• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 10, 2013

The Closet Project…a special Simply Sunday

 


The Closet Project

Hi friends! It is so nice to “meet” you! I am so appreciative of Heather and Vanessa letting me take over their lovely blog for a moment! I asked them to let me share with you a project that I believe has great potential – but let me share a little about myself first!

Kelli The Closet Project

I’m Kelli and this is  my hubby. We’ve been married 11 years and have four sweet kiddos- ages 7, 6, 2, and 2 months. My husband is a church planter and we live in the South. I love to read, cook, go to the beach (obviously!) and watch movies with my family.  I blog at Eat Pray {Read} Love …

And…. this is my closet! Glad we’re getting to know one another so well, so quickly!

closet picture

Please tell me I’m not the only one whose closet looks like this! With parenting four kids, being a preacher’s wife, co-leading a Bible study, homeschooling, blogging, and life, my closet probably gets the least attention in the whole house. It somehow always seems overflowing. With clothes I never wear.

About a month ago, I felt God tell me to get RID of the excess and GIVE to those who need. I wasn’t sure just yet where he would have me give, but human trafficking has been on my mind so much lately. Enter Redeemed Ministries. Their focus is to help women in the Houston area that are enslaved in sex trafficking. If you’re like I was until last year, you may think that human trafficking is an international problem- which it is.

But it is also a US problem. In fact, one that hits very close to my home.

Thus, The Closet Project was born. Women uniting forces- paring down to step up. Here’s the lowdown:

1.) Pare down your wardrobe to what you actually wear.

2.) Sell what you don’t. Take them to resale shops, sell them on eBay, have a garage sell, sell them to your friends!

3.) Donate directly to Redeemed Ministries.

4.) Go to this form to let me know how much you were able to donate. ANYTHING helps! Seriously! Only have $5 to spare? Great, that is wonderful. Got a cool million burning a hole in your pocket? I’m sure Redeemed would be SO happy to receive that, too! 🙂

Ladies, I really appreciate your time today. If you’d like to read a little more detail of the project, goals, etc. please click here. I’ll leave you with these words from the book of Matthew:

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (25:40). Let’s help “the least of these,” shall we?

The Closet Project~Paring Down to Step Up

PS I’d be very grateful if you’d help spread the word by sharing this tweet—>

Team up with @eatprayreadlove to help modern-day slaves and pare down your closet too. #TheClosetProject https://www.eatprayreadlove.com/2013/02/the-closet-project-help-human.html

 

Thank you so much Kelli for joining us today and letting us know about this amazing project! We will definitely be joining The Closet Project and want to invite our readers to join us as well! It’s time to tear down the walls of secrecy surrounding the issue of  human trafficking…let’s join Kelli and make a difference TODAY!

dual signature

11 Comments Filed Under: Community, Good Thoughts, Guest Posts, Simply Sundays Tagged With: The Closet Project

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Hearts Made of Clay for Valentine’s Day
Next Post: DIY Flower Necklace »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    February 10, 2013 at 4:58 AM

    It truly is unbelievable that human/sex trafficking is a problem anywhere, but here in the US…for some reason that is especially heartbreaking! Thanks so much for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  2. Cindy says

    February 10, 2013 at 4:59 AM

    It truly is unbelievable that human/sex trafficking is a problem anywhere, but here in the US…for some reason that is especially heartbreaking! May God have mercy!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
    • kelli@eatprayreadlove says

      February 10, 2013 at 8:18 PM

      Cindy, I know, it was such an eye opener when I learned it was happening in my own city. The thought that precious ladies are sold is too much. Thanks for your encouragement!

      Reply
  3. Lucy says

    February 10, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    Wow, I can’t believe this actually happens. You are doing a wonderful thing…I’ll support you in every way I can!

    Reply
  4. Wendy says

    February 10, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    With a 21 year old daughter, I’ve had some personal experience and seen up close & personal the predators waiting to take our daughters and enslave them into the sex industry. It is scary and something that we as moms need to educate our children about early – just as our parents did with us about drugs. This day & age the PXRNography industry, clubs and all that goes along with it is glamified in media to entice our girls and give them a false view of what that lifestyle is. They get them in and then hooked on drugs and many are never seen or heard from again. anything I can do to help bring awareness, let me know! I’ve worked with some great ministries on similar campaigns against this multi-billion dollar industry that most are so unaware of, happening right in our own backyards.

    Wendy

    Reply
    • kelli says

      February 17, 2013 at 2:02 PM

      Wendy, thanks SO much for taking the time to comment. I would love to have you help me out with the Closet Project if your time allows. I’m hopping over to visit your blog now. xoxo Kelli

      Reply
  5. Ira Morse says

    February 10, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    Most of the homeowner has a problem with their closet…but I am glad that I came across to your blog and what an informative post you have here…By the way thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  6. Erica {let why lead} says

    February 11, 2013 at 3:03 AM

    What a great thing to be involved in! Thanks!

    Reply
    • kelli says

      February 17, 2013 at 1:56 PM

      Hey Erica! Thanks so much for reading. Please let me know if you decide to get involved with the Closet Project- I’d love to had eyou on board! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    February 11, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    Great idea! Decluttering and making a difference is a great combination! Here’s another super easy way to help “the least of these” — while Valentine’s Day is on your mind!

    Reply
  8. kelli says

    February 17, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    Oh wow, Susan, that is just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. I’d love to have you join in the Closet Project if you’re able! have a great day! xoxo Kelli

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence