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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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    • Featured

June 4, 2011

Inspiration Friday Party No. 18 and a Special Announcement!

Welcome everyone! We are so thrilled that you are joining us for another week chock full of creativity and talent and we know you will find so many ways to be inspired just as you inspire others!

Before we get to the amazing features from last week’s party, we have a
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

There have been some very exciting happenings behind the scenes here at the Fence and we have been dying to let you all in on our little secret.
 
12 BLOGS, 6 DAYS, 1 PARTY
We are joining forces with some FABULOUS BLOGGERS 
Debbie-DebbieDoo’s Blogging and Blabbing
Kristin-My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Kim-Savvy Southern Style
Judy-DIY by Design
Kara-Elements Interiors
Jenn-Green Door Designs
Sherry-No Minimalist Here
Jenna-SAS Interiors
Debra-Common Ground
Courtney-French Country Cottage
and
Alison-Stuff and Nonsense
to host one giant blogger block party!  We’ll be kicking off the official start of SUMMER with a continuous week long link party and we are inviting you to join us!  There will be a different theme(s) each day hosted by these lovely gals, with a final wrap up on Saturday!  If you have a summer project to share there’s a theme for you! Paint Projects, Food, Fashion, Outdoor Decorating, Gardening, Summer Activities…you name it we’ve got it!
Each days’ links will connect with the next for one HUGE LINK PARTY!  And to top it all off there will be a fabulous giveaway for each theme! 
That’s 13 GIVEAWAYS people!!
Winners will be drawn at random from all of our link guests and announced Saturday evening!
We have provided a coded PARTY BUTTON in our sidebar under Our Buttons. If you plan on joining us we’d love you to help us get the word out by putting the Blogger Block Party Button on your blog letting others know you are joining us for the party.  We’d love it if you’d also share the party announcement on your Facebook Pages and Twitter streams!
So, get to work on those SUMMER PROJECTS and get ready to join us for the first ever
BLOGGER BLOCK PARTY!!
And now, onto the Features! Once again, it feels almost physically painful to narrow it down and only highlight just a few of the amazing things that were linked up.
But, in the spirit of welcoming summer and it’s warm, lazy days, we want to start things off by sharing 2 amazing Porch Transformations.
First up is Theresa from Momma T’s Place who shared her charmingly delightful porch which is just chock full of character and warmth.
Don’t you just love all of the colors? It reminds of us rainbow sherbet and everything about it says, “come and stay awhile”. Be sure to note the blue on the ceiling!
There are so many more details to see, so be sure and pay Theresa a visit!
Next up is this jaw-dropping porch shared with us by Kathy from All About Vignettes.
No. That isn’t her Inspiration Photo. That is HER porch.
Yep. We think it is pretty spectacular too!
Kathy has gone on to share more of how she transformed this space including wonderful tutorials on how to get those columns and that mirror to look so gorgeous. As well, she recently revealed how she gave that factory cart turned coffee table, a lime washed effect. This is one talented lady!
Up next we are headed inside from the summer heat to rest for awhile in
Gina from GinaCeramic’s Guest Cottage
guest w hat
guest kitchen collage
We are headed over Gina to stay awhile in your fabulous guest cottage!
We had two most unusual recipes shared with us last week, which also helped to put us in a “Summery” mood!
First is an incredible tutorial for making Violet Syrup. You read that right!
Jenn from Frugal Upstate showed us how to make this yummy sounding AND looking treat.
And then we have this recipe for Elderflower Cordial from the Modern Country Lady.
Somehow we can’t type that without thinking of Anne of Green Gables and her traumatic encounter with Raspberry Cordial! But, you can bet that this recipe will not have any such consequences.
In fact, we think that this would help you MAKE even more friends!
Doesn’t that picture look just so divine? We felt like we had just been to an English Garden Party!
And finally, Keri from Pressed Down, Shaken Together showed us how to make these darling
Paper and Twine Seashells. Aren’t they adorable?
So, can you tell we have Summer on the brain or what?
We know we aren’t alone in that sentiment!
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the new featured at button located in our sidebar!

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,
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!

38 Comments Filed Under: Blogger Block Party, Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica @ O. Alouette says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  2. Sue says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    I’m always up for a good party! Sounds like fun. ~ Sue

    Reply
  3. Ange says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Wow! Great party! 🙂 Looking forward to it, hopefully it won’t be while in the midst of moving because my hubby might be annoyed when I stop unpacking to read the blog and possibly whip up a post too. ;p Miss you girls!

    Reply
  4. Debra@Common Ground says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Hey Girls!! Love the party graphic. I’ll do a post to announce this weekend, since I didn’t see this until just now. Thanks so much, it’s gonna be great fun!
    xoxo Debra

    Reply
  5. Brandi says

    June 2, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
  6. Marianne says

    June 2, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    What a great idea….can’t wait for the party! Thanks so much for hosting.
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  7. Kathy says

    June 2, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    Great features and a great idea for a party!
    I’ll be hosting a special A Return to Loveliness party -Tuesday, June 21 – Savoring Summer!
    In the summer mood! 🙂
    Kathy

    Reply
  8. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 2, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Hi ladies, The graphics look wonderful and I am adding the button now. Kathy’s porch is fabulous and I love Gina’s guest room.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  9. Poppy says

    June 3, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    I’m all excited about the party…such a great idea! Thanks for hosting and for sharing these wonderful features… loved Kathy’s porch transformations. Have a wonderful weekend!~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  10. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    June 3, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    WooHoo ~ More parties coming! Sounds like such fun! Thanks for hosting!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    Reply
  11. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 3, 2011 at 1:12 AM

    Great features and looking forward to the party.

    Reply
  12. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    June 3, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    Hi Girls that blog party sounds like so much fun, can’t wait!! Thanks for hosting, Martina

    Reply
  13. Pamela says

    June 3, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hey ladies! What exciting news! Thanx for hosting!

    Reply
  14. Mary @ Redo 101 says

    June 3, 2011 at 1:52 AM

    Thanks for hosting the linky party – I’m excited to visit the other blogs to see what they’ve been up to.

    Reply
  15. Fishtail Cottage says

    June 3, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! oxox, tracie

    Reply
  16. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 3, 2011 at 2:18 AM

    Happy to be partying with you guys! Thanks for hosting! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    June 3, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    The block party sounds like fun!!!

    Reply
  18. alison says

    June 3, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    love the features…all linked up…so excited for the summer blog party my friends!

    Reply
  19. Wendy says

    June 3, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    WooHoo! That huge summer blog party sounds fabulous! As soon as I’m done admiring all the linky goodness, I am going to prioritize our summer projects & figure out which ones I can use to link up! So exciting! (I sound like such a nerd!)
    Thanks so much for hosting this party!

    Reply
  20. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    June 3, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Thanks for hosting, I just linked up. Love the cabinet feet idea. I am your latest follower!!

    Reply
  21. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    June 3, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Super excited about the BLOG party!

    WOW! Your Features look straight out of a magazine! I’m off to check them out..

    Have a wonderful Weekend and Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  22. Diann says

    June 3, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Wow, lots of beautiful inspiration! Looking forward to the Block Party! Thanks for hosting! Have a great day!

    Reply
  23. Theresa says

    June 3, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Wow, thanks so much for featuring me this Friday! I am honored!
    The blog-block party sounds like such fun, I’d better get busy!

    Reply
  24. saltbox treasures says

    June 3, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks for hosting each week and taking the time to visit each link.
    Can’t wait for the summer blog party!
    Sounds like fun! What a great idea. Thanks for helping make blogging more like a community and helping us get to know and support each other.
    ~ Julie

    Reply
  25. Paula Jo @ Home Decor Accents says

    June 3, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    I just love Momma T’s porch. Brilliant idea! Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  26. Keri @ Pressed Down, Shaken Together says

    June 3, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Excited about your blog party AND so excited about the feature!!! My paper & twine seashells had summer written all over them for me, too! Have a fantastic weekend!

    Keri
    shakentogether.blogspot.com

    Reply
  27. All About Vignettes says

    June 3, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for featuring my porch. I feel so honored to be featured.

    Kathy

    Reply
  28. Karena says

    June 3, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Vanessa this is simply amazing that you all have put this together!! It is truly very exciting and I will participate in your next one for sure!

    Come and enter my amazing $250 Giveaway from Tracy Porter!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Reply
  29. Dayle says

    June 3, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    I’m loving this party. My first time around.

    Reply
  30. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    June 3, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Hi Heather & Vanessa,

    I have recently become a follower At the Picket Fence, and I decided to join the party this weekend. The block blogger party sounds like so much fun. I will add your button to my sidebar. I will mark it on my calender, as the summer event to attend this year. Thank-you for hosting, and all of your hard work.
    All the best,
    Christine

    Reply
  31. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 3, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    Hi girls, I am away and typing on the fly here. I am going to make my post here in a minute to make my announcement. (you wrote Babbling) not blabbing again:) I also meant to link up to your party and have it on a link if I get time later I sure will. see ya soon.

    Reply
  32. Conspicuous Style Design Blog says

    June 3, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    I’m SO sorry — i did NOT meant to link up my dresser three times, but I don’t see an opton to delete…can you delete 150 aand 151 for me? SORRY

    Reply
  33. Sarah says

    June 4, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Just discovered your blog and am now following. What a great idea your Blog Party is. You certainly have an all star cast! Looking forward to participating. ~ Sarah

    Reply
  34. Kadie says

    June 4, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    What a great party!! I love the name. Can’t wait.

    Reply
  35. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage.com says

    June 4, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Thank you for hostessing!

    Reply
  36. c.w.frosting says

    June 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I’m new here… Thanks for hosting & introducing me to the other friday parties! Also looking forward to the summer blog party! Hope you have a lovely weekend.

    -caroline @ c.w.frosting

    Reply
  37. Becca says

    June 5, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    You party animals, you !! What FUN this will be. I gotta start getting ready to share my outdoor spaces, fo sho! And, thank for hosting … I crashed your party not once, but twice this week. LOL xoxo (Those are gorgeous features … I could sit on those porches and enjoy the day for hours on end!)

    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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