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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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October 11, 2012

Fall Front Porch

Before I jump into sharing my Fall Front Porch with you, I just wanted to give you a heads up!

The sisters At the Picket Fence are hitting the road this weekend. 
Heather will be a speaker at the Southern Bloggers Conference and Vanessa is on her way to New York City to attend the Food and Wine Festival and participate in some fun promotional events with LG.
You will definitely want to make sure you are following us on Facebook and Twitter as we will have lots of fun updates throughout the weekend!
Because we are frantically getting ready to leave, we are doing something we’ve never done before.
We are postponing our regularly scheduled 
Inspiration Friday party this week.

Our party is something that we put a lot of time and effort into and we don’t want to skimp on it just because things are crazy around here. We know you will understand!
But, be sure to come back next week for lots of fun inspiration and ideas as well as the Features from last week’s party! 
Now, how about we take a looksie at my
Fall Front Porch?

Earlier this week I shared with you my Thrift Store Door Decor for Fall which hangs on my front door. You all were so kind about my bad penmanship…could you write a letter to my mom?
I kept the thrift store theme going when I scored this fabulous wooden box for $2 from the Goodwill.
We are serious about our Salmon in the Pacific NW so this was a particularly fun find!
I filled it up with some of fall’s bounty.
OK.
So, technically only some of that is real.
Should I say that it is filled with fall’s bounty and craft store bounty?
I love the word bounty. 
When I say it, I feel like I’m on board the Mayflower.

This lantern (found on Clearance) may be missing the glass in the front but that just makes it easier to see the goodies tucked inside, right?

Thanks to an idea from BHG, I gave my front porch pillows a little touch of “spooky”. 
This is about all we can handle around here!
Spiderweb Pillows
I made a quick slipcover for the pillows out of leftover drop cloth.
Then, using a hot glue gun, I attached a doily to each one.
Start by looping white string to a hole in the doily and knotting it.
Then go back and forth across (and around) the pillow creating the “spiderweb” effect. 

Finish by tying off the end of the string after looping it back through the doily.
And, of course, you can’t have a spiderweb without a spider. 
I just used some plastic spider rings.
My kids got such a kick out of this!
Some twiggy pumpkins resting on top of urns got a little “umph” in the form of berry garland…

…and a strand of white lights.

I also tucked in some berries and more “faux” bounty around the base of my boxwood topiaries.
Simple.
Once again, it seems to be the theme for our Autumn Decorating this year.

Now, speaking of Autumn.
Not only do Heather and I have voices that sound exactly alike.
Drive the same kind of car.
Say the same things at the same time.
Have the same memory of scratchy matching dresses (you know the ones Heather!).
We also have something else in common and we celebrate it every Autumn.
We share the same wedding anniversary date!
On this day, 20 years ago (woot!),  Heather and her wonderful husband were married.
And, on this day, 14 years ago, I married my incredible hubby.
Yep.
10/10 is special date here at the Fence!
And we owe our guys a huge thank you for putting up with the craziness of being married to sisters who blog together! 
And for letting us pursue our passions. We love you guys!
But, just so you know boys, the odds of La-Z-Boy contacting us wanting us to review an oversized recliner with a beer fridge on the side are pretty slim.
Hope you are having a very wonderful Autumn, and enjoying it’s bounty, (still love that word) so far!
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Next Post: My Better Home and Gardens Feature is here…a perfect weekend! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    October 10, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    Vanessa, I love all of your fall decor! Your front porch is so welcoming! Happy Anniversary to both of you!!!

    Reply
  2. 20 North Ora says

    October 10, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    Congratulations to you both on your wedding anniversaries!! Have a good and safe trip.

    Judy

    Reply
  3. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 10, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Happy Anniversary to you both!! Vanessa your porch looks fabulous, love those chairs and love the twig pumpkins in the urns! Have a blast this weekend girls!!

    Reply
  4. Dewdrop Gardens says

    October 10, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Happy Anniversary to all of you! Enjoy your special day. And enjoy your special trips this weekend!
    Love the decor at your front door.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  5. Cindy Ritchie says

    October 11, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    Beautiful front porch! Gorgeous brides! Have fun you two! Cindy

    Reply
  6. Holly says

    October 11, 2012 at 12:36 AM

    Gorgeous and welcoming. Not too creepy. Love the wicker pumpkins in the urns.

    Reply
  7. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    Happy Anniversary to you both!Love your Fall front porch!

    Reply
  8. Two Succulent Sisters says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    I have that exact lantern and I put an old globe light in it filled with Christmas lights for outside. It’s like a moon out there. 🙂 I like yours for decorative purposes. Beautiful. Linda

    Reply
  9. Suzy says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Happy Anniversary to the two of you! Today is my daughter’s birthday too. what a special day it is! Love your porch and I’m coveting your twiggy pumpkin bounty.

    Reply
  10. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:42 AM

    Happy Anniversary to both of you! Your porch looks great, Vanessa. I love simple and am very much into that this year myself. Have a good time on each of your trips and safe travels!

    Reply
  11. Laura from Top This Top That says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:43 AM

    how cool is that- was that planned ( the same day)? Vanessa have fun in NYC and Heather I will see you in Raleigh!

    Reply
  12. It's All Connected says

    October 11, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Happy anniversaries and have a blast on your trips! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 11, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    Vanessa…your front porch is gorgeous!!…Have a great time in NYC…I will see Heather this weekend at the Southern Bloggers Conference….you two are quite busy!!…Happy Anniversary to you both….!!!…

    Reply
  14. Debbiedoo's says

    October 11, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    How pretty Vanessa! Love your porch. Cute pillow too. Enjoy your time away girls. Both very exciting trips indeed.

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    Beautiful porch, Vanessa. And, you both were such beautiful brides. October 10, your anniversaries, is a day we remember with great pleasure. We’re proud of Heather and you and your families. Mom and Dad

    Reply
  16. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    October 11, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Happy Anniversary!!!!! YOur front porch is gorgeous and have a great time on your trips. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  17. Patty (Patty's Pretty Things) says

    October 11, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    Thank you for the front porch tips. I have the same planter with a pumpkin on it but want to go out and get the berry garland now. Also love the doilies for spider webs. So cute. Enjoy your trips and Happy Anniversary to both of you!

    Reply
  18. Fishtail Cottage says

    October 11, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    loved reading about your tips! we are in the middle of remodeling our family/great room….too much clutter laying around the house, thinking the fall decor isn’t coming out of hiding this year – i may however, have to decorate the front door!xoxo, tracie

    Reply
  19. Barbara Hiatt says

    October 11, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    Gorgeous front porch! Congrats to you both on your anniversaries!
    Barbara at Chase the Star
    chasethestar dot net

    Reply
  20. Erika@BeBookBound says

    October 11, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    Happy anniversary! The front porch looks lovely—almost as lovely as your wedding pictures. You two look gorgeous. (Maybe if I had gotten married on October 11th, my wedding pictures would have looked better than they do. Bummer.)

    Reply
    • Erika@BeBookBound says

      October 11, 2012 at 8:21 PM

      Ha ha ha. I just rechecked my dates and I guess getting married on the 11th would have made any difference for my wedding pictures since you two got married on the 10th! Hope you enjoy your trips!

      Reply
  21. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    October 11, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Have fun while you are on your fabulous trips! I love your front porch, and those pretty twiggy pumpkins.

    Reply
  22. Judy says

    October 11, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Vanessa-I love your fall decor! It’s just beautiful. Super cute idea with the spider-web pillow. Happy anniversary to all of you. Heather – I was also married 20 years (sept 20).

    Reply
  23. Marty Walden says

    October 12, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    Happy anniversary to both of you! I’ll be in Raleigh as well. Visiting from blogtalk.

    Reply
  24. Kerry Rossow says

    October 12, 2012 at 4:29 AM

    Happy Anniversary, ladies! My husband and I were married on his parent’s 44th Anniversary- Oct 1st!
    Enjoy your week!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  25. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    October 12, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    The the outdoor fall decor! …simply beautiful! And Congrats to you both on your Anniversaries!

    Looking forward to meeting Heather this weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Debbie says

    October 12, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Happy belated anniversary to both of you! It’s amazing how the wedding styles changed in just six years, isn’t it?

    Heather, I did so want to be able to attend that conference, and it would have been wonderful to meet you! Unfortunately, the job situation has sort of dictated our fall. Maybe next time. Have fun!

    Reply
  27. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    October 12, 2012 at 8:00 PM

    Awww…happy anniversary to you both! How special that you share the same day!

    Reply
  28. Shelia says

    October 13, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    Happy Anniversary, sweet ones! How wonderful to have the same dates! Your wedding snaps are just beautiful! I think I’m a tad late in my wishes but they are sincere! 🙂
    Blessings and you two are sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  29. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    October 13, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Happy anniversary to all of you, The wedding pictures are beautiful and I love your Fall decor.

    Reply
  30. Carol says

    October 13, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    Happy Be-lated Anniversary to you both! That is so wonderful!

    Your front porch looks awesome, Vanessa, with all of your “bounty” of different things. I really like the chalkboard, too!

    Reply
  31. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    October 15, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Awesome! I love that you’re all married on 10/10 and I love that the boys are hoping for a recliner review! Everything looks phenomenal!

    Reply
  32. Lisa says

    October 16, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    Can you tell me where you got the twig pumpkins? Love the porch! Happy anniversary!

    Reply

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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.

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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.
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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)
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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
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#palmsunday
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Every correction made to strengthen character
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Every bandaid applied
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I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
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