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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

October 18, 2013

$500 Maine Cottage Gift Card Giveaway

 

What if you could pick one room in your home and completely start over?

You had a clean slate….a blank canvas just waiting to be filled…

…you could go crazy with colors and not worry about how they blended in with the rest of your home….or you could decide it was time to neutralize and embrace a more subtle sensibility with natural tones and textures.

What would you do?

$500 Maine Cottage Gift Card giveaway from Atthepicketfence.com

We’re so excited to be bringing you an awesome giveaway today from Maine Cottage. An online furniture store like no other! Where each piece is made to order and perfect for adding some cottage charm to your home. With loads of fabric choices, beautiful accessories for every room and, of course, gorgeous furniture, there is truly something for everyone here!

We thought it would be fun for each of us to put together a dream room using some of the pieces from Maine Cottage. We’re picking rooms where we would want to start fresh. Rooms where we could just have fun and fill the blank canvas with whatever our hearts desired!

Heather is going to show how she would decorate her office and Vanessa’s going to show how she would transform her dining room.

 Heather’s dream Office Makeover:

There’s something fun about planning a room makeover from scratch! Although, I’ve finished many of the rooms in my new home…the office is still empty, except for a few stray boxes.  I thought it would be fun to do a virtual makeover of this space, revolving around a cheerful color combination of blues, yellows and ivory!

Main Cottage Office Makeover paint and fabric swatches

Furniture Colors:

Sun
True Blue
Ivory

Fabric Choices:

Mayflower: Ivory
Tweet Suite: True Blue

Lucky Leaf in Sun

Based on this fun and bright color combination, I put together this design board for my new office:

Main Cottage Office Makeover Design Board
The office makeover revolves around the Low Tide Desk, in this fun and playful blue! If you’ve seen my new house, you know I’m crushing on blue right now..and have a variation of blue in every room.

Low Tide Blue Desk

…and I love this fun Jack Dining Room Chair.  I like a nice upholstered chair at my desk,  it’s so much more comfortable!

UP6525

Of course every office needs a comfy occasional chair, like the Mason in this darling fabric Tweet Suite , for guests or to just sit and read a book.
UP1925

The fun part of any room makeover is accessorizing! Main Cottage has lots of beautiful coastal accessories to add the perfect finishing touch to any room. 

Main Cottage Office Makeover Design Board accessories

I’m ready to get going on my office makeover…and feel so inspired by Main Cottage design boards! 

And now, here’s Vanessa’s jumping off point for her imaginary dining room makeover:

I live in the Pacific NW and if there’s one thing we need in our homes it’s bright and cheerful colors! I was inspired by this warm and beautiful color palette when I was thinking about how I would redecorate my dining room. 

fabric and paint collage

Furniture Colors:

Sun
Petal

Fabric and Paint Choices:

Sprout
Rambler Sun
Zinnia

Based on this fun and cheerful color combination above, I put together this design board for my imaginary new dining room. It’s definitely more casual than my current dining room and I can see it being a place for my family to gather together for many a relaxed evening around the big barn wood table. 

Maine Cottage dining room makeover

The room really comes together around this fabulous Jill Dining Chair in a colorful pattern.

jill dining tweet sun

And I had so much fun adding pops of color throughout the “room” with fun accessories!

dining room makeover accessories board

We’re teaming up with 3 other bloggers to bring you this fabulous giveaway from Main Cottage!  Check out the rooms created by Kim from Sand and Sisal, Beth from Home Stories A to Z and Jessica from Four Generations One Roof.

Thanks to the generous folks at Maine Cottage, one lucky winner will receive a $500 Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and thanks so much for joining us today At the Picket Fence!

dual-signature_thumb2

118 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Sponsored Tagged With: decorating, Giveaway

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tara Campbell says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    I love love love the Margret bench!

    Reply
  2. Sandy says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    Heather’s choice of the low tide desk is what I have been searching for to use in my office.

    Reply
  3. LisaAlso says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:58 AM

    I’m crushing on the Sagamore Server, but also the Violet Mussel Lamp. Wait! There’s also….

    Reply
  4. ruthann says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    The low tide table is awesome! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  5. Kim H says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Love, love, love the Low Tide Table!

    Reply
  6. Martha Franks says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    LOve the Jack and Jill chairs! Would love to win this giveaway!

    Reply
  7. Stormie says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:30 AM

    Love the striped boccee lamps, beautiful!

    Reply
  8. Judy D says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Love it all!

    Reply
  9. Ellie says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    I love the Island Wardrobe in pear!

    Reply
  10. Myla says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    Love Maine Cottage products. And thanks for the awesome contest.

    Reply
  11. Christine W says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    ohhhh….anything shown would make my little cottage just dreamy! My cottage just screams “gimmee gimmee”!

    Reply
  12. Ashley Rane Sparks says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    It’s hard to choose just one room! I think I would do the master bedroom..I have struggled to piece that together from the beginning.
    Thanks for sharing!
    So fun!
    Ashley Rane Sparks

    Reply
  13. Sharon B. says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:39 AM

    I love the Alice baskets in the blue/green colours. It would be really hard to decide exactly which colour to get, they are all so beautiful.

    Reply
  14. Emily Miller says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    I love the cottage look! All of the colors are so cheery!

    Reply
  15. kathy says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    I love the low tide table and the storage cart!

    Reply
  16. Tami says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    Beautiful furniture! Love the fun fabrics!

    Reply
  17. Patty Lucas says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    Love the table and the mirror and the lamps and the chairs – I LOVE everything. Can’t wait to go to their website.

    Reply
  18. Sara says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    My family room needs some serious work! I love the stowaway shelf for behind the couch (my cookbooks need a home). Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Warmly,
    Sara

    Reply
  19. Terrye Holcomb says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    It’s too hard to choose one category or item, but that low tide desk is just perfect!

    Reply
  20. Debi Drace says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    Master bedroom!! Love the items in blue and beige and that would be the color scheme for me.

    Reply
  21. Kim says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:04 AM

    The Charlie Buffet and Hutch would be a great addition to my kitchen….love!!!

    Reply
  22. Lori Lawson says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    I love the Frances coffee table!!

    Reply
  23. Karen says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Love Main Cottage! I’ve had my eye on new dining chairs. These are great!

    Reply
  24. Jan G. says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    love, love the colors and want the barn wood table and Mason chair very much!

    Reply
  25. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    I love the whole first board for our “new” Mountain Cottage!I have 6 rooms that I have a blank slate from which to create!

    Reply
  26. Cindy says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    Wow, I would love TWO Evy Swivel Gliders to go in front of our kitchen fireplace when the remodel is finished!
    Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    Reply
  27. Leatha says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    This is such a wonderful inspiration! I love all these colors & I can just envision a redo of my living room!

    Reply
  28. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    That first link to maincottage.com didn’t work, but the 2nd one did. Both go to maincottage.com, so I don’t know if it’s just me.

    Reply
  29. Nichole says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    That buffet hutch would be perfect in our made-over kitchen!

    Reply
  30. Sheila Stevens Moore says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    Love the low tide table…..love everything actually!

    Reply
  31. Karen says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Loooove Maine Cottage….thanks so much for the opportunity to win:)

    Reply
  32. Deborah Wilkins says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Love the blues! Right up my alley! Thank you for your wonderful blog and the opportunity to win.

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

    October 18, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I have a new room to decorate and I’m really excited. Wouldn’t it be great to have brand new furniture. I like the Wilton skirted sofa which I would definitely use in my old living room. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music

    Reply
  34. Katie f says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I love the low tide hall table

    Reply
  35. Zolane says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    I’d love ANYTHING from Maine Cottage! Their products are so fresh and cheery – they just make you happy 🙂 Thanks so much for the gift card opportunity!

    Reply
  36. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    What a great giveaway! I love the low tide table, but I really love it all!

    Reply
  37. Mary says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    The Mason chair “calls” me to sit a while, relax, and enjoy catching up on my favorite blogs, like ‘At The Picket Fence’. It looks SO comfortable.

    Reply
  38. mymosk says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I did not see anything I didn’t like! I did fall in love with the Mason chair in the tweet fabric. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  39. Jennifer H. says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    The sofas and the wicker items!

    Reply
  40. John H. says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    I like the stow-a-away cabinet.

    Reply
  41. Susan says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    I LOVE everything Maine Cottage offers….everything! My favorite today is the Mason chair. I see myself curled up on that chair reading the Sunday newspaper!!

    Reply
  42. Erica E says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    The Bay double window seat would work our great for my family room.

    Reply
  43. Val says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    Anna Sleeper Sofa!

    Reply
  44. Heather B says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    I absolutely love the Small Island Bookshelf and the Bay Single Window Seat with Cushion.

    Reply
  45. tina small says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    The Fiddle End Table is darling

    Reply
  46. Debi says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    I could see all types of potentials for my living room. The furniture I have is 20+ years old. I’m ready.

    Reply
  47. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Love the Great Island Bookshelf with doors….so many great colors to choose from!

    Reply
  48. Tracy S. says

    October 18, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    Fantastic colors and I love that you can customize your fabrics and such! LOVE!!!

    Reply
  49. Steph says

    October 18, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    Love the Low Tide desk and the Stow Away Shelf

    Reply
  50. Valerie says

    October 18, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    I love the Nellie double dresser!

    Reply
  51. Rhonda R. says

    October 18, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the dining room makeover!! The Jill dining chairs with the barnwood table is a perfect pick!!

    Reply
  52. Theresa says

    October 18, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    I would love to redo the basement. I painted upstairs last spring so the rooms got refreshed. Can’t afford new furniture. I love the stowaway cabinet–would be great
    for storing craft projects in progress.

    Reply
  53. Jenny says

    October 18, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    LOVE that Low Tide Desk!!!

    Reply
  54. brittany says

    October 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    the Charlie Buffet Hutch is smashing!! love love love!!

    Reply
  55. Ellen Price says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    I love the Celia dining table! Beautiful!

    Reply
  56. Pamela H. says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    Oh, my. Just love the Mason chair — looks so comfy!

    Reply
  57. Brandi says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    nice stuff!

    Reply
  58. Pat S says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    I have loved Maine Cottage furniture and accessories for years. Fresh colors and style really reflect contemporary New England. Great designers!!!!!

    Reply
  59. Connie says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    I need the Cape Hatteras rug!

    Reply
  60. Martha says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    I so love the Blanche Sofa!

    Reply
  61. Julianne says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    I LOVE everything, but have to pick the Julianna Bed!!

    Reply
  62. Susanne says

    October 18, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    I love everything, but the Alex chair is my favorite. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  63. Judy says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    I love everything. The Mason chair is absolutely awesome. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  64. Babette says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:57 PM

    Wow, really love both of these design boards. Love the bocce table lamps.

    Reply
  65. Julie N says

    October 19, 2013 at 3:16 AM

    I’d accessorize like crazy with this prize!

    Reply
  66. Suzi says

    October 19, 2013 at 4:30 AM

    heather i think you just designed my new studio/office! i love the colors too. don’t you maybe want to come to sunny so fl this winter and do my room for me? 😉

    Reply
  67. Kara says

    October 19, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    Ok, I got sidetracked by the accessories and fell in love with the really rosy milk scarf! Also loved their hooks and bookshelves,

    Reply
  68. Debbie says

    October 19, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    I admit that I’m new to Maine Cottage. I love the style. I will try to vie for the win, but I usually do these things incorrectly.

    Reply
  69. Linda says

    October 19, 2013 at 5:20 AM

    Ooooh—drooling over the Camille Ottoman! (Hope it’s stain resistant.). 🙂

    Reply
  70. Lisa says

    October 19, 2013 at 5:23 AM

    Loved it!! The colors that Heather picked for her dream office are the colors I just painted my bedroom and masterbath!! They all work so well together!!

    Reply
  71. Dori says

    October 19, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    It would be hard to choose from their great stuff but I really want to redo my living room!

    Reply
  72. Deborah says

    October 19, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    Love your picks, and would love to win the gift certificate!

    Reply
  73. Karen Ploransky @ The Decorated Nest says

    October 19, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Loving the Wilton Skirted Sofa in stone washed linen natural fabric! gorgeous

    I have been loving blues for the last 36 years–all shades!

    Reply
  74. Jane @ See Jane Learn says

    October 19, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    All your decorating choices from Maine Cottage were pretty! I would LOVE to own a Mason chair of my own…30 years of marriage and I’ve never had that kind of pretty upholstered chair. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  75. Margaret says

    October 20, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Love the Nellie two over four drawer dresser!

    Reply
  76. Sam says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Love the striped boccee table lamps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  77. Karen says

    October 20, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    I would love to have the Harold Square Coffee Table for my back porch.
    Thanks,
    Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    Reply
  78. Erin K. says

    October 20, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    I love the Eloise Wingback Chair. It would look wonderful in my parlor!

    Reply
  79. Lauren says

    October 20, 2013 at 11:51 AM

    I like the Audrey chaise!

    Reply
  80. Maria S. says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    Love the Jill chair!!

    Reply
  81. Natasha says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    I love the Bay Coffee Table!!

    Reply
  82. Deb says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    The jill chair rocks!!!! Love the color as shown…its so beautiful!

    Reply
  83. Eileen Shultis says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    Love that Mason chair – the fabric is adorable! And the Barn wood dining table – love it!!

    Reply
  84. Brenda Harrison says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    I absolutely love the low tide table in blue! And the occasional chair and the other chair, and, and, and…..

    Reply
  85. rust says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Madeline Dining Table

    Reply
  86. Paige Ochsner says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    I love all the new colors out now. I can’t wait until our home is built so I can use some of these colors.

    Reply
  87. Brenda says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    Love the low tide desk!

    Reply
  88. Jennifer says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    I love the Windsor Arm Chair

    Reply
  89. mary anne says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    Round bay mirror but truly everything is gorgeous.

    Reply
  90. Joanie says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    What fun furnishings. I love the Low Tide Hall Table.

    Reply
  91. Karen says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    I would love to start with the tweet suite chair in my computer room.

    Reply
  92. April M says

    October 20, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    I like the Dory bookshelf.

    Reply
  93. robin pichelmayer says

    October 20, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    wow!!! Alex tall chair!!!

    Reply
  94. Donna Hamlin says

    October 20, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    My heart seriously skipped many beats when I was looking at your dream makeover – it took my breath away… oh goodness – the colors and prints are absolutely gorgeous! ~sigh~

    Reply
  95. Kimberly Sneed says

    October 20, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    LOVE this media center! https://www.mainecottage.com/island-media-center.html

    Reply
  96. Kat says

    October 21, 2013 at 5:01 AM

    love that low tide desk!

    Reply
  97. Michelle says

    October 21, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    My absolute favorite would be the Margaret Bench in Bark. I also could see two Audrey chairs in my bedroom with the Dilly Clay fabric. Thank you for a great giveaway.
    Blessings,
    Michelle

    Reply
  98. Kelly says

    October 21, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    I like the barnwood table – thanks for a chance to win!

    Reply
  99. Tracy Hilker says

    October 21, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    this is wicked adorable!!!! It just popped up on my facebook and I’m glad it did!!

    Reply
  100. Teresa Perkins says

    October 21, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Adore the Savannah lamps!

    Reply
  101. Heather says

    October 21, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    Wow, beautiful, fresh style! I would love the Cape Hatteras rug (among other things) as it would really liven up our family room.

    Reply
  102. Jen S. says

    October 21, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    The Low Tide Hall Table is Awesome! I love the boards you came up with!

    Reply
  103. Erika W. says

    October 21, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    I love the June glass lamp!

    Reply
  104. Mia says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    I love the octopus throw pillow in the marine blue color!

    Reply
  105. Michele says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Love the blue Mason chair AND the stowaway shelf!

    Reply
  106. Michele says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    Love the Mason chair and Stowaway Shelf.

    Reply
  107. Renee hallstrom says

    October 21, 2013 at 3:08 PM

    Mason. Chair and stowaway shelf

    Reply
  108. shelly says

    October 21, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    Would love the buffet hutch for my kitchen.

    Reply
  109. Ellen says

    October 21, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Love the office board. Blue and yellow are my favorite colors.

    Reply
  110. Ashley H says

    October 21, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    I like the small stow away shelf.

    Reply
  111. Lori says

    October 21, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    The colors in the Jil dining chair are right up my alley. The fabric would look spectacular in my dinning room that I am painting 2 shades darker of the yellow that is there. Love all the color choices. 🙂

    Reply
  112. Donna Craig says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    I love your colors!

    Reply
  113. Peg Hill says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    I love, love, love the Charlie Buffet and Hutch!

    Reply
  114. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:49 PM

    Love the stowaway shelf!

    Reply
  115. Susan @ The Little Bird says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    The Round Bay Mirror is gorgeous!

    Reply
  116. Vicky bright says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    Striped bocce balls

    Reply
  117. Carla Atkins says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    I definitely love the Big Cay Desk in Bluebell! I so need a new office desk…and office makeover! The Striped Bocce table lamps would be perfect, too! So many beautiful things to choose from 🙂

    Reply
  118. Paige Gonzalez says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    I love the Charlie Buffet and Hutch! I don’t know where it would go but I love it!

    Reply

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Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
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