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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!
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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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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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