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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

July 13, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday #73! Welcome!

Inspiration Friday Graphic
Wow! It’s hard to believe we are already into the middle of July. Where has the summer gone?! It’s been hot! hot! hot! here in Kentucky. And speaking of hot…Heather has some “hot off the press”… news to share with our readers.
Our family is moving to “Hot-lanta!”…that would be Atlanta..for all of ya who didn’t know Atlanta is often called that.

We are SO sad to be leaving our beautiful home here in the rolling hills of Kentucky, but excited for the new adventure ahead of us.  This is the first home we’ve ever sold, so we’re a bit nervous about how it will all work.  In fact, I’m hoping by the time my Better Homes and Garden features comes out this fall…we’ll be all settled in our new home. How weird will that be?! lol
I’ll be sharing some fun tips on how we are staging our home inexpensively to put it’s best foot forward, but in the meantime we would covet your prayers for a quick sell at the right price.  Also, for our family personally as “the boy” is thinking of staying here in Kentucky to attend school. sob. can’t go there quite yet.
So, we’ll keep you updated on our families next big adventure…any Atlanta readers out there?  Can’t wait to meet my new Atlanta gal (and guy) pals!
Up next we want to introduce you to a new sponsor here At The Picket Fence …..Bei Fiori!
where you can find beautiful items like these!
Set of Mr. and Mrs. Burlap Pillow Covers
and she’s already stocking up for the holidays! Head over to get a jump start on your fall and winter decorating!
 We are also hosting a lovely giveaway from Lilla Rose.  Wanna see how Heather normally wears her hair and enter to win a beautiful Lilla Rose hair accessory? Visit the Lilla Rose Giveaway!
 Now it’s time for our Features!

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]
INSPIRED ROOMS

 Kristy of Coral and Coast revealed her new office! It’s so soothing with pops of fun color! A perfect place to work…and blog!
We love it when we get a peek into any fabulous space created by the talented Ann of On Sutton Place.  Here’s a glimpse at her Summer Front Porch! A beautiful “room” full of inspiration! She also shares some of her gorgeous custom made pillows, one of a kind and so lovely!

Okay. If you know Kerry from HouseTalkN at all you know she’s one of the funniest people on the planet…seriously.  But, she’s also one of the most talented! Here is the recent reveal of her daughter’s bedroom makeover! um…yes we want to be nine and have this room! Tell your daughter to step aside Kerry, we’re moving in!
MAKEOVERS

 This cheery yellow bench makeover caught our eye!  Jana of Transformations of the Heart cleaned up and  hand painted a old and worn out teak bench, giving it a fun new life!
painted yellow teak wood bench
We are always amazed at what people can do with old pieces of furniture.  This dresser makeover from One Girl in Pink is no exception! We think this piece is very happy with it’s transformation.
Here’s a completely different type of makeover! Sonja of Practical Stewardship repurposed old clothes into reusable and “green” Snack Bags! She gives the full tutorial to show us how we can make our own.
CRAFTS AND CREATIONS

 We love this beautiful “French-y basket” created by of Under a Pile of Scrap! She used a lovely graphic from the fabulous Graphic Fairy to make this one of a kind piece.
Debbie from Confessions of a Plate Addict never ceases to amaze us with her creativity! We are adoring her Ruler Table Runner!
How darling are these DIY Butterfly Place Cards created by Setting for Four.  Of course the fact that this one was made just for Heather couldn’t help but catch our eye…Winking smile okay. okay so the creator of these beautiful butterflies is Heather…but I can pretend this one is just for me.
RECIPES AND PARTIES

 Ashley of Cherished Bliss shared a fun Pink Lemonade Birthday Party with us! We feel cooler just looking at the pictures!
Pink Lemonade 5
Who doesn’t love Root Beer…and who doesn’t love Play dough? But Root Beer and Play dough together..yes!! Kristin of Homespun with Love shares this great Root Beer Float Play dough recipe..perfect for summer fun!
We agree with Karla  of My Serendipitous Life that this might just be the Best Breakfast Ever! Surely one of the prettiest we’ve ever seen!
OUTDOOR LIVING

 Amy of The Blissful Bee replaced a ho hum ceiling fan with this darling DIY outdoor light fixture from a lantern. 
These next two projects could have been featured in a variety of categories but they are most definitely outdoor loveliness and they are both by the same person.  We just couldn’t feature one with out the other. Cindy of Beaux R’eves shares the amazing Outdoor Daybed she and her husband built…
…and peeking out from under that fabulous outdoor day bed is the gorgeous stained concrete floor that did themselves! Shares the full tutorial on how they did this!
We couldn’t let you get away without sharing Sue from Sullivan and Murphy’s new outdoor space! We can’t think of a better way to spend the summer than hanging out in this gorgeous oasis!
patio under deck
INSPIRING STORIES

Desiree of The Suburban Kelley’s shared a wonderful post on “Worry” and we so related to how she is trying to “keep all of the plates spinning” while trusting God to be sovereign over each one.

As the mom of a handsome young man, Heather’s heart was touched by this inspiring post shared by Rose Petals and Rust.   son wanted to make a difference for  patients suffering form long term medical hair loss and decide that growing your hair out for this worthwhile cause wasn’t just for “young ladies!”  It took him 15 months…but he finally reached the goal! Read how he responded to the reactions of others and learn more about this special gift to Locks of Love!
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located 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!
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! 😉
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
This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:
 
Disclaimer: At the Picket Fence may feature any of the projects linked up to Inspiration Friday in other posts or on Facebook, twitter and hometalk with all credit being given to the original source. If you would not like your projects featured please email us.

71 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Connie says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    I think the photos you feature are beautiful, sugar. Your blog is quite cute. Fairly new to it though.
    xoxo,
    Connie

    Reply
  2. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! I am loving those features!

    Reply
  3. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    So excited for you about the move! I’m sure your home will sell in a jiffy, with your gorgeous staging. Good luck! And thanks for hosting! xo, Andrea

    Reply
  4. Paula says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Good luck with the move. It’s sure to be an adventure. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  5. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Yes So many amazing and pretty features up there! I Brought you a Slice of my Fresh Peach Pie! Enjoy and thank you for the party! Jen

    Reply
  6. suzyq says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Wow – what incredible features!! Thanks so much for hosting – it’s always fun to come to your parties!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  7. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Wishing you all the best with your move. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  8. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Hello Ladies – congratulations on the move – I am a couple of hours away from Atlanta – so if the city gets too much for the girl -just email me! I have a guest room ready and waiting! Lovely features – that young man is wonderful! I appreciate you two! Have a wonderful day,
    Kathy

    Reply
  9. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls and have a super weekend!

    Reply
  10. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    How fun! Thanks so much for featuring my ruler runner, ladies! 🙂 And thanks for hosting! Can’t wait for you to join us down here in Hot-lanta!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  11. Anita says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Lots of great and very different features girls! Thanks for hosting! I hope it is ok to link up two projects…for me two projects in a week is like the end of the world.

    Reply
  12. Honey at 2805 says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Fab features, ladies! Thanks for being gracious hostesses and for linking to Potpourri Friday!

    Good luck on the sale and the move! With your remodeled kitchen and dining area, how could a new buy resist?

    Reply
  13. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Super features. I featured the cute young fellow and his hair, too. So nice of him to do that. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  14. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Great features, I have lots of visiting some new sites this evening.
    I want to thank you so much for the feature, I was so surprised while
    scrolling the screen to see that you featured my bench makeover. Truly
    an honor to be picked among some very talented folks. Thank you..thank
    you!! Good luck with the move and my fingers are crossed for a quick sell
    for you. Also thanks for hosting another great party. Now off to browse
    some sites.

    Reply
  15. Erin @SalmonAtSeven says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Can’t wait to check out some of your features…. I’m excited to be back partying again. This week I brought my healthy mac and cheese – made with quinoa. Next week, I’ll have something even cooler!

    Reply
  16. Girl in Pink says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    What a fun surprise it was when I came over to link up just now and saw that you’d featured my dresser from last week! Thank you so much! And thank you for hosting your fun party each week!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

    Reply
  17. Janette - The2Seasons says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Thank you for hosting. We think you will enjoy our inspiring story. Janette and Jordan

    Reply
  18. Savvy Seasons says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    WOW, fab features!! I’m enjoying looking at everyone’s links. Thanks for hosting! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  19. monsterscircus says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    So amazing what you do, it’s such a kind thing that you’ll let us share! Have a wonderful Day!

    Reply
  20. miss flibbertigibbet says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Great features!! Thanks so much for hosting girls!

    Reply
  21. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Lovely features 🙂 Thank you so much for hosting, ladies!
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

    Reply
  22. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Each feature is soo awesome ty so much for hosting have a great weekend girls
    RaNae

    Reply
  23. Cindy says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Thank you girls for the features! You are both awesome to host this party each week. Can’t wait to visit the other fabulous features. 🙂
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  24. ~ Liz ~ says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Looks like your features alone will keep me busy for most of the night. Thanks for putting on a great party!
    Liz

    Reply
  25. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa: Thank you for hosting the party today–my first time participating. I like your featured posts, especially the Frenchy basket. Take care–have a lovely weekend!

    Reply
  26. Sue says

    July 12, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    Thanks so much Vanessa and Heather, for featuring my backyard. It’s been fairly mild- in the 80’s instead of the 100’s- so we’ve been able to enjoy the outdoors this past week! LOL
    xo Sue

    Reply
  27. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 12, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Great features, ladies! Good luck with your home sale, Heather. Our move last year from NY to Ohio was sudden what with a job transfer for hubby, but lucky everything worked out. Like you, my son decided to stay behind to finish his schooling in NY. I’ve had my moments, but in the long run I think it is probably good for him {independence and all that}. Once he is done next Spring, he will be coming here to join us.

    Reply
  28. Good Time Charlie says

    July 13, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    Thank you for this extra fabulous party. I want to come sit on one of those porches, or maybe one of those talented ladies can come over and put those extra touches on mine!

    I got all misty eyed before I even read the story about the young man growing out his hair for locks of love. Wow, my eyes leak so easily in my old age!

    Reply
  29. Calypso In The Country says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:01 AM

    Beautiful features – thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  30. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Love the features! And thanks for the party!

    Reply
  31. Amy Kinser says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:39 AM

    I love that you called it Hot-lanta. Us southern fold sure know what you are talking about. Atlanta is about 3 hours from me.

    Hope your move goes beautifully.

    Reply
  32. CAS says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ya’ll! Great features from last week!
    CAS

    Reply
  33. Karla says

    July 13, 2012 at 3:01 AM

    Thanks so much for the feature! It made my day! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Lisa at Shine Your Light says

    July 13, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    Thank you for hosting, Heather and Vanessa!

    Reply
  35. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    July 13, 2012 at 4:01 AM

    So glad to be able to party with you girls this week! Thanks so much for such a great party!

    Reply
  36. Lee Caroline says

    July 13, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    There is some fabulous ideas here today, I will be spending hours I can see, blog hopping. Great to see Kirsty’s office makeover, she is another “Kiwi” blogger (from New Zealand), we are a rare breed just like the Kiwi bird 🙂

    Thank you for hosting 🙂

    Lee

    Reply
  37. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    Good luck with the move Heather!! Thanks for hosting girls!

    Reply
  38. Aleisha McD says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:20 AM

    Hello beautiful sisters!!! What a great party! You betcha I linked up. Gosh, and your blog is lovely too! Glad I found you. I’m your newest follower! https://callmemamaleisha.com

    Reply
  39. Jill says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:16 AM

    Atlanta blogger, here. Well, I live just north of Atlanta but you will find most people just say Atlanta to all those who are out of state. Can’t wait to have you here!

    Reply
  40. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Hi Ladies,

    I don’t know why it took so long, but I’ve finally figured out how to serve cake and ice cream at kids’ parties -parfait style!

    Thanks for hosting and letting me share,
    Laura

    Reply
  41. must love junk says

    July 13, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    So many great features! Thanks for hosting 🙂
    Susan
    must love junk

    Reply
  42. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    As always, thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  43. Kerry Rossow says

    July 13, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    Holy Feature, fence girls! Thank you so much for sharing our stencil shenanigans!
    Can’t wait to go wild with y’all at Haven next year. I was just telling my hubs the story of Heather intervening for the woman at the bar only to discover it was the woman’s husband!
    Thank you for hosting, y’all!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  44. allisamazing says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    What great features! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  45. thistlewoodfarm says

    July 13, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    Everytime I visit over here I am inspired! First that table runner…..seriously…..it is calling my name. And then….the paper plate post? You are both such ROCK STARS!!!!!!!!!!

    blessings,
    karianne

    PS I made a facebook collage. Go me 🙂

    Reply
  46. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    July 13, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    Hi there Inspiration Friday!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of healthy, fabulously tasty, frozen yogurt!
    Here’s the link: https://www.momessentials.net/fabulous-family-frozen-yogurt/

    Reply
  47. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    July 13, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    Such lovely features and so many link-up’s already this week … there’s a ton of inspiration available! Best wishes for the sale of your home and relocation, I’m sure you already have some great ideas your eager to try out when you’re in the new home. Been awhile since I’ve posted to this party but I enjoy visiting every time … thanks so much for allowing us all to join in the party fun.

    Robin
    happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

    Reply
  48. Suzanne says

    July 13, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    I chuckled when I read about your move. WE’re trying to move from Georgia to Kentucky! Go figure!

    Reply
  49. Beth says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I just want to THANK YOU for featuring my French-y Basket this week. That’s a HUGE deal for me & I see I’m among some awesomely talented company too!!

    I’m sure your move will be a great adventure that you will make the most of. Hoping the sale of your home goes smoothly & quickly. I’m sure you’ll make it look irresistible.

    Reply
  50. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    Wow!! Amazing features, girls! Heather, we will welcome you to the ATL with open arms, but you must not call it “Hot-lanta” ;-)… we’ve been trying to shake that nickname for YEARS!
    Seriously, I’m so excited you’ll be here and there is a great group of ATL bloggers that we’ve organized since Haven, so you’ll have lots of support and playmates!! Hoping your house sells quickly and easily and every thing else falls into place. We’ll have to have a WELCOME HEATHER party when you get here!!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  51. Kathy says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    Happy Friday!! Love the features. Thank you bunches for hosting. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    July 13, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Oh, goodness, Heather. I know EXACTLY how it feels to pour myself into a house remodel and then move (AND leave a child behind). But hey, you got a BHG experience out of it, so I’m not going to feel sorry for you! I do wish your family a smooth transition, though.

    Reply
  53. Laurel Stephens says

    July 13, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    What huge news about your move to Atlanta. All my best wishes for great and happy adventures ahead and an easy transition. I’m sure Kentucky will miss your family! Thank you for hosting your party today. It strikes me today that momentous events go on in peoples’ lives, and sometimes blogs remain a constant in all the chaos. 🙂

    Reply
  54. jinjee says

    July 14, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    thanks for hosting! i hope you enjoy my recipe!

    Reply
  55. Cherished Bliss says

    July 14, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    thanks for hosting and a HUGE HUGE thank you for featuring my Pink Lemonade Party!

    Reply
  56. Stuff and Nonsense says

    July 14, 2012 at 3:19 AM

    aren’t folks just
    so creative?

    love all the features
    and am so happy to party with you

    thanks for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  57. Sonja @ practical-stewardship.com says

    July 14, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring my re-purposed snack bag tutorial!! This week I am sharing re-purposed clothes to scrunchies. https://practical-stewardship.com/2012/07/06/re-purposed-clothes-to-scrunchies-tutorial/ Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  58. Jessie @ Dream and Differ says

    July 13, 2012 at 11:01 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Great features this week! 🙂

    Reply
  59. The Kelley's says

    July 14, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Thank you for featuring my inspiring story. Can’t wait to check out the other features too. God bless!

    Reply
  60. Tani@Tagana Rose says

    July 14, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting…….have a wonderful weekend:)

    Reply
  61. Mimi says

    July 14, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Love the ruler table runner. How clever! Thanks for hosting! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  62. South Shore Decorating Blog says

    July 15, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    Thank you so much for the awesome linky!!!!
    Stacy

    Reply
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    December 9, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    Thank you (excuse me, English is not my mother tongue), I find your article well structured, but I think you are biased in your approach to this issue. This is usually the case with this type of subject, the controversy is never far away. Regards, Roger

    Reply
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    April 5, 2013 at 1:31 PM

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On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

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

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

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

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

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

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

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
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