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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

March 11, 2011

Inspiration Friday Party No. 6

Six! Really!  I tell ya the weeks fly by in the blogosphere…don’t you just love that word…blogosphere.  I feel like Elf…“blogosphere..that’s fun to say!” Okay sorry, got off track a little! 

First, we want to offer a quick apology for last week’s link up mishap for the first group of you who linked up.  It seems they were changing servers in the middle of our party and somehow “lost” the images to all the links that were there before the change over.  We do not anticipate this happening again but…okay we’re just going to believe it won’t! grin!


Second, we want to invite you to enter our Etsy Shop of the Month Giveaway sponsored by the wonderful Kelly and her Etsy Shop Cotton Breeze.  The giveaway is open through the weekend!  So take a second to throw your name in the hat for a $25 credit to Kelly’s store!

Third, we will state once again in case you in anyway doubted our sincerity how honored we are that you link up your fabulous, awesome, creative and of course always inspiring projects, crafts, recipes, stories and devotionals!

If it inspires you in anyway we want you to share it!

So it is our pleasure to once again welcome you to

Our linky guests have begun to make it almost virtually impossible to *choose* projects to feature!  The bigger the party gets the harder this task becomes.  As you know from past Inspiration Fridays, we try and focus on newer guests to the party and people we haven’t featured before.  If we have featured you in the past, we’d love you to grab the “I’ve been featured” button on our sidebar!  We might have to start using a random generator to pick features I tell ya..they are all that good! 


~So onto the the feature portion of Inspiration Friday~


Up first we have a feature that caused us to stand up and take notice because we both have been wanting to do something like this in our own homes.

Lesha over at The Uncluttered Lifestyle transformed this:


yikes!


into this!!


Oh Lord, be still my beating heart!  “Lesha, if you hear noise in the night and your buffet is gone it wasn’t us I swear…oh by the way I get dibs on it first Vanessa!” To see how Lesha took this worn out neglected dresser and turned into this beautiful buffet visit her post: Dark vs. Light the Battle is Over. She will share all of the details with you!  Also say hi, while you are there.  She has entered the blogging community just recently and we want to welcome her!


Up next we have Dianne from The Inspired Housewife.  Dianne shared with us her “ugly lamps” that she rescued from a Habitat for Humanity Resale shop. 



 Head over and follow her on her journey to save these lamps from a life of hideousness on her Save the Lamps post.  She took these “butt ugly” (her words..grin) lamps and through some elbow grease and paint


Transformed them into these beauties!

There is nothing ugly about these lamps anymore!  We think they would be right at home in a Pottery Barn catalog!  You can read more about Dianne’s ugly lamp transformation here: The Ugly Lamp Reveal

We love posts that show us how to take what is often a difficult but necessary aspect of home design and turn it into something attractive and functional!  Heather at Tallgrass Design does just that!  How many of us have or have had these horrible little basement windows.  


They are a necessary design element but they are just not very pretty. Heather first covered the window with contact paper per instructions from The Thrifty Decor Chick then proceeded to add these


and then these


to create a faux window that gives the allusion of a nice large window in the basement


Doesn’t this look like the perfect place to curl up with a good book?  You can read more about Heather’s great idea on her: Basement Window Solution Post

And one last post to get you in the mood for spring and Easter and chocolate…okay so we’re always in the mood for chocolate around here.  This post is great because it’s chocolate without the guilt!

Jennifer at Closet Crafter shared with us these adorable stuffed chocolate bunnies!  


For real, we thought they were chocolate when we saw the photo.  They are just too precious!

Jennifer shares step by step instructions on how to make these “chocolate bunnies”

on her post: Chocolate Bunnies!


We think these would look so cute in an Easter Basket, don’t you?  Thank you Jennifer for sharing the tutorial on this!

Now don’t forget to grab your “Featured At” button ladies!
Now it’s time for you to share you Inspiration with us! Please take a moment to read the instructions and then link up your favorite posts!

We can’t wait to be inspired!

Love the girls at the fence,


After linking up to Inspiration Friday click the graphics below and pay a visit to our other
Friday Party Friends!

The lovely Courtney at French Country Cottage


And our beautiful friend Alison from Stuff and Nonsense

Let’s get this party started! 

It’s so easy to link-up…here’s a few rules to help you:


  • 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!
  • Visit another guest Okay we are trying this different ways.  So if you would do us the honor of following this one step for sure, it would be a gift to us!  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! 

So go on now and link up!



28 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas, Inspiration Friday

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Comments

  1. Becca says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    DARN! I *soooo* thought I was going to be first linking up. 🙂 I am drooling over the transformation of the dresser. Wow! And, V, when YOU hear someone in YOUR house in the middle of the night, it’s me stealing it from you! LOL. Thanks for hosting, ladies! Becca

    Reply
  2. Natasha says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    Thanks so much for having me today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  3. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Thanks for hosting! If it’s any consolation to Becca above me, this is the first time I’ve EVER been the first person to link up. Ever. 🙂
    Again, thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  4. Michell @Girl in Air says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Thanks for hosting each week

    Reply
  5. Shelley says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and inviting me over here! I can’t wait to look through your blog 😀

    Shelley

    Reply
  6. Rachel says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    Thanks for letting me link up to my first link party…. Hope to have some new creations up soon. 🙂

    Reply
  7. The Uncluttered Lifestyle says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather! Thanks so much for honoring me with a featurette (not a real word, but I like it). Working on table I’m hoping to finish in time to link up.

    Reply
  8. Lynn Richards says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    Hi girls!!! ahhh, my favorite party of the week!!! My tummy is growling looking at the chocolate bunnies and I am aMAZed at what people can see in ugly pieces of furniture. Unbelievable.
    thanks for hosting!!
    xoxox
    lynn

    Reply
  9. Kristine~Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    March 11, 2011 at 2:06 AM

    The buffet and those lamps have me speechless! Wow! I will have to go and check those out.

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  10. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    March 11, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    Hi, Ladies! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  11. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    March 11, 2011 at 2:51 AM

    Thanks girls for hosting your partay! Great features too!

    Reply
  12. The Polka Dot Closet says

    March 11, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    I am your newest follower and linking up for the first time. Thank you for hosting this party!

    Carol

    Reply
  13. Dianne says

    March 11, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    Thank you soooo much for featuring my lamps..I would like to clarify..I did not call them “butt ugly” Those were my best friends words…I would never talk like that…heheee…

    Reply
  14. Heather says

    March 11, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Basement Window Solution! I’m grabbing your button now to put on my blog!

    Reply
  15. A Vintage Vine says

    March 11, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Girls, thanks for hosting, you two are the best! Love this blog!!!

    Reply
  16. saltbox treasures says

    March 11, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Hi. Just found your blog and your Friday party and linked up for the first time. I look forward to joining future parties. Thanks for hosting.
    ~ Julie

    Reply
  17. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    What a great transformation on that dresser!! Wow! Thanks so much for hosting ~ I’m all linked up!! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Sarah says

    March 11, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    I love this link party and that dresser is seriously lush! Thanks for hosting!!

    I am compiling a list of link parties and i hope you will drop by my blog and add this one!

    Loves,
    Sarah. x

    Reply
  19. laxsupermom says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Wow! Talk about some terrific inspiration! I love that faux basement window – what a great idea! Thanks for holding this party each week.

    Reply
  20. alison says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    i’m all linked up and loving partying with you girls!

    blessings,

    alison
    stuff and nonsense

    Reply
  21. The Hopeless Romantic says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Hi ladies, im Bonnie, ur lastest follower. Found ur blog purely by accident, and so glad i did! Thanks for allowing me to link up. Now that i know where u are, ile check back……..Im pasting ur button in my sidebar for easy access……….til next time….Bonnie

    Reply
  22. Jodie says

    March 11, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I am linked up and following now. Just found your blog today. I love a good transformation, that dresser is beautiful!

    Reply
  23. Katherines Corner says

    March 12, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Love this post!!!!!! thank you for the linky too. Hugs

    Reply
  24. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    March 12, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    LOVE that dresser! Uuuuuhhh, Vanessa, if YOU somehow end up with that dresser…aaaaand, YOU hear a Bump in the night only to find that dresser GONE…it SO wasnt ME :-O Just sayin! Thank you for hostessing! Ive linked up a couple of things! Love you guuurlzzz!!!

    xoxokara

    Reply
  25. Santa's Gift Shoppe and Ideas says

    March 12, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Hi..I’m Barb… I am your newest follower. I hope you will get a chance to visit my blog @ santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com
    & get inspired by something for your family/home. I hope you will follow me as well. I am also still pretty new to Facebook & would really appreciate your creative support by becoming a “Fan” & “Like” it. Thanks so much!!
    Nice to meet ya new friend!!!

    Reply
  26. Buttercup Bliss says

    March 13, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog! I am still fairly new at blogging – your blog is one of my very favorites! Of course, it tickles me that you love all things southern!

    Thanks also for your blogging hints that you have posted recently. I still have a lot to learn.

    Again, I think your blog is awesome. I nominated you for a Stylish Blogger Award. Check out my blog for details at http://www.buttercupbliss.blogspot.com

    Lisa

    Reply
  27. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    March 13, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Thanks for letting me join in on the fun a little late 🙂
    Hope you ladies are having a fabulous Sunday!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  28. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    March 13, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Thanks for letting me join in on the fun a little late 🙂
    Hope you ladies are having a fabulous Sunday!
    XO
    Kristin

    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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