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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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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 3, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 50!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey there party people!
Can this really be the 50th Inspiration Friday???
That doesn’t seem possible!

But, we suppose that since we just celebrated our 1 year Blogiversary that it shouldn’t come as a surprise. And speaking of our Blogiversary…did you know we have an incredible Giveaway going on right now? It’s not too late to enter to win this:

$100 Gift Card
to
HomeGoods (also good at TJ Maxx!)

AND an additional giveaway for a $50.00 Gift Card to Homegoods or TJ Maxx on our Facebook Page! So, if you’re not following us over there, we’d love to have you join us!


Two announcements before we dive into our Features from last week.

We want to welcome another new sponsor of At The Picket Fence!  The lovely



The Pink Giraffe is very generously offering a discount code to friends of At The Picket Fence.  Just put in: PICKETFENCE when you check out and receive a 10% discount off your entire order! Seriously people you will LOVE this website!

AND did you see THIS POST! We want to give a special invitation to OUR readers to become a part of a brand new Follower option! If you were as sad as we were at the news of losing GFC for non-blogger blogs (and the rumor it will go away for everyone eventually) then you will love this new option!

Visit the post to get all of the details!

Now, how about some features?

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Our mouths still might be hanging open from when we first laid eyes on this incredible transformation from Ashley of A to Being Creations! She created the most darling Playhouse for her kids by using the space underneath her stairs. You have to see the details on this one to believe it!
Spheres seem to be all the rage right now in home décor and we are so digging these DIY versions made by Jess from Hill Country Homebody! They are constructed using embroidery hoops and she has a fantastic tutorial on how she put these together. Love em!
 
Jennifer Cooks shared the recipe for this yummy Blueberry Breakfast Cake.
We agree with her that any time you can have cake for breakfast
means your day is off to a great start!

Jennifer also shared with us this incredible Kit Kat Ice Cream Cake! We could definitely see this one calling out to us in the middle of the night to come and take just a “little” nibble. And another one…and another one!

 
We cannot get enough of the projects being done over at Remodelando La Casa! Cristina has been sharing some of her incredible home renovations and last week she showed us this gorgeous
Fireplace Transformation.

Now, not only is the lovely Abbie from Five Days 5 Ways super funny and super stylish, she’s also always up for a challenge. So when she issued herself a Goodwill Challenge to find 3 full outfits in 30 minutes she knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we think she really rocked it out! And, she did it with 3 kiddos in tow. She should get a prize just for that!

IMG_0931
We love a good upcycle here at the Fence and this DIY Sisal Tray from the Naptime Decorator is just fantastic! You would never know that underneath that sisal rope is an old cookie sheet, would you? Awesome!
 
And finally, we just love this Chalk/Wine Cork Board created by One More Time! She created this from a $5 Goodwill frame and we think it looks like it belongs in the Pottery Barn catalog. So cool!

 

Thank you to all of our features this week as well as to all of you who share your amazing ideas, projects and inspiration with us each and every week! 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header! 
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!


KEEP THOSE VALENTINE’S DAY PROJECTS COMING! WE WILL BE DOING A HIGHLIGHT POST OF OUR FAVORITE INSPIRATION FRIDAY VALENTINE PROJECTS AND POSTS!
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:



stuffandnonsense
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 (MANDATORY) and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some 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!

Have you noticed that you can now REPLY to comments left on Blogger Blogs? Be sure to check “receive emails to replies” so you can see if we have replied to your comment!
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This Inspiration Friday is brought to you by the following Sponsor:


Affordable Original Art!

68 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday, Sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barb~Bella Vista says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:04 PM

    Great features. Many thanks for hosting.

    Barb

    Reply
  2. Katie says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    That under-the-stairs playhouse is amazing!! How fun! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  3. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Great features and thanks tons for hosting. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  4. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls and thanks for all the info in your last post! I am always so afraid to try something new in few of screwing something up LOL!

    Reply
  5. Sue says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Some fun features, once again, girls! Good info in your last post, btw. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  6. Sherry says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    Thanks ladies~ Always a pleasure to party with you. How’s it feel to be a year old??

    Have a great weekend~

    Reply
  7. Debbiedoo's says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  8. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Hi Ladies! Wonderful inspiration this week. Thanks for hosting. Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  9. Debra @ Common Ground says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Hi Gals, congrats on yet another milestone!! just linked up, xoxo

    Reply
  10. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Love the features! Thanks so much for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  11. Poppy says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    Thanks for following on linky followers and for the party! Gorgeous features, this week! Have a great weekend!~Poppy

    Reply
  12. Stuff and Nonsense says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    congrats on your newest sponsor!

    i am all linked up
    and i just signed up
    for my very own Linky Followers account

    thanks for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  13. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Super features, girls. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  14. Liz says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    !!!! Made my day to see my sisal rope tray on here!!!! Thank you SO much, and thanks for hosting – you gals are the BEST! XOXO

    Reply
  15. c. Joy says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    My first time to enter, congrats on your 50th. I’m still working in my garden but tonight and tomorrow I plan to have fun checking out all these talented bloggers. Happy Friday!

    Reply
  16. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply
  17. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting! Trying to get my rear in gear and get to your wonderful party every Thursday! Your FB status was a great reminder! Thanks! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

    Reply
  18. Christina {Designing by Numbers} says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    Happy Blogiversary and 50th Inspiration Friday, Ladies!!!

    Thanks for hosting another wonderful party!!!

    This week I’m linking up some super cheap paint chip art that I made (link #97) – and I’ve even made my herringbone pattern available for download!

    Hope you like it 🙂

    Take care,
    Christina
    http://www.designingbynumbers.com

    Reply
  19. Jen says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    I accidentaly linked up twice… could you please delete number 102? Sorry!! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  20. chateau chic says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting this party each week. As a newbie to blogging this has been a wonderful source of inspiration and way to meet so many talented women.
    Appreciate you,
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    Hey Lovely Ladies,
    Thanks for hosting! I appreciate all your efforts! Hope you guys have an amazing weekend!
    Becca

    Reply
  22. Heidi @ homeingreece says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    I’m following you on Linky Followers 🙂 Thanks for hosting another great party!!

    Reply
  23. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    Thanks for hosting the party! I’m now following on Linky Followers and hope you can follow on my Linky Followers too.

    Reply
  24. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting and especially for all the FB love you sent my way today! totally made my day!

    And thank you for explaining the new Linky friend tool so well!

    Reply
  25. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    February 2, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    So Happy you girls feature the Fireplace! Thanks!!

    Reply
  26. andrea says

    February 2, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Thanks for hosting and keepin gus up to date w/ what’s going w/ blogging. andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  27. Gail says

    February 2, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    Great features this week and I’m linky follower! Have a wonderful weekend, Gail

    Reply
  28. Calypso In The Country says

    February 2, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    Love the features – the playhouse is so creative! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  29. FABBY'S LIVING says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    Nice features. Thank you so much for hosting. Happy Valentines.
    FABBY

    Reply
  30. The DIY Show Off says

    February 3, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    I’m so happy to participate today! I always post my projects on Mondays and miss the party and then I’m not catching up on blogs on the correct day and miss it again. Today the stars have aligned! 😉 I love the features! Those muffins…yum! Definitely see some things in the links that are catching my eye. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Lynn says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    Great features, girls. You sure know how to pick ’em. And thanks for hosting. I so enjoy your blog and enthusiasm. And if you have time and are so inclined, please stop by Cottage and Creek and enter my first ever Choose Joy Giveaway: https://www.cottageandcreek.com/Blog-Archive.aspx?id=2536 Still a newbie, but trying … xo.
    Lynn
    Email: Lynn@nsytes.com
    http://www.cottageandcreek.com

    Reply
  32. Little Bit says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    Thank you girls for hosting! I always look forward to coming over to your place! Little Bit from DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    Reply
  33. Ruby Jean says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:59 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting… LOVELY features… I just finished linking up Sewing in the RED… I will be emailing shortly.. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  35. Jo's This and That says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    Thanks for hosting! I am sorry my post messed up. Joann

    Reply
  36. Tricia says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:30 AM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting!

    makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com

    Reply
  37. NanaDiana says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:56 AM

    Wow! Sometimes I get so sidetracked visiting features that I forget to come back and say thank you. At least I remembered long enough to come back and wish you a Happy 50th! xo Diana

    Reply
  38. jessica says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Thanks for featuring my little sphere knock off! Those were some fantastic features! I’m gonna go work out now but dream about that kit kat cake later! Yummo!

    Reply
  39. Swede Dreamer says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    Happy 50th!! Thanks so much for being such gracious hostesses! I have also jumped on the Linky bandwagon~thanks for the info!! ~Angie

    Reply
  40. Anita says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:09 AM

    Congratulations to you girls!! Thanks for hosting too!!

    Reply
  41. classic • casual • home says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:41 AM

    Happy anniversary. Always fun to be here.

    Reply
  42. Kerry Rossow says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:52 AM

    Happy Bloggy-versary!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  43. Heaven's Walk says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:53 AM

    Congratulations to you both! I just love visiting here, your party is just the best, and your comments on my bog are always so treasured! Btw – where do I go to sign up for your fabulous giveaway…??? I’m having a “duh” moment…..

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  44. Leslie says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:10 AM

    Great features this week! Thanks for hosting, again!
    So sorry that I accidentally posted my Maple Fried Apples twice. I didn’t think that it linked the first time around.
    Have a blessed night!
    Leslie

    Reply
  45. Audra @ Once a Mom Always a Cook says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:04 AM

    Thank you for hosting! This is my first time linking up and I am very excited to browse through everyone’s wonderful projects! Have a wonderful, blessed weekend 🙂

    Reply
  46. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:17 AM

    You have the best parties, so much inspiration! Is this where I sign up for the give away? I signed up on facebook too! I love those stores!

    Reply
  47. Laura says

    February 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    Hi-
    Thank you so much for hosting!

    I am entered again this week and it looks like you have a great collection of inspirational ideas.

    I’m #257.

    Thanks,
    Laura
    White Spray Paint

    Reply
  48. Jennifer @ Jennifer Cooks says

    February 3, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    What a great surprise!!! Thanks so much for featuring my Blueberry Breakfast Cake and Kit Kat Ice Cream Cake!

    Today I’m linking up my Portobello Pizzas and Banana Bread Muffins.

    Drop by Fusion Fridays at jennifercooks.com and link up your goodies!

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  49. Curtains in My Tree says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:13 PM

    Happy blogveristy
    I always enjoy coming over here to look around , great features

    Reply
  50. Jan@southernjunkin' says

    February 3, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting! So much inspiration! Drop by for a visit sometime!

    Reply
  51. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  52. Val says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    I need that Kit Kat cake in my life.

    Reply
  53. The Hell on Heels Housewife says

    February 3, 2012 at 7:57 PM

    Thank you for hosting! New to your site…love it! Looking forward to following you!
    Maggie

    Reply
  54. melanzana says

    February 3, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    Bravo cure,drago mi je da sam i ja dio ovog druženja!!!
    Pozdrav iz HRVATSKE!!!!

    Reply
  55. Ivy and Elephants says

    February 3, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Oh that Kit Cake fabulous ice cream cake looks wonderful. Thanks for hosting!

    Paula

    Reply
  56. Marla and Steve says

    February 4, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting. I’ll take 2 pieces of that yummy cake while I browse the links.:)

    Reply
  57. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    Okay, I’m Linky following. Will you follow back? That is the question of the day…

    I also sent an email to Brent Riggs because I’m concerned about how the Linky followers doesn’t “collapse” into a 30 per view option with a “next” page like GFC. The way it is now, you Linky Followers could potentially cannibalize your entire sidebar …

    Linda
    itallstartedwithpaint@gmail.com

    Reply
  58. Mrs. T says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  59. Something Nice and Pretty says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    Thanks for hosting, now I have to go see how Naptime Decorator made that sisal tray;0

    Reply
  60. Shelia says

    February 4, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    Hi ladies and thank you for hosting your party! Oh,you just tear me up each week by showing all these wondering inspiring projects!
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia:)

    Reply
  61. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    February 4, 2012 at 4:51 AM

    thanks for hosting 🙂 have a wonderful weekend 😉

    Reply
  62. Pamela says

    February 4, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Thanx for hosting gals!

    Reply
  63. Fifi @ AboutBloggingTime! says

    February 5, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    Thanks for hosting.

    new follower.

    Reply
  64. Mimi says

    February 5, 2012 at 4:19 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

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

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

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

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

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

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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