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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

July 6, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 72!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Ugh. Anyone else still recovering from 4th of July festivities?
Huh? What?
We can’t hear anything after all of those fireworks!

Well, even if we’ve suffered some hearing loss, at least we can still enjoy all of the eye candy which you will be sharing here!
Before we get to the party this week, we have a little bit of business to take care of.
The first thing is that it is time to announce the winner of the $50 Rusted Chain Giveaway!
And the winner is:
Sally Puckett!!
Congratulations Sally! We’ll be in contact with you so that you can claim your prize.
Next, we are so thrilled to be welcoming a new Sponsor to the Fence!
Linda is the talent behind Drop Cloth Designs
and this gal knows how to rock a drop cloth! Check out these Union Jack Pillow covers,
21 x 21 Union Jack Drop Cloth Pillow COVER ONLY
and lumbar Monogrammed Ribbon & Button Pillows.
Linda’s pillows are all custom and made-to-order which leaves so much room for getting exactly the look and size that you want.
We would love for you to head over and check out more of her incredible shop!
Linda is also the author of the amazing blog It All Started With Paint where she shares even more of her talent, amazing projects and hilarious writing. You will want to pay her a visit there too!

Finally, we are so thrilled to be guest posting on Thursday with Kathy at A Delightsome Life 
as part of this wonderful series! Want to know more about how we blog together? Head on over and read about a day in our blogging lives…that sounds kinda like a Soap Opera doesn’t it?
“These are the Days of Their Blogging Lives”!

All-righty then, let’s get to some Features shall we?

picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]
INSPIRED ROOMS

Erin from How to Nest for Less shared with us her beautiful Craft Room and we weren’t jealous of it at all…nope…not one little bit!
Laura of The Ironstone Nest showed off her incredible Dining Room and you just can’t appreciate how lovely this is until you go over and see the “Before” photos.

MAKEOVERS

Melissa from Shabby Love showed us how she turned an old door into an awesome set of shelves for displaying her wonderful collections in her kitchen. We love the burlap backing detail!
Kimberly of Serendipity Refined did an incredible job transforming an old cabinet into this perfectly beautiful French-y piece.

CRAFTS and CREATIONS
The talented Poppy from With a Dash of Color showed us how to make these beautiful Decoupaged French Pots and her tutorial is excellent!
Kristin of Craftiments put her own spin on things by transforming a thrift store lamp into this Nautical Rope Lamp with an Openwork Globe Shade. So cool!
Craftiments.com:  Nautical Rope Lamp with Openwork Globe Shade
RECIPES and PARTIES

Now if these Pineapple Juice Fruit Infused Popsicles from Homespun With Love don’t say Summer than we don’t know what does!

Sabrina from Neverland Nook  shared with us the recipe for this Apple Honey Lemon Smoothie. We just love the uniqueness of this and can’t wait to try it ourselves!
Jen from City Farmhouse showed us how to take her recipe for Simple Bruschetta and turn it into a delicious sandwich she calls the “Toasted Triple B”. This looks like heaven on a plate to us!
              
OUTDOOR LIVING

Erin from Just Grand linked up this incredible  Outdoor Shower and the only thing we wanted to know was whether or not she was taking reservations at her beautiful beach cottage!!
 Erin’s Outdoor Shower was also featured over at hometalk this week!

Our talented friend Courtney from French Country Cottage revealed the amazing Outdoor Fireplace she built. We just love how it looks like it has always been there and we envision many a Summer evening out there enjoying the glow of the fire.
INSPIRING STORIES

We couldn’t resist featuring this post called, A Male Haven Maven which was written by Leo, husband of Jane from Cottage at the Crossroads. It was so fun to hear about the conference from his perspective and it sure looks like he had a great time, doesn’t it?
And, we tearfully read this post, The Long Good-Bye, shared with us by Rita Joy of Harbour Breeze. She beautifully and honestly conveys the difficult journey of watching her mom battle dementia and the lessons she has learned along the way. We were blessed by her vulnerability and willingness to share her heart with others.
me and mom cropped

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 FRIDAYand like to PINthe 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!

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest



This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:
Drop_cloth_designs_co_union_jack_ad_2_250x125
where you can find beautiful pieces like this:
Rosette Drop Cloth Pillow
Disclaimer: At the Picket Fence may feature any of the projects linked up to Inspiration Friday in other posts or on Facebook, twitter and hometalk with all credit being given to the original source. If you would not like your projects featured please email us.

71 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « A Picket Fence 4th of July!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vivienne @ The V Spot says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    OH MY GOSH! all of your features look amazing! Going to check them out. xoxo

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Great features. I must check out that smoothie recipe. Looks good. thanks for hosting, girls!

    Reply
  3. Jenny @ The NY Melrose Family says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting and for the tip about Hometalk. I love it!

    Reply
  4. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Just saw your tweet so I came over and linked up. Thanks for hosting! I just found a recipe for smore cream puffs…can you even believe it? Two of my favorite things. :o)

    Reply
  5. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  6. Janel@hatingmartha says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Thanks for the party! Hope your 4th was great fun!

    Reply
  7. Eclectically Vintage says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    I’m not jealous of Erin’s craft room either … ok, maybe just a tad!

    You girls sure know how to pick winners!

    Here’s to getting your hearing back after the fireworks!

    And Linda does have the most amazing pillows!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls, have a great weekend!

    Reply
  9. suzyq says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Wow – every one of those features is amazing!!! Especially love the cabinet!
    Thanks so much for hosting –
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  10. Serendipity Refined says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Thanks girls!!! I came over to link up and was excited to see “Grace” featured. Needless to say, I’m shocked and thrilled! Hugs to both of you and have a wonderful weekend! xo, Kimberly

    Reply
  11. Kristin says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Thank you ladies for showing off our Popsicle’s!!! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Kirstin says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    Thank you for featuring my lamp makeover. Have a great week!

    Reply
  13. Honey at 2805 says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Great features again each and every week! Thanks for being gracious hostesses, ladies!

    Reply
  14. Erin~Just*Grand says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my outdoor shower! The other features all look wonderful, too. Very inspiring. I will have to carve out some time to visit those other blogs. Thanks again for hosting the party.
    Erin

    Reply
  15. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Hi ladies. Amazing features, as always. And I can’t wait to read Leo’s story about Haven!

    🙂

    Linda

    (And thanks for the sponsor post …)

    Reply
  16. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Thanks for hosting. Wonderful features this week.

    Dee

    Reply
  17. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Hello Ladies – Amazing features – I just love the door and the collection – swooning! The lamp is fantastic, the fireplace – all just too great! I do appreciate you all being one of my guest bloggers – it has been an honor! I do appreciate you hosting too!
    Have a blessed day,
    Kathy

    Reply
  18. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    Such a lovely selection of inspirational features! Thanks for hosting!
    Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  19. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Love the features, really like that outdoor shower. We need one of those.
    Thanks for hosting and have a great day!

    Reply
  20. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    Fantastic features. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  21. Poppy says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa,thank you so much for featuring my pots among all the other beautiful features here.I appreciate it so much and I am humbled:) Have a lovely evening!Hugs,Poppy

    Reply
  22. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:53 PM

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

    Reply
  23. Anita says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    Those popsicles look too good! Thanks for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  24. Debra @ Common Ground says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    Hi gals, just linked up, thanks so much for hosting such a great party!!

    Reply
  25. Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:47 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Can’t wait to try the Popsicles.

    Reply
  26. Anne says

    July 5, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Thanks for the party! Enjoy the rest of your week!!

    Reply
  27. Sue says

    July 5, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Wow! Some really great features this week, girls! I’m so glad I could link up- life has just been so busy and it’s all we could do to get our yard ready for this photo shoot. We spent a very hot and humid day cleaning up the storm debris on Wed. Whew- not fun! Thanks so very much for hosting and for the very, very sweet comments on Hometalk!!! xo Sue

    Reply
  28. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    July 5, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies! Hope you had a fabulous 4th 🙂

    Reply
  29. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    July 5, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    So many great fearures, off to browse 🙂
    XO

    Reply
  30. CAS says

    July 6, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Thanks for hosting, Heather & Vanessa!
    CAS

    Reply
  31. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    July 6, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies. And congrats on becoming Hometalk ambassadors! Love that site!

    Reply
  32. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Hope you had a FABULOUS 4th!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  33. FABBY'S LIVING says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    Thank you for having me. Congrats on the Hometalk embassador, wow, but you sure deserve it!
    FABBY

    Reply
  34. ~ Liz ~ says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    I love how you break up your features by category. Look forward to reading the story you featured. Thanks so much for providing the party!
    Liz

    Reply
  35. Peggy~PJH Designs says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! I love all of the features but especially that armoire.

    Reply
  36. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    All the features are great but wow, that fireplace is awesome! Thanks for the party!

    Reply
  37. Kerry Rossow says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:54 AM

    As usual, your features rocked my socks! (And, made me cry!) Thank you for hosting- love hanging out here!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  38. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Love all the features….Linda’s pillows are the best…she sure can work magic with drop cloths…and that Leo…he is the best…enjoyed him and Jane so much at Haven!…and the heartwarming story of Rita and her mom..Thanks for hosting ladies and have a wonderful weekend!!!

    Reply
  39. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I hope you had a great 4th of July!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  40. allisamazing says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:46 AM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  41. Jen Lossing says

    July 6, 2012 at 4:02 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. I hope you guys had a great 4th!

    Reply
  42. Addicted2HomeDecor says

    July 6, 2012 at 4:10 AM

    Thanks for hosting such a wonderful party! This is my first time here and I’m loving it! I’m now a follower and would love to have you stop by for a visit! Blessings ~ Judy

    Reply
  43. Meegan says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Can you believe the fireplace? And the pillow, and the rope lamp?? Oh! And the craft room!! Absolutely incredible features this week!
    Thanks for hosting Heather and Vanessa!!
    Meegan
    What Meegan Makes

    Reply
  44. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    July 6, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    Aww thanks so much for featuring my fireplace girls!! Loving all the other features too-great choices!! I just linked up~ thanks so much for hosting!!

    Reply
  45. Nancy W says

    July 6, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    Thanks for hosting, I just love visiting your blog, so much inspiration!

    Reply
  46. City Farmhouse says

    July 6, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, Thank you so much for the feature:)!I am LOVING the outdoor shower & of course the beautiful outdoor fireplace. Have a great weekend & thank you for hosting and giving all of us a place to share.
    Jen

    Reply
  47. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    July 6, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    Heather and Vanessa, it was so wonderful meeting the two of you at Haven. Thanks for the feature, and because of that photo, I think more men will be signing up for Haven next year! Hehe!

    Reply
  48. Liz Fourez says

    July 6, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Lots of inspiration this week! Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  49. Maury Kilgo says

    July 6, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls! I hope yall have a great weekend!

    Reply
  50. Kelly Rowe says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    Thanks for hosting lovelies 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend! xo-Kelly

    Reply
  51. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  52. must love junk says

    July 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting 🙂
    Susan

    Reply
  53. Heather says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:04 PM

    Wow! I am drooling all over my keyboard looking at all the gorgeous features here! Thanks for hosting the fun and hope you have a fab weekend! Heather 🙂

    Reply
  54. ReiLynnDesigns says

    July 6, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    Thank you for hosting such a great linky party- so many unique and amazing ideas! I think I will be reading blogs for the rest of the day! LOL

    Reply
  55. Tammy says

    July 6, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Great features…you two really know how to host a party! I am doing my very first one right now, I sure hope it turns out as good as your…well I know it won’t be as good as yours, but one can wish right?

    Reply
  56. Kim @ La Belle Époque says

    July 6, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls!

    Reply
  57. Debbiedoo's says

    July 6, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Thank you for hosting. I am so late! I have been a pinning fool at our pin fest! Have a happy weekend.

    Reply
  58. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 6, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    Fun features, girls! I especially loved reading Leo’s take on Haven — isn’t he something? Happy weekend!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  59. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    July 6, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls! I’m working on a little something, I’ll actually be able to play next week =) Love the features, especially that buffet! I am smitten with it!

    Reply
  60. RaNae at Ewe Creek Cottage says

    July 6, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting your blog is always a joy to visit.
    RaNae

    Reply
    • RaNaeLuvsEwes says

      July 6, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      I signed in with my name and url for my blog and it takes u to a free blog forum I don’t think it is spose to work like that is it?? I am new to blogging I thought if I did that it would link back to my blog

      Reply
  61. Janis@All Things Beautiful says

    July 7, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Oh girlies…how did I miss you at Haven? I will hunt you down next year! Loved meeting so many great bloggers! Leo & Jane were so sweet (I’m the one “kissing” his head in the pic). Thanks so much for hosting this awesome party!!

    Reply
  62. Dayle @ A Collection of This and That says

    July 7, 2012 at 5:50 AM

    I always enjoy coming here. Great party, and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  63. Tani@Tagana Rose says

    July 7, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting!! First time I linked up here!!

    Reply
  64. Erica {let why lead} says

    July 10, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    You have some really fun features here. Thanks!

    Reply
  65. seo rankings says

    January 12, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    This is my first time go to see at here and i am truly happy to
    read all at alone place.

    Reply

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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.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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