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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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January 11, 2012

Before and After…

…Christmas, that is!
You didn’t think I had some big ol’ DIY project done already did ya?
‘Cause this girl has had a hard enough time just getting the last of the Christmas stuff put away and the house cleaned up!

Now I know that some of you entered into the New Year with hot glue guns and paint brushes flying, but I seem to be a bit slower at getting myself motivated.

Anyone else out there with me? 
Come out, come out wherever you are and tell me I’m not the only one!
So, while these are really not Before and After’s in the true DIY sense, I thought it would still be fun to see how I transitioned my Christmas decor into more a more simplified Winter-y look.
DSC_0207-1
I’d like to tell you that my master plan all along was to decorate my mantels for Christmas with pieces that I would then reuse for the rest of winter, but you know what? I’m just not that organized!
And frankly, I never really changed up my mantel all that often B.B. (Before Blogging).
But all of you talented and creative folks keep me on my toes so for the first time ever, I attempted to make that shift from “Christmas” to “Winter”. 
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For my living room mantel, I just removed the extra “stuff” and kept the mercury glass candlesticks and pinecone candles as well as my “faux” paperwhites.

I added back in some simple greenery.

And for a pop of white, this wooden box filled with pinecones and sprigs of greenery.

In the family room, my Advent Mantel went through a simple transition as well.

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Keeping the tall berry trees on either end, I added these chunky candlesticks (on clearance at Target!) and some more faux greenery. 

My favorite little Frenchy clock adds some lightness to this mantel as well.

DSC_0183-1

I know I may be the only person left in blogland who hasn’t painted their fireplace white, but I do love how the brighter colors pop against the dark wood.

My next change was a bit less seasonal, but I really love it!
I wasn’t planning on adding something new to my foyer but…
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…this sweet mirror just hopped into my cart at Marshalls. 
Why does that keep happening?
In the photo above you can see that I had 2 smaller pictures hanging on one of the walls.

I really liked the prints, but I really LOVE how much lighter and brighter the space feels with this new mirror.
And, it came pre-chippified and distressed. Bonus!

See that room at the end of the hall reflected in the mirror?
I’m thinking that is going to be my first big project of 2012.
The laundry/mudroom.
Why have I been putting it off?
DSC_0191-1
Because it is just so much easier to fill a chicken wire dome with pine cones and set them all on top of a pretty little pedestal, of course!
Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,
1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

Sharing this here:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesdays
Elizabeth and Co. : Be Inspired
2805: Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded

35 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristin says

    January 10, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    The laundry room is one of my big projects this year too. Can’t wait to see what you do with yours.

    Love your decor, and I must go find that mirror!

    Reply
  2. Full Circle Creations says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:00 PM

    Nice transformation. Can’t wait to see what you do…if only I had a laundry room….

    Reply
  3. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    LOVE your pinecones, Vanessa! 😉 I hope you’re having a great week playing catch-up.

    Reply
  4. It's All Connected says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    My problem is that my projects are big and can’t be done in a couple of days. That pretty much leaves me with nothing to talk about unless anyone wants to see play by play of wallpaper stripping!
    Maureen

    Reply
  5. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    No worries, my ornaments or down but I need help to get the lights off and the tree in the box! With my broken foot, we are lucky the tree even went up! I did do a couple projects that are very small. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  6. Debra @ Common Ground says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    It’s taken me forever to get back in the swing of things. little by little. The chippy mirror is wonderful!! xoxo

    Reply
  7. Lisa - A Room with A View says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    I love the transition. I have just removed all my decorations and they are waiting to be put away in the attic. My mantle is empty (too Christmasy to keep for the rest of the winter) and I am contemplating the next decorative step. I like how yours is a gradual transition.

    Reply
  8. Judy says

    January 10, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I had to laugh…before blogging I rarely changed out my mantle. Now I change it 4-5 times a year! I love your changes and look forward to checking out what you have planned for 2012. I’m still working on my winter mantle. Something doesn’t look right on it…I hope to figure it out soon. Also…don’t paint your mantle…the dark wood is gorgeous.

    Reply
  9. CAS says

    January 10, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Both mantels look very nice, and you totally scored on that mirror in your foyer. Perfect!
    CAS

    Reply
  10. Kim says

    January 10, 2012 at 11:31 PM

    Love the look of your wintery mantle V. And the mirror is so pretty against the walls. Great job girlie!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  11. Kelly says

    January 10, 2012 at 11:50 PM

    I like all of your changes! That mirror is so pretty. I love painted mirrors like that. They’re so versatile. If you ever want to move it to another spot….you can!

    Reply
  12. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    Pretty mantels and yes, jump on that laundry room. I did mine a few months ago and it feels so much better after putting it off forever.

    Reply
  13. Lorna says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Love the changes you made to your mantel. I really like the new mirror, especially its chippiness! Great job.

    Reply
  14. Ivy and Elephants says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Oh, I’m with you, I’m a slow starter as well. But you have done a gorgeous job so far. Love that little mirror, they seem to follow me everywhere, too!
    Thanks for stopping by, I can’t wait to see your makeover (no pressure!)
    Hugs,
    Patti

    Reply
  15. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Love all your winter touches Vanessa and I LOVE your new mirror, it was made for that wall!! Love the wire cloche filled with pine cones too!

    Reply
  16. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    Vanessa, I love all of your Christmas to Winter changes! Like you, it takes me awhile to get into project mode; so, I start with simple decorative changes and work my way up. LOL!

    Reply
  17. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 11, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    You’re not alone, Vanessa! The only things I’ve done so far have been sewing ~ and nothing major either! I do want to get a move on the painting projects I have planned just because I’d like to get them done.

    Reply
  18. NanaDiana says

    January 11, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    Your changes look really nice. I soo need to paint and spruce up my laundry room this winter.

    I love your new mirror and it looks great there- xo Diana

    Reply
  19. Creations By Cindy says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:19 AM

    Love looking at all your pics and reading your blog. I used a lot of pine cones this year to decorate with for Christmas. A shame not to as my yard is full of them! Happy New Year.

    Reply
  20. rachaelk says

    January 11, 2012 at 3:53 AM

    It all looks so nice! I’m doing the same thing at my house – taking down all the Christmas decor, but still keeping up some “wintery” decor. Thanks for all the inspiration!

    Reply
  21. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    Love the changes, and that mirror! I thought my out house was going to be my biggest project this year, but it maybe my laundry room too! Have a great day!
    Debbie

    Reply
  22. mrshinesclass says

    January 11, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    Gorgeous mirror! And I have that same problem with stuff just falling into my cart at Marshall’s. Go figure! 😉

    Sharon

    Reply
  23. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    January 11, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    I LOVE getting glimpses of your lovely home, Vanessa – especially your hall, which I have always been completely jealous about!! SO tall, so glamorous!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  24. Chatty Chics says

    January 11, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    I love the transitions! How did you come up with the chicken wire dome? Did you make that yourself! Awesome!
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com
    PS Thanks for joining me today! You girls are awesome. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 11, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    I did the same thing with my mantel. I just took off the poinsettias, the stockings and the garland. Even though we’ve pretty much had a warm winter so far(a few really cold days thrown in), I’m looking forward to Spring already!

    Reply
  26. michelle says

    January 11, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    I always love your mantels my dear and these are gorgeous. Love the mirror!!
    xoxoxo

    Reply
  27. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    The little pots with the berries and greens are my favorite!

    Reply
  28. adventuresindinner says

    January 11, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    Anyone else ready for spring? Gorgeous primp 🙂

    Reply
  29. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:30 AM

    Looks so beautiful! I love your shots and the mirror is perfect in the foyer.

    Reply
  30. Honey at 2805 says

    January 12, 2012 at 10:06 PM

    This is a beautiful post, showing your mantel and foyer! Both are beautiful and your transition is lovely!

    Thank you for linking to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  31. Tanya@takesix says

    January 12, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful! I love your decorating. Your family room mantel is my fav! Love those little pots with greenery and candles!

    Reply
  32. Ann says

    January 13, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    Its quite dangerous all those things jumping into our shopping carts, I sometimes have the same problem. I really do like your new mirror and where you hung it.
    I especially love the chicken wire filled with pinecones.
    Ann

    Reply
  33. Lindsey says

    January 13, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    Love the chicken wire “lid”! How did you make that?

    Stopping by from toddlindsey.com

    Reply
  34. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 14, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    I love your before and after Vanessa! Your home is just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  35. Angela says

    January 17, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    Love the chicken wire dome!

    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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