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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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    • Featured

May 2, 2012

Better Homes and Gardens comes to Kentucky…behind the scenes of a photo shoot

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This is going to be a long one folks…thanks for indulging me.

It started two months ago with an email.  The irony of it all was that I was on the phone with my mom who had finally got ahold of a copy of our At The Picket Fence feature in Romantic Homes Magazine.  We were discussing how cool the whole thing was, when I happened to glance down at an email that came through on my phone….and I might have screamed a little in the phone…sorry mom.
It went a little something like this:
“….Hi this is Kit from Better Homes and Gardens…I showed your project (kitchen island) to our editor-in-chief, and she would like to feature it (for an I Did It! Feature) in an upcoming issue. To do this, we would like to send a photographer and a photo stylist to your house for a day to photograph you and your island. Would that be possible?”
Would that be possible?! Um….so I screamed and screamed and jumped up and down, and my poor mom was screaming, “what?! what?!” and I couldn’t even breathe…and I might have started crying.  Cause see…I ADORE Better Homes and Gardens, like seriously there has been decades of BHG love in this home.  I keep every issue and have them categorized by year.  In fact, I even get TWO copies of BHG every month because in my enthusiasm subscribed twice this year…haha!
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So after calming down, I replied to Kit’s (assistant editor at BHG) email and welcomed them with open arms into our home.  After an exchange of emails, Kit informed me that it would be late May/early June before they would be traveling to Kentucky. And then I waited, and waited, and tried to guess when they might come.  I piddled a little here and there to finish up some kitchen projects I had been putting off, knowing I had plenty of time. 
Until two weeks ago…when I received an email from Kit stating that the photographer had an opening and was available the 26th/27th of April!! Um, heart attack! She was so sweet and said if it wasn’t convenient they totally understood…but seriously who says “no” to Better Homes and Gardens! Winking smile 
So after panicking for about three hours, I emailed back and said, “come on out to Kentucky!”
I spent the next two weeks completing the kitchen…and about twenty other major projects in the house…I mean c’mon BHG is spending two days here,  of course I wanted everything to be perfect even the parts they weren’t photographing. I walked around with paint down my arms and in my hair and a look of panic in my eyes for these last two weeks and all of my friends were so sweet and understanding and didn’t tell me I was a crazy woman….at least to my face. Winking smile   I also was helping to plan a prom in the middle of all this…just to add a little excitement into the mix.
I want to take a moment to thank a couple of dear friends who came over to help me with a couple of projects I couldn’t complete in this timeframe on my own.  My friend John who is a contractor and came over and added extensions and crown molding to the top of my cabinets. Also, my best friend Robin, who is an incredible seamstress,  for finishing my seat cushion on my window seat.  Both took several hours and I appreciate them so much! I will share more of their gorgeous work in a kitchen update post next week.

Besides working fast and furiously to get the kitchen ready, I also had to get myself ready! ugh! My least favorite part of this whole thing.  I hate to be photographed, especially when I don’t have control of the editing. My sweet friend, kept telling me to “stop fearing man, and what man thinks…and worry about how this can give glory to God” Amen!
I was in contact with Stacey the fabulous photo stylist about what to wear and in what colors, and hit the stores for a whirlwind shopping spree. On Wednesday, I rushed in for a color touch up and cut, where my hair stylist proceeded to pick paint out of my hair!
Wednesday is also when “the boxes” started showing up. Big boxes. Huge Boxes. Boxes marked from “Better Homes and Gardens” eek! This was really happening.
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Stacey arrived first, after a flight into Louisville, lugging in several bags from a stop off at Whole Foods for staging.  We quickly began to unload her bags and the boxes that had arrived full of props.
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My dining room quickly began to look like we were moving.
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The first thing we did was unload my kitchen, all of it. into the living room.  So much for that perfectly cleaned living room. Winking smile

Then Stacey began staging to get a jump start on the morning.  I can’t show you pictures of any of the kitchen too close up  staged for the shoot or anything that looks too much like the final feature, but I was given permission to share lots of behind the scenes shots. 

Edmund Barr (the photographer of many, many amazing BHG features) came breezing in from Los Angeles a few hours after Stacey,   looking hip and cool, but so down to earth and fun and funny. I couldn’t have asked for nicer, kinder, people to spend two days with.  We laughed, and joked and just hung out.  They made me feel so comfortable and relaxed and for that I thank them so much!

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Edmund dragged in several bags of equipment, it’s amazing what they have to bring with them!  He began to set up for the shoot the next day.

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We went over my wardrobe and discussed what outfits to start out with.
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I steered them to a great little Mexican restaurant nearby and then they left for the evening, around 7:30 pm. 

It was a miracle that I slept that night.

The next morning the sun rose bright and early, and so did I!

Stacey and Edmund showed up to the house at 8:30 am and got busy right away.  My friend and former student, Allie, arrived to take these behind the scenes photos for me (thank you Allie!). I on the other hand sat. and sat. and sat. I truly had no idea how much preparation went into setting up a room for a shoot.  Everything had to be just perfect.

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Edmund worked on getting his equipment situated and spent over an hour on just the lighting, this takes setting up a shot to a whole other level! It’s serious business, and makes my little blog photo shoots look like child’s play!
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Stacey worked on getting the food and plants prepped for the photo shoot.
 
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I sat and visited with my best friend, Robin. And I drank coffee. And she fixed my hair for me, with Zoe at my side..

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And we drank some more coffee. And listened to Edmund and Stacey swap stories about all of the different jobs they had worked on and showing us which recent features they had done in BHG…and we were in awe. and drank more coffee.
My sweet mom-in-love had prepared a wonderful brunch and then a delicious lunch of chicken salad sandwiches for us, and Stacey and Edmund were so appreciative!

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We were informed that doesn’t happen very often, but hey we’re in the south and that calls for some good ole’ southern hospitality!

When everything was just perfect it was time for me to jump in the shots. 

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I was so nervous but Edmund and Stacey helped me to relax. Edmund loved to say things like, “Hi America!” “Hi everyone in my doctor’s office!” I told him that wasn’t helping my nervousness. ha!
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They would occasionally stop to make a quick text or phone call with BHG Headquarters, to get instructions or to run different shots or ideas by them.
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Stacey and Edmund would pause to view the photos in this cool big picture viewing thing..

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Of course, the best way to enjoy this whole process…is to not take yourself too seriously!

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After taking several different shots I changed clothes and my sweet puppy Zoe showed up at my side.  My daughter suggested we should include Zoe in the photos if we wanted them to be realistic since Zoe never leaves me.  Edmund and Stacey thought that would be a great idea, so we did several shots with Zoe….and in my opinion those were the best ones! 

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I sure hope she shows up in the feature, that would make it just perfect!

After hundreds of photos and a few hours, we were done! It became a whirlwind of activity, since Edmund and Stacey were flying out that afternoon.

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We all chipped in and worked hard to get them packed up…there was even some sillinness at the end, I think we were all a little tired.
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Stacey taped up all of the boxes and left them for Fed Ex pickup and then after chatting a little, a hug goodbye…

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…and a quick picture together…they were gone.

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My special day was over, but I have so many amazing memories.  Edmund and Stacey were a dream to work with, and it was a dream day for me.  I feel so honored to have had this opportunity and now it’s just a matter of waiting now to see the results in print.  Because we don’t have a definitive month yet, I will just say for now that it will most likely be fall before it’s out.

I want to thank Better Homes and Gardens for such an amazing opportunity and for their professionalism from beginning to end.

Thank you for allowing me to share this special moment in my life with you all, my friends here At The Picket Fence. This is an opportunity that any one of you talented women and men could have, so if this is something you dream of…keep putting yourself and your hard work out there, you never know who’s watching and paying attention!
Thanks for meeting me today…and Better Homes and Gardens…at the picket fence!
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Don’t forget we have a great giveaway going on right now from My Memories!
Also, we’re in the middle of our fabulous Derby Day Series this week hosted by the gals at The 2 Seasons. Today they are sharing the most important feature of the Kentucky Derby…the hat of course!

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    95 Comments Filed Under: Better Homes and Gardens, Features, Kitchen Remodel

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    Comments

    1. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

      May 2, 2012 at 12:48 PM

      What a wonderful experience and so much fun. I can’t wait to see the issue. Congratulations!!!! So well deserved. Great post. Hugs, Marty

      Reply
    2. Amanda says

      May 2, 2012 at 12:49 PM

      Oh wow, it looks so exciting! Thanks for the sneak peek behind the scenes photos, it’s crazy how much work goes into it! And how sweet of your mum in love to provide a lunch.
      Can’t wait to see the final photos when the magazine comes out.
      The shot of you and Zoe is so cute!

      Reply
    3. Mel says

      May 2, 2012 at 12:52 PM

      You should never have apologized for the length of this one, it was great! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us!

      Reply
    4. cheryL says

      May 2, 2012 at 12:53 PM

      Sooo Exciting. You Look Great, Heather. What a FuN DaY. Thanks for sharing the Details of this Day. I am anxiously awaiting to see all of the pics of your Southern Kitchen. Love to You, my dear friend… xOxOxO
      CheryL

      Reply
    5. Janette - The2Seasons says

      May 2, 2012 at 12:53 PM

      Oh, wow! I just got so excited for you. What a great post. I think I lived vicariously through you the whole time I was reading it.

      Reply
    6. reFresh reStyle says

      May 2, 2012 at 12:56 PM

      Oh my goodness! I feel like I was right there with you! I know it was surreal! I can’t wait to get my copy in the mail!
      Have a great day!
      debbie

      Reply
    7. Serendipity. says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:03 PM

      What a wonderful experience for you! Thanks for sharing what you could. I’m anxiously awaiting the “rest of the story” when it arrives IN PRINT! xo

      Reply
    8. Crystal (theweekendhomemaker.com) says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:05 PM

      Heather – How exciting!!! Do you know what issue you will be in? I had a similar experience early April when Kit emailed me about being chosen for an I DId It feature for my home office. I think I had your same reaction. I read the first sentence and started jumping up and down. I couldn’t believe how much camera equipment they had. No wonder my photos never turn our as good as the ones in magazines – I don’t have 3 huge light sources! I was also amazed at how a few accessories from the stylist took the room to a whole new level. There is so much work that goes into one photo. Congrats again! I can’t wait to see your feature.

      Reply
    9. Eclectically Vintage says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:05 PM

      You must be on cloud 9. You (and Zoe) are definitely ready for the spotlight – you look amazing!

      Can’t wait to pour over the magazine and tell everyone “I knew her when”!!

      Congrats!
      Kelly

      Reply
    10. Judy says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:07 PM

      I am so excited for you. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the issue. What a total honor!! You so deserve it. You are super talented.

      Reply
    11. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:10 PM

      What an incredible experience, and it was so interesting to read about all the behind-the-scenes things. I am so excited for you and feel you are so deserving of this.I cannot wait until my issue arrives!

      Reply
    12. Tina says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:10 PM

      Thank you for sharing. That was such a fun post to read. I can’t wait to see/read the article.
      Have a great day

      Reply
    13. Wunkie's Mommy says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:14 PM

      🙂 🙂 🙂 YAY! I’m soooo happy and excited for you! Amazing post, it really took me through everything you were feeling and experiencing! <3 Congrats again!

      -Evey

      Reply
    14. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:15 PM

      Sooooo excited for you. I have been subscribing for years so can’t wait to see it in the mag. Your hair looks great. You were so lucky to have a real photo shoot!

      Reply
    15. Joani says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:16 PM

      WOW! Congratulations. Sounds like you all had a great time and can’t wait to see the article. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    16. Cristina Garay says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:25 PM

      Oh Wow! That’s great!! What a wonderful experience!! I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!!

      Reply
    17. Jessica Kielman says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:28 PM

      I am crying! Seriously…what in the world is wrong with me! What a dream come true! I have loved home magazines since I was a kid…when I was 15, I collaged an entire wall in my bedroom of the home I wanted to live in one day. My friends thought I was a total spaz. But, reading this makes me realize that if we dream big, big things can happen. Love ya Heather!

      Basking in your glory…

      Jessica

      Reply
    18. miss flibbertigibbet says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:30 PM

      Oh wow! How terrifically exciting! I can’t wait to see the photos! And Kim is right…your hair is gorgeous and so are you!
      Blessings, Lorraine

      Reply
    19. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:33 PM

      Wow, Heather, what a whirlwind that must have been! Very exciting though, I would imagine! They probably will get a shot of the dog in ~ they usually do in magazine shoots. You’ll have to let us know what issue it will be in.

      Reply
    20. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:39 PM

      Oh wow such fantastic news!!! I look forward to seeing the issue.

      Dee

      Reply
    21. Ange says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:44 PM

      Heather, You look beautiful! What a fun few days for you, so happy for you to have a dream come true! You deserve it! 🙂 Loved seeing the behind the scenes stuff, thanks for sharing with all of us!

      Reply
    22. Dear Emmeline says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:46 PM

      Congratulations!! Looks like you had so much fun…and what an honor!

      Reply
    23. Debbiedoo's says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:46 PM

      I am so excited to see it Heather. You looked great! It is so much fun and such a wonderful experience, you truly will never forget. Congrats girl!

      Reply
    24. Fox Hollow Cottage says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:47 PM

      What a wonderful post. So fun to get a peek. Great photos with you guys at the end. I can’t wait to get this one!!!! My husband will have to look too. This is so exciting. I can’t imagine!! You and Zoe looked great!!!! You friends helping, your MIL cooking… all so fabulous =)

      Reply
    25. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:49 PM

      OMG. I have tears in my eyes for you! I must be hormoning. ; ) Well deserved and I canNOT wait to see what lies in the future! Love, Rebecca

      Reply
    26. Barbara says

      May 2, 2012 at 1:56 PM

      Awesome…you go girl!!! Wow what a dream come true! So funny because as I was reading about you going around with your paint can sprucing things up, I was thinking to myself that I would be doing the exact same thing, so I don’t think you are crazy at all. That is unless I am crazy too! LOL!! Can’t wait to see your spread in BHG…be sure to keep us posted! Have a wonderful week Heather and congratulations!!!

      (And thanks for sharing!)

      Reply
    27. Pinecone says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:03 PM

      Wow!! What fun you must have had!!

      I love BHG too – and can’t wait to see you in print! xo Ashlyn

      Reply
    28. Syndi of Beachnut Lane says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:07 PM

      So much fun to read this post. What a great experience. Can’t wait to get a copy of your issue!

      Reply
    29. Michell @ Girl In Air says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:15 PM

      How wonderful for you and your blog:-) I’m so excited and happy for you…VERY well deserved….thanks for the behind to scenes tour! I can’t wait to read the issue….

      Reply
    30. Gloria Fox @ Potentially Beautiful says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:17 PM

      So exciting! Can’t wait to see the feature. BHG is definitely one of my favorite magazines too.

      Reply
    31. At The Picket Fence says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:24 PM

      I just had to pipe up and say again how proud I am of you Heather!! You’ve worked so hard on your kitchen (and the rest of your home!) and have inspired me to attempt things in my own home I never would have otherwise. I love you so much and can’t imagine anyone more deserving of being celebrated like this!
      Your sis,
      V

      Reply
    32. Shelia says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:40 PM

      Hi Heather! Oh, how wonderful this must have been. Love seeing your snaps and I just can’t imagine going through all of this. What an honor! You are just an amazing young woman and your work will go down in history! 🙂
      I hope your sweet little fuzzy face gets in the shots too.
      Can’t wait til the issue comes out.
      Be a sweetie,
      shelia 😉

      Reply
    33. Vicki Shead says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:43 PM

      YAY!! So exciting and well deserved! Can’t wait to see you in print!

      Reply
    34. Its So Very Cheri says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:47 PM

      YAH!!! SO AWESOME..

      Cheri

      Reply
    35. NanaDiana says

      May 2, 2012 at 2:57 PM

      Heather- Congratulations~ You are just beautiful…inside and out. I am so proud that someone recognized all your talents out there. How wonderful is that! I think you know I worked in TV many, many years ago…it is hard to believe all that goes on behind the scenes if you are on the outside of it all. Magazine shoots are the same way. Exhausting, isn’t it? Love to you, sweet girl! xo Diana ps…pop by and see my pink polka-dot bike if you get a chance-I know it will make you smile!;>)

      Reply
    36. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

      May 2, 2012 at 3:07 PM

      Such and exciting experience, so happy for you!!!! Will you sign my copy 🙂
      XOXO
      Kristin

      Reply
    37. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

      May 2, 2012 at 3:16 PM

      What an exciting opportunity! I cannot wait to see the finished shoot!

      Congratulations!

      Elizabeth

      Reply
    38. Barb@curlywillowdiy says

      May 2, 2012 at 3:28 PM

      Congratulations and so well deserved! Can’t wait so see this issue!

      Reply
    39. Katie Goldsworthy says

      May 2, 2012 at 3:31 PM

      It might sound goofy, but I feel like shouting, “hip, hip hooray” for you! That is so awesome!

      –Katie
      @ Creatively Living

      Reply
    40. It's All Connected says

      May 2, 2012 at 3:36 PM

      I’m beside myself with excitement for you over this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience! You certainly deserve it. ~ Maureen

      Reply
    41. Leslie says

      May 2, 2012 at 4:29 PM

      That’s amazing–Congratulations!!! They couldn’t have picked a more beautiful and well loved home, it sounds like!! You look gorgeous in the pics you put up here.
      Being from the Bluegrass myself, I understand just how big of a deal this must have been for you. I can’t wait to see the pictures of your home!
      Blessings,
      Leslie

      Reply
    42. Dawn says

      May 2, 2012 at 4:46 PM

      Congratulations! What a great experience for you – I’m sure the photos of your kitchen and you will be beautiful. Can’t wait to see the finished issue!

      Reply
    43. Debbie says

      May 2, 2012 at 5:24 PM

      Congratulations Heather! I have been reading your blog for several months and I am NOT surprised that BHG has recognized your talent. I see a lot more success in your future.

      Debbie

      Reply
    44. Stacy Curran says

      May 2, 2012 at 5:31 PM

      I am SOOO happy for you! That is the most exciting thing ever. AND you looked gorgeous.
      Stacy

      Reply
    45. Melanie@MailboxJourney says

      May 2, 2012 at 5:54 PM

      Wow, that was so exciting to read! (first time here)

      Reply
    46. Heather's Blog-o-rama says

      May 2, 2012 at 5:59 PM

      That’s so exciting 😉 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 😉 🙂 🙂

      Reply
    47. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

      May 2, 2012 at 6:21 PM

      An experience of a lifetime…a pie in the sky dream for many and You grabbed that pie and threw it in the wagon and hitched it to a star!!….So, so incredibly excited for you…two magazine features in the same year?…How incredibly wonderful!!!

      Reply
    48. Emily@LovelyBeasts says

      May 2, 2012 at 6:23 PM

      Congrats on the feature and the opportunity to show off your beautiful home in an amazing magazine! You really deserved the chance to display all of your hard work! And you really look so great in the pictures. All the best! Emily

      Reply
    49. Miriam@BeBookBound says

      May 2, 2012 at 7:10 PM

      Congratulations! Your kitchen is so magazine worthy, that I am not surprised at all. You have done an amazing job- and what a fun post to read 🙂

      Reply
    50. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

      May 2, 2012 at 7:16 PM

      What an amazing opportunity for you, and so deserved!! Congratulations, and I can’t wait to see the big feature!!

      Reply
    51. Angela says

      May 2, 2012 at 7:26 PM

      YAY! I’m SO happy for you! 🙂

      Reply
    52. Kelly says

      May 2, 2012 at 7:39 PM

      Congratulations on this momentos occasion! I’m thrilled for you. I subscribe to that magazine, so I will be sure to look for your feature. The teaser shots are great. I am amazed at how much goes into a photo shoot! Thanks for sharing your special day with all of us and we can now say, “We knew you when”. Ha!

      Reply
    53. Debra @ Common Ground says

      May 2, 2012 at 9:41 PM

      Heather, wow, you look wonderful in the photos. You are SO photogenic and I love your hair!! I didn’t realize how much went into all this, so glad you had such great people to work with. Can’t wait to see the feature. I’m like you, BHG is a magazine that I’ve subscribed to for about 30 years.

      Reply
    54. Good Time Charlie says

      May 2, 2012 at 9:49 PM

      Heather this is so much fun!!! Thank you for letting us all in on this amazing experience. I can’t wait for the issue to come out too! Wow, what an incredible experience you had. Thank you so much for sharing. -K

      Reply
    55. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

      May 2, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      How exciting, Heather! Congrats on such a well deserved honor. I have a feeling there will be many more photos shoots at your home.
      Hugs, Sherry

      Reply
    56. Anonymous says

      May 2, 2012 at 10:59 PM

      We’re so happy for you girl – and very, very proud!

      Mom and Dad

      Reply
    57. classic • casual • home says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:00 AM

      Awesome…You look so beautiful. I can’t wait to see it in print and hold it in my hands…which somehow will always be more fun to me than a computer screen.

      Reply
    58. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:02 AM

      How exciting!! I’m so happy for you Heather and you looked fabulous!! Looking forward to grabbing a copy when it comes out.

      Reply
    59. Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:30 AM

      this is amazing!!

      Reply
    60. Jessica Bruno says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:31 AM

      Great pictures and what a fabulous story! Congratulations 🙂

      Reply
    61. Maria Elena says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:39 AM

      Congratulations!!! So well deserved! Your home is gorgeous!
      You look so pretty in the pictures! Can’t wait to see the magazine!

      Reply
    62. Terri says

      May 2, 2012 at 5:43 PM

      KUDO’S to you and Zoe! And kudo’s to BHG for featuring real people in real homes!!

      Reply
    63. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:18 AM

      Congratulations, and what an exciting time for you. I also love BHG, both the magazine and online, and look forward to seeing the article. You are pretty so of course your picture will look great.

      Reply
    64. breanna says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:37 AM

      i had NO IDEA how much work goes into those photo shoots! it makes me feel SO MUCH BETTER about my own home and how imperfect it is nearly all of the time!

      I’m so excited for you, and so glad you got to have such an incredible few days! can’t wait to see you in BHG!

      Reply
    65. Lorna says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:48 AM

      Wow, what an amazing opportunity! I am so excited for you and cant wait to see you in BHG!

      Reply
    66. Kerry Rossow says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:57 AM

      SHUT THE FRONT DOOR?!?!?!? I am so excited for you! What an amazing experience!
      Congratulations, fancy pants!
      Kerry at HouseTalkN

      Reply
    67. Richella says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:59 AM

      Oh, boy! How exciting!! Heather, I would have screamed into the phone, too–and probably peed in my pants! Sorry–that sounds terrible, but BH&G?? How I love that magazine! I’ve been reading it since I was 10 years old and loved my mom’s subscription! Such a wonderful, wonderful magazine. I feel like I’ve known the editors over the years. It’s such a REAL person magazine, and yet it’s so well done. You should be very proud. I look forward to seeing you and your kitchen in print!

      Reply
    68. Sue says

      May 3, 2012 at 2:37 AM

      What an amazing experience! I’m so happy that it exceeded your dreams:) Thanks for sharing, Heather! Can’t wait to for when the magazine comes out, and I can show everyone:)

      Reply
    69. Kristi says

      May 3, 2012 at 3:22 AM

      So, so happy for you, Heather!! I can’t wait to see the magazine with your article! You know I’ve loved that island forever!! BH&G has great tastes!! Too, too cool!!

      {HUGS},
      kristi

      Reply
    70. June says

      May 3, 2012 at 5:51 AM

      BHG!!!!! You should have called, I would have picked them up and delivered them to you! 🙂 Seriously, major honor and well-deserved! I’ll be looking for this.

      Reply
    71. Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale says

      May 3, 2012 at 3:10 AM

      congratulations to you! it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person and blogger!! thanks for sharing the behind the scenes info…it was fascinating to read!

      Reply
    72. Debbie says

      May 3, 2012 at 11:47 AM

      Oh my goodness. So much to say. Such a little comment box. I’m so excited for this, especially since BHG has been a part of my life for decades too! We’ll be looking for your feature in every issue until we see it. Yes, I know you said it would be fall, but we’re sort of obsessive like that. I think you should have an autographed copy give away. I loved how you had all that work done and they staged it anyway. With my luck, they would have brought a prop Debbie to stage as well. (Nah. Strike that. With my luck, they would make me wear a big blue costume and a hair net.)

      Congratulations, Heather! This is so fun.

      Reply
    73. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:24 PM

      How thrilling!
      Oh my goodness, I am SO happy for you. I know you are positively over the moon!

      XO,
      Anne

      Reply
    74. Jordan@the2seasons says

      May 3, 2012 at 12:25 PM

      This was so exciting! Looks a great time! Congrats.

      Reply
    75. Lynn @ UpCountry Olio says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:17 PM

      It’s going to be tough to top that day! How exciting, so glad you stopped by yesterday or I may have completely missed this awesome post!! I am so happy for your dream come true.

      Reply
    76. Katie@Paisley Print Shoes.com says

      May 3, 2012 at 1:28 PM

      How exciting – and CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can’t wait to see the issue when it comes out!

      Reply
    77. gail wilson says

      May 3, 2012 at 4:35 PM

      OH my! How wonderful for you Heather! It’s going to be tough to wait! 🙂

      gail

      Reply
    78. Trish @TheOldPostRoad says

      May 3, 2012 at 6:00 PM

      How very cool!!!! That was an interesting post! Congratulations!
      -Trish

      Reply
    79. Daune | Cottage in the Oaks says

      May 4, 2012 at 12:11 PM

      Woohoo! What a fun day! Congratulations….

      Reply
    80. Kim @ Too Much Time says

      May 4, 2012 at 3:21 PM

      Heather! That is so stinkin exciting and wonderful and amazing for you. You totally deserve it and you and your home looked completely gorgeous in all of the photos. Big Time Girl!
      xxx
      Kim

      Reply
    81. Linda Leyble says

      May 4, 2012 at 8:31 PM

      How wonderful Heather – so happy for you. I subscribe to BHG, so I will get to see it soon! That’s one of the things on my “to do” list – get my home featured in a few magazines. I have been clicking some items off this year – so hopefully I will be able to get this clicked off as well.

      Can’t wait to see it!!!

      Linda

      Reply
    82. {northern cottage} says

      May 7, 2012 at 2:15 AM

      oh my goodness friend!! i’m soooo thrilled for you! what an exciting adventure! can’t wait to see it all in our beloved Better Homes & Gardens Magazine in my little cottage here! xoxo

      http://www.NorthernCottage.net

      Reply
    83. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

      May 7, 2012 at 10:44 PM

      Oh, WOW! Heather this is so exciting. I realize I’m a little late with my congratulations, (You know… new grandbabies have a way of changing a Nonna’s schedules!) but I am so glad I didn’t miss this big news! I’ll be watching for your BHG feature. What an amazing opportunity! 🙂

      Reply
    84. CAS says

      June 8, 2012 at 8:38 PM

      That is so fantastic, Heather! I’m thrilled & so excited for you. BH&G is one of my favs, too, so I will be waiting anxiously for your feature! Congratulations on what I’m sure was a job well done!
      CAS

      Reply
    85. Brandi says

      June 10, 2012 at 8:14 PM

      Congratulations, Heather! Such a wonderful opportunity! I must feel great to be featured.

      Reply
    86. Linda@Coastal Charm says

      June 14, 2012 at 4:10 PM

      Congrats Heather!!!! How exciting for you, looking forward to seeing the feature.

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    87. Devine Salvage says

      June 16, 2012 at 6:37 PM

      That was so exciting. I know you feel blessed. I shared it on my blog. Love and hugs Cynthia

      Reply
    88. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

      June 24, 2012 at 3:44 PM

      This is just so cool! Loved hearing the behind-the-scenes stories and can’t wait to see it in the magazine!

      Reply
    89. Sandy says

      July 4, 2012 at 7:13 PM

      Congratulations! Can’t wait to see the issue and I hope they include Zoe! By the way, I have the same chandelier that’s in your kitchen. What a dream come true! I’ve been subscribing to BHG for years! I also get their special garden issues.

      Reply
    90. Kim @ Too Much Time says

      July 13, 2012 at 2:55 PM

      Hey Heather,
      I have Stacy and Edmund coming out to my house next Friday! We are doing a Christmas “I did it” piece. I am freaking crazy and wild and just like how you sound here! I was just wondering which issue you will be in?
      Kim

      Reply
    91. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

      August 10, 2012 at 12:25 AM

      This sounds like such fun! And there is no one I can think of who deserves it more! Congrats!

      Reply
    92. Lori Young says

      October 15, 2012 at 1:31 PM

      It was such a pleasure hearing your story this weekend at the Southern Bloggers Conference and sharing in the moment of your Wendy’s bathroom experience!! I loved how fun, informative, and sharing you were!! It truly is wonderful when you meet the people you follow and they are exactly what you expected!!! You are so sweet and genuine and it was such a pleasure meeting you!! ~ Lori {@Vintage Charm Restored}

      Reply
    93. Melodee says

      October 19, 2012 at 4:25 AM

      congratulations! I found you through BH&G this month…just thought I’d check out your blog and I am so happy I did. So inspiring! How fun for you to experience this with the neatest magazine around!!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

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      […] Here are links to the kitchen makeover! You can also see my kitchen makeover featured in Better Homes and Gardens. […]

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      February 27, 2013 at 7:06 AM

      […] of my recent kitchen remodel,  is my window seat.  I was sad that it wasn’t part of the Better Homes and Gardens feature, and I’ve had several people ask to see the “rest of the kitchen”, which is where […]

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    “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
    This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. 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.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
    We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
    Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
    We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
    Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
    “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
    Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
    I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
    “The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
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