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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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February 2, 2012

Big News For Google Friend Connect Users!

We have some exciting news to share for all of us concerned about the discontinuation of Google Friends Connect! 
As you’ve probably heard, the popular Google Friend Connect (“GFC”) is going away March 1st for non-Google blog platforms like WordPress, and the scuttlebutt is that it will be eventually phased out completely to be replaced by  Google+.  (now don’t panic yet!!) GFC was never really so much an “I follow this blog” tool as it was an attempt at the whole Facebook “friend, like” concept. Now we are being asked to join Google+ but have found like many of you it can be difficult to navigate.  
Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed and we’d like to have one that is not tied to a million other services (seems like Facebook, Twitter and Google are linked to everything else on the Internet).  One that we can use JUST to keep track of our favorite blogs! 

We wanted a simple, fast, easy-to-use and reliable service. Those of us who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs), realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of really easy to use “follower” system. So we contacted him, and he loved the idea.

We along with a few other bloggers were involved with the “Beta Testing” of this fabulous new tool!! And boy did we give it a run for it’s money…and Brent graciously listened to every suggestion, question and concern we had!  So without further ado we want to introduce you to:
LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)
Brent has created a FREE (and we all love FREE) service that a group of us mom bloggers have tested and helped develop. He is launching it today and you’re the first to be invited to try it out!
Keep in mind this is DAY ONE of the service… there will no doubt be some bugs that the test group didn’t catch. Just contact Brent (brent@brentriggs.com)… he is great about fixing things fast. Don’t let a bug or an “oops” hurt your first impression. You’re being invited to be some of the first users of this great new tool, and your feedback will help him iron out any problems very quickly.



But, there are already so many amazing options! You can group blogs by Favorites, Everyday and General and even Custom Groups.  You can create a Blogroll that includes Blogs that DO NOT have Linky Followers but that you like to keep tabs on, and you can highlight a Featured Follower!! 
One last thing, the inevitable question: can my GFC followers be automatically moved over? NO. Google won’t allow access to those accounts but more importantly, YOU really shouldn’t sign up someone to a new service. They should voluntarily sign up themselves.  You’ll need to ask your GFC folks (and all your blog readers) to follow you using Linky Followers but its easy, quick and did I mention, free?  They’ll love the tool. It’s  a cool way to organize and follow the blogs you love.
You can get started by FOLLOWING ME from my Linky Followers widget on this page… 


or you can locate it on our sidebar right above the soon to be gone Google Friend Connect widget!
 
We want to invite OUR friends here At The Picket Fence to give it a test try.  Just start by clicking on the “Follow Me” option and it will walk you through this easy process! If you have any questions feel free to ask them here or email us and we’ll be happy to answer them, or pass them on to Brent! 

We will be watching today and be sure to “follow back” all of our friends who sign up to follow us.  Just leave a comment letting us know when YOUR widget is up on your blog and we’ll follow you back! 

We will be posting next week in more detail how you can customize Linky Followers for your own needs! 
 
Remember you can also receive FREE email updates to your email inbox, follow us on our Facebook Page or Pin with us on Pinterest by clicking on the graphics below. 
 
See you tonight for Inspiration Friday!

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111 Comments Filed Under: Blogging 101, Community, General

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristen @ My Covered Bridge says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    I am really excited about this option! I am following you and I added it to my blog – I hope you’l follow me too!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 5:44 PM

      Following Kristen!

      Reply
  2. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    This is a great option! that was why I whipped out my new facebook page (which also has its advantages). I am going to add this to my blog as well.

    Reply
  3. At The Picket Fence says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Just a little FYI, if you only see a “blank” space but see your blog name when you scroll over it’s because you have not uploaded an image yet. But you are still following. Working to see if we can get a “generic” image to replace the empty thumbnail area.

    HEather

    Reply
  4. The DIY Show Off says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    So excited about this new tool! Great post! 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 5:47 PM

      Us too Roeshel! So easy to use! Of course with such fabulous bloggers helping with the design…it was bound to be great! 😉

      HEather

      Reply
  5. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 2, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    I think I am a little (ok, a LOT…slow). I cannot figure out how to put the widget ON my blog. Help!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 6:04 PM

      When you are in your dashboard on LinkyFollowers. Go to Manage Your Blogs tab. You should have added YOUR blog in there. Right below where you see YOUR blog will be a window that is open with coding in it. it will start with a
      Heather

      Reply
    • Lakeshore Cottage Living says

      February 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM

      Thank you! I did it! Your directions were perfect.

      Reply
  6. Tales of a Trophy WIfe says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    I got and error, but I’ll try again later.

    Reply
  7. michelle says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Very cool! Thanks for all your work!
    xoxo

    Reply
  8. Tales of a Trophy WIfe says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    It works this time. I’ve signed up and put it on my blog too. Thanks for spreading the info.

    Reply
  9. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    Just added the widget. Thanks for doing this!
    http://www.myplacetoyours.blogspot.com AND http://www.myplaceshopping.blogspot.com

    Reply
  10. Poppy says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    Just added the widget,hope it works. I’m following you now through linky follower,hope you will follow back. Thank you so much for helping to create this wonderful widget! Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  11. Dawn@MakingHome says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    I use Blogger so do you think I should add this tool also or do you think that would be redundant?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 6:43 PM

      Hi Dawn, That will be up to you. There seems to be a very real possibility that GFC is going to go away for everyone. Google REALLY wants everyone using Google+. Originally GFC was created to be a competitor of Facebook but it didn’t work that way. Now that they have Google+ it is likely they will push everyone over to that. Now, Google+ may be a great option for people, but it hasn’t been super user friendly and many people just want a simple way to keep track of the blogs they read and the followers they have.

      For non Blogger blogs there will be no other way of listing followers and following blog except through a blogroll widget. This means that GFC might become obsolete with so many WordPress blogs abandoning it and many Blogger blogs are migrating over to WordPress.

      We HOPE that this will be a good solution. Just remember though we are still working out the kinks. It’s still in Beta testing form. PLEASE feel free to ask if you have any questions!

      Heather

      Reply
  12. michelle says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    Just added it. 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  13. Ruby Jean says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Oh my Goodness I am so EXCITED about this…. So much so I only read 1/2 of the post…. I hope this works for WORDPRESS…. I am going to sit and read over this… But got ANTSY and had to comment… LOL!!! 🙂 This is GENIUS…. GENIUS I Say!!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 6:51 PM

      Yes everyone! This works for WordPress for sure (which is why it was created) as well as blogger and WordPress.com blogs (they just need to grab another type of code which is listed for them)Wordpress users are the ones in mind for this. Let me know if you have any questions.

      Heather

      Reply
  14. My name is Amee says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    Hi! I’ve added my Linky tool. 🙂 I’m following your too!
    My blog is @ http://www.amee2.blogspot.com
    Thank you for sharing with us!!! 🙂

    Reply
  15. At The Picket Fence says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    Hi everyone! Please keep leaving comments and questions and your blog names, we will be sure to follow ALL of our followers who sign up over the next few days.

    I need to take a “back to my real life” break for a little while but I will be checking in to help you all.

    PLEASE remember we are still working out the kinks. It may do weird things on occasion, bear with us…remember you’re part of a special “test” group. 😉

    Heather

    Reply
  16. Ruby Jean says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    I noticed on your sidebar your Boxes are in a Straight line Down… Is there a way to configure it in a Box GFC style…??? Oh My goodness I am so EXCITED… Did I mention that Already…. I am one of those who tried the Google+ out and let me tell you it’s NOT user friendly… I still get lost in it… 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM

      This is just a wonky coding thing right now Angelina. If you want to wait and add your widget when you see mine is fixed you can. Brent is still working out all of the kinks so things may appear a little off every once and awhile.

      Reply
  17. Wendy @HerBallistic Garden says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    OH MY GOSH! You two are seriously awesome! I just had a Blog Rant (https://www.herballisticgarden.com/2/post/2012/02/blog-rant.html)this morning about this very issue…and no comments or help back yet. I have started following you on this tool and have added the widget to my sidebar. Thankyou so so much for solving my dilemma. I’ve already e-mailed Brent to tell him thankyou as well. I feel so much better and so should you! I’m going to go write a blog to link back to this blog and encourage my readers to follow me on Linky tools! xo wendy

    Have a terrifically, wondrous day soaking up the praise!

    Reply
  18. Ruby Jean says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:13 PM

    EEEEEKKKKK!!!!! I just signed up…. to follow…. I see your Box is fixed… Where do I go to get the Widget…????

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 7:35 PM

      Angelina, look at my reply up above to Lakeshore Cottage Living, it should help you get your widget code for your sidebar. Just make sure you’ve added your own blog to the website and then it will open a box to get your code, just like when we get codes for our parties. Make sure you grab the code for selfhosted WordPress blogs and not the second code below that is for WordPress.com blogs only. Let me know if you need anymore help.

      Heather

      Reply
  19. Betty says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    Good Job!! I love my followers and I would like my non-bloggers to watch what I’m doing at My Cozy Corner.
    Thanks Ladies.
    xo
    Betty @ My Cozy Corner

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 7:36 PM

      Yep Betty! We specifically asked for an option for non-blogger followers to have an account and be able to have their own blogroll. 🙂 Glad you like that feature!

      Heather

      Reply
  20. Misty says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    This is so much better! I just added the widget to my blog http://www.mistysmornings.com . THANKS!

    Reply
  21. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    Thanks for doing this! I’m following… but I’m looking for the widget so you can follow me 🙂
    Susan
    Homeroad.net

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 7:39 PM

      Susan it will pop up for you once you add YOUR blog to the website. It will create a code for you to add it to a html/javascript gadget like when you add a party or blog button or anything to your sidebar. See my reply to Lakeshore Cottage Living up above for instruction on where your widget code is located.

      HEather

      Reply
  22. ritajoy@harbour breeze says

    February 2, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    I’ve just signed up and installed my widget as well.

    Reply
  23. Michelle Paige says

    February 2, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    What a great service! I’m following you and signed up too!

    Reply
  24. Ruby Jean says

    February 2, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Got it… Thank you… 🙂

    Reply
  25. Melissa says

    February 2, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Thanks for this info!! So helpful!! I setup an account and put a widget on my blog and am following you! Thanks again!

    Reply
  26. janet says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    Got an error msg while trying to add my photo thumbnail?? The page goes nowhere ;-< Janet xox
    https://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  27. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Thanks so much! I don’t want to lose contact with anyone, so this is great! I have my widget up now! 🙂 I am following you! Thanks again…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  28. Barb says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    What a fabulous idea – thank you thank you thank you, Vanessa and Heather and Brilliant Brent at Linky Tools!! I’m a *new* follower today!

    Reply
  29. Jen says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    Thanks for the great info! Just signed up to your blog, and added the linky tool to my blog harrisonhomeblog.blogspot.com! Thanks again!

    Reply
  30. eleven-o-one says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    I’m really excited to hear about this. I was getting worried…more about how I would follow my favorites than anything. I’m all signed up and it’s posted on my blog.

    Reply
  31. Amanda says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    This is great! I’m all signed up and I think I’ve done it right, thanks for posting about it!

    Reply
  32. Kristin says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:22 PM

    I followed you and put it on my blog! I hope you’ll be my first follower!

    Reply
  33. Sue says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Brent helped me w/a little glitch, but I’m all signed up now and following you two girls. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 3, 2012 at 3:35 AM

      Glad Brent was able to help you Sue! He is so amazing and has worked so hard on this!

      Heather

      Reply
  34. Lori says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    I just followed on the new linky, so please follow back so we can all stay connected. Thanks, Lori

    Reply
  35. Dixie Delights says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    Great! Just followed you and added Linky follower to my blog! http://www.dixiedelights.blogspot.com.

    Reply
  36. ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ says

    February 2, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    I am following you with Liky:)
    https://www.creativecaincabin.com/

    Reply
  37. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    This is soo cool! Thanks ladies! I’m following you and added the widget to my blog. It’ll be up and running, hopefully soon. I miss join in at all the parties. =)

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  38. It's All Connected says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    I’m following you with Linky and have it installed on mine. It seemed easy but now I have lost my ads and can’t seem to get them back. Any ideas? ~ Maureen

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 3, 2012 at 3:34 AM

      I am so sorry about your ads? Did you add the linky tool with a new widgiet or did you possibly delete your ad widget on accident? I know you can add the ad widget back in, but the one shouldn’t effect the other. Let me know if you get it fixed. I’m headed over to take a peek at your blog and see if I notice anything.

      Heather

      Reply
  39. Gina says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    Thanks for posting this! I’m following you and have added the widget to my blog.

    Reply
  40. Bliss says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    The Linky is awesome. Thank you to At The Picket Fence and Mr. Riggs for bringing it all together! I signed up, smooth sailing.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  41. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:42 AM

    Thanks ladies for telling us about this new tool…Brent is such a sweetie! I’m following you and I now have mine set up on my sidebar.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  42. Amanda says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    Hey girls! Wow, so glad to add this to my blog. I was felt paralyzed thinking about GFC going away, and I hope this turns out to be a great replacement for all of us!

    Just added the widget to my blog, too!

    As bloggers, I assume we should be routinely giving plugs to this new feature? How often do you think you will promo it? We don’t want to wear readers out, but don’t want to lose them, either! 🙂

    Appreciate y’all!
    Amanda

    Reply
  43. Cre8ive Motives says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    Thanks for sharing this awesome linky. I am following you and have mine setup on my sidebar.

    ~Mandy

    Reply
  44. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    I’ll give it a try- thanks for the info- following ya!

    Reply
  45. Michelle says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    I’m following you through Linky Followers. Where will I be reading this from? My email or a reading list through by blog?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 2, 2012 at 6:50 PM

      For now Michelle, you can read the blogs you follow from the Dashboard of LinkyFollowers. There is a blog roll button on your dashboard.

      It is extremely complex to push through blogs every few seconds into an RSS feed or to an email. Only powerhouses like Yahoo and Google are able to do that as of now. But this option would be the equivalent of checking your Twitter feed or Facebook updates by going straight to the site. We are just bookmarking it or clicking on the Linkyfollower link to go straight to our dashboard. Of course you can still always add blogs to your RSS feed to see them in a reader. This just allows a visual way to keep track of your followers as well as an option for people to see all of the blogs they follow neatly in one place.

      Additionally, we LOVE the option of categorizing the blogs we follow which neither GFC or readers have. Favorites, Everyday, General and Custom categories.

      Reply
  46. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:50 AM

    I’m now following you this way and will be adding this to my blog asap. The format is spectacular. I’ve been stressing over this for weeks now as I have been wanting to switch to WordPress. I’m going to “promote and encourage.” Great job to all of you who were involved!

    Shari

    Reply
  47. Swede Dreamer says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:05 AM

    I am following and my widget is up! Thank you!! ~Angie

    Reply
  48. simona says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:13 AM

    this is really interesting. thanks for spreading the news. on our blog we used a code that will only show two rows of GFC followers, and i really like that a lot. i’m curious to find out if such customization will be possible with this linky way of following.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 3, 2012 at 3:32 AM

      Hi Simona. Yes you can change the code to limit or expand the number of thumbnails that show, which is really nice. Is there any specific customization you were curious about?

      Heather

      Reply
    • Erin @ How to Nest for Less says

      February 3, 2012 at 3:36 AM

      My widget is up! Thanks for the information on this new tool!!

      Reply
  49. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    I’m following you and my widget is up! Thank you for spreading the news!

    Reply
  50. {Adventuresindinner} says

    February 2, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    What an awesome tutorial. I’ve just signed up!

    Reply
  51. Loren says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:38 AM

    I am following you and my linky is up! Thank you!!

    Reply
  52. Reannah @ {Shaped by Grace} says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:52 AM

    I am following you two lovely ladies! This looks very interesting!! I have my widget up and running now! I’m sharing your post on my Facebook page as well! Thanks girls! xo, Reannah

    Reply
  53. Kelli@MoreBangforYourBucks says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:04 AM

    following you and my linky is up!

    Reply
  54. Heaven's Walk says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:07 AM

    Thank you – all THREE of you – for creating this great widgit! I was wondering when/if anyone was going to remedy ANOTHER thing that Google is taking away from us that we love. You girls rock! I just read about it over at Courtney’s and added it right away to my blog. Following you, too!

    xoxo laurie
    heavens-walk.blogspot.com

    Reply
  55. Jennifer S. says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:22 AM

    I am following you! The widgit is on the blog!
    Thank you for sharing this with us!
    Jen
    beautyinbloom.typepad.com

    Reply
  56. Sarah says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    Ok this is seriously cool! Thanks so much for sharing about this!

    I’m following you & I just installed my widget!

    Sarah

    Reply
  57. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:35 AM

    I added this, thank you so much for this! I am now following you and would love to have you follow me!

    Reply
  58. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    February 2, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    This is very interesting! And I hope it takes off over Google+! I signed up, and am now following you!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  59. Eclectically Vintage says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:55 AM

    Hi Gals,
    Am following you and my widget is up and running! Come on over!
    Kelly

    Reply
  60. Judy says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I just added the widget for Brett’s new way to follow. When you get a chance please stop by and follow me back. 🙂

    Reply
  61. Tina says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    I have installed the tool and I’m following you. Please stop by.

    Tina

    Reply
  62. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    WooHoo!!!! I love it! What an amazing tool. I love that it resembles GFC in that I can see everyone’s pretty faces:)And being able to categorize blogs is freakin awesome! Good work ladies…I just signed up

    Reply
  63. The Semi-Domesticated Mama says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    I love this. I never used GFC but I love how easy this new tool is to navigate and to manage. It just might replace my Google Reader (gasp!). I am now following your blog! Thanks so much for the information and for making it user friendly!

    Reply
  64. Ashley Perry says

    February 3, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    HOLY COW!!! Holy COW!!! Thanks for the feature!!!!!

    Reply
  65. Kim says

    February 3, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I just installed the new tool and am now following you! Thanks so much. I think it’s gonna be awesome!!!
    Hugs,
    Kim

    Reply
  66. beachcomber says

    February 3, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    thanks for this information! just added the tool to my side bar. i’m following you and hope you will follow me too 🙂
    x

    Reply
  67. thistlewoodfarm says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    I just followed you and set up my own linky! I would love it if you followed me! Thanks for the inspiration!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  68. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    February 4, 2012 at 2:08 AM

    Thanks for the info! I just added it!I would love you to follow me!:)

    Reply
  69. Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says

    February 4, 2012 at 2:22 AM

    Thanks for posting this!!! I am your newest linky follower!!! 🙂

    Reply
  70. Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says

    February 4, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Mine is up and running if you want to follow me too!!! bubblynaturecreations.com

    Reply
  71. Samantha says

    February 4, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    Thanks for the info- I just set mine up. I am following you. Hoping to get a few new followers too!
    🙂 Samantha @ CraftyTexasGirls.com

    Reply
  72. D @ The Shady Porch says

    February 4, 2012 at 4:27 AM

    Thanks for the info! I’m all set up and now I’m following you! Thanks again!

    Reply
  73. Jutta says

    February 4, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    Hi guys, thanks so much for the info. I am following you and have linky tools installed 🙂
    love
    Jutta

    Reply
  74. Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says

    February 4, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Done! Linky Followers installed on my blog, and following you by the new option. It was easy-peasy!! Thanks for working with Brent to pull this together.
    Tracey

    Reply
  75. Wanda says

    February 4, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial girls. It was very easy to do with your instructions.Installed on my blog. I am now following you on Linky Followers. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  76. Jen @ Creating with the J's says

    February 4, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Thanks so so much. I have followed you on Linky Followers and I have added it to my blog. Looks like tonight is definitely going to be a computer night. Thanks again! Have a great rest of the weekend!

    Reply
  77. Shannon says

    February 5, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    Thanks for the info-I have added the linky followers to my blog & am following you thru it also.

    Reply
  78. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says

    February 5, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    This is such a valuable info 🙂 And of course, following you now, too.

    Reply
  79. Samantha says

    February 5, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Thank you for getting the ball rolling on an independent follower system! I just started my blog but resisted putting up GFC even though I am on blogger as I didn’t like that it was being phased out on other platforms. So Linky Followers is perfect! A little independence is always good 🙂 I am now following you via LF, of course!

    Reply
  80. Ann says

    February 5, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    Just added the Linky widget to my blog and am following ATPF. thanks for this important informational post.

    Reply
  81. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    February 6, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    I added Linky to my blog today. Following yours.

    Reply
  82. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    February 6, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    My Widget is up! This is so fabulous thanks for posting this.

    Reply
  83. Create With Joy says

    February 6, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    I am new to your fabulous blog and so thrilled to learn about this new option! I am your latest Linky follower and would appreciate a follow back! I look forward to getting to know you!

    Ramona
    https://create-with-joy.com

    Reply
  84. MamaJB says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    Thanks for explaining how this works. I’m following you and have the widget up on my blog. I would love to have you follow me!

    https://mamascraftyplace.blogspot.com

    Reply
  85. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    I just tried to add Linky, and it’s giving me the “your e-mail doesn’t match your password” nonsense. Linky hates me! 🙁

    Reply
    • Cindi @ Rustique Art says

      February 6, 2012 at 7:55 PM

      no.no.no…you’re too sweet.

      Reply
  86. Cindi @ Rustique Art says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    This has been a blessing in disguise. Love the new Linky Tool, it even looks nicer on my blog. Nice clean lines! and I’m loving the “feature”.

    Reply
  87. Grace InAZ says

    February 7, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    followed you on linky…I’d love it if you’d follow me back!
    Hugs, GraceinAZ

    Reply
  88. Terry says

    February 7, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    I am following on Linky, please do the same for me and i also have a blog giveaway you may be interested in. Terry

    Reply
  89. Paulette says

    February 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    following you on Linkyi – I appreciate a follow back. Thanks for all the informations it is appreciated.

    Reply
  90. Canadian Angel says

    February 9, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    So sad that GFC is going away. I know eventually those of us with Bloggers blogs will be affected too:( I signed up with Linky Followers and am now following you:) I hope you will come follow me back xo

    https://canadianangelxo.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  91. A Mother and A Daughter says

    February 10, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    We’re following you with Linky Followers and our widget is up now if you would like to follow back!

    Reply
  92. Debbie@Mountain Breaths says

    February 12, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    I signed up with Linky Followers and am now following you:) I hope you will come follow me back.

    Reply
  93. Jennifer @ Studio JRU says

    February 13, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    Oh… I was so happy to see this come out! I didn’t know what was going to happen to all the people I have worked so hard to join google friend connect. I really like linky followers. Love that you can leave comments so easily without leaving the reader. I have one question though, does something like that really change our stats because people aren’t actually visiting our blog? I am set up on my blog and a new follower here! 🙂

    Reply
  94. Amy L says

    March 3, 2012 at 3:04 PM

    Thank you for this explanation – I think that thiswill be the answer I have been looking for. I tried google reader, but it bogged down my computer. Blogger dashboard is ok, but I miss some of the blog I like to visit every day.
    Following you now. Please come & visit me at Permanent Kisses

    Reply

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  1. Christmas Garland turned Valentine’s Wreath - At The Picket Fence says:
    August 6, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    […] or JOIN US at the newest Follow Feature: LINKY FOLLOWERS! […]

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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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