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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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May 4, 2012

Derby Day Recipes and Inspiration Friday No. 63

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
I’m so excited to be a part of the Derby Day Week Celebrations along with some amazing Kentucky Bloggers!

There are a few traditions associated with The Kentucky Derby that are a must.  Horses, Hats…and Mint Juleps!  First consumed in the late 1700’s, the granddaddy of cocktails, The Mint Julep, was traditionally served on Kentucky Derby Day.
Comprised of a few simple ingredients, mint is the defining component of this popular Southern drink.
Served with Kentucky Colonel Mint and a high quality bourbon (also a Kentucky native) this cocktail is sure to please the most discerning and sophisticated among us!
and of course if you want to really serve these drinks properly…you must serve them in a silver mint julep cup!
Classic Derby Day Mint Juleps
from At The Picket Fence

1/2 ounce simple syrup
3 mint sprigs

2 oz. high quality bourbon (we love Makers Mark!)


Muddle the sugar, one mint sprig, and the bourbon in a mint julep cup or rocks glass.
Add crushed ice and garnish with the remaining mint sprigs. (Serves 1)
The perfect accompaniment to a mint julep is a slice of Kentucky Derby Pie.  This is our families Kentucky Derby Pie recipe, and it couldn’t be a more simple but decadent pie to make.
Kentucky Derby Pie
from At The Picket Fence
1 cup sugar

1/2 cup flour

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup pecans
1 cup high quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
1 unbaked pie shell (homemade or store bough roll out shell)

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Mix sugar and flour together well in mixing bowl.  Add eggs and melted butter, blend together well.  Add coarsely chopped pecans, chocolate chips and vanilla, mix well.  Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell.  Bake for 40-45 minutes and light golden brown on top.  Allow to cool for 20 minutes. (Serves 8)



If you are hosting a Derby Party this Saturday, you can’t go wrong with serving these two classic Derby Day recipes, your guests will think you are a Derby Day Diva!
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Check out all of this week’s amazing Derby Day Posts from my fellow Kentucky Bloggers!

We kicked off Derby Week over at The 2 Seasons, where we got a history lesson on the Kentucky Derby.

Up next, the fabulous Carmel of Our Fifth House showed us how to incorporate the most important aspect of the Derby into our home decor, the horse…of course!

Then we headed back over to The 2 Seasons for a lesson on hats and hat making!
The lovely Kari Anne of Thistlewood Farm is teaching us how to monogram our own glasses (us Southerners love a monogram!) and is sharing a great Lemonade Mint Iced Tea recipe.

Be sure to stop by and visit all of these amazing and talented gals…

and a big thank you to the fabulous mother daughter team of Janette and Jordan at The 2 Seasons for hosting this great Derby Day Party!

Now ya ready for some fabulous features from last week?!

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]

 
INSPIRED ROOMS

This kitchen makeover from Blissful Blooms will definitely put a smile on your face! With all of these charming details, you wouldn’t believe how this space started out. It is definitely an amazing transformation!


Our friend Richella from Imparting Grace shared her beautifully redone Guest Bedroom.
Our bags are packed and we are on our way Richella!  Two beds, two sisters…perfect, right?
We promise not to jump back and forth on them like we did on the one’s at our Grandma’s house years ago!



and since we’re hanging out in your bedrooms, we just had to share Erin’s, from How to Nest for Less, beautiful  master bedroom makeover.  She installed wood paneling in her beautiful master bedroom makeover and gives a full tutorial on how they created this look, you could be installing some yourself in no time!



MAKEOVER

Kristin of A Vintage Fairy did an incredible job on this PB Knock-Off! For literally a fraction of the price (the Pottery Barn piece was $999!) she gave this a wonderfully vintage look and we love the two tone paint treatment on the doors.


Angie from Postcards from the Ridge upcycled this their dining room buffet into this gorgeous bathroom vanity.  She shares the step by step instructions of this beautiful makeover!


This harlequin table makeover from Rukmini at Trumatter is fabulous! She shares how she painted it as well as how she was inspired be her Granny.


CRAFTS and CREATIONS


Jo-Ann from Growing in Grace showed us how to make this darling House Number Flower Hanger!
We love any kind of two-for-one project!


Kendra from the The Good Life, Adventuring Through Goodwill, created this adorable ruffled dress…out of a bed sheet! Isn’t it adorable? We applaud your creativity and ingenuity!



Aimee at It’s Overflowing showed us how to knock-off this beachy Pottery Barn vignette, for just a few dollars! Makes us so ready for summer!


RECIPES

Rebekah from Woven Home shared this guilt free Strawberry Trifle with us last week…guilt free?! We’re all over that!


Pulled Pork Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Apples? Yes please! This recipe came to us courtesy of Ashbee Design and all we can say is that we might have drooled a little bit when we saw it.


and Lori from The Stonybrook House shares her “world’s best” Homemade Granola Recipe with us, who wouldn’t want to start the morning out with a big bowl of such loveliness!




Inspiration

Meredith of I Am a Mother Seeking, allowed us a glimpse into how she honored her daddy on the anniversary of his death by celebrating his life. Thank you Meredith for sharing this with us!


If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located on our Buttons Page found under our header!

Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook? Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well!
Are you following us on
 
Pinterest
 
We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
 
Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!
 
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
 
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:
Fridays Unfolded
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Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday

  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post  and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us

And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity! Below are some great options!


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Pinterest



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72 Comments Filed Under: Desserts, Inspiration Friday, Recipes Tagged With: pie

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Previous Post: « Better Homes and Gardens comes to Kentucky…behind the scenes of a photo shoot
Next Post: Shopping for Mother’s Day with the Picket Fence Girls! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ange says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    I want a mint julep, those look delicious! Great features this week, as always! Thanks for hosting such a fab party girls, you sure are the hostess with the mostess.

    Reply
  2. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    That bathroom vanity is stunning. Enjoy your derby! It sounds like a lot of fun!!

    Reply
  3. Brooke @ Spruce Your Nest says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    Great features! Thank so much for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    Great Features! And thanks, now I want a Mint Julep!

    Reply
  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    Super features, girls and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  6. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    I love what’s holding the Mint Juleps. Thanks for hosting. Great features, as always.

    Reply
  7. reFresh reStyle says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  8. Judy says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    I’ve never had a mint julep. Sounds great. Thanks as always for hosting. Great features!!

    Reply
  9. Sue says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    I could use a refreshing mint julep after a long afternoon in the hot, humid OH weather. Planting flowers in the heat isn’t fun. LOL What wonderful features, girls! 🙂

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    Great features girls! Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  11. Cristina Garay says

    May 3, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    I would love to try a Mint Julep in one of the silver cups!
    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  12. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Thanks LOTS for the SUPER FUN feature and thanks so much for hosting! Kentucky was one of our FAVORITE states to visit as we drove from TX to PA and then back another route!!! I’ll have to see if we can play next time I visit my baby sister!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  13. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    Those mint juleps look awesome! Will have to make some Saturday. Thanks, as always, for hosting such a wonderful party.

    Reply
  14. Richella says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Ohhh. . . thank you so much for featuring my guest room! The beds are made and just waiting for you two! Come right on!

    Your Mint Juleps and Derby Pie look decadent and oh so good. I like Maker’s Mark, too, as well as Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, and Blanton’s. I’m a fan of your native Kentucky drink! I once dated a boy who hailed from Bourbon County–but alas, he was from a family of teetotalers, so I don’t know if he ever actually drank any bourbon. Of course, he’s nearly 50 years old now and has lived in Lexington his entire adult life; surely he drinks juleps on Derby Day! 🙂

    Thanks so much for this wonderful party. I’m excited to be linking up my front porch makeover–and I’m so glad to FINALLY be getting some projects done around here!!

    Reply
  15. Eclectically Vintage says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    HI Gals,
    Loving Blissful Blooms kitchen – the mismatched stools are great!

    I wish I could put on a big hat, sip a mint julep and meet you at the Derby! But the Derby pie is the next best thing!
    Kelly

    Reply
  16. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    Great features today. Thanks for hosting. Today I discovered iPiccy and Collages, seems to have a few less and a few more features than Picnik but whew! collages made easy again.

    Reply
  17. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    May 3, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    Thanks for hosting, Ladies! I’ll take a slice of that pie while I check out the cute kitchen you featured. Have a lovely weekend!

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  18. Good Time Charlie says

    May 3, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I love it! We are featuring the same bathroom vanity. Oh my, that kitchen, so cute!!

    Reply
  19. Sarah says

    May 3, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Those silver goblets of mint juleps looks gorgeous! Hope your Derby Day is filled with delights.
    Thanks for hosting. ~ Sarah

    Reply
  20. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Love that shot of the Juleps in those goblets!! The features just get better, and better. Darling kitchen, great bedrooms, the PB knock off. WOW. Have a fab week =) Shannon

    Reply
  21. Stuff and Nonsense says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    whoo
    it’s a hot one
    out there today
    so i could sure go for
    a frosty mint julep right about now

    and don’t you just love
    amy’s new kitchen?

    i guess great minds
    think alike;)

    all linked up girls

    have a wonderful weekend
    and thanks for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  22. FABBY'S LIVING says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Great decorating features, wow! Thank you for having me. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  23. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  24. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    Looks yummy! Great features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  25. pam {simple details} says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! Mint juleps aren’t too popular in CO, I’ve never had one, we’re into margaritas for Cinco de Mayo!

    Reply
  26. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting:)
    A lovely mix of awesome features!
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla … Time to party!

    Reply
  27. Jamie says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    The pie recipe looks amazing! I can’t wait to try this recipe. Going to the Kentucky Derby is on my bucket list! 🙂 It’ll never happen… Thanks for hosting! ~ Jamie

    Reply
  28. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    Loved all the features and really enjoyed the Derby Week Series. Gotta try the Derby pie recipe!….
    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  29. Imageremix says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:54 AM

    I am going to try that pie! Thank you for the party and for all the great features you chose to highlight. Fun!

    Reply
  30. bj says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:02 AM

    How fun this all is…the drink and pie look amazing.
    Now, I can’t see the linky for the party…:(

    Reply
  31. Kerry Rossow says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    Oh, mint juleps. Be still my heart!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  32. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    Mmmm. Those mint juleps sound so good. I can’t wait to try the recipe.
    Thanks so much for featuring our master bath vanity. I feel honored to have shown wight the other great features. I love the pb knockoff especially. Have a fabulous Derby weekend!
    Angie

    Reply
  33. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Thank you so much for the great party, girls!

    Reply
  34. Blissful Blooms says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    Thank you SO much for featuring my kitchen! What a sweet surprise!

    Reply
  35. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    May 3, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    Oooh, I have never had a Mint Julep before! I think there is one in my very near future – they look so good!
    Thanks for hosting!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  36. trumatter says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:35 AM

    an honor to be featured here, really, alonside those wonderful links which I am gonna visit immediately! I have never heard of Mint Juleps but I think now that I have Im gonna try and see how it unfurls.

    Thank you Heather and Vanessa for featuring my table makeover. You all have been very generous and cute and sweet and one of my biggest inspirations.

    Have a wonderful day.

    Reply
  37. Catherine {Stone and Rose} says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    Thank you for hosting! Great features. Have a fab weekend!

    Reply
  38. Kendra says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    Thank you for the feature! And, for hosting a great party!

    Reply
  39. Laurel Stephens says

    May 4, 2012 at 4:36 AM

    Your photo of silver mint julep cups is one of the prettiest things I’ve seen, and your Kentucky Derby week celebration such a fun idea.

    Thank you for hosting your party. What a busy week!

    Reply
  40. Fleaing France & French Shopping Tours says

    May 4, 2012 at 6:57 AM

    Thanks for hosting. I am new to the blog, but am linked up and ready to start seeing this week’s offerings.

    Reply
  41. Kristin@ A Vintage Fairy says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    Thanks for featuring me with such other inspiring posts!

    Reply
  42. Natural Mothers Network says

    May 4, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    Hi and thanks once again for hosting- Have a great weekend! Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network x ( Seasonal Celebration)

    Reply
  43. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    May 4, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    Vanessa and Heather,

    Thank you for hosting!

    I appreciate it,
    Laura #200 link

    Reply
  44. Janette - The2Seasons says

    May 4, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    Your pie and julep photos are beautiful. They look like the BHG pros took them for you. That’s how good they are!!!! I will definitely be making your pie today. Thanks for participating in the Derby Week Event with us.

    Reply
  45. Jordan@the2seasons says

    May 4, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    Yum the derby pie sounds so good. I am going to be making my simple syrup today in preparation for our derby party and the famous mint juelps! Thank you so much for participating in Derby week and have a great derby day!

    Reply
  46. Laurel@chippingwithcharm says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    Hmmm…that pie looks tastey…enjoy 🙂 Thanks for hosting…all linked up! Laurel

    Reply
  47. How to Nest for Less says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    THANK YOU so much for the feature ladies!! I truly appreciate it 🙂 Hope you have a fabulous weekend and thanks for hosting again!

    Reply
  48. Tazas y Cuentos says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Hello! Thank you very much for hosting!
    I’m very happy joining from Argentina!
    Besos! Silvina.

    Reply
  49. Calypso In The Country says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    You picked some beautiful features! I am going to have to try that pie of yours too! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  50. Sherry says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    The Kentucky Derby pie sounds yummy! Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply
  51. Ann says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    Hi, Vanessa and Heather. This is my first time linking up here. I really enjoyed what you shared today. I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby, but the hubs and I used to own and ride horses a lot. We did visit the Kentucky horse park in Lexington, which was a lot of fun! I also like that you highlight some of the different posts that other bloggers share here!
    Blessing to you both – Ann

    Reply
  52. Gabby says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Hi, ladies! Thanks so much for hosting again, and, Heather, looks like you’ll have a great time with the derby festivities!

    Gabby
    The…Late, Young Family

    Reply
  53. Little Bit says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    thank you for hosting. I’ve never partaken of a mint julep, but have always wanted to. Just not a popular drink I guess in NW Wisconsin, it sounds so romantic though. Great features too. Little Bit from http://www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    Reply
  54. Marji Roy says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Hey, Happy Derby time. It is baby shower time here!
    Thanks for featuring my pulled pork pizza with caramelized onions. I’ve made it three times now it will become a regular feature in the menu rotation for sure.
    And thanks for hosting. It keeps us being able to share and gather inspiration.
    Have a great weekend everyone!- Marji

    Reply
  55. Molly says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Your Kentucky Derby pie looks AMAZING! Thanks for sharing the recipe, I’m going to have to give it a try 🙂
    -Molly
    http://www.justalittlecreativity.com

    Reply
  56. Val says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Can we share a mint julep together!!! So thirsty!!! ; )

    Reply
  57. Meredith from A Mother Seeking says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature. I am truly honored. The story continues this week…
    X Meredith
    ~ Meredith From A Mother Seeking
    https://www.amotherseeking.com

    A Mother Seeking…

    Reply
  58. Savvy Seasons says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:42 PM

    Hi Ladies,
    Happy Friday!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for hosting and I LOVE your features, great picks! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  59. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    May 4, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    I’ve got my mint all ready to muddle for the Derby:)

    Thanks for hosting!

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

    Reply
  60. Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence says

    May 4, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    Thanks so much for the party–I linked up my salvaged window project!

    Reply
  61. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    May 4, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    It was so fun celebrating KY this week with you all! I’m definitely going to try your Derby pie recipe. In years past I’ve always ordered mine and had it delivered but there’s nothing like a home baked pie is there? Is it bad that I’ve been trying to decide which would be better- a julep before a margarita or a margarita before a julep. LOL! I can’t forget it’s also Cinco de Mayo- I am 25% Mexican after all. 😉

    Reply
  62. Kim Wilson says

    May 4, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Gorgeous pictures! I’ll be making BOTH these recipes this weekend! I need to pick myself up some of those silver julep chalices though! I’m very new to your blog but I’m loving it! Thank you so much for hosting!
    Kim @ Sand & Sisal

    Reply
  63. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 5, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    Hi ladies, Ther Derby pie looks wonderful! Thanks for hosting.
    xo, Sherry

    Reply
  64. Nann from At Nann's Table says

    May 5, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    Love your features. The guest bedroom redo really took my eye as did the pulled pork pizza. Oh Yum! And that Derby Pie. I have got to have a piece! Have watched Secretariat twice now this week. A fun movie to celebrate the Derby with.

    Also you two. I was in line at Joanns Fabric today and perusing their magazines and came across the April issue of Romantic Homes. I opened it and there you two were….blog and all. I was THRILLED for you! And you so deserve that feature and shout out from them. You gals have such an incredible blog and do so much for the blogging world. I was just busting my buttons for you. I feel like a proud Mamma!! So enjoyed reading it. Congratulations ladies!!!

    Nann

    Reply
  65. GIFT TO INDIA 24x7 says

    May 5, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    very nice, use Gift to India site to use service for sending gifts to India express and midnight delivery. Send Rakhi gifts to india on this wholy rakshya bandhan. FREE SHIPPING.

    Reply
  66. malia says

    May 5, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    BEAUTIFUL! Love you features! What a fabulous party… I am adding to my weekly list of link-ups. Hugs to you! Malia

    Malia
    http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com

    Reply
  67. Imageremix says

    May 5, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    Hi, glad to make it to the party before it was over! Thanks for putting it on. Love the Derby Day Recipes. The images are all so enticing! Keep up the good work.

    Liz

    Reply
  68. Rakhi Gifts to India says

    June 3, 2013 at 6:04 AM

    There is so many festival in india but Rakhi festival have own value. i many time heard send Rakhi to India but here i found something Different.

    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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