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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 9, 2011

Inspiration Friday No. 10 and a Review

 
 Welcome to Inspiration Friday #10! Before we share our features for the week, we want to reintroduce you to one of our sponsors of At The Picket Fence

 


The Simple Stencil is an incredible online retailer.  Behind The Simple Stencil is Jennifer, whom we have come to adore, and we have so enjoyed working with her! We have loved having her as a new friend of the girls at the fence! As much as I love to decorate and don’t mind some crafting, I have never considered myself an..artist.  I know some of you are incredibly talented when it comes to free hand drawing and painting on your wall…but not this gal.  I would be too scared to even try…and my family might ban me from any further decorating adventures if they found my scrawling handwriting slanted down the wall of the kitchen.  Here’s where a great concept like The Simple Stencil enter in.  I don’t HAVE to be able to freehand lovely sayings onto my walls…The Simple Stencil does it for me!  

There are thousands of stencils available at The Simple Stencil as well as the option of creating a custom stencil, so the choices are endless! Placing your order at the Simple Stencil is such an easy process.  Once you choose your stencil you have the option of picking the color you want your stencil to be and you can even see what your stencil will look like on your wall color!  My walls are yellow, so I was able to select a color that was close and see how the black stencil looks against my wall color.  You can play around with this tool until you get the look you want!

I was so excited when I received my Simple Stencil in the mail and I couldn’t wait to share how incredibly neat this concept is with our readers. When my packaged arrived I tore right into it and found some amazing things!  

Not only do you receive the stencil you ordered, but you also receive a “practice” stencil and you can even choose what it says up to 12 letters.  I chose the word Grace… I practiced with this one in my upstairs hall photo gallery that I’ll share at a later day.  The Simple Stencil also occasionally holds some type of promotion where you receive an additional “freebie” stencil.  Included with my practice stencil and the stencil I ordered was also a “Welcome” stencil…that’s three stencils people!  I was so excited!  In addition to the stencils you will receive detailed instructions on how to apply them and a handy dandy tool to help you firmly adhere the stencil to the surface of your choice..and when I say surface of your choice I mean it!  

The stencils can be applied to a multitude of surfaces, not just walls! Next week Vanessa will be sharing the unique idea she came up with for the stencil she ordered…wait until you see this one!  I on the other hand decided to use my stencil in a more traditional manner..on my kitchen wall as part of my new kitchen remodel.  It couldn’t have been easier.  After practicing with my practice stencil, I then used my Welcome stencil to make sure I was really comfortable with the process before I applied the large stencil in my kitchen.  I decided to place the Welcome Stencil on the door in my mud room.  Applying Simple Stencils couldn’t be easier.


Just make sure you follow the very detailed instructions, and you can’t go wrong! I chose to tape the instruction sheet onto the wall right next where I was applying the stencil.  This helped me to be able to read them while I was following the instructions.  And now the reveal of my Kitchen Stencil:
  

 I decided to put it above the doorway between my kitchen and formal dining room.  It just seemed an appropriate place.
 


 I think the cooks amongst us would agree…no truer statement has been said!  I knew I HAD to have this stencil when I saw it.  I often wonder if our friends love coming over because we are just so cool to hang out with…or because I cook for them.  Hopefully both!  I think this stencil is going to look so good with my kitchen remodel!  I could not have been more pleased with the ease of applying the stencils.  As long as you measure carefully and make sure it’s straight (I used a level) you will get a perfect application every time!  And I never would have been able to hand letter something so beautiful.  Stay tuned next week to see how Vanessa used her stencil and be watching for an INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY coming up soon for our friends At The Picket Fence courtesy of The Simple Stencil!  We’d love you to pay a visit to The Simple Stencil.  You can visit them from the link in our sidebar.  I think you’ll be as impressed with them as we are!

Now onto our Inspiration Friday Features:

First up we have Wendy from Designed to Dwell.
 
She shared with us the newest addition to their Family…
Family ROOM that is!
They recently built a gorgeous new house that she is lovingly making a home.
This is how this room looked Before:
 
 
And here is how it is looking today with the addition of that beautiful Fireplace Surround that she and her handy hubby crafted!
 
 
Please pay Wendy a visit at Designed to Dwell. She is new to our blogging community and we would love for her to feel warmly welcomed!
 
Next up we have Linda from Delight, who shared with us this stunningly beautiful lampshade creation.

 
Now, we have seen a lot of Burlap here in Blogland but this has to be one of the most elegant uses of it yet, don’t you think?

 
Here it is in all of it’s Glowing Glory!
 
 
To see more of how Linda did this, please pay her a visit at Delight.
We promise it will be a “Delightful” experience! Hee hee!
 
 You know, every week we are just overwhelmed by all of the Creative Inspiration you share with us. And yet, we all know that we also need some Inspiration and nourishment for our Souls. That is exactly what we get when we visit Rachel from Big Lives!
 
My Photo

In her own words she says , “I want to LIVE BIG and living BIG requires BIG FAITH ~ otherwise life is just plain boring.”
This Big Faith was recently put to the test when her precious 5 year old daughter, Maggie, was diagnosed with Cancer.
Last week she shared with us at Inspiration Friday how “Being Enveloped by God” during this season has reminded her of how very much He loves us and wants to be our strength and our shield on this journey called life. 
They can now loudly declare that Maggie is a CANCER SURVIVOR!
And now Rachel’s desire is to support and care for others who find themselves facing the difficult and painful circumstances that no one on this Earth is ever immune from.
 
We know if you pay Rachel a vist at Big Lives, you will come away feeling as encouraged and Inspired as we do!
 
 

Now, don’t forget to grab your Featured At Button if you were featured at today’s party or during the week as a Facebook Feature! We have started featuring several links during the week on our Facebook page, so make sure you join us over there to see if you are featured! (did I say the word feature enough?? grin.)

Thanks for joining us at the fence!
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other “Friday Party Friends“:

The lovely Courtney at French Country Cottage

And our beautiful friend Alison from Stuff and Nonsense

Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  •  Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!

  • Be sure to link back to your original post and not just your url (main blog address)

  • Please post our button (code in the sidebar) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY)
  • Visit another guest Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you!  We are trying so hard between writing posts, homeschooling, and taking care of our families..grin..to visit everyone’s posts. Sometimes we miss one and for that we apologize.  It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well!  Thank you..it truly means a lot to us! 

 
  Also, before you leave this week’s Inspiration Friday Party, take a second and enter our April Etsy Store Giveaway from Kim at 

Click on the link and enter to win: Etsy Store Giveaway  Giveaway is going on until Sunday at midnight!

 
Review Disclaimer: Reviewed products were provided by The Simple Stencil.  No monetary compensation was provided to At The Picket Fence in exchange for this review.   It is our desire to maintain the utmost integrity and forthrightness with our readers, therefore all reviews provided by At The Picket Fence are our honest and unbiased opinions.  Please see our Disclosure Policy for more information. 


27 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday, Reviews

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Such a cool idea! Thanks for hosting!
    xo, Andrea

    Reply
  2. Michell @Girl in Air says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Love Love that lamp!!

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  3. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Hi ladies! I love the lamp and your new stencils are great. Thank you so much having me at your party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  4. Martina @ Northern Nesting says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Martina

    Reply
  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    That lamp shade is amazing. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  6. Shelia says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Love the shade and thank you two sweeties for hosting the party! I’m partying with you today! 🙂
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  7. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    Thanks so much for hostessing this fun event! I’m drooling over that awesome lampshade! Terrific stencils, too!

    I’m your newest follower and would love it if you follow me, too!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    Reply
  8. Carrie says

    April 8, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    Can I just say…. I LoVE You GiRls! You are so sweet.

    Reply
  9. Emily@LovelyBeasts says

    April 8, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    Agreeing with everyone else! You guys are awesome! Thanks again for throwing the best party in bloggerdom.

    I’m all linked up as usual! This time it’s not a chair 🙂

    Emily

    Reply
  10. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    Hi girls~ Love the features!! Thanks for hosting!! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Christie says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Well girls the party is rockin’ and it is only Thursday night! I have missed coming to the picket fence! Just linkin’ up my little shop (still hangin’ in there!)and working on so many new things! There is not enough time in the day! Missed ya’ll! Christie

    Reply
  12. alison says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    ah well…it’s bound to happen once in a while…or every other week…;) and it is a lovely lampshade…have a wonderful weekend girls!

    blessings,

    alison

    Reply
  13. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Thank you SO much for hosting, my lovies. I really do appreciate all the hard work it involves. THANK YOU!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  14. maggie@midwesternsewinggirl says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Oh my gosh! That new family room is amazing!!! Thank you so much for hosting!!!

    Reply
  15. Creative Escapes says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    That stencil kit looks awesome! I love what you did with it! Thanks for hosting the party – I love coming!
    Carrie

    Reply
  16. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    April 8, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Hey ladies! Thank you for hostessing:) LOVE the precious story you share today…THANK YOU!
    I have linked up twice…
    A Fake Cake #123
    and I Refuse #124

    Have a blessed weekend:)

    PS thanks for the advice on features! IT HELPED!

    xoxokara

    Reply
  17. Patricia Torres says

    April 8, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    super cool idea!! I’ve linked in today.. Totally loved your blog… Am now following you…
    thanks
    Patricia
    https://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  18. Designs on 47th Street says

    April 8, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I love that lamp shade and I REALLY love the entire vignette! I linked up today.
    Donna

    Reply
  19. Carmella says

    April 8, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    I am a new follower! Thanks for giving me such a fun place to share my project, and when you get a chance I hope you will stop by my very new blog 🙂

    creativecarmella.blogspot.com

    Reply
  20. classic • casual • home says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    So true what your pretty stencil says. My husband, Howard PICKETt is a great cook and people never say no to one of his dinners!

    Reply
  21. Heidi says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    HI
    Thank you for the link up. I am your newest follower and I have heard great things:)

    Reply
  22. Kathy says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    These are gorgeous stencils – I love stenciled walls –
    Gorgeous room! Love the blue color and the fireplace – Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend,
    Kathy

    Reply
  23. Heather @ Decor-ganize Crafts says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting another great party and for following my new blog too!

    Reply
  24. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 10, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Hey Heather~ just saw your comment about your kitchen cupboards… cannot WAIT to see them!!! Bet they will be beautiful!! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Inspire Me Heather says

    April 10, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Oh the linky party looks great – so many cool projects!

    Reply
  26. Happy_DIYers says

    April 11, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    I adore those stencils! I’m definitely looking into getting area for our new house; thanks for the link!

    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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