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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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September 30, 2013

Autumn Abounds Linky Party & $1,000 Prize Package Giveaway!

We don’t know about you but it seems like when Fall hit it really HIT! We’ve been seeing so many fabulous ideas and loads of inspiration for making the most of this beautiful season.

We were thrilled to team up with some amazing bloggers for our Autumn Abounds Blog Hop and here are all of the fantastic projects which have been shared over the last 2 weeks!

www.thealbumcafe.com

 

Fox Hollow CottageThrifty Junky and Free Fireplace Mantel

At The Picket Fence House Number Pumpkin Topiary

Jennifer Rizzo You Can Paint A Pumpkin Canvas Art

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Rustic Fall Mantel

Domestically Speaking Apple Popper Recipe

Yellow Bliss Road Autumn Breakfast and Free Printable

At The Picket Fence Decorating A Fall Mantel

Setting For Four Sparkly Fall Mantel

Cupcakes and Crinoline Sweet Potato Apple Soup Recipe

Adventures in Decorating Colorful Fall Mantel

Ella Claire Sparkling Cider Recipe

JoJo & Eloise DIY Mens Boutonnieres

French Country Cottage Autumn Office Reveal

Debbiedoo’s How To Be Your Own Van Gogh

Sand and Sisal Pumpkin Apple Bread With Streusel Topping

Now it’s your turn to share your Autumn inspiration with us AND be entered to win this amazing $1,000 valued Prize Package!

autumn abounds prize graphic

Take a look at what the winner will receive!

$250 World Market gift card

$300 faucet from Pfister

Teal and Lime custom mood board valued at $300

$25 Decor Steals gift card

$25 to Antique Farmhouse gift card

$100 Minted giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, we can’t wait to see how you have been welcoming Fall to your homes! Link on up friends! 🙂


28 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Good Ideas Tagged With: Giveaway

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Previous Post: « How I Found My Style
Next Post: 5 Pumpkins 5 Ways ~ DIY Pumpkin Clock »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nici ~ Posed Perfection says

    September 30, 2013 at 5:36 AM

    Thanks for hosting this fun fall party! Hope you have a wonderful week!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:36 PM

      Thanks for coming by Nici!

      Reply
  2. Barbara from 21 Rosemary Lane says

    September 30, 2013 at 6:02 AM

    Thank you so much for the party! Wishing you both a beautiful fall season!
    XO Barbara

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:35 PM

      And you too Barbara! Thanks for coming by!

      Reply
  3. Doreen@HymnsandVerses says

    September 30, 2013 at 6:06 AM

    I really enjoyed the Autumn Abounds series! Thanks for letting us join in!

    Blessings,
    Doreen

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:35 PM

      Thank you so much Doreen! I saw some of your beautiful entries in the linky party! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  4. Happier Than A Pig in Mud says

    September 30, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Thanks for hosting this fun party! I look forward to lots of fall inspiration:@)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:35 PM

      There is TONS of inspiration here isn’t there?! Thanks for coming by to visit! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  5. FABBY says

    September 30, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    Oh my goodness, so much to see and thank you for the contest chance. Thanks for the great party sweet lady. Have a great week.
    FABBY

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:34 PM

      Thanks so much for coming over Fabby! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  6. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    September 30, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Oh..let me go get my coffee…settling in to browse ladies! Fabulous!

    Reply
  7. Julia@SouthernColor says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!! I love this time of year!! Can’t wait to make a trip to the mountains to go apple picking 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:34 PM

      Thanks for coming by Julia!

      Reply
  8. Mia says

    September 30, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    My favorite thing about autumn is the crisp, cool air outside when you go for a walk outside. (And the boots, and the scarves, and the apple cider…)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:33 PM

      Mine too Mia! In fact we just got back from a quick walk and it was so wonderfully crisp! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  9. Sandy says

    September 30, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    Looks like a great linky party but sorry, I’m so sick of rafflecopters on blogs. Too many hoops to jump through. Nice blog though, I’ve commented a lot over the years but never ever have heard a thing from either of you gals……..guess that’s what happens when you hit the big-time blogging world and get too, too busy. 🙂 Just a honest comment with some honest feedback.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 7:30 PM

      Hi Sandy! First of all please allow me to apologize. I’m sorry that there have been times you’ve left comments and we have not replied. We readily admit to not being the best at responding to each and every comment. This doesn’t mean that we don’t read and appreciate them though and when we are asked specific questions we do our very best to respond in a timely manner. Yes, our lives are busy, but not because we’ve hit the “big-time” but because we are wives, mothers and business owners who are just trying to do the best we can every day just like everyone else. 🙂 And I completely understand about not liking rafflecopter. Because our current giveaway involves many other bloggers this one is particularly involved but we also know that this gives everyone lots of chances to enter to win! Thank you for your honest feedback!
      Vanessa

      Reply
      • Sandy says

        October 1, 2013 at 7:14 AM

        Good morning Vanessa,

        Thanks so much for responding. I apologize for the curt comment “hit the big time” I know it must be very difficult to run a busy business, care for a home and take care of children because I was there at one time, although I didn’t run the business (which is even more involved) but I worked full-time at a prestigious medical school and ran a household. I regretted my comment right after I hit the enter button, but heck, it did get your attention and thanks for the feedback. I’m not one to leave negative comments, but I was frustrated after many attempts with the raffle copter. Should have taken a deep breath…..

        I really do love your blog and am VERY happy for both of your successes! You both work hard at it. I’m way…..
        ..behind when it comes to social media and hope to attend a blogging conference one day.

        Wishing you the best and continued success.

        Sandy

        Reply
        • Sandy says

          October 1, 2013 at 7:37 AM

          P.S. But you both are rock star bloggers…..and I mean that in a good way! Very profressional streamlined blog with lots of great inspiration. 🙂

          Reply
  10. Debbie says

    September 30, 2013 at 9:03 PM

    I love everything about Autumn, but especially the cooler weather. Living in the south can be so hot and humid sometimes. It also means Christmas is not far behind! Blessings, Debbie

    Reply
  11. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    October 1, 2013 at 4:34 AM

    Woo Hoo! LOVING all of the fall inspiration! Thanks for hosting! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  12. Candyce says

    October 1, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    Fall is my favorite! Thanks for all the great ideas and inspiration!!!

    Reply
  13. Theresa@Shoestring Elegance says

    October 2, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    Good Morning, Heather and Vanessa!! I just wanted to Thank you for hosting your lovely party, and tell you I LOVE your “Autumn Abounds’!! and your Giveaway! (I got my entry in,I think just in time) as you can see I’ve been running a little behind these days!! I hope you are both having a Blessed week!!
    Hugs,
    ~Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 2, 2013 at 10:02 AM

      Awwww…thanks so much Theresa! What a lovely comment! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Sandy says

    October 2, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    Fall is perfect with its colorful leaves swirling in a breeze.

    Reply
  15. Odelia C says

    October 4, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    I love the cooler temps and the holidays.

    Reply
  16. Charlene Glover says

    October 4, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    I love all the different colors and the smell of baking so many goodies.

    Reply
  17. Rachel says

    October 5, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    I love everything about your blog seems as though I get started looking at one page then another then another and omg the day has turned to night…
    The holidays make me feel like a child again with stars in my eyes and joy in my heart..
    Thank you.

    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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