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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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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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