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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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April 14, 2011

Inspiration Friday No. 11

Welcome one and all to Party Central!
You are in for a treat this weekend because we are offering you a “Two-fer”.
As always, we are thrilled to have you join us for

Where we welcome you to Inspire and Be Inspired, by linking up all of your fabulous DIY projects, crafts, home decor, recipes, and life experiences.
And we are kicking things off a little bit earlier this week because….

 We are excited to be bringing you another installment of

We know you have been on pins and needles just waiting for the next Sister Saturday!
Right?
cricket….cricket…cricket…
Well, you are getting it anyway!
And this time, we want you to link up all of your fantastic Easter/Spring Inspiration.
So, be sure to come back THIS Saturday and share your talented selves with us.
We have some fun in store for you too as we share how we knocked-off were so inspired by some previous Easter Inspiration that we made our own versions of your ideas!
Now, let’s get back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Just so you know, from the moment the Inspiration Friday party starts on Thursday all the way through Sunday, the number of phone calls and texts flying back and forth between us is astounding. We actually sit on the phone with each other and say things like this,
“Oh my goodness, did you see #such and such??!! That is incredible!”
“I know! What about the one so and so did? I’m totally gonna try it myself!”
“How do people come up with these amazing ideas?”
“Seriously!”
And then our husband’s say…
“Will we ever be allowed to use the computer again?”
To which we reply,
“Nope!”
Somehow, we do manage to calm down and actually pick out folks to Feature.
So here goes!


Andrea from Life.Love.Larson  shared with us these darling No Sew Napkin Pillows

This is one that Heather said she wants to try.
No sewing! We love it!
Hop over and pay Andrea a visit to her blog. Life.Love.Larson

Burlap!  It’s all the craze right now in the blogosphere and we’ve been seeing some pretty amazing burlap projects here at Inspiration Friday.  We thought this one from Debbie at
reFresh reStyle was a beautiful use of this humble material. 


This is a lovely painting, but Debbie was hoping for a new look.
So she took it from this…



To this!  Talk about your inspirational recycling!


We want to invite you over to see more of this fabulous burlap project from Debbie as well as her beautiful pictures!  
This next one about knocked Vanessa out of her chair!
Audrey  from Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats shared this beyond darling Vintage Schoolhouse Themed Birthday Party.

 Yep, you gotta see it to believe it!  We hope the few pictures we’ve shown will prompt you to get your tail over to Sweet Cheek’s Tasty Treats and see
Harper’s Vintage Schoolhouse Party.  

And finally after all of the hard work y’all spend on your beautiful, inspirational posts we decided you deserved a special treat!  Katie from Everything Reconsidered  shared this fabulous Chocolate Zucchini Cake with us…and guess what, it’s gluten free!
 Isn’t it amazing that these..


Can be made into this..


Ignore the missing pieces…we had to give it a taste test before we shared it with our friends at the fence..and we both declare Katie’s cake fabulous! Visit Katie to get the recipe to her Chocolate Zucchini Cake.

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 we 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

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! 
And make sure to come back to the fence Saturday Morning for



with all of your fabulous Easter Posts..the party will be going on all week At The Picket Fence!


Link Up!!

25 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Next Post: It’s Sister Saturday and An Easter Link Up! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    April 14, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Thank you for hosting the party. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 14, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Hi ladies! Thank you so much for hosting this fun party and for all the inspiration.
    Hugs,
    Sherry
    ps: Vanessa did you get my email about Shabby Apple>

    Reply
  3. reFresh reStyle says

    April 14, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Thanks for mentioning me and my burlap on Inspiration Friday!! You guys are the best! I always look forward to Inspiration Friday~everyone’s projects are so inspiring!
    Sincerely,
    Debbie

    Reply
  4. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    April 14, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Hey Ladies!!

    I love the features this week…I can’t wait to go check them out….

    I linked up…thanks so much for hosting each week!

    Reply
  5. Katie says

    April 14, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    Great features this week! I love them all!! Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  6. Audrey @ Sweet Cheeks says

    April 14, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Ahhhh! Thank you SO much for liking Harper’s Vintage Schoolhouse Party enough to feature it!!! So cool to see it here 😉

    Reply
  7. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    April 15, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! LOve all the inspiration I see.

    Reply
  8. Lounging with a Latte says

    April 15, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Thanks for providing this avenue to find so many inspirational people in one spot. Keep it up, it’s great viewing.

    Reply
  9. Sue says

    April 15, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    It’s always fun to see what everyone is doing! So glad you girls host this. Kinda wish everyone did more visiting and commenting; but I guess that is the nature of the beast. Hope both of you are getting gorgeous spring weather. It was beautiful here today! 🙂 hugs, Sue

    Reply
  10. Cheryl~ZanyMayd says

    April 15, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    My first time here, So Happy to be joining in, I think I came from one of the other Blog Parties, the hours have passed, so not quite sure… Love Your Blog, Looks like Lots of Fun!
    Cheryl

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    April 15, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    The featured ones are great. I hope to be able to venture about a bit over the weekend and get inspired. I was actually hoping to link up with the vignette that lived in my head inspired from the 1000 Gifts books. Too bad the vignette on the table never became the one in the head.

    It’s so difficult being me…

    I was wondering about Sister Saturday and when you were going to do the next one!

    Reply
  12. alison says

    April 15, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    oh boy…i’m so late getting my linky up this week…too much life going on! and hey…we only had one feature in common this time!

    blessings,

    alison

    Reply
  13. Stephanie says

    April 15, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    Hi Ladies! Thanks for hosting – I’m a new follower and excited to join up. That schoolhouse party is crazy cool and I love that zucchini recipe!

    -Stephanie
    henry  happened

    Reply
  14. Sue says

    April 15, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    So many great features! Love the vintage schoolhouse party!

    Reply
  15. Lynn Richards says

    April 15, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    Thanks so much Heather and Vanessa!! I’m looking forward to getting back into my regular Friday routine!
    xo
    lynn

    Reply
  16. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 15, 2011 at 2:43 AM

    Hi there ladies~ What great features this week and zucchini chocolate cake…oh my!!! Sounds delicious!! Thanks for hosting!! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    April 15, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I know a version of that cake as Courgette cake….That name is SOOOO much more glam!

    Thank you SO much for hosting. Your blog always makes me LONG for a sister of my own ( in a nice way!).

    Sarahx

    Reply
  18. Kristin says

    April 15, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    Happy Friday Girls…
    No crafting, baking or decorating for me. Just encouragement and inspiration on my heart.
    Thanks so much for hosting a lovely linky. Have a beautiful weekend!
    Love, Kristin

    Reply
  19. Curtains In My Tree says

    April 15, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    I linked up and i think it’s the first time I am checking out every lady

    Reply
  20. Bonnie says

    April 15, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    Love this site. Just stumbled upon it. I have linked up my snowman hat because we all need to get a jump on next winter, right? I’ll following!!!

    Reply
  21. Patricia Torres says

    April 15, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Thanks for hosting this lovely party.. I’ve linked in this week.. I’m now off to check out the fab inspirations you’ve mentioned.. 🙂

    Reply
  22. Christie says

    April 15, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    FIRST! Vanessa, I received the sweetest thing! You will get a note from me, but wanted you to know I received it and that you are so kind! The tears came and my husband, once again, looked at me like I was crazy! Look for my note! LOVE these ideas, especially the vintage school house party! I am throwing (way late!) a paper doll vintage party for my daughter and this gave me some great ideas! Will pop over and tell her! Shamefully, I haven’t done much with decor for Easter! Will try to throw it together! Love to you girls and blessings this Easter to your families!

    Reply
  23. A Vintage Vine says

    April 15, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Thanks for hosting the party!! Love your features!

    Reply
  24. Katie Jones says

    April 16, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature!!!! I was in Vegas for work all week and was super excited to come home and see that you my recipe was featured on Inspiration Friday 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend.

    Katie

    Reply
  25. At The Picket Fence says

    April 16, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    @Debbie-Wanted to post this on here for others to see. The next Sister Saturday after this week’s Easter Edition will be the 4th of July! So get those patriotic posts ready..ok so you’ve got a little time left. 😉

    Heather

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
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✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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