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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

October 5, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 85! Welcome!

Before we jump into things this week, it’s time to announce the Grand Prize Winner of the LG Giveaway of a Trip to NYC and Wine and Food Festival!

After narrowing down the top ten finalists, the generous folks at LG made the final winning selection.
And the winner is…
Mia White!

Here is Mia’s winning entry:
“I would have to call my style: “The Precision Pack.”

And I’m probably going to fly my OCD colors a little too candidly, here, but I’m the kind of gal who will RELOAD THE DISHWASHER if anyone tries to “help” me. :/ Growing up, we didn’t have a dishwasher 

(my parents would always correct that statement with a quick ‘Yes we do, we have the Mia-and-Bethany-4000-model’!)

and from scarring years of handwashing twice a day- once before and once after dinner- I have to confess that I don’t pre-rinse a single thing before loading at my house. Because of this, I demand the ultimate efficiency out of a dishwasher. 

I load it with great care and order: always like items together, graduating sizes, even color coded. For example: Silverware. Those little cubbies are for sorting out types, people! Forks? Together! Spoons? By themselves? Knives? Separate. Also? Put those dangerous, pointy ends UP so they get washed well! You’re not going to get that organic Adam’s peanut butter off a knife if the end is tucked down hiding away with all of his buddies! Don’t whine at me about your kids potentially cutting their sweet hands when they help you out- THIS IS NOT CHILDREN’S WORK. It’s an art. 

My [superior] technique is not just about efficiency in thoroughly washing the most amount of dishes per load, but also for optimal UNLOADING efficiency. 

I dare say that if there were dishwasher loading & unloading Olympics- I would probably dominate.”

Congratulations Mia!! 
We are so excited that you will get to meet Vanessa in NYC 
and we know you will have a fabulous time. Thank you so much to all of you who entered this contest!

 
Now, the Fall lovin’ madness is definitely in full swing here at the Fence and all around blogland too!

This week was all about simplicity and Vanessa shared with you her Fall Mantel:

fall, mantel, mantel decorations, simple fall mantel

while Heather shared with you a Fall Dining Room Vignette.


We also have an another awesome giveaway going on right now and there is still plenty of time to enter to win a $350 Prize Pack Giveaway from Shutterfly! Just in time for the Holidays!



We also welcomed two new Sponsors to the Fence this week!

First we have the incredible Nostalgic Bulbs Company 

Nos21

Where you can find incredible deals on Vintage Inspired Items like this
Nostalgic Spiral Radio Bulb


We also welcomed the wonderful Etsy Shop rosekraft


where you can find Vintage Victorian Decor, gifts and ephemera, like this 
Bell Jar with Quail Egg Mini Cloche.

Bell Jar Quail Egg Mini Cloche Reindeer Moss Bird Nest


Now onto this week’s Inspiration Friday Features! 

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]

INSPIRED ROOMS

Christie from Three Pixie Lane shared her incredible Kitchen Remodel and we think the final results are truly stunning! 


Martina from Northern Nesting shared how her living room is changing with the seasons and we just love the rich, warm tones!




Lori from My Heart with Pleasure Fills proudly showed off the darling nursery she helped her daughter create for the precious twin granddaughters coming her way very soon. 
Lori made all of this beautiful bedding!



INSPIRED MAKEOVERS


Jen from The Thrifty Home shared the beautiful makeover she completed on her kitchen including painting all of her cabinets!




JP from Sweet Inspirations gave an old washstand a Rustic “Shabby Glam” Makeover and in the process gave it a new life! 




INSPIRED CRAFTS AND CREATIONS



Lori from The Stonybrook House showed us how to make this fantastic Pallet Art and since this hymn was sung at Vanessa’s wedding it is definitely near and dear to her heart.





Kelly from Coastal Cottage Dreams shared her exciting new business venture with us!
She is launching an Organic Soy Candle Business called Palmetto Wicks and we are so excited for her and wish her much success!



INSPIRED RECIPES and PARTIES



Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane shared this scrumptious recipe for Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Yes please!

Leigh Anne from Your Homebased Mom shared with us this recipe for Fresh Tomato and Herb Soup  and we love the idea of adding the pine nuts and Gorgonzola cheese for a bit of a twist.


INSPIRED FALL DECOR

Ugh. This is a really HARD category to narrow down to only a handful! But, we’ll give it a shot!

We love the creativity of this Spiral Rosette Yarn Wrapped Pumpkin from KC at The Real Thing with the Coake Family

How about these Spooky Halloween Poison Bottles from Art is Beauty?

Debbie from Debbiedoos showed us how she made her darling Fall Mantel Banner and she promises that it’s “easy peasy”!

We love this idea for painting acorns from Freddy & Petunia! Think of the possibilities for working this into your Autumn decor!

Kirstin from Craftiments showed off her beautiful Fall Mantel complete with twine, corn husk and fabric pumpkins!

Craftiments:  Twine, corn husk, and fabric covered foam pumpkins

Claire from The Rustic Pig honored us with the story of how her family has been impacted by the life of her darling nephew since he was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.

Kristin from Simply Klassic Home shared with us an incredible story of two lives (and two blogs) that are uniquely intertwined and a friendship that has stood the test of time and heartache.

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!

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. Thank you! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest where we also pin each week’s Inspiration Friday Features. 


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 Decorative Pillow Covers Like This

Decorative Pillow Cover - 20


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting Vanessa and Heather! Hope the two of you had a great week 🙂

    Reply
  2. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another fun party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  3. Eclectically Vintage says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    Yippie for Mia – she’s going to love the wine event!
    Kelly

    Reply
  4. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Loved all the wonderful features from last week!!….Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  5. K Coake says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Also, thanks so much for featuring my spiral yarn pumpkin! Have a great week!

    Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    OH…and congrats to Mia….how very exciting!!!

    Reply
  7. FABBY'S LIVING says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    The features are terrific, I will visit some today. Thanks for hosting yet, another great party at, Inspiration Friday. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  8. Sherry says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Lots of lovely features!
    Sherry

    Reply
  9. The French Hutch says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Great features, thanks for hosting.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Thanks so much girls for featuring my living room 🙂 and thanks for hosting! Have a super weekend!

    Reply
  11. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting your party, girls!

    Reply
  12. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Congrats to Mia for winning the trip! I see some fabulous features that I need to visit! Thanks for the party, girls!

    Reply
  13. Anita says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Wonderful features again girls! Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  14. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Congratulations to lucky lady Mia! Thank you so much for hosting the party every week.

    Reply
  15. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Tons of inspiration here. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  16. Pamela says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Thanx for hosting ladies! So glad to be able to party this week with y’all. Such great features and some truly heart warming.

    Reply
  17. suzyq says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Thanks so much for another wonderful party!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  18. Sylvia says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa,
    lots of loveliness and inspiration here today. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful party and for having me. I am sharing today our annual family trip to Algonquin Park and a little lakeside picnic we had there. I hope your readers enjoy it.
    Stay Happy!

    Reply
  19. Sue says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    I see some great blogs I need to visit in today’s link-ups! There just never seems to be enuf time to see them all, does there? Glad I could link up again with you girls this week. hugs, Sue

    Reply
  20. Poppy says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa,

    Super super party! Time to nestle in my little nook and indulge in these great link-ups. Thanks for hosting. Have a great weekend!

    Poppy

    Reply
  21. Athena at Minervas Garden says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    I enjoyed your posts this week very much, Heather and Vanessa, and I do appreciate you both hosting the party today. Lovely features–so much inspiration!

    Reply
  22. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    LOve your fun fall decor, gals! just linked up, thanks for always hosting a great party!!

    Reply
  23. cherished bliss says

    October 4, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies, lovely features!!

    Reply
  24. Barbara says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting this week! As always you have such wonderful features…I am so honored to have my chocolate pumpkin bars amoung them.
    Hope you gals have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  25. Alderberry Hill says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Thanks for hosting…all the Fall & Halloween link ups are great!

    Reply
  26. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    These are awesome features, ladies! Thanks so much for hosting each week! Glad to link up!

    Reply
  27. Becca says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Incredible features, ladies! Congrats to Mia, too! I’m seeing lots of eye candy already linked up … I’m off to be inspired! xo

    Reply
  28. Mia White says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks Heather & Vanessa, I am pretty sure that I’m still just completely in shock over all of this. And I didn’t think it possible but I actually love your blog even MORE now! Thanks again!! I can’t wait! 😉

    Reply
  29. Anne says

    October 4, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Fun and beautiful features! Thanks for hosting again!

    Reply
  30. Julie redheadcandecorate.com says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    Thanks for hosting another great party 🙂 I love your light bulb sponsor…his lightbulbs are the best! The test tube version is really neat too and fairly priced 🙂 Have a great weekend you sisters! ~ Julie

    Reply
  31. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Love what you ladies have been up to this week! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  32. Lori says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Heather and Venessa, SO sweet to feature the girls bedroom. Which by the way looks like it will be in use late next week. Ann Marie’s blood pressure has been up and down and they have her on bedrest. If she can make it to her 36th week, they will deliver them next Wednesday! Super excited! For the feature and especially for Hadley and Layton to arrive. Thanks and prayers for our babies are welcome from all followers!

    Reply
  33. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Thanks for hosting-Happy Thursday:@)

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

    October 5, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  35. Coastal Cottage Dreams says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Thanks for hosting and featuring my new candle venture.

    Reply
  36. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Hi Ladies! Thanks for hosting. Some great features this week. I really loved Kristin’s story! How inspiring. =) I have a similar story with my hubbies ex-wife. It’s always nice when friendship can overcome anything! Have a great weekend. It’s Thanksgiving weekend here. I’m doing turkey dinner Saturday. Can’t wait. Mmm!

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  37. Claire @ The Rustic Pig says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    Hi Girls!! Thanks so much for the feature and for hosting!! I absolutely ADORE your site!!! I always love linking up here!! Thanks again! Hugs!!

    Reply
  38. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    October 5, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Great features! You all have been busy girls this week!

    Reply
  39. Shelia says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    Hello, Dear Ones! Oh, my! What wonderful features today. I’m so glad to get to join you today! I’ve been gone from blogland for a month and it’s good to be back!
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 🙂

    Reply
  40. LittleOwlCrunchyMomma says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Linked up my post, How to Clean a Bathroom. Check it out. Super easy!

    https://littleowlcrunchymomma.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-clean-bathroom.html

    Reply
  41. Mandy says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Great features!

    Reply
  42. Liz Fourez says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Have a fabulous day : )

    Love Always,
    Liz

    Reply
  43. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!!

    Reply
  44. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa;

    Thank you for hosting. Such a great group of features and so many linking posts to visit. Have a great week.

    Joy

    Reply
  45. Amanda says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Oh, so many great features today! Look forward to visiting some of these!!
    Amanda

    Reply
  46. Good Time Charlie says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    Happy almost weekend. Hope you are enjoying some Fall weather. It finally dipped below 90 degrees today! Maybe I can think about Fall now!

    Reply
  47. Anne says

    October 5, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a great weekend!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  48. melissa @ daisymaebelle.com says

    October 5, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    Thank you girls for hosting! Life to the full, Melissa

    Reply
  49. twelve-O-eight says

    October 5, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting, have a wonderful weekend!!

    xoxo, Tanya

    Reply
  50. ~ Liz ~ says

    October 5, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    Wow, there are so many adorable and doable projects in the features this week! Thanks so much for taking us all in for the party!
    Liz

    Reply
  51. Deidre says

    October 5, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Love all this wonderful creativity! I hope I can inspire someone as well.Thank you so much for hosting:)

    Reply
  52. Stuff and Nonsense says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    what fantabulous features
    just like always

    and we only had
    one in common this week

    i linked up
    my Paul Bunyan story
    for your enjoyment

    thanks for hosting girls!

    alison

    Reply
  53. Jody and Stan says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Love all the fantastic features! Thank you for having such a lovely party!

    Jody

    Reply
  54. Savvy Seasons says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls, have a fabulous weekend! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  55. Yael at Home Garden Diggers says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    You have some lovely and delicious looking features. I particularly like the shab glam wash stand and the colored acorns. Thank you for hostessing. I am a first time poster and new follower.

    Yael from Home Garden Diggers

    Reply
  56. Nancy at maddalee™ says

    October 5, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa, thank you so much again for hosting! Linking has been a great way to meet new friends at my new little blog.

    Have a good day, Nancy

    Reply
  57. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    October 5, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Wishing you gals a fab weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  58. Carissa Rasmussen says

    October 5, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    thanks for hosting! have a great weekend

    Reply
  59. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    October 5, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    This is my first time to link up to your lovely blog. What a great place of inspiration! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  60. CAS says

    October 5, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    What a fun and inspiring journey the two of you take us on each week here At The Fence! I truly appreciate that you host this wonderful party each week!

    CAS

    Reply
  61. Calypso In The Country says

    October 5, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Looking forward to all the fall inspiration! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  62. Rob Hunt says

    October 5, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Wow, big party! Thanks for hosting, great fall ideas.
    Rob

    Reply
  63. Nici - Posed Perfection says

    October 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a great weekend.
    Nici

    Reply
  64. Christie says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Thank you girls SO much for the kitchen feature! I told Vanessa it was a long road and a long time eating pizzas for dinner! The good Lord certainly worked on us during that time, too!! We are so thankful to be done and not eating out of a box anymore! This is a very sweet reward for all that work! Congratulations on your features, I have seen at other sites! The fall display is beautiful! I need to find some cute wooden boxes and decorate the rest of my house!! Have a beautiful weekend!! Christie

    Reply
  65. Deidre says

    October 5, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    Hi there again! Well I was so excited with my first entry that I had to add the rest ot the story! lol Hope you dont mind:) Im just havin a blast over here!

    Reply
  66. Christie says

    October 5, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Hey! I am writing some devotions for my children to address some of the difficult things they will face. I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so decided to write my own. Digging in God’s word has been so amazing…seeking His truths on some difficult topics! “What Your Little Eyes See” addresses the things they may see at an early age (that we don’t want them to see!) Shockingly, the average age now is EIGHT. I am trying to pre-empt what the world will tell them, by preparing them with the Truth. Please do not hesitate to delete if this is something you don’t want linked. I am doing a series and this Sunday will be about what does it mean to fear God. I wasn’t sure I knew enough to teach my kids, so went diggin’! Thank you girls for hosting and giving the rest of us a place to share! Christie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 5, 2012 at 3:44 PM

      You know we are all about these types of posts, so we are thrilled you shared it Christie! True Inspiration! 🙂 ~Heather

      Reply
  67. Kirstin Therese says

    October 6, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Thank you for featuring my mantel!

    Reply

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I’m slightly obsessed with lavender and have pla I’m slightly obsessed with lavender and have planted it all around our home. Seeing it waving in the breeze, using it to make simple syrup and just breathing it in as I walk past fills my soul!
Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
.
When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally bloom Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally blooming and I try really hard to not play favorites among the flowers in my garden but these beauties have my heart and bring me so much joy.

What’s bringing you joy today dear friends?
I can’t properly express how much joy it gives m I can’t properly express how much joy it gives me to know that my family loves being home. After a weeklong vacation, we all feel so happy to be back in our haven. As a homemaker in the truest sense of the word (the maker of a home), knowing my husband and children consider this the place where they feel the most relaxed and at peace means all of my intentions and efforts in this area are worthwhile. It’s not perfect and WE are not perfect by a long stretch. But, it’s where we feel the most free to be imperfect. And that makes it pretty wonderful! 🌱
Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made the Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made these last night and they were a big hit! I’ve seen variations of these online but this is my version. So yummy and ready in no time! 
#summerdinner #summerrecipes #grillingseason #grilling #easydinner #easydinnerideas
It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the Willamette Valley! Extreme rain and cooler temperatures followed by extreme heat then back to cloudy and rainy. But the silver lining is that when the sun finally does reappear we definitely don’t take it for granted. My mood is lifting along with the clouds and I’m here for it! ☀️
Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 M Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

May we never take for granted the freedom given to us not by earthly authorities but by the ONE true authority. And may we live in such a way as to honor those who fought for and protect freedom and liberty. 

“Independence Day, freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing thro “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.” Nothing captures the aroma of summer for me quite like jasmine. With my windows open, the whole house is naturally scented and it’s one of my favorite parts of the season.
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
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