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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 13, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 60!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
60??? Huh?
Has it really been 60 weeks since we all started partying together here at the Fence?
That just doesn’t seem possible!
But, that is 60 weeks of some of the most incredible Inspiration we have seen in our lives and we look forward to what you all have in store for us this week!
Before we jump into the party, we have the little business of announcing the winner of the
Curly Willow Collections Giveaway!
And the winner of the $25 credit is..
NOVA!!


Congratulations Nova! Please send us your email address so that we can put you in contact with Vicki from Curly Willow.
We also wanted to let you know that Vanessa is hopping over the Fence on Friday to give a tour of her home at Debbiedoo’s Blogging and Blabbing.
Here’s a sneak peek…

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If you want to see more of Vanessa’s home tour, you are just going to have to go on over to Debbie’s place on Friday!

She is truly such an amazing gal and if you are new to the Blogging community you will want to spend some time with her over there. She hosts the popular weekly “Newbie” party and it is such a great way to connect and find support here in Blogland.

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Let’s get to the fun of seeing some amazing features from last week’s party!
INSPIRED ROOMS

We think this is such an awesome Big Boy Room from Visual Eye Candy! Debbie did an amazing job creating this wonderful space for her sweet “big” boy.

 

We never tire of Kitchen Reveals and the next two show that whether you prefer BLACK…
like this gorgeous kitchen makeover from Julie of Redhead Can Decorate

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or WHITE…like this soothing kitchen makeover from Jessica at Stay at Home-ista! BOTH color choices are amazingly fabulous!

Janette of the wonderful blog, The 2 Seasons, revealed her incredible Mud Room. We absolutely love the brick floors and the use of a gorgeous armoire for extra storage!

 
MAKEOVERS

Kristen of My Covered Bridge did an incredible job transforming her 80’s bathroom into this gorgeous retreat! You simply must go over and check out the “Before” to fully appreciate the “After”.

Did you see this fabulous Laundry Room Makeover? No..where have you been?! Karen at The Quaint Cottage shares oodles and oodles of wonderful projects and details as she shares how she transformed her laundry room into a laundry haven.  Go check it out!

Bliss Ranch calls it a “Long Live Rock Teen Boy Dresser” we just call it ROCKIN’!! Teen Boy..shmeen boy…this dresser would be amazing for ANYONE! Seriously…with references like 867-5309, and Hotel California..this is just one awesome piece of furniture, and you will not believe what she was working with! Please visit to see every detail of this fabulous piece!

Decorate with a Little Bit helped her friend makeover these floor in her new home!
They took ho-hum hardwoods and turned them into fabulous!

Jenny from Days of Chalk and Chocolate gives us a step by step tutorial on how she made over this chair.  You HAVE to see the before…are you SURE it’s the same chair, Jenny?!  😉 grin! 








CRAFTS AND CREATIONS
This sunny and sweet sign from Laura Beth at A Step in the Journey caught our eye! It was perfect for Easter but deserves to be displayed year round! For two little girls, who wished that C.S. Lewis was their grandfather, this sign could not be more perfect! 

Jacqueline from Get Cottage shared her GORGEOUS Vintage Country Easter Table with us! Who wouldn’t want to sit right here on a glorious spring day! 

We adore Becca of from Gardners Two Bergers…and we ADORE this Burlap Ruffled Union Jack Pillow she created! She gives us step by step directions on how to make our own…unless your Heather, than you just WISH you could make your own. 😉

RECIPES and PARTIES

This Carrot Cake from Pine Cones and Acorns looks almost too beautiful to eat…almost!
Perfect for Spring…or Summer…or Fall…or Winter…

Amanda from Bullfrogs and Bulldogs shared this incredible recipe for Mac-n-Cheese with a Gluten Free option. Frankly, we would be happy to just lick the bottom of that little jar!

 
We adore bread…bread stuffed with well anything..even better!! Loving this Braided Apple Bread from Trick and Treat.





INSPIRING STORIES


Sonya of Beyond the Screen Door is experiencing a lot of milestones and accomplishments in her life right now. Including the recent engagement of her daughter, her son turning 18, celebrating 30 years of marriage AND the launch of her new site The Shop Beyond the Screen Door!

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located 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!

Are you following us on
Pinterest

We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉

Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!

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:

    Fridays Unfolded
vif187
  
Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • 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 on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) 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 feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!

    And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity! Below are some great options!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

Dawn’s talent shines through with her amazing collection of original watercolors, hand-painted cards and printed greeting card sets like these gorgeous Wildflower Greeting Cards!

Wildflower Greeting Cards Set of Six Woodland Botanical Art Prints

73 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Becca says

    April 12, 2012 at 7:57 PM

    You guys! Your comment about my pillow was so sweet! Like, I just read it to my hubs! Thanks for the constant support for all my little creations! You rock!
    xoxo Becca

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Thanks girls for hosting. Great features. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  3. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:07 PM

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

    Reply
  4. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Great picks guys! Bliss’s dresser is simply COOL. The painted floor is another of my favorites. Thanks for the party!

    Reply
  5. Our Pinteresting Family says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    What beautiful features!! That carrot cake looks delicious. Hope you have a great evening. Thanks for hosting. Megan

    Reply
  6. Jessica Kielman says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Thank you ladies so much for hosting…I am always so inspired here…lovely features!

    Jessica

    Reply
  7. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:37 PM

    60!! WOW! Seems like just yesterday that I started linking up….thank you both for hosting the party each week and the wonderful features!

    Reply
  8. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Great features, as always, ladies! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  9. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    Thanks for the party! Happy 60th. Here’s to many more.

    Reply
  10. CAS says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Wow, you two have a ton of wonderful features this week, & they all look amazing! Thanks so much for hosting every week. Congrats, Vanessa, on your home tour on Friday. I can’t wait!
    CAS

    Reply
  11. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Thanks ladies for hosting such a great party! Am loving the features … Miss Bliss has really outdone herself with that rocking rolling dresser. And Jessica’s white on white kitchen is drool worthy — especially that amazing view. I think I would actually wash dishes if I had that view above my sink!

    🙂

    Linda

    P.S. And I’ll be checking out Vanessa’s home tour at Debbie’s tomorrow!

    Reply
  12. Creative Mrs.Smith says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    I just L-O-V-E your Blog & look forward to all the new ideas!!! New follower!!!

    stacy
    Creative Mrs. Smith

    Reply
  13. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Awesome features, as usual! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  14. How to Nest for Less says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    WOW, the BIG 6-0! I simply adore linking up to your wonderful site every week. Congrats on the huge milestone. And absolutely great features this week, too!!

    PS. Just so you know, you don’t look a day over 50 😉

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Those are some great features. I can’t wait to see Vanessa’s home tour tomorrow at Debbie’s. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  16. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Great features!!! Thanks so much for hosting…glad I could join you on the BIG 6-0! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  17. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Thank you for hosting every week Heather and Vanessa! I sure enjoy playing at your place 😉 I’ll see you soon over at Debbies for the home tour =) Happy 60th.

    Reply
  18. Calypso In The Country says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    You always pick such beautiful features! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  19. Debbiedoo's says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Thank you ladies so much for hosting. Can’t wait to go live tomorrow morning fo the home tour!

    Reply
  20. Janette - The2Seasons says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Hey, girls, thank you sooooooo much for featuring The 2 Seasons. I am thrilled, and Jordan will be when I tell her. She and her husband are celebrating their second anniversary in Mexico, so, I think I’ll wait to she gets home. They have other things on their minds right now………Have a good week-end.

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    April 12, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Thank you for hosting such a fabulous gathering, sweet friends! And, as always, drool-worthy features!

    Reply
  22. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 12, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Wonderful features today…so many wonderfully creative people!….
    Thank you for hosting and I look forward to the tour of Vanessa’s home on Debbie Doo’s

    Reply
  23. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    April 12, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    Is it just me or are these some of the best features you have had?! I am going to have to go back through them again and again! Thank you for hosting! Not sharing a “DIY” project this week, more budget minded but so happy to be here! Love, Me

    Reply
  24. Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage says

    April 12, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    Thank you ladies! So nice to be highlighted here on your fun blog!

    Reply
  25. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    April 12, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    What great features! Can’t wait for the tour tomorrow! Thanks so much for hosting this great party!

    Reply
  26. andrea@townandprairie says

    April 12, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    Another great week encapsulated with inspiration… thanks, ladies, for coming back week after week to host and – yay! 60!

    Reply
  27. Debbie says

    April 12, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    I am kind of in awe of the features this week.
    Really.
    They look awesome.

    Reply
  28. Stacy Curran says

    April 12, 2012 at 11:25 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting!!! I CAN NOT believe how many weeks it’s been! You have the best party in blogland, in my opinion!
    Stacy

    Reply
  29. Debra @ Common Ground says

    April 12, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    macncheese, carrot cake AND bread? you know how to hurt a girl who’s on a big diet!!! love you! just linked up!

    Reply
  30. Karen @ The Quaint Cottage says

    April 12, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Thank you for feauturing the new laundry room and for your super sweet words. Congrats on the big 6-0!!! I can’t wait to see all the links this week.

    Reply
  31. Pamela says

    April 13, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Thanx for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  32. Anne says

    April 13, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Love the features & the proposal, too!! Thanks for hosting, have a great weekend!

    Reply
  33. Betsy Speert says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:10 AM

    I apologize!!!!!
    I entered the same post I did last week.
    I’m so sorry.

    Reply
  34. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    I think this might be my first time to join your party! Thanks so much for hosting!! Fantastic features, and I see some amazing projects linked up, too. Can’t wait to check them out!

    Reply
  35. Little Bit says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    Yay! Thank you for featuring my link about the DIY Amazing Floor! It’s such a treat for me to partake in your splendid parties! Thanks for hosting them for us. Little Bit

    Reply
  36. Kerry Rossow says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    I was so excited to see Stay At Home-ista’s kitchen featured…since I am moving in with her and all!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  37. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    April 13, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    Thank you so much for the party! Have a lovely weekend!

    Reply
  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    April 13, 2012 at 2:50 AM

    You girls are so sweet! Thank you SO much for the feature! What a wonderful surprise! Thanks you! And as always for the wonderful party.

    Reply
  39. Peggy~PJH Designs says

    April 13, 2012 at 2:59 AM

    Hi Heather & Vanessa, thanks so much for hosting your great party again this week. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  40. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 12, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls!! 🙂

    Reply
  41. Doreen - Hymns and Verses says

    April 13, 2012 at 3:56 AM

    Thanks for hosting this party! It makes even new bloggers feel a part of a community!

    Reply
  42. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    April 13, 2012 at 4:18 AM

    First off let me say that I will take one of each of the kitchens you featured. You can’t have too many kitchens, right? And I love that you featured my buddy Sonya’s post about her family. Great party!!

    Reply
  43. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    April 13, 2012 at 5:17 AM

    Happy 60th!! Thanks soo much for hosting. You’re party has always been one of my favorites. : ) I just linked up my first Frivolous Fashion Friday post in nearly six months. Wishing you both a great weekend.

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  44. Chase the Star says

    April 13, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    Congrats on your 60th Inspiration Friday! A beautiful blog! I’m new your newest GFC follower.

    Thanks for hosting!

    Barbara @ Chase the Star

    Reply
  45. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    April 13, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Thank you so much for including my chair with so many fantastic features!! I was tickled to find out it was here! Thank you and thanks for hosting each week!

    Reply
  46. KATHY says

    April 13, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I’m happy to join in.

    Kathy

    Reply
  47. Catherine {Stone and Rose} says

    April 13, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    Thank you for hosting!! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  48. Tina says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    Great features.
    Thank you for hosting.
    Great day.

    Reply
  49. Natural Mothers Network says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    Wonderful collection of ideas- thanks for hosting! Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network

    Reply
  50. Julie says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    Thank you guys for the feature! Wow! I nearly fell off my chair-hubby did too! I put your button on my side bar in my new “I was featured” section. Thank you again! Much appreciated.

    Reply
  51. Debbie {Visual Eye Candy} says

    April 13, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Thanks for the feature! It was a nice surprise to wake up to this morning! Hope you have a lovely weekend!=)

    Reply
  52. classic • casual • home says

    April 13, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Uh oh…I could get lost on your blog for A WHILE…and I have work to do 🙁

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

    April 13, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Thank you ladies for hosting this lovely party! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Reply
  54. Treat and Trick says

    April 13, 2012 at 5:18 PM

    Thanks for hosting and featuring my Braided Apple Bread. Have a fun filled weekend!

    Reply
  55. thistlewoodfarm says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Vanessa,

    I LOVE your home! Awesome front entry! Congratulations on your feature over at Debbie’s! And what an incredible party! I am off to visit some of these wonderful projects!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  56. Maria Elena says

    April 13, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Vanessa, what a gorgeous home! Every detail is so pretty and every room is so welcoming and inviting! I love you master bedroom and your kitchen is gorgeous! Thank you for taking us into your home!

    Reply
  57. Mrs. T says

    April 13, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  58. Bliss says

    April 13, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Thank you ladies for the rock’n feature on the dresser. I’ll trade it for one of those two kitchens, or maybe the bathroom…. how about that long sunroom….. then again the way to my heart is through my stomach so I’d trade it for some apple braid with a side of mac. I could paint the dresser a shade of gray with new tunes to match Vanessa’s entry way and drive it out to Oregon.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  59. A Delightful Design says

    April 13, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting! I love all of your features this week. Especially Jessica’s white kitchen!
    Abby

    Reply
  60. Anonymous says

    April 13, 2012 at 11:37 PM

    Vanessa, your home is as warm and welcoming as it looks (just like you). Thanks for the fresh flowers in our bedroom – I can almost still smell them. You always make us feel welcome when we come to visit!

    Mom (and Dad)

    Reply
  61. Maggie @ Midwestern {Sewing} Girl says

    April 14, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting, beautiful girls!!! I hope you both have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  62. Elizabeth says

    April 14, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Ladies,

    Thank you so very much for featuring my carrot cake! I hope that if you try it you let me know. It is delicious!

    Have a great weekend and thank you again, it is a thrill to be featured on such a wonderful blog.

    Elizabeth

    Reply
  63. The DIY Show Off says

    April 14, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    So many great features! Happy to join in this week! Thanks for hosting! 😉

    Reply
  64. Deidre says

    April 14, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    Hi there! Just wanted you to know Im Lovin the features and also thanks so much for hosting this party:) Deidre~ https://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com

    Reply
  65. Cocalores says

    April 15, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Hi guys!
    So many great links – thanks for offering such a plethora of eye-candy (and of things to add to my to-do-list!).

    Reply
  66. Good Time Charlie says

    April 15, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    So late linking up. Firs chance this weekend! I so love that bathroom makeover. What a beautiful party you have here. Hope your Sunday is restful and joyous. -K

    Reply
  67. Maggie Rowe says

    April 16, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    I read your guest post as part of the Glynnis Whitwer Spring Cleaning Series, and I would love to win this gift giveaway for the new pastor’s wife at our church. She loves anything with a bird theme and they have a very modest budget, but she enriches the lives of others with her joyful, loving and creative heart. What a wonderful surprise if I could win the basket for her and share your blog as well!

    Reply
  68. Val says

    April 16, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    I could hang out on your blog all day.

    Reply
  69. Tara says

    April 16, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    I read your guest post as part of the Glynnis Whitwer Spring Cleaning Series and had to pop over — not just to enter the give-away (though I want to!) but to see what you girls were all about! Two-hours (and many ideas) later… I suppose I ought to get something done! But can’t wait to implement some of your refreshing ideas! I will be back! Thanks so much!

    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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