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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

May 9, 2012

Eco Natural Soap Giveaway!

We are so excited about this giveaway!
When Alicia and Alan of Eco Natural Soap contacted us with the opportunity to review their products and host a giveaway we immediately jumped at the chance.
And why not? 
This incredible couple took a risk and launched their amazing company in 2009 and “now have more than 100 products and growing, selling at 95 local dealers which include 
almost every health food store in their area.
The entire product line is formulated with 100% pure, natural, organic ingredients.”
Take a look at just a small sampling of what they have available in their online store!
Exotic Butters Luxury Dry Skin Balm (Lemon Rosemary)
Exotic Butters Dry Skin Relief Balm (Lemon Rosemary)
Mineral Makeup
Foundation/Concealer LIGHT_WARM
Lip Relief All Natural Lip Balm (Island Lime)
“Lip Relief” All Natural Lip Balm (Lime)
Pet Shampoo & Coat Conditioner Soap
Pet Shampoo and Coat Conditioner Soap
After drawing straws it was decided that Vanessa would have the chance to try out some of their products.
Rough job huh?
First of all, just getting the box in the mail was quite a treat since it made the entire mailbox smell like the inside of a luxury spa!
DSC_0401-001
 And it was so much fun to sample all of these amazing products.
Again, rough job but someone has to do it.
Vanessa has been using the lip balm every night before going to bed and has noticed how much softer and less dry her lips feel in the morning. All the better for kissing her kiddos! Oh, and her hubby too, of course!
The Back Pain Relief balm has become a favorite also and is helping to relieve her “Blogger-itis”…you know…the aches and pains that come from frequent clicks of the mouse and long stretches of immobility.
Do you suffer from that too?
We are certain this syndrome will be added to the medical journals in the very near future.
Truly, every single product was wonderful and we officially give them the 
Picket Fence seal of approval!
 Now, we know you want to try them too, right?
So, how about a 

GIVEAWAY!?
Here is what the winner will receive:
2 Body Balms of your choice
Exotic Butters Dry Skin Relief Balm (Citrus)
2 Soaps of your choice
“Closest Shave” Sensitive Skin Shaving Soap
1 Lip Balm of your choice
“Lip Relief” All Natural Lip Balm (Lemon)
That is an over $40 value!!!

Here is how to enter to win:

MANDATORY 1. Visit the Eco Natural Soap website, take a look around and come back to leave us a comment letting us know which items you would want to try. (1 entry)
OPTIONAL 2. “Like” Eco Natural Soap on Facebook and come back here to leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 entry)
OPTIONAL 3. Tweet about or post this giveaway on your Facebook Page and come back here to leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 entry)

*Giveaway ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, May 15th. U.S. residents only*


GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Good luck friends and thanks so much for joining us today at the Fence,

dual-signature_thumb2

*We received products to review in exchange for hosting this giveaway on our site.

80 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways

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Previous Post: « Beautiful confectioneries and a generous heart!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    May 8, 2012 at 6:55 PM

    I would love to try the pet shampoo & I love mineral makeup, so that too!

    Reply
  2. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    May 8, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway! https://twitter.com/#!/RUaDSarah/status/199935751658549250

    Reply
  3. The Beaded Frog says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Wow their products sound so good its hard to choose… Definitely want to try the sensitive skin shaving soap and the coconut milk and honey soap amongst so many other things 🙂 Thanks for sharing their site!!!

    Reply
  4. Ginger Zuck says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:10 PM

    There stuff looks amazing. I would love to try the bug soap, because insects are so bad already and they love me.

    Reply
  5. Ginger Zuck says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:10 PM

    I visited their FB page and now following. “liked” their page.

    Reply
  6. Melissa says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    I’d like to try the vericose/spider vein relief bar.

    Reply
  7. Jess says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    I’d like to try their mineral makeup!

    Reply
  8. Melissa says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    I like Eco Natural Soap on FB.

    Reply
  9. Jess says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    I liked their FB page.

    Reply
  10. Jess says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    I shared their giveaway on Facebook.

    Reply
  11. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    I’d love to try the Skin Moisturizing Combo.

    Dee

    Reply
  12. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    I liked Eco Natural Soap on Facebook. 🙂

    Dee

    Reply
  13. Jessica says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    Love the product since I only use chemical free with no animal testing products. I particularly thought the mineral makeup looked very high quality. I don’t wear makeup but I would like to give this product a try.

    I thought the soaps looked fabulous. I think they would also make my bathroom smell fantastic! 🙂

    I also went to their FB page and ‘liked’ it.

    Reply
  14. Marsha says

    May 8, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    I would love to try their lemon rosemary balm…and since we have a problem with insects-their insect repellent balm sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win and for letting us know about the products.

    Reply
  15. Sandy A says

    May 8, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    I would just love to try the Citrus Sunrise Luxury Skin Balm–it sounds divine…

    Reply
  16. Sandy A says

    May 8, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    I like ENS on FB…

    Reply
  17. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    I would love to try out some of the essential oils! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  18. Unknown says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    My Maltese has had skin issues for years (large crusty sores). Visits to the vet resulted in anti-biotics and other medicines. . . nothing worked. I bought the dog shampoo and everything cleared up. It’s AMAZING. I use on my other dog also; it’s shampoo and conditioner all in one. Great product.

    Reply
  19. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    I like them on FB! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  20. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:59 AM

    Shared on my FB and twitter accounts! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  21. duckychick1974 says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    I would love the facial hydration and the pet soap. They look like they have great products! I’ve liked them on FB, look forward to keeping up with them.

    Reply
  22. sydney85 says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    I would love to share these products with my husband. He would really put to good use the Close Shave soap and I am in desperate need of the Facial Hydration.

    Reply
  23. Mystica says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    I have dry skin so I would like the dry skin balm. Thank you for the opportunity of winning.

    Reply
  24. Mystica says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    I’ve liked them on FB

    Reply
  25. Rakesh Seo Expert says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    Home Koncepts of Houston is a Modern and Contemporary Home Furniture Store with Leather Sofas, Living Rooms, Dining Tables, Bedrooms, and Office FurnitureHome Furniture Stores in Houston

    Reply
  26. Kim says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Oh my goodness, as I looked at each item, I thought I need that. I am really interested in the Closest Shave products.

    Reply
  27. Shelia says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Oh, Alicia, contacted me too and I used her products. Those are some nice products they make.
    Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  28. Dawn says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    It all looks great! I’d love to try their mineral make-up and Citrus Sunrise Exotic Butter.

    Reply
  29. Dawn says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    I’ve added them to my pages favorites!

    Reply
  30. Dawn says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    I shared on my facebook page! Thanks!

    Reply
  31. Nicole says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    I would love to try the “Don’t BUG ME” Insect Repellent Soap!

    Reply
  32. Nicole says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    I just liked Eco Natural Soap on Facebook.

    Reply
  33. Angela Walker says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    I visited the Eco Natural Soap site… the Luxury Skin Balm Citrus Sunrise and the Coconut milk and Honey soap sound amazing!

    Reply
  34. Angela Walker says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    I “liked” Eco Natural Soap on facebook:)

    Reply
  35. Angela Walker says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    I tweeted the giveaway:)

    Reply
  36. Barbara says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    I would love to try their mineral makeup and thie “Don’t Bug Me” bug soap repellant! Too cute a name for that one!!!

    Reply
  37. Barbara says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    And I liked Eco natural Soap on Facebook too!!!

    Reply
  38. Ruffles and Relics says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    Shared on facebook..

    Reply
  39. Ruffles and Relics says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    I would love to try the pet soap.

    Reply
  40. Ruffles and Relics says

    May 9, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    And I liked Eco natural Soap on Facebook too..

    Reply
  41. brendavr says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    I liked then on facebook

    Reply
  42. brendavr says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    i shared the giveaway on my facebook page

    Reply
  43. brendavr says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    I would like to try the atrhtitis and joint relief since I have had surgery onmy hip and have lots of pain in it

    Reply
  44. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Germ Shield Spray Diffuser! It’s the perfect combination of keeping the kid-ickiness at bay and making the house smell nice:)

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

    Reply
  45. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    May 9, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    I Liked them!

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

    Reply
  46. Julie says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    All the products look great! I would especially like to try the psoriasis relief soap and the lip balm.

    Reply
  47. Julie says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    I liked their facebook page!

    Reply
  48. Julie says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    I posted the giveaway on my facebook page.

    Reply
  49. Wanda says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    Wow I’m so psyched! I’m loving all the yummy products. I have fibromyalgia and would love to try some of the pain creams.

    Reply
  50. Heather's Blog-o-rama says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    This is really cool. I really want to try the “closest shave” bar and the facial hydration bar 🙂 🙂 Both are much needed and look really practical!!! Thanks for hosting this giveaway. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  51. Heather's Blog-o-rama says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    I shared the link to the giveaway on my Facebook page 😉 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  52. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    May 9, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    Well I’m a big fan of mineral make up so I’d like to try that but their perfumes looks fascinating — especially the Rose Damask!

    Reply
  53. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    May 9, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  54. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    May 9, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I am posting this in my give away section on my blog!

    Reply
  55. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    May 9, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I liked them on FB

    Reply
  56. Destiny says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:10 PM

    I’d love to try the cuticle and nail relief balm.

    Reply
  57. wriska@gmail.com says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Liked on Facebook – check! Just looked at the perfume section too – mmmmm…

    Reply
  58. wriska@gmail.com says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    For some reason my first comment didn’t go through . . .

    I would like to try ALL of their products – but I think I would start with the Pet Products, Facial Hydration or Stretch Mark Soap and Lemon Rosemary lip balm. . . The vanilla anise is interesting, I wonder if they do a lemon/anise combo – one of my favorite scents!

    Reply
  59. Queen Mary says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    OK, so I went to the website and I ordered the bug repellant soap and body balm — I’ve been looking for some eco friendly bug repellant for an upcoming trip to the Adirondacks, so that was right up my alley! I am very sensitive to scents, so I was delighted to see the Lemon Rosemary products — they will be what I order next!

    Reply
  60. Maria says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    These products look very interesting. I;d like to find out more about the dry skin balm and the pack pain rub. I love things that are as natural as possible since I’m a breast cancer survivor of 6 yrs and has a mastectomy, chemo and then reconstruction. Thanks to this blog for bringing this to my attention! 🙂

    Reply
    • Maria says

      May 9, 2012 at 10:05 PM

      Sorry for the misspellings! Oops!

      Reply
  61. Carolyn says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    I’d love to try the mineral makeup. It looks so light weight and natural. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  62. Anonymous says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    I would buy the pet soap. Suzi pblapere@att.net

    Reply
  63. Anonymous says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I liked them on Facebook Suzi pblapere@att.net

    Reply
  64. DIY Show Off says

    May 9, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    Awesome! I’ve always wanted to try mineral makeup and the “Don’t Bug Me” would be a great gift for my husband (bugs always get him).

    Reply
  65. Becca says

    May 10, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    I love anything all natural- I’ll have to try this company. Thanks for the introduction!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  66. Suzanne says

    May 10, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    I’d love to get the “Closest Shave” soap for my hubby — I hope it smells manly!

    Reply
  67. Terri says

    May 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    I would like to try the arthritis balm, foundation/concealer light, amongst other items. Hoping I win!

    Reply
  68. Jackie says

    May 10, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    What a wonderful giveaway! I would love to try the mineral makeup, and the Exotic Butters Luxury Skin Balm Vanilla Anise body butter.
    jackieinmi67@gmail.com

    Reply
  69. Jackie says

    May 10, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    I like Eco Natural Soap on Facebook (Jackie Reini)

    jackieinmi67@gmail.com

    Reply
  70. Jackie says

    May 10, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    I tweeted about this giveaway here:
    https://twitter.com/#!/JackieReini/status/200645172235743232

    jackieinmi67@gmail.com

    Reply
  71. Nova says

    May 10, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    i liked eco natural soap on facebook!

    Reply
  72. Nova says

    May 10, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    i would love to get the “Closest Shave” Sensitive Skin Shaving Soap” for my boyfriend to use!

    Reply
  73. KyKimberly says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    Don’t Bug me Balm

    Reply
  74. robinmor says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    I would love the lip balms and also the nail and cuticle balm

    Reply
  75. robinmor says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    I “liked” eco natural soap on FB.

    Reply
  76. robinmor says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    I shared the site on FB

    Reply
  77. Karen says

    May 12, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    I would like to try the “Closest Shave” Anti-Rash Balm and the Scars and Stretch marks balm.
    Thanks,
    Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    Reply
  78. Sally says

    May 15, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    I would love to try the pet products 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  79. Sally says

    May 15, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    Following on Facebook 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply

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"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
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
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