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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

July 2, 2011

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 21

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
We’re back from our little “hiatus” last week!
You may have heard a little something about this crazy, giant party that was going on instead.
And now, you can access all of the incredible ideas and inspirations ANYTIME by clicking on this:

 
We will keep this up in our sidebar for whenever you feel the need for a quick “Summer” fix!
 
Before we start this week’s Inspiration Friday party we wanted to invite you to visit us over at the The Blooming Hydrangea on Friday (July 1st) where we have a guest post!  Ange is a fabulous friend to us gals at the fence and it is an honor to be her guest. We are sharing a festive and easy 4th of July Dessert using these…
 
berries-4th-of-July
 
Did we peak your interest?! If so after linking up head over and visit us at The Blooming Hydrangea, check out this great recipe and say “Hi”!
divider
As much fun as we had partying with you at the Blogger Block Party last week, we couldn’t help but still be amazed at all you shared with us at Inspiration Friday 2 weeks ago.
 
And Vanessa even decided to try her hand at recreating one of YOUR Inspirations!
 
When she saw this recipe for Key Lime Whippers from Lisa at Simply…This That and the Other, she knew she had to try her hand at making them herself.

And, oh my goodness, these were so scrumptious!
We like us some tartness around these parts and this was the perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
So, keep on sharing those incredible recipes and decorating ideas and who knows?
YOU may be our next copy-cat victim!
Now, we just couldn’t resist sharing with you a little discovery we made at the last Inspiration Friday.
It dawned on us that 2 SISTERS had linked up their gorgeous homes to our party.
And you know we are all about the “sister love” here at the Fence!
So, we thought we would share them with you so that you could sit
and drool over their links just like we did.
First up is Sister Number 1 from The Pear Tree Cottage. She shared this STUNNING fireplace transformation and nope…this isn’t the magazine inspiration photo!

You absolutely must go over and see what this looked like “Before” to fully appreciate the “After” and while you are there, you won’t be able to help seeing all of the other incredible transformations they are making to their home. This gal has some serious talent!

And it must run in the family, because her sister at The Precious Little Things in Life completely made over these hand-me-down Ikea bookcases (I guess all sisters do the “hand-me-down” thing, huh?) and after recovering EVERY.SINGLE.BOOK with white paper and printing the titles on the bindings, adding some pops of turquoise and vintage charm, she definitely achieved what she describes as,  “cool, crisp, clean, simple and bright.”
We also loved this dining room makeover which was shared by another new friend at the Fence.
Adrienne from One Day at a Time is fairly new to blogging but she definitely isn’t a “newbie” when it comes to transforming a space. The details in here are so lovely and also budget friendly!
 
Every week we are so thrilled when Anna of Ask Anna links up her wonderful tips on everything from organization to how to clean your hair dryer! This week we loved how she showed us an easy way to make learning fun by labeling her daughter’s toys. Not only does it keep things neat and tidy, it also jump starts word associations and early reading!
And last but not least, Sonya from Beyond the Screen Door has been doing a series showcasing the AMAZING wedding details from her daughter’s recent nuptials. These party favors made with Shipping tags, are just one example of the many incredible elements of this very special day. You absolutely must go over to her blog to see the rest!
Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook?  Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week!  We appreciate you!

*Important Announcement*
You may or may not have noticed that many blogs have started to use a function at their linky parties which REQUIRES those who link up to already have a LINK BACK to the party in their post.  For now we have chosen not to take this step. However, we only have one true requirement for linking up at Inspiration Friday and that is that you put a Link Back to us in some form (our Party Button in your post or sidebar, our web address in the post, etc.) and we cannot begin to tell you how many people do not do this.  Not only do these parties require a lot of TIME (we do our best to visit as many links as possible every week), we also PAY to host them. We would really appreciate it, if you would just simply reference Inspiration Friday in some way in your post. It is such a simple step and yet it truly means so much to us!Thank you!

We’d love to invite you to read a fabulous post by Crafter Mind regarding linky parties! We couldn’t say it better ourselves.
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends
The lovely Courtney at French Country Cottage

Our beautiful friend Alison from Stuff and Nonsense

Stuff and Nonsense

And the gracious Debra from Common Ground

vif187
Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
 
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code in the sidebar) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY)
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you!  We are trying so hard between writing posts, homeschooling, and taking care of our families..grin..to visit everyone’s posts. Sometimes we miss one and for that we apologize.  It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well!  Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!
This Inspiration Friday is sponsored by
our fabulous Etsy Shop for the month of June! We’d love to invite you to pay a visit to
Maggie Jane’s Vintage shop!

45 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « 4th of July Decor-“Bang” for your Buck!
Next Post: 4th of July Recap and Remembering Why »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Richella says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Hello Vanessa and Heather–Yes, I have noticed that some bloggers now feature the fact that linking up to their parties requires that bloggers include a link back to the hostess. Honestly, I don’t blame them for taking this step. It seems that a link back is the least we can do to say thanks to hostesses. But I’m hoping that your participants will just link back without your having to take that step.

    I’m linking up a tiny little project–not a big thing, but fun because it’s interchangeable for different seasons and holidays. I can’t believe I’m your first link–I wish I had something earth-shattering to feature, since I’m the first link! I just got lucky to be online when you first put the party up, I guess. But I appreciate your allowing us to link up all kinds of things, great and small.

    Y’all have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  2. jandjhome says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting. I hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
  3. Sherry@Back2Vintage says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks so much for the party. Here’s wishing both of you a wonderful holiday weekend!!!

    Reply
  4. FABBY'S LIVING says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Thank you for hosting this great party and wishing you a wonderful 4th. of July weekend. Enjoy! Hugs, FABBY

    Reply
  5. Little Brick Ranch says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Hey, Girlies! Thanks for hosting!! I linked up my paper starburst and a little painter tape quick tip.

    Last week I took advantage of the new required link back on my linky party and it was a disaster. I had several people not be able to link up even though they had a link back. Perhaps that glitch it fixed but I did away with it after a few hours.

    Here is another GREAT link on linky parties and general courtesy from those who link up. 🙂

    Have a great holiday weekend!!

    Reply
  6. alison says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    all linked up my friend…having a fun time browsing the features…have a wonderful holiday weekend!

    alison

    Reply
  7. Poppy says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Beautiful features as always. Loved those yummy desserts and that Ikea bookcase is looking absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for having us each week… it’s a lot of fun!And a Happy 4th to you!~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  8. Coley says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    I love browsing these links! Thanks so much for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  9. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Thank you girls for all you do to make this blogging world a fun happy place. Yes, I concur, small gesture to link back, much appreciated by all party hosts! Thank you for hosting, and what great inspiration, I really dig the scrabble!

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Thanks for hosting you two!! Hope you both enjoy your holiday weekend!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    I can not wait to see more of those sisters’ blogs. I love the white book covers on that bookshelf. It’s so clean and crisp looking! I always leave blogs like that wanting to just toss a match on my whole mess.

    Reply
  12. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls and have a great 4th of July!! Martina

    Reply
  13. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Hey girls…I’ve not only joined your party but the other 3 as well. Thanks so much for those links…and thank you for hosting. I haven’t been here for a few weeks and I’m so happy to be back. Have a great July 4th!

    Reply
  14. The Garden Bell says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Just popped over from Debbie-Do to join in some Friday Fun. What a pleasure to join you this week, looking forward to being back soon. But, for now I will be off hopping around checking out what creative things everyone is up too.

    Reply
  15. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Thanks for the great party, I’m off to check out the features!! Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo Debra

    Reply
  16. Sue says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    You two have done such a wonderful job with this joint endeavor of your blog. So glad to always be here to participate and/or to be inspired. Yup- comment love and common courtesy go a long way- and that includes to the hostess(es) as well!
    xo Sue

    Reply
  17. Karen says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    This is my first time linking up for Inspiration Friday! Love those features they are all great but I seriously love that bookcase make over. Thanks for hosting, I hope to join again soon.

    Reply
  18. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    Hey! Thanks so much for featuring me. I was reading along thinking I’m going to have to come back after I link up and take at look at all these great posts. And imagine my delight when I’m one of the posts! Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Ladies, thanks for another great week of inspiring ideas! I’ve taken away a couple of things to try… Happy Independence Day to you and yours!

    Reply
  20. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Hi Ladies, Thanks for hosting this fun party and having me as a guest. The Key Lime Whipper looks delicious and I will be making it for company next week. Have a wonderful 4th!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  21. Debbie@https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    I love your parties, and appreciate all you two do! Happy to link back! Love looking at your stuff and I also love visiting your weekly features!
    Thanks,
    Debbie

    Reply
  22. Shelia says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Hi sweet ladies! Oh, I just love this party and I’m attending today!
    I love seeing all of the wonderful inspirations in Blogland and thank you for hosting.
    Have a wonderful 4th!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  23. Lisa says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Hi ladies! Thank you for being so generous in featuring the key lime whippers! So happy you liked them…I made a batch and added 8oz. cream cheese and I think I like it even BETTER! Happy almost weekend!

    Reply
  24. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Great inspiration and I had seen the first sister’s room, but not those shelves. How great. I need to go check her blog out. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  25. fran @ eleven-o-one says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. I appreciate the opportunity to share my projects and to find other inspirational sites/projects. You are appreciated.

    Reply
  26. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I have noticed some common courtesy missing big time in real life too. Thank you for hosting this fun party every week. I do enjoy it.xo

    Reply
  27. Emily@LovelyBeasts says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    It’s been awhile but I finally finished my headboard and a little mod podge dome so I can party again! Thanks again for hosting and I appreciate that I don’t have to link to you ahead of time, but understand if you have that requirement in the future. I always link up so it doesn’t bother me! 🙂

    Emily

    Reply
  28. NanaDiana says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    Hi Girls- I am always amazed by the wonderful assortment of different things you get here. It makes it so much fun to see everything from toes to owls! Love it..love all the work you do too. xo Diana

    Reply
  29. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!! Have a great weekend!! 🙂

    Reply
  30. Patty says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I try to link up a project here every week (when I have one!) and yes it takes very little time to put the link back to the party host. What I have done to make it easier on me, is I have created a Word doc with all the linky parties I participate in.This way I just cut and paste the address on my blog post. Saves me soooo much time.

    Reply
  31. Annette says

    July 1, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    I am definitely going to check out that recipe! Happy Independence Day!!

    Reply
  32. Anna says

    July 1, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Woo-hoo! Thanks for the feature ladies! I’m honored to be in the features with all those other great posts. 🙂

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  33. Mary Ellen says

    July 1, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Always fun to see what great posts you feature!
    Thank you for the party!

    Reply
  34. Christie says

    July 1, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    I can’t remember if I said it, but the Blog party was such a HUGE success! I know you girls are tired after what…700, 900 submissions…something like that! My head is still spinning trying to keep up!!! It was awesome and have loved so many things you have posted! I keep getting distracted by my kids! What do they think, I am supposed to cook or something weird like that! Love the garden Heather and the spring outfit Vanessa and all the red, white and blue decor! YOu girls ROCK and it is rockin’ over here at the Fence! Where did all the FREE time go this summer that we were all cravin’!!!??? Hope you two are having a great one! Christie

    Reply
  35. Deborah March says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    THANK YOU for hosting. I know this takes a LOT of time to set up, and it’s just WONDERFUL to see all the inspiration at your parties!

    Reply
  36. Maggie says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Hi ladies,
    Joining you At the Picket Fence for the first time today.
    Thanks so much for hosting and gathering all these wonderful blogs together for us to visit.
    Maggie @ Normandy Life

    Reply
  37. Wendy says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Loved the features! Thanks for hosting the party!

    Reply
  38. Traci says

    July 1, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Now I want key lime SOMETHING!! Thanks a lot! LOL!!

    Reply
  39. Kathy says

    July 1, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting – always a lot of fun!
    Kathy

    Reply
  40. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage.com says

    July 1, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Thanks for hostessing, have a wonderful 4th of July!

    Reply
  41. Honey at 2805 says

    July 2, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Hi Girls! Although I didn’t link up this week (and would not want to be late for a party), I wanted you to know that I did stop by for a good dose of inspiration! Have a good weekend and Happy 4th!

    Reply
  42. Kathy says

    July 3, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Thanks I know I appreciate being told what is right when it comes to blogging, posting and linking. I am so new but little by little
    it is becoming less painful. I dearly love the link to Crafter
    Mind. That help clear some fog.
    You girls do a great job and have been a lot of help to me.
    Thanks, I see that it isn’t to late to join your Friday party….now lets see if I can do this right
    Kathy

    Reply
  43. Okio B Designs says

    July 3, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    Thanks so much ladies for including me on your Facebook post!

    Jeanine

    Reply
  44. Stacy says

    July 3, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Vanessa and Heather,

    Ahh! This is so exciting! I am beyond thrilled. Thank you so much for featuring my sister and I. We’re very close and love each other dearly, so it’s fun to visit your blog and see you two have the same kind of relationship. As fellow home decor enthusiasts, we spend lots of time talking about our homes, giving each other ideas and discussing projects. I just returned home from a prolonged visit to Texas and I’m missing my sister terribly already. Thanks for all you do and, once again, we feel honored that you chose to feature our work.

    -Stacy

    Reply
  45. Dayle says

    July 3, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Another great party this week! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “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! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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