• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

July 20, 2012

It’s Inspiration Friday No. 74! Welcome!

Inspiration Friday Graphic
Is it really the middle of July?

Did we really see Back to School Supplies and Fall Décor appearing in stores?

We love Fall as much as the next gals but we definitely are going to make the most out of these lazy (ha!) days of summer!

And what better way than partying here with you each week?!

We are thrilled this week to be welcoming a new Sponsor to the Fence.

250x125_button
Lauren has an incredible Blog filled with everything from recipes and crafts to encouragement for women and inspiring stories as well as a weekly Linky Party called Heart & Home Link Up which takes place every Tuesday.

She is also a self-taught Graphic Designer with an Etsy Shop, Mercy INK.,  carrying Digital Subway Art Prints like this Night Night Subway Art which would be so perfect for a nursery!
NIGHT Night Subway Art - Modern Childrens Nursery Art Decor DIGITAL PRINT - Orange & Teal - Languages
And this set of Social Media Icons which are just one of many options!

BLUE & GRAY Custom Social Media Icons - Blogs or Websites -
We hope you will help us welcome her by paying her a visit at her Blog or her Shop or both!
Also, Heather is honored to be guest posting for the fabulous Amanda of Serenity Now! While she’s digging her toes in the sand on vacation, Heather’s sharing her fun DIY Dining Caddy project.  Be sure to head over and take a peek! 

and Vanessa is excited to have her Ballard Inspired Sea Shell Topiary featured at Knock Off Decor!

 DSC_1120-002

Now, are you ready to check out some amazing features from last week??!!
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]

INSPIRED ROOMS

Cas from Peaches and Maple shared the incredibly gorgeous room she submitted to Australia’s Home Beautiful Magazine’s Most Beautiful Room competition. And, while this room is undeniably beautiful, what we appreciated most about this post was what Cas shared
 about discovering her passion and developing her gifts!

And speaking of beautiful rooms, there was just no way we could not include Amanda from Dixie Delight’s incredible kitchen. Get out a napkin folks, cause this one is drool-worthy!

July 2012 112 copy
MAKEOVERS

This is a fantastic hallway transformation from Katie at Creatively Living! One of our favorite parts is what is hiding behind those closet doors….
you’ll just have to go over to visit Katie to see what we’re talking about!

Now technically, this room could also be up among the Inspired Rooms Features but what we are highlighting here is the wonderful job Lisa from Shine Your Light did painting the tiles that are on top of that bay window ledge. You will not believe how this looked before!!

You HAVE to go check out how an old dresser became this amazing Portable Bar over at Bliss Ranch! There’s even a built in ice trough for chilling beverages. And we can’t get enough of the lettering on the side!

 
  CRAFTS and CREATIONS

How cool is this light?? It was created by Serendipity Refined and made using paint stirs! It is a knock-off of one she saw priced at over $200. She shows exactly how she got that wonderful aged patina and you should see how it looks on her gorgeous patio!

And while we are on the subject of cool lighting knock-offs, check out this Horchow Natural Cane Lamp Shade Knock-Off from At Home on the Bay. We love how fresh and summer-y it looks!
And check out this Twine Towel Basket made from a cereal box!! That’s right…a cereal box! You have to go over to Inspired By Family Magazine to see how she did it.

 
OUTDOOR LIVING
Have you met Miriam and Erika from Be Book Bound? How do we love them? Let us count the ways…they are sisters who blog together…they love words as much as we do…they are kindred spirits in their passion for Anne of Green Gables and Jane Austen and Laura Ingalls…and they create gorgeous settings like this Apple Pie in the Orchard inspired by Little House on the Prairie! Sigh…

The Country Farm Home showed us some beautiful photos from a Rustic Barn Wedding she attended and we think these ideas are just fantastic and could translate into our own decor.



RECIPES and PARTIES
Oh Anna…can we please, please, please come to one of your fabulous parties??! We promise we would dress the part to join in this Mad Men themed Birthday Party. Even when it’s for your own birthday you put together the most incredible events and we hope it was all you had hoped for and more…even if we couldn’t be there!

Mad Men Women
Have you ever heard of an Iced Tea Float? Well, we hadn’t either but after seeing the recipe for this one from The Alchemist we are definitely going to be trying it out!

INSPIRING STORIES
Heather’s in-real-life friend Nedra of Adventure Mom shared with us the story of her first TRYathlon and we loved hearing about how she conquered her fears and had the experience of a lifetime!

Jordan from The 2 Seasons shared with us about The Ultimate Makeover when she traveled to Argentina to help remodel a local elementary school and we loved seeing the details of how they made a huge difference for the students there!

 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located on our Buttons Page found under our header!
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!
Are you following us on

Pinterest
We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
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:

vif187Fridays Unfolded
Photobucket




Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • 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 on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us
This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:
 
250x125_button
Disclaimer: At the Picket Fence may feature any of the projects linked up to Inspiration Friday in other posts or on Facebook, twitter and hometalk with all credit being given to the original source. If you would not like your projects featured please email us.

77 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « How To Make Pepper Vinegar… the nectar of the South!
Next Post: The Treasure Drawer »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    SUPER features, girls. Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply
  2. Eclectically Vintage says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Must hop over to Be Bound Brook – anyone who loves Jane Austen is a friend of mine!

    And of course, Bliss’s bar has me in cocktail heaven!
    Kelly

    Reply
  3. allisamazing says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  4. Honey at 2805 says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Hi sweet ladies! Thanks to your both for always being gracious hostesses! Great features! I always appreciate you linking to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  5. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Oh what great features, love that toolbox caddy. Thanks for hosting. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  6. Anita says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    So many great ideas again girls…thanks for hosting the party!!

    Reply
  7. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Love all your beautiful features; I’d never leave Dixie Delight’s kitchen! Thank you so much for hosting Inspiration Friday.

    Reply
  8. The Farmer's Daughter says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    What a wonderful surprise! Thanks you so much for featuring the Rustic Barn Wedding we had here at the farm! The bride and groom will be thrilled! And, thanks for hosting another great link party!

    Reply
  9. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! Hope you both have wonderful weekends!

    Reply
  10. Trish says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend!

    Reply
  11. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Great features as always. Amazing the entries you two get. Thanks for doing this every week. I sure appreciate it!

    Reply
  12. suzyq says

    July 19, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting – absolutely incredible features this week!
    Off to browse
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  13. Savvy Seasons says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    Love Inspiration Friday and I love to browse all the fabulous blogs. Thanks for hosting! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  14. keri @ shaken together says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!!

    Reply
  15. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Love the features! Thanks so much for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  16. Debra @ Common Ground says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Hey Girls, just linked up, thanks for the Friday Party Love!!

    Reply
  17. Paula says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Great features! That rolling bar is really neat. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  18. Janette - The2Seasons says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:09 PM

    Thanks for featuring The 2 Seasons. We hope you like this week’s makeover entry that we did on the porch for under $100. We appreciate your hosting this party so that our blog can get more exposure. Love, Jordan and Janette

    Reply
  19. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Thanks for hosting – have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  20. Dixie Delights says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my kitchen and for your kind words 🙂 Now I’ve got to check out that breakfast room!

    Reply
  21. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    July 19, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Awesome features as always!!! Thanks for hosting! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  22. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    July 19, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    Hello ladies,
    Y’all have some wonderful features this week…thanks for hosting.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  23. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    July 19, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  24. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 19, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    Incredible features this week…thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  25. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    July 19, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    There is so much creativity out there, and you gals always do a great job of highlighting it! I’m celebrating two years of blogging on Saturday, so stop by if you get a chance and visit my Vintage Linen & Dish Auction benefiting Hope Unlimited for Children. Auction runs through 9PM EDT Wednesday.

    Reply
  26. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    July 19, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    Hi Heather and Vanessa: Thank you for hosting the party today–the featured projects are certainly beautiful. I look forward to seeing today’s creative projects! Have a super weekend!

    Reply
  27. Miriam@BeBookBound says

    July 19, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Oh Heather and Vanessa. I don’t think we could love you more if you crowned us the joint queens of England. Thank you so much for featuring us, and for visiting us, and for being kindred spirits, and for being just so incredibly awesome! I can’t tell you how many times we have said to each other, “I just love these AtThePicketFence girls.” We truly do- thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

    Reply
  28. Carmella says

    July 20, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    What a great party {as always!} and I just love MercyINK, great sponsor to have!

    I hope you ladies have a great weekend!

    Reply
  29. Katie Goldsworthy says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    Thanks for the feature gals! Hope you are having a wonderful week!

    –Katie
    @ Creatively Living

    Reply
  30. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Wish I had time to visit all these great features, but I’m busy PINNING! Hehe!
    I linked up my tomato pie recipe. Thanks for hosting, girls!

    Reply
  31. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    This is always such a great party! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  32. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    You guys always have the best features 🙂 So many beautiful ideas and inspiration.

    Reply
  33. Lauren @ mercy(INK) says

    July 20, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    As always you’ve featured such fabulous projects and inspiring posts!

    And thanks SO much for the sponsor shout out! It’s such a blessing! 🙂

    xo,
    lauren @ http://www.mercyINKblog.com

    Reply
  34. Anne says

    July 20, 2012 at 2:13 AM

    I am so impressed by all the talent out there – what marvellous features!!!

    Thanks for your fabulous party!

    xox

    Reply
  35. Calypso In The Country says

    July 20, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Ooops…something went wrong when I linked up! Could you delete two of those! thanks! Thanks for hosting today!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  36. Bliss says

    July 20, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    I’m honored to be among such great features, thank you. A lil ‘ol portable bar’s got nothing on those inspiring stories.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  37. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    July 20, 2012 at 4:17 AM

    Lovely features – as always! Thanks for hosting a fun party! Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  38. Good Time Charlie says

    July 20, 2012 at 4:32 AM

    I love the inspired rooms, and oh what fun that party must have been. That Bliss, she has more talent than one person should be allowed to have! Happy weekend girls!

    And yes, my kids go back to school in one week, those school supplies in the stores are there for people like us….Ugh.

    Reply
  39. Poppy says

    July 20, 2012 at 4:42 AM

    Loved Heather’s dining caddy, looks so pretty with the hydrangeas and silverware. Thanks for hosting,girls. Hugs,Poppy

    Reply
  40. Kathy Moody says

    July 20, 2012 at 6:14 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting! 🙂

    Reply
  41. classic • casual • home says

    July 20, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    So much fun and inspiration here!

    Reply
  42. Tani@Tagana Rose says

    July 20, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Have a wonderful day:)

    Reply
  43. Danni says

    July 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    What a wonderful site! So much Inspiration! Thanks for hosting

    Reply
  44. Liz Fourez says

    July 20, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Hi ladies! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  45. Alderberry Hill says

    July 20, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    Thanks for this great link party!

    Reply
  46. Maury Kilgo says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls!

    Reply
  47. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    You always choose the most amazing features… thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  48. Kelly Rowe says

    July 20, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting, lovely ladies 🙂 Hugs to you both. Have a fabulou weekend!!

    Reply
  49. Vintage Street Designs says

    July 20, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    Thanks for hosting ~ have a super great weekend! ~ Judy

    Reply
  50. Emily says

    July 20, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    Love your linky parties!! You are both such great hostesses!! Thanks again!!

    Reply
  51. South Shore Decorating Blog says

    July 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM

    Thank you SOOOO much for hosting! I know it’s a LOT of work!
    Stacy

    Reply
  52. Shelia says

    July 20, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    Hey Cuties! Oh, what wonderful inspiration snaps you’re sharing with us. We do have the most talented ones in Blogland! I hooked up to your party this morning but didn’t have time to leave a comment but I’m back now! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  53. Upscale Downhome says

    July 20, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    Thank you ladies for hosting. I certainly am inspired by many of these projects! Lots to pin!

    Reply
  54. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    July 20, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Great features! Wishing you gals a grand weekend. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  55. Mimi says

    July 20, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  56. ~ Liz ~ says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    Your features are definitely an inspiration! Thanks for bringing us this packed house of a party!
    Liz

    Reply
  57. Mary says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring the cane lampshade among so many great projects, and as always thanks for hosting such a fun party each week.

    Mary

    Reply
  58. FABBY'S LIVING says

    July 21, 2012 at 3:40 AM

    Fabulous features, thanks for sharinmg them! Thank you for hosting this wonderful party, although I’m late as I didn’t have internet for almost 3 days..I’m here!! Enjoy the weekend.
    FABBY

    Reply
  59. Jenni@MomEssentials.Net says

    July 21, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    Hi!
    Thanks for letting me share my own recipe of delicious, healthy mayo!
    Here’s the link:
    https://www.momessentials.net/delicious-healthy-mayo-spicy-or-mil/

    Reply
  60. Christie says

    July 21, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Hey friends At The Picket Fence! I hope you girls are having a wonderful summer! Such lovely features! I recognize some of the sites from Pinterest! Will check them out! Christie at three pixie lane

    Reply
  61. Sherry says

    July 22, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather,

    Great features and new submissions. Thank you for hosting. Have a great week; enjoy!!!

    Reply
  62. Dewdrop Gardens says

    July 22, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Hi Heather & Vanessa!
    I saw Heather’s guest post over at Serenity Now and LOVE the outcome of your adorable caddy!! I have a similar item collecting dust since the 70’s and now I know exactly what I’m going to do with it! I forgot I still had it, lying under old pots in the lean-to. 🙂
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  63. portland condos says

    July 23, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    The greatest more inspiration and interesting post shared we can be watch and read in this video and fantastic also. This is very nice and informative post shared.

    Reply
  64. Peaches & Maple says

    July 25, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring my post, I really appreciate it 🙂
    Cas x

    Reply
  65. hire experts says

    January 14, 2014 at 3:13 PM

    WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for office cleaner

    Reply
  66. Graphic Design says

    March 8, 2014 at 3:13 AM

    Exceptional post. I used to be verifying continually this website and i’m amazed! Very useful facts precisely the phase 🙂 I actually look after similarly info lots. I’d been looking for the following particular facts for your while. Cheers along with all the best ..

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Where The Wild Things Are - Spoonful of Imagination says:
    November 3, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    […] At The Picket Fence, […]

    Reply
  2. Shine Your Light Candle Gift | ezzyhome says:
    November 18, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    […] Girls, Growing Home Blog, Elizabeth & Co., Uncommon Designs Online, Kristen’s Creations, At The Picket Fence, Simple Home Life, Great Fun 4 Kids Blog ~Desiree Related PostsFord wants you to give the gift of […]

    Reply
  3. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Naturally | Small Footprint Family says:
    December 9, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    […] Thursdays, Your Green Resource, Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter, Country Homemaker Hop, Inspiration Friday, LHITS DIY Linkup, Frugal Friday, Fight Back Fridays, Freaky Friday, Fresh Bites Friday, Show and […]

    Reply
  4. Fresh Fig Recipes | Small Footprint Family says:
    December 9, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    […] Plate Thursday, Tastetastic Thursday, Fight Back Fridays, Freaky Friday, Fresh Bites Friday, Inspiration Friday, Weekend Wellness, Potluck Party, Foodie Friday, LHITS DIY Linkup, Saturday Show and Tell, Weekend […]

    Reply
  5. Craft Room Confessionals: Painted Walls | ezzyhome says:
    January 6, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    […] Girls, Growing Home Blog, Elizabeth & Co, Uncommon Designs Online, Kristen’s Creations, At The Picket Fence, Home Sanctuary, Mom 4 Real, Simple Home Life, The Grant Life ~Desiree Related […]

    Reply
  6. Felt Flower Wreath for Summer says:
    January 28, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    […] Creations Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage Grace at Home at Imparting Grace Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tatertots […]

    Reply
  7. kitchen aid mixer vinyl makeover says:
    February 27, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    […] TGIF @ Two Sasters  Happy Hour Friday @ Happy Hour Projects Friday Fun Party @ Craftionary Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence Once Upon a Weekend @ Family Ever After  Feature Friday Linky @ Blissful […]

    Reply
  8. Potty Treats Jar - Create Craft Love says:
    February 27, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    […] Friday TGIF @ Two Sasters  Happy Hour Friday @ Happy Hour Projects Friday Fun Party @ Craftionary Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence  Once Upon a Weekend @ Family Ever After  Feature Friday Linky @ Blissful […]

    Reply
  9. off the grid says:
    April 28, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    […] Not Just a Housewife * Savvy Southern Style *  Someday Crafts *  The Shabby Creek Cottage *  At the Picket Fence *  Common Ground *  Funky Junk Interiors *  Between Naps on the Porch […]

    Reply
  10. Make Corn on the Cob in a Cooler says:
    May 21, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    […] At the Picket Fence *  Common Ground *  Funky Junk Interior *  House of Hepworths *  The Shabby Creek Cottage *  […]

    Reply
  11. EASY Long-Hair Style – Elegant Cascade says:
    February 22, 2014 at 11:18 PM

    […] at Home, A Mother’s Heritage, Women Living Well, Intentional Me, Our Simple Country Life, At the Picket Fence, Best Post of the Week, Serenity Now, Homemaker by Choice, Comfy in the Kitchen, Finding Beauty, […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022
  • Built In Shelving Makeover in Family Room August 31, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence