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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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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 4, 2011

Inspiration Friday Party No. 1!

Welcome to the very first Inspiration Friday Party
here At the Picket Fence!

Previously, this party was hosted by Vanessa at her Southern in my Heart blog.
But, you know what?
New Blogs mean New Beginnings!

So, even though this is technically the 22nd Inspiration Friday party, we are starting fresh this week.

Just what is Inspiration Friday?

Well, this is one of the very few Linky Parties where you can share pretty much anything with us.
Decorating, Cooking, Crafts, Great Ideas, Poetry, Inspiring Stories, they are all welcome here.

We hope you will be inspired just as you inspire others!

And for the first time ever, this week we are unveiling our
“Featured At” Button

At the Picket Fence

In keeping with tradition, we will be mostly featuring bloggers who are fairly new to our little community here. So, if you are featured this week, or even in weeks past, please feel free to grab the new button from our sidebar!

And now, just like the roots of my hair, it is time for some High-Lighting!

Here are the Featured Inspirations from Last week

Katie from Craptastic (just typying that name out makes me giggle) shared her latest project that she lovingly did for her mom.

This was her inspiration.
A wonderfully aged and “chippy” barstool.

Her mom’s barstools started out looking like this

And Katie transformed them into this

Now that’s a good daughter right there!
We love the detail you put into this Katie and think you did a fantastic job!


Next up is Agatha from Audistree.
She shared her favorite Before and After Project.
Taking this hutch from this…
To this!
Doesn’t it just pop up against that gorgeous shade of blue?
And, last but not least, we have Kim from Dear Sweet Home.
She found this darling plaque with what has now become their Family Verse for the year.
She decided to hang it from a frame she found in her attic and displayed it on the mantel above her cooktop in the kitchen.
I covet that mantel.
Thanks for sharing this with us Kim!
Don’t forget to grab your “Featured At” button ladies.
Now, make sure to mark your calendars for the next installment of
Valentines’ Day Edition!
Link up all of your fabulous Valentine Crafts, Recipes, and Decor on
Saturday, February 12th.
And now, let’s get this party started at the very first
Inspiration Friday
At the Picket Fence!
Link it on up friends!
Here’s how…
1. Add your Permalink to your entry but not your General Blog Address. To get your Permalink, click on the title of the blog post you are wanting to submit and copy and paste the address into the URL box. You will also have to add your email address but it will not be visible to anyone else.
2. Do not try and Link up until you have actually published that particular post on your blog.
3. Please link back to the host blog, At the Picket Fence, so that those who visit your blog will be able to find some wonderful Inspiration from everyone else.
We can’t wait to be inspired!
Thanks so much for stopping by the Fence today.
Heather and Vanessa

29 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Comments

  1. Karen says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:52 AM

    I am so excited to be at the first party and it looks like I’m the first one there. (I’m usually late for everything!) Can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the party!

    Reply
  2. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    Love the new blog! I’m a big picket fence lover, you know :)) Can’t wait to see what everyone has to show!

    Reply
  3. Melissa Miller says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    The new blog is wonderful! Thank you for hosting. 🙂

    Reply
  4. shopannies says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    very cool blog I linked up this week as well

    Reply
  5. Laurie says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Congrats, girls, on your great new blog! I love it and have come by several times this week. Also linked up today. Best, best wishes!!! And thanks for the linky!

    Reply
  6. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    Great new blog, girls! Thanks for hosting.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  7. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    Hello ladies,
    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  8. AshTreeCottage says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    Hi girls! Thanks for a great party and lots of inspiration!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

    Reply
  9. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    You girls are off to a great start! Congrats! And thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  10. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:04 AM

    Vanessa and Heather, congratulations on your new blog! I LOVE the idea of meeting at the picket fence. I’m so far away from my sister, too… I hope you’ll stop by if you get a chance.

    Reply
  11. A Vintage Vine says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    Thanks for hosting this party! I have been over here alot these last few days….love the new blog, you are off to a great start!

    Reply
  12. sheri says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Those are some great project pics – and i might have to steal (like i do a lot of stuff here) that verse idea – that’s gorgeous. Can i have her mantle too?

    Off to visit some links.

    And since i have been honored to have been featured before for my front doors – can i grab a button – huh – can i – can i ??? 😀

    Reply
  13. NanaDiana says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    I love your new blog…and I love you girls. Congrats on what is looking to be a very successful first week! You did good, girls…you did good! Hugs- Diana

    Reply
  14. At The Picket Fence says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:50 AM

    Sheri….you go right ahead and grab that featured button! It’s all yours! lol

    Heather

    Reply
  15. Katie says

    February 4, 2011 at 3:18 AM

    Congrats on the new blog ladies!! It looks like you all have been busy this week and it’s definately paying off!! Thank you so much for the feautre!! How exciting to be a part of the first party on At The Picket Fence!!!

    Reply
  16. Chrissie says

    February 4, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    Great new blog! I am excited to be part of the first party!

    Reply
  17. Infatuated with Homes and Gardens says

    February 4, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Happy 1st party of your new blog!

    Reply
  18. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    Hi ladies~ Thanks for hosting! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Just to say that I’m LOVING your blog. It’s fast turning into one of my daily reads.

    Thank you so much for hosting. Have a fab, fab weekend.

    Sarahx

    Reply
  20. Debbie says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    I love that verse framed on the mantel. I have a primitive frame at the house just waiting for a project like that.

    I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. I love the way “The Picket Fence” has come together.

    Reply
  21. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    Thanks for hosting-Happy Weekend:@)

    Reply
  22. Katie @ This Chick Cooks says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Congrats on the new blog and happy weekend!

    Reply
  23. michelle says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Great features and it is going so well!! Thank you for hosting, I am having fun this week with everything you gals have been doing! 🙂

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  24. Bethany {3SonsPlus1} says

    February 4, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    What fun!! So glad you’ve had a great week at the fence! 🙂 I can’t wait to read through all the wonderful entries!

    Reply
  25. Lynn at Cottage and Creek says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    I love your new blog and linky party. I’m your newest follower (#134) and look forward to reading more. My sister and I are very close and she’s the one who designed and built my blog. Sisters are such a blessing! Thanks for the fun party … I’ll go check out all the inspiration right now!

    Reply
  26. Honey at 2805 says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    You are off to a great start. Congrats!

    Reply
  27. Christie says

    February 4, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Hey girls! It does look like you are off to a GREAT start! Ya’ll have done an awesome job! Nothing new to link up! I will have to work on that for the next party!! Have a great weekend! I will link these up on the 12th too!!!
    Christie at threepixielane

    Reply
  28. Jo says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    It’s gonna be fun girls! I’m excited to be part of the adventure, We will be inspired!
    whoo hoo.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  29. CAS says

    February 5, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    I hope this new blog is as much fun for you and your sister as it appears to be for all of the rest of us. It’s crazy good bloginess!
    CAS

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “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! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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