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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

March 16, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 56 and a Cottage in the Oaks GIVEAWAY!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey, hey, hey!!
We are so excited to be bringing you another awesome Giveaway today!
We’re poets and we know it! Winking smile
This one is coming to you from one of our incredible Sponsors.
Daune of the Cottage in the Oaks blog and Cottage in the Oaks Etsy Shop is one of the sweetest gals around. And she also happens to be incredibly talented!
Her shop is filled with some amazing items including these newly added pieces.
Like this European Grain/Flour Sack Jar Candle Holder. How fantastic to be able to cover up those unsightly candle jars as they are burning down and leaving wax around the edges.
This way you just see lovely European fabric!
European Grain Sack / Flour Sack Jar Candle Cover
We are seriously loving this Leather Cuff/Bracelet! You can pick from one of her premade pieces or customize it by choosing your own wording. So cool!
Leather Cuff / Bracelet, HOPE
Or how about these darling European Grain Sack/Flour Sack Covered Votives. Same concept as the jars but on a smaller scale. How adorable would these be lined up on a mantel?
European Grain Sack / Flour Sack Covered Votives-SET
Now for the awesome
GIVEAWAY!!!

One lucky Picket Fence reader will win this fabulous
Vintage Mini French Tabletop Café Chalkboard!
Vintage MINI Tabletop French Cafe Chalkboard, French Cafe Sign
A $39 value, this darling piece is a replica of the large sidewalk ones you would find outside of a quaint French bistro. It is hinged and folds flat for easy storage. Plus, it is double sided!
We could see this used in so many ways…on a counter top, sideboard, centerpiece…
the possibilities are endless!
Vintage MINI Tabletop French Cafe Chalkboard, French Cafe Sign
 
Want to know how to enter to win this awesome prize?
Here’s how:
(Mandatory) 1. Follow Daune at her blog, Cottage in the Oaks and come back and leave us a comment letting us know you did or already do. (1 entry)
(Optional) 2. “Like” Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 entry)
(Optional) 3. Visit the Cottage in the Oaks Etsy Shop, take a look around and come back and let us know which item(s) caught your eye! (1 entry)
(Optional) 4. Share this giveaway on Twitter or on your Facebook Page and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 entry)

That’s 4, count ‘em 4, chances you have to win this prize!
Giveaway open to US residents only. 
This Inspiration Friday and the Giveaway open until Midnight (EST) on Wednesday, March 21 with the winner being announced at next week’s Inspiration Friday Party.
So, what are you waiting for?

Get on over there and enter to win and then come right back here to party with us!
 
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Here are the Features from last week’s party:

INSPIRED ROOMS

 This is a seriously incredible Kitchen Transformation shared with us by B in Real Life!
You must see the “before” to fully appreciate this fantastic “after”. And stick around her blog for awhile because we know you will love her other projects too!
 
 and speaking of kitchens…you MUST see this Tropical Kitchen Makeover of Betsy Speert’s Florida home. AMAZING! We love the fun pops of color..and we think we spy us some tangerine in there…;) 
 
Julie from Knot All That I Seem shared how she spruced up a neglected corner of their lounge room! It is so bright and fresh now, and we’re sure they will be using this little cozy corner often!

 

We couldn’t wrap up the Inspiring Room portion of Inspiration Friday without sharing this inspiring kitchen!

It’s a wee one, but it’s fabulous nonetheless! Our friends at Low Country Living created this Pottery Barn Knock Off Play Kitchen for their daughter…people this looks like the real deal! What little girl or boy wouldn’t want to spend all day in this culinary dream! You must pay them a visit to see all of the details.

  

MAKEOVERS
If we told you what this Floor Mat was made of, we’re not sure if you would believe us! Seriously, this Cajun Kitchen Mat from Roeshel at DIY Showoff is one of the coolest transformation we’ve seen in a long time.  Make sure to go over to see what this faux wood mat was in it’s former life! 

DIY, tutorial, painted floor mat 
Now if this isn’t a “makeover” we don’t know what is! Can you guess what this adorable little play house used to be?? Do you see it hidden in there…you may even have a grandparent that has one hanging around still or maybe you just can’t see pass these adorable little young ladies. 🙂 Did you guess it lived it’s former life as a Console TV!?! Head over to Sugartot Designs to see how Sarah created this amazing place for her kiddos to play and imagine the day away! 
 
We had to include the before and after of this chair makeover cause you might not have believed us. Kandi from Woven Home made over this yard sale find and shared the process it took to get from trash to treasure! 
 


CRAFTS AND CREATIONS

Now, talk about a conversation starter! This Spoon Pendant Lamp from Miss Flibbertigibbet is one of the coolest creations we have seen in a long time!

 
Amanda from My Heart’s Desire shared these darling Spring Hurricane Vases with Burlap Rosettes. Love that pop of green with the burlap!

 
Karen from Places of my Heart shared this absolutely beautiful front door creation which was inspired by something she saw at Better Homes & Gardens. It is just so fun and whimsical and unexpected. Well done Karen!
We don’t think there’s a parent of a toddler out there who isn’t familiar with Yo Gabba Gabba…oh wait you’ve never heard of Yo Gabba Gabba? 😉 Well Sheila from Note Songs, sure is familiar with it after she created the most ADORABLE Felt Yo Gabba Gabba Finger Puppets for her darling granddaughter! 
 
It was a toss up for us which picture to feature here…the actual finger puppets or beautiful little Carter.  We decided to show you the puppets (in case you really didn’t know what Yo Gabba Gabba was..lol) BUT we insist you head over and visit Sheila so you can see Carter opening her puppets! SO CUTE!!

RECIPES

Roasted Chickpeas from Inspired by Felicity
Stevie from Garden Therapy shared this amazing tutorial on how to Grow Your Own Mason Jar Sprouts! Bet you never thought of that use for a mason jar…;) If every dish we created could looks this beautiful with bean sprouts sprinkled on top, we would be adding them to everything for sure! 
 

Whole Grain Fruity Nutella French Toast…you had us at Nutella! We love this nutritious but also decadent french toast recipe from Pamela at Inspired By Felicity!


 


INSPIRING STORIES
Kerri from HouseTalkN is seriously one of the funniest people we know, but in this feature she shares a little bit of where she grew up: in a small town in Indiana.  Kerry shows us how living in a small town can be truly luxurious! 
 
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
Pinterest
This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

Don’t forget to enter the Cottage in the Oaks Giveaway
AND they are generously offering a 10% discount off your total purchase in their shop through March 30 for friends of At The Picket Fence with the code: picket10

104 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Inspiration Friday, Sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Have a super weekend!!

    Reply
  2. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    This goes to show that I cannot do two things at once at some times. I was talking to my daughter while linking – so I put my email in the wrong place – I should have typed Verdigris! Such is life! Great features – love your eggs!
    Thanks ladies for hosting
    Kathy

    Reply
  3. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Thanks for the party.

    Reply
  4. Debra @ Common Ground says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    That console tv makeover is so cute and fun! thanks for hosting gals, just linked up! xoxo

    Reply
  5. miss flibbertigibbet says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Thanks Vanessa and Heather for featuring me! I’m SO flattered! Thanks so much for hosting too…that’s a LOT of dedicated work!
    Lorraine

    Reply
  6. telisa@sugartotdesigns says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Thanks for the party ladies! And thanks for featuring Sarah’s tv console!!! She is awesome, I found a free tv console on craigslist and don’t think I can pull off what she did!

    Reply
  7. Eclectically Vintage says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Hi Girls!
    I’m back – my move to WordPress was successful and I’m back to linking (was going thru withdrawal)! Went a bid overboard today! LOVE that spoon light!
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. The French Hutch says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Great features. AND, what a great giveaway! Thanks for hosting.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  9. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    I love feature day! So much GOOD stuff =) Yum. The kitchens are gorgeous… I love B in real life. She has some awesome projects. Those aqua shutters are super cute, might have to paint a set of mine? And I totally pinned and bragged on that rug from the DIY Show Off. I think I NEED me one of those 😉 Thanks for hosting girls =)

    Reply
  10. Julie @ Knot All That I Seam says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Thanks Heather for featuring my Cozy Corner! I’m thrilled!!! x Julie

    Reply
  11. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Thanks LOTS for hosting!!! Awesome features!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  12. Inspired By Felicity says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Oh I’m just giddy with excitement that I’m featured!!!

    My husband thinks I’m a terrible cook, I can’t wait until he gets home from work so I can show him that you featured My Food =)

    -Pamela

    Reply
  13. Jessica Kielman says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Thanks so much for having me! I already see tons of fabulousness!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  14. Good Time Charlie says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Oh how I love to look at beautiful kitchens! I especially love that Cajun rug. How fun is that! Thanks for the party, happy weekend. -K

    Reply
  15. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Those are wonderful features…lovin’ those kitchens! And the spoon lamp…simply amazing!

    Thank you for hosting. You lovely ladies have a wonderful weekend!
    Kristine

    Reply
  16. Lindsay says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Beautiful party! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  17. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls. I’m going to have to check out how that kitchen rug was done.

    Reply
  18. Jessica Kielman says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Visited and Followed Cottage in the Oaks!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  19. Jessica Kielman says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    Liked them on fb too!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  20. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    Love the tabletop chalkboard! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  21. Natasha in Oz says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    Thanks for having me today. I have finally unveiled my new design for my blog! I am so excited! Please pop by if you have a moment and say G’day!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz!

    Reply
  22. Debbie says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I will be clicking your shout outs this evening. They all look great. I’ve been so busy lately that all I have time to do is browse and click.

    Reply
  23. Carol says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I am now following Cottage in the Oaks Blog!

    sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  24. Carol says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on FB.

    sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  25. Lynn says

    March 15, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    Looking forward to checking out all the features. Thanks for hosting, girls. Love your party.
    Lynn at Cottage and Creek
    http://www.cottageandcreek.com

    Reply
  26. Miss Gracie's House says

    March 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    Hey girls! I just wanted to say *THANKS* for the feature March 10…you’re so sweet! Congrats on making RH-how exciting! I’m enjoying your delightful blog.
    Rene

    Reply
  27. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    Those are some amazing features. So much talent out there! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  28. Cherished Bliss says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  29. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    I am following Daune on google plus….I don’t know where else to leave comments for the giveaway. ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  30. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    I like Cottage in the Oaks on fb too….ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  31. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    I like Leather Cuff bracelet HOPE…ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  32. suzyq says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    Thanks for the party ladies!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  33. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on FB.

    Reply
  34. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Love the features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  35. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    I visited the Etsy shop. I liked the tags with the numbers on them. Thanks for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway!

    Reply
  36. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    What a great party and wonderful giveaway!! follow Cottage in the Oaks via GFC!!

    Reply
  37. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    What a great party and wonderful giveaway!! follow Cottage in the Oaks via GFC!!

    Reply
  38. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    Thanks for an AWESOME party today 🙂 You guys always have the best features. I am off to pin some right now.

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  39. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    “LIKE” Cottage in the Oaks on Fb!

    Reply
  40. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:36 AM

    LOVE the mini chalkboards!!!

    Reply
  41. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Shared on Fb!!! thanks ladies! 😉

    Reply
  42. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:04 AM

    I subscribed to the blog.:-)

    Reply
  43. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    I “LIKED” Cottage in the Oaks on FB. Can’t wait to read the posts about “Setting Aside Time!”

    Reply
  44. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    Of course I *would* fall in love with the most expensive item in the etsy shop! That coffee cup canvas is fabulous! As far as things I could actually afford, I love the chalkboard and the leather bracelets.

    Reply
  45. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    I posted about the giveaway!

    Reply
  46. Sharon L says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    I liked cottage in the oaks on FB. Please enter me into the drawing! Thank you!

    Reply
  47. Ruby Jean says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    Oh thank you so much Ladies for hosting… I finally have finished my New Sewing Room and just linked it up… 🙂 Have a Lovely rest of the week!!!

    Reply
  48. Sharon L says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Also, signed up to follow the cottage in the oaks blog AND looked around their Etsy shop. Love the flour sack pillow! Two more entries, please?

    Reply
  49. Jen says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    Love the features!! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    Reply
  50. Our Pinteresting Family says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    Vanessa & Heather, thank you for hosting such a great party. I can’t wait to check out all the wonderful ideas. 🙂 Megan

    Reply
  51. Lynn says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:44 AM

    I subscribed to the blog and “liked” on Facebook. Love the chalk board!

    Reply
  52. Delilah Love says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! What a great party going on tonight. Have a wonderful Friday!

    Reply
  53. Kerry Rossow says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Wowzadoodle! Thank you so much for featuring my “Field Of Dreams”!
    Also, thank you for being such an awesome set of bloggers- you raise the bar for all of us!
    I linked up my “Hotness” vlog this week.
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  54. Something Nice and Pretty says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  55. elizabeth@themustardceiling says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:24 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a nice weekend.

    Reply
  56. Shelia says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Oh, ladies, I’m so honored you would feature my little finger puppets! They were so much fun to do. Thank you so much, you’ve made my day.
    Thank you always for hosting.
    You are a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  57. FABBY'S LIVING says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Great features and I’m loving the roasted peas, I never seen this before, ama try it soon! Thank you for hosting this terrific party. Happy weekend.
    FABBY

    Reply
  58. How to Nest for Less says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:45 AM

    THanks so much for hosting! Hope you’re having a fabulous week 🙂

    Reply
  59. Linda taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    I Follow Cottage in the Oaks via email
    daisy522 (at) aol dot com

    Reply
  60. Linda taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    I Like Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook
    daisy522 at (AOL DOT)com

    Reply
  61. linda taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:11 AM

    I visited the Cottage in the Oaks Etsy Shop and I love the lettered clay tags
    daisy522 at (aoldot)com

    Reply
  62. Linda Taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:13 AM

    I shared this on Facebook
    daisy522 at (aoldot)com

    Reply
  63. Jody and Stan says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:38 AM

    Love the features. I’m a New Follower. Hope you stop by my linky party Simple & Sweet Fridays.

    Jody

    Reply
  64. Vanessa says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    Hi, Vanessa and Heather

    Thank you so much for hosting this lovely party. I appreciate it. I’ve been away to long and I am so glad I am able to share my new project. Have a great weekend ladies!

    Vanessa
    http://www.homesweetbutterfly.com

    Reply
  65. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    Hi ladies, Wonderful inspiration this week. I love the childs kitchen! Thanks for hosting. Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  66. Craftygyrl says

    March 16, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    Thanks for hosting. I love the kitchen inspiration this week!

    Reply
  67. Scribbler says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Thanks for hosting. Those roasted chick peas are calling my name! Nice features.

    Reply
  68. andrea@townandprairie says

    March 16, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Thanks for hosting the party again!

    Reply
  69. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Enjoyed reading all the features this week. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  70. Mimi says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  71. Pamela says

    March 16, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    Thanx for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  72. Natural Mothers Network says

    March 16, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Hi- thanks for hosting this great linky. This week i posted EASY SOAP RECIPE, 5 NATURAL HAIR RECIPES, EASY IRISH SODA BREAD and HEALTHY LUNCHBOX IDEAS
    I am looking for wonderful creative bloggers to come share their posts at Seasonal Celebration Sunday over at Natural Mothers Network. And, I really hope that you will put Seasonal Celebration, on your list of carnivals to visit and link to each Sunday/Monday! Here’s the link: https://naturalmothersnetwork.com
    Rebecca x

    Reply
  73. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Hi girls! Fantastic features over here! All linked up~ thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  74. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    I adore the table top chalk board!! I went to Cottage in the Woods Etsy shop and whats not to love there??? I love the number tags, the glitter chalkboard tags and most of all the table top chalk board! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!

    Reply
  75. Brenda Hoyt says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    I’m a follower! Love it all.

    Reply
  76. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    I went to Cottage in the Woods facebook page and “liked” them!! (#2) Thanks again!

    Reply
  77. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    I shared your generous give away on my personal facebook page! (#3)

    Reply
  78. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    I am the newest follower of Cottage in the Woods blog! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  79. Donata @ DK's Craft Cafe says

    March 18, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    What a lovely chalkboard!
    Thank you for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  80. The DIY Show Off says

    March 18, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    So many inspiring projects! Wow! Thank you so much for sharing mine. 😉

    Hope you’re having a great weekend, ladies!

    Reply
  81. Sally says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:18 AM

    I already follow Cottage in the Oaks 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  82. Sally says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:19 AM

    I like Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  83. Sally says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Lucky for me that my fave thing from the Etsy shop is the chalkboard that you’re giving away. Thanks for hosting 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  84. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    I follow Cottage in the Oaks – dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  85. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:02 AM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  86. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    I liked the Red Stripe Flour Sack Pillow at Cottage in the Oaks. dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  87. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    I tweeted giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/flipper211/status/181607350904434688 dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  88. CAS says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    OMGoodness, I keep thinking each week that you could never top that week’s inspirations & all the wonderful links, but then you go and top it the next! I’m so happy for the success of your blog. Thanks so much for hosting.
    CAS

    Reply
  89. CAS says

    March 19, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Well shoot, I have something to link up but I just keep getting a message that it hasn’t been approved yet. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong — hope not. Anyway, hope I get linked up before you close the party!
    CAS

    Reply
  90. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    I follow Cottage in the Oaks via email

    Reply
  91. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    I Like Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook.

    Reply
  92. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    I like the vintage book bundle in the Cottage in the Oaks Etsy shop.

    Reply
  93. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    I shared this giveaway on my Facebook page.

    Reply
  94. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  95. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    I LOVE the chalkboard!! I visited and follow Cottage in the Oaks blog website.

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  96. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:24 AM

    I liked them on FB too 🙂

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  97. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    The Red Stripe Flour Sack caught my eye in their ETSY shop! Love it!!

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  98. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    I tweeted this give away letting everyone know that it ends at midnight tonight!! 🙂

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  99. JENN says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Following Cottage in the Oaks! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  100. JENN says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on FACEBOOK too!

    Reply
  101. JENN says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on facebook too!

    Reply

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It’s time again for Tip Tuesday! Would you belie It’s time again for Tip Tuesday! Would you believe that a few years ago I found a sock in our pantry? Yes, a sock. Just there on the shelf next to the cereal. But did it stress me out? Nope! We got a good laugh out of it especially after it was claimed by its owner (my teenage son) and it was a reminder to me of why the daily mayhem of life doesn’t overwhelm me because I’ve already established areas in my home that remain clutter free and offer me a visual exhale. #tiptuesday
Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now).And I’m choosing gratefulness.“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter!
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
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