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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 20, 2014

Easy Summer Entertaining Ideas and Giveaway!


Every year around this time I suffer from a very particular ailment. I’ve come to find out that the official term for it is “must-have-all-the-latest-summer-accessories/gadgets/gizmos-so-that-I-can-be-the-perfect-summer-hostess-itis “.

Is anyone else suffering from this problem? I mean, when it’s all right there at the front of every store it is so hard not to give into it! Fancy beverage dispensers, plastic platters that look so ‘un-plastic’ that you simply must pick one up to believe they really are plastic, clip on grill lights, outdoor speakers, over-sized ice buckets, lanterns, utensil caddies, and about a million things with the American flag on them. It’s so easy to think that in order to set the stage for the perfect summer gathering we need all of these ‘extras’.
Easy last minute summer entertaining tips from atthepicketfence.comBut then reality hits. Where do you store it all during the rest of the year? I don’t know about you but I don’t have a dedicated ‘outdoor summer entertaining accessories’ closet. And, the even bigger reality to hit you (which might be harder to accept if you have a disconnect between your ‘imaginary’ life vs. your ‘real’ life) is that you’re not throwing fancy, five course, sit-down dinner soirées every weekend. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s more along the lines of, “hey, do you guys want to come over for pizza and brownies from a box?”

outdoor entertaining with Tiki brand

So, I’d like to now declare myself officially cured of my aforementioned ‘itis’. I’ve finally realized that I don’t really need all of those designated ‘summer’ items to create the right atmosphere for my outdoor entertaining whether it be a last-minute pizza in a box kind of night while the kids run around in the yard or a fancy soirée. I mean, a girl can dream of hosting a soirée now and then, right? 😉

No need to spend the money on an outdoor bar when you can simply turn a TV tray into one with the addition of a handled tray on top!

tv tray used as a bar

Those giant beverage tubs seem like a great idea until you have to figure out where to store it the rest of the year. Why not just use a galvanized bucket instead? This is one I decorate with year round inside my home so I always have it in arms reach. And filled with ice its the perfect way to chill those bottled beverages.

galvanized bucket drink cooler

I keep bread sticks and salami or prosciutto on hand at all times for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

bread sticks and salami appetizer

We always keep our favorite summer-y music loaded and ready to push ‘play’ at a moment’s notice. ‘Pink Martini’ is a family favorite and you won’t be able to keep from kicking up your feet as soon as you hear the first strands of music.

pink martini cd cover

And just like keeping the inside of your home fairly clean and tidy (most of the time) makes it easier to host last-minute gatherings inside, creating a beautiful foundation for gatherings outside means that you will always be ready to welcome friends and family at any moment. That’s why lighting and ambiance are so important. And this beautiful TIKI® Brand Glowing Tabletop Torch definitely ups the ambiance factor big time! There are some things that you just make room for, right? 😉

TIKI globe

I can’t even begin to tell you how much we love that someone finally came up with an easier way to pour the TIKI® Brand Torch Fuel into the TIKI® Brand torches. Genius!

Tiki brand snap and pour spout

And, I love how these turquoise colored glass TIKI® Brand Torches look against the green of the trees in the background. turquoise glass tiki torch

Once you have set the stage for your summer gatherings…

Tiki torches for outdoor entertaining

…and you have recovered from “must-have-all-the-latest-summer-accessories/gadgets/gizmos-so-that-I-can-be-the-perfect-summer-hostess-itis “, you can simply sit back and enjoy!

Are you ready to get your ‘Summer’ on? Did you know that not only can you purchase these awesome items online but also at your local Target? As if we needed one more excuse to go to Target, right? summer outdoor party with TIKI

And we’re so excited to help you kick off summer in style by offering you the chance to win this awesome Prize Package including:

4 Glass Torches 

1 Glowing Tabletop Torch

1 Bottle of OFF/BF Torch Fuel + 1 Snap & Pour funnel

That’s a retail value of over $100!

We’re making it super easy to enter to win! Simply leave us a comment answering this question…

How do you think the TIKI© Brand products would help you to create the perfect environment for your outdoor entertaining this year?

*this post has been sponsored by TIKI© Brand but all opinions are 100% my own Sweepstakes Rules:  No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: 1.     Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post 2.     Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post 3.     Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post 4.     For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 5/19/2014-7/4/2014. Be sure to visit TIKI’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Here’s the code:

99 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Good Ideas, Outdoors, Summer

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dena says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:19 AM

    I love how beautiful the Tiki products are now! They fit in everywhere now. The Tiki torches always reminded me of a luau, and didn’t really look good in more formal settings. This stuff looks great! The colors would be great with my green patio furniture with white accents. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Reply
  2. Georgia Beckman says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:23 AM

    Thank you for curing our “itis”! I think the Tiki products are gorgeous & perfect for our outdoor festivities this year. Lighting is the one thing that always seems to be the problem so this is just what we need!

    Reply
  3. Karen Jerread says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:38 AM

    The lighting would be great but the real reason would simply be that as a natural gal, I just really love sitting out near fire. The lovely colors are so soul soothing too.

    Reply
  4. Judy Wilson says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:47 AM

    I feel that using the Tiki products would take my back deck from drab to fab and make me WANT to sit out there and entertain 🙂

    Reply
  5. Georgia Beckman says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:47 AM

    I tweeted about the giveaway. (and it only took me 3 tweets to get it right, lol)
    https://twitter.com/georgiabeckman1/status/468714611047669760

    Reply
  6. Raquel says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:24 AM

    When did Tiki start making such pretty things?! I love entertaining outdoors with candles and torches setting a festive scene. These would be perfect!

    Reply
  7. Amy Kaminski says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:27 AM

    We just put I a new garden with a fire pit for entertaining. Having the Glass Tiki Torches out there would add color and great ambiance.

    Reply
  8. Jenny Walker says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:28 AM

    It would be fabulous at the lake on our deck!! Love this!

    Reply
  9. Christine Martin says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    Love those Tiki torches! And that turquoise color is simply perfect! Just what I need to go with my patio table and umbrella.

    Reply
  10. Linda says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    Love the torches perfect for Torch lake MI which is also the color of turquoise. The most beautiful lake in thw world in my opinion

    Reply
  11. Sandy says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:48 AM

    Our deck needs outdoor glow and these Tiki torches would be just the perfect solution. Love the color!

    Reply
  12. Deborah says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    The Tiki torches pull dual duties keeping those pesky mosquitos away while keeping décor stylish and functional. Love the torches!

    Reply
  13. debby messner says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Oh I would love these colorful Tiki torches to light the way to an beautiful outdoor space I want to create. Just sitting outside in the dark with these lights sounds inviting.

    Reply
  14. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:32 AM

    I’ve been suffering from your same ailment because I’ve been looking at melamine dishes online and then realized that I didn’t really need them because I have NO place to store them! Ha! Tiki torches have come a long way and the ones you’re showing are so beautiful and would be a great addition to an eating area that I’m creating in our garden!

    Reply
  15. Destiny says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    These tiki torches & lamps would make my tiny little patio feel nice and cozy!

    Reply
  16. Pam says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    I don’t even HAVE an outdoor space–but these TIKI torches make me want one! If I win, I’ll be inspired to create a beautiful place to show off these beauties!

    Reply
  17. Kim says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I have a great back porch but the mosquitos are TERRIBLE!! I also need to add some color to make it feel more inviting.

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:43 AM

    The tiki torches would not only be a nice addition to my to my outdoor decor they help keep those pesky bugs away!

    Reply
  19. Julia G. says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:47 AM

    These TIKI torches would be perfect in my back yard this summer so we could have the perfect ambiance for our pizza and brownies from a box! Come on over and join us!

    Reply
  20. Nancy P. says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    These add elegance to any setting and they are functional as well.

    Reply
  21. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    These are so beautiful, and I love how the color is such a beautiful accent on the deck.

    Reply
  22. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    The Tiki torches and products are perfect pieces to use for my outdoor get togethers because they add a warm glow for evening entertaining.

    Reply
  23. Melanie says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    I love the ambiance! My backyard just looks boring, but these would really make it feel like it’s a party!

    Reply
  24. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    I am in LOVE with that Tiki tabletop torch! The glass torches too – all would look perfect around our pool!!

    Reply
  25. cathy claus says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:43 AM

    These are so pretty! perfect mood lighting! i LOVE the tabletop tiki torch!

    Reply
  26. cathy claus says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:44 AM

    I tweeted https://twitter.com/chattycc

    Reply
  27. Maaike says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    Tiki torches are awesome! They look super festive, they help keep the bugs away, and they always make my honey break out into song!! (Tiki torches at twilight , David Lindley). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bzfcRx0Os_M

    Reply
  28. Susanne says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:12 AM

    I love the Tiki torches. Beautiful color!!! I’m sure it would help keep all those pesky bugs away and it would be so pretty at night!!! Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  29. merry z. says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    The Tiki products are gorgeous. My back yard lacks ambiance. There’s nothing that sets it apart. Now I know what would be perfect. Tiki.

    Reply
  30. Kathy Westbrook says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:23 AM

    Love your blog and the Tiki giveaway op…My new favorite color and I am in the process of setting up our deck for entertaining…You offered so many great ideas. Color helps create a feeling and I love the color combination you showed. Yellow is great too. Keep blogging. Love it!

    Reply
  31. Shauna Davis says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:31 AM

    Love those beautiful tiki torches!!! How fun!

    Reply
  32. Marty Walden says

    May 20, 2014 at 10:52 AM

    We adore torches for our back deck. We have so many it’s like we’re waiting to vote someone off! Thanks for the giveaway, ladies!

    Reply
  33. Patty Galley says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    The lighting would be perfect for the patio, would not be blinding and create the perfect ambiance.

    Reply
  34. Kelly D says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    These Tiki brand products would help light my back deck and look nice, and I would add Citronella to keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  35. Kelly D says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:22 AM

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/468818887401033729

    Reply
  36. Liza Glick says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    The Tiki Torches would be a great addition to my backyard. I’ve been dying for a fire pit and this would work great until we can get one!

    Reply
  37. Kathy P. says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    It would easier to host last-minute gatherings by creating a beautiful foundation for any outside occasion. You can use the Tiki torches either for something romantic and private or for the perfect family & friend party. Either way, it would be a great addition to your backyard fun. Thanks for such a great product!!

    Reply
  38. Diane H says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    TIKI say’s FUN! Party on the deck everyone!
    Tiki set’s the mood adds the glow and can even keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  39. Esther says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:00 PM

    These Tiki torches would be super to keep the bugs away, plus they are beautiful. I have been looking for something like this.

    Reply
  40. Rochelle says

    May 20, 2014 at 1:02 PM

    The turquoise color of the Tiki products you have shown would be the perfect touch to bring the turquoise colors I have decorated with inside my house to the outside, blending the two together!

    Reply
  41. Devra aka ThePomeroyLife says

    May 20, 2014 at 1:25 PM

    I could use some Tiki torches in my backyard for sure! I have no hopes of building a fire pit, having our friends over for cookouts or our neighbors for a picnic without some sort of defense against the battalion of mosquitoes that set up HQ in our green bean plants.

    Reply
  42. Judy D says

    May 20, 2014 at 1:49 PM

    Perfect for the deck and easy to move if the party is on the lawn.

    Reply
  43. Tanya says

    May 20, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    Who knew that Tiki torches could be so elegant and downright pretty?? I would love to win a set and use them to update our back patio area and keep the ‘buggies’ away!!

    Thanks for the chance!
    Tanya

    Reply
  44. Karen says

    May 20, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    I love these Tiki products! So nice compared to the old bamboo looking lights. Would love to add these to our outside space for the summer!
    Thanks,
    Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    Reply
  45. Jennifer H. says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:47 PM

    I think that it sets the perfect mood for a relaxing backyard. It reminds me of everything tropical which I love even though I live in Michigan. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  46. Sandi says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    They would help me by making my yard come alive!! Love the colors!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  47. Vicky says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:47 PM

    Lighting is crucial to create the right ambience to any setting. And doesn’t everyone look better by candle light?

    Reply
  48. Jan says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:26 PM

    The Tiki torches are so pretty. They would add color to my porch.

    Reply
  49. Martha Franks says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:41 PM

    Nothing like a little soft fire light to create ambiance, maybe a little romance!

    Reply
  50. heather says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:58 PM

    The TIKI Brand helps me create the perfect environment for outdoor entertaining by creating a fun, comfortable and classy place to celebrate life with family and friends.

    Reply
  51. Betsy says

    May 21, 2014 at 3:16 AM

    I am hosting a baby shower for my daughter in July and these items would definitely update my lanai area where I plan on having guests sit and chat a bit.

    Reply
  52. Cheryl M. says

    May 21, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    I love the torches, the color is beautiful, would love to have them on my deck!!

    Reply
  53. Kristal M. says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    TIKI brand torches would DEFINITELY help us with our outdoor entertaining from this week on! The heat has HIT here in Az, and all outdoor entertaining has to be done when the sun is down! We NEED the torches to help light things up and give the yard a tropical feel.

    Reply
  54. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    LOVE those glass torches! we have some very old wicker ones that need to be replaced desperately and those would look beautiful on our deck. The mosquitoes are already bad here in the south so we desperately need some help in warding them off as we entertain this summer.

    Reply
  55. Alina says

    May 21, 2014 at 7:15 AM

    We are always missing more lighting cause the porch light we have is teeny. This would add to the ambiance and would give it a summer feel.

    Reply
  56. kristin says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:41 AM

    I have never seen those, so pretty! We don’t have much lighting in our yard so this would be perfect, plus it add’s such a romantic ambience.
    xo
    Kristin

    Reply
  57. Sean C says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:56 AM

    I have an all brown deck with all brown furniture so this would definitely add much needed color to our backyard!

    Reply
  58. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    May 21, 2014 at 10:45 AM

    I love the glow of beautiful lighting in the summer. We have some tiki products and they do a gorgeous job at that!

    Reply
  59. Missy says

    May 21, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    Those Tiki torches are like icing on a cake. A great finishing touch!

    Reply
  60. Miranda Ward says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:32 PM

    This would get me in the mode to entertain and would make my little area more cozy 🙂

    freebiegoddess03@aol.com

    Reply
  61. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:29 PM

    YOu have certainly set a gorgeous outdoor entertaining area. These are not my old fashioned Tiki torches! Wow they are really amazing. Going to check them out! I’d put those torches in my planters… they would be stunning!!!

    Reply
  62. Lisa Palmese says

    May 22, 2014 at 12:35 AM

    Tiki is a Superior Brand but One of if not the Most Important
    Part of Design is Lighting and it provides that along with being
    just a Beautiful Decor Element. I would Love to Win, Anyone would.

    Reply
  63. Angella L says

    May 22, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    We have teenagers so having a nice space outside that we can all enjoy together would be great.

    Reply
  64. Doreen says

    May 22, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    I’ve never seen such beautiful Tiki torches! Would love to win these for outdoor parties planned this summer! Thanks for having such an awesome giveaway to kick off the summer season!

    Reply
  65. Deborah says

    May 22, 2014 at 3:36 PM

    I think using the tiki torches and table light would make an updated fresh look for yournsummer activities. Being a bug repelent is just icing on the cake. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  66. Janet says

    May 22, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    The turquoise Tiki torches are beautiful. I have never seen this type in stores.

    Reply
  67. Bobbie says

    May 22, 2014 at 5:18 PM

    Sure would help tremendously with lighting & bugs, so we could enjoy the outdoors in the cool night air.

    Reply
  68. Jennifer says

    May 22, 2014 at 5:51 PM

    Fire adds light and ambiance to evening entertaining. Nothing says summer like teaki torches and a glass of wine on the patio.

    Reply
  69. Nancy K says

    May 23, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    TIKI brand torches would light up our backyard BBQ and Get Togethers in style!

    Reply
  70. Andrea Rust says

    May 23, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    This would be so good for entertaining so that all the kiddos don’t get bit!

    Reply
  71. susie king says

    May 24, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    TIKI© Brand products would help me create the perfect environment for your outdoor entertaining by using TIKI Brand torches to my backyard for an amazing ambiance and keep the mosquitoes away.

    Reply
  72. susie king says

    May 24, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Tweeted entry: https://twitter.com/susieking31/status/470192933610987520

    Reply
  73. Jana Brantley says

    May 24, 2014 at 6:52 AM

    TIKI Brand torches, you have come a long way baby! Love the new classy design, the blue is perfect for Summer..and bonus..no mosquitoes! Perfection reinvented! Let’s get the party started!

    Reply
  74. D Schmidt says

    May 25, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    The Tiki brand provides a sense of relief against mosquitoes when outdoors, compliments our decor and adds to the ambiance with their great styling.

    Reply
  75. D Schmidt says

    May 25, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/470623121808973825

    Reply
  76. MARTHA says

    May 27, 2014 at 10:29 PM

    SPECTACULOR TIKI brand torches ,,,, extremely colorful would light up any patio or party no mosquitos in sight a lot of nights spent just relaxing and tales told from all I would really enjoy that !!!!!! TY

    Reply
  77. Patti Wilson says

    May 31, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    I love the gorgeous colors of the tiki brand torches. I’ve heard the mosquitos are going to be particularly pesty this summer. I’d love to sit around a bombfire with the torches adding additional ambiance.

    Reply
  78. malia says

    June 1, 2014 at 8:20 AM

    I love the torches! What a sophisticated touch!

    Reply
  79. jenn says

    June 1, 2014 at 10:17 AM

    So glad that there is an official term for my summer disorder! 😉 Love the torches and your patio looks beautiful!

    Reply
  80. Ashley H says

    June 1, 2014 at 5:17 PM

    They would help set the ambiance and keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  81. Lauren says

    June 4, 2014 at 7:17 AM

    It sets the perfect summer night mood!

    Reply
  82. April Farley says

    June 4, 2014 at 6:47 PM

    Tiki products have come a long way baby! They would help me provide a classy elegant charm in my back yard and keep them nasty biters away! I adore these products!

    Reply
  83. Amy Kasson says

    June 4, 2014 at 11:44 PM

    Have been slowly building my outdoor space over the last few years with my squeaky-tight budget. These would add amazing ambiance to my space!

    Reply
  84. Amy Kasson says

    June 4, 2014 at 11:45 PM

    Tweeted this contest here: https://twitter.com/ArielleMorgane/status/474440876454735872

    Reply
  85. Lauren E. says

    June 8, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    They help open up the feeling of the yard when it starts to get dark, with beautiful warm lighting.

    Reply
  86. Gina M says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    These would create the perfect ambiance while also repelling bugs!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  87. Gina M says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    tweet-https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/481484374941392897

    Reply
  88. Rhonda B says

    June 27, 2014 at 3:47 PM

    Without even realizing you were promoting the torches, the first thing that caught my eye, and caused me to click through to your blog, was the beautiful table torch. I immediately had ‘itis’ for that! So funny that you were going to talk all about how much you love them. I would love to have this ensemble to light up our back yard. We have a small yard and having this would ensemble would make it sparkle! Thanks for giving us the chance to win it!

    Reply
  89. Debbie B says

    June 29, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    these tiki torches look really great! I would love to have some around my patio and its great that they repel bugs

    Reply
  90. Debbie B says

    June 29, 2014 at 2:53 PM

    I posted a tweet: https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/483367428018429952

    Reply
  91. Kerry says

    June 30, 2014 at 7:16 PM

    Tiki helps by being functional, yet very stylish too!

    Reply
  92. Temp Employment Agencies Los Angeles says

    July 1, 2014 at 2:34 PM

    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how could we communicate?

    Reply
  93. Kerry says

    July 1, 2014 at 6:27 PM

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/484146259049996288

    Reply
  94. Mary says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:30 PM

    Found your blog through Pinterest while looking for appetizer party ideas:) the torches look so enchanting and would make my little yard super inviting for my guests!! everything looks so cozy!!

    Reply
  95. Wanda McHenry says

    July 4, 2014 at 12:59 AM

    Tiki will absolutely help by giving my patio a great amber on those special nights!

    Reply
  96. Wanda McHenry says

    July 4, 2014 at 1:02 AM

    https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/484970423654707200

    Reply
  97. Betty C says

    July 4, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    I love it when beauty and practicality come together. These Tiki torches really do a great job of making this very practical outdoor accessory something I would love to add just because it’s so pretty.

    Reply
  98. Betty C says

    July 4, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/485125529763594240

    Reply
  99. rick S says

    June 25, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    I think it would make it clear the the party has started and everyone should relax and leave your cares behind.

    rick

    Reply

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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
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…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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