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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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November 4, 2019

My Crazy Christmas Shopping at Hobby Lobby

October 31 for me this year meant a quick trip to pick up discounted candy at Target (apparently our family has zero self-control if candy is purchased too far in advance of Halloween) and then a stop at Hobby Lobby to see what treasures I might find on the 1,578 shelves filled with Christmas decor. It had all been there since late July but, as much as I love the holidays, I staunchly refuse to even look at any of it until we are safely in the ‘ber’ months (September, October, you get the idea).

I saw beautiful trees and beautiful wreaths and so many things that I thought would make really fun additions to our home this year. I meandered through the aisles and aisles of ornaments, picking up a box or two only to stare at them for a minute and then put them right back on the shelf.

But after roaming the store for a little while longer, I FINALLY found something. Are you ready to see it?

That’s it, you ask? I said the same thing to myself as I was leaving the store! Out of all of those aisles and aisles of beautiful decor, all I bought was a fun new tree topper for my 12 year old daughter’s Christmas tree!

What is wrong with me?!

Well, I’ll tell ya.

This isn’t the first time this has happened to me in recent months. And what I’ve come to realize is that my commitment to simplifying and being a better steward of my resources (time, money, energy) has all led up to this moment in my life. I’ve told you before that my new mantra is that never again will I make seasonal decorating a complicated, elaborate (or expensive!) process. But, I’ve found that it’s something I need to recommit myself to over and over again as the temptation arises. And never is this more true than at Christmas-time. It’s kind of like committing to healthy eating right before the holidays. Resisting the temptation to dig in is increased a hundredfold when all of the goodies are paraded right in front of you!

But, when you realize just how great it feels to resist that temptation and to be mindful of how you are taking care of yourself (and that includes taking care of your home and your money!) it just gets easier and easier.

So, I’m heading into the holiday season this year with a mindset towards simplicity that has not only taken root and flourished since last year, but has really been cemented. I’ll be digging through my current stash (bins and bins and bins!) of Christmas decorations, selling and donating the ‘excess’, and making the most of what I decide to keep. I’ll watch paperwhite bulbs grow and spend just a bit of money on a fresh wreath for my front door and use the time, energy and money I save on ‘new’ things wisely as I invest it all of the things that truly matter this season. Being with the ones I love and celebrating the ONE Who makes it all possible!

Now, I want to hear from you!

Have you embraced a more simplified way of celebrating the holidays?

What are your favorite inexpensive ways to decorate for Christmas?

Let’s chat!

 

And, if you want to see how I simplified my decor last year, you can take the tour here.

Thanks so much for meeting me here today friends!

13 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Good Ideas, Good Thoughts, Holidays

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Comments

  1. Robyn says

    November 4, 2019 at 10:47 AM

    Starting last January, I have cut back in my buying for and decorating for any holiday or occasion. For fall, I did not buy one new item and actually gave away 3 bags of “stuff” that I just didn’t have a heart for anymore. I didn’t even buy one pumpkin, real or faux! I did buy 2 mums and planted them in pots, but that was it. It feels so good to get through a season or holiday and realize that I have enjoyed that time without spending a ton of money or spending a lot of time on decorating. It encourages me to keep it up! Thanks for your inspiration!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 4, 2019 at 11:02 AM

      Yes!! Robyn I did the same thing this fall although I did buy a couple of small pumpkins. 😉 It really does feel wonderful to just taper back and enjoy what we have. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    November 4, 2019 at 11:08 AM

    Hi Vanessa,
    Bought your book when it first came out and have enjoyed it 🙂 where did you find the beautiful bell wreath on your door, and if you made it where would one find the bells? So beautiful and I have had a difficult time finding large bells this year. Thank you for sharing your heart and home!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 5, 2019 at 12:44 PM

      Hi Michelle! I can’t thank you enough for buying my book and I’m so thrilled that you’ve enjoyed it! The wreath was made locally and then I added the bells to it. I got them on Amazon and here is a link you can use. https://amzn.to/2Chldz4 FYI it’s an affiliate link 😉

      Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words!

      Reply
  3. Carol Reddin says

    November 4, 2019 at 12:19 PM

    Because our Florida home isn’t spacious, we put up a pencil tree which I really like. Fits easily in a corner and is quick to decorate. No new Christmas decor this year (except maybe a candle). P.S. Love the new tree topper for that special girl.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 4, 2019 at 4:29 PM

      Your pencil tree is beautiful and so perfect for your FL house Mom! I think you should definitely spring for some a new candle or two. 😉 xoxo

      Reply
  4. Marlene Stephenson says

    November 4, 2019 at 3:29 PM

    I hardly ever buy anything anymore, my sons and my grandchildren have made and given me so many things to decorate with over the years that these are the things i cherish. I have about five sets of small nativity sets and little snowmen and bells of all kinds. Some of my bells were from my mom’s christmas when she died.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 4, 2019 at 4:28 PM

      Those cherished treasures are definitely worth holding onto! I love that you have so many things that are personal to you and your family Marlene. Those are the things we need to have on display for sure! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Michele M. / Finch Rest says

    November 4, 2019 at 3:49 PM

    Good for you staying true to this promise to yourself and your family.

    I have been “downsizing” my own bins and bins and bins of seasonal decor big time the last few years. I am now at the place where I love and use everything I have kept – but I am promising to lose ONE more bin this year, so plan on being selective and brave in this last cutting off.

    It is sooooo difficult when one is in those fav of places like HL, HG, P1, etc.!!! I made the mistake of going into a brand new Kirklands today……but came out with my first Christmas shopping, 3 bags of candles for nieces, sisters and daughters. We are big time candle people and their’s ROCK. AND got for 30% off – each for only $8!!!!!! Had I not been exhausted (first outing in almost two weeks from having flu a long time.) I coulda kept going on a normal day.

    Anyway, I am impressed and proud of you. Especially must be difficult b/c you are a professional blogger. I cannot even imagine the stresses you must face each seasonal change. Especially Christmas.

    I will be praying for you – your message is a good one for all of us.

    Big hugs.

    Reply
  6. Helen says

    November 4, 2019 at 4:26 PM

    Bravo! I’m with you!

    Reply
  7. Stephanie Wethington says

    November 4, 2019 at 6:25 PM

    I suppose since I work at Hobby Lobby I am on a different page this year. After working many years in retail and only having a lighted tree with no ornaments and no other decorations I have decided I am going to do better. I am going to begin soon with some decorating around our home and after Thanksgiving I want my husband to put the tree up sooner than before. It will at least give me a little more time to put some decor on out tree. It is so hard to think about decorating anything when you are in the middle of all that buying. However, I believe that he and I deserve a bit more. I have always put up the Nativity with his Mother’s bible open to the real Christmas story beside it. I know that is the most important part of Christmas and we all need to cling to what is important. Don’t we? I wish everyone a most blessed Christmas season and let us all cling to what is important about Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus.

    Reply
  8. Shelly says

    November 4, 2019 at 7:20 PM

    I had the exact thing happen this week! I went to visit my Aunt and she lives by Hobby Lobby. I decided to go and told myself if I found something that I would treat myself. I walked the entire store, looking at everything. I came to the checkout area and had an empty cart, but decided to go ahead and get two bows that I had seen in that area. They were on sale. I couldn’t believe that I got through the whole store and resisted all the pretty things. I just didn’t need more. I was very proud of myself! 😀

    Reply
  9. Kim says

    November 10, 2019 at 5:41 AM

    This approach is everythjng👏👏👏 every year I get a little better at keeping it simple and focused on the true meaning!

    Reply

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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
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
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