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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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August 20, 2013

Transitional Fall Mantel Ideas

transitional fall mantel ideas

There seems to be a conspiracy out there….and many bloggers are guilty of being a part of it.  We just can’t seem to help ourselves.  Our favorite craft stores and online home decor sites are some of the biggest perpetrators.  We enter their doorways and stand aghast with mouths hanging open and eyes bugging. We feel disoriented and out of sorts.

Or we click over to our favorite online stores only to find they too are helping to spread this far and wide.  It’s truly becoming an epidemic..and I might be one of the worst offenders! 

transitional fall mantel ideas

It’s Seasonal Sabotage Disorder! You are probably all too familiar with it! It’s 90 degrees and you enter  your favorite craft store and there it is.  All of the Fall Decor neatly lined up row after row with sweet little elves…I mean employees…running around with buckets of Christmas ribbon and ornaments deciding where best to promote the newest line in Holiday Decor!

Or, maybe your visiting your favorite blogger..ahem…,before you head out to the pool, and she has a post up featuring fall mantel ideas featuring a gorgeous Balsam Hill Fall Wreath in all it’s fallish glory! And your mind’s starts whirling and you think, “I’m not ready for FALL!” I still have the AC running and the ice cream truck is still stopping on my corner.

transitional fall mantel ideas

But then you hesitate….taking in all of the gorgeous fall colors and the vintage silver tray from The Goodwill with the word FALL spelled out on it and you start to get that little tingly feeling.  You know like the Grinch had when his heart grew 10 times that day! You start thinking about how you might decorate your fall mantel or your front porch.  You start looking for ideas to transition your summer mantel into fall.  Nothing to dramatic yet, it is still August after all.

transitional fall mantel ideas

Maybe some pretty fall leaves in a vintage silver trophy cup.  Some tall wooden candles that add  warmth.  Maybe you start wondering how you could get your hands on a pretty fall wreath. One that has just the right mix of fallish colors with tiny corn cobs and corn husks.  And maybe, just maybe you might let your mind wander all the way to December.

You start imagining evergreen and white lights and how pretty a winter garden wreath, festooned with cream berries and green pears would look hanging on your front door.   Or maybe you are a traditionalist and would love a classic holiday fields wreath with preserved eucalyptus leaves, pinecones and touches of red and green!  Then there are those of you who love the simplicity of a Balsam Fir lit wreath or garland!

transitional fall mantel ideas

That’s when you’ll know you have it too!  Seasonal Sabotage Disorder!  Ready for the cure…just give into it! Embrace these next seasons with open arms…and I’m going to help you!

Balsam Hill is offering ONE At The Picket Fence reader a wreath OR garland of their choice!!

transitional fall mantel ideas

And so that everyone can have a chance to own one of Balsam Hill‘s amazing wreaths, garlands or trees here’s a coupon code for 10% off anything on the website!

Just use: ATTHEPICKETFENCE10 when checking out.  Are you ready to win your own gorgeous wreath or garland? Here’s how to enter…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

and when the symptoms of Seasonal Sabotage Disorder set in….you can thank me! grin!

signature
I was provided a Balsam Hill wreath to review..all opinions and the term “Seasonal Sabotage Disorder” are my own!

95 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Giveaways, Reviews, Wreaths Tagged With: fall, fall Decorating, Giveaway, wreath

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Comments

  1. mymosk says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:15 AM

    Fall is my favorite! Love the Autumn harvest wreath among many other ones that Balsam Hill offers.

    Reply
  2. Patricia Ann says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:49 AM

    Ooohh! That fall mantel made my heart go pitter patter! I don’t have a mantel but I do have a metal flourish hanging above my living room mirror. It would look so cute with a small wreath embellishing it!

    Reply
    • Mara says

      August 21, 2013 at 5:51 AM

      Agreed! I am so excited for fall and all of these colors are making me crazy for some crisp air and baked goods 🙂 I love the fall harvest wreath!

      Reply
  3. Rhonda R. says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    This is gorgeous!!!! I love the colors and the frame is such a neat twist!

    Reply
  4. Rhonda R. says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    The fall wreath is my favorite!! This is gorgeous!!!! I love the colors and the frame is such a neat twist!

    Reply
  5. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    THis is beautiful! I am loving the how the colors of the wreath pop against the white mantel. So pretty 🙂 I would love a fall wreath of any sort, we have 7 exterior doors! I would love to mix it up a bit on each part of the house.

    Reply
  6. Tami says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Love this wreath! I am SO ready for fall! I visited my favorite local gift shop the other day and walked into a fall fantasyland. I felt like a kid in a candy store! Can’t wait for September 1 to roll around … I figure that’s a respectable time to start bringing out my fall decor.
    P.S. I noticed Hobby Lobby has their Christmas trees on sale already!

    Reply
  7. Debbi says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Fall is my favorite season for decorating. I love this wreath.

    Reply
  8. joyce says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Love this!! Sure would look good hanging on my door!

    Reply
  9. ruthann says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Whay a beautiful wreath! It would look great at my house!

    Reply
  10. Angela says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Oh gosh! All their wreaths are so beautiful!!! Love them all!~~Angela

    Reply
  11. Marina says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    I have so been looking a mantle ideas…thanks for this beauty. I have two mantles in my house, so I need all the help I can get! Have a great day!

    Reply
  12. Steph says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:12 AM

    I love the wreath – it definitely puts me in the mood for fall – cooler weather and football

    Reply
  13. Sarah W says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:14 AM

    Fall is such a cozy time – who can resist? Your mantel is warm and cozy – well done!!

    Reply
  14. Kristan C. says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    Fall is definitely my favorite season and I love the fall wreath!

    Reply
  15. Ann says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Hey Heather I adore your mantel! I think we all suffer with some degree of that nasty disorder. ha! Your wreath is perfect and of course I think the vintage touches are perfect. I have long admired the Balsam Hill products and would love to win a garland. Thank you, thank you for this giveaway!

    Reply
  16. Chelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Autumn Harvest Wreath is my fave for holiday decorating, but I’m loving the look of the Sweet Rose & Berry quite a lot!

    Reply
  17. Solducky says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    I love fall, and the mountain meadow wreath is so pretty!

    Reply
  18. Cynthia says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Fall decor is my absolute favorite, especially since it goes so well with the color scheme in our home……love, love, love! This wreath would be perfect any where in our home!

    Reply
  19. Sally says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    I LOVE fall, and love the style of the Cranbrook Orchard Wreath!

    Reply
  20. TX JennyWren says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    That is a BEAUTIFUL mantel with an AMAZING wreath!! I would LOVE to win this wreath. Thank you. txjennywren.blogspot.com

    Reply
  21. kathy says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    I would love the fall wreath featured or a Christmas one, but fall is my fav time of year. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  22. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:44 AM

    I love it….”Seasonal Sabotage Disorder”….Beautiful mantel Vanessa! The wreath is gorgeous!
    Balsam Hill…a great company…and love their Regency Gate wreath!…Great giveaway!

    Reply
  23. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    That wreath is beautiful … love your fall mantel. I think the minute the calendar hits September it’s time to break out all the fall stuff!

    Reply
  24. Shelia says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    You’re on a roll, Darling! What a cute post and a most gorgeous wreath! I’m not quite ready for fall yet but I’d poke that wreath up as quick as a flash if I had it.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  25. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    Oh, and I think I’d choose the Mountain Meadow garland!

    Reply
  26. Linda says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    “Seasonal Sabotage Disorder”…LOVE IT!

    Reply
  27. Cindy says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Fall is my favorite! And as it feels a bit “fallish” already with cool nights and low humidity, I believe this is perfect timing!

    Reply
  28. Julie says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Fall = DEFINITE FAVORITE! I decorate more for Fall than for Christmas! September 1 can’t come soon enough!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Faith says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    I wantthis wreath!! So beautiful!!

    Reply
  30. Terri Hughes says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    Beautiful……….thanks!

    Reply
  31. Maureen says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    I am torn I love Fall and I love Winter seasons. The wreath that has caught my eye is the Holiday Gala Christmas Wreath.

    Reply
  32. Kelly Bedwell says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    I love the mountain meadow wreath for Christmas! 🙂 I love the fall wreath you have there too!! Fall has always been my favorite season!!

    Reply
  33. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    That wreath is gorgeous and I love how you grouped it with the tarnished silver. So beautiful! I love Balsam Hill’s products!

    Reply
  34. Terri says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Fall is by far my fav time of the year. Lot’s of family birthdays, fall festivals and my favorite holiday-Thanksgiving!

    Terri

    Reply
  35. Rana says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Saboteur! And you know that those who love autumn the best have a hard time holding back on the decor. naughty naughty girl.

    Reply
  36. Heather B says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Autumn is definitely my fave time of year. I love their lavender wreaths.

    Reply
  37. misti d. says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Love that wreath:) thanks for the chance to win.
    -blessings

    Reply
  38. Sharon C says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    So many choices at Balsam Hill!! I love the rusts and oranges of the fall season.
    Thanks for featuring this vendor.

    Reply
  39. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    I love the idea of a transitional decorating time! It’s so true – we see the inspiration and may or may not want to jump right on it – thanks for sharing tips on how to dip our decorating toes into the coming season! And that wreath is lovely!!! Can’t wait to see more from Balsam Hill!!

    Reply
  40. Rochelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    I love Spring but I don’t have much for Fall decorations. That Fall wreath would be perfect for my new mantel.

    Reply
  41. MDR says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    Beautiful Heather! Can hardly wait for our September visit to your home!! Mom

    Reply
  42. anita says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Fall is my favorite time to decorate, there is something about the warm colors and the fresh fall air that is so cozy. The wreath shown is gorgeous!

    Reply
  43. Leslie & House on the Way says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    I love to decorate for Christmas and I love their traditional fir wreath. It’s so versatile!

    Reply
  44. Sherry Lykins says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Fall is my favorite season!! I like the Spring meadow wreath!! sharoo1975@yahoo.com

    Reply
  45. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    It’s so hard, isn’t it?? We can’t wait to post these great decorating ideas until it’s too late but right now I want to jump in the pool!
    I LOVE the Balsam Hill Winter Garden wreath. Love.
    Thanks for the great giveaway and the fab Fall inspiration!
    xoxo

    Reply
  46. LindaSonia says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    I love the change of seasons – no matter from what to what it always feels like a new start – love that and love the chance to win a Fall wreath… count me in

    Reply
  47. Sandy says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    83 today, 84 tomorrow, here in Ohio, but my fall flowers are set to bloom, and my husband dismantled his cucumber patch yesterday. So planning a fall mantel is accepted at my house and yours is lovely. I’m on the search for a silver trophy cup!

    Reply
  48. Sandy says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Now that I retired, fall is my favorite season, and the wreath would look great in my kitchen.

    Reply
  49. LeeAnn says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I love your fall wreath, and the Mountain Meadow wreath on line.

    Reply
  50. Michelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    The wreath is beautiful and so is your mantel! I’m almost ready for my favorite season of fall to come, though I’m hanging on tightly to the last lazy days of summer! Thanks for the chance to win a beautiful prize!

    Reply
  51. Richelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    My favorite season is summer, but my favorite season to decorate for is winter. I am absolutely in love with the MOUNTAIN MEADOW WREATH. And I love that it comes in an LED version.

    Reply
  52. Gail Marshall says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    I love the fall with all the beautiful color and the coolness of the evening. Time where we can light the firefit at night, take a walk in the evening without being to hot. Getting ready for all the holidays for decorating. Each month in falls has a theme for decorating

    Reply
  53. Anna says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    It’s hard to say because I love each of the seasons for different reasons. I do love Fall though because I get to bring out all my seasonal decor. 🙂 I would probably want the wreath you got but I couldn’t find it on their website. If I couldn’t have that one then I also like this one: https://www.balsamhill.com/Winter-Garden-Artificial-Christmas-Wreath-p/wgd-w.htm?1=1&CartID=0

    Anna

    Reply
  54. Karen says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    I love FALL! the coolness in the air, the changing of the leaves, making big leave piles for the kids to jump in, caramel apples, Ah fall! and I love the wreath you got, I just couldn’t find it.

    Reply
  55. Tracy B says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    It’s beautiful Heather! I’m so ready for fall!

    Reply
  56. Sarah says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    Fall is,my favorite! Looooove the colors, smells, decor,weather, family times….all of it!

    Reply
  57. Judy says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    I love Fall, but I’m still in total summer mode. Love your mantel and wreath. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  58. Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    Perfect timing! I was just looking for ideas for a fall mantel at my new house! I’m a little jealous that you HAVE a mantel…AND that you can find cute things (like that wreath…and the silver) to put on it! I’m living vicariously through you!!! xo

    Reply
  59. Christine says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Cool wreath!!

    Reply
  60. tina voyles says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Fall is my favorite time of year.. I love the smells, the colors and every wonderful thing fall brings! I would choose the mountain meadow wreath:)

    Reply
  61. Thistle says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Heather!!!!!!!!!! You are the best!!!!!!! I LOVE the wreath and the colors….but you won my heart with that silver tray. 🙂

    Happy day!
    karianne

    Reply
  62. LinhC says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    My favorite season is Fall!

    I love the Sweet Rose and Berry Wreath.

    Reply
  63. Sue Groff says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Would love to have this beautiful wreath for Autumn.

    Reply
  64. Ashley says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Fall is my favorite season! : ) I love the HOLIDAY GALA CHRISTMAS WREATH though, it’s beautiful!

    Reply
  65. Martha Franks says

    August 20, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Boy, would I love to win this beautiful wreath!

    Reply
  66. Leslie says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    I have to admit fall is my favorite season followed closely by spring!

    Reply
  67. Sherry says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Love the fall wreath but I like almost all their wreaths!!!!!

    Reply
  68. Debbie says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    That wreath would look fabulous on my black front door must have it!

    Reply
  69. Sarah @ An Inviting Home says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    Too funny! I totally saw Karianne’s Fall post the other day and was like what?!? it is too early for that. Guess who stopped in HomeGoods today and picked up some Fall decor? You are SO right! 🙂

    ~Sarah

    p.s. beautiful mantel by the way!

    Reply
  70. Martina says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:13 PM

    Love love love!!

    Reply
  71. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    Gorgeous wreath and great giveaway!

    Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos

    Reply
  72. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    My favorite season is Fall and my favorite wreat is he English Boxwood square wreath.

    Reply
  73. Heather S says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    Autumn is my favorite season, and that wreath is my fav!

    Reply
  74. Renee G says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:09 PM

    My favorite season is fall. And my favorite wreath is the Winter Garden Wreath.

    Reply
  75. Sophie says

    August 21, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    Fall, or Autumn as we call it here in Australia, is most definitely my favorite season! Its far too hard to pick a favourite wreath, they are all beautiful

    Reply
  76. Carolsue says

    August 21, 2013 at 2:44 AM

    Fall is my favorite season. It’s so hard to decide — can I change my mind if I am lucky enough to win? I like the Regency Gate Wreath a lot, however!

    Reply
  77. Ilyssa says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    My favorite season is Spring. The weather is perfect, and I know the snow is behind me! I really don’t like the cold weather… but a gorgeous wreath would make it worth while! I adore the Winter Garden Wreath. It’s just gorgeous!

    Reply
  78. Peg says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:17 AM

    Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time of year and I would love to share the Regency Fall Wreath with the 30+ friends and family members we share our meal with!

    Reply
  79. Erin says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    I love the fall! We just bought our new home and I am so looking forward to decorating for the holiday. I love all wreaths but I would definitely want a fall wreath, especially the one in the picture.

    Reply
  80. rachel says

    August 21, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    I’d get the Autumn Harvest Wreath.

    Reply
  81. Debbie says

    August 21, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    Fall is my favorite season. I admit that I used to get cranky at the Seasonal Sabotagers. Now, I just roll with it. I’m too 51 to worry about it. I enjoy the inspiration and will decorate when I have a mind to.

    Your mantel looks great.

    Reply
  82. autumn kelly says

    August 21, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    I’m beginning to like Fall a little more than the summers I’ve always loved. And of course there is always Spring. Cold winters I can do without.
    https://www.balsamhill.com/22-Inch-Purple-Patchwork-Wreath-p/1223303.htm
    All the wreaths are lovely.

    Reply
  83. SandyN says

    August 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    Fall is my favorite season, but I really like the Pansy and Hydrangea Spring Wreath!

    Reply
  84. Jan says

    August 21, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Love fall decor where orange is NOT the star. 🙂 Love the burgundy, golden yellow and wheat tones in this wreath that keep the orange in line. 😉

    Reply
  85. Kelly O. says

    August 21, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Winter is my favourite and I would love to have the English boxwood rectangular wreath as it could be used in most every season, at the very least spring fall and winter!

    Reply
  86. Kim says

    August 21, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    Spring is my favorite! The Spring Meadow Violet Wreath is gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  87. Ali says

    August 21, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    Love fall! It is already cooling down where I live and I can’t wait for all the trees to change. I already have my fall candles burning!

    Reply
  88. Kelly T says

    August 22, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    These wreaths are beautiful! I like the fall wreath but that spring wreath is lovely, too! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  89. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    August 22, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    Love your mantel, Heather! Ready to decorate my fall mantel very soon.

    If I was to get a wreath, I would get the fall one – but I can’t find it on their website. So pretty!

    Reply
  90. Laura Strack says

    August 23, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    What a beautiful Harvest Wreath! I would love to have this to decorate my dining room for our Thanksgiving feast, but my Favorite is the English Boxwood Wreath. So versatile and you can add a bow to change it up for every season. I love things that I can use often.

    Reply
  91. Jocelyn says

    August 23, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    Love the Winter Garden Wreath! Adorable!

    Reply
  92. chassidy says

    August 23, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    Setting this makes me want to decorate for fall! It’s stop trip early, but I can always get ideas! I love this wreath!

    Reply
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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
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.*
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