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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 21, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 83! Welcome!

Howdy, howdy friends? How are ya?
Hope this week has been treating you well and if it hasn’t…well…at least it’s almost over, right?
Have you seen what we’ve been up to around the Fence this week?
Vanessa’s been holding down the fort while Heather is in Atlanta and she shared with you here

Jute Webbing Pumpkin
And she revealed her Under Stairs Closet turned Butler’s Pantry.
We hope you will check them out if you haven’t already.
And now, let’s take a look at some of the amazing links from last week!
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]


INSPIRED ROOMS

Holly from Down to Earth Style shared her beautiful family with us. Check out how she transformed her fireplace and made the most of the built-in cubby TV hole!
Ange from The Blooming Hydrangea shared her Pretty Pantry Makeover and we think all those snacks and cereals feel like total rock stars now!
Nicki from The Vintage Farmhouse showed off this wonderfully Shabby Chic Girl’s room and it is just filled with vintage pieces and tons of charm!

MAKEOVERS

We love this Upcycled Piano Bench  that Anna from Ask Anna did as part of her beautiful 
Front Porch Makeover!
 

We are completely in love with this incredible John Deere Inspired Mailbox Makeover from Laura at Top This Top That! 

CRAFTS and CREATIONS

This idea for Framing Keepsakes from Amanda of My Heart’s Desire may or may not have made Vanessa choke up remembering the days of playing trains with her own sweet boy. Sniff…sniff.
Kim from Reposhture showed us how she created this incredible Pallet Wood Art as a gift for a very special friend!
Erica from The Deuel Family Blog showed us how she created this 
DIY Wood School Calendar to aid in her homeschooling. Her kids put their own “stamp” on it and we think that makes it all the more special!
homeschool corner

FALL INSPIRATIONS

Kirstin from Craftiments showed us how she made this gorgeous Falling Leaves Art thanks to a little help from the Dollar Tree!

Craftiments:  Falling Leaves Mixed Media Art

Laura from Our Prairie Home  shared her stunning Fall mantel complete with a wonderful old farmhouse window.
Once again, Kristin from Simply Klassic Home knocked our socks off when she shared this incredible Canning Jar Lid Pumpkin. How cool and creative is this?!!

Karen from Quinton Wench showed us how she made this beautiful Autumnal Candle and we are loving it’s simple elegance.

Kimberly from Serendipity Refined made this incredible Harvest Cart. That’s right, she made the actual cart before she filled it up with all of that Fall gorgeousness!

RECIPES

Sarah from Simply Albany gave us wonderful instructions for making Sushi and we are fairly certain she must have written this post just for us since we love us some 
California Rolls here at the Fence!
Not only are we sushi lovin’ fools but we also really love Pumpkin Spiced Lattes…although not with the sushi cause that would be strange!
So we were so excited to see this recipe from Jennifer at Sometimes Homemade for a 
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. It costs a lot less than Starbucks too!

INSPIRING STORIES

We were so excited when we heard that a dream was coming true for our friend Aimee at It’s Overflowing. She’s being published in an awesome cookbook called Chili Cook Off in a Box!
She’s also launched a brand new blog called Barns and Noodles (how cute is that?!) and we would love to have you pay her a visit there!
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
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:



where you can find beautiful pieces like this:
Keep Calm and Carry On Pillow

Keep Calm and Carry On Pillow



Disclaimer: At the Picket Fence may feature any of the projects linked up to Inspiration Friday in other posts or on Facebook, twitter andhometalk with all credit being given to the original source. If you would not like your projects featured please email us.



72 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Great Features this week! And I’m loving your wine “Pantry” too.

    Reply
  2. K Coake says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I hope the remainder of your week is great.

    Reply
  3. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Love the features, ladies! Thanks so much for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  4. The Thriftiness Miss says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have an excellent day 🙂

    Reply
  5. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies – Always a pleasure to linkup at this party 🙂

    Reply
  6. suzyq says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous features!!!
    Thanks so much for hosting such a great party – have yourself a wonderful wknd
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  7. Sylvia says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Hi Heather & Vanessa, I am happy to join again your wonderful party. You have featured inspiring Autumn ideas.Thank you for having me. Enjoy the season!

    Reply
  8. Anita says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    As always, great features girls!! Thanks for hosting:-)

    Reply
  9. Savvy Seasons says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    Thanks for hosting and beautiful features! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  10. Anne says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    Congratulations to Aimee!!! How exciting! Great features!Thank you for hosting!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  11. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    You are TOO SWEET! Thanks for sharing my story in your ‘Inspiring Stories’ series!!! I’m totally touched! Thanks for offering your awesome party again this week, too!!! Wishing you both a fabulous weekend! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  12. monsterscircus says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Hi you two wonderful girls! Thanks for always being such an inspiration and always sharing so wonderful links. So lovely features, love the John Deer mailbox, it really makes me smile. Hope you’ll enjoy the weekend, Big hugs 🙂

    Reply
  13. Barbara Hiatt says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Thanks for hosting Heather and Vanessa!! Happy weekend to you both! 🙂
    Barbara at Chase the Star
    chasethestar dot net

    Reply
  14. Anne says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    So many beautiful features! Thanks for the party! Have a wonderful weekend xox

    Reply
  15. Penny Phillips says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    I just linked up and wanted to come by and thank you for hosting! Great party this week! Hugs, Penny

    Reply
  16. Laura from Top This Top That says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    hey guys!! thanks for featuring the mailbox. Heather- next time you are in atlanta come by and see it!!!

    Reply
  17. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Great features, girls. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  18. Ange says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks for the feature! You girls throw such a fabulous party every week, I love coming to browse through the links. Heather have fun in Atlanta, we love seeing what Vanessa’s up to! Wish I could go hide out in her butler pantry and have some wine. 🙂

    Reply
  19. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Wonderful picks, indeed!

    Thank you for hosting this wonderful linky party.

    Reply
  20. Honey at 2805 says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Such fun features! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  21. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Loved the features. Have a great week!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
  22. Sherry says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Hi ladies,
    Thank you so much for hosting! Lots of great ideas here!
    Sherry

    Reply
  23. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    What great features, Ladies! Thanks so much for hosting! Glad to link up!

    Reply
  24. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Hoorayyyyyyy! I’m awake in England at the time you’ve posted your party!! And on the computer too – a minor miracle!

    So nice to party with you again!

    Sxxxxx

    Reply
  25. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    I think the features just rocked it out…I love the window with the old pages. I actually have one of those old windows hanging in one of my bedrooms. I may have to do something with it! Thanks for hosting. Hope you both have a lovely weekend…Ann

    Reply
  26. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa: I loved the features you selected this week–that pumpkin made out of canning jar lids–wow how clever! I thank you so much for hosting the party today, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!

    Reply
  27. Alderberry Hill says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    Fantastic party again this week, thanks for hosting!!!

    Reply
  28. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Hey Girlies, LOVE that adorable jute pumpkin! just linked up, thanks for always hosting a great party!

    Reply
  29. Stuff and Nonsense says

    September 20, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    oh my

    so many wonderful features
    for me to get lost in

    and thanks for your sweet words
    about my words!

    thanks for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  30. Good Time Charlie says

    September 20, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    So many wonderful Fall projects! Especially love “Falling Leaves”. How clever! I can’t get enough of that pumpkin made from canning jar lids. So clever!

    Reply
  31. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls! Your jute pumpkin is fabulous! Now I’m off to visit all the creativity!

    Reply
  32. CAS says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    Thank you for hosting, Vanessa & holding down the blog while Heather is away!

    Reply
  33. Hilani Ellis says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    Thanks a bunchy ladies for a fine Link up! I tweeted and gave it some + Love. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  35. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Thanks for another great party girls! So many inspirational features. Now I’m off to visit.

    Reply
  36. Erin~Just*Grand says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    Thank you for hosting the party! Great features. Sure wish I had a pantry…. Love the family room makeover.

    Reply
  37. Dewdrop Gardens says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:48 PM

    Fabulous features! I remember visiting most of them last week. Thanks for hosting a wonderful party. Heading to visit other partiers!
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  38. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! Hope you are both doing great!

    Take care,

    Trish

    Reply
  39. City Farmhouse says

    September 20, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Thank you for hosting!!! So happy to be back to your awesome link party:). Great picks:). Have an awesome weekend, Jen

    Reply
  40. cherished bliss says

    September 21, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies! I am dying over that Shabby Chic room…. really makes me want to finish Addison’s! It’s only been 2 years ; )

    Reply
  41. Calypso In The Country says

    September 21, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  42. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    September 21, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Great features as usual. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  43. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    September 21, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  44. Kathy Moody says

    September 21, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting, ladies! Happy Friday!! 🙂

    Reply
  45. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    September 21, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Congrats to Aimee…I’m not sure how I missed this. Thanks for hosting..now let me go check out some of these wonderful features.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  46. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Hi girls!! Thanks so much for hosting!!

    Reply
  47. melissa @ daisymaebelle.com says

    September 21, 2012 at 3:56 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Life to the full, Melissa

    Reply
  48. Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Thanks for hosting another great party ladies! I’m linked up and going to check out some others.
    Barbe

    Reply
  49. Linda says

    September 21, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    Congratulations to Aimee. You have some awesome features. Always a pleasure.

    Reply
  50. karen says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring my candle!

    Karen @ quintonwench.com

    Reply
  51. Laurel@chippingwithcharm says

    September 21, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    Hi ladies…amazing features!! I haven’t had much time to “party” lately…I’m missing out!! I linked up for this week…can’t wait to peek around 🙂 Thanks for hosting, Laurel

    Reply
  52. Lorna says

    September 21, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Great feature selections! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  53. Laura @ Our Prairie Home says

    September 21, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature! It’s flattering to be grouped in with such awesome talent! All the features are just beautiful! And thanks for hosting again this week. I was a little late linking up. I have no idea why you weren’t showing up on my blog roll, but I fixed it. 🙂 Thanks again! 😀

    Reply
  54. How to Nest for Less says

    September 21, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Thanks for hosting again, lovely ladies! Have a great weekend 🙂

    Reply
  55. Mona says

    September 21, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Thank you for hosting Inspiration Friday….so much inspiration here..

    Mona

    Reply
  56. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    September 21, 2012 at 4:30 PM

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

    Reply
  57. Dear Emmeline says

    September 21, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! lots of lovely features to go visit!

    Reply
  58. Sherry says

    September 21, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    Thanks so much for the link party. Your features are all so wonderful…some great fall inspiration here. Oh My, that mailbox is crazy cute! And, having an under stair closet that we’ve redone, I totally appreciate how awesome you’ve made your ‘Butlers’ Pantry’!!!

    Reply
  59. Ivy and Elephants says

    September 21, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    Awesome features. Thanks for hosting yet another great party. I am loving all the Fall themed party goers. Awesome ideas flowing through the Picket Fence.

    Paula

    Reply
  60. Nancy at maddalee™ says

    September 21, 2012 at 7:10 PM

    Thank you so much for the Link Party! Once again, so many beautiful things to look at!

    Reply
  61. debra says

    September 21, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I have only been blogging for a few months and am consistently amazed by the original creativity out there…especially these featured posts!

    Reply
  62. Erica says

    September 21, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Thank you for hosting. Lots of fantastic links here. I love the mailbox makeover and canning jar lids pumpkin.

    Reply
  63. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    September 22, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    I love that great mailbox! Happy Weekend:@)

    Reply
  64. Kim says

    September 22, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    Thank you for the feature and for all the loveliness that you feature every week.
    Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com

    Reply
  65. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    September 22, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Hi!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of tasty and delicious
    Sweet n’ Healthy Quinoa Salad!

    Here’s the link:
    https://www.momessentials.net/sweet-n-healthy-quinoa-salad/

    Reply
  66. twelve-O-eight says

    September 22, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    Thank you for hosting ladies, and welcome to your fabulous new sponsors!

    xoxo, Tanya

    Reply
  67. Foy Update says

    September 23, 2012 at 2:32 AM

    I’m sharing what’s going on in my kitchen and at the co-op in “Harvest Time” and then something that I constantly have running in my kitchen: dehydrating tomatoes!

    Thanks for hosting!

    We also host a blog hop called Eat Make Grow we are always looking for folks who write about gardening, cooking, crafting and kids to link up.

    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

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  1. A chippy thrifty find says:
    October 29, 2012 at 5:11 AM

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    Reply
  2. homemade toffee recipe says:
    November 26, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    […] recipe with these happening places… -Inspired by Charm–Home Stories A to Z–The Shabby Nest–At the Picket Fence-Filed Under: desserts, recipes Tagged With: dessert, homemade, homemade toffee, recipe, […]

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  3. Updating Bathroom Cabinetry..Cottage Style - Lisa's Creative Designs says:
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    […] Linking Today To: Furniture Feature Friday Show and Tell Friday Feathered Nest Friday Inspiration Friday Tater Tots and Jello Saturday Nite […]

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  4. Clothespin Chandelier - Create Craft Love says:
    March 19, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    […] & Link Up @ Becoming MarthaFriday Fun Party @ CraftionaryHappy Hour Friday @ Happy Hour ProjectsInspiration Friday @ At the Picket FenceHappy Hour Link Party @ Crafty Scrappy Happy Weekend Bloggy Reading @ […]

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    July 30, 2013 at 6:43 PM

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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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