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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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November 2, 2015

Better Homes and Gardens Came to My House

Two weeks ago, after the alarm went off early in the morning, I dragged myself out of bed all the while bemoaning the fact that it was pitch black outside and frankly it felt all wrong to have to be doing anything other than snuggling under the covers for another hour or so.

I went downstairs, made coffee and opened my laptop to check emails before the kids came down.

And there it was. An email from an editor at Better Homes and Gardens.

I blinked a few times to make sure I was seeing it correctly through my tired, bleary eyes. You see, they had seen my DIY Plate Rack and thought it would be perfect for the ‘I Dit It’ column in their magazine and would I be willing to hop on a phone call? I honestly had to read the email about 10 times before I was able to process it. Really?! Me?! My little ol’ plate rack hanging in my kitchen?!!

After emailing the editor back (it took all of my willpower to not have a million exclamation points in my reply back to her and to try and stay calm, cool and collected!) and scheduling a time to talk I raced around the house getting the kids ready for school and thinking about how crazy life is. You can be sitting there in your robe with wet hair and only thinking about how you should’ve packed the kids lunches the night before and then suddenly you find out that BHG wants to come to your house!

It was only when we were on the phone that the editor dropped the bomb. They wanted to come to my house soon…like really soon….like in a few days soon! YIKES! Not only was it crazy to think of just under normal circumstances but I was preparing to speak at a church women’s retreat that coming weekend and was already a tad overwhelmed. But, all I said was “Sure! Of course! No problem!”

Within a couple of days the boxes of goodies/props began to be delivered to my home and before I knew it the big day had arrived!

The photography equipment was dropped off in the kitchen.

BHG photo shoot1

And pretty soon this entire space was taken over. Of course, I had to be a good hostess and keep everyone nourished throughout the day so we munched on apple cider doughnuts in the morning, chex mix, and my amazing roasted red pepper soup for lunch with bread from my favorite local bakery.

BHG Photo shoot3

Edmund the photographer and Char the stylist were such a blast to work with and we were fast friends. They made me feel so comfortable and at ease and I couldn’t have asked for more amazing people to have in my home all day.

BHG photo shoot2

The entire thing felt like such a ‘pinch me I must be dreaming moment’. I never would have imagined the week before that I would have Better Homes and Gardens coming to my house to photograph me standing next to the plate rack I built one afternoon to fill an awkward wall in my kitchen.

bhg photo shoot

But, here’s the thing my friends. It felt so much like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but after they left, the sweats went back on, my hair went back into a ponytail and I hurried to get dinner on the table and help my kids with their homework.

And that’s the real stuff of life after all, isn’t it? Magazines and book deals and speaking engagements are all pretty great and I’m humbled that God is opening doors for me and that I’m able to pursue my dreams.

with the bhg crew

But, at the end of the day, my most favorite role of all is as a wife and a mom and a homemaker. It’s my sweet spot. It’s what I find to be the most fulfilling.

Don’t get me wrong, this kind of opportunity is super fun and I’m deeply grateful for everything. But, it’s important to keep a proper perspective, don’t you think?

To remember what defines us…and what doesn’t.

So I’ll simply chock this one up as a really cool experience, a fun adventure. And I’ll happily sit here in my sweats and fondly remember the day that Better Homes and Gardens came to my house!

Vanessa signature

 

P.S. I’ll be sure to let you know which issue it’s going to be in as soon as I get the OK! 😉

27 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Lisa Mothersead says

    November 2, 2015 at 3:38 AM

    Congrats! For this season of your life, kids are priority. But, in the future, you never know what will fill your day. Those are pretty exciting possibilities. ☺️

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:45 PM

      Thank you Lisa!

      Reply
  2. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    November 2, 2015 at 3:55 AM

    Oh how exciting Vanessa!!!….congrats on this most wonderful experience. I love your DIY plate rack too!…Looks like your BHG team were fun to work with!….Cannot wait to see your home in the magazine!!….Congrats again…so well deserved!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:45 PM

      Thank you so much Shirley! I so appreciate your support and encouragement. You are such a blessing to me my friend!

      Reply
  3. Pamela says

    November 2, 2015 at 3:59 AM

    SO thrilled for you! Interesting the timing of those 2 things, speaking truth into God’s women and helping His girls create beautiful homes through print, both within a matter of days. He is certainly using your gifts to encourage women in their hearts and homes. What a ministry. We women are all this thing called life, often as wives and moms, together and we’re all on the same team so while you’re out there in the field playing this time I’m cheering from the sidelines!

    Reply
  4. Peg says

    November 2, 2015 at 4:13 AM

    Congrats Vanessa! Your home is lovely and so are you!
    It’s truly a pleasure to watch your dreams come true! : )

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:42 PM

      Thank you so much Peg!

      Reply
  5. Hope Williams says

    November 2, 2015 at 4:28 AM

    What an experience to have! I’m so happy it was you that got that opportunity. But what makes my heart sing the most is your perspective on the whole of it. God is truly your anchor, and you let him hold it all in his hands. I admire you and your ability to enjoy the blessing and give him the glory of the whole experience. Knowing at the end of the day, who you are and staying grounded with perspective. Congratulations! Well deserved!
    Blessings, Hope

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:41 PM

      Oh Hope thank you so much for your incredibly sweet words!! You are such a blessing to me always! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Rebecca Turner says

    November 2, 2015 at 4:54 AM

    Wow, how exciting! I was trying to imagine how that would feel. I think I’d be panicked. But your house is lovely so scrape your hair into a pony, throw on the yoga pants and get back to living, but I doubt if you’re finished in the surprise department.

    Reply
  7. Jackie Lamers says

    November 2, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    Where did you get the fabulous cream colored pots on your fireplace mantel? They are amazing!

    Reply
  8. Sonya ~at home with The Barkers says

    November 2, 2015 at 6:15 AM

    YAY…that is so exciting! I can’t wait to get my copy in the mail! ~Sonya

    Reply
  9. Melanie says

    November 2, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Congratulations! Well deserved! I love your blog and I love your priorities!
    NOW…we need you “amazing red pepper soup” recipe!!

    Reply
  10. Joanne says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    How exciting! I can’t wait to see your home in a magazine. You have reached new heights, girl!

    Reply
  11. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    November 2, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    So fun! Happy for you 🙂 xo!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:38 PM

      Thank you Andrea!

      Reply
  12. Kathy says

    November 2, 2015 at 12:25 PM

    Love it! Especially loved the pictures of your house! It’s just gorgeous. What a thrill to have the opportunity to show it off in such a big way! Can’t wait to see it in print!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:38 PM

      Thank you so much Kathy!

      Reply
  13. Gwen says

    November 2, 2015 at 2:21 PM

    How fitting for the day I read a devotional on God making us into the best me, the best YOU –His creation in whom He sings with great delight and lover over( see Zephaniah 3:17 I believe?). But as I looked back on your own writings, I felt your own words fit the very best to describe what is happening. God is leading you on a path to be His light to people I cannot reach for Him. But you will. Isn’t this exciting?!!
    “WANNA BE IN MY BAND?

    OCTOBER 8, 2014

    “Hey Mom, guess what? I’m in a band now!”

    My then 9 year old son was sitting at the kitchen island having his after-school snack and after I got over the initial shock of hearing him voluntarily share something about his day, I quickly replied, “Really? How cool buddy! Are they going to have a band at school now?”

    “No”, he said, ” It’s not for the school. It’s just me and my friends! I’m going to play the piano.”

    “Wow!”, I said, “What’s the name of your band?”

    “We’re calling it Go Go for Jesus!“, he answered.

    keyboard

    With every fiber of my being I fought the urge to burst into laughter. And I continued to fight that urge as he explained to me how they were making plans to take ‘Go Go for Jesus’ on the road and how they just knew that before long Hollywood was going to come knocking on their doors.

    “So, who is in your band?” I asked. “Oh, everyone is mom. The whole class!”, he replied.

    He must have read my mind because he quickly explained that even though not everyone would be playing an instrument, every kid would have a role in the success of Go Go for Jesus.

    Kyle was going to be the tour manager. Andrew was in charge of snacks. There were 5 ‘lead’ singers. You get the idea.

    And when I asked if I could have a job with the band too, I was informed that they might consider letting me drive the tour bus.

    Despite the fact that this group of 3rd graders had never actually practiced together and most of them had never even picked up an instrument, they were all 100% convinced that there were going to make it BIG. Like ‘American Idol’ big!

    tin drum

    I asked when they were going to be practicing and he said, “We don’t need to actually practice mom, we just know what to do!” And then, thankfully, he headed off to his room and I was finally able to let out the laughter I had been suppressing throughout the entire conversation.

    As I was telling my husband about ‘Go Go for Jesus’ later that night (and after we laughed our heads off), we both marveled at the fact that in their little 3rd grade hearts, this wasn’t just an imaginary band. It was REAL. And they had full confidence that it would be successful. I mean, you can’t go wrong in Hollywood with a name like that, right?

    The other day I found myself thinking (and laughing) again about Go Go for Jesus. And I realized that I envied those 3rd graders who so firmly believed, with complete faith, that they were going to make it.

    Because somewhere along the line, I stopped believing with all my heart that my dreams could come true. Oh, I’m not talking about my “I want to get married” dream and my “I want to be a mommy’ dream, although that one was definitely put to the test!

    I’m talking about those dreams that just seem so unrealistic. The ones that seem so unrealistic that you start wondering if it’s selfish to ever try and nurture them. You know, the Go Go for Jesus kind of dreams.

    Recently I was talking with our Women’s Ministry Pastor and answering her questions about our blog as well as how God is using me during this season in my life. I shared with her about some of my dreams. Dreams that, amazingly, astonishingly, recently have started to seem within reach. And yet, I felt the need to downplay them. To make the caveat that every good Christian girl does when she worries that people will think her dreams are just a bit too big for their britches.

    toy xylophone

    I told her, “But I know that God can accomplish His purposes with or without me so, you know, it’s no big deal.”

    She smiled at me and said, “Yeah, He can. But what if He just really wants to use YOU?”

    Ummm….excuse me? Come again? It’s not often that I am rendered speechless (just ask anyone who’s ever spent more than 5 seconds with me!) but I didn’t quite know how to reply.”

    And in your story. In your words. In your friend’s words of encouragement we all get to see God’s plan of how He is using YOU for Him!!! Think of all the people you’ll be able to share the Light of Christ? And not talk about what church do you go to but Jesus is my Savior, Lord and friend and this is how I know…or whatever words you pray and ask God to place in your mouth to be His tool!!!!! In the way that fits your personality the best too! Congratulations!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 3:59 PM

      Sweet Gwen, I sit here with tears streaming down my face reading your incredible comment. I’m awe-struck and humbled that you would look back over my writings and then to use my words AND your own precious words to be light and encouragement to me is just so amazing. Today was one of those days where I was particularly feeling drained and discouraged and you have blessed me more than you will ever know! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  14. Deborah says

    November 2, 2015 at 4:37 PM

    So incredibly happy for you AND LOVED this post!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:33 PM

      Thank you so much Deborah!

      Reply
  15. Sandi Magle says

    November 2, 2015 at 5:31 PM

    Wow, congrats, and looking forward to your spread…you just never know what may happen. Years ago, I had a ceramic egg that I hand-painted underglaze into a bunny in a magazine spread. I was so honored. Nice to be recognized, but back to the wash…lol, Sandi

    Reply
  16. Julie Fiato says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    Thank you for these words, and for the proper perspective, Vanessa!! Our role in our day to day lives is what fulfills the most and these dream come true moments are amazing, but nothing compares to our blessings. After all, if we didn’t have our family all this wouldn’t even matter. On a blog note-I’m so happy they contacted you…and the quick thing was prob. a blessing in disguise. Congrats!!!!

    Reply
  17. Jessica says

    November 3, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    Congrats Vanessa! What a wonderful opportunity and experience. Anxious to see the article when it publishes.

    Much love to you.

    Reply
  18. Pink Camellias says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    Congratulations – what an accomplishment! Enjoy the moment – you deserve it!

    Reply
  19. Julian says

    November 4, 2015 at 5:25 AM

    Congratulations! You really deserve it not only for this great project, but also for your whole work you have done over the years supporting maker movement.

    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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