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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

August 24, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 79! Welcome!

 
Inspiration Friday Graphic_thumb[3]
So, we’re curious.
We want to know where exactly our “lazy days of Summer” went?
It seems to us like they just flew right past us and now there are leaves starting to turn and kids going back to school. How is that possible?
Oh well, guess we’ll just have to start working on some of those Fall crafts we’ve been Pinning, right?
Now, speaking of Back to School, did you see what’s been happening around the Fence this week?
First, Vanessa shared this idea for making a Lunchbox Note Pocket so that she can more easily slip those little “don’t forget that just because you’re a big third grader now doesn’t mean your mommy has to stop being mushy gushy” notes into her son’s lunchbox!
back to school, lunchbox, lunchbox note
And did you get a chance to welcome the newest member of our At the Picket Fence team? Julie joined us this week and you will be seeing lots more of her in the future. She shared her incredible ideas for celebrating Back to School in Style!
back to school, pennant, back to school party
Now, speaking of Introductions!

We have 2 new Sponsors to introduce to you this week!

Stacie Ann has a shop chock FULL of cottage and beach house style décor and we know you will love checking out her fantastic items. 
She is also offering a WELCOME DISCOUNT of 15% off every purchase for Picket Fence readers!
Just enter the code: PICKETFENCE15 at checkout.
Take a look at some of your choices:
Seashell on French Vintage Postcard Tile Coasters/Trivet
Seashell on French Vintage Postcard Tile Coasters/Trivets Set of 4
Football Player Burlap Pillow Cover
Football Players Burlap 18x18  Decorative Pillow Cover, Throw Pillow ,Toss Pillow, Accent Pillow
  
And we are thrilled to be welcoming Confection Creations by Elizabeth!
She is Heather’s “in real life” friend and creates Custom Cakes, Cupcakes and Cookies to order.
Take a look at these!
 
 
  
We hope you will pay these talented ladies a visit soon!

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Okie dokie artichokies! Let’s get to some features now, shall we?
 
INSPIRED ROOMS

Anita from Far Above Rubies showed us her beautiful “New Blue Kitchen” and it is chock full of charm, character and history!
Once again, Betsy Speert showed us just how talented she truly is when she shared her gorgeous Cottage Master Bedroom! Ahhh…you had us at toile Betsy!

MAKEOVERS

If you hear the words, “Kindred Spirits” and immediately think of Anne of Green Gables, then this dresser transformation from Simply Vintageous is just for you!
Angela from Number Fifty-Three showed us how she transformed an old window into 
this beautiful work of art! 
CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Aimee from It’s Overflowing shared this awesome idea for getting kids off to a good start in the morning with this Laminated Check Off List!
 
 
 After a bit of a break, our friend Angelina from Ruby Jean is back and sharing some of her incredible creations! Like the tutorial for this beautiful DIY Vintage Ribbon Skirt.
RECIPES and PARTIES

Jill from Sew a Fine Seam showed us how to host a Photo Party. She brought together all of her dslr camera friends to share tips of the trade and we just love how she took the theme and ran with it!

Kerryanne from the Shabby Art Boutique showed us how she made these beautiful 
White Chocolate and Strawberry Cake Skewers. Don’t those look so yummy?!
Stephanie from Sweet Boutique shared with us the incredible Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party she put together for her stepdaughter. You HAVE to go see the details from this!!
INSPIRING STORIES
Patsy, the incredibly talented artist behind the blog HeARTworks, shared with us her beautiful art and her thoughts on Forgiveness. 
Lynn from UpCountry Olio pondered what it would mean to do things with “Wreck-less Abandon” and exploring her “inner wild side”. We can’t wait to see how she does that!
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:

 Fence
where you can find amazing pieces like these:
Vintage Sheet Music Bubble Jewelry

Don’t forget that there is still plenty of time to enter to win the
$1,000 Visa Gift Card from Kraft Capri Sun Super V!

and we hope you’ll party with us tonight at the HomeTalk Twitter Party where we’ll be getting “real about our homes” and Lowe’s is joining us and giving away $100 gift cards to THREE lucky participants! Use #askhometalk and we’ll see ya there!

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. 

69 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  2. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    These are all such amazing features! Thanks so much for hosting each week!

    Reply
  3. Shelia says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Hi Ladies! What great features. You’ve made me hungry and now I want to paint things and change all the rooms in my house. I’m pooped! 🙂
    Thanks for hosting.
    Be a bunch of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  4. Laurie says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Thank you for hosting. I always find such great inspiration.

    Reply
  5. Four Marrs and One Venus says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Thank you ladies! Great features up there..and I still love that lunch box pocket note! Cute idea! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  6. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another fun party! Love that awesome kitchen and Julie’s back to school post was GREAT…WELCOME JULIE!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  7. FABBY'S LIVING says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Terrific features, I love, love the master bedroom!! Thank you ladies for hosting yet, another great party! Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  8. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Again, welcome to Julie! Love the sweet note idea 🙂 And that kitchen is so, so cute and charm filled!!

    Thanks for hosting girls 🙂

    Reply
  9. Maury @ Life on Mars says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Happy Friday girls! Thanks so much for hosting! Hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
  10. Penny says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    What wonderful features, thanks ladies for hosting a great party! Hugs, Penny

    Reply
  11. Anita says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Oh, thank you girls so much for featuring my kitchen:-) That means so very much to me!! Thanks for hosting each week and welcome Julie!!

    Reply
  12. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Great features, girls and thanks for taking the time to host this party!

    Reply
  13. How to Nest for Less says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting again ladies!

    Reply
  14. Our Pinteresting Family says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. 🙂 I can’t wait to check out all these great projects. Megan

    Reply
  15. Ruby Jean says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    What Lovely features!! And so very Sweet of you to include and also welcome me back. Thank you so much!!!
    Blessings
    Angelina

    Reply
  16. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Thanks for the party guys. Great features, as always.

    Reply
  17. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies 🙂 Lovely features each week!!
    Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  18. monsterscircus says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    Hi Girls! Thanks for this wonderful party, very Nice to kick off a wondeful weekend! Thanks for all your inspiration and have a great weekend!

    Reply
  19. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  20. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Thanks for hosting – Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  21. Good Time Charlie says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    I love the Alice in Wonderland birthday party! Hard to believe, but your blog just gets more adorable, and more “welcoming” each week. Not like it wasn’t always, but there is just such a lovely feeling when I come by here. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend. -K

    Reply
  22. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I’m all linked up Ladies! Thanks soo much for hosting. It’s good to be back! Have a great weekend. =)

    Reply
  23. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    Lovely features, ladies! I’d love to do a dresser like that some day. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  24. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    So many great features! Thanks for hosting this fun party. Have a great week!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  25. Debra @ Common Ground says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Oh I just love Anita’s gorgeous kitchen! just linked up, thanks so much for hosting, gals!!

    Reply
  26. Jane@Bluebird1959 says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    Wow – so many features and so much I want to try!!! Thanks so much for hosting! Jane

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Your features are awesome.

    Reply
  28. Paula says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I look forward to browsing through the links.

    Reply
  29. Alderberry Hill says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    Thanks for the fun party…have a great weekend!

    Reply
  30. Richella says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Hi girls! Hope y’all are having a good week! I know it’s busy for each of you right now–back-to-school makes things busy for all of us, doesn’t it?

    Thanks so much for hosting this wonderful party. I’m glad to be sharing my low-cost master bathroom updates. With two kids in college, “low-cost” is pretty much the only kind of update I’m doing right now! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Great features ladies!

    Reply
  32. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Oh my goodness…what a treat! Thanks for the feature…and for hosting your super fun party! Xo, Aimee

    Reply
  33. Lynn @ UpCountry Olio says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    What a fun surprise! Thanks for the feature…sorry but I’m still looking for my inner “wild child”!

    Lynn

    Reply
  34. Molly Danielle says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks for hosting again this week!!

    Reply
  35. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    Great features ladies~Thanks for hosting a great party again this week!

    Reply
  36. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Great features! Thanks so much for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  37. AngelaECS at Number Fifty-Three says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting and for featuring my Antique Window Art.

    Have a great weekend!

    Angela

    Reply
  38. Wendy@Once upon a rose haven says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    WOW! Great features!

    Thank you for hosting!
    XO
    ~Wendy

    Reply
  39. Sweet Boutique says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Alice in Wonderland Party!
    Stephanie

    Reply
  40. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    Thanks for the party girls!!

    Reply
  41. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    Great Party Sisters Welcome to the Newbie
    RaNae @ Ewe Creek Cottage

    Reply
  42. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    August 24, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    Hi, Ladies! Very happy to be linking up this week. Thank you!

    Reply
  43. Mary says

    August 24, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks for hosting. Those White Chocolate Strawberry cake skewers look yummy!

    Reply
  44. Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says

    August 24, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    🙂 Thanks for hosting! And thanks a bunch for featuring my photo party!! It was tons of fun and it was fun to see the pic featured here!!!!

    Reply
  45. Hands to Work, Hearts to God says

    August 24, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    WOW! I got featured! I am so honored! Thank you so much! I love party hopping! I find so many gems! Patsy from
    HeARTworks and
    papemelroti

    Reply
  46. Kerry Rossow says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    I have no skill- please make and send me the ribbon skirt asap…k?
    Excited about your new “contributor”!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  47. sweet european dreams says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:50 AM

    So glad I could link up with you all this weekend!
    I’m off to read some links for some fresh inspiration!

    Reply
  48. Meegan Fast says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Thanks Heather and Vanessa for hosting each week. I feel so inspired every time I leave here. You two re the best 🙂

    Reply
  49. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    August 24, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    Thank you for hosting! Wishing you gals a grand weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheeDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  50. Lauren @ {{mercyink}} says

    August 24, 2012 at 5:30 AM

    Hi Ladies! Thank you for another fantastic party 🙂 Blessed to join you!
    xo,
    lauren
    mercyinkblog.com

    Reply
  51. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says

    August 24, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Oh how lovely. Thank you Heather and Vanessa for featuring my white chocolate and strawberry cake skewers and for hosting such a great party each week 🙂

    Reply
  52. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Thanks for the party girls! Love that striped skirt!

    Reply
  53. Curtains in My Tree says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    Hi
    Happy to be here today and see all the great ideas
    The beautiful food just makes me hungry
    and the other delicous things makes me want to go shopping
    for treasures

    Reply
  54. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    August 24, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa – thank you for hosting. Love the features this week and what a great group of bloggers joining in.
    Joy

    Reply
  55. Calypso In The Country says

    August 24, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting and enjoy your weekend!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  56. fiona anderson says

    August 24, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Love those shell and script coasters.
    Thanks for hosting !

    Reply
  57. Doreen says

    August 24, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I’m trying to savor the lazy days of summer! I’ve linked up my beachy shadowbox photo frame. Thanks for the party.

    Reply
  58. Barbara Hiatt says

    August 25, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting, I look forward to this party every week! Have a blessed weekend girls!
    Barbara @ Chase the Star
    chasethestar.net

    Reply
  59. Dewdrop Gardens says

    August 25, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a wonderful weekend.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  60. Deidre says

    August 25, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Im always so amazed at all the creativity here,thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend:) Deidre~ https://simplysimplistiated4.blogspot.com

    Reply
  61. twelve-O-eight says

    August 25, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    Thank you so much Heather & Vanessa for an awesome party! Have a fabulous weekend 🙂

    Hugs, Tanya
    https://twelveoeight.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  62. Kathy Moody says

    August 26, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    Thank you for hosting, ladies!! Have a great weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  63. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    August 26, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    Hi!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of healthy, tasty and delicious Mildly Spicy Strawberry Jalapeño Freezer Jam!

    Here’s the link:https://www.momessentials.net/mildly-spicy-strawberry-jalapeno-freezer-jam/

    Reply

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  2. Kylie M Interiors - Top 20 Pinterest Halloween Decorating Ideas says:
    January 1, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    […] You could do this with any glass container.  (atthepicketfence.com) […]

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    February 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    […] This post linked up at: Tidy Mom; Shabby Nest; Joy in my Kitchen; My Simple Home Life; While He Was Napping; Chic On a Shoestring; My Romantic Home; At the Picket Fence; […]

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    May 2, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    […] Naps on the Porch * The Shabby Creek Cottage *  House of Hepworths * Savvy Southern Style * At the Picket Fence * French Country Cottage * Common Ground * Redoux * Funky Junk Interiors […]

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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.*
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?
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