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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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    • Featured

March 22, 2012

Cutting Edge Stencils Review and Giveaway!

….and a sneak peek at my powder room makeover.

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Welcome!! We are so excited to day to be offering a fabulous giveaway from Cutting Edge Stencils!
If you haven’t heard about Cutting Edge Stencils (has anyone NOT heard of Cutting Edge Stencils?) than we are so excited to introduce you to this fabulous company! They produce lovely stencils of all types that can be used for amazing projects and they sent me one of these fabulous stencils to review! I chose the Casablanca Allover Stencil. 
I was so excited when I saw a package waiting on my doorstep from Cutting Edge Stencils.  I was impressed with how well it was packaged…and even more so when I opened it up and got a peek at what was inside!
cutting edge stencil
Cutting Edge Stencils, doesn’t just send one but FOUR stencils when you order an all over interlocking stencil like I did.  You receive the main stencil, a top stencil, a single stencil and a fun bonus stencil..cause they’re just nice like that!  You also receive a foam roller and handle, as well as a nifty clip on stencil level! That’s a lot of bang for your buck!
Originally, I had intended to stencil my walls and f you purchase a Cutting Edge Stencils stencil to use on a wall in your home, they provide easy to understand and follow videos explaining every step of wall stenciling so you can achieve a professional look!
<\/param><\/embed><\/object><\/div>“;” src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qP9UuxGKymE/T2oz1an20II/AAAAAAAAIO8/WUPdjX4tHuc/videoeab863d4f97a%25255B76%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800″ style=”border-style: none;” />
Cutting Edge Stencils Tutorial
I decide though, I wanted to try my hand as something different so I purchased two square art canvases from Hobby Lobby as well as a smaller foam roller brush for the smaller area I would be working with.
I laid my stencil across both canvases so that the pattern would repeat across both of them.
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Then following the instructions provided by Cutting Edge Stencils, I rolled on my paint that I had placed on a paper plate, after removing the excess on a paper towel.  I was careful to avoid the areas I had designated for my coordinating color. It’s important to use nice even pressure when rolling on your paint, not pressing too hard and not letting your roller go completely dry.
Next using my coordinating color
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I used a small round foam brush to fill in the empty spaces with my coordinating color.  I followed the same technique, of loading the paint on the brush and then removing the excess on a paper towel.
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After the paint had dried, I removed the large stencil and used the top stencil to finish off the pattern along the top edge of the top canvas and the bottom edge of the bottom canvas.  After the surface was completely dry I trimmed off the edge of the canvases with my coordinating color to give it a completed look.
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I love how my “custom artwork” turned out! It was an inexpensive way to add color and interest to my powder room makeover.
Here is the piece I found that has inspired the color choices in this room.
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If you follow us on Facebook, you know that Bama Boy is not happy with my choice to use Tennessee Volunteers Orange  Tangerine in any room in our home…but you can see his vote has been vetoed! Winking smile 
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What do you think? I LOVE that because of the quality of Cutting Edge Stencils you can use them over and over again for so many different projects! I already have several in mind for the stencil I received!
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So, would you like to have your OWN Cutting Edge Stencil stencil…for free!!
Cutting Edge Stencils has generously offered one of the readers of At The Picket Fence a $50 credit towards any stencil of their choice!
Here are some of the other amazing stencils you can choose from at Cutting Edge Stencils!
WALL_STENCILS_DAMASK_STENCIL
Vintage Paisley Stencil
moroccan stencil
Marrakech Trellis Allover Stencil
decal-stencil-wall

Chandelier Stencil

Ready to find out how you can get one of these stencils for yourself? Here’s all you have to do!
GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES
Giveaway will be open until Wednesday, March 28th at midnight EST! US Residents only.
Winner will be announced at Inspiration Friday.
Free shipping will be provided.
To Enter:
  1. MANDATORY: VISIT Cutting Edge Stencils and leave us a COMMENT HERE AT THE BLOG letting us know which stencil catches your eye.
  2. OPTIONAL 1: “LIKE” Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook. Leave us a NEW COMMENT letting us know that you have liked them on FB.
  3. OPTIONAL 2: Follow At The Picket Fence through Linky Followers or At The Picket Fence’s Facebook  Page. Leave us a NEW COMMENT letting us know you did or do follow us in one of these ways.
  4. OPTIONAL 3: Twitter or Post on Facebook about the giveaway including @CEStencils  and @meetuatthefence within your tweet!
THAT’S FOUR WAYS TO ENTER TO WIN!!
 A big thank you to Cutting Edge Stencils for providing a stencil for review and this generous giveaway…now get to entering!!
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*At The Picket Fence was compensated with free product to review in exchange for writing this post. Please see our Disclosure Statement for more information.

109 Comments Filed Under: Bathrooms, Crafts, Decorating, Giveaways, Good Ideas, Reviews

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Love these Stencils! I think the Casablanca Allover one is my Favorite!

    Reply
  2. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    I like Cutting Edge on Facebook!

    Reply
  3. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    And I tweeted! Thank you!!https://twitter.com/#!/JenniferMarrs/status/182566313879797761

    Reply
  4. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:37 PM

    I follow you via LINKY and on FB!

    Reply
  5. Mel says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    I love their dandelion stencil sooo much!

    Reply
  6. Mel says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    I like Cutting Edge on facebook!

    Reply
  7. Mel says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    I follow you on facebook as well!

    Reply
  8. brendavr says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    I like the virginia creeper stencil at their web site 1 entry
    I also liked them on facebook 2 entry

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    i like Birds on a Branch Wall Stencil. angela

    Reply
  10. Sharon L says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    I love the stencil of the birds/branches that they used on the chest. I will be visiting Cutting Edge Stencils soon for a stencil of my own! (Especially if I win….hint, hint…..lol!)

    Reply
  11. Sharon L says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    I “liked” Cutting Edge Stencils on FB!

    Reply
  12. Sharon L says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    I already “like” you on FB and receive your emails! Thanks for the opportunities for this giveaway!!

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Wow the Anna Damask Stencil is gorgeous! I would love to do my Master Bedroom in that.
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  14. Meet Kate says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    I liked the Marrakech Trellis Allover Stencil!

    Reply
  15. Meet Kate says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    I “liked” Cutting Edge Stencils on FB!!

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    I just “liked” them on Facebook!
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    I’m so glad we are already Facebook Friends! I don’t want to miss anything and besides, you girls are funny!
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  18. Ruby Jean says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Oh I can’t wait to see your new Powder Room. The colors are looking LOVELY!!!

    Reply
  19. Cindy says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    And, finally, I put out a Facebook notice about your fab giveaway! Can you tell I want me some Stencils?
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  20. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Great job on the stencil project. I love the colors you used in your powder room. Don’t enter me in the giveaway as I will be having one of my own. Just got my stencil a couple of days ago and can’t wait to use it!

    Reply
  21. Carol says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    I like Cutting Edge Stencils on Fb and I LOVE the Tree Stencils1
    c.paints [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  22. Carol says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Okay so I can’t read…… 🙂
    I like the TRee stencils!!!

    c.paints [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  23. Carol says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    I follow At the Picket Fence on FB

    c.paints [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  24. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    Wonderful idea to do your stencil on canvas!! I just love it!!!

    Reply
  25. Maria Elena says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    I love their stencils! i had my eye on their Anastasia Damask Stencil for a while now. Great giveaway!

    Reply
  26. Julianne says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    How to decide??? I really love the Lily Scroll stencil! (Among others!)

    Reply
  27. Julianne says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:08 PM

    I LIKE Cutting Edge Stencils on FB. (Cute name!)

    Reply
  28. Julianne says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I follow you on FB! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Julianne says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:11 PM

    I posted on FB about your giveaway!

    Reply
  30. Alecia @ ChickenScratch NY says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    I [still] love the birch forest stencil

    Reply
  31. Alecia @ ChickenScratch NY says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    I like CE on FB

    Reply
  32. Judy says

    March 21, 2012 at 11:31 PM

    I love the casablanca allover stencil. I adore your custom artwork and the colors scheme. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  33. Judy says

    March 21, 2012 at 11:31 PM

    I like Cutting Edge on Facebook

    Reply
  34. Judy says

    March 21, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    I follow you on LF and on facebook

    Reply
  35. jlkjef says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    I love the paisley stencil….I follow on facebook….Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  36. Kristel says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    I have been eyeing the Duchess Damask for quite some time now for my daughter’s room..love their stencils. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  37. Ange says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:08 AM

    I’m excited to see the powder room! We want to see more!!!! Love those color choices, even if they are Tennessee colors. 😉

    Reply
  38. Mel says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:50 AM

    I would love to win the Chandelier stencil. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  39. Mel says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:51 AM

    I “Liked” Cutting Edge Stencils on facebook.

    Reply
  40. Mel says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    I “Liked” At The Picket Fence on facebook.

    Reply
  41. Mel says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    Tweeted about the giveaway. Thanks again.

    Reply
  42. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Great giveaway, but I won’t enter this one because I won a stencil from them a few months ago! I chose the Casablanca allover and used it to stencil a wall in my sister-in-law’s guest bedroom. Now I plan to use it to stencil a kitchen rug. I love the artwork that you created with your stencil.

    Reply
  43. karen says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:59 AM

    I like the paisley stencils. Awesome!

    Reply
  44. Elsina says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    I love the Casablanca stencil, but also the many damask stencils are gorgeous!

    Reply
  45. Elsina says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:45 AM

    I “LIKE” Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook.

    Reply
  46. Elsina says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    I Follow At The Picket Fence through Linky Followers

    Reply
  47. classic • casual • home says

    March 22, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    Howard darling! You get the unique look without painting the whole room!

    Reply
  48. Debbie says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    Oh I really love this! I went to the site, and the damask one has my name written all over it. I love to stencil but haven’t done much of it in years.

    Reply
  49. Debbie says

    March 22, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    And I already follow through linky followers. (Although to be honest, I never check that linky followers page. I just check my blogger dashboard, and you still come up just like a “normal” blog.

    So how about that? You’re normal. Whoda thunk it?

    Reply
  50. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    I love how your project turned out. Tennessee orange is definitely the best orange :). I visited their site and would love to use the marrakech or diamond damask in my bathroom.

    Reply
  51. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    I like Cutting Edge on fb.

    Reply
  52. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    I like At the Picket Fence on FB (already following you via google friends connect).

    Reply
  53. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    Just tweeted about it. Would really love to win this and use it in my upcoming, as in next month, bath remodel. I’ve been looking for just the right wallpaper but haven’t been able to find it yet. I can just make my own version with this!
    Angie

    Reply
  54. Jo @ Let's Face the Music says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    I would love the branches and birds stencil. I’d like to over stencil in more than one color. Thanks for the the giveaway. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music jamesonvaughn (at) verizon (dot) net

    Reply
  55. Destiny says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    I love the Rabat Allover Stencil!

    Reply
  56. Destiny says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    I follow Cutting Edge on Facebook.

    Reply
  57. Destiny says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:08 PM

    I like At the Picket Fence on Facebook.

    Reply
  58. CindyLou says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Love their stencils. I personally want to try the Anastasia Damask for a focal wall in my master bedroom. Thanks!

    Reply
  59. Allison @ Cozy Home Interiors says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:57 PM

    Great post!! I love stencils. Haven’t tried to work with them yet. A little intimidating, but might have to try the stencil art canvas! Love that idea. Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment!! Looking forward to linking up to par-tay again soon!

    Reply
  60. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    I love these stencils and I adore your wall art! I will be back this weekend to enter the giveaway. I hope to catch up then on email and commenting…it’s the story of my life these days! Hope all is well with both of you.

    Reply
  61. Amanda @ Bullfrogs and Bulldogs says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Oh my! Too many to pick just one! But, I’ve been wanting to stencil a room in our house, especially since we have extremely high walls and it’s hard to know what to do to them, I love the Hand Forged Allover stencil! Okay, and the Moroccan Dream Allover stencil!

    I also liked Cutting Edge on FB and tweeted about it all!

    Have a great day!

    Reply
  62. Darla P. says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:34 PM

    The Trellis Allover stencil is just classy. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  63. Kirstin says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I would LOVE the Marrakech stencil for my bedroom!

    Reply
  64. Kirstin says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    I am following At the Picket Fence on FB and by Linky Followers!

    Reply
  65. Mandy says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    Love the Gabrielle Damask stencil.

    Reply
  66. Mandy says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Liked Cutting Edge Stencils on FB.

    Reply
  67. Mandy says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Already a follower on your blog! You’re the best!!!

    Reply
  68. Gloria Richards says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:16 PM

    I really like the Marakech Trellis Allover Stencil. I also followed the Cutting Edge Stencil on FB and Linkyed up with you.

    Reply
  69. RAK says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    I LIKE THE OUT OF THE BOX STENCIL. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN!

    Reply
  70. reFresh reStyle says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    Love the polka dots all over!
    Debbie

    Reply
  71. reFresh reStyle says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    I follow you 🙂 love your sneak peak and your veto!

    Reply
  72. starsandsunshine.com says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    I love the casablanca one – beautiful and classy!

    Reply
  73. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Hi ladies, Your new artwork is wonderful. I’ve been trying to win a Cutting Edge stencil forever! Love the Damask stencil and have big plans for it. xo, Sherry

    Reply
  74. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    I “Liked” Cutting Edge Stencils on FB.

    Reply
  75. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    I am a Linky follower and a FB follower!

    Reply
  76. JOY 2 JOURNEY says

    March 23, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    I follow you on FB!

    Reply
  77. JOY 2 JOURNEY says

    March 23, 2012 at 2:59 AM

    I liked Cutting Edge Stencils on FB … count me in!
    Hugs,
    Bj

    Reply
  78. vikki says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    I would love to try one of these stencils, my favorite is BROCADE NO.1 STENCIL

    Reply
  79. Anonymous says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    I would love to try the allover paisley stencil!
    Connie (ecsalts@yahoo.com)

    Reply
  80. Anonymous says

    March 23, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    I “liked” Cutting Edge Stencils on FB.
    Connie (ecsalts@yahoo.com)

    Reply
  81. SavannahGranny says

    March 23, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    I like the Ammonite Large Fossil stencil. They are all awesome.

    Reply
  82. SavannahGranny says

    March 23, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    I like Cutting Edge Stencils on FB.

    Reply
  83. SavannahGranny says

    March 23, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    I like At The Picket Fence on their FB page.

    Reply
  84. Lorrie says

    March 23, 2012 at 6:23 AM

    I love their stencils, just received one, and it’s so easy to use, I entered my “window” Bird on a Branch stencil in your party, check it out! I would love to win some more! This Branch is my FAV!

    Reply
  85. Lorrie says

    March 23, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    I like them on facebook!

    Reply
  86. Lorrie says

    March 23, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    I follow you through Linky!

    Reply
  87. CREATIVE MIND says

    March 23, 2012 at 7:08 AM

    I Love their stencils..very Nice!! I would love to win this..

    Reply
  88. CREATIVE MIND says

    March 23, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    I am already a follower..

    Reply
  89. Whitney @ The Rooster And The Hen says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    Your art turned out so wonderful! Headed over to look at the stencils and I love the Zagora Allover. I totally am ready to bring geometric into my decor!

    Reply
  90. Ana says

    March 23, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    Zamira Allover stencil is my favorite one but there are soooo many!! I’ve been 3 days trying to pick one for my office:)
    Ana (anarodriguez333@yahoo.es)

    Reply
  91. Roxanne Reinhart says

    March 23, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    I love the vintage paisley stencil

    Reply
  92. Roxanne Reinhart says

    March 23, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    I am your newest follower 🙂

    Reply
  93. Jackie says

    March 23, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    I really like the Spring Songbirds stencil

    Reply
  94. Jackie says

    March 23, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    I ‘liked’ Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook

    Reply
  95. Jackie says

    March 23, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    I’m following you through Linky followers. 🙂

    Reply
  96. Jacqueline says

    March 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    I want all of the craft sized stencils…they are great for furniture!

    Reply
  97. Jacqueline says

    March 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I already like Cutting Edge Stencil on Facebook!

    Reply
  98. Jacqueline says

    March 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I also already like At The Picket Fence’s Facebook!

    Reply
  99. Jacqueline says

    March 23, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    I tweeted about this giveaway!

    Reply
  100. The Single Nester says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Japanese Maple, Parsley Blooms – the possibilities are endless! What a great giveaway!

    Reply
  101. Sally says

    March 24, 2012 at 2:00 PM

    My faves are the damask stencils – especially Anna 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  102. Sally says

    March 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    Already liking Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  103. Sally says

    March 24, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    Already liking At the Picket Fence on Facebook 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  104. June says

    March 25, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    I really like the bird stencils–the chickadee, the swallowtail & the bullfinches. Perfect for a project I’m pondering on 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  105. June says

    March 25, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    I already follow you on Linky Followers! (I like the tree & branch designs too!)

    Reply
  106. June says

    March 25, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Nice project, altho I would prefer Wildcat BLUE! ;D I already follow you on Linky….

    Reply
  107. Anonymous says

    March 28, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Favorite stencil is Bermuda Breeze via Nancy from email entry.
    nancythedove@aol(dot)com

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Home Decorating Idea: Stenciled Wall Art Pieces « Stencil Stories says:
    February 4, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    […] from the blog At the Picket Fence, stenciled this duo of canvases with Cutting Edge Stencils Casablanca Allover Stencil! She […]

    Reply
  2. Friday and some Eye Candy says:
    February 27, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    […] which ends this Saturday at midnight CST.   The lovely girls At The Picket Fence are also having a Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway so head over there and enter for another chance to […]

    Reply

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Instagram post 18042969043211010 Raise your hand if these cold, dark mornings have you feeling a bit befuddled. 🙋🏻‍♀️ So far this week I’ve put a sweatshirt on backwards resulting in me getting a really good look at the inside of the hood and today I tried to put sweat pants on without taking my pajamas off first. 😂 #winning.

But, hey, at least I can take comfort in the soft glow of twinkling lights and having my halls decked for Christmas!

Today on the blog I’m sharing the details of my soft and simple mantel decorations and I’d love for you to stop by! ✨
Instagram post 18116596168021683 Happy Saturday friends! Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1?! I think it’s time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our kids or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap.

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
Instagram post 17937591637321018 Have you ever longed to belong?

Have you ever felt like you are on the outside looking in at everyone else who seemingly have it all together?

Are you craving more peace in your heart and your home?

Well, today I’m having a conversation with @drbarbaralowe on her podcast and it could not be more timely with the holiday season now upon us!

You can find the link to it on her page and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it and what resonates with you! ❤️
Instagram post 17903771584388964 Confession...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

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

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

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
Instagram post 17846094718750175 Temperatures are dropping here in the Willamette Valley and I got our hot cocoa station set up just in the nick of time! My kids LOVE this sweet (literally!) spot in our house and my daughter added her own personal touch with the little sign on the wreath. I’ll be happily restocking ingredients over and over throughout the season as my kids and their friends make a pit stop here. We’re definitely ready to cozy up!! Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? What are your must-haves for the perfect hot beverage? ☕️🎄
Instagram post 17880974047462626 It’s begun!! 🎄🎄 My best girl LOVES decorating the family room tree (we do a fresh tree in the living room after Thanksgiving) but she does NOT like me to take her picture while she’s doing it (see photo two). Ahhhh...preteens. 😂🤪 I’m just so grateful to have a buddy who is as obsessed with Christmas as I am and who still wants to be apart of it all with me!
Instagram post 17864348974529213 I'm struggling to find the right words on my book proposal for a book that I never thought I would dare to write. The words are in me, I just can't seem to get them onto the page. I'm so passionate about this message even though it is so different from anything I've ever done and might not be considered 'on brand'. And yet it's never been more clear to me that I'm supposed to keep moving forward. It's a message that might not be considered very 'popular' (this ain't a 'pull yourselves up by your bootstraps' kind of message about being a Christ-follower) but it's one that God has placed on my heart and in my very BEING and I have to get it out there.

But at every step of the way I find that the enemy of my soul tries to keep me silent and what should be so simple (writing two paragraphs giving an overview of the book or writing an outline) ends up being paralyzing. He whispers words into my ear that are lies tinged with just enough truth to tempt me to keep silent. “You're first book didn't sell well enough so why should any other publisher take a chance on you? They won't care that it wasn't really your fault." "You write a lot about home decorating so why would you have any authority to talk about scripture?” And that's how satan works...he is masterful in his deception, weaving our fears and insecurity into the lies so that we are much more likely to believe them. And if we believe them, we stop being obedient to the Lord and the callings He places on our lives.

But, I WILL NOT BE HINDERED. “Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord’s side, and are doing the Lord’s work, and in his strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary." - Charles Spurgeon
Instagram post 18114202198050565 Happy weekend friends!! This has been one of my favorite kind of days today. The boys went and had some guy time and my daughter and I got some sweet girl time and now we’re all cozied in together at home enjoying just ‘being’. I’m doing some baking and dreaming about this year’s Christmas mantel. This photo is from a few years ago but it’s still one of my all-time favorites!

What’s been the best part of your day today? ❄️
Instagram post 18073546234147166 Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
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When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
Instagram post 17859128461559789 I was up half the night with a very sick kiddo so today I’m drinking ALL the coffee and my girl and I are going to hunker down and have a day at home to rest and recover. I absolutely hate it when my kids are sick but if there is a silver lining to it it’s that I get to do all of the fussing and caring and mama-ing that I don’t get to do as much lately now that they are tweens/teens. I’d prefer to not have a vomiting kid, but at least I get a whole day in the middle of the week to pour some extra love out on my favorite girl! And maybe we’ll both get a nap! 😴
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