• 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

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

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Celebration of Service with The Home Depot
Next Post: Wreath Depot Giveaway »

Reader Interactions

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

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

“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?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence