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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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January 4, 2013

Tell Me How You Really Feel About Winter!

I feel it my duty to give you fair warning.

If you ever decide to do a quick Google search of Winter Quotes so that you can post it on your blog and maybe seem all enlightened and everything, you should know that you may have one of two things happen:

A) If you are suffering from the post-holiday, winter blues doldrums you will only have your feelings confirmed as you read quotes with words like “barren” and “dark” and “bleak”.

B) If you’ve been feeling just fine and dandy about winter and how cozy it is you will slowly begin to feel like the person in scenario “A” above. 

The only quote I could find that didn’t leave me feeling like person “A” or “B” had to do with the fact that Spring comes after Winter.

Don’t you feel enlightened? Me too!

winter quote

I find myself waffling between being the person who is struggling with the fact that winter seems to go on forever and being the person who really likes the fact that winter means I can practically live in sweat pants. God bless elastic!

Taking down all of the Christmas decorations also seems to produce these mixed emotions. There is that twinge of sadness that it is over mixed with the overwhelming urge to just leave it all up till next year rather than having to go through the work of packing it away mixed with how much I love my house looking more open and airy again.

Mixed emotions tend to lead me to “puttering” as my sweet husband likes to call it. It can also be called “tweaking”, “fluffing”, “nesting” or maybe even “decorating”!

winter garden buffet2 at the picket fence

Despite what all of those poets and authors said in those quotes, to me winter means…

clean slates

fresh starts

new beginnings

winter plants At the Picket Fence

And there is just something about bringing life into the house. Flowers and plants that aren’t related to cedar or pine or fir.

cranberries in apothecary

Winter decorating can still involve elements of shine and sparkle but maybe in more subtle ways than at Christmas, don’t you think? Glass jars and silver trays suddenly seem like the stars of the show!

curved silver tray

And, of course, there is always that thrill of finding a Christmas item on clearance ($3.99 people!) that you can use in your house long after the holidays are over.

The good people of Target have really brought their “A” game when it comes to faux florals don’t you think?

winter bulb

And when the sun comes streaming in your house and you pretend that you can’t see that it highlights all of the dust, you just close your eyes, fight the urge to grab your Swiffer duster, and savor the moment.

winter garden buffet at the picket fence

Because even though we know that “If Winter comes can Spring be far behind?” we also know that there is much to be appreciated about this season.

For example…elastic waistbands.

So, how do you feel about winter?

I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for joining me here today at the Fence,

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P.S. If you are looking for our Inspiration Friday Party, please visit this post below!

40 Comments Filed Under: Decorating Tagged With: indoor garden, winter, winter buffet, winter decorating

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Comments

  1. Betty Sneeringer says

    January 4, 2013 at 6:19 AM

    You made a good transition into what can be great about the winter season! I love your winter buffet. My last post was about the “white” of winter and includes a few positive quotes.

    Betty

    Reply
  2. Sherry Smyth says

    January 4, 2013 at 6:49 AM

    I’ve never been a winter lover…never been into winter sports…and then I had children. Two boys. And they live for winter sports…and while I don’t actively participate (I don’t play hockey!), I spent many years of their youths in hockey arenas watching them play (with joy!). The lack of sunlight affects me greatly but being aware of that makes a difference in how I manage my moods. In the last few years I’ve tried the approach of finding the joy and the beauty in winter…and as you pointed out…you can decorate to bring in the sparkle & shine and spring is on the way!

    Reply
  3. Traci says

    January 4, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    HATE IT! Absolutely HATE HATE HATE it! HA! Louisiana winters aren’t even real winters compared to what most people deal with it but I still hate it. I don’t like to be cold & I can’t ever seem to warm up. I welcome spring!!!

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    January 4, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Oh, I am the same way! It seems that after Christmas (here in NC) everything outside is brown, wilted, wet and cold…DREARY! BUT, I keep reminding myself SPRING is coming…just a few LONG months ahead new life will start popping up everywhere. I can’t wait!!!
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Cindy

    Reply
  5. Anne says

    January 4, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    Winter can be a depressing time for me! We don’t seem to get allot of sun around here this time of the year.And when we do it is a real treat! Today is sunny and I am one happy girl! I LOVE bringing in fresh flowers it really does help your spirits!And I am changing things around a little too!Although I am going to leave a few pine cones around.I do want to eat more this time of the year.Especially sweets!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  6. SammaMichelle says

    January 4, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    I’m with you and winter to me, means yoga pants!! That’s about all I can say that I like. And taking the Christmas decorations down….boo hiss, now I HAVE to dust all those areas that were so lovingly covered in pine garland and fresh greenery. <> But spring is coming this I know for the arrival of the Ft Worth Stock Show tells me so!!

    Reply
  7. Leen says

    January 4, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    We lived most of our lived in Syracuse where I would spend five months hating winder, wishing I could go outdoors (hate the cold). Now we live in Coastal North Carolina and winter isn’t so bad at all.

    I try to appreciate all God’s blessings, even chilly days 🙂

    Reply
  8. Marty@astrollthrulife says

    January 4, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    I love it since I live in the desert. Perfect 70 degree weather. I lived in the snow for way too many years. Now as for our summers, they are terrible. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  9. Laura Steckly says

    January 4, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    It all depends on where I am… in the Valley – I HATE winter… over in Central Oregon or in Canada – I LOVE it!! There is something so beautiful and peaceful about the sun glistening off of the snow or the moon making it glow. I love watching my kids (and Joe) flying down the hill on inner-tubes and I even love doing it myself. I love sitting at the window and drinking hot chocolate with my kids and knowing that Isaac only drinks it so he has room for more marshmallows 🙂 Winter is magical some places.

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    January 4, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    I love your little snowglobe! I love winter (no snow here, but pretty COLD this year!) for the coats and sweaters and coziness:) I found a bit of a more positive quote for you:

    “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” —Edith Sitwell …

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 4, 2013 at 8:29 AM

      Oh I LOVE that quote Sue!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with me and yes, it sheds a much better light on winter! 🙂

      Reply
      • Sue {munchkin munchies} says

        January 5, 2013 at 11:00 PM

        Happy to share with you, my friend:)

        Reply
  11. Liz @ Quirky Vistas says

    January 4, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    I love Winter in South Florida when it gets cool. It’s not happening much this season, but when it’s cold in the Winter here, it’s just gorgeous. A bit of rain passes through and then like magic, the sky is as clear and blue and crisp as can be and the temperatures are so wonderful after the constant warmth.

    Your photos are so very cheery! Enjoy your seasons and the constant change from one to the next. I would love to live somewhere like that for a while. I’m sure it has some good and some bad points, just like living where it’s almost always warm and the grass green and the flowers blooming year round. It’s almost always the same here which can be a bit of a shame.
    Liz

    Reply
  12. Carol Reddin says

    January 4, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    Love the winter buffet! Wish we could share a cup of hot chocolate together! Love, Mom

    Reply
  13. Michele (Finch Rest) says

    January 4, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Nope. I love winter. Love love love it – long as it has been like it is: perfect white snow, blue skies and lots of sunshine. It is winter perfection where I am lately.

    Reply
  14. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    January 4, 2013 at 9:47 AM

    I love putting away all the Christmas and starting with a fresh slate in January. My hubs called what I do “vintaging” – I think I’ll coin that term!

    Here’s to lazy days puttering around in sweats!
    Kelly

    Reply
  15. Sami Pat says

    January 4, 2013 at 12:59 PM

    The excitment of Winter used to be Christmas decorating and winter sports. Now I prefer the tiny shoots of green pushing through the earth and the birds buildings nests that comes with Spring. I do have to say that I appreciate the snuggly comfort of fleece and cashmere this time of the year.

    Reply
  16. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    January 4, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    I love all seasons… and winter has it’s own beauty. With every season, comes a downside! I just don’t give it much thought (except the humidity in summer… I HATE IT!)

    Winter gives me a breather… a time to work in the house and slow down. In 8-10 short weeks, I’ll be starting to fuss in my garden and yard and things will get so so busy!

    I think the biggest thing I like about winter is snow! I love snow!!!!!

    I also loved what you said about the sun streaming down on all the dust… I can relate!!!
    xo

    Reply
  17. Judy says

    January 4, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    I am not a winter lover…however, I do enjoy wearing cozy sweaters and some of my winter coats. As much as I love summer and often think I am really meant to live somewhere where the weather is warm all the time, I do enjoy the change of pace, slowing down a bit to actually enjoy our home. I like your sweats idea…I feel like winter makes me break out the jeans. Not nearly as comfortable as your idea.

    Reply
  18. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 4, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    Ah, I actually enjoy winter… it’s my time to regroup, refresh my mind, decorate simply… and await all the craziness that comes with the spring schedule.
    Lovely buffet — I’ll be right over! 😉
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  19. Ann says

    January 4, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    I don’t mind the cold or snow…but what tends to get to me is the gray sky. Here in Ohio it’s almost an every day occurrence. When the sun shines it just makes life better. I’ve loved following you and Heather over at the FOLK blog…what a great gig!

    Reply
  20. Sherry says

    January 4, 2013 at 5:57 PM

    Ah, winter. Cold, crisp and promising! I am always looking forward to the sunshine and warmth. Although we’ve had some brisk sunny days here in the Pacific NW last couple of days. Your winter decor looks so pretty…love the winter buffet. I didn’t spot a speck of dust anywhere, btw 😉

    Reply
  21. Carol says

    January 4, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    I feel pretty much the same way, Vanessa. Once I dismantled all the Christmas, I did a lot of staring, Pinteresting (please don’t tell me I made up that word) and more staring before ideas started coming to mind. I also like to keep some red and sparkle going on through Valentine’s Day. I try to tame it a bit and actually mix it with more subdued shades of green — I know, sounds weird, but I’m liking it and will share in another day or so.

    Carol

    Reply
  22. classic•casual•home says

    January 5, 2013 at 2:19 AM

    That lacy white container is so pretty. I am ok about winter…but I live in California where it is still bright and not freezing cold (but pretty darn cold at night)….it helps to have plants and flowers and fires in the fireplace.

    Reply
  23. Debbie says

    January 5, 2013 at 4:05 AM

    Well first, I love that quote. I has been a favorite of mine since reading the ode wayyyy back in either HS or college. It sums up how I generally feel about winter. However, last year I purposed to enjoy even the winter and the attitude adjustment did wonders for me. These days, I don’t hate it so much. I just take advantage of the inside time to do inside stuff. (Still working on having a positive attitude about the dog days of summer.)

    Reply
  24. Bonnie Powell says

    January 5, 2013 at 4:34 AM

    I love winter. Living in the Deep South of course means that the definition of winter is somewhat different than other parts of the country. But – what little winter we get is great. I love fires in my fireplace. My friends say they don’t like the mess or the smell, but I really like the morning after smell of a good fire from the night before. I am a Christmas “over-decorator” but I don’t care. I like it!! When it snows here in Alabama (which is very rare) we just shut the whole city down and enjoy it. People don’t go to work and school is out and it is almost like a state holiday!! Great memories….I am definitely a winter lover. Oh, one more thing. You can put on enough clothes to stay warm…you can’t shed enough clothes to be cool in our HOT summers — well, you can’t take enough clothes off without getting arrested! 🙂

    Reply
  25. diane @ okcamp says

    January 5, 2013 at 5:18 AM

    Our winters up here in Michigan’s UP tend to be long, but also can be beautiful. I do tire of the dark days and the soaked floor mats in the car. Scraping windshields and driving on slick roads is another story.

    Give me spring, summer, and fall anyday.

    I already cannot wait for spring so I can get back outside and into my outbuildings.

    Reply
  26. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    January 5, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    Totally agree – God bless elastic! lol This is the first year that I truly feel like I’m embracing winter as opposed to enduring it. I think it’s the cozy factor that you mentioned. For some reason, I just want to be comforted by feeling cozy. It could also have to do with the fact that all those hot flashes in the summer were no fun! 🙂

    Reply
  27. vikki says

    January 5, 2013 at 5:40 AM

    I love winter, I know I am in the minority, but I love the crispness in the air and cuddling up in my bed with lots of blankets. Wearing sweaters and boots. But here in Southern Oregon winter isn’t a bad thing, not much snow and only a month or two of cold weather. But I was born in Montana and the winters did drag on until April. I sometimes miss the deep drifts of snow and making snowmen, but then I remember how much trouble it was just to get out of your driveway and I don’t miss that for sure.

    Reply
  28. Johna says

    January 5, 2013 at 5:54 AM

    I love the Shelly quote about spring coming with its new growth and brave little shoots peeking up from the cold ground. I am three weeks past a mastectomy and may be facing chemo soon so the promise of the renewal of spring sings to my heart! But a cozy winter day definitely has its place. Thank you for your post and beautiful photos of your home!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 5, 2013 at 9:14 AM

      I’m so sorry for what you are going through right now Johna! Praying that you will have strength to endure this season of your life and that you will have full healing and recovery. Thank you so much for stopping by! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  29. Lauren says

    January 5, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    LOL – I am with you — none of the Winter quotes inspired me because I hate the season 🙂 We’ve been fortunate here in Chicago — NO snow yet which is unheard of in these parts. I already have my Valentine decorations up but am holding off on the outdoor ones for a week so the neighbors don’t think I’ve totally lost it!

    Reply
  30. Marianne says

    January 5, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    it’s not so much winter i don’t like, but it’s the days of no sunshine, the cold and the inevitable seemingly unceasing days of shoveling snow that i don’t like. We usually miss all that and go to Arizona, and then, what’s not to like about winter except the days of rain. i love being outside, which is difficult in those circumstances!

    Reply
  31. Jane says

    January 5, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    I was laughing hysterically over the quotes you were finding! That can bring even the happiest of us down! Living in the Midwest all my life, winters are just routine. Snuggle in as much as possible, try not to eat everything in the house at once, and yes, elastic waistbands! And I love the excuse to slow down. If you are curled up in a chair at 2:00 on a Monday afternoon reading a book, you can always blame the weather.

    I love what you are doing as far as decorating for the winter, glass and silver and plants. I think I will use some of your ideas (if I ever get my tree down!!).

    XO,
    Jane

    Reply
  32. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 5, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    Love your vignette!!….Winter…I do not mind it here…usually our winter day is cold, but the sky is blue and the air is crisp…I hate those dreary days…but luckily we do not have many of them…I think of Winter as a time to “regroup” after the hectic and busy times of the holidays…to plan and prepare for the beautiful season of Spring..

    Reply
  33. Melanie says

    January 5, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    I live in northern IL and hate winter. Not a good combo – but not a choice at this time in our lives. I live in pajama pants and yoga pants in the winter – at home, not when I go out! Lovely decorating you have in your home. I do like the beginning of January when it seems like you can just start anew with everything.

    Reply
  34. Karie says

    January 6, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    Good post. I actually don’t mind winter. I do suffer from depression and I get very lonely and depressed after the holidays. But I look at winter as a time I can do things that I normally don’t do when it is good weather. I sew a lot. Crochet, and plan for spring and summer. It is a time of rest, the earth is resting before her glorious awakening and colorful seasons. Hugs, Karie

    Reply
  35. Angela says

    January 13, 2013 at 6:13 AM

    Personally I could skip winter all together! I grew up in southeast Texas and it was pretty warm through winter, but now living in the Midwest it’s COLD and snowy. I prefer warmth to cold any day!!
    Although, thinking about winters in our lives it something to be thankful for! Just like winter prepares the plants for the spring and makes us grateful for the flowers, so is the winters in our life. We need “winters” to grown and appreciate the “springs!”
    Thanks for another great post, Vanessa!
    Hugs,
    Angela

    Reply
  36. lisalynn says

    January 15, 2013 at 4:59 AM

    I hate winter 🙂
    so we are always repeating this quote , our version anyway..

    I heard a bird sing in the depths of December , a beautiful thing, so sweet to remember.
    I heard a bird sing in the depths of Decenber, we’re closer to SPring now then we were in
    September !
    I heard a bird SIng in the depths of December..

    it always reminds us we Are closer to spring.

    thanks for the post from Sunny, cold Iowa
    lisa

    Reply
  37. timothy says

    March 21, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Greetings I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by
    error, while I was searching on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a
    remarkable post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but
    I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds,
    so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up
    the awesome b.

    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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