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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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December 5, 2014

Christmas Home Tour ~ Holiday Housewalk

 “When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” ~ Bob Hope

Holiday Housewalk tour atthepicketfence.com

Welcome, welcome dear friends! I’m so glad you are here! Now imagine me handing you your favorite seasonal beverage as we settle in for a nice little respite in the midst of this crazy time of the year.

If you are stopping by after taking the tour of the beautiful home of Jen from City Farmhouse I know you have already seen some amazing eye candy.

City Farmhouse house 27

And you won’t want to miss seeing all of the stunning homes that are part of the annual Holiday Housewalk hosted by our friend Jennifer Rizzo. You can start the tour here

Jennifer Rizzo 2014 housewalk button

As I was pulling out the Christmas CD’s back in late October (what?), I came across one that was a little worse for the wear. The top and bottom of the case had separated and the CD itself was covered in scratches. But, I HAD to put it in the player. I couldn’t NOT play it.

In the winter of 1994, I was a freshman in college and feeling the excitement of freedom starting to wane and the homesickness set in. The crazy lights and tinsel hung around the dorms were no match for my mom’s Christmas decorating and what I really wanted was to have those familiar childhood treasures around me.

fresh greenery on staircase with burlap bow atthepicketfence.com

One day, as I stopped to check my mailbox after taking a particularly brutal final, I discovered a package waiting for me. Not just any old package. A ‘care’ package…the lifeline for all college students.

As I lifted the lid the tears began to flow. There under the tissue paper was a container of cookies and a set of Christmas CD’s from Victoria’s Secret. Remember when they used to have an elegant, British sensibility? When you didn’t have to shield your children’s eyes as you walked past the windows? They used to sell so much more than underwear. They had beautiful books and stationery and even CD’s.

Christmas arrangement on entry table atthepicketfence.com

I popped the first CD in my little boom box and as I heard those opening strains coming through the speakers, the feeling of ‘home’ just washed over me.

Sitting there on the bed in my half of a tiny dorm room, I experienced that very first tug between childhood and adulthood.

My longing to go home mixed with my longing for the freedom that comes from being truly independent.

At no other time than Christmas do I feel more fully that mysterious bridge between the past and the future.

The old and familiar blending with the new and unchartered, like some kind of mosaic of my life.

And I think that is why when it comes to decorating my home for Christmas my goal is to try and create some sense of continuity even while I add in new pieces here and there.

Christmas mantel with magnolia garland bottles and candles atthepicketfence.com

This year I was so thrilled to be able to add a magnolia garland from Balsam Hill to my decor.

Christmas mantel with magnolia garland atthepicketfence.com

Vintage bottles and candles complete the look and give off the most beautiful glow.

bottle and candles Christmas winter mantel atthepicketfence.com

Our ‘family’ tree (a 6.5 ft. slim red spruce from Balsam Hill) continues the theme of blending the old with the new and homemade ornaments look right at home next to new ones.

I’ll be showing you all of the details of this tree next week!

Christmas tree with family ornaments atthepicketfence.com

My advent candles are nestled together on the table right next to the tree.

scripture advent candles from atthepicketfence.com

Over in the breakfast nook, the buffet table has been transformed into a hot cocoa station and is definitely one of the more popular places to hang out in our house!

Hot Cocoa Station atthepicketfence.com

A glittery house looks perfectly at home on top of my vintage scale.

vintage scale with christmas house atthepicketfence.com

And the kitchen table is set for Christmas breakfast.

Christmas breakfast or brunch table setting atthepicketfence.com

The kitchen gets simple touches, like gingerbread cookie cutters tied to glass canisters.

gingerbread cookie cutters tied on canisters atthepicketfence.com

And my favorite Christmas mugs ready for friends to stop over for a cup of coffee.

Christmas coffee station atthepicketfence.com

I had BIG plans for my dining room table…but everyone in this house has been working hard on a puzzle and I just couldn’t bring myself to make them move it.

I guess that means you are getting to see what my dining room really looks like this time of the year. I think this is one beautiful centerpiece, don’t you? 😉

Christmas puzzle

Because, just like Bob Hope said, ‘it’s the simplest things, not the great occasions’.

Things like giant puzzles and snuggling in to watch movies together.

boxwood wreath hanging on mirror with burlap ribbon atthepicketfence.com

Or spontaneously deciding to go look at Christmas lights after dinner and piling into the car in our sweats and slippers.

french country christmas mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

Or having your daughter ask you to sing ‘Jingle Bells’ in your best opera voice while she falls down in hysterical laughter.

wood angel on mantel for Christmas atthepicketfence.com

Or as you are sitting down to finish a Christmas home tour blog post, having your son invite you to come sit with him at the kitchen island and have a ‘chat’ while he eats a bedtime snack. Who could resist that invitation?

French country styled Christmas tree with paper garland atthepicketfence.com

When I recall my own Christmas past, it’s definitely not the big, huge moments that stand out to me (although that one year I received white leather roller skates with purple wheels was pretty significant!).

music sheet garland atthepicketfence.com

It’s really the smaller moments that create the sweetest of memories.

basket holding gifts in front of Christmas tree atthepicketfence.com

Like a kaleidoscope, swirling and blending together to create a picture that seems to be living and breathing.

Because the moments, the memories, aren’t just frozen in time forever. They weave in and out of everything we do now and in the future.

santa bag on sled on front porch atthepicketfence.com

They play over and over again. Each time we go into the cold attic to pull out the boxes of decorations.

When we unwrap an ornament and find ourselves saying ‘hello, old friend’.

Or when we push play on a familiar CD, holding our breath in the hope that it will fight those scratches and smudges just one more year.

Christmas front door wreath and joy to the world sign

And as the first strains come through the speakers, I’m transported back to that tiny dorm room. To that 18 year old girl with one foot in each season of her life. To that time of uncertainty and change. To that longing for home.

So, I play those same songs and I use the same decorations and bake the same cookies and carry on the traditions.

Because I want my home to feel like just one giant ‘care package’. Scratched Victoria’s Secret CD’s and all! 😉

Vanessa signature

Thank you so much stopping by to visit us today At the Picket Fence! Be sure to check out the next stop, a surprise house!

2014 surprise house 29

 

 

 

47 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays, Home Tour

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Comments

  1. Ali says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:53 AM

    Beautiful post to go with your beautiful home! That is probably the best explanation of a feeling, the tug between childhood and adulthood. We are a military family and are always far from our families and childhood homes at the holidays. I go all out decorating every year in every home, no matter how small or big. My hope is that my 3 boys, even though they have grown up in many different houses all over the world, will feel that tug too and have wonderful Christmas memories. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home, I love your blog!

    Reply
  2. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:12 AM

    What a sweet post, Vanessa! So many beautiful touches in your home, but my favorite is the jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table… my siblings and I ALWAYS had a holiday puzzle working in the month of December, so our dining room was never decorated for Christmas. My own kids aren’t much for puzzle working, but when my daughter gets home from college next week, we might just have to revisit that. 😉
    Blessings to you and yours!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  3. Kim says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:05 AM

    Vanessa, your post is written beautifully along with the beautiful decor. So glad you left the puzzle out. There is no way I could destroy all that hard work either.

    Reply
  4. Linda H. says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:13 AM

    Fantastic post! Amazing Home! Beautiful Sentiment!

    God Bless You and Yours!

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

    Reply
  5. Sandy says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    Vanessa, I’m really enjoying this annual Christmas home tour and seeing each home decorated so beautifully and differently. Your post really stands out to me. I was so thoughtfully written that I savored each and every word. Your home is stunning, and very warm and welcoming but I have to say that you are a great story teller weaving words that truly touch the heart.

    Reply
  6. Shelia says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Oh, this was a sweet post filled with sweet decor. You’re making those same sweet memories for your children as you had as a child! I love that.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  7. Laura Putnam says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:14 AM

    So beautiful Vanessa – although I think my favorite is the puzzle on the table. Love your home but really love your heart!

    Reply
  8. Vicki says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:24 AM

    I loved your story and your home is gorgeous – because you can see the love! And the wreath at the last is my favorite! Where did you get the Joy To The World on top of the wreath? I never think to use things differently like that! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  9. Jen says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Beautiful Vanessa! It feels so warm & inviting and I love what you wrote. Happy Holidays to you & your families!!
    Jen

    Reply
  10. Courtney says

    December 5, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    Such a great post Vanessa! Love your beautiful decor!

    Reply
  11. darrielle Tennenbaum says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    I love all the greenery in your decorating! Beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Thank you for sharing your home and heart with us. Those invites to sing and to chat are treasures. The years go so quickly. Enjoy the holiday with your family V. Merry Christmas to all.

    Reply
  13. Nancherrow says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Your home looks lovely and festive for Christmas! I adore all the sparkle, with vintage pieces thrown in. Thanks for sharing!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

    Reply
  14. Julie says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    Beautiful, Vanessa! My favorite is your daughter’s photo ornament! Merry Christmas ATPF!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:43 AM

    Your home is beautiful! Thank you so much for being a part of the house walk!!!

    Reply
  16. kristin says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    Everything is just gorgeous!! I so remember that tugging as a teen on my own for the first time and the music from good ole VS, such memories 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  17. Shenita says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:19 PM

    Vanessa, this is such a sweet post! With both our girls away at college, they really do look forward to coming home to the traditions that make the holidays special. Your home looks especially warm and festive; and I can feel the love that you have put into decking your halls!

    Reply
  18. Jane says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:54 PM

    Very, very pretty, Vanessa! From top to bottom. You have so many handmade pretties (for lack of better words!), it simply shows that your heart and soul is in making Christmas special for your family and friends the old fashioned way! Isn’t that wonderful to get back to? You are always inspiring! 🙂

    Happy Holidays!

    Jane xx

    Reply
  19. Pam says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:44 PM

    I loved this post, very well written. It has made me think about my home and Christmas time with my daughter that is just a few years away from that freshman year in college. I hope I remember to send a care package and she will remember her home and past Christmas’!!!! Merry Christmas

    Reply
  20. Diana says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:56 PM

    I love the garland idea, will have to do that with my daughters for our tree! Such a pretty home, your mantel is gorgeous!

    Ps, stopping by from EC2blog I’m Monica’s assistant!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:43 AM

      Thanks so much for stopping by Diana!

      Reply
  21. Jamie says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:35 PM

    Such a beautiful house walk! I love your story and your gorgeous touches throughout. Sharing on my FB page 😉
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:42 AM

      Thank you so much Jamie!

      Reply
  22. tara says

    December 6, 2014 at 3:10 AM

    love your home all decked out.
    I think my favorite is the garland made of sheet music.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:42 AM

      Thank you Tara!

      Reply
  23. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    December 6, 2014 at 4:15 AM

    Oh Vanessa, I don’t even know where to begin! First, your home is beautiful! I love every single detail! It is warm, inviting, beautiful — I could go on! Second, your post just brought me back to my college days…and, yes, those Victoria’s Secret CDs! I love the puzzle on your dining room table and I’m so glad you kept it there. I loved every word of this post – so heartfelt and full of soul.
    Merry Christmas to you!
    Julie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:38 AM

      Oh thank you so much Julie!! Christmas blessings to you and your family! 🙂

      Reply
  24. laura@top this top that says

    December 6, 2014 at 5:52 AM

    oh , and it does sweet friend! I am so glad that the holiday memories and puzzle activity won out over setting a festive holiday table. Your home is holiday perfect. Happy Holidays.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:36 AM

      Thank you Laura!! Wish we could stop by each other’s homes to see them in person and have a cup of coffee. 🙂 Love to you!

      Reply
  25. Dria says

    December 6, 2014 at 7:36 AM

    Amazing tour, loved everything especially your tree just stunning!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:36 AM

      Thank you so much Dria!

      Reply
  26. Colleen Clancy says

    December 6, 2014 at 8:23 AM

    Beautiful! Where did you find your “Joy to the World” sign???

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:30 AM

      Colleen I found it a few years ago at TJ Maxx. 🙂

      Reply
  27. Bethany says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    I really enjoyed reading this! So well-written and simply beautiful. Merry Christmas! xo, Bethany

    Reply
  28. becca says

    December 6, 2014 at 1:31 PM

    You always know how to tug at my heartstrings AND dazzle me with your beautiful decor! I’ve loved seeing how your style has evolved over the last few years … it has always been gorgeous, but, this year, your Christmas decor is over the top fantabulous! Love the different elements and textures you have joined together … your guests won’t want to leave, and your kiddos are so blessed to have such an endearing Mama who knows how to create a warm, inviting and festive home to celebrate the holiday season! xoxo

    Reply
  29. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 6, 2014 at 6:06 PM

    Such a beautifully written post, Vanessa! You are creating special memories for your children just as your mom did for you! And I wanted to tell you that your photos are incredible!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 7:51 PM

      Oh thank you so much for such a sweet comment Jane!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Nichole says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:10 PM

    A big YES on missing the Victoria’s Secret of old! Thanks to that store and Victoria magazine, I spent my teen years loving British culture, listening to classical music, and wearing gorgeous nightgowns. haha

    Reply
  31. martina says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:52 PM

    STUNNING my friend!! I kept scrolling up and down to make sure I didn’t miss anything…your photos are beautiful!

    Reply
  32. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:11 PM

    So, so pretty, Vanessa! One of my fave tours this year!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 8, 2014 at 8:22 PM

      Thank you so much Suzy!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas! 🙂

      Reply
  33. DAnielle says

    December 8, 2014 at 5:12 PM

    It all looks so pretty! Love so much in your tour. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. x

    Reply
  34. Doreen says

    December 9, 2014 at 7:25 AM

    Love every single thing, but my favorite is your breathtaking mantel with that magnolia leaf garland! Stunning! I also like that you’ve got a puzzle in the works – I just said to my kids that I wanted to get a new big puzzle for over the long winter months!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 10, 2014 at 7:28 AM

      Thank you so much Doreen!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas!

      Reply
  35. Janae says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    I LOVED EVERYTHING about this post!!! Because you are RIGHT – it is the small moments that matter the MOST!!! And why don’t I remember Victorias Secret selling cd’s?!?!? Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories with us. MERRY CHRISTMAS

    Reply
  36. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    December 15, 2014 at 5:03 PM

    Beautiful home tour, Vanessa. Love your choice of greens … especially the magnolia garland!

    Reply
  37. Donna says

    January 14, 2015 at 7:59 AM

    Hi Vanessa-just found your blog! I know just what you mean about Victoria’s Secret – only I had that lovely Christmas music on cassette! It was certainly a different vibe in VS. Love your home and style

    Reply

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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
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
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