• 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

January 31, 2011

Launch Party Giveaway Day One. An Ode to TJ Maxx…

It’s Day One of our At The Picket Fence Launch Party! 
That means a giveaway!

An Ode to TJ Maxx
by Vanessa

You are my home away from home.

The calm in my storm.
(unless there are screaming children there, in which case I glare at them and think, “don’t they know that this is MY TJ Maxx? I mean, come on!)
You are so close to my house.
You call out to me and I run…er…drive to you.
When you came to our town I almost cried.
Ok, I did cry.
I’m not ashamed.
You had been so far away before.
But, now you are just over the bridge.
Over the bridge and straight to my heart.
TJ Maxx.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, our first Giveaway is a
 $25 gift card
to my favorite store!

And, it can also be used at Home Goods for all of you who have one close to you and of whom I am incredibly jealous because I have to drive an hour to get to the nearest one.
I digress.
I asked my husband once if he thought it was strange that the employees at TJ Maxx recognize me and ask how my kids are doing.
Doesn’t that happen to everyone?

If I went and grabbed a comforter I could just snuggle in right there and be the first to get my hands on the next shipment of goodies!
Now, would you like to know how to enter our first Giveaway?

We are giving you several options…

(MANDATORY)1. Become a “Follower/Friend” here At the Picket Fence and let us know you are by leaving a comment.
(OPTIONAL)2. Grab our “Launch Party” Button from the sidebar and post it on your blog. Leave a separate comment
(OPTIONAL)3. Blog, Facebook and/or Twitter about our new blog (blogging/facebooking or twittering counts as only one entry). Leave a separate comment.
Giveaway One will be open until midnight EST Sunday, February 6.That’s 3 different ways that you can enter to win the
$25 gift card from TJ Maxx…
Just typing out the name makes my heart go pitter patter!

All giveaways are now closed!

So, come on! What are you waiting for? 



116 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Come Party With Us…At The Picket Fence!
Next Post: The Super Bowl…it’s all about the food! BBQ Chicken Pouches »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cricket says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I just became a new follower!!

    Reply
  2. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  3. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway!

    @ladynole35

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    I am a follower and the first part of my post today is all about your new blog (come check it out). You know that Home Goods is my home away from home. I would love to win.

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I added your launch party button to my sidebar.

    Reply
  6. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    I’m your friend/follower on FB! So excited to see what you gals share with us! And Heather, it was so great to see and hear you! I miss you.

    Reply
  7. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I posted on FB about you!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Following along here! Love the new blog! I was just in TJMaxx this weekend and could’ve bought half of the store.

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Love your new blog and yes I am a follower. Love TJMaxx also. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Pattie says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Judy sent me over glad to be following, sounds like a fun time…..

    Pattie

    Reply
  11. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I’m a follower! I LOVE TJ Maxx! Is the ending date correct? Just wondering! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Red Gate Farm says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I’m a follower too. I don’t live next to a TJ Maxx but I work 5 minutes (walking) from one 🙂

    ~Chris

    Reply
  13. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I am a happy follower, and in fact on my way to TJ’s now! My favorite place to shop!

    Reply
  14. Val says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I heard there was a party going on over here….and I’m in LOVE. So happy for you and your sister! I can’t wait to know Heather better!! Of course, I follow! So exciting!!!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa, just signed on as a follower. Love TJ Maxx/ Home goods. They are the same here. The stores here say TJ Maxx and Home Goods. Love those benches you are sitting on.

    Reply
  16. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I clicked the follow button as soon as I saw your announcement last night!
    TJMaxx, HomeGoods and Marshall’s are my FAVORITE stores and we have several in our area! Lucky me!

    Reply
  17. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I posted your button to my sidebar!

    Reply
  18. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    I posted about your new blog on Design Fanatic’s facebook page!

    Reply
  19. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    hi there- I’m a new follower! I love the maxx! laura

    Reply
  20. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    hi there- I just added your button to my sidebar. thanks for the partay. laura

    Reply
  21. Patty says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    I am a follower and I have your button in my sidebar on my blog. 🙂
    Have a great day!
    Patty

    Reply
  22. Green Door Girl says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    follower! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Blessed Mommy of 2 says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I’m a follower At the Picket Fence :o)

    Reply
  24. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I’m also following you on twitter! laura

    Reply
  25. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I’m a follower:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    I’m posting your giveaway button on my sidebar:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  27. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Congrats Vanessa! What a great idea, you and your sister sharing a blog 🙂 Best of luck with the launch!

    My heart goes pitter patter too over TJ’s, Marshall’s and HG. We have several nearby…too much to handle!

    Reply
  28. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Oops, forgot to say “I’m a follower” 🙂

    Reply
  29. Sheri says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    you KNOW if it involves a( a friend and b) TJ MAXX – I mean come on – i’m in there like swimwear!

    Reply
  30. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I’m a follower! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    And I grabbed your button! Cheers!

    Reply
  32. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I was a follower on Day #l!!!!!!!

    Reply
  33. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    The Launch Party Button is on my sidebar!

    Reply
  34. michelle says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    This is so amazing girls! I love it!!! I am a follower for sure!! Have fun!!

    Reply
  35. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  36. Janet says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I’m a follower!!!

    Reply
  37. Carrie says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I became a follower yesterday! Vanessa you truly inspire me. I can’t believe it was a few years ago that I babysat your little (very much growing!) boy. You have a precious family. I am so excited to learn new things from you and your sister. God Bless!

    Reply
  38. Mary Drummond says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    New follower!

    Reply
  39. redheadsmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I’m a follower

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I am a new follower.

    Reply
  41. Terry says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m a new follower!

    Reply
  42. Tammy@beatrice banks says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I’m your newest follower and look forward to reading this wonderful blog!

    Reply
  43. scrap-n-away says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Congrats on your new blog. I’m a follower

    Reply
  44. craftmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    I am a follower of your blog:)

    Reply
  45. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Congratulations on the new blog!! I’m following!

    Reply
  46. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway – @tracit1997

    Reply
  47. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    BTW – I love the sweater you have on in that picture!!!

    Reply
  48. Netters says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I am a follower too!

    Reply
  49. Lori says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I’m a follower!!

    Lori : )
    Thrifty Decor Mom

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Great job on the new blog…so cute!!!

    PS. I almost bought that striped bench you’re snuggling up against…I knew I loved your taste. 😉

    xo
    Julie

    Reply
  51. Alison says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Following happily!

    Reply
  52. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I’m following along!

    Reply
  53. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I am following(Michelle-Emerald Cove sent me!)!

    Reply
  54. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Going on the sidebar!

    Reply
  55. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Following! I will add a link to your blog on my blog site as well.

    Reply
  56. Jenna Young says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Ok…just saw I needed to post an extra comment… 🙂 Having trouble figuring out how to post your button on my wordpress blog, but I have added your site as a link on mine, if that counts for anything!

    Reply
  57. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Facebook sharing as well!

    Reply
  58. Debbi says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Following and excited! I’m a Maxanista!

    Reply
  59. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Hi Vanessa~ Of course I am a follower of your delightful new blog! LOVE THIS~ Will add the button right now to my blog! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Taylor Renee says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    I’m a new follower! TJ Maxx is my favorite!

    Reply
  61. Heidi says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    How fun! Good luck with the blog!

    Following!

    Reply
  62. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I’m a follower. Love your blog!

    Reply
  63. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Following you on FB too.

    Reply
  64. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Certainly a follower!:)

    Reply
  65. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Posted about your launch party!

    Reply
  66. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    I’m a follower!

    Reply
  67. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Launch Party button…on my blog!

    Reply
  68. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Woohoo! This is a great giveaway! I love TJ Maxx too. I am now a follower! I thought I followed yesterday but I guess i just posted a comment an ran. What can I say, you know I just don’t have my act together, (at all) but I do mean well! LOL! Love the new blog and am totally following now! :)))

    Reply
  69. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    I am also happy and honored to display your launch party button on my blog too! That’s entry no. 2 now! Okay??? Wish me luck! :)))

    Reply
  70. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Good luck with your new blog. I’ll put your launch notice on CCHs FB page! Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  71. Connie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    I love TJ MAXX! and would love to find a Home Goods Store! I am now a follower!

    Reply
  72. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    I follow you on FB.

    Reply
  73. Jo says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I am new follower and I grabbed the button.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  74. Athena says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    I’m a follower. I just love TJ Maxx!!! This is my one go to store on the mall. Love It!

    Reply
  75. Jodie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Usually go for the home decor but scored a cute pair of jammies. New to the blog thing. Kind of addicted actually. Love your name!

    Reply
  76. Anita says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    I would definitely love to win a TJ Maxx gift card, but I never win anything, lol!! but I am a new follower. Thanks for stopping by!! I have missed so much lately, I can’t keep up with you!!

    Reply
  77. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Email follower

    Reply
  78. Cynthia says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Hi! I am follower of “At The Picket Fence”…LOVE picket fences so I love the name!
    I am lucky to live close to both a Home Goods and a T.J. Maxx store…yikes!

    Thank you for making this giveaway possible and many blessings and success with your new joint blog!!

    God Bless,
    Cindy

    Reply
  79. Stacey says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    I’m a follower! I live pretty close to a T. J. Maxx store…never been to Home Goods but we are going to Atlanta this weekend & I am shopping til I drop! That was a little off topic…can’t help it I’m excited about my first time at Home Goods! Good luck with your new blog…can’t wait to see what all ya’ll have to show us!

    Reply
  80. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    I am a follower!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  81. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m following y’all, via Google, RSS & receiving emails. Looking forward to reading your new blog!

    Reply
  82. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I liked you on FB!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  83. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Ok, I reTweeted for y’all And became a Twitter follower, too.

    Reply
  84. Christie says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I am following and look forward to all the fun! I will add your button, too!!! That gift card is callin’ my name!!

    Reply
  85. Tausha says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Pick me,Pick me! Because I too am extremely jealous of all people that live close to a Home Goods. I also have to drive at least an hour to get to one. But TJ max-2 within 20 mins! I am a new follower. Can’t wait to see what other fabulousness you bring our way!

    Reply
  86. Jessica says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Hi Girls,

    I am a follower and I grabbed your launch button for my blog at http://www.travelingmercies-jessica.blogspot.com

    Great job, ladies!

    Reply
  87. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Oops! Guess I was suppose to come back by to leave a second comment for putting the button on my sidebar! Here I am! 🙂

    Reply
  88. tickled. says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    I just became a new follower! And I TOO heart TJMaxx! fingers crossed I get that GC! 🙂

    ~Lauren
    tickledonline.blogspot.com

    Reply
  89. jkjkjkb says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    I am a new email follower 🙂 Kim B.

    Reply
  90. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Love it! I’m already a follower. I took care of that in the wee hours of Monday morning.

    Now, I’m heading back “home” for a second chance at the giveaway.

    Reply
  91. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Chance number 2: I just posted the launch party button as my button of the week.

    Now, I shouted out the new blog last week when you were just giving hints, but that doesn’t count for chance number 3, does it? Shucks.

    Never mind. I’m going to win anyway.

    Reply
  92. 1 Buddha's Mom says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  93. Traci says

    February 1, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    I am a follower!! I love the idea of two Sisters and one blog! Can’t wait to see what you two are gona be up too!!

    Reply
  94. Barbara says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    count me in as a follower. cannot wait for future articles.

    Reply
  95. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I am now following. Congratulations, girls!

    Reply
  96. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    Your launch party button will be added to my sidebar – just as soon as I get done with this comment. 😉

    Reply
  97. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, What would I do without a TJ Maxx? I love that store and my credit card bill proves it! Of course I am following your new blog.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  98. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    Hi Guys, I am putting your Launch Party button on my sidebar.

    Reply
  99. Tina says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    I am a follower. I also have an hour drive to the nearest Home Goods, but TJ Maxx is right here in town. I love them both!

    Reply
  100. jdjmcc says

    February 2, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I’m a new follower and I LOVE TJ Maxx!!!
    jdjmcc@aol.com

    Reply
  101. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am a follower and a lover of TJMAXX

    Reply
  102. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am grabbing your launch button for my sidebar. Hugs, Ginger

    Reply
  103. Callie says

    February 4, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    Newest follower!
    I love TJ MAXX!
    catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  104. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    am now a follower. We are buying a house and going to TJ MAXX would be a great way to decorate!

    Reply
  105. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    OKay I have also added your button to my blog. 🙂

    Reply
  106. Chandra Chinnis says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  107. elizabeth says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I’m a follower! Pick me! I live close to TJ’s AND to Home Goods!

    Reply
  108. Katie says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!! I’m a happy follower!!

    Reply
  109. Katie @ OhhBaby says

    February 5, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I am a new follower!

    Reply
  110. Mom of 2 says

    February 5, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Count in me!

    Reply
  111. Carrie says

    February 6, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  112. Coupons Make Cents says

    February 6, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I’m a new follower! Check me out at my blog. I love TJ MAxx…they have the best handbags at the best prices. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  113. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I became a follower & friend.
    Christy 🙂

    Reply
  114. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I facebooked your new blog 🙂

    Reply
  115. Patti says

    February 6, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    I found your site this morning and absolutely love it. I’ve become a follower and look forward to reading your posts.

    Reply
  116. Roxanna says

    February 6, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I am a follower!

    Roxanna

    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!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. Th “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” (Maud Hart Lovelace) 

Welcome June!
“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. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. 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.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence