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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

June 30, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 71~ 4th of July Edition!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Whew!!! It doesn’t seem possible that just a few days ago we were in Atlanta at the Haven conference! Our heads are still spinning from all of the excitement and the amazing bonds of friendship which were formed. And our stomach muscles are still recovering from laughing!!
We can’t wait to share more with you from the conference including all of the fabulous business cards we collected!


Before we jump into this week’s party, we have a few announcements to make.

We wanted to say a big thank you to HomeTalk for featuring
Vanessa’s Mudroom Makeover this week!

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Have you heard of HomeTalk?
It is an amazing site where you can share your own DIY and Home Improvement Projects and be  a part of a fabulous community of folks passionate about all things Home!
 It’s also a place to ask questions and get advice from professionals and be inspired by the wonderful assortment of projects being shared there every day. It is so easy to sign up and contribute your home projects….
AND
since we think our party goers are just the most talented on the planet, we will be sharing some of the home decor, DIY and outdoor projects Inspiration Friday features each week over on the HomeTalk website where they will be listed on the main site as well as showcased on their Facebook Page! That’s whole lot of people seeing your amazing talent!

If you are a Twitterer..is that a word?? lol…you can also get your home questions answered by following HomeTalk on Twitter and using #askhometalk in your tweet!!

Next, we were thrilled to welcome the newest Sponsor to the Fence, the lovely and talented Kelly from Live Laugh Rowe!
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Not only does she share amazing projects like these Patriotic Paper Flowers 

She also hosts an awesome Linky Party every Thursday so scoot on over there and join in this week and tell Kelly we sent ya!


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So, in honor of celebrating Independence Day, we thought it would be fun for this week’s features to celebrate all things 4th of July!
Can anyone else hear Neil Diamond singing “They’re Coming to America” right now??
Homespun With Love shared her fantastic 4th of July Mantle complete with Bottle Rockets and Roman Candles. We love how fun and festive this is!
Michell from Girl in Air shared a collection of her amazing Flag Projects. Everything from a Flag Door Mat to Flag Fence Art, she has tons of simple and patriotic ideas for the 4th!
Flags
Jill of Create.Craft.Love shared her darling Firecracker Rag Wreath. She gives an excellent tutorial for making this and her blog is filled with other awesome ideas!

We love this Old Glory sign from from Kim of Too Much Time on my Hands. It has the perfect vintage feel!

Seriously, how adorable are these Justice Knock-Off Denim Flag Shorts from Kim of Made in a Day? She saved a bundle making them for her daughter and we think she is one cool mom!
Jessica of Mom 4 Real shared this awesome American Flag Pallet Art. It is the perfect addition to her Patriotic Mantel!
Brittany of Crafty Mischief showed us how to make these darling Loopy Puff Bows. In her words they are “all American bows for her all American little girl” and we love them!

Andrea of Queen B and Me shared this absolutely adorable Red,White and Blue Burlap Garland. She shows just how simple it is to make it and how you will get a lot of bang for your buck with this project!

If you haven’t decorated for the Fourth yet, and want a quick and easy way to make your home festive, here’s a great free printable from Visual Eye Candy. Head over and download a copy for yourself!

Made in a Day is also providing some fabulous patriotic printables you can use to create a fabulous 4th of July Party. Just add cupcakes!

Rita May of May Days shared her Red, White and Blue themed tablescape complete with a tried and true symbol of Americana…the Coca Cola Soda Crate!
Mary from Home is Where the Boat Is shared her fantastic recipes and ideas for a Red, White and Blue Picnic Southern Style! She also shares some history behind the Southern classics of Moon Pie and RC Cola. Happy 4th of July y’all!
We love this perfectly patriotic tablescape from The Nest at Finch Rest! A perfect place to dine on the 4th of July!

The oh so talented Aimee from It’s Overflowing shared this yummy recipe for Simple Cheesecake Tart which would be perfect for your 4th of July festivities. We love keeping it simple when we’re hosting parties and this is definitely up our alley!

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located on ourButtons 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!
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 PINthe 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! 😉
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,
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:

vif187Fridays Unfolded
Photobucket



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



This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:


Kelly_avatar_125x125_no_sig

73 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « Fourth of July Décor on a Budget
Next Post: Sharing HomeTalk and some exciting news! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. allisamazing says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    What lovely features! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  2. Becca says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    I totally love that coca-cola crate table setting! Such a great idea!
    Thanks for hosting- and congrats on the Hometalk feature!! Too cool!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  3. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Hey Vanessa, it’s gorgeous, but I didn’t see ANY mud in there!! te he. LOVE it! just linked up! Have a great 4th you gals!

    Reply
  4. suzyq says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Great features!!!
    Thanks so much for hosting
    Have a wonderful wknd
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  5. Jessica Kielman says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thank you ladies so much for including my American Flag Pallet Art in your features! You girls rock!

    Jessica

    Reply
  6. Anita says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Wow, what a great mudroom!! I don’t have anything 4th related to link up, but I’m just happy to have something. Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  7. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Hello Ladies, wonderful features – I wish I had a mud room! This one is marvelous – love all the patriotic posts! Inspiring. I appreciate you hosting,
    Kathy

    Reply
  8. Laurel Stephens says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    What a great mix of Patriotic picks; something for everyone! Thanks so much for hosting your parties!

    Reply
  9. Gina says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    So many wonderful features! Lots of inspiration there, that’s for sure. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  10. Mary Ellen says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    Like all the festive red, white and blue! I hardly ever decorate for the4th – I am not sure why it is so festive and fun!

    Thank you for the party!

    Reply
  11. miss flibbertigibbet says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    WOW! Love all that red white & blue! Love that patriotic mantel!
    Blessings, Lorraine

    Reply
  12. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks for the party, guys. Love all the red, white, and blue inspiration. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  13. Poppy says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    Congratulations for the Home Talk feature,that mudroom makeover is awesome! Thank you for hosting!Hugs,Poppy

    Reply
  14. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Your features make me want to jump forward a week 🙂 Thanks for the party.

    Reply
  15. Honey at 2805 says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Hi! How neat that you had a Home Talk feature. I was totally awed by that post!

    Thanks for being a gracious hostess, and I appreciate you linking to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  16. Erin~Just*Grand says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I am so inspired by the posts at this party!

    Reply
  17. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Love all the red, white & blue! Embarrassed to admit that I used to rock a pair of those denim flag shorts back in the day (when my hair was about a foot high)!
    Kelly

    Reply
  18. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Love all this blue, red and white 🙂 I’ve added some blue and yellow (Swedish) entries to mix it up a bit 😀 Thanks for hosting! Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  19. Miss Kitty says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    Hi Girls! Loved meeting you at Haven! Thanks for hosting your party for us to share our posts. Your features looked just so happy and patriotic being all red/white/and blue-y!

    Reply
  20. Sherry says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    So many great 4th of July projects!!! Love them all. Thanks for hosting! Have a wonderful Independence Day!!!

    Reply
  21. Debbiedoo's says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! What awesome patriotic projects and inspiration. I was not very good this year about making anything!

    Reply
  22. Kristin says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    Thank you for featuring our Fourth of July Mantel!!! You rock!!! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Mary says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Thanks for featuring my Patriotic MoonPies~ I’m honored to be in such inspiring and creative company! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  24. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Look at all that 4th inspiration! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend.

    Reply
  25. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  26. Janel@hatingmartha says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    Thanks for the party! Have a great 4th of July!

    Reply
  27. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Hi ladies! Hope you’re doing well and recovering from the Haven fun! Vanessa, congrats on the HomeTalk feature (they gave me a shout out too last week, which was pretty amazing!). And your partnership is a serious coup … and pretty exciting stuff!

    So congrats on that!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  28. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting Ladies!

    Reply
  29. Gail says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Great Patriotic features this week! Thanks for hosting and hope you have a wonderful weekend, Gail

    Reply
  30. Jill says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature, ladies! I love your blog and this is so exciting for me! Thanks for hosting!

    Jill @ Create.Craft.Love.

    Reply
  31. Liz - Imageremix says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    If I wasn’t ready for the Fourth of July before, I should be now. What a lot of great ideas. Thanks for throwing the party and getting it going with a patriotic theme. Love it!
    Liz

    Reply
  32. Good Time Charlie says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    What fun features! I am all set for the 4th. Love the new Home Talk!! Definitely going to check that out! Happy weekend girls!

    Reply
  33. Little Bit says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Thanks girls for hosting! Darling features! Little Bit

    Reply
  34. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    I’m always so glad to link up to this party each week. Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  35. Martha says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Especially love the Coca Cola and the Cheesecake Tarts features!

    Reply
  36. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Woot Woot! We loved meeting both of you at Haven. Congrats on the HomeTalk feature. Off to visit some of your features as well as some folks who joined your party.

    Reply
  37. designitgirlblog says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    just linked up. great blog. What happens next new to this (newbie here)

    Reply
  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Hi, Girls! Loved seeing all the patriotic features! Hope you both have a wonderful 4th!

    Reply
  39. Erin @ How to Nest for Less says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:39 AM

    Such a pleasure meeting you girls at Haven last week!! Kinda sad it’s over so quickly, but can’t wait for next year! Oh, and I love Kelly from Live.Laugh.Rowe. I just had dinner with her tonight!!

    Reply
  40. Rita May says

    June 29, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Coca Cola soda crate table theme. I’ve added your feature button to my post and my sidebar.
    Thank you so much. It was a nice surprise! I love looking at all the party links.
    Rita

    Reply
  41. Lee Caroline says

    June 29, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    Thanks for hosting another wonderful party, so much great inspiration here.

    Lee ☺

    Reply
  42. Kelly Rowe says

    June 29, 2012 at 4:24 AM

    Thanks so much for having me as a sponsor…and for hosting such a fabulous party each week. I truly appreciate you both!! Wishing you many blessings. HUGS!! xo, Kelly

    Reply
  43. Meegan says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    Love, love, love the red white and blue everywhere! I especially enjoyed your 4 crafts for $4!!
    Great party-lovin’ all the summer creativity!
    Meegan
    What Meegan Makes

    Reply
  44. NanaDiana says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:17 AM

    Wow, girls! I read some fanstastic things about you two girls on other blogs. I am just playing a bit of catch up as we are still traveling…but now perched for a couple of days. There are lots of fabulous bloggers to visit her tonight- Thanks for taking the time to do the features- xo Diana

    Reply
  45. classic • casual • home says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:23 AM

    GOD BLESS AMERICAAAAAAA…LAND THAT I LOVE. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    Thank you for hosting. Your features are all awesome, and the party is great! Lots of good stuff! Happy 4th!

    Reply
  47. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls~ and congrats on the feature Vanessa!

    Reply
  48. Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    Hello, thanks for hosting. Linking my completed vanity. : )

    Reply
  49. Stuff and Nonsense says

    June 29, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    love the tweak
    to your header

    and great features
    as always

    all linked up
    and thanks for hosting
    (and praying!)

    alison

    Reply
  50. must love junk says

    June 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting 🙂
    Susan

    Reply
  51. Richella says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    Hey girls! Hope you’re having a good week after all the excitement of being at Haven last week. Sure looks like everyone had fun!

    I’m linking what I think is an inspirational post that I wrote this week–it’s called “Driving Lessons.” I spent last week at a Board Meeting and a Ministry Team Retreat for Renovare’. Talking with my precious friends about life in the Kingdom of God has me seeing applications all over the place, including in the process of teaching Lee to drive! 🙂

    Hope y’all have a great weekend!

    Reply
  52. Kerry Rossow says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    I LOVE YOU GUYS! I am so thankful that I met y’all at Haven. You rocked my socks- you made me feel like I do when I am yucking it up with my own 4 sisters!
    Thank you for being awesomesauce and thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  53. Julie Jenks - The Path to an Organized Tomorrow says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I love all the 4th of July features!
    I would be honored if you followed by little blog!

    Reply
  54. Lori @ Projects Plenty says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Great party… love the 4th of July inspirations. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  55. Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says

    June 29, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    Hi, Vanessa & Heather! Just wanted to let you know that I recognized you ladies as being awesome bloggers in my today’s post. Thanks for being you!
    Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground

    https://thekitchenismyplayground.blogspot.com/2012/06/awww-shucks-im-blushing-blog-awards.html

    Reply
  56. Shelia says

    June 29, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Hi ladies! What wonderful features today. I want to wish y’all a very happy 4th of July! 🙂
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  57. Natasha in Oz says

    June 29, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    Many thanks for having me today sweet Ladies!

    I’ve linked up an invitation to a social media link up-I hope you can join in!

    I hope that you have a great weekend.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

    Reply
  58. Sylvia says

    June 30, 2012 at 3:46 AM

    Hi, Vanessa & Heather! Happy Forth of July! Isn’t Mary from Home is Where the Boat is amazing! I tried to link my post, but there has been an error; sorry about that, I can’t fix it.
    Have a splendid weekend! Enjoy the summer!

    Reply
  59. Anu@My Dream Canvas says

    June 30, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    Thank you for hosting!! I would love to see you at My Backyard Party 🙂 Have a lovely weekend.

    Reply
  60. Leo at Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    I love your linky party. Jane and I will link up next week.

    Reply
  61. The Lovely Mrs. P says

    June 30, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Yay! Thank you guys so much for the double feature!! You made my week!
    Kim@madeinaday

    Reply
  62. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    June 30, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    My first time to your link party, so thank you very much for hosting. So many wonderful links–I’m off to check them out!

    Reply
  63. Doll in the Looking Glass says

    June 30, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Just found your great blog and am your newest follower. Have joined in your linky fun this week. You have featured so many interesting 4th of July posts from last week. Can’t wait to see the new creativity your guests brought to this week’s party. Thanks for hosting.

    Debra

    Reply
  64. Stacy Curran says

    July 1, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    What an amazing group of links!!! I wish I had something to share. Thanks for hosting and have a GREAT 4th!!
    Stacy

    Reply
  65. BJJ says

    July 28, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    Just found your great blog and am your newest follower. Have joined in your linky fun this week. You have featured so many interesting 4th of July posts from last week. Can’t wait to see the new creativity your guests brought to this week’s party. Thanks for hosting.

    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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