done, these fabrics and colors worked
together to create just the look I was hoping for.  Want to see?
First let’s take a look at where this room began…
Before
And now, here is the new Big Girl Bedroom!
After
You may remember how I used a Simple Stencil monogram surrounded by creamy yellow plates to accent this space above the dresser.
And that I found the most adorable little vanity with a darling swivel stool which was recovered in toile fabric along with a thin piece of plastic for added protection.
Would you believe that this beautiful painting was done by my incredibly talented Father-in-Law?
I like to call him the Renaissance Man! He painted this gorgeous piece of artwork when Lauren was born and it has been gracing the wall of her room ever since. By framing it out with molding and hanging curtains up, we created an extra little “window”.
You may also remember that I created a Cornice over her bed by using this foam wall plaque, up-cycling her crib dust ruffle and adding a ready-made curtain panel to the back.
I fell in love with the large floral patterned Ralph Lauren bedding as
soon as I spied it at Tuesday Morning. I knew it would be the perfect way to tie in all of the fabrics.
And when I found this gorgeous Toile Print at Hancock Fabrics, well…that just sealed the deal!
But then came the decision of what to make with that toile fabric.   I had to have a heart-to-heart with myself….has anyone else ever had to do that? “Self”, I said, “You know that if you try and make a bunch of throw pillows for this girl’s bed that they are just going to live up to their name and get THROWN off the bed, up in the air, and at her brother”. So, after I argued a bit with the voice(s) in my head, I decided to make just one GIANT bolster pillow to grace the bed and be a real statement piece.
Ok…so here’s the thing. I like to call this the Lazy Girl’s Bolster Pillow. The ends are not finished off but are gathered together instead and tied off with coordinating ribbon.  The advantage of being Lazy in this case is that I can add more stuffing when it begins to look deflated.  And as often as this is getting jumped on and rolled around with, I’m thinking it will be restuffed pretty often!
Let’s take a quick look around the rest of the room!
I knew as soon as I saw these darling little canvas bird paintings that they would be the perfect addition.  The fact that they were only $9.99 each didn’t hurt either!
Some of you have seen her chandelier before but I just couldn’t resist showing it off again!
These little framed prints were in my own nursery and I love having this little piece of my history in my daughter’s room. Of course, now that I think of it, maybe they were in Heather’s nursery too. Were they Heather? I know I had to wear your hand-me-downs but now I’m wondering how much of MY stuff is actually YOUR stuff! Hmmm…we may need to talk to mom about this.  
And speaking of Auntie Heather, she gave me this beautiful framed print of a scene from Sense and Sensibility which is, of course, one of our all-time favorite movies. I cannot wait for Lauren to read all of Jane Austen’s novels.  Oh, and the Anne of Green Gables series of course. And Little House on the Prairie…that goes without saying!
This part of the room made my heart skip a beat when I first saw it while touring our house.
Doesn’t every little girl want a window seat? Sometimes I catch her just sitting there staring out the window and it just makes me melt!  Other times she climbs onto the window seat and throws up all over the place and then I have to try and clean it all up and end up having to throw away the foam cushion which used to be here because…well…have you ever tried to clean vomit out of foam? Not pretty!
Also, cleaning it out of the hinges of a window seat might just go down as one of my grossest mommy moments. But, I digress….
The dollhouse was actually built by our dad for Auntie Heather when she was a little girl and she graciously allowed it to come and live in Lauren’s room for awhile. We love Auntie Heather!
These shadowboxes hold baby gowns that belonged to my grandmothers.
Can you see the word ‘Baby‘ at the top of this one?
Well, that is it for now folks! I have a few more little things I want to add to her room…like maybe a cushion on the window seat to replace the aforementioned vomit covered one.
But I sure am loving my Baby Girl’s “Big” Girl Bedroom.
It’s bittersweet, isn’t it? The crib is gone…. 
The vanity sits waiting for the little girl spinning on the stool to become a big girl trying on makeup for the first time…like when she is 20! And Mommy gets to decorate it to her heart’s content.
I know it won’t last so I’ll enjoy it while it does!
Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,
This post is partying at the following places:

Roomspiration
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
DIY by Design: Swing Into Spring

49 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Featured Blogger, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle @ between cottage and cabin says

    May 23, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Lucky little girl. Perfect blend of new and old. I am sure she adores it!

    Reply
  2. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    May 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Beautiful job, Vanessa! I love the vintage baby dresses and the pics from your own nursery. I know what you mean about wondering if they belonged to Heather, too. I came to the RUDE realization several years ago that a favorite family Christmas figurine that I hoped to get someday had already been given to my LITTLE sister; my parents bought it the year I was born, so I still think it should be living at my house! 🙂

    Whatever you’re doing this week, enjoy!

    Reply
  3. Little Brick Ranch says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Looks GREAT!! With all those angles and nook that is a tough room to work with and you did an amazing job!! Brava!!

    Reply
  4. Bethany says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    I am officially swooning! Such a lovely space….I love everything! Just beautiful, well, except for the, er, vomit part. Oh sister, I hear you there!

    Reply
  5. Amy @ 11Magnolialane says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Its just gorgeous…I have gotten so many ideas from this room. Its the perfect sunny, happy but still elegant girls room. My daughter would be jealous! I definitely am…
    🙂
    Amy

    Reply
  6. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    May 23, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Oh, you’ve done SUCH a great job. You’re so right…these years are a bit bittersweet, aren’t they? So precious and so fleeting. But it sounds a though you make the most of every moment with your two kiddiewinks.

    Sarahx

    Reply
  7. Judy says

    May 23, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Her room came out amazing. I love each and every detail. Such a beautiful room with so many pretty things. I love the neck roll pillows and the dollhouse is gorgeous. So lucky to have a window seat. That room is every little girl’s dream room. You did such a great job my friend.

    Reply
  8. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    May 23, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    You knocked that one out of the ball park Vanessa!!~ Just gorgeous! And of course I love Becca too…she is awesome in every way both as a person and as a creative soul!

    Reply
  9. alison says

    May 23, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    gorgeous room…i adore all the details that work together to create such a lovely abode.

    Reply
  10. Becca says

    May 23, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    OMG … her big girl room is seriously stunning !! You put SO much thought into this, Vanessa !! The fabrics you chose are absolutely beautiful … LOVE the “Lazy Girl Pillow!” And, the artwork that your father-in-law created is so sentimentally lovely … I’m sure she’ll have it forever! And, of course, the dollhouse and window bench with those scrumptuous pillows are too sweet !!

    And, THANK YOU, Vanessa, SO much for featuring me and my little ol’ blog. You are too sweet, thoughtful (and witty) for surprising me with this … I appreciate it more than you know !! Again, thanks, friend !! xoxo

    Reply
  11. Ashley says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    What a beautiful room! Everything is just gorgeous! I love all the fabrics you chose. You thought of every last detail. I am going to have to try to make one of those bolster pillows. Off to check out the featured blog now!

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Wonderful!!! I love this room. Heckers, it’s prettier than my master bedroom. I kept trying to single out one part I loved the best, but it’s so full of stuff I liked that I couldn’t. I give this two thumbs up and a standing O.

    Reply
  13. Paula Jo @ Home and Garden Decor says

    May 23, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Wow! Amazing how you redone the room. I just love the pillows and the fabric’s you used are remarkable. Great work, and it shows.

    Reply
  14. Jo says

    May 23, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    WOW!..this looks amazing!
    Love the colors and the fabrics are incredible.Your FIL, has great talent,love the painting,so cherished!
    ~JO
    Lazyonloblolly

    Reply
  15. The Decorative Dreamer says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Oh Vanessa! You have real talent too honey. This room is just so beautiful. I love all the fabrics you chose and all the pretty decor as well. What a very lucky little girl!

    Reply
  16. Jodie says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Vanessa,

    I just adore this room! So pretty and charming! I love the color scheme and all the precious details;)

    Warm Wishes,
    Jodie

    Reply
  17. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Oh your little girls room is looking absolutely adorable Vanessa!! Love the toile fabric mixed with the florals- so sweet! Love all your vintagey sweet touches! I have a dollhouse my dad made for me out the garage. It is HUGE but I have been wanting to restore it and bring it in the house one of these days. What a sweet treasure to have. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Michele Smith says

    May 23, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    WOW! Her room is so beautiful. I love everything about it. The fabrics and colors, that lazy bolster pillow. Dreamy! My baby girl still has a pink room and is sleeping in her crib. I am not brave enough to have her in a big girl bed or even a toddler bed. She will be 3 in October and boy is she destructive LOL

    One day I’ll get around to showing off my Reagan’s room.

    Reply
  19. Erin says

    May 23, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Your daughters big girl room is gorgeous!!! I love the fabric on the bed. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Conspicuous Style Design Blog says

    May 23, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    That is beautiful! It is difficult enough to make 2 or 3 fabrics blend, nevermind 6! You did an absolutely fantastic job….I;m in awe
    Stacy

    Reply
  21. michelle says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    Oh my goodness Vanessa this is GORGEOUS!! What a beautiful room for a beautiful big girl! You did an amazing job my friend and everything looks so perfect together!! Your FIL is an incredible artist, that painting is beautiful and so special to have in her room. I bet she is loving it!
    XO

    Reply
  22. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    Vanessa, her room is so pretty. I love all your fabric choices and all the little details that make it all so special.

    Reply
  23. Robin says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    WOW! What a pretty room for your little one. I love it. The bedding you picked out is so sweet. I bet she just loves her new big girl bed!

    Reply
  24. NanaDiana says

    May 24, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Vanessa- I read every word of your post. You did a wonderful job taking that “baby” room to the next level. It is still girly sweet but more grown up. It will grow right along with her. You have great talent for pulling a lot of different elements together. It all co-ordinates beautifully! GREAT JOB!! Hugs-Diana

    Reply
  25. Christie says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Vanessa, the room looks SO BEAUTIFUL!! I can just see you sitting in that rocking chair when the crib was still up rocking your sweet baby girl! They grow too fast! This would be any little girl’s dream! So many favorites, but love the lazy girl bolster! I might have to attempt that! Lovin’ the RL fabric, will keep my eye out for that lovely print! Love the grandmother’s baby gowns in the shadow boxes…OMGoodness, those are so precious! All of it is just so lovely! Did I tell you Becca lives just up the road from me in SC, but I found her site from you! So funny! She is uber talented! Hope you are having a ball where ever you are! Much love! Christie

    Reply
  26. Ange says

    May 24, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Awesome! 🙂 I love the fabric choices and how wonderful it all looks together. She must love her big girl room!!!!

    Reply
  27. Shelia says

    May 24, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Oh, my goodness! The big girl room is gorgeous! This big girl could be very comfortable in there. Love the fabric patterns you chose! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia 😉

    Reply
  28. Terry says

    May 24, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Lucky Lauren to have a Mom like you. Great decor.

    Reply
  29. abeachcottage says

    May 24, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Lovely room, everything is great. Love the colours and the little nook in the corner.

    Reply
  30. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 24, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    You did a fabulous job in this room, Vanessa! I love all the patterns you used!

    Reply
  31. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    May 25, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    What a beautiful big girl bedroom! I LOVE every detail Vanessa!! Martina

    Reply
  32. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    May 25, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    Oh Vanessa, the room turned out just beautiful! Oh what a big girl now! Love it!

    Reply
  33. Cindy says

    May 25, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    I am almost speachless, my jaw was definately on the floor (well, hanging open!) What an amazing little girls room! It is so charming with all the family pieces, personal touches and those fabrics are beautiful!!! Such a special room that will surely be enjoyed a long time to come!!!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    May 25, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    What a wonderful room to wake up in! How lucky is your little girl? Your talent is amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us. I’m truly inspired. Where did you find the bird pictures?

    Reply
  35. Karie's Chic Creations says

    May 25, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Oh how beautiful! You have done a beautiful job redecorating this room. Love it all. Thanks for sharing the loveliness and inspiration. Karie

    Reply
  36. Dixie Delights says

    May 26, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    This is gorgeous. Swooning over the cornice. All the details are just so perfect!

    Reply
  37. Marianne says

    May 26, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    Vanessa, that room is simply gorgeous. I love everything about it especially the baby dressing gowns in the shadow boxes. This belongs in a magazine!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  38. FABBY'S LIVING says

    May 27, 2011 at 3:15 AM

    This is gorgeous, what a great job! The room turned out amazing! Thank you for sharing it with us and it’s a great inspiration.
    Hugs.
    FABBY

    Reply
  39. Nancy says

    May 27, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    What a perfect room for a young lady. It’s so cozy and charming. I love the mix of fabrics and colors you chose. It’s sooooo pretty!

    Nancy

    Reply
  40. radn@HouseonAshwelllane says

    May 27, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Lovely room! Love the shadow boxes and the quilt!

    Reply
  41. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 29, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    Vanessa, Your daughter’s room is gorgeous! I love the mix of prints and all the family items you used. The vintage prints and the shadow boxes are wonderful.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  42. Traci says

    May 31, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Vanessa you did a FABULOUS job!!! The room looks great!!

    Reply
  43. Brandi says

    June 2, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Beautiful job. Such a lovely room.

    Reply
  44. Judy says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I remember this reveal. It’s still as gorgeous as the first time I saw it. I love each and every part of the room. Saw it linked over at Roomspiration and I loved it all over again.

    Reply
  45. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous bedroom, seriously fit for a queen! (c: So cool how you incorporated meaningful things into the design…extra special! Thanks for linking up today!

    Reply
  46. Nan @ Playful Decor says

    September 27, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    This room is gorgeous! And if you didn’t say there were 6 patterns, I don’t think I would have noticed! The two that are so similar – same colors, but different pattern works. And then the square pillow in a large pattern works because its still the same colors. I also love using the gowns from your grandmothers – I always like seeing the blend of old & new. Noticed that old dresser too! btw, I’d love for you to link up to my party today. Tuesday’s Nursery is for all ages of kids decor and the links are open! I hope you can make it!

    Reply
  47. Taylor Greenwalt says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Your daughter must be so happy with her room. You did such a good job. Love how you used so many different fabrics to create interest. Beautiful!

    Reply
  48. LiZzie H says

    March 19, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    Do you have a name/designer/fabric manufacturer for the Asian multi toile you use for the bolster. I am in love and would to see if I can get it here in NY.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 19, 2013 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Lizzie! You know, it was quite awhile ago that I purchased the toile so I don’t remember the name but I do know that I purchased it at Hancock Fabrics. I’ll see if I can track down any information for you! 🙂
      Thanks!
      Vanessa

      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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