• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

September 12, 2011

Behind the Blog with Savvy Southern Style

We are so excited for today’s installment of Behind the Blog!
Please join us in welcoming Kim, Miss Savvy Southern Style herself!

Savvy Southern Style

For many, her blog was what inspired them to begin blogging themselves. And for countless of us, she was among the first to pay us a visit after we finally took that plunge and joined this crazy world called Blogland!
She also hosts the popular Wow Us Wednesday Linky Party and you can find us there every week partying away with so many of you. Her gorgeous home provides inspiration and motivation to all of us desiring to create warm and inviting spaces and we are just so thrilled to have her here with us today.

picketfence_20010


Up first, we asked Kim to share with us the “Ins and Outs” of her blogging experience.

What prompted you to start blogging in the first place?
“I had been posting pictures of my home on rate my space for some time and not to brag or anything my ratings were always at least a 3.8 or higher which is good. Well, then things went sour when someone started purposely down rating my spaces to a poor mark. I would upload a new space and it would get high ratings and then down it went again. I decided to not post on there anymore and during this time I had struck up a friendship with Debbie of Debbiedoos. The same thing was happening to her spaces on there. So she started a blog and talked me into starting one, too. I kept putting off starting one because I am still very technically challenged by the computer. I have surely learned a lot since starting this blog.”

How long have you been blogging? 

“I first began blogging on January 30, 2009”


What is the story behind your blog name? 

“I wanted my sister and I to do a blog together and had come up with the name Savvy Style Sisters, but she felt she was not ready for this venture so I started mine and just changed the name to Savvy Southern Style.”

(You know how much we appreciate that “sister love” around these parts! We heard your sister finally took the plunge and started her own blog, The Essence of Home. These next questions will definitely apply to her and anyone else joining the wonderful world of blogging!)

What is one piece of advice you would give to a “new” blogger?

“Not to become addicted to this like have. Is there a blogger’s anonymous chapter?”



What is one piece of advice you would give to a “seasoned” blogger to avoid the dreaded blogger burn-out?

“I wish someone would give me that advice. Sometimes I get panicky when I think I don’t have anything to blog about. Then some ideas will come to me and all is good again. I probably should take a tiny break, but like I said in #4 I have an addiction.”

(We would never know you get panicky over what to blog about Kim and judging by these projects, you always seem to have something fabulous up your sleeve!)
 
picketfence_20010

What has been your most popular project with your readers?


“The kitchen that was recently updated with the beadboard wallpaper seems to be my most visited post.”

What is YOUR favorite project you have ever done?
”The hutch in the dining room that I just recently posted.”


Have you ever had a project that completely failed and you did not show it on your blog?

“Yes, a little tray that I already had that I mod podged burlap to and then stenciled a monogram on it. It was just too cheesy to show y’all.”

(That doesn’t sound so bad Kim! You may just have to show it to us one of these days!)



We call this next round the “If You Were Stranded On A Desert Island” Set of Questions! (original we know…)


If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you want to have with you and why? And if you could only have 1 person with you on that island, whom would it be and why?


“Fresh water, sunscreen and a gun. Have to have water to stay hydrated, I would burn to a crisp without sunscreen and I would want to shoot any strange predators in the dark.”

“The one person I would want there with me would be my husband. He is my best friend, but we may have to sleep on separate sides of the island since he snores! We usually end up in separate rooms now since we have two empty bedrooms upstairs. I have to have my sleep.”
And last but certainly not least, we’re going to put Kim under the magnifying glass with Our Reader Questions..cause we know y’all are as nosy as we are!


MP900399239


Where does YOUR inspiration come from for all of your fantastic home decorating and painting projects?

“Definitely other blogs, Design books and magazines as well.”

If you could only eat one food (or type of food) for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
“Pizza. It has always been my favorite food. I remember when I was seven or eight years old I ate five slices and boy did I regret it. I was so sick all night!”



We can’t thank you enough Kim, for letting us get to know you better today and for giving us a glimpse at the Blogger Behind the Blog! 
And thank you to our readers who joined us today for our fourth installment of Behind the Blog!  Missed the first four installments? Well, you can read them here and get all caught up! And stay tuned for future installments of Behind the Blog…

behind the blog graphic lettering
…cause you never know who might show up next at the fence!


Thanks so much for joining us, along with Kim from Savvy Southern Style, today at the Fence,
dual signature
Don’t forget we have a fabulous giveaway still going on through Wednesday!
Andrea is offering one of her beautiful signs to one of our readers. There’s still plenty of time to enter!
Signs By Andrea Giveaway 





29 Comments Filed Under: Behind the Blog Series

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « A not so Simple Sunday….I Will Never Forget.
Next Post: Pinterest Pinfest “Our Dream Autumn Game Day” »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    September 12, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Thanks gals for letting us to get to know Kim a little better! She’s one of my favs. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 12, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Thanks so much gals!!

    Reply
  3. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Flea Market Makeovers says

    September 12, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Great interview! I love Kim’s blog. She is an inspiration to many bloggers.

    Reply
  4. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Great getting to know Kim a little better! She amazes me with her blogging fortitude!!

    Reply
  5. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Great interview, ladies! Kim has such a beautiful home, I’m so glad she decided to start a blog. I never did rate my space because of what she mentioned. I find that bloggers can be very supportive and give that boost of confidence that we all need from time to time. I think we all need to figure out how to control this blogging addiction!

    Reply
  6. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜@ Debbiedoos blogging and blabbing says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Ahhh..the days of RMS! Sure do not miss them. However, I will say, I made a lot of friends there and Kim is one of the best I made! So even though there were a few creepers, I say look at us NOW!~ I laughed out loud on the gun part..I just can’t picture Kim with a gun and shooting, Now a paint brush YES! Great interview girls!

    Reply
  7. Kelly says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Wow! I had no idea that she did this interview! I loved reading it and love this idea of learning more about other bloggers. Thanks for stopping by my new blog and sharing the love!! I’m looking forward to what this new adventure will bring me. So far, it is becoming addictive (just like I was warned about). My sister is coming over today and we’re going to work on some blog things together.

    Reply
  8. Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow says

    September 12, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Kim is one of my favorites in blog land. Thank you for doing this fun interview! blessings ~ tanna

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 12, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Love Kim’s blog, such a great feature. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    September 12, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    So fun to read more about Kim! She is a lovely lady!

    Reply
  11. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    September 12, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    this was a fun read.. great questions girls and I enjoyed your answers Kim..

    Reply
  12. AntiqueChase says

    September 12, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Great feature. Always nice to learn more about Kim!

    Reply
  13. Debbie--https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    September 12, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Kim is such a wonderful person! I love visiting her blog, she’s very positive and inspiring. I’m glad to know her a little better!
    Debbie

    Reply
  14. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 12, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Hi Ladies, Great interview and I enjoyed learning more about Kim.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  15. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 12, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    I love this feature that you have on your blog because I like to know more about the bloggers themselves. I wish I had half the energy that Kim has!

    Reply
  16. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 12, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Great interview Girls! I can say I’ve know Kim since our RMS days Kim & Debbiedoos are one of the reasons I started blogging! Martina

    Reply
  17. Ashley says

    September 12, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Love her blog! Great feature!

    Reply
  18. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 12, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  19. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 12, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    I know Kim already but love learning more about her too!! Thanks for sharing girls! Now when is that bloggers anonymous group starting up?!

    Reply
  20. Richella says

    September 12, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    Kim is great. She’s so talented and so kind to everyone else in the blogosphere. I especially love that she achieves such a GORGEOUS, high-end look on a budget. She’s amazing! Thanks for highlighting her here. It’s fun to get to know people better.

    Reply
  21. The DIY Show Off says

    September 13, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    Love reading the scoop on my favorite blog girls! Hi Kim! 😉 Thanks for sharing the details, ladies!

    Have a great week!

    Roeshel

    Reply
  22. Amy @MaisonDecor says

    September 13, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    I loved learning more about Kim! I started blogging in May 2010 and Kim found me and put me on her blog roll~after that I got a lot more followers. I will always remember that she was generous of spirit, and she is a constant commentator on my blog, which is much appreciated.

    Reply
  23. Shelia says

    September 13, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Hi ladies and thank you for featuring Kim! She is one of my favorite bloggers! She is just amazing at all she does and she’s made her home so gorgeous! Just can’t get enough of it.
    Be a couple of sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  24. classic • casual • home says

    September 13, 2011 at 4:43 AM

    I wish Kim was my next door neighbor…I would give her some of my earplugs. My husband snores, too.
    I loved this interview, Heather and Vanessa!!!
    Mary Ann PICKETT 🙂

    Reply
  25. Becca says

    September 13, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Love the interview, girls, Vanessa and Heather … great series! Kim was a wonderful choice to “put under the scope!” … love her witty and honest answers (and can relate to most of them)! You gals rock! xoxo

    Reply
  26. Leslie says

    September 13, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    I give Kim 5 STARS!!!
    I just love her!
    ~me

    Reply
  27. The French Hutch says

    September 13, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    I give the interview with Kim a thumbs up!. Great questions. She’s a great gal with a fabulous blog. Her Wow Us Wednesday party is so inspirational. Lot to see there.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  28. addicted pornography says

    September 14, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Kim is such a wonderful person! I love visiting her blog, she’s very positive and inspiring. I’m glad to know her a little better!

    Reply
  29. Christie says

    November 17, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    I just love Kim! She has such classic style. Everything she does is beautiful! I just got some inspiration from her site for a T’giving centerpiece! She rocks! Love this ‘Behind the Blogs!’ You girls rock, too! Love, Christie

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards of your labor! The whole family pitched in to get our bark spread around the yard (I’m the master at raking it until it’s nice and even) and by the end of the day we were all done. Now we can head into summer with our big yard projects completed! 🙌🏻 Do you put in fresh bark every year?
Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’ Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your favorite thing about this month? Mind can be summed up in this quote…

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” John Steinbeck
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence