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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

June 24, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 70 from Haven!!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey!! Hey!! Hey!! Welcome to Inspiration Friday!

 We’re at Haven and so excited to be meeting some of you as we type this…and for those who aren’t here with us, we hope you’ll enjoy this little recap of what we’ve been up to so far!

We’ve been blogging our way through Haven!

We wish you all could be here with us and we sure do appreciate you coming by to join in this “Destination” Inspiration Friday party!

We are having an amazing time connecting with some amazing bloggers…both old friends and new!

Yes that’s Julia from Hooked on Houses, Beckie from Infarrantly Creative and “THE” Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick!

and have you been following along with the adventures of Flat Kelly of
Eclectically Vintage on our Facebook Page? She’s having quite the adventure here at Haven with us!

She’s meeting new friends everywhere she goes!

We thought it would be fun to let some of our friends who are here at Haven with us to pick the Features from last week’s party.

They did such a great job we might just have to let them do this more often!
So, we hope you enjoy and we can’t wait to get back and share with you some of our adventures.
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]
INSPIRED ROOMS

We are SO excited to be here at Haven with our dear friend Ange from The Blooming Hydrangea! We’ve been following Ange since the beginning of her blogging career and it’s a highlight of the conference to be here with her.  Here are Ange’s top Inspired Room picks from Inspiration Friday.
“I consider the Master Bedroom one of the most important rooms of the house and  yet it’s often the most neglected.  You can just imagine how happy I was to see Rasonda from Lake Cottage Dreams Master Bedroom.  The soft color palette mixed with beautiful accessories are fabulous but my favorite part is that Rasonda loves her “cozy retreat” as well!”
“After just finishing up painting my kitchen cabinets last week, I can really appreciate how much time and energy Liz from Naptime Decorator’s put into her kitchen.  It was time and energy well spent, the transformation is amazing, including inspiring projects in her kitchen, like the magnetic chalkboard fridge.  Head on over and check out the before and after pictures, you won’t be sorry!” 

MAKEOVERS

What can we say about our wonderful friend Kari from Thistlewood Farm? A lot actually! But for the sake of time and space we will just say that we are pretty sure she was our other sister in another life and we just adore her! Here is Kari’s makeover pick.
“This room from Sophia’s Decor makes me feel like I am starring in an episode of Mad Men.  From the vintage light fixture, to the incredible moldings, to the bed linens….this is a room that would make even Betty Draper smile.”
 

Vivienne of The V Spot and Vanessa are bonding together at Haven over the fact that they are on West Coast time and needing lots of coffee this weekend! But Viv was able to still pick an awesome link for her makeover pick! She loved this Ballard Designs inspired mirror makeover from
 Between the Rafters.



CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Debbie! Ah…Debbie from Refresh, Restyle…she’s sitting next to us and forcing us to let you all know how amazingly fabulous she is, and that we may or may not have squealed when we saw her! 
Here’s Debbie’s craft and creations picks!

“Beach inspired decor is very popular, but most of us don’t the opportunity to stroll the beaches for driftwood! Craftiments  shares a great DIY Driftwood Tutorial. Being able to create your own is an awesome way to get the look!”
DIY Driftwood Tutorial by Craftiments.com
“Most all our children have had a tricycle at one point or another, but they outgrow them very fast.  What a creative way to recycle, and create a little whimsy in the garden from Sew Incredibly Crazy!
RECIPES AND PARTIES
We asked the beautiful Anna from Ask Anna (a party queen!) whose here with us at Haven to choose a few recipes and parties. Here’s her picks!
“You had me at creamy and coconut but then add the rum, it sounds simply divine!  I will definitely be pinning this Creamy Coconut Cake from Confessions of a Semi-Domesticated Mama for my
 next girls night!”
“This recipe for Peach-Pineapple Salsa from The Kitchen is my Playground sounds so refreshing! I would love to make this during the summer months!”
OUTDOOR LIVING

So, we’re here with Kerry from HouseTalkn and y’all she is as funny in person as she is on her blog and the gorgeous Daune from Cottage in the Oaks, who we adore!  Here’s their top picks from Outdoor Living!
Both gals chose this fabulous link

Kerry said, “Mojito is my drink of choice so I loved this adorable toolbox/planter for mint from
Eclectically Vintage.”

Daune noted,” I love the toolbox planter and Garden Markers created by Eclectically Vintage!  I think it is so fun to reuse something for a totally different purpose than it’s originally intended….it adds so much character to the garden! Now, where’s that old toolbox I saw in our shed last week………”

 
Kerry also chose the following link. 


“I don’t know what it says about me, but I was drawn to a booze post followed by a place to nap post!”


“I have often dreamed of a daybed like this from Somewhat Quirky for my sunroom!”
 
Daune also chose the following fabulous outdoor post:

“What a fabulous transformation!  Entries are so important….it is the first thing that guests see; as well as you when you arrive home.  This new entry from Creatively Living is so well done, festive, and inviting. Love it!”



INSPIRING STORIES


Of course, we couldn’t let them pick all of the Features, now could we??
We have seen mason jars used in a million different ways around blogland, but we thought this was such a meaningful way to use something so simple. Marty of Marty’s Musings created this darling Blessings Jar and she shares more in the post about just how special it has been to record their blessings and be reminded of God’s faithfulness!

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:
vif187Fridays Unfolded
Photobucket



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!
This Inspiration Friday post is Sponsored By:

where you can find gorgeous pillow covers like these…
Decorative Pillow Cover - 20

74 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Comments

  1. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    You all look like you are having SUCH FUN!!!!!

    I *adore* that pic of you two hotties in your sunglasses.

    We who are not there are thinking of you!

    Big hugs!

    Reply
  2. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Of course you are having a FABULOUS time! Wish I was there too!!!

    Reply
  3. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    You ladies look like you are having a blast! So wish I would have went too:-) Have a fabulous weekend!

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    It was so much fun meeting y’all last night. It was a blast. They picked some great features. Enjoy the rest of your stay and thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  5. Katie Goldsworthy says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    Thank you so much for the feature!!! Have a fantastic time at Haven!

    –Katie

    Reply
  6. Babs says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Thanks for sharing all the fun at Haven and for hosting another great party. I’m headed back to check out some of the features from last week. Thanks again, Babs

    Reply
  7. miss flibbertigibbet says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Oh I’m so envious! Maybe next time! I recognize so many of those faces! Lucky girls!
    Blessings, Lorraine

    Reply
  8. Good Time Charlie says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    How much fun is this link party!!!! You are too much, all of you!! I am so wishing I were there to hang out with this crowd. Have so much fun, can’t wait to hear all about it when you return. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  9. Little Bit says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Sounds like you’re having a great time! Little Bit

    Reply
  10. Sophia's says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Yes, I too adore Kari from Thistewood Farm and I’m flattered she chose my room 🙂 Haven looks like sooo much fun…next year for sure!

    Kristen
    https://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Oh my goodness! Great pictures and fun features! I’m loving the little glimpses you’ve been sharing from Haven!!! Thanks so much for hosting! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  12. Laura from Top This Top That says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    I am so thrilled to meet you guys!! Your “friends” did a good job with the picks this week.

    Reply
  13. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    So glad you are having a great time! Wish I was there…hopefully next time!

    Reply
  14. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    First I see Flat Kelly partying away and then I see my toolbox planter featured!! Double whammy!

    You know Flat Kelly adores mojitos too!

    Thanks Duane & Kerry for choosing us!

    You girls stay out of trouble at Haven!
    Flat Kelly & Kelly

    Reply
  15. Debbie says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    Sounds like you are having a ball! I loved your shout outs and picks for the week.

    Reply
  16. Calypso In The Country says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Oh, Haven looks like so much fun!! Have a great time – I wish I could have gone! Thanks for taking the time to host again!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  17. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Glad you girls are having such a great time thanks for hosting from Haven

    Reply
  18. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven! Such fun photos to look at! Thanks so much for hosting!!!

    Reply
  19. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    I think Flat Kelly may need to open her very own blog … just saying …

    Looks like you are having a fabulous time and meeting some of my favorite ever bloggers (both of you two ladies included) …

    Now I’m even more motivated to make it to the next conference …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  20. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Hi Ladies, Sounds like you are having such a good time! Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply
  21. Dixie Delights says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Looks like such a fun time!! I wish I’d known you were in my neck of the woods. Would have loved to meet you girls in real life 🙂 xo

    Reply
  22. Laurel Stephens says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Looks like you’re having a blast! Thanks for hosting your party while you’re away… at the party!!

    Reply
  23. Stuff and Nonsense says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    i’m kinda jealous here
    but hoping that you both have
    a wonderful time

    thanks for hosting
    and all linked up!

    alison

    Reply
  24. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    I am extra excited to join your party tonight since I had the chance to meet you both in person! What fun! Enjoy Haven and tell us all about it! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  25. Naptime Review says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    New GFC follower. Thanks for hosting this great hop! Love for you to stop by Naptime Review and follow back. I host 3 hops during the week. Love for you to link up sometime. Cute blog! Glad I found you!

    https://naptimeshopper.blogspot.com

    Reply
  26. Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:01 AM

    Oh my gosh!! Thanks so much for featuring my makeover. So glad you are having fun in Haven, I love all the pictures!!!

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    I hope you have a fabulous time! I wish I could have attended.

    Thanks for hosting another great party.
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  28. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    Looking forward to more posts from you about Haven. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  29. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Haven’t had a chance to meet you two yet at Haven but I’m hoping to see you tomorrow. This is like joining a party at a party!

    Reply
  30. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Hey Ladies!
    Looks like you are having a BLAST! I am so jealous-wish I was there enjoying all the fun. Thanks for hosting:)
    Kim

    Reply
  31. Kirstin says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Thank you for featuring my DIY Driftwood!

    Reply
  32. Delilah Love says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Coconut Rum Cake this week! What a wonderful surprise to see tonight. You made my whole day 🙂

    Reply
  33. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Oh getting to see a pic of all of you is so fun. I see two of my dearest friends in the whole world. I am so jealous you are all together. Have fun. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  34. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    Hey you fun girls, so glad you were able to attend the conference. love seeing all the pics of our great friends! thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  35. Jen Lossing says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:48 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  36. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    Thanks y’all for hosting from Haven…they did a wonderful job on the features.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  37. Sue says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    It’s always a blast to meet up with blogging friends! Enjoy the rest of your conference. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    How I wish I was with you girls! What fun you must be having!

    Reply
  39. Marty Walden says

    June 22, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Blessing Jar! What a treat! I am also an adoptive mom to 3 siblings and mom to 2 bio kids. I talk a lot about adoption and our journey through trials and blessings and seeing God’s hand through it all. Glad you’re having a fun trip!

    Reply
  40. Amy says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Thank you for featuring my Tricycle Herb Garden!

    Reply
  41. classic • casual • home says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Thanks for your “field reporting.” Looks like such a worthwhile time.

    Reply
  42. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    Looks like you have a wonderful time! Thanks for taking your time to host 🙂
    Awesome features – as always! Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  43. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    That’s was so much fun (the little tour). The flat Kelly photos crack me up!

    This week I’ve linked up our favorite Sunday night tradition-making popcorn on our backyard fire.

    Thanks for hosting and letting me share,
    Laura

    Reply
  44. Kelly Rowe says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Thanks for hosting and for sharing some of your Haven fun — sure wish I was there to meet you lovely ladies! Safe travels home this weekend. Hugs!!! xo-Kelly

    Reply
  45. Debbiedoo's says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Just look at all the fun you girls are having! Wish I was there too. Lovely features. Thanks for the partay! Enjoy the rest of your Haven trip.

    Reply
  46. Wendy says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Enjoy Haven!

    Reply
  47. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  48. mona says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    thanks for hosting this party..it is my 2nd time linking up…glad I found you..I get to meet some interesting bloggers..
    Mona

    Reply
  49. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting!
    Have a great time at Haven

    Reply
  50. Pamela says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Thanx for hosting gals! Looks like y’all are having lots of fun! I see ya met Kim and Shirley!

    Reply
  51. CAS says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven. Thanks so much for hosting another great party!
    CAS

    Reply
  52. CAS says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven. Thanks so much for hosting another great party!
    CAS

    Reply
  53. Jessie @ Dream and Differ says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    It looks like you’re having a blast at Haven! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  54. Shelia says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Hello, you two!! I’ve just seen your pretty faces over at Kim’s blog – Savvy Southern Style. I know y’all are having such a great time!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  55. Gabby says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Sounds like y’all are having an absolute blast! Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Gabby
    The…Late, Young Family

    Reply
  56. Liz - Imageremix says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Wish we were there! Thanks for hosting on the road. It’s much appreciated.
    Liz

    Reply
  57. Crafty Mischief says

    June 23, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    Thanks for a great party! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Christie says

    June 23, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    I have missed you girls! I am DYING over here!! I have been so OUT of it that I missed all the wonderful and exciting things going on at the Picket Fence! WHAT?!! Romantic Homes?!!! Better Home and Gardens! I am so super excited and can hardly contain myself! My husband is here calling me ‘weird’ because I am shouting, “Someone I ‘know’ is in the magazines!!!” Crazy, he thinks! The worst part is that I have been out of blog land and didn’t know and now I don’t have a copy of the March issue. Maybe I can order a back issue?? I am so proud of you two! You have grown a business in such a short time and it is amazing. Don’t know the conference you are at, but sure hope one day I can meet up with you! I can’t seem to get back to any normalcy around here…think I have a bit of ADD, so with my house being turned upside down, i am just all out of sorts!!! Slowly trying to return to my beloved Three Pixie Lane and hope to be linking up once a week! XO, Christie

    Reply
  59. Val says

    June 23, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    Are my eyes seeing right……Inspiration Friday # 70??? Whoa. THAT IS AWESOME. Haven looked like a blast.

    Reply
  60. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 23, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Great meeting you girls at Haven!! Super fun and tons of great info and inspiration! Congrats on party #70!
    xo heidi

    Reply
  61. Leo Windham says

    June 24, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Just stopped by to tell you how cool I think it is that sisters who live so many miles apart blog together. It was great meeting you at Haven.
    Leo

    Reply
  62. Chase the Star says

    June 24, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    Loving your blogging through Haven! Thanks for that! Also, wanted to say that Flat Kelly rules! Love her! Thanks for hosting!
    Barbara https://chase-thestar.blogspot.com

    Reply
  63. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    June 24, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    It was so fun meeting you girls at Haven and learning about your blog! Hope to see you again next year. 🙂

    Reply
  64. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 24, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Oh my gosh…look at all these links! You two are rockin’. Loved seeing your pictures of Haven. You all seemed to have so much fun. What a great experience…I’m hoping to go next year if all goes well. Happy Sunday…Ann

    Reply
  65. Sue at Serendipity says

    June 24, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Thank you for hosting the link party! I apologize for the double post, I am not sure how it happened.

    Reply
  66. Organizing Made Fun Becky says

    June 25, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    It was so great meeting you two! What a great time I had talking with you late at night at Haven. I feel like we had a great connection and hope to continue being blog friends and seeing what you’re up to!

    Becky B.
    http://www.organizingmadefun.com
    Organizing Made Fun

    Reply
  67. reFresh reStyle says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    I am still squealing inside when I think about you two! I had the most fun at Haven and it was wonderful meeting y’all! Let’s stay an extra day next year so we can giggle more!
    XO,
    Debbie

    Reply

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✨ 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
It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to set up the hot coca station! ⛄️🧣☕️It’s always a favorite spot in the house and I leave it up all winter long.

Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? Here’s a look back at years past if you’re needing a little bit of inspiration!
#hotcocoa #hotcocoabar
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