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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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    • Featured

May 9, 2013

Living Room Makeover Reveal

traditional-formal-living-room www.atthepicketfence.com

People who know me well will tell you that I’m a person of convictions. I feel strongly about things.

Things like properly brewed coffee. What is the point of drinking weak coffee? If it doesn’t jolt you awake you might as well just become a tea drinker. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! 😉

And there are some clothing styles which were debatable the first time around but are downright horrid when you see them making a comeback…ahem…stirrup pants!

I also firmly believe that when decorating your home it is important to honor the architecture and style of the house itself. It doesn’t have to be a confining thing but if you recognize the fundamental roots of your home and then infuse it with your own personality, the marriage between the two is seamless.

When we first moved into our home, decorating the living room was fairly low on the priority list. This house was quite a bit bigger than our previous one and with a 5 year old and a toddler I didn’t have much time or energy to devote to this rarely used space. Plus, frankly it intimidated me. I was still figuring out my style and the green carpet was definitely a hindrance. It dictated which colors I could use and well…here you have it.

This is my living room BEFORE…as in 2009 before. Yep.

Living room before

Ours is really a quintessentially traditional home. It just lends to a more formal style but I really didn’t want it to feel stuffy. Slowly but surely I made little changes here and there but until we could get rid of the green carpet, nothing was going to ever seem quite right.

Here is the same room last Christmas.

Christmas Living Room At the Picket Fence

And here it is now.

New carpet, mirrored chests on either side of the fireplace, 2 button-tufted chairs and lots of other little changes have all come together to create a space that is soothing…warm…kinda traditional…kinda french country…and very ME!

Formal French Country Living Room www.atthepicketfence.com

If it were possible to be in love with chairs then these two sweethearts would have my utter devotion…actually, they do!

button-tufted-chairs www.atthepicketfence.com

Don’t you just love the multi-colored fabric buttons? I swoon every time I walk into the room and see them there and I’m swooning now just looking at this picture. Swoon, swoon, swoon.

fabric covered button tufted chair www.atthepicketfence.com

For years my husband had been asking me if we can get rid of the glass coffee table that has been sitting in our attic. And for years I’ve been telling him that I could just feel in my gut that we were meant to hold onto it. After all, we purchased it as newlyweds and I knew one day it would find it’s place of honor again. The MOMENT those carpet guys left I was hauling it out of the attic!

glass coffee table with tray vignette www.atthepicketfence.com

Our fireplace is perfectly centered in the room and I’ve always felt like it needed to be flanked by matching pieces. Kind of creating a “built-in” look. These mirrored dressers (found at Tuesday Morning) did the trick.

mirrored dresser next to fireplace www.atthepicketfence.com

These chippy door frames with iron inserts were the perfect way to add height above the cabinets. I would like to tell you that I scoured and scoured flea markets and went hither and yon to find them. I would like to say that I was driving through the countryside and spotted an old barn sitting at the top of hill of wildflowers and after pulling open those creaky barn doors I discovered these gems lying their in all of their chippy glory.

But, I can’t. Cause I got them at the craft store. It’ll be our little secret, OK?

wood-door-with-iron-detail www.atthepicketfence.com

antique books and glasses atthepicketfence.com

My grandmother’s china cabinet was moved over to this wall and is a perfect fit.

formal living room in a traditional home www.atthepicketfence.com

This cabinet will never be painted.

The end.

china cabinet with cream ware www.atthepicketfence.com

tapestry-living-room-drapes www.atthepicketfence.com

formal-french-country-living-room-makeover www.atthepicketfence.com

This room and I have come a long way. We’ve honed our style. We’ve waited and saved and waited and saved in order to make choices which I believe will last us along time. Oh sure, we’ve made a few mistakes along the way. But just like any great relationship, it has only served to make us stronger!

And, remember that green carpet? Well, it wasn’t only in this room. Yep. Just like stirrup pants, it wouldn’t go away! It was also in the dining room, office, on the staircase and down the upstairs hallway. So in the coming weeks I’m going to have more fun makeovers to share with you!

Until then, thanks so much for joining me in saying farewell to green carpet (stirrup pants) forever!

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

Want to see more of our room makeovers?

Powder Room Makeover

powder room makeover

Vintage Girl’s Bedroom

Vintage Vanity table At the Picket Fence

Dining Room Makeover

dining room makeover2_thumb[2]

Bathroom Makeover

French Country Bathroom Makeover www.atthepicketfence.com

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Feathered Nest Friday

The Inspiration Gallery

65 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas Tagged With: formal living room, french country living room, living room, living room makeover, traditional living room

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Comments

  1. Cindy says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Beautiful room! Love your chair buttons and your window treatments too…did you make them?
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      May 9, 2013 at 8:12 AM

      Thanks Cindy! Actually I got the window treatments at Pier 1 and love them. They are even lined so they hang very nicely! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  2. Jo @ Let's Face the Music says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    This room is elegant and warm. I especially like the matching chests on either side of the fireplace; they really balance the room. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music

    Reply
  3. Sue says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    This is a very cozy and stylish room now, Vanessa! I am a big fan of mirrored furniture, so the new consoles just speak to me! Sometimes, it just pays to do things gradually; then you end up having an “acquired” look and feel to the room. I always buy the big stuff all at one time (often when I see things at furniture market), then I add in the frou-frou as time goes on. It’s always an “in progress” design thing- I’m never ever done! 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  4. Thistle says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Vanessa!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE it! Every detail….especially those buttons.

    Seriously!

    You go girl!
    karianne

    Reply
  5. Michele/ Finch Rest says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    Well done! It looks fabulous- I love every decision you made….and I am particularly fond of your glass table, iot wporks perfectly in this space! And I am GLAD you aren’t painting your gma’s beautiful antique china cabinet. I know she would approve!!

    Reply
  6. laura@Top This Top That says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    Never say goodbye to stir ups!! 🙂 room looked pretty then beautiful now!

    Reply
  7. MDR says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    How often has my son-in-law walked into your living room and exclaimed, “Oops! Wrong house.” Take care of this antique china cabinet that I drove 1200 miles to deliver. Love, Dad

    Reply
  8. Cynthia says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    I ADORE those Chairs, the contrast covered buttons are adorable!! You did a beautiful job and your home is just lovely! “Pinning”

    Reply
  9. Anne says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    Gorgeous room! LOVE those gate pieces on the each side of your mantle.That mirror dresser is to die for! I have a cabinet just like yours.And I feel the same way I am never painting it.I love that old wood patina and like you I have my white ironstone collection.It looks amazing together!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    Vanessa, it looks beautiful! We have a VERY traditional house too, and while I absolutely love the cottage-y look that’s so prevalent right now, I’ve had a hard time trying to imagine it in our home. I like that you did you own thing instead, and stayed true to the architecture and style of your home. I can’t believe you found those mirrored dressers at Tuesday Morning. Lucky you! And I LOVE the tufted chairs. They are definitely swoon worthy. The whole room is gorgeous. Great job!

    Debbie

    Reply
  11. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Your living room is stunning just like the rest of your house. Love the new chairs too. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  12. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    It’s beautiful, Vanessa! I’m in the middle of a living room makeover myself, so I was really interested to see this post–and it doesn’t disappoint!

    Honestly, if I could, I’d take out every single bit of carpet in this entire house. Seriously. But if a person is going to have carpet, how much better to have this than the green carpet! You made do for a long time, and now you’re enjoying the payoff for your patience. Good for you!!

    Reply
  13. Judy Clark says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Your living room is beautiful. I love those buttons on the chairs. Did you have them upholstered? Really great idea.

    Enjoy your new room.

    Judy

    Reply
  14. Ceekay says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I love your room….and the flanking the fireplace was the perfect way to go! And don’t be so mean against stirrup pants….they were perfect during long Michigan winters….your pants stayed in your boots!!

    Reply
  15. Tracy B says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Beautiful living room Vanessa! I love all the elements and they fit perfectly together in your room. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  16. Cynthia says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    The living room looks fantastic, love the chairs. Those pieces you put over the mirrored glass tables are beauties. Perfect fit.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  17. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    Beautifully done, Vanessa! It looks very elegant but without that “keep your hands off me” feel. : ) Love the chairs and your sofa! I love any kind of furniture with tufting done on it.

    Reply
  18. Kelly says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Lovely living room, especially love the chair with those buttons. No I would never paint the china cabinet either, I am not a real big fan of all painted furniture.

    Reply
  19. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    Gorgeous! Such an inviting space and I love the fabric covered buttons!

    Reply
  20. FABBY says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Gorgeous living room and yes the new carpet is perfect, now! I love the fire place flanked by the two great mirrored chests..my daughter loves these style too. The chairs look wonderful in it too. Happy Mother’s Day!
    FABBY

    Reply
  21. Emily says

    May 9, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    Absolutely stunning!
    Amazing how a carpet color comes into play, isn’t it?
    LOVE

    Reply
  22. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    May 9, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    WOW! The room looks absolutely gorgeous now! You did a fantastic job! I was starting to think I was over traditional decor, but now I know I’m not!

    And virtual high fives for not painting your grandmother’s china cabinet. I have my great, great grandmother’s hope chest that my grandfather gave me as a wedding gift. It’s got some beat up spots but I’d never dream of touching it!

    Reply
  23. Sherry says

    May 9, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    What a beautiful room this has become! Those chairs with the darling colorful buttons are to-die-for gorgeous. I really love tufted furniture A LOT! And that gorgeous little tray table between them…wow! Vanessa, your traditional style is so elegant. My home would be a bit more traditional if it wasn’t overrun with small children. I’ve gone Cottage Comfortable so that they can run worry-free throughout. I still have my traditional elements though. Great makeover!!!

    Reply
  24. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    May 9, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Oh so pretty! I’m loving those ottomans in your before picture! 🙂 Looks so pretty. Don’t you love once a room is done. Then it’s time to re-do it again! ha

    Reply
  25. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    May 9, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    Vanessa the room looks beautiful. The chair buttons really are so cute. They add such a whimsical touch. That mirrored piece is gorgeous and adds such elegance to the room. It bounces the light around and really adds lots of life and movement. Enjoy your lovely new space :)))

    Reply
  26. Judy says

    May 9, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    Vanessa, the room is absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE your style. Those mirrored dressers were an awesome find. You have got to tell me where you got the tufted chairs – I have never seen chairs with multi-colored buttons. I am swooning with you. The room is so calm, inviting and beautiful. Very well done, my friend.

    Reply
  27. Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says

    May 9, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    It looks great! I was just debating those button tufted chairs this past weekend at the store myself!

    Reply
  28. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    May 9, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    Oh! I LOVE the makeover!!! It is so beautiful!! I have a special fondness for mirrored furniture and totally {heart} yours! They are perfect in there!! So many great touches though, I really can’t pick a favorite!! Great job! and I agree I wouldn’t be disappointed to never see a pair of stirrup pants ever again! Ugh!! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Marty Walden says

    May 9, 2013 at 11:13 AM

    Great job, Vanessa! It is amazing and perfect for your family. Love, love, love the chairs!

    Reply
  30. debbiedoos says

    May 9, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Love your makeover! Looks spectacular Vanessa!

    Reply
  31. Traci says

    May 9, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    It looks great!!

    Reply
  32. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    May 9, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    Oh, you must be thrilled with the makeover Vanessa! LOVE everyting!!! Those buttons on the chairs made me melt too!!!! LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

    I so agree with your decorating philosophy… the decor of a room must take into account the style of the home, especially when that style is evident in the room. Great decorating details. I just love your traditional yet fresh sense of style!!!

    Reply
  33. Angela says

    May 9, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    Your room is absolutely beautiful! Those chairs are gorgeous and I love the little buttons!!~~Angela

    Reply
  34. Rosemary says

    May 9, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    I love those whimsical buttons. The rooms is so beautiful and bright. I’m with you on the stirrup pants, btw. LOL

    Reply
  35. Debbie says

    May 9, 2013 at 4:50 PM

    I love it! I loved that opening picture so much and I was literally saying “Oh please don’t let that be the before shot” out loud as I scrolled through the rest of the post. (You have NO IDEA how many times a “before” is better than my “after”.

    I really love this and your style and I tend to agree with you that you need to keep the structure of your home in mind when decorating.

    And as for stirrup pants, I will just nod and giggle.

    Reply
  36. Sonya Barker ~At Home with The Barkers says

    May 9, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    I LOVE those chairs!! Everything in that room is beautiful!
    ~Sonya

    Reply
  37. Hollie says

    May 9, 2013 at 5:46 PM

    Beautiful! Which craft store did you get the chippy wood door with iron inserts?

    Reply
  38. Becca says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    Go-JUS, Vanessa! You’ve outdone yourself! Your living room was beautiful before and now, you’ve taken it to a new level! Your World Market chairs are perfect in your space … love your new carpet … and, you KNOW I love your new mirrored pieces! Your glass table is fantabulous (good thing you listened to your decorating voice and held onto it) … I’ve been pricing brass/glass cocktail tables lately (they *ain’t* cheap)! I hope you’re enjoying your amazing new space as you read this! Happy weekend!

    Reply
  39. Sharon says

    May 9, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    The room is beautiful! I LOVE your new chairs. I’m such a sucker for tufted buttons. You’ve done a great job of creating a fresh, inviting room.

    Reply
  40. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    May 9, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    OMGosh this turned out SO beautifully. I love it {and shut the front door…. Tuesday Morning? What a great find!!}. Love the buttons on the chairs – swooning too! Amazing job! xoxo

    Reply
  41. Laura @ Finding Home says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    So pretty and welcoming – I love it!

    Reply
  42. Kelly @ The Moon and Me says

    May 10, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    Totally agree with your coffee assessment. 🙂 And about those stirrup pants…I admit to wearing them the first time around…but some thing should never come back. 😉

    Love your living room. It’s happy and comfy and polished all at the same time. Those chairs are fabulous…I alway look at them when I’m in the store.

    Have a great weekend!
    Kelly

    Reply
  43. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    May 10, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    So beautiful! I love that the room remained your traditional style but that it’s so light and airy … sometimes it’s hard to mix those two things. The chairs from World Market are gorgeous!

    Reply
  44. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    May 10, 2013 at 10:40 AM

    What a lovely space, Vanessa! Those tufted chairs are fantastic… think I’d spend days just gazing lovingly at them. 🙂
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  45. Anna says

    May 10, 2013 at 1:53 PM

    Love everything about it!!! WHERE did you get those chairs and dressers!?! I LOVE them!

    Anna
    askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  46. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    May 10, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful space Vanessa!!…I believe you and I are on the same page with our decor…a little traditional with a love for French Country….your mirrored chests are perfect on each side of the fireplace…they add such bling to our room!…Your living room is gorgeous and also has a great comfy feel…you did a fantastic job!!!

    Reply
  47. kristin says

    May 10, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Oh I love you even more! Sometimes when the coffee is weak when the hubs had made it I look at him and give him the eye…it’s funny, I actually will remake a whole pot of coffee 🙂 And I take it black.
    The room is gorgeous Vanessa!! Happy Mothers day girls.
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  48. Kimberly Sneed says

    May 10, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    Love it Vanessa! So bright and open! And I love the traditional feel with fun touches – those chairs are fab! Thanks for sharing!! xo

    Reply
  49. Courtney says

    May 11, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Gorgeous room Vanessa! Love your coffee table and mirrored chests~ soo pretty and the new carpet is perfect! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday this week!! Wishing you girls a Happy Mothers day weekend!! xo

    Reply
  50. Miss Charming says

    May 13, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    Changing the carpet makes such a difference. I’m loving your Grandma’s china cabinet and of course those colorful buttons. Fabulous!

    Reply
  51. Jeannette Mulligan says

    May 16, 2013 at 6:58 AM

    I love so many details of this room…. although I will live vicariously through your photos… there are 5 kids & 4 dogs in our household currently. 🙂 I’d like to know what paint color/manufacturer that you used.

    Reply
  52. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    May 22, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    What a cozy room! The makeover looks great.

    Reply
  53. Jackie says

    June 2, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    I love the room. It’s beautiful but not too fussy. You did a great job. Oh, and the ceilings in that room are to die for!

    Reply
  54. Vicki Shead says

    July 6, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    Beautiful room Vanessa! I love the mirrored chests! What a great find.

    Reply
  55. Sandi says

    February 8, 2014 at 5:29 PM

    Love the room! I’ve been looking for a warm, creamy yellow paint color. You may have given this info previously, but can you tell me the color?

    Reply
  56. Jenny says

    November 26, 2014 at 6:14 AM

    What color are these walls?!

    Reply
  57. Jenny says

    November 26, 2014 at 6:15 AM

    What color are the walls?!

    Reply
  58. Sandi says

    February 4, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    I love everything about your beautiful living room! I’ve been looking for the perfect yellow paint color and it looks like you’ve found it. Would you mind sharing the brand and color?

    Reply
  59. Amy says

    April 9, 2017 at 6:44 PM

    Vanessa,
    What is the name of the yellow paint in your foyer?

    Reply
  60. Tabitha Dupas says

    June 12, 2017 at 11:20 AM

    Hi, you did amazing! I am doing yellow, baby blue and white in my kitchen. I have very little wall space and I decided for the yellow on it. This is the best yellow I’ve seen. Can you tell me the color of this yellow paint on your walls?!

    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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