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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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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 6, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 59 and a Giveaway!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

 How is it possible that we are nearing the end of the first week of April??!!
Yowza! Time is just flying right by us and we know it is for you too, so we are honored that you would take a few moments out of your day to come by, pay us a visit and par-tay with us!
You ready?
Let the fun begin!

 Up first,

It is time for us to announce the winner of  our Designs by Thara Giveaway winner of this gorgeous necklace!

IMG_9094

And the winner is….
Rachel from The Philosopher’s Wife!!
Rachel, please contact us through out contact page and we’ll put you in touch with Tahra!
Don’t forget Thara is ALSO generously offering 10% off purchases for our friends here At The Picket Fence through the month of April..think Mother’s Day gifts!  Just type in Tahra10 when checking out!  

 And, while we are on the subject of Giveaways, well, how about another one???!!!
This one comes to us courtesy of our wonderfully talented and generous friend Vicki of 
Her shop is filled with the most amazing Greeting Cards, Digital Scrapbooking Paper and Artwork!
Here is a peek at just some of her lovely items:
We love these “Whimsical Magpies” Greeting Cards!
Greeting card, Whimsical, Humorous, Card collection, Birds, Magpies, Turquoise, Blue
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are quickly approaching and we love the wonderfully vintage feel of these cards.
Greeting card, Mother's Day, Pink, Aqua                               
Greeting card, Father's Day, Navy, Gold, Airplane
And this Spring Greeting Card with Matthew 6:33 printed on it might just be one of our favorites!
SPRING, Greeting card, Inspirational, Matthew 6, Floral
Ummm…well…maybe THESE are our favorite!
How adorable is this set of Spring Greeting Cards?
SPRING, Stationary, Greeting card, Bird, Umbrella, Floral, Ball Jar, Motivation Set
Now, for the 
GIVEAWAY!
One lucky Picket Fence reader will win a 
$25 credit  to 
Ahhh…the gift of shopping. 
Want to know how you can enter to win it?

Here’s how!

(Mandatory) 1. Head on over and visit Vicki at Curly Willow Collections , and come back to let us know which item(s) you liked best. (one entry)
(Optional) 2. “Like” Curly Willow Collections on Facebook and come back to let us know you did by leaving a comment. (one entry)
(Optional) 3. Subscribe to Vicki’s blog Vicki Designer: Joyful Expressions leave us a comment letting us know you did. (one entry)
(Optional) 4. Share about this giveaway on Twitter or on your Facebook page and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (one entry)
And because she is so VERY generous, she is offering this beautiful Easter Card Printable for...FREE to our friends! Isn’t it gorgeous?!  You can just print it our right from here and you’ll be all set with your Easter cards.  Perfect for your Easter dinner hostess or how sweet to give your Pastor or Priest a lovely Easter card on Easter Sunday!

Just click on this attachment to download a full size version pdf file of the card

Ok, we know you are ready to see some of the highlights from last week’s party right??
Here we go!

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]

INSPIRED ROOMS

Stacey from A Sort of Fairytale showed just how far $150 can go in transforming a space when she shared her absolutely charming bathroom. And yes, that is a vintage First Aid kit on the wall!


and while we’re hanging out in the bathro… “salle de bain” hehe…. That’s french for bathroom, sounds slightly more sophisticated ;)… we have to show you this amazing room transformation from Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage. You have to go see the before…it was a crime scene…;) You have to head over to read what we’re talking about! 

MAKEOVERS

Vikki of The Quirky Quail did an incredible job making over this once sad chair into a beautiful French-i-fied masterpiece!

                     








We love to see things repurposed, and Jessica from Mom 4 Real did a great job repurposing by turning an old outdated mirror into this lovely chalkboard! She gives you the full tutorial on her blog.  Isn’t it beautiful!?

Rosemary of Villa Barnes can turn anything into pure gorgeousness, and one again she did not disappoint! These items certainly did not start out looking like this, go check out the transformation!



CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Lisa of Take Six shared this incredibly lovely Spring Tablescape.
Photobucket
Christie of My Ocean of Notions showed us how to make this adorable Bunny Skirt.

Myric from Peties Passion created this gorgeous French Wall Art…from old toys found at the Goodwill! Amazing!

Our friend Courtney from French Country Cottage built the most darling “Wee Little Birdhouse”, we’re sure she’ll be having new neighbors moving in very soon! 😉
RECIPES and PARTIES

Kelly of Notable Nest threw her son the most awesome Pirate Party. 
How perfect that her son is named Jack! Argh!

Pirate Party Invitations
Sylvia of Sylvia’s Simple Life invited us to a Spring Afternoon Tea and showed us how to make these exquisite Crystallized Pansies!

Who can resist Hot Cross Buns to celebrate Easter! Rebecca from Natural Mothers Network shared with us the history of Hot Cross Buns, as well as a great recipe!
INSPIRING STORIES


Virginia shared a great article she wrote for Inspired by Family Magazine. “Favoritism in Blogging.”   This article speaks to those insecurity and self doubt many bloggers feel.  We encourage you to read this great post and hear Virginia’s insights on how to overcome this struggle!

Katie of Adventures of a DIY Dork proved that there is definitely nothing “dorky” about giving of yourself to support and encourage others. She participated in a walk to raise awareness about Muscular Dystrophy and was blessed to be apart of “Amanda’s Angels”. We would love for you to go read more about this experience and the precious little girl who inspired Katie…and us!
 
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! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉

When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:

vif187 Redoux



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

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

And before we close, we would like to say that with all  of the recent posts and thoughts around out in blogland right now on Linky Parties, we hope that each of you knows how much we appreciate you partying with us each week! We work hard to make this a fun place to be and our heart’s desire is to showcase YOU! We’re not perfect, by any means, but we do our best each week to bring you a quality party! Thanks for being a part of that. 




This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!!


UPDATED: Linky Tools seems to be glitching when links are submitted.  Before you resubmit, please refresh Inspiration Friday post once or twice to see if your link has appeared.  It appears they are linking and by resubmitting it is causing links to show up multiple times. We are monitoring the party and if a link shows up more than once. we’ll try and fix it on our end. 🙂
Thanks and we apologize! 

71 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Good Ideas, Inspiration Friday, Sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Savvy Seasons says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Lovely features, thanks for hosting!
    Have a wonderful and blessed Easter! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  2. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls and have a wonderful Easter!!

    Reply
  3. Nova says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    i like the cute art print: “SUNSHINE”

    Reply
  4. Nova says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    “Liked” Curly Willow Collections on Facebook

    Reply
  5. Nova says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Subscribed to Vicki’s blog Vicki Designer: Joyful Expressions

    Reply
  6. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Those features are beautiful! Thanks for hosting again! I’m following you on Pinterest now too!

    Reply
  7. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    I love Stacey’s and Shannon’s bathrooms!! Stacey’s is filled with vintage goodness and I can’t believe what Shannon’s before bathroom looked like!! Two amazing jobs!

    And I really love Curly Willow’s spring stationary!
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Great featured selections ~ thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  9. How to Nest for Less says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Such beautiful features!! Those pirate invitations are too cute 🙂 Thanks for hosting again this week. Hope you ladies have a WONDERFUL Easter weekend!!

    Reply
  10. Desire Empire says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    I hope you girls have a wonderful and blessed Easter.

    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  11. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    I love the fathers day greeting card, so cute!
    Thanks so much for hosting this party! Have a great Easter weekend!

    Reply
  12. Poppy says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a blessed Easter!~Poppy

    Reply
  13. Farmer's Wyfe says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Such fun features!! Thanks for the link party!!

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    Super features. Thanks as always for hosting. Y’all have a wonderful Easter.

    Reply
  15. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    April 5, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks so much for the flattering compliment, and for featuring my pile of projects. I’m in good company. Thanks for always being such gracious hosts.

    Reply
  16. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    You always have such wonderful features so I am extra honored to have my bathroom makeover included. What a bright spot in my day! So many lovely features. I have visited the other bathroom and it is cute as can be! I would love to have that Frenchy chair, it is darling. The sugared pansies… oh my. What a great chalkboard makeover, French wall art and Courtneys birdhouse… just loads of lusciousness =)

    Reply
  17. Suzy says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Wonderful features and thank you for hosting! I hope you have a blessed and joyous Easter!

    Reply
  18. Anne says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    thanks for the party – fabulous features!!

    Reply
  19. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Love the features exp that mirror turn chalkboard! Thanks for being the hostess with the mostess! (is that how you spell it? 🙂
    Happy Easter if I don’t get back in time.
    XO

    Reply
  20. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Hello,
    Great features – I agree – Sylvia’s post was exquisite – she has a gift in staging and photography. Marvelous party! thank you for hosting,
    Kathy

    Reply
  21. reFresh reStyle says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Love the features! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!
    Debbie

    Reply
  22. Anita says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Wonderful features, and those hot cross buns look so good!! Thanks for hosting and Happy Easter!!

    Reply
  23. Alderberry Hill says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Thanks for hosting every week…have a wonderful Easter!

    Reply
  24. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting! Happy Easter!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  25. Becca says

    April 5, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    Thanks for hosting friends! Enjoy the Easter weekend!!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  26. FABBY'S LIVING says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    Thank you for hosting. Nice features. Have a blessed Easter Sunday.
    !
    FABBY

    Reply
  27. Debra @ Common Ground says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    Hi Girls, have a wonderful and blessed Easter Weekend! xoxo

    Reply
  28. Little Bit says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Thanks so much girls for hosting this great party week after week. It gives us all a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other! (p.s. I emailed you this week, did you get it ok?) Little Bit

    Reply
  29. Kelly says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting this party again. I thought I’d let you know though that alot of people’s links are showing up multiple times because after you click on the thumbnail image that you want to show, it doesn’t do anything. So everyone (myself included) is clicking it again and again thinking that it’s not working. Just wanted to let you know so you could be aware of it.

    Reply
  30. Pamela says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Fabulous features!

    Reply
  31. Deny says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Thank you hosting, and you featured some great work!

    Reply
  32. Tanya@takesix says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring our Spring Tablescape! Wishing you both and your families a very blessed Easter!!

    Reply
  33. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    April 5, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting!!! Love all the projects linked up already!!!

    XO, Aimee

    Reply
  34. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    April 5, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a wonderful Easter!

    Reply
  35. Keeping it Cozy says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    Thank you for hosting. Have a wonderful Easter.

    Reply
  36. CAS says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:38 AM

    You had some truly inspiring features. Thanks so much for hosting! Happy Easter!
    CAS

    Reply
  37. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    Thanks ladies for fixing my multi links (sorry about that)! Hope y’all have a wonderful Easter with your families.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  38. Kelly Griglione says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    What a lovely party just full of fantastic inspiration! Thanks so much for hosting, and featuring my Pirate Party!

    Reply
  39. Jenn Lifford says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    Thanks so much for the party and the lovely features! Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!
    Jenn 🙂

    Reply
  40. Sylvia says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Dear Vanessa and Heather, I am full of gratitude for including my Tea Party in your always inspiring features. I am in great company ! I wish you a bright Easter with upcoming bright days and bright thoughts!

    Reply
  41. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Hi Ladies, Thanks so much for hosting and have a wonderful Easter.
    Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  42. Sandy A says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    Visited Curly Willow and I just love the Bloom/Ball Jar Art Print…

    Reply
  43. Sandy A says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    I liked Curly Willow on FB…

    Reply
  44. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:45 AM

    Thank you so much for the party!

    Reply
  45. Adventures of a DIY Dork says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:09 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring me!!!!! I cannot think of a better post to be my very first feature ever than the one about Mandi. She is such an inspiration and I just want everyone to know how truly amazing she is. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    Hi, Girls! Thanks so much for hosting and for a chance to win. I liked the Ma Chere card.

    Reply
  47. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    April 5, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    Thank you so much Heather and Vanessa for hosting! I hope you have a great Easter weekend!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  48. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    April 6, 2012 at 5:33 AM

    I’m late to the party, but I made it! Thanks for hosting. Have a great Easter!!

    Reply
  49. myric andreasen says

    April 6, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    Wow! Thanks for featuring my little project with all those wonderful creations!!!
    Thanks for hosting 🙂 have a blessed Easter to both of you.

    Xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  50. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 5, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    Aww thanks so much for featuring my little birdhouse girls!! You will be happy to know- it has several residents already! 🙂 All linked up- thanks for hosting! Have a fantastic Blessed Easter!

    Reply
  51. Laurel Stephens says

    April 6, 2012 at 6:43 AM

    Thank you for hosting another great party. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  52. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    April 6, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    Morning, Heather & Vanessa! Great features from last week… I can’t wait to see what everyone brought today! Thanks for hosting this week. Wishing both of you and your families a Joyful & Blessed Easter! ~Mary
    PS: Congrats to Rachel for winning that amazing necklace!

    Reply
  53. Natural Mothers Network says

    April 6, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Hi- thanks for hosting and warm wishes for a Happy Easter break! I am delighted you chose to feature my Hot Cross Buns Recipe- thank you so much I feel very honoured indeed! This week I posted SOMERSET EASTER BISCUITS, HOME REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES, EASTER TREE CRAFT AND KITCHEN CLEANING TIPS.
    I have also included your linky in NMN’s directory.
    HAPPY EASTER!
    Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network-(Seasonal Celebration)

    Reply
  54. Calypso In The Country says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Have a wonderful Easter and thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  55. Andrea says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Can you please remove 268 and 269. Was having trouble uploading and it endedu up loading 3 times!! So sorry about this!

    Andrea
    http://www.lifelovelarson.blogspot.com

    Reply
  56. Jacqueline says

    April 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Thank you for hosting a lovely link party! I shared my herringbone nightstand.

    Reply
  57. Catherine {Stone and Rose} says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting!! Have a great Easter weekend!

    Reply
  58. SusanD1408 Crochet Addict says

    April 6, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    I love https://www.etsy.com/listing/92795973/art-print-wall-art-pink-vintage-inspired
    susand1408 at googlemail dot com

    Reply
  59. Carmella says

    April 6, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Ohhhh…what a fun giveaway! I love the Sunshine art print so much! https://www.etsy.com/listing/85355325/art-print-art-print-yellow-floral

    Reply
  60. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    April 6, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Love the great features and fun giveaway! As always, thanks for hosting this fabulous party!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  61. Heather says

    April 6, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Thanks for the fun! Have a great Easter weekend! Heather 🙂

    Reply
  62. Julie says

    April 6, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather…Vanessa mentioned last week that she thinks you guys possibly missed seeing our DIY Kitchen makeover, so I checked my notes, and I don’t think I ever posted it to your link party for some odd reason! So hopefully today wasn’t a repeat posting! I apologize if it was. Thank you for hosting! See you next week!

    Julie
    redheadcandecorate.com

    Reply
  63. Modern Country Lady says

    April 7, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    Gorgeous featured bloggers! I am bowled over.Have a great weekend and a wonderful Easter.Thank you for hosting!
    XOXO
    Bea
    Modern Country Lady

    Reply
  64. vikki says

    April 7, 2012 at 10:23 PM

    Thanks for featuring my French chair, love your blog and thanks for hosting. I love the Glitter Putz House Vintage Christmas Decoration Red.

    Reply
  65. Sally says

    April 8, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    I love Vicki’s “Let the Sun Shine In” print!!

    sally_puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  66. Sally says

    April 8, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Liked Curly Willow Creations on Facebook 🙂

    sally_puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  67. Sally says

    April 8, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Subscribed to Vicki’s blog 🙂

    sally_puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  68. Good Time Charlie says

    April 8, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Nothing to share this week, but I enjoyed your features so much. I am giving a a big WOOT WOOT for Shannon’s bathroom! She is one of my favorite bloggy people! Hope you are having a beautiful Easter! -K

    Reply
  69. Mel says

    April 10, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    I like the spring print collection at Curly Willow! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity

    Reply
  70. Mel says

    April 10, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    I like them on facebook as well!

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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