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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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July 15, 2013

Creativity, Imagination and kiwi crates

Kiwi Crate review from atthepicketfence.com

Do you remember when you were a kid and a box was delivered to your house? There was always that chance…that small chance…that there was something exciting inside. And then you glanced at the label and saw that it was addressed to you! Frankly, I’m still a kid at heart because every time I get a box delivered to my doorstep I’m giddy with the possibilities of what it might hold.

Now imagine being a kid and getting a box every month filled with games and activities based around a certain theme. Dinosaurs, gardens, pirates, fairies, music, robots, bugs and on and on and on. The anticipation of knowing that box will be arriving any day and wondering what adventure awaits you this time.

That’s exactly how my kids felt when they found out they would be receiving their very first kiwi crate in the mail.

kiwi crate nature explorer1

Created and founded by a mom of two, the philosophy behind kiwi crates is simple…celebrating children’s creativity and curiosity.

And that is exactly what happened when I sat down with my own kids and opened our ‘Nature Explorer‘ themed kiwi crate.

I wish there was some way to capture the energy and excitement that was in the air as we unpacked the box. You know how people talk about inventing “smell-a-vision”? Well I wish I could create “feel-a-vision” so you could full appreciate how eager my kiddos were!

And, while kiwi crates are geared towards younger children (7 and under) my 10 year old son was just as excited as his almost-6-year-old sister!

kiwi crate nature explorer2

The first thing they wanted to make was the starlight lantern and let me tell you, these instructions were AWESOME! So many kids crafts turn out to be too difficult for them and I end up having to do the bulk of the work while they watch discouraged and disheartened. Have you experienced that too? The kiwi crates are completely geared towards kids being able to be engaged and active throughout each craft or project.

My 10 year old read the instructions and really the kids did the entire thing on their own with very little involvement on my part.

kiwi crate review1

I have to tell you, the thing that I was most impressed by about this kiwi crate was just how many different activities were packed into one little box. In fact, even the box itself had a game on it! There were so many little surprises that I actually set a few aside to do another day.

kiwi crate review2

They were so proud of their starlight lantern and since night-time was too far away, they insisted we all pile into the bathroom together with the door closed to see the stars glowing!

The next thing we tackled was the ‘collection box‘ which was super easy to assemble and came with all sorts of extra stickers and crayons so that they could personalize their box.

kiwi crate review3 atthepicketfence.com

Armed with their chosen card they set out on a nature scavenger hunt searching for items which matched the colors in each section. They had SO much fun going around the yard trying to find the items and worked together to complete the “assignment”!

kiwi crate review3

Following along after the kids I noticed something interesting happening. It was like we were seeing our yard for the very first time. Every nuance and color was exciting and worthy of being celebrated. And as they worked together to complete their “mission” I could hear them talking about how they could come up with their own versions of this.

As a mom, one of my greatest joys is seeing my kids laughing and playing together. And when it involves imagination and creativity? Well, that is a HUGE bonus!

And, as moms, we have a special radar. We can tell when something has been created with love, attention to detail. thoughtfulness and a desire to celebrate all the best parts of childhood.

kiwi crate nature explorer

As soon as the lid was lifted on that kiwi crate, my radar went off!

I knew this was something special…different…created for those memory-making moments. And lots of other people have recognized just how special kiwi crates really are too. It has been the recipient of the Parent’s Choice Gold Award, Winner of Dr. Toy’s top 100 Best Children’s Products as well as Oppenheim’s Gold Seal Toy award. It’s been featured in magazines like Redbook, Parenting, Family Fun, InStyle, Parents and Country Living.

Kiwi crates can be welcomed into your home too through a variety of neat options!

You can sign up to receive a different kiwi crate each month, buy an individual kiwi crate and choose your own specific theme, purchase small party favor sized kiwi crates and really just customize it to your needs.

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The afternoon we spent together with our first kiwi crate is one I will treasure always.

As my oldest is now 10, I feel those moments are becoming even more important. I remember the day…the moment…when I lost my imagination. I was playing with Barbie dolls and just couldn’t come up with another story-line for them. It was so bittersweet.

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The memory of that moment gives me even more motivation to do all I can to foster the imaginations of my own children and keep those imaginations alive and well as long as possible!

kiwi crate nature explorer review atthepicketfence.com

I hope you will take some time and visit the Kiwi Crate website to find out more about this amazing product and how you can have your little ones eagerly anticipate receiving that mystery box in the mail…that one that holds the key to a new adventure!

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*I was provided product to review for this post but the opinions here are 100% my own.*

10 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Kids, Reviews Tagged With: crafting with kids, kiwi crates

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    July 15, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Oh wow this looks so cool! I’ve never heard of them, thank you for sharing 🙂 I think my son would love this!

    Reply
  2. bonnie@uncommon designs says

    July 15, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    My kiddos would have loved this when they were younger….I am thinking they still might! 😉 What a wonderful product, thanks for sharing about it!

    Reply
  3. classic•casual•home says

    July 15, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Adorable post!

    Reply
  4. Thistle says

    July 15, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Super cute post, Vanessa! What a wonderful way to share creativity! Totally pinning!

    Happy day to you!
    karianne

    Reply
  5. Laura Strack says

    July 15, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    This is awesome! I too still get excited when a package arrives for me. When I was a kiddo, many moons ago, I would get letters or a Birthday card from my Grandma. That was so exciting. I can only imagine how excited a child might get to receive a box with goodies inside! Fabulous idea.

    Reply
  6. Beth at Unskinny Boppy says

    July 15, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    Awww, that makes me wanna cry about you remembering when you lost your imagination. 🙁 You’re so right– reading this makes me want to help G keep those creative juices flowing as long as possible. I LOVE listening in on his stories that he makes up with his toys. It’s like getting a season pass to the best play ever written.

    These boxes look like something he would LOVE! Definitely putting this one on the birthday gift wish list!

    Reply
  7. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    July 16, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    Oh, my girls would flip for that. I love that it’s something they can do with minimal adult help!

    Reply
  8. Laura @ Finding Home says

    July 16, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    Too cute – sound like such fun!

    Reply
  9. Debbie says

    July 16, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    This would have been right up my alley as a mom. I’m really impressed with the moms who came up with it. I’ll remember that if and when I’m a grandmother. (From my mouth to God’s ears, as my mom would say.)

    Reply
  10. agree with says

    August 26, 2014 at 5:34 PM

    Hi there to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more
    from this web page, and your views are fastidious for new people.

    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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