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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

September 7, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 81! Welcome!

Inspiration Friday Graphic_thumb[3]

 So who else feels like Fall is getting into full swing?  Even though technically it’s still Summer, we are ready for Autumn here At The Picket Fence! In fact, we’re jumping into Fall with both feet…or should we say all four feet. grin.  
This week we shared our first Fall Project, Heather’s Stenciled Fall Jar
stenciled fall jar
We also had a fabulous guest poster, our dearest, darling friend KariAnne from Thistlewood Farm.
Kari is not only uber talented in the home decor department, but also creates amazing desserts like her Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar with the stunning photography to show them off!
Cherry Cheesecake
We want to give a big welcome to our newest sponsor,
Photo Jewelry Making

a fabulous photo jewelry making supply store!
and we also wanted to share a fun new way to see all of the Inspiration Friday features in one location.  We have created TWO INSPIRATION FRIDAY PINTEREST BOARDS where we will pin our 
Inspiration Friday Projects and Crafts
and our
Inspiration Friday Recipes
These will be pinned from the original sources (since this is proper pin etiquette…hint…hint…smile) so be sure you are following these boards!

Also, one more exciting little tidbit of information.  Next week we will be hosting one of the most amazingly, fabulous giveaways we’ve EVER had…shoot…it’s one of the best we’ve ever seen and we can’t wait to see which of our amazing friends here at the picket fence might win it!! So…be sure you are following us in some capacity so you don’t miss the exciting announcement…stay tuned! 😉 

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]


INSPIRED ROOMS
Anne from Fiona and Twig has created such a lovely and charming Farmhouse Bedroom and we think it perfectly captures the essence of her love for all things vintage and romantic.
Another Anne, this one from White Lace Cottage, revealed her beautiful new Creative Space where she can go to be inspired to create the things which will in turn inspire us!
Heidi from Décor and More showed off her newly made over Dining Room and we think she did an absolutely fantastic job breathing new life into this space!
BWOB dining room after


MAKEOVERS

Paul, and his wife Cathy from One Creative Couple, showed off his incredible talent when he shared with us how he hand painted…yes…HAND PAINTED… the beautiful design on this chair!
French Chair with Painted Upholstery and French Florals
Karah from The Space Between shared a seriously amazing tutorial on how she made this Old Door Turned Coffee Table! This girl is so talented!
old door
Janel of Nellie Bellie shared this gorgeous table transformation.  She not only completely made it over with Rub n Buff but also created the most gorgeous Compass Rose design for the top.  She shares the tutorial and pattern on her blog so you can create your own Compass Rose.

rubnbufftable, diy compass rose

Jill of Mak and Jill’s Bed Turned Into Bench is one of the most gorgeous projects we’ve seen! The color is fabulous! 



CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Tammy from A Walk in the Countryside showed us how she made this darling Dry Erase Calendar and we just love anything that can keep us organized in style!
SAM_5459
Susan from Afford Your Passions showed us how she made this adorable Anthropologie Inspired Mason Jar Sewing Kit!
Anthropologie Mason Jar Sewing Kit
We think Amanda of Serenity Now‘s Mini Keyring Photo Album would make darling gifts for grandparents and is a great way to keep those favorite family vacations and moments close at hand!

Mini Keyring Photo Album Craft, from Serenity Now


FALL PROJECTS and INSPIRATIONS

Courtenay from The Creek Line House shared this “Quick and Easy Halloween Pillow” and we absolutely love the sweet ribbon detail on the sides.

Tammy of One More Time to Celebrate created this darling pumpkin from salvaged wire baskets, see how she did it in her Wire Basket Pumpkin Orb post.

We adored Leo and Jane the moment we met them at Haven.  Leo of Cottage at the Crossroads took decorating the mantel for fall in another direction and created this amazing Football Mantel ! He just became the hero of every man out there! 😉

 RECIPES AND PARTIES

Kelly of Live, Laugh, Rowe whipped up this amazing Mango Protein Smoothie, and shared the recipe so you can make one too!

 
Brooke from Design Stash had us at Pumpkin and Raspberry.  These gorgeous Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Raspberry would be a fabulous way to wrap up a Fall meal. 
The quintessential after school snack..the PB and J sandwich…but what if it’s not really a PB and J, what if it’s a CAKE! Yes you heard us right..this fabulous Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cake is the creation of the talented Susan of Munchkin Munchies. 
INSPIRED POSTS

Nedra of Adventure Mom, showed us the amazing way horses can be used to help other in her post Horses Who Help Heal

Kathe of Kathe with an E shared this beautiful post in remembrance of her mother,  Tea With My Mother .

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!
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:
 
Don’t forget! There is still plenty of time to enter the $1,000 Visa Gift Card Sweepstakes!


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. Smart School House says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Ok- that PB & J cake is the cutest thing ever! I’m going to check out her blog now:)

    XOXO
    Kelly at Smart! School {House}

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls.

    Reply
  3. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    Thanks for the shout out! Love all the other features you picked too. A little bit different than the ones I’m seeing everywhere else. Share the love!

    Reply
  4. pam {simple details} says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies! Off to check out your great features!

    Reply
  5. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    What’s not to love with all these wonderful features…so inspiring! Thank you so much for hosting.

    Reply
  6. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    You sweet things, thank you for featuring my bedroom photo!!!
    Love you gals!
    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  7. Honey at 2805 says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! I see that one of my titles is a bit wonky, but I’m linked up. Hope you both have wonderful weekends!

    Reply
  8. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    It is has been a long, busy week it appears for all of us. Great posts and picks! Have a great weekend and thanks once again for hosting.

    Reply
  9. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Thanks ladies, love the features! The site must be BUSY mr linky was giving me problems tee hee.
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  10. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Great features from last week…loved seeing all the ever so creative projects, recipes, and inspirations! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    Reply
  11. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Wonderful features to be sure!

    Thank you for hosting a wonderful weekly linky party.

    You two have a great weekend when it comes!

    Reply
  12. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Awesome features ladies! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  13. Cherished Bliss says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  14. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    I love the features…especially the cherry cheesecake in a jar. Thanks for hosting! Hope y’all have a great week!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  15. monsterscircus says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Thank you girls for hosting, you’re wonderful! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  16. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    What great features! Thanks so much for hosting…glad to link up!

    Reply
  17. Maury @ Life on Mars says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls!!! I love PB&J so I just might have to make that cake!

    Reply
  18. Anita says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Wonderful features again this week!! Thanks for hosting girls! Vanessa, thank you SO much for your comments on my table last week:-)

    Reply
  19. Sherry says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Great features! Love the stenciled fall jar. Thanks for hosting!
    Sherry

    Reply
  20. Cindy says

    September 6, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Great features this week! There is so much talent out there! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  21. Kathe says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:04 PM

    Thank you ladies so much for the feature! To be included with such inspiring posts made my day ♥ Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Reply
  22. Suzy says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Thank you for hosting, ladies. Love all of the features!

    Reply
  23. Laurel@chippingwithcharm says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Hello ladies…lots of lovely inspiration!! Thanks for hosting 🙂 Laurel

    Reply
  24. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. I’m with ya, Fall can’t come soon enough. I hope you both have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  25. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    I haven’t been here for so long but I made it today. Thank you so much for hosting…hope you both have a super weekend!

    Reply
  26. A Walk in the Countryside says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    I’m so honored that you chose to features my dry erase board! Thanks so much for hosting! Blessings, Tammy

    Reply
  27. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Thanks for the party!

    Reply
  28. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa: Thank you for hosting the party today–looking forward to checking out the links!

    Reply
  29. FABBY'S LIVING says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Thank you for yet, another great party at, Inspiration Friday, as you have such lovely features too. Enjoy the weekend weather.
    FABBY

    Reply
  30. suzyq says

    September 6, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Thanks once again for a fantastic party – your features are just gorgeous!
    Have a great wknd – can’t wait to browse!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  31. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    September 6, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    Thanks so much for the wonderful party!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  32. Eileen says

    September 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    I absolutely love the bench made out of a bed. What a fab project. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  33. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says

    September 6, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Gorgeous features… thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  34. Becca says

    September 6, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    Such talent … love the features! (Such a cute football mantel!) Thank you both so much for hosting! And, yay(!), I get to play this week. I’m off to be inspired. xo

    Reply
  35. CAS says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    You girls sure know how to throw one heck of a party with talent oozing out in every link! Thanks so much for hosting!

    CAS

    Reply
  36. Sue says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:19 AM

    Thanks for making my day and featuring my PB&J sandwich cake! You girls are the best! Have a great weekend and thanks for hosting the party!

    Reply
  37. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:21 AM

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

    Reply
  38. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Just linked up gals, hope you have a great weekend!!

    Reply
  39. Alderberry Hill says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    So glad to be here, thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  40. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    Hey girls!!! Thank you so much for the feature!! What an honor. 🙂

    Reply
  41. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Amazing features and highlights this week! So many great ideas. Thanks for the lovely party, ladies!

    Reply
  42. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 7, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    Leo will be so excited to know that you featured his football mantel! He has already gone to bed, but I’ll tell him first thing in the morning. Gotta let the guys have a little fun, don’t we?

    Reply
  43. Deneen@dreaming-n-color says

    September 7, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Thanks ladies!

    Reply
  44. Kathy Moody says

    September 7, 2012 at 3:35 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting! I can’t wait to check out all the awesome fall posts. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  45. SavannahGranny says

    September 7, 2012 at 4:54 AM

    Awsome features. Thanks for hosting. I am looking forward to meeting you in Raleigh. Ginger

    Reply
  46. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla says

    September 7, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Great bunch of features!! Have a lovely weekend 🙂

    Reply
  47. Jody and Stan says

    September 7, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    Love all the features! Thanks for hosting a fun party!

    Jody

    Reply
  48. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Incredible features as always!! Thanks for the party sweet girls!! 🙂

    Reply
  49. Foy Update says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:23 PM

    The summer harvest is peaking and so is food preservation. I’m sharing a trick to cutting corn off the cob without making a mess and my side by side comparison of Low Sugar Pectin vs. the Traditional Pectin.

    Thanks for hosting!

    We just started a blog hop called Eat Make Grow and we are always looking for quality bloggers to submit their links.

    Stop on by if you get the chance:
    https://foyupdate.blogspot.com/search?q=eat+make+grow&max-results=20&by-date=true

    Foy

    Reply
  50. Janel from NellieBellie says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my little table…what a great way to start the weekend! Hope you both have fabulous weekends and can’t wait to hear you spill your secret that you are teasing us with!

    Reply
  51. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    Happy Friday, Ladies! Love your features this week. Anne’s Farmhouse Bedroom is gorgeous and Leo’s football mantel is just too cute. (although I’m sure he probably wouldn’t agree with my use of the term “cute”. LOL) As always, thanks so much for hosting the party. Have an awesome weekend! ~Mary

    Reply
  52. Leo at Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    From Kemtucky to the great Pacific Northwest, you two are the best. As you know Jane and I love a good team effort blog. Thanks so much for the feature. I’ll be keeping up with you two.

    Reply
  53. Shelia says

    September 7, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    Hi ladies! Wow! 320 links! Now I’d say this is one hopping party and I’m so glad I can join you today! Thank you always for hosting and you two are two cute sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  54. Live Laugh Rowe says

    September 7, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting, sweet and lovely ladies! I also did a happy dance to see my smoothie featured 😉 Have a fabulous weekend. Super big HUGS!! xo, Kelly

    Reply
  55. melissa @ daisymaebelle.com says

    September 7, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting this great party week after week! Life to the full, Melissa

    Reply
  56. Erin~Just*Grand says

    September 7, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Thank you for hosting the party! I am amazed by your features, and especially love the bed turned into a bench! And so many great links to explore!

    Reply
  57. One More Time says

    September 7, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Wow… Thanks again for featuring me! Just makes my day! Thank you for hosting…love this party!

    Reply
  58. Richella says

    September 7, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    Y’all!! I think I’m Link #370. Can you believe how successful this party has become?!? It just makes my heart swell to see how well y’all have done. It’s funny–I’ve never met either one of you in person, but I feel like I have! And seeing your success makes me think “My sisters have such a great blog!” Yes, ma’am–MY sisters!! 🙂

    Anyway, thank you for hosting a wonderful party. I’m happy to be here with a super-easy little craft for fall.

    Have a great weekend!!

    Reply
  59. alison abbott says

    September 7, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    Thanks for hosting this Inspiration Friday. I took a bit of a different twist with an organization I recently learned about-The Moms Clean Air Force. I hope your readers will be inspired by the group too! They’re all about clean air for our kids.
    Alison

    Reply
  60. Susan says

    September 7, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Mason Jar Sewing Kit – I really appreciate it!

    Reply
  61. Brooke @ Design Stash says

    September 8, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    Yipee!! Thank you for featuring my Pumpkin Spice Cookies!! Love all of your wonderful features too 🙂 Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  62. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    September 9, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    Hi!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of healthy, tasty and delicious
    Easy Dried Kale Chips!

    Here’s the link:
    https://www.momessentials.net/easy-dried-kale-chips-recipe/

    Reply
  63. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    September 9, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    Thanks for the party girls! I’m late but I’m here! Great features – those pumpkin spice cookies look so good! I’ve got pumpkin on the brain for sure. Hope you had a great weekend!

    Reply
  64. Janis@All Things Beautiful says

    September 10, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting girlies!! Always love a party at the fence!! Great features too!!! xoxo

    Reply
  65. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    September 17, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Um, I am just NOW noticing that you all featured me…thank you SO much! 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Framed Baby Bibs | Amanda Jane Brown says:
    November 20, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    […] Mondays Positively Splendid Weekend Bloggy Reading Fridays Unfolded Tidy Mom Feathered Nest Friday Inspiration Friday Mercy(Ink)-Heart and Home Gathering /* Filed Under: Decorating, Kids, Storytelling · […]

    Reply
  2. Simple Burlap Fall Wreath says:
    March 15, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    […] and Link Up @ Becoming Martha Friday Fun Party @ CraftionaryHappy Hour Friday @ Happy Hour ProjectsInspiration Friday @ At The Picket FenceCreate and Inspire @ A Night […]

    Reply
  3. Pieces of Autumn 2012 ~ Part I - On Sutton Place says:
    August 13, 2013 at 5:29 PM

    […] Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence […]

    Reply
  4. Pay it Forward Friday with Mom’s Clean Air Force | Green With Renvy says:
    December 19, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    […] linked this post to Inspiration Friday over At The Picket Fence.  Jpon the fun! Filed under: conserve/ Eco friendly/ environment/ health/ Pay it Forward […]

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

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

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

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

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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