“Mom, I really don’t want you to invite them to our house. Their kids are kind of weird, and I’m not friends with them. It will be just plain awkward. Can’t you just ask the mom? I mean it. Don’t […]
Join the (Free) Just Open the Door Book Club
Apr25
Click here to join our Just Open the Door Book Club Chat! Hospitality. That word can bring with it a whole lot of expectations and anxiety. Inviting people into your home might feel like inviting judgment on your entertaining skills and […]
It Starts With Just One Invitation
Apr10
Over the last year I’ve been working behind the scenes on a message that I hope will encourage many women. So here I sit again — typing away with my hands shaking and my heart beating a bit faster than […]
Simple Organizing: Clutter Confessions
Apr2
“Your home is your special place to live life. Whether you’re living in your dream home or a small apartment, the same rule should apply to getting yourself organizing: Make the most of the space you have.” – Melissa Michaels, […]
Just Open the Door: Fun FREEBIES!!
Mar16
A friend once said that launching a book is like standing in front of an audience in your underwear. How’s that for an opener to this post? At the time I didn’t get it, nor did it matter to me […]
Just Open the Door: Won’t You Join Me?
Feb27
I’ve been rather quiet in this space over the last year because I’ve been working behind the scenes on a message that I hope will encourage many women.So here I sit – typing away with my hands shaking and my […]
Becoming: Creative, Purposeful, Frugal
Jan24
Mark your Calendar for Becoming 2018. I can’t believe that I am announcing that registration for our seventh annual Becoming Conference is open. I am over the top thrilled to invite you to join us!! Whether you come alone (take the […]
Celebrate with Simple Gatherings + Amazing Giveaways
Oct3
As many of you know, I’ve spent the last six months punching out every story and thought and detailing my heart for imperfect, every day hospitality with 60,000 words (yes, you read that correctly – 60K words) In this day and […]
Discover 8 Ways to a Happy Home
Apr6
There’s something deep within us that calls to create beauty, isn’t there? Even if we’re not artsy or creative at all, there’s a desire to make our home more beautiful: a place of rest and comfort. Often I have friends that want […]
The Best News Ever & Some Heart Resetting
Jan5
It’s been quite the eventful weeks in our Schmidt household. Having all the kids home under one roof (if even for a few days) has filled this momma’s heart to the brim, but I’m dreading the back to college countdown. […]
15 Minute Party Planning Ideas: Create One Focal Point
Sep9
I’ve had a summer filled with festivities and celebrations. In a perfect world, these monumental moments call for days, weeks months of planning, but in the realistic world of Jen living, I could barely wrap my mind around the day to day, so […]
Create a “Welcome Home”
Aug30
As I shared in my last post, “My Whirlwind of a Summer,” our home has been packed with friends, family, and strangers who became friends, all summer long. It’s what I love so much: an open home. Since the very […]
Creative Party Ideas to Keep Things Cool
Jul2
Summer parties and potlucks are in full force, yet so are the temperatures, so why not get creative with how you keep the foods fresh and cool? At a recent graduation party, I had to snap a photo of the […]
Easy Ideas for a Wonderful Housewarming
May29
I remember our first home gathering as a couple. I was over the top excited to welcome our friends. We lived in a tiny apartment, but it had its own door out onto the grass, so it felt like just […]
Easy Ways to Share Spontaneous Hospitality
May3
I finished leading the last worship song and it just kind of came out, “I know it is last minute, but after the service today, I’d love to invite you all over for lunch. I have some chili on the […]
