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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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May 10, 2011

I “Simply” Love Monograms!



I have a thing for Monograms.

I think I might secretly be “preppy” at heart!
But, until recently, I have not really used them very much in my decorating.
Maybe this was because I knew that once I started I wouldn’t be able to stop!

The discovery of these monograms on the website of our Sponsor



did not help the downward spiral into a serious love affair with all things monogrammed.
You may recall this little table I transformed for my daughter’s room to which I could not resist adding this giant ‘L’ for my sweet Lauren.

Since then, the great
“Moving around of the Princess’ room to make way for a Big Girl Bed” has provided me with one more opportunity to spread some Monogram Love.
This is how her room looked Before:

And once things were rearranged, her dresser ended up on this wall instead.
With a BIG.BLANK.SPACE. over it!
Hmmm…what to do?

Why, shamelessly add another Giant Monogrammed ‘L’ of course!
I’m just chocking it up to helping my youngest learn the
first letter of her name REALLY well!
Ahhh…it looks just as sweet on the wall as it did on the table!
But, even I could admit that the monogram looked lonesome once it was up there.
(By the way, can you tell how difficult it is to photograph this room? The angles are so weird and you can see how the wall color looks completely different in every picture!)
I knew I needed to add something to help out the monogram and also to accent the angles of the ceiling in this corner of the room.

Enter these darling little plates I found at an antique store. 
I just love the subtle detailing and knew that they would high-light the monogram rather than distract from it.

Another layer of sweet vintage charm and one step closer to the completion of this room!

Can you see me peeking around the corner? Didn’t want you to see me in my sweats!

And one last look from another angle.

I’m so excited about the way her room is coming together

 and will show you more next time!


We want to also take a moment to introduce you to our May Etsy Shop



which is owned by the fabulous Alicia from La Famille.  She has the most beautiful items for sale in her shop.  Items like these:

Birthday Banner--Orange
Birthday Banner

Seed Packet Caddy
Seed Packet Caddy


and her beautiful pillows 
Burlap Numbered Pillows
which just so happen to be featured in the May edition of Country Living Magazine!  How cool is that?!

For the month of May Alicia is offering our friends at the fence free shipping on any of her items (excluding the framed art which includes shipping in the price).  Just use code: MAYPF when making your purchase!  We want to invite you to visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaFamilleAtHome to see all of the other beautiful items for sale and stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway sponsored by https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaFamilleAtHome 

Thanks for joining me at the Fence today,

And, don’t forget about our Virtual Blogger Baby Shower for the victims of the Tuscaloosa Tornadoes. There is still time to donate! Just click on the graphic below or the link above to see how!

All those who make purchases will automatically be entered to win two different drawings! Dianne will be giving away a $50 gift card to Home Goods at her blog The Inspired Housewife and us girls here At The Picket Fence will be offering a $25 gift card to TJ Maxx!

So many of you have already generously donated and blogged about the shower and we want you to know how moved we have been and how grateful we are! Bless you!

Linking to these parties:
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday Treasures
DIY By Design: Swing into Spring
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday

17 Comments Filed Under: Community, Decorating, Etsy, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Amanda says

    May 10, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    It looks wonderful surrounded by the plates! Not saying for one minute it doesn’t look perfect as it is, but adding one word to each plate describing your little girl would be lovely! Please don’t be offended thinking I’m telling you how to ‘finish’ your already superb work, it just popped into my head!

    Reply
  2. Tina says

    May 10, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I just posted about ‘mammograms’, so when I first read your post title I read “I love mammograms”! Crazy…
    But, I love how your monogram turned out! Beautiful! It was such a pretty room to begin with, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what you come up with next! So far your off to a great start!

    Reply
  3. Jodie says

    May 10, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    Vanessa,

    Love the monogram and the plates are the perfect compliment! I just love this sweet room!

    Warm Wishes,
    Jodie

    Reply
  4. Dear Sweet Home says

    May 10, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    I love the monogram – it was the perfect thing for that space. I have “issues” with big, blank spaces above pics / furniture so I think it is perfect! And, the plates are darling! I love how sweet it all looks and I look forward to seeing the “finished” room! Also, what a wonderful idea for the Tuscaloosa baby shower – I definately want to be involved in that 🙂 I will go to that post and read for further details!

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    May 10, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I wish I could do something like that in Maggie’s room but it is floor to ceiling PRINCESSES! 🙂 Looks beautiful! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis says

    May 10, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    We Southern girls love our monograms!!! I love the display above the dresser. I have a similar dresser in my guest room and now I am totally going to be on the lookout for some plates so I can do this!

    Reply
  7. Judy says

    May 10, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    I love monograms as well. Yours looks perfect in your daughter’s room. So sweet surrounded by the plates. Can’t wait to see the rest of her room. BTW beautiful dresser as well.

    Reply
  8. Sherry@Back2Vintage says

    May 10, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    “L” is for Lovely!!!

    Reply
  9. NanaDiana says

    May 10, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I love monograms too! Especially on men’s shirt cuffs! I love what you did with the L…It is LOVELY, and I LOVE it. I really LIKE how you surrounded it with the plates. What a special touch…and I LOVE the peek at your LURKING around the corner! xxoo Diana

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    May 10, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Lauren is a lucky little lady! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Sue says

    May 10, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Even before I scrolled down after seeing your monogram, I said to myself’ “Vanessa needs to add plates around this.” woo hoo- I scroll down and there are plates surrounding the vinyl! Looks good- really filled the space! I have a monogram on my leaner mirror- it made it pop! ~ Sue

    Reply
  12. Michele Smith says

    May 10, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    So adorable!!! I love that monogram, I NEED one for my little girl. 🙂
    Love how you added the plates too. Super cute!

    Reply
  13. michelle says

    May 10, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Her room looks so sweet and pretty Vanessa, you are doing such a wonderful job! I love the monograms and there is nothing wrong with wanting to teach your little ones how to read. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    May 11, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Your little girl will wake up eac morning with a sunny disposition in such a pretty yellow bedroom.
    Your use of monograms and plates is beautifully done.

    I love monograms too! Thanks for the info about The Simple Stencil. The monogram you chose looks wonderful!
    Yvonne

    Reply
  15. Cindy says

    May 11, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Love monograms! What a precious room, you’ve done an amazing job…love it!!!

    Reply
  16. Debbie says

    May 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I think it looks just plain perfect. I’m a huge monogram lover. As to preppy? I don’t bother to keep it a secret. I came of age in the 80s after all.

    And you made me giggle peeking out from the corner. That’s as funny as the camera hand taking pictures in your bathroom.

    Reply
  17. Melanie says

    May 12, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Love it!!!

    I would love for you to come link up your post at my “Encouragement is Contagious!” linky party! And… please link up some of your other favorites from blogs you love! Then, those bloggers will also get lots of unexpected, encouraging comments!

    Blessings!
    Melanie

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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