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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

January 31, 2011

Launch Party Giveaway Day One. An Ode to TJ Maxx…

It’s Day One of our At The Picket Fence Launch Party! 
That means a giveaway!

An Ode to TJ Maxx
by Vanessa

You are my home away from home.

The calm in my storm.
(unless there are screaming children there, in which case I glare at them and think, “don’t they know that this is MY TJ Maxx? I mean, come on!)
You are so close to my house.
You call out to me and I run…er…drive to you.
When you came to our town I almost cried.
Ok, I did cry.
I’m not ashamed.
You had been so far away before.
But, now you are just over the bridge.
Over the bridge and straight to my heart.
TJ Maxx.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, our first Giveaway is a
 $25 gift card
to my favorite store!

And, it can also be used at Home Goods for all of you who have one close to you and of whom I am incredibly jealous because I have to drive an hour to get to the nearest one.
I digress.
I asked my husband once if he thought it was strange that the employees at TJ Maxx recognize me and ask how my kids are doing.
Doesn’t that happen to everyone?

If I went and grabbed a comforter I could just snuggle in right there and be the first to get my hands on the next shipment of goodies!
Now, would you like to know how to enter our first Giveaway?

We are giving you several options…

(MANDATORY)1. Become a “Follower/Friend” here At the Picket Fence and let us know you are by leaving a comment.
(OPTIONAL)2. Grab our “Launch Party” Button from the sidebar and post it on your blog. Leave a separate comment
(OPTIONAL)3. Blog, Facebook and/or Twitter about our new blog (blogging/facebooking or twittering counts as only one entry). Leave a separate comment.
Giveaway One will be open until midnight EST Sunday, February 6.That’s 3 different ways that you can enter to win the
$25 gift card from TJ Maxx…
Just typing out the name makes my heart go pitter patter!

All giveaways are now closed!

So, come on! What are you waiting for? 



116 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cricket says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I just became a new follower!!

    Reply
  2. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  3. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway!

    @ladynole35

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    I am a follower and the first part of my post today is all about your new blog (come check it out). You know that Home Goods is my home away from home. I would love to win.

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I added your launch party button to my sidebar.

    Reply
  6. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    I’m your friend/follower on FB! So excited to see what you gals share with us! And Heather, it was so great to see and hear you! I miss you.

    Reply
  7. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I posted on FB about you!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Following along here! Love the new blog! I was just in TJMaxx this weekend and could’ve bought half of the store.

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Love your new blog and yes I am a follower. Love TJMaxx also. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Pattie says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Judy sent me over glad to be following, sounds like a fun time…..

    Pattie

    Reply
  11. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I’m a follower! I LOVE TJ Maxx! Is the ending date correct? Just wondering! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Red Gate Farm says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I’m a follower too. I don’t live next to a TJ Maxx but I work 5 minutes (walking) from one 🙂

    ~Chris

    Reply
  13. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I am a happy follower, and in fact on my way to TJ’s now! My favorite place to shop!

    Reply
  14. Val says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I heard there was a party going on over here….and I’m in LOVE. So happy for you and your sister! I can’t wait to know Heather better!! Of course, I follow! So exciting!!!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa, just signed on as a follower. Love TJ Maxx/ Home goods. They are the same here. The stores here say TJ Maxx and Home Goods. Love those benches you are sitting on.

    Reply
  16. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I clicked the follow button as soon as I saw your announcement last night!
    TJMaxx, HomeGoods and Marshall’s are my FAVORITE stores and we have several in our area! Lucky me!

    Reply
  17. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I posted your button to my sidebar!

    Reply
  18. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    I posted about your new blog on Design Fanatic’s facebook page!

    Reply
  19. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    hi there- I’m a new follower! I love the maxx! laura

    Reply
  20. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    hi there- I just added your button to my sidebar. thanks for the partay. laura

    Reply
  21. Patty says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    I am a follower and I have your button in my sidebar on my blog. 🙂
    Have a great day!
    Patty

    Reply
  22. Green Door Girl says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    follower! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Blessed Mommy of 2 says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I’m a follower At the Picket Fence :o)

    Reply
  24. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I’m also following you on twitter! laura

    Reply
  25. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I’m a follower:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    I’m posting your giveaway button on my sidebar:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  27. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Congrats Vanessa! What a great idea, you and your sister sharing a blog 🙂 Best of luck with the launch!

    My heart goes pitter patter too over TJ’s, Marshall’s and HG. We have several nearby…too much to handle!

    Reply
  28. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Oops, forgot to say “I’m a follower” 🙂

    Reply
  29. Sheri says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    you KNOW if it involves a( a friend and b) TJ MAXX – I mean come on – i’m in there like swimwear!

    Reply
  30. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I’m a follower! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    And I grabbed your button! Cheers!

    Reply
  32. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I was a follower on Day #l!!!!!!!

    Reply
  33. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    The Launch Party Button is on my sidebar!

    Reply
  34. michelle says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    This is so amazing girls! I love it!!! I am a follower for sure!! Have fun!!

    Reply
  35. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  36. Janet says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I’m a follower!!!

    Reply
  37. Carrie says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I became a follower yesterday! Vanessa you truly inspire me. I can’t believe it was a few years ago that I babysat your little (very much growing!) boy. You have a precious family. I am so excited to learn new things from you and your sister. God Bless!

    Reply
  38. Mary Drummond says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    New follower!

    Reply
  39. redheadsmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I’m a follower

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I am a new follower.

    Reply
  41. Terry says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m a new follower!

    Reply
  42. Tammy@beatrice banks says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I’m your newest follower and look forward to reading this wonderful blog!

    Reply
  43. scrap-n-away says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Congrats on your new blog. I’m a follower

    Reply
  44. craftmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    I am a follower of your blog:)

    Reply
  45. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Congratulations on the new blog!! I’m following!

    Reply
  46. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway – @tracit1997

    Reply
  47. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    BTW – I love the sweater you have on in that picture!!!

    Reply
  48. Netters says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I am a follower too!

    Reply
  49. Lori says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I’m a follower!!

    Lori : )
    Thrifty Decor Mom

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Great job on the new blog…so cute!!!

    PS. I almost bought that striped bench you’re snuggling up against…I knew I loved your taste. 😉

    xo
    Julie

    Reply
  51. Alison says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Following happily!

    Reply
  52. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I’m following along!

    Reply
  53. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I am following(Michelle-Emerald Cove sent me!)!

    Reply
  54. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Going on the sidebar!

    Reply
  55. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Following! I will add a link to your blog on my blog site as well.

    Reply
  56. Jenna Young says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Ok…just saw I needed to post an extra comment… 🙂 Having trouble figuring out how to post your button on my wordpress blog, but I have added your site as a link on mine, if that counts for anything!

    Reply
  57. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Facebook sharing as well!

    Reply
  58. Debbi says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Following and excited! I’m a Maxanista!

    Reply
  59. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Hi Vanessa~ Of course I am a follower of your delightful new blog! LOVE THIS~ Will add the button right now to my blog! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Taylor Renee says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    I’m a new follower! TJ Maxx is my favorite!

    Reply
  61. Heidi says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    How fun! Good luck with the blog!

    Following!

    Reply
  62. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I’m a follower. Love your blog!

    Reply
  63. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Following you on FB too.

    Reply
  64. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Certainly a follower!:)

    Reply
  65. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Posted about your launch party!

    Reply
  66. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    I’m a follower!

    Reply
  67. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Launch Party button…on my blog!

    Reply
  68. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Woohoo! This is a great giveaway! I love TJ Maxx too. I am now a follower! I thought I followed yesterday but I guess i just posted a comment an ran. What can I say, you know I just don’t have my act together, (at all) but I do mean well! LOL! Love the new blog and am totally following now! :)))

    Reply
  69. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    I am also happy and honored to display your launch party button on my blog too! That’s entry no. 2 now! Okay??? Wish me luck! :)))

    Reply
  70. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Good luck with your new blog. I’ll put your launch notice on CCHs FB page! Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  71. Connie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    I love TJ MAXX! and would love to find a Home Goods Store! I am now a follower!

    Reply
  72. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    I follow you on FB.

    Reply
  73. Jo says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I am new follower and I grabbed the button.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  74. Athena says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    I’m a follower. I just love TJ Maxx!!! This is my one go to store on the mall. Love It!

    Reply
  75. Jodie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Usually go for the home decor but scored a cute pair of jammies. New to the blog thing. Kind of addicted actually. Love your name!

    Reply
  76. Anita says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    I would definitely love to win a TJ Maxx gift card, but I never win anything, lol!! but I am a new follower. Thanks for stopping by!! I have missed so much lately, I can’t keep up with you!!

    Reply
  77. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Email follower

    Reply
  78. Cynthia says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Hi! I am follower of “At The Picket Fence”…LOVE picket fences so I love the name!
    I am lucky to live close to both a Home Goods and a T.J. Maxx store…yikes!

    Thank you for making this giveaway possible and many blessings and success with your new joint blog!!

    God Bless,
    Cindy

    Reply
  79. Stacey says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    I’m a follower! I live pretty close to a T. J. Maxx store…never been to Home Goods but we are going to Atlanta this weekend & I am shopping til I drop! That was a little off topic…can’t help it I’m excited about my first time at Home Goods! Good luck with your new blog…can’t wait to see what all ya’ll have to show us!

    Reply
  80. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    I am a follower!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  81. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m following y’all, via Google, RSS & receiving emails. Looking forward to reading your new blog!

    Reply
  82. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I liked you on FB!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  83. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Ok, I reTweeted for y’all And became a Twitter follower, too.

    Reply
  84. Christie says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I am following and look forward to all the fun! I will add your button, too!!! That gift card is callin’ my name!!

    Reply
  85. Tausha says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Pick me,Pick me! Because I too am extremely jealous of all people that live close to a Home Goods. I also have to drive at least an hour to get to one. But TJ max-2 within 20 mins! I am a new follower. Can’t wait to see what other fabulousness you bring our way!

    Reply
  86. Jessica says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Hi Girls,

    I am a follower and I grabbed your launch button for my blog at http://www.travelingmercies-jessica.blogspot.com

    Great job, ladies!

    Reply
  87. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Oops! Guess I was suppose to come back by to leave a second comment for putting the button on my sidebar! Here I am! 🙂

    Reply
  88. tickled. says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    I just became a new follower! And I TOO heart TJMaxx! fingers crossed I get that GC! 🙂

    ~Lauren
    tickledonline.blogspot.com

    Reply
  89. jkjkjkb says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    I am a new email follower 🙂 Kim B.

    Reply
  90. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Love it! I’m already a follower. I took care of that in the wee hours of Monday morning.

    Now, I’m heading back “home” for a second chance at the giveaway.

    Reply
  91. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Chance number 2: I just posted the launch party button as my button of the week.

    Now, I shouted out the new blog last week when you were just giving hints, but that doesn’t count for chance number 3, does it? Shucks.

    Never mind. I’m going to win anyway.

    Reply
  92. 1 Buddha's Mom says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  93. Traci says

    February 1, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    I am a follower!! I love the idea of two Sisters and one blog! Can’t wait to see what you two are gona be up too!!

    Reply
  94. Barbara says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    count me in as a follower. cannot wait for future articles.

    Reply
  95. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I am now following. Congratulations, girls!

    Reply
  96. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    Your launch party button will be added to my sidebar – just as soon as I get done with this comment. 😉

    Reply
  97. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, What would I do without a TJ Maxx? I love that store and my credit card bill proves it! Of course I am following your new blog.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  98. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    Hi Guys, I am putting your Launch Party button on my sidebar.

    Reply
  99. Tina says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    I am a follower. I also have an hour drive to the nearest Home Goods, but TJ Maxx is right here in town. I love them both!

    Reply
  100. jdjmcc says

    February 2, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I’m a new follower and I LOVE TJ Maxx!!!
    jdjmcc@aol.com

    Reply
  101. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am a follower and a lover of TJMAXX

    Reply
  102. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am grabbing your launch button for my sidebar. Hugs, Ginger

    Reply
  103. Callie says

    February 4, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    Newest follower!
    I love TJ MAXX!
    catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  104. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    am now a follower. We are buying a house and going to TJ MAXX would be a great way to decorate!

    Reply
  105. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    OKay I have also added your button to my blog. 🙂

    Reply
  106. Chandra Chinnis says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  107. elizabeth says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I’m a follower! Pick me! I live close to TJ’s AND to Home Goods!

    Reply
  108. Katie says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!! I’m a happy follower!!

    Reply
  109. Katie @ OhhBaby says

    February 5, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I am a new follower!

    Reply
  110. Mom of 2 says

    February 5, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Count in me!

    Reply
  111. Carrie says

    February 6, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  112. Coupons Make Cents says

    February 6, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I’m a new follower! Check me out at my blog. I love TJ MAxx…they have the best handbags at the best prices. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  113. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I became a follower & friend.
    Christy 🙂

    Reply
  114. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I facebooked your new blog 🙂

    Reply
  115. Patti says

    February 6, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    I found your site this morning and absolutely love it. I’ve become a follower and look forward to reading your posts.

    Reply
  116. Roxanna says

    February 6, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I am a follower!

    Roxanna

    Reply

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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?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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