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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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“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

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.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
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