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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 6, 2011

Inspiration Friday Party No. 14

It’s the week of Inspiration Friday #14 and it’s Derby Week!  Since Heather is a Kentuckian, we couldn’t let the week get away without a nod to this most famous of horse races…The Kentucky Derby!  It is so fun to live in the state of Kentucky during Derby Time! The Hot Brown is a very famous local sandwich originally created in Louisville, the home of the Kentucky Derby. Here’s a little history of this fabulous sandwich: 

“Chef Fred K. Schmidt at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, created The Hot Brown sandwich in 1926. In the 1920s, the Brown Hotel drew over 1,200 guests each evening for its dinner dance. The band would play until late, and when the band took bread, around midnight; people would retire to the restaurant for a bite to eat. Bored with the traditional ham and eggs, Chef Schmidt, delighted his guests by creating the Hot Brown.”


It was to my delight when I opened my Southern Living Magazine and saw their tribute to The Hot Brown..and their adaption of the sandwich..Kentucky Hot Brown Tart.  I couldn’t wait to make this to celebrate the Kentucky Derby!

It was beyond fabulous and an elegant way to share the famous and unique flavors of The Hot Brown Sandwich.  



It smelled so fabulous while it was baking, and tasted even better!  Wish you all could join me for a piece of tart, a mint julep and to watch the “fastest two minutes in sports!”



You can print off the recipe and celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style with this Hot Brown Tart!

This recipe has been shared at:

Quit Eating Out: Saturday Swap
Designs by Gollum: Foodie Friday

~~~



And now onto this week’s Inspiration Friday Features!

 
Lisa from House Dressing shared with us this great tutorial on how you can make your own Restoration Hardware inspired pillows! 



You can read more about how Lisa made these fabulous Restoration Hardware Knock Off Pillows at House Dressing: Restoration Hardware Salvaged Tarp Pillow

~~~
Up next we have two different kitchen remodels…can you tell Heather’s on a kitchen kick?

We have featured Rachel from Low Country Living, and some of her fabulous remodeling projects from their first home, but we couldn’t resist sharing her latest project with you.  They recently moved and this was the kitchen they inherited…




Rachel has been featuring the ongoing remodeling of the kitchen as well as step by step tutorials, including some from her very talented husband.  Here is where they are right now…



Head over to visit Rachel and her incredibly talented husband to see previous posts on their project as well as step by step tutorials! 


We gals were so excited when we saw the next project that was shared last week at Inspiration Friday.  We have often wondered if we had any gentleman friends here at the fence..and now we know we do!  Mikey at Shabby French Cottage shared his fabulous French Farm Kitchen Remodel.  Not only is it beyond beautiful it was created on a very limited budget!

We invite you to visit Mikey’s French Farm Kitchen Project to see many more incredible photographs as well as a cost break down!  We think you will be as amazed as we were!



Now, you know that we normally tend towards featuring folks who are newer to our blogging community. But we just couldn’t resist sharing this next one!  We wanted to end our features on a playful note..by sharing Michell from Girl in Air’s Vintage Toy Phone Booth she created for her children!  


So adorable!
Michell has a fabulous blog with incredible projects and a warm heart! If you have never been over to Girl In Air, than we invite you to pay Michell a visit!
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.)

Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday 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
Our beautiful friend Alison from Stuff and Nonsense
Stuff and Nonsense

And the gracious Debra from Common Ground

vif187

 
 
  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! 

Today’s Inspiration Friday is sponsored by

our At The Picket Fence May Etsy Shop!
If you are interested in being a featured Etsy shop of the month please contact us!

33 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Comments

  1. Little Brick Ranch says

    May 5, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies!! I linked up my Raspberry bars and FINALLY painted the coffee table! Great features this week…I am off to check out that kitchen AND your tart!

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 5, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    That recipe looks yummy and what great features. Love Mikey’s kitchen. Thanks for hosting, girls.

    Reply
  3. Richella says

    May 5, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I’m excited to be joining you this week. It’s about time I got a little more done around the house. Most of my time lately has been spent caring for my husband in the midst of his heart surgery, but I did get a couple of little things done this week.

    I LOVE Hot Brown! We usually make it Thanksgiving weekend using leftover turkey. And I ordered it at a restaurant in Lexington once. I stayed in Louisville for several days once, but didn’t get to do any fun restaurants there. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  4. The "Boutique" Girls says

    May 5, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    Here we our again!! Thank for the party:) We love you Gals!!

    Reply
  5. Summerland Cottage Studio says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Thank you for hosting and sharing all the inspiration !

    Reply
  6. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    What an awesome kitchen! Great features girls..thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  7. Debra@Common Ground says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    H Girls!! oh that tart looks so yummy. I’ve always loved the Derby, thanks for hosting, xo Debra

    Reply
  8. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    OMG! Seriously! Thank you so much for the wonderful write up! That was so wonderful to pop by and see myself featured!!

    I do feel new to blogging….a little over a year ago I didn’t even know what a blog was….crazy how much my blog has grown…

    Thank you so much for sharing with your readers!

    Reply
  9. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting each week. 🙂

    Reply
  10. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    May 5, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Oh My Golly Gosh! I can’t believe I was featured! I came to check out the Derby stuff and BAM (a la Emril Lagasse) there I am!
    Back to the Derby stuff… I’m going to a Derby Party on Saturday compleat with Juleps and Wagering, any hot tips?
    Thanks again for the Shout-Out!

    Reply
  11. Sara says

    May 5, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    I’ve been drooling over that French kitchen makeover for a few weeks now… sooo inspiring. I’m nearly ready to pull my upper cabinets down – if I could just figure out what to do about the dust…

    Thanks for the party!

    Sara
    http://www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.blogspot.com

    Reply
  12. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    May 5, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies and Heather that tart looks delish!! Martina

    Reply
  13. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    May 6, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    As always thanks for hosting. I hope you both have a spectacular Mother’s Day! ~Ann

    Reply
  14. Trisha says

    May 6, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    That kitchen redo is AMAZING!!
    Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  15. ButterYum says

    May 6, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    Stunning kitchen makeover. AS for the tart – I must have it in my life. Thanks so much for sharing it.

    🙂
    ButterYum

    Reply
  16. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    May 5, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    All linked up!! Thanks for hosting ladies! 🙂

    Reply
  17. laxsupermom says

    May 6, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Great features! I especially love the vintage phone booth. How fun! Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party each week.

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    May 6, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    Just once I would like to go to a Derby Party. I would suck it up and host one myself, but I think I’m the only one of my friends who would like it.

    In other news… I love Mikey’s kitchen.

    Reply
  19. Poppy says

    May 6, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    I’m your newest follower and linking up for the first time. Love those kitchen makeovers, especially the French inspired kitchen…. and the tart looks absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing these great features and hosting the party.~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  20. Life in Rehab says

    May 6, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Holy oversight, Batman, I wasn’t already following you guys! Now how would I have otherwise gotten that Hot Brown recipe?

    Reply
  21. Laurel says

    May 6, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    All linked up again…thanks for hosting such a fun party 🙂 Laurel@chippingwithcharm

    Reply
  22. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    May 6, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Hey sweet girlfriends! Im sorry I havent been around AT ALL the last few weeks…im still fighting these Shingles! And now if caught a headcold!
    Wwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

    I linked up a post in honor of MOMS…

    Thank you for always throwin a good party!

    xoxokara

    Reply
  23. Kim @ Quit Eating Out {Soon to Become Recipes To Run On} says

    May 6, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Thanks for linking to Saturday Swap. I cannot believe this recipe…. it sounds so good! A hot brown in a TART? Yum. Great idea. Have a super weekend!!!

    Reply
  24. Christina {The Tattered Tag} says

    May 6, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Happy Friday Ladies~

    Great features this week, lots of wonderful inspiration! Thanks bunches for hosting another great link party. Happy to be a new follower of your lovely blog. 🙂

    Drop By The Tattered Tag

    Reply
  25. Jane says

    May 7, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Hello,
    I added my Mini Cheesecakes. Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    Reply
  26. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    May 7, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Oooh, I do like the things you’ve featured this week. Those cushions are adorable…but I think you’d call them pillows. Am I right? See, is my American improving, or what?!!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  27. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    May 7, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Hi there girls~ just stopping back to say thanks so much for sharing this at my party this week! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    May 8, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Linking up late… I hope you two ladies have a wonderful Mother’s Day! Thanks for hosting another great Inspiration Friday party!

    Reply
  29. Kadie says

    May 10, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    I just wanted to say thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment at my blog. I know I was a late link up. But I am so happy that I found your party!!! Thanks for hosting.

    Kadie @ Seven Alive

    Reply
  30. Jill says

    May 10, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Thanks so much for stopping by ‘Just Dream, Jelly Bean’ and taking the time out to feature my lil ole hairpins on your facebook page! Awesome! Glad they brought back some good memories for you and your sis…
    🙂
    Have a beautiful week
    ~ Jill

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. And then she rested...... - You Are Talking Too Much says:
    November 17, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    […] I’m linking up to:https://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/05/inspiration-friday-party-no-14.htmlhttps://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2011/05/furniture-feature-friday-favorites.htmlhttps://shabbynest.blogspot.com/ (Friday Party)https://www.houseofhepworths.com/ […]

    Reply
  2. In honor of my thighs - You Are Talking Too Much says:
    November 17, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    […] I’m linking up to:https://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/05/inspiration-friday-party-no-14.htmlhttps://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/ […]

    Reply
  3. Mini Cheesecakes | Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms says:
    November 30, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    […] Inspiration Friday […]

    Reply

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Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
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?
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