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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

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      February 27, 2013 at 7:06 AM

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    Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
    I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
    What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
    The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
    Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
    Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
    It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
    The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
    Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
    “He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
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