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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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June 11, 2011

Inspiration Friday Party No. 19

Welcome to another great week of Inspired Ideas for you and your home!
We thought we would kick off this week’s party by showing you another party that happened last weekend.

Here’s Vanessa to tell us all about it!
 
Hi guys! When I asked Ian what kind of theme he would like for his 8th Birthday Party he replied with,
“Let’s have an Electrical Party Mom!”
My reply was of course, “Wow! What a neat idea Ian”
While inwardly I was thinking, “Really? We can’t just do Spiderman?”
 
And then Ian threw me a curve ball and said he really wanted to have an Electrical Party but also wanted to do Laser Tag with his friends. So we compromised.
We did the Electrical theme for the Family Party which meant I didn’t have to go all crazy with it but I still wanted it be fun and special.
 
 This is what greeted everyone when they arrived at our house.

 
Apothecary Jars   were filled with all
 things Electrical.


Even some of Ian’s Motherboards
made it in!

 I also used an idea I got from Kim at
Too Much Time on My Hands and stuck photos down inside the Apothecary Jars before loading them up with their electronic goodies. Kim just also happens to be our Featured Blogger this week!
 
 
 
 
All together they made a pretty nifty looking centerpiece.
 

And what kind of cake do you make for an Electrical Party?
Why, Lightbulb Cupcakes of course!
 

By simply sticking cupcakes on top of an ice cream cone and then frosting the entire top portion we had the perfect lightbulb shape. A little bit of tin foil finished it off!
Pretty cute, huh?
 
Thanks for letting me share what I was up to last weekend and now it’s time to take a look at what some of you were up to.
 
Let’s get to our Features!
 
We could not believe it when we saw this Stunning Ensuite Transformation from Natalie at
Beach House in the City.

 
Jaw-dropping, isn’t it?
You must see the entire makeover and more of her incredibly beautiful details.

Natalie shared more loveliness with us when she linked up this Tutorial on Homemade Milkglass.
 
But, oh wait! Yet another talented gals shared her take on DIY Milkglass.
 
This lovely bowl (purchased for $1!)  was transformed into “Faux Milk” Gorgeousness
by Caroline at C.W. Frosting.
 
  
Is it just me or is there a color trend going on here?
Let’s run with it!
 
Carmel at Our Fifth House gave her dining room an extra dose of “chic” when she added this dresser turned buffet. This girl knows how to make create one gorgeous tablescape too!

 
And we love how Jacqueline from Simple Home Life repurposed an old electric chandelier by turning it into a Candle Chandelier for her bathroom.
 
 
And, we just couldn’t resist adding one more “light and bright” feature.
This one comes to us from Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch. She joined the massive Annie Sloan fan club by giving her bistro set this lovely face lift!
 
 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab
the new featured at button located in our sidebar!

 
And don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE and start planning your summer projects now!

 
Vanessa will be hosting a party for featuring “Summer Activities for Kids” on June 20th so get ready to share your favorite summer projects and activities for kids; and Heather will be hosting “Fresh from the Garden” featuring anything garden related: photos of your garden, garden recipes, gardening tips, canning, etc. on June 24th.  The Blogger Block Party will take the place of Inspiration Friday that week!

Grab one of the buttons on our sidebar and spread the word about this amazing event!
 
It’s not too late to enter our latest Etsy Shop
Giveaway!
Stacey from Maggie Jane’s Vintage has some absolutely darling items and you can see
 in this photo just some of the creative ways you can use them!
 

The giveaway runs through Tuesday, June 14th so scroll down to enter to win a $25 Credit!

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

 



47 Comments Filed Under: Celebrations, Inspiration Friday, Kids

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. elizabeth says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Hi guys! I’m having a hard time getting your linky to work today. Is it me, or a linky issue?

    Reply
  2. Down that Little Lane says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Tried to link up but just kept telling me I hadn’t put a back link in…6 times so just deleted the link as was scared it was a viral issue ;( xx

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    I’m having the same problem 🙁

    Reply
  4. Candy @ The Little Round Table says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Whatever you did, it is now working. 🙂

    Candy

    Love those cupcakes!

    Reply
  5. At The Picket Fence says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Hey everyone! Let’s blame Linky tools instead of the blogger trying to figure out the new Linky Tools version, ok? 🙂 It’s all good now so let’s par-tay!

    Reply
  6. Desire Empire says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    Those electrical party ideas are fantastic
    Best Carolyn

    Reply
  7. Kristin says

    June 9, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Very cool electrical party – neat idea!!

    Reply
  8. Abby's Paperie Garden says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Hi there, sorry for the double post, blogger is giving me some issues! This is my first time joining in your party after I discovered you while blog hopping!

    Abby

    Reply
  9. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    That is a very electrifying idea. Cute idea. Great features. Thanks for hosting, girls.

    Reply
  10. Debra@Common Ground says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Hey Girlies! What a fun party! You had some really fun ideas. Just linked up, thanks for the par-tay!
    xoxo Debra

    Reply
  11. Diann @ The Thrifty Groove says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    What a fun birthday party! Lots of awesome ideas. Too cute! Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  12. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Hey ladies! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  13. Natasha says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Thanks for having me today. I haven’t joined for quite a while so am thrilled to be partying with you both.

    Best wishes always,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  14. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 9, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    What a fun idea and your features are fabulous. Thanks for hosting such a fun party. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  15. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 9, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    It’s electric…you must play the electric slide! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  16. alison says

    June 10, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    here again for another inspiration friday…have a wonderful weekend girls!

    Reply
  17. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 10, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    Thank you both for hosting this fun party each week. The birthday theme was really cute! I lov the light bulbs in the apothecary jar.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  18. Richella says

    June 10, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    Those light bulb cupcakes are just too cute. Thank you for sharing a “bright” idea! Looks like it was a great party.

    Reply
  19. Sarah says

    June 10, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    Cute electric party ideas. ~ sarah

    Reply
  20. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    Love the electric party!!!
    I have had such a crazy week I don’t have anything to link up…..I haven’t even put our blogger party button up…Ok I need to get my act together!!!!
    XOXO
    Kristin

    Reply
  21. Poppy says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    Belated Birthday wishes to Ian… he came up with a unique theme for his party and I love all the inspiring ideas for his birthday decor… especially the cupcakes in cones wrapped in foil… neat idea! I love apothecary jars and displaying bulbs in them is perfect for this cute theme.. Love the bistro facelift with chalk paint! Thanks for this fun-filled party each week! Have a wonderful weekend!~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  22. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 9, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Hey there Girls~Love the electrifying birthday party!! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  23. Amanda says

    June 10, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Thanks for hosting another great week of linky! That has to be one of the most original ideas for a party, looks wonderful!

    Reply
  24. The mum of all trades says

    June 10, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    I love the party idea. I have four boys and its so hard to think of somethig different each time.

    Reply
  25. Debbie says

    June 10, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Loved your clever ideas for Ian’s party, Vanessa. That lightbulb cupcake idea is wonderful.

    You have been one busy mom between vacations and birthdays, haven’t you?

    The other features look terrific, too. I hope to have some time to link hop and try to electrify my dead creativity this weekend.

    Reply
  26. Audrey @ Sweet Cheeks says

    June 10, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Love your ELECTRIFYING party!!! It’s always great to see new and different party themes…especially for BOYS! And since my husband is an electrician I might just have to file this one away…it’s perfect for a little boy who wants to be just like Daddy 😉

    Reply
  27. Melissa says

    June 10, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    What a cute Birthday party theme!!! I LOVE the light bulb cupcakes!

    Reply
  28. Judy says

    June 10, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Really awesome features. Let the countdown begin to the “big” party. Can’t wait. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  29. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    June 10, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Vanessa, Ian’s sweet face surely held an electrifying smile when he saw his party decor! What a fun Mom you are. 🙂 Great features this week!

    Reply
  30. Green Door Girl says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Love the features this week! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Jessica @ O. Alouette says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I wouldn’t even know where to start decorating for an electrical-themed party but you pulled it off beautifully and stylishly! Love the light bulbs in the apothecary jars.

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  32. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    June 10, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather,

    I’m sorry, I linked up twice!! Would you please delete one of the
    links #146 or #147 sorry about that!

    Thank-you for Hosting, it really is a great party! I’m looking forward to the Big Blog Party!!

    My Husband is an Electrician, I think we will make him “the bright ideas” cupcakes for Fathers Day what a fun idea!!

    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  33. Natalie Cross says

    June 10, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    thanks so much for featuring my milkglass and ensuite makeover! yay! and thanks for hosting these parties! 🙂

    Reply
  34. stefanie says

    June 10, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    sooooooo much inspiration!!!!

    Reply
  35. Val says

    June 10, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    What an electrifying post!! Such amazing projects to light up one’s day!! =))))

    Reply
  36. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 10, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Hey, girls! I’m BAAAAACK! So glad to be able to participate even if I’m terribly late. Hope you both a glorious weekend!

    Reply
  37. laura@imnotatrophywife.com says

    June 10, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Very cool! laura@imnotatrophywife.com

    Reply
  38. Sue says

    June 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Hooray, the comments are back! Just wanted to let Vanessa know that her light bulb cupcakes are darling! What a mom! I would have no idea what to do for an electrical party?!?

    Reply
  39. classic • casual • home says

    June 11, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Such a creative and fun party. I bet even the adults had fun!

    Reply
  40. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage.com says

    June 11, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Thank you again for hostessing!

    Reply
  41. c.w.frosting says

    June 13, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    Wonderful round up & thanks SO much for the feature! Very flattered!

    -caroline @ c.w.frosting

    Reply
  42. The One Stop Baby Shop says

    June 13, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Thanks for hosting another Awesome party!!

    Cheers!
    Lilli

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “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! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November 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!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
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“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

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All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
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✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

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What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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