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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

March 10, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 55 and a Giveaway!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

This Inspiration Friday Party is sponsored by: Appliances Online and their Beko Fridge Freezers.
Appliances Online Logo
As the largest online appliance retailer in the UK, Appliances Online offers all the major appliances from all the major brands at competitive prices. With a 10 day no-fuss return policy you are getting the absolute best in customer service.


AND
 
Appliances Online is generously offering At the Picket Fence readers a chance to win a

$75 Gift Card to 
Amazon!!
Amazon.com Gift Cards - In a Gift Box - Free One-Day Shipping
Here is how you can enter to win this awesome prize.
Be sure to read these instructions carefully!
1. (MANDATORY)Any post you link up to Inspiration Friday must include the following tagline:

“My entry to At The Picket Fence’s  Inspiration Friday sponsored by Appliances Online and the Beko Fridge Freezers”. 


Leave a comment letting us know you have done this along with the # of your link. Each post you link up must include the tagline to be entered to win!

2. (Optional extra entry) “Like” Appliances Online on Facebook and leave us a comment letting us know you did.
3. (Optional extra entry) Share this giveaway through Twitter or Facebook with a link to this Inspiration Friday Post included.
A big thank you to Appliances Online for sponsoring this giveaway! 
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Now, how about some features??

Every week it has become agonizing to choose only a handful of you talented folks to feature!

So, you will notice that we have decided to be rebels and not just pick a handful. We’re wild and crazy like that! Instead, we will be adding a few more features AND dividing them into categories.
You get to see more features, we get to show off more talent and it is all kept neat and tidy.
That’s a Win/Win/Win right?
Let’s get to it!INSPIRED ROOMS

Rene’ from Miss Gracie’s House shares how white walls are not to be feared! You must pay a visit to her kitchen, it is so soothing and lovely!

We’re ready for summer here in the States, and Carolyn from  Desire Empire’s fresh and fun front porch would be a fabulous place to spend those lazy summer days! Get ready Carolyn, we’re headed down under to your place to hang out! 😉


We LOVE this soothing colors of this Master Bath recently completed by Jenn from Clean and Scentsible.  She shares all of the details (and there are so many pretty ones) in her post!





MAKEOVERS

 
The talented Cindy of Beaux R’eves shared how she made these gorgeous Anthropologie Inspired Ruffled Drapes. You’ll have to head over there and check out how they are gracing the windows of her newly made over guest room. We’ve already booked our stay there! Winking smile
 
Opulent Cottage shares the tutorial on how she made over this chair with a new dropcloth slipcover.  We think she needs to come over and slipcover all of our furniture now! grin.

IMG_1630

Melody from Chatty Chics painted her banister black and it completely transformed her foyer! Visit Melody to see the before and after.







CRAFTS AND CREATIONS
We love how Shannon from Rusty and Redone transformed these Dollar Store pails into darling, whimsical creations!
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100_7045
You will not believe how this bottle began it’s life! But, once Shari of Turnstyle Vogue got ahold of it, it would never be the same. You have to go see this transformation for yourself!
IMG_5525
Bethany of Pitter and Glink, inspired by Pottery Barn, showed us how to create a beautiful Etched Mercury Glass Lamp. We will happily take that off your hands if you ever get tired of it Bethany!
 


RECIPES
How adorable are these Thin Mint Bunny Truffles from Munchkin Munchies??!! We mean, seriously, Sue just knocked another one out of the park with these darling creations!
And how about these Cakes in a Jar from Creative Chaos?
Such a great way to have fun with food!
Pink, Red and all kinds of Deliciousness! These three ingredient Strawberry Jello Parfaits from With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart are gorgeous! How come our jello parfaits don’t turn out this pretty?! 😉







INSPIRING STORIES

Sonya of Sago on Tuesdays shared a beautiful poem in dedication to her father in an
Ode to Memories of a Carpenter.

 
You know how near and dear adoption is to us. So when Barbara of 21 Rosemary Lane shared her own precious adoption story, we felt like we were right there on the journey with her!
 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in 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! 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,
And…one last thing we want to share with you…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!


We are asking you to PRETTY PLEASE (with sugar on top) visit the ACTUAL PROJECT and PIN from there! PLEASE take that extra step to PIN from ORIGINAL SOURCES…it will make Pinterest a better place for all bloggers!  Now, if you like what you see here At The Picket Fence that WE create, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
THANK YOU !!
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:

stuffandnonsense
vif187
Redoux


Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • 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!
Did you get a chance to see Kim at Savvy Southern Style’s Link Etiquette  post? It’s a must read!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
PinterestAND DON’T FORGET THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND PUT YOUR LINK # IN YOUR COMMENT TO ENTER TODAY’S $75 GIVEAWAY!



*At the Picket Fence received compensation from Appliances Online for their sponsorship of this Inspiration Friday Party. Please see our Disclosure Policy.*

88 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. {northern cottage} says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    yay link #1 – bring it on baby! xo thanks so much for hosting!

    http://www.NorthernCottage.net

    Reply
  2. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Awesome features!! Thanks for hosting girls!

    Reply
  3. Desire Empire says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Thanks for featuring my Summer Deck gals. I appreciate you having this party each week. Have a great weekend
    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  4. Debbiedoo's says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Great features…thanks for hosting girls!

    Reply
  5. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks for including my little glam bottle makeover with all of your awesome features. You ladies are great!

    Shari

    Reply
  6. Gail says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Great features this week. Thanks for hosting Vanessa and Heather.

    Reply
  7. Anita says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Wow, what a great giveaway! Thanks for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  8. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    If only I lived close enough, I would be right over! It would be so fun to work on a project with you two. Thanks for featuring my chair, and for hosting us every week 🙂
    Luv, Andrea

    Reply
  9. Cristina Garay says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Thanks for hosting Vanessa and Heather, have a great weekend!

    Reply
  10. Anita says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    I actually did all three things to enter!!

    Reply
  11. Jessica Kielman says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Thanks so much for having me at your fabulous party!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  12. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    The features are fabulous! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  13. Debra @ Common Ground says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    So many great features, loved the tutorial on the upholstered chair, just linked up, thanks gals for having me each week!! xxoo

    Reply
  14. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Love the features you’ve chosen for this week!

    Reply
  15. Jana says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I included the tagline in my post #75.

    Reply
  16. Libby says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    My entries in the linky party are numbers 72 and 73. Both posts include the saying!

    Reply
  17. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Great mix of features guys. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  18. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    I’m lovin’ that mercury lamp! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  19. reFresh reStyle says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    thanks for hosting! those are some great features!
    Debbie

    Reply
  20. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls and I hope people read my post that you are referring them to. Thanks.

    Reply
  21. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  22. Miss Kitty says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather! Thanks so much for hosting your fun party. The features you chose from last week are just fabulous…and to think they are from just regular people…they look so professional from the actual project to the photography.

    Reply
  23. Karen says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    I am so excited to link up this week! I finished my first Pinterest project. Finally quit pinning & did something with all the inspiration. I am #97 this week. Thank you both for hosting.

    Reply
  24. At The Picket Fence says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    HEY EVERYONE!! Don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY! All you have to do is put the tagline in your post and come back and let us know you did and your link #. It is so easy peasy and this is an awesome prize! 🙂

    Reply
  25. anangloinquebec says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting. I unfortunately have linked up the wrong post…my mistake. Anyway, I love your blog, you are such inspiration! I did drop over to read the post by Kim and could not agree more.

    Reply
  26. andrea@townandprairie says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    Thanks for hosting! What a wonderful array of features this week!

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    I’m link #108. I’m very excited for this giveaway. Thanks so much. I added the tagline to my post.

    Reply
  28. Kim @ La Belle Époque says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    What wonderful features this week. There is so much talent in blogland. Thanks for hosting this great party!

    Reply
  29. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    I’m link #119. I linked up some yummy whole wheat rolls and put the tagline in my post. Thanks for the opportunity to win and for hosting the party!

    Reply
  30. Ruby Jean says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Oh I want to Eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Miss Gracie’s Kitchen…. Oh and I don’t want to forget about Dessert…:) Thank you for hosting Ladies…

    Reply
  31. PitterAndGlink says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring my lamp and for hosting a great party! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Anita says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:51 AM

    My post for the giveaway is number 23. I did not know which number you meant, lol!!

    Reply
  33. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    So many wonderful features. Thanks so much for hosting. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  34. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another fun party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  35. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    Beautiful features!! Thanks for hosting again!

    Reply
  36. Personalized Sketches and Sentiments says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Thanks for hosting and this giveaway :o) I am joining in at #164!

    Blessings & Aloha!

    Reply
  37. Delilah Love says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    Thanks for hosting! I hope you have a great Friday!

    Reply
  38. laura@imnotatrophywife.com says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    Thanks for the party ! I am #181 on the linky party with my barn doors and mandatory tag line! Thanks! laura

    Reply
  39. WELCOME! says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:04 AM

    i linked up and included the tag line! great giveaway and GREAT party!

    Reply
    • WELCOME! says

      March 9, 2012 at 3:04 AM

      sorry…I”m #182

      Reply
  40. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Hi girls! I added the tag line and I’m #185…crossing my appendages for this one!!!

    Reply
  41. ~Tablescapes By Diane~ says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    Hi lovely lady.
    The features are fabulous! Thanks for hosting your lovely linky party!!
    I love your great Give-A-Way.
    XXOO Diane

    Reply
  42. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:04 AM

    Hi..I am #198…Placed the tag line on my post…thanks for posting and featuring the beautiful posts from last week…
    Great giveaway and thanks for hosting as always…

    Reply
  43. Sue says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    Hi girls! My tagline is on my post and I’m entry #201. Great giveaway. ~ Sue

    Reply
  44. Sue says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    I’m sharing this post on FB, too! 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  45. Jutta says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:24 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my cake in a jar!!!! And for hosting this wonderful party!! And for writing this great blog 🙂
    lots of love to you
    jutta

    Reply
  46. Becca says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:58 AM

    Hi girlies! I’m number 214. Thanks for offering the awesome giveaway!! I’m mentally spending it on the gym locker replications I’ve wanted already!!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  47. Sherry @ Living in the Rain Garden says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather,
    Thanks for the can to win a gift card and hosting the link party! My link number is 216. I added the tag line to my post

    Reply
  48. Angie says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    I included the tagline in my post #31. Thanks so much for hosting!
    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time

    Reply
  49. Sue says

    March 9, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my bunny truffles and for the kind words:) You two are so sweet! <3 XO, Sue

    Reply
  50. Natasha in Oz says

    March 9, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    Thanks so much for having me today. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha In Oz

    Reply
  51. Scribbler says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Thanks for hosting — and the guidelines for Pinterest. I also have an article posted about the legal ramifications of hosting other’s work.

    Reply
  52. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Good Morning Ladies! Happy Friday! I added the tagline to my post and I’m entry #232. What a lovely giveaway! Thanks so much for hosting and I hope you both have a truly awesome weekend! ~Mary

    Reply
  53. Sonya says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Evening lasses,

    Thankyou very much for featuring my poem about my Dad…I admit with a whisper that it made me cry a tear – his memory being able to touch a stranger..
    Anyhoobs, my kidlet book review is at #233, and my post is tagged.. linky goodness spread a little further ;o)

    Toodles, ~Sonya~

    Reply
  54. ImSoVintage says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Thanks for another fun party.
    Laura

    Reply
  55. How to Nest for Less says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Hey girlies!! Thanks for hosting again this week! AND I WANT THAT KITCHEN from Miss Gracie’s House. Just gorgeous!! Enjoy your weekend 🙂

    Reply
  56. Tina says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Wow, great features. Thank you for hosting the party this week.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  57. Barbara says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    OMGosh thank you so much for highlighting our adoption story. I really wanted to reach out to anyone who maybe in the process of or contemplating adoption in their own life. It was an amazing journey and has been ever since. Thank you for helping our story reach even more people…every child deserves a family.
    Have a great weekend girls!!!

    Reply
  58. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Thank you for hosting! I love browsing your party over the weekend and meeting so many new great blogs! Sorry I’m late! Love, Me

    Reply
  59. Gabby says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    Thanks again for the facebook feature! I have the giveaway tag-line on my blog, and my link up is #271!

    Reply
  60. Meet Kate says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I have the giveaway tag-line on my blog, don’t know how to get a link up number:)

    Reply
  61. The Hell on Heels Housewife says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    Great features!! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    Maggie

    Reply
  62. Calypso In The Country says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Great features and thanks for hosting the party AND the giveaway. I added the tagline at the end of my post and my number is 297.
    Thanks- Shelley

    Reply
  63. Mimi says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Love that lamp from Pitter and Glink. Amazing! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  64. Princess Kate says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I just found tons of inspiration. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  65. Gloria Richards says

    March 9, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    I liked Appliances on Line on Facebook. Great Party with soooo many fantastic ideas…ah, such “Crafty” people we have on their blogs…WOW!

    Reply
  66. Jackie says

    March 9, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    I have added the tagline to my blog post, and my link-up number is #321. Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  67. Jackie says

    March 9, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    I ‘liked’ Appliances On Line on Facebook. Thanks so much for letting me link up to your awesome parties.

    Reply
  68. Shannon says

    March 9, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my little pails this week! There are so many great ideas on here. Love looking through them.

    Reply
  69. {Adventuresindinner} says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Hey there, I’m #249 C:

    Reply
  70. Jen says

    March 9, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting another great party! Have a good weekend!

    Reply
  71. Teresa@Magazine Your Home says

    March 9, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    Thank you for the party and the give away, I’m #294 and posted the tagline in my post and link back to the party 🙂

    Reply
  72. Teresa@Magazine Your Home says

    March 9, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    I liked Appliances Online on FB, I’m #294

    Reply
  73. Teresa@Magazine Your Home says

    March 9, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    I posted about the giveaway and Appliances online on my FB page. #294

    Reply
  74. Chatty Chics says

    March 9, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Awwww, thanks girls for the feature! You’re awesome!
    🙂
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

    Reply
  75. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 10, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    Why…..why…..why am I so lame? Why did I wait so long to link up to the party! Next week I will set my alarm clock to make sure I make it before I turn into a pumpkin 🙂

    Great party!

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  76. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Hi girls!! Well, I should be link #293- but it’s not showing up yet… anyway- adding the tag line- I LOVE Amazon.com!! Thanks for hosting and for the giveaway!

    Reply
  77. Suzanne says

    March 10, 2012 at 1:30 AM

    Such amazing inspiration! I’m linky #345.

    Reply
  78. Suzanne says

    March 10, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    Posted the giveaway on FB, too!

    Reply
  79. deZeal says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    I put the tag line in my post and linked my Frankie (he is #304).
    Btw, what awsome features this week – I couldn’t stop looking:)
    Hugs!!

    Reply
  80. It's All Connected says

    March 10, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Thanks for hosting! I’ve added the sponsor tag to my link back. ~ Maureen

    Reply
  81. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:51 AM

    I added the tagline to my post and I am #353

    Reply
  82. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    tweeted about the giveaway 🙂

    Reply
  83. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:55 AM

    I forgot to leave my linkback!! Here is my tweet!
    https://twitter.com/#!/jillwilhelm/status/178386689201410049

    Reply
  84. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Liked Appliances Online on FB!

    Reply
  85. Denise @ secondtimearoundfinds says

    March 10, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    Thanks for hosting. Lots of great features as well as green posts for St. Patricks.

    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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