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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

March 16, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 56 and a Cottage in the Oaks GIVEAWAY!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey, hey, hey!!
We are so excited to be bringing you another awesome Giveaway today!
We’re poets and we know it! Winking smile
This one is coming to you from one of our incredible Sponsors.
Daune of the Cottage in the Oaks blog and Cottage in the Oaks Etsy Shop is one of the sweetest gals around. And she also happens to be incredibly talented!
Her shop is filled with some amazing items including these newly added pieces.
Like this European Grain/Flour Sack Jar Candle Holder. How fantastic to be able to cover up those unsightly candle jars as they are burning down and leaving wax around the edges.
This way you just see lovely European fabric!
European Grain Sack / Flour Sack Jar Candle Cover
We are seriously loving this Leather Cuff/Bracelet! You can pick from one of her premade pieces or customize it by choosing your own wording. So cool!
Leather Cuff / Bracelet, HOPE
Or how about these darling European Grain Sack/Flour Sack Covered Votives. Same concept as the jars but on a smaller scale. How adorable would these be lined up on a mantel?
European Grain Sack / Flour Sack Covered Votives-SET
Now for the awesome
GIVEAWAY!!!

One lucky Picket Fence reader will win this fabulous
Vintage Mini French Tabletop Café Chalkboard!
Vintage MINI Tabletop French Cafe Chalkboard, French Cafe Sign
A $39 value, this darling piece is a replica of the large sidewalk ones you would find outside of a quaint French bistro. It is hinged and folds flat for easy storage. Plus, it is double sided!
We could see this used in so many ways…on a counter top, sideboard, centerpiece…
the possibilities are endless!
Vintage MINI Tabletop French Cafe Chalkboard, French Cafe Sign
 
Want to know how to enter to win this awesome prize?
Here’s how:
(Mandatory) 1. Follow Daune at her blog, Cottage in the Oaks and come back and leave us a comment letting us know you did or already do. (1 entry)
(Optional) 2. “Like” Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 entry)
(Optional) 3. Visit the Cottage in the Oaks Etsy Shop, take a look around and come back and let us know which item(s) caught your eye! (1 entry)
(Optional) 4. Share this giveaway on Twitter or on your Facebook Page and leave us a comment letting us know you did. (1 entry)

That’s 4, count ‘em 4, chances you have to win this prize!
Giveaway open to US residents only. 
This Inspiration Friday and the Giveaway open until Midnight (EST) on Wednesday, March 21 with the winner being announced at next week’s Inspiration Friday Party.
So, what are you waiting for?

Get on over there and enter to win and then come right back here to party with us!
 
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Here are the Features from last week’s party:

INSPIRED ROOMS

 This is a seriously incredible Kitchen Transformation shared with us by B in Real Life!
You must see the “before” to fully appreciate this fantastic “after”. And stick around her blog for awhile because we know you will love her other projects too!
 
 and speaking of kitchens…you MUST see this Tropical Kitchen Makeover of Betsy Speert’s Florida home. AMAZING! We love the fun pops of color..and we think we spy us some tangerine in there…;) 
 
Julie from Knot All That I Seem shared how she spruced up a neglected corner of their lounge room! It is so bright and fresh now, and we’re sure they will be using this little cozy corner often!

 

We couldn’t wrap up the Inspiring Room portion of Inspiration Friday without sharing this inspiring kitchen!

It’s a wee one, but it’s fabulous nonetheless! Our friends at Low Country Living created this Pottery Barn Knock Off Play Kitchen for their daughter…people this looks like the real deal! What little girl or boy wouldn’t want to spend all day in this culinary dream! You must pay them a visit to see all of the details.

  

MAKEOVERS
If we told you what this Floor Mat was made of, we’re not sure if you would believe us! Seriously, this Cajun Kitchen Mat from Roeshel at DIY Showoff is one of the coolest transformation we’ve seen in a long time.  Make sure to go over to see what this faux wood mat was in it’s former life! 

DIY, tutorial, painted floor mat 
Now if this isn’t a “makeover” we don’t know what is! Can you guess what this adorable little play house used to be?? Do you see it hidden in there…you may even have a grandparent that has one hanging around still or maybe you just can’t see pass these adorable little young ladies. 🙂 Did you guess it lived it’s former life as a Console TV!?! Head over to Sugartot Designs to see how Sarah created this amazing place for her kiddos to play and imagine the day away! 
 
We had to include the before and after of this chair makeover cause you might not have believed us. Kandi from Woven Home made over this yard sale find and shared the process it took to get from trash to treasure! 
 


CRAFTS AND CREATIONS

Now, talk about a conversation starter! This Spoon Pendant Lamp from Miss Flibbertigibbet is one of the coolest creations we have seen in a long time!

 
Amanda from My Heart’s Desire shared these darling Spring Hurricane Vases with Burlap Rosettes. Love that pop of green with the burlap!

 
Karen from Places of my Heart shared this absolutely beautiful front door creation which was inspired by something she saw at Better Homes & Gardens. It is just so fun and whimsical and unexpected. Well done Karen!
We don’t think there’s a parent of a toddler out there who isn’t familiar with Yo Gabba Gabba…oh wait you’ve never heard of Yo Gabba Gabba? 😉 Well Sheila from Note Songs, sure is familiar with it after she created the most ADORABLE Felt Yo Gabba Gabba Finger Puppets for her darling granddaughter! 
 
It was a toss up for us which picture to feature here…the actual finger puppets or beautiful little Carter.  We decided to show you the puppets (in case you really didn’t know what Yo Gabba Gabba was..lol) BUT we insist you head over and visit Sheila so you can see Carter opening her puppets! SO CUTE!!

RECIPES

Roasted Chickpeas from Inspired by Felicity
Stevie from Garden Therapy shared this amazing tutorial on how to Grow Your Own Mason Jar Sprouts! Bet you never thought of that use for a mason jar…;) If every dish we created could looks this beautiful with bean sprouts sprinkled on top, we would be adding them to everything for sure! 
 

Whole Grain Fruity Nutella French Toast…you had us at Nutella! We love this nutritious but also decadent french toast recipe from Pamela at Inspired By Felicity!


 


INSPIRING STORIES
Kerri from HouseTalkN is seriously one of the funniest people we know, but in this feature she shares a little bit of where she grew up: in a small town in Indiana.  Kerry shows us how living in a small town can be truly luxurious! 
 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header!
Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook? Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
And…one last thing we want to share with you…Are you following us on
Pinterest
We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here!


We are asking you to PRETTY PLEASE (with sugar on top) visit the ACTUAL PROJECT and PIN from there! PLEASE take that extra step to PIN from ORIGINAL SOURCES…it will make Pinterest a better place for all bloggers!  Now, if you like what you see here At The Picket Fence that WE create, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
THANK YOU !!
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:

stuffandnonsense
vif187
Redoux



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 on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!
Did you get a chance to see Kim at Savvy Southern Style’s Link Etiquette post? It’s a must read!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest
This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:

Don’t forget to enter the Cottage in the Oaks Giveaway
AND they are generously offering a 10% discount off your total purchase in their shop through March 30 for friends of At The Picket Fence with the code: picket10

104 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Inspiration Friday, Sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Have a super weekend!!

    Reply
  2. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    This goes to show that I cannot do two things at once at some times. I was talking to my daughter while linking – so I put my email in the wrong place – I should have typed Verdigris! Such is life! Great features – love your eggs!
    Thanks ladies for hosting
    Kathy

    Reply
  3. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Thanks for the party.

    Reply
  4. Debra @ Common Ground says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    That console tv makeover is so cute and fun! thanks for hosting gals, just linked up! xoxo

    Reply
  5. miss flibbertigibbet says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Thanks Vanessa and Heather for featuring me! I’m SO flattered! Thanks so much for hosting too…that’s a LOT of dedicated work!
    Lorraine

    Reply
  6. telisa@sugartotdesigns says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Thanks for the party ladies! And thanks for featuring Sarah’s tv console!!! She is awesome, I found a free tv console on craigslist and don’t think I can pull off what she did!

    Reply
  7. Eclectically Vintage says

    March 15, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Hi Girls!
    I’m back – my move to WordPress was successful and I’m back to linking (was going thru withdrawal)! Went a bid overboard today! LOVE that spoon light!
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. The French Hutch says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Great features. AND, what a great giveaway! Thanks for hosting.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  9. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    I love feature day! So much GOOD stuff =) Yum. The kitchens are gorgeous… I love B in real life. She has some awesome projects. Those aqua shutters are super cute, might have to paint a set of mine? And I totally pinned and bragged on that rug from the DIY Show Off. I think I NEED me one of those 😉 Thanks for hosting girls =)

    Reply
  10. Julie @ Knot All That I Seam says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Thanks Heather for featuring my Cozy Corner! I’m thrilled!!! x Julie

    Reply
  11. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Thanks LOTS for hosting!!! Awesome features!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  12. Inspired By Felicity says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Oh I’m just giddy with excitement that I’m featured!!!

    My husband thinks I’m a terrible cook, I can’t wait until he gets home from work so I can show him that you featured My Food =)

    -Pamela

    Reply
  13. Jessica Kielman says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Thanks so much for having me! I already see tons of fabulousness!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  14. Good Time Charlie says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Oh how I love to look at beautiful kitchens! I especially love that Cajun rug. How fun is that! Thanks for the party, happy weekend. -K

    Reply
  15. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Those are wonderful features…lovin’ those kitchens! And the spoon lamp…simply amazing!

    Thank you for hosting. You lovely ladies have a wonderful weekend!
    Kristine

    Reply
  16. Lindsay says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Beautiful party! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  17. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls. I’m going to have to check out how that kitchen rug was done.

    Reply
  18. Jessica Kielman says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Visited and Followed Cottage in the Oaks!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  19. Jessica Kielman says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    Liked them on fb too!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  20. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    Love the tabletop chalkboard! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  21. Natasha in Oz says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    Thanks for having me today. I have finally unveiled my new design for my blog! I am so excited! Please pop by if you have a moment and say G’day!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz!

    Reply
  22. Debbie says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I will be clicking your shout outs this evening. They all look great. I’ve been so busy lately that all I have time to do is browse and click.

    Reply
  23. Carol says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I am now following Cottage in the Oaks Blog!

    sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  24. Carol says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on FB.

    sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  25. Lynn says

    March 15, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    Looking forward to checking out all the features. Thanks for hosting, girls. Love your party.
    Lynn at Cottage and Creek
    http://www.cottageandcreek.com

    Reply
  26. Miss Gracie's House says

    March 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    Hey girls! I just wanted to say *THANKS* for the feature March 10…you’re so sweet! Congrats on making RH-how exciting! I’m enjoying your delightful blog.
    Rene

    Reply
  27. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    Those are some amazing features. So much talent out there! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  28. Cherished Bliss says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  29. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    I am following Daune on google plus….I don’t know where else to leave comments for the giveaway. ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  30. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    I like Cottage in the Oaks on fb too….ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  31. M.j. says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    I like Leather Cuff bracelet HOPE…ciao4now64@yahoo.com

    Reply
  32. suzyq says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    Thanks for the party ladies!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  33. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on FB.

    Reply
  34. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Love the features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  35. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    I visited the Etsy shop. I liked the tags with the numbers on them. Thanks for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway!

    Reply
  36. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    What a great party and wonderful giveaway!! follow Cottage in the Oaks via GFC!!

    Reply
  37. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    What a great party and wonderful giveaway!! follow Cottage in the Oaks via GFC!!

    Reply
  38. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    Thanks for an AWESOME party today 🙂 You guys always have the best features. I am off to pin some right now.

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  39. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    “LIKE” Cottage in the Oaks on Fb!

    Reply
  40. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:36 AM

    LOVE the mini chalkboards!!!

    Reply
  41. Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    March 16, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Shared on Fb!!! thanks ladies! 😉

    Reply
  42. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:04 AM

    I subscribed to the blog.:-)

    Reply
  43. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    I “LIKED” Cottage in the Oaks on FB. Can’t wait to read the posts about “Setting Aside Time!”

    Reply
  44. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    Of course I *would* fall in love with the most expensive item in the etsy shop! That coffee cup canvas is fabulous! As far as things I could actually afford, I love the chalkboard and the leather bracelets.

    Reply
  45. Julianne says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    I posted about the giveaway!

    Reply
  46. Sharon L says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    I liked cottage in the oaks on FB. Please enter me into the drawing! Thank you!

    Reply
  47. Ruby Jean says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    Oh thank you so much Ladies for hosting… I finally have finished my New Sewing Room and just linked it up… 🙂 Have a Lovely rest of the week!!!

    Reply
  48. Sharon L says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Also, signed up to follow the cottage in the oaks blog AND looked around their Etsy shop. Love the flour sack pillow! Two more entries, please?

    Reply
  49. Jen says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    Love the features!! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    Reply
  50. Our Pinteresting Family says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    Vanessa & Heather, thank you for hosting such a great party. I can’t wait to check out all the wonderful ideas. 🙂 Megan

    Reply
  51. Lynn says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:44 AM

    I subscribed to the blog and “liked” on Facebook. Love the chalk board!

    Reply
  52. Delilah Love says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! What a great party going on tonight. Have a wonderful Friday!

    Reply
  53. Kerry Rossow says

    March 16, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Wowzadoodle! Thank you so much for featuring my “Field Of Dreams”!
    Also, thank you for being such an awesome set of bloggers- you raise the bar for all of us!
    I linked up my “Hotness” vlog this week.
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  54. Something Nice and Pretty says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  55. elizabeth@themustardceiling says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:24 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a nice weekend.

    Reply
  56. Shelia says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Oh, ladies, I’m so honored you would feature my little finger puppets! They were so much fun to do. Thank you so much, you’ve made my day.
    Thank you always for hosting.
    You are a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  57. FABBY'S LIVING says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Great features and I’m loving the roasted peas, I never seen this before, ama try it soon! Thank you for hosting this terrific party. Happy weekend.
    FABBY

    Reply
  58. How to Nest for Less says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:45 AM

    THanks so much for hosting! Hope you’re having a fabulous week 🙂

    Reply
  59. Linda taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    I Follow Cottage in the Oaks via email
    daisy522 (at) aol dot com

    Reply
  60. Linda taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    I Like Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook
    daisy522 at (AOL DOT)com

    Reply
  61. linda taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:11 AM

    I visited the Cottage in the Oaks Etsy Shop and I love the lettered clay tags
    daisy522 at (aoldot)com

    Reply
  62. Linda Taylor says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:13 AM

    I shared this on Facebook
    daisy522 at (aoldot)com

    Reply
  63. Jody and Stan says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:38 AM

    Love the features. I’m a New Follower. Hope you stop by my linky party Simple & Sweet Fridays.

    Jody

    Reply
  64. Vanessa says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    Hi, Vanessa and Heather

    Thank you so much for hosting this lovely party. I appreciate it. I’ve been away to long and I am so glad I am able to share my new project. Have a great weekend ladies!

    Vanessa
    http://www.homesweetbutterfly.com

    Reply
  65. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    Hi ladies, Wonderful inspiration this week. I love the childs kitchen! Thanks for hosting. Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  66. Craftygyrl says

    March 16, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    Thanks for hosting. I love the kitchen inspiration this week!

    Reply
  67. Scribbler says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Thanks for hosting. Those roasted chick peas are calling my name! Nice features.

    Reply
  68. andrea@townandprairie says

    March 16, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    Thanks for hosting the party again!

    Reply
  69. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    Enjoyed reading all the features this week. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  70. Mimi says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  71. Pamela says

    March 16, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    Thanx for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  72. Natural Mothers Network says

    March 16, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Hi- thanks for hosting this great linky. This week i posted EASY SOAP RECIPE, 5 NATURAL HAIR RECIPES, EASY IRISH SODA BREAD and HEALTHY LUNCHBOX IDEAS
    I am looking for wonderful creative bloggers to come share their posts at Seasonal Celebration Sunday over at Natural Mothers Network. And, I really hope that you will put Seasonal Celebration, on your list of carnivals to visit and link to each Sunday/Monday! Here’s the link: https://naturalmothersnetwork.com
    Rebecca x

    Reply
  73. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 16, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Hi girls! Fantastic features over here! All linked up~ thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  74. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    I adore the table top chalk board!! I went to Cottage in the Woods Etsy shop and whats not to love there??? I love the number tags, the glitter chalkboard tags and most of all the table top chalk board! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!

    Reply
  75. Brenda Hoyt says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    I’m a follower! Love it all.

    Reply
  76. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    I went to Cottage in the Woods facebook page and “liked” them!! (#2) Thanks again!

    Reply
  77. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    I shared your generous give away on my personal facebook page! (#3)

    Reply
  78. Annie Wetherbee says

    March 17, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    I am the newest follower of Cottage in the Woods blog! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  79. Donata @ DK's Craft Cafe says

    March 18, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    What a lovely chalkboard!
    Thank you for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  80. The DIY Show Off says

    March 18, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    So many inspiring projects! Wow! Thank you so much for sharing mine. 😉

    Hope you’re having a great weekend, ladies!

    Reply
  81. Sally says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:18 AM

    I already follow Cottage in the Oaks 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  82. Sally says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:19 AM

    I like Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  83. Sally says

    March 19, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Lucky for me that my fave thing from the Etsy shop is the chalkboard that you’re giving away. Thanks for hosting 🙂

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

    Reply
  84. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    I follow Cottage in the Oaks – dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  85. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:02 AM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  86. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    I liked the Red Stripe Flour Sack Pillow at Cottage in the Oaks. dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  87. freddie says

    March 19, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    I tweeted giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/flipper211/status/181607350904434688 dwelchert@yahoo.com

    Reply
  88. CAS says

    March 19, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    OMGoodness, I keep thinking each week that you could never top that week’s inspirations & all the wonderful links, but then you go and top it the next! I’m so happy for the success of your blog. Thanks so much for hosting.
    CAS

    Reply
  89. CAS says

    March 19, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Well shoot, I have something to link up but I just keep getting a message that it hasn’t been approved yet. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong — hope not. Anyway, hope I get linked up before you close the party!
    CAS

    Reply
  90. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    I follow Cottage in the Oaks via email

    Reply
  91. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    I Like Cottage in the Oaks on Facebook.

    Reply
  92. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    I like the vintage book bundle in the Cottage in the Oaks Etsy shop.

    Reply
  93. craftyfirefly0407 says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    I shared this giveaway on my Facebook page.

    Reply
  94. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  95. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    I LOVE the chalkboard!! I visited and follow Cottage in the Oaks blog website.

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  96. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:24 AM

    I liked them on FB too 🙂

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  97. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    The Red Stripe Flour Sack caught my eye in their ETSY shop! Love it!!

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  98. Unknown says

    March 22, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    I tweeted this give away letting everyone know that it ends at midnight tonight!! 🙂

    Robyn
    RNS0319@yahoo.com

    Reply
  99. JENN says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Following Cottage in the Oaks! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  100. JENN says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on FACEBOOK too!

    Reply
  101. JENN says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    I liked Cottage in the Oaks on facebook too!

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

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.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

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)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

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
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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