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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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January 1, 2013

Our Best from 2012 ~ Happy New Year!

Community.

That was the word that kept flying back and forth between us as we planned and dreamed of a joint blogging venture.

It would be called At the Picket Fence, because we envisioned people walking out of their front doors, coffee (or whatever your beverage choice may be) cup in hand and meeting us there. A magical fence line that extended from one home to the next….to the next…to the next.

We would probably be in the same pair of sweat pants every day but we knew you wouldn’t mind, right? 😉

Our heart was for creating a place where you would always feel welcomed, cared about and hopefully inspired.

As 2012 began we never could have imagined just how much our community would grow and how many incredible opportunities we would have!

Happy New Year

And as we usher in 2013, we look back not only to share some of our favorite projects and experiences, we also look back to remember what is most important to us. Why we do this blogging thing. We are reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. How many incredible things have happened.

But, most of all, how very blessed we are that you choose to meet us here…At the Picket Fence!

So, as we say good-bye to 2012, we also say “thank you” to all of you who have supported and encouraged us along the way. We hope that you have always felt that same support from us because YOU are our community and we cherish you!

Now, how about some highlights from this past year?

Heather’s Kitchen Remodel

Christmas 2012 Kitchen At The Picket Fence

 

which led to an incredible feature in

Better Homes and Gardens

Vanessa’s Under Stair Closet Turned Butler’s Pantry

silver trays, vintage silver trays on wall

Heather’s Powder Room Makeover

19932285291

 

Vanessa’s Mudroom Makeover

DSC_0566-1

Heather’s 4th of July Jello Shots

jello, shots, 4th of July, desserts, firecrackers, patriotic, alcohol

 

Vanessa shared her insights into Talking to Your Kids About Adoption

2012 found the Picket Fence sisters hitting the road and our first stop was the Haven Conference where we had more fun then should be legal and made lasting friendships!

Fall of 2012 found Heather having the opportunity to be a speaker at the Southern Blogger’s Conference.

And Vanessa worked with LG and represented At the Picket Fence in NYC.

In 2012, we also welcomed our new Contributor Julie to the Picket Fence team.

Be watching for a lot more from her in 2013!

Pioneer Birthday Party

And, 2012 found us starting exciting new partnerships!

We love our roles as Ambassadors for Hometalk and being apart of the incredibly supportive community there.

You will also now find us over on another blog!

Being regular contributors to the FOLK Magazine Blog is a dream come true and we have been having so much fun sharing our projects, recipes, fashion and more!

 Heather’s Croquembouche and Kentucky Champagne

Easy to make Croquembouche and Kentucky Champagne for New Years Eve

 

Vanessa’s Homemade Vanilla Extract

homemade vanilla extract ingredients

Community.

It is still the heart and soul of At the Picket Fence.

And as we look towards the future, you are always on our minds.

Oh great. Now we’re channeling Willy Nelson.

“Maybe I didn’t hold you, all those lonely, lonely times. And I guess I never told you I’m so happy that you’re mine. If I make you feel second best, Girl, I’m sorry I was blind. But you were always on my mind, you were always on my mind.”

Ahem…

So, as we say farewell to 2012 we hope you know that our biggest goal for this New Year is to continue to provide a place for you to come and

Be inspired

Get new ideas 

Hear from our hearts

and

Always, ALWAYS feel apart of the community here At the Picket Fence.

Happy New Year friends!

dual signature

22 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: DIY, New Years

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Such a great year. It was fun to read about all your projects and fun trips again. Can’t wait to see what you are up to for 2013. Happy New Year. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  2. Lisa says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Beautiful Blog! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  3. kim says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Great post and Happy New Year to y’all!

    Reply
  4. Miriam@bebookbound.blogspot.com says

    January 1, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    I think you’ve really created that community here! And I hope you don’t mind that I am always in the same pair of sweats too, haha 🙂 Happy New Years to you both!

    Reply
  5. Robin says

    January 1, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    So many great projects. Oh how I love post like this! Thanks and Happy New Year. Can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for At the Picket Fence.

    Reply
  6. Judy Clark says

    January 1, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    Heather & Vanessa – Thank you both for being such an inspiring blog for me this past year.

    You helped me so much when I did my advertising with you and I’m very grateful for your assistance.

    Wishing you both a great 2013.

    Judy

    Reply
  7. Sarah {Lacquer and Linen} says

    January 1, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    I’m so glad to have found your blog recently! I can’t wait to see what you talented ladies have in store for us in 2013!! Happy New Year!!!

    Reply
  8. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 1, 2013 at 4:40 PM

    Happy New Year ladies…hoping 2013 will be a great one for y’all.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  9. Christie Thomas says

    January 1, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    Happy New Year girls! I hope 2013 brings you much laughter, joy and peace! I enjoyed looking back at all the great projects! I can’t wait to see how the Lord blesses you in 2013! Blessings to you! Christie at Three Pixie Lane I registered for the Haven Conference in Atlanta! I sure hope you are going and/or speaking!! I am so excited!

    Reply
  10. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    Heather and Vanessa, Community is the perfect word! You have wrapped your arms and hearts around all the blogging community and anyone who visits your PICKET FENCE! Thanks for the help you have given me this year!!!
    You two have had a wonderfully successful… and giving year! I am totally inspired by you!
    xo Happy New Year! Here’s to a great 2013!

    Reply
  11. Ann says

    January 2, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    What a year…it was fun seeing all you accomplished in one place! Best to you both in 2013.

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    January 2, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    Happy New Year ladies! Wow, you’ve had a great year! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2013. 🙂
    Debbie

    Reply
  13. Cynthia says

    January 2, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    Lovely post, it was great to see your favorites throughout the year. Can’t wait to see what you are up to for the new year. Happy New Year.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  14. Angelina says

    January 2, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    I have to say that it TRULY has been such a Blessing to get to know the both of you. Your love and honest concern and joy for others is a unique quality and inspiration to all, I am sure. I enjoyed looking and reading through your Year end wrap-up, some I am familiar with and others are new to me, being I was sick for 1/2 the year. I can’t believe I missed that ADORABLE pioneer birthday party.. Love it!!! I am looking forward to seeing what this 2013 has in store for you two SWEET ladies… 🙂
    Blessings
    Angelina

    Reply
  15. jp says

    January 2, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Happy New Year, Ladies! I have been enjoying your blog since I found you sometime mid 2012 and look forward to seeing what new ideas and stories you post for us all to see. Wishing you continued success for 2013!
    JP

    Reply
  16. Jane says

    January 2, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    What a great post! I have only been following your blog for a few months so a lot of your projects were new to me. You girls have had a great year and I hope 2013 is just as wonderful! Thanks for all of the ideas and inspiration and for being just like “The girls next door”!

    XO,
    Jane

    Reply
  17. Leslie says

    January 2, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    Happy New Year to you, too, girls!
    You sure were busy!
    And blessed!
    I am always inspired by you ladies~!
    Love, Leslie

    Reply
  18. Carol Reddin says

    January 2, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    Happy New Year to you two lovely kindred spirits!

    Reply
  19. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 2, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Heather and Vanessa…what a remarkable year of blessings…for you and us!!..as we are blessed to be a part of your projects and stories and beautiful successes…I remember the excitement of Heather seeing her kitchen makeover in print for the first time….and was so happy when Vanessa was able to go to the “Big Apple” for an amazing experience with LG ….I have so enjoyed visiting you two..and finally meeting the two of you….May the year ahead bring you both joy and many blessings!!!

    Reply
  20. Judy says

    January 2, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    What an awesome year you have had. Meeting you Vanessa was one of the highlights of 2012 for me too. Hopefully I get to meet you too Heather in 2013!!

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    Happy New Year! What a truly incredible, fun, creative and blessed 2012 you both had! I love all of your amazing projects and how exciting for you, Vanessa to travel to NY and, for you, Heather to be featured in BH&G! Loved getting to meet you, Heather and, Vanessa, I’m REALLY hoping I get to meet you at Haven. Until then, I’ll just continue to be inspired by the gals At the Picket Fence. xoxo

    Reply
  22. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    January 3, 2013 at 12:05 PM

    What a fabulous year! And Heather is was so wonderful to meet you and be a part of the big BH&G reveal. Vanessa, I’m hoping that we get a chance to meet at Haven this year …

    🙂 Linda

    Reply

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Instagram post 17891211502441289 Happy weekend friends! My sweet girl and I are getting ready to mess up the kitchen because it’s sugar cookie Saturday in our house! 👏🏻👏🏻 I’m so glad that she loves to bake with me and I cherish these moments that become even more cherished memories. What are you up to day? I hope it involves a few moments of memory making! 🌲
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.
You can tell, 
When you open the door! 
You can tell, 
If there's love in a home!
Every table and chair seems to smile, 
Do come in, come and stay for a while. 
You almost feel you've been there once before, 
By the shine and glow of the room!
And the clock seems to chime, 
Come again anytime, 
You'll be welcome wherever you roam! 
You can tell when there's love in a home!

Today on the blog I’m giving you a tour of my house all dressed up for Christmas. And I hope you can tell that there’s love in this home. ✨
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Titus 3:4-7 says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” The world tells us that our worth is based entirely on the external, on what can be seen. We’re not measured simply by our existence but rather by what we can offer.

But, thousands of years ago, when our Savior was born, we were told something very different. Before he walked among us. Before he performed miracles. Before he challenged the leaders of the day. Before he was betrayed. Before he was sacrificed. Before he rose from the dead. Before all else, he simply appeared. And it was through his lowly, humble, anything but royal appearance that our souls were given the opportunity to experience the fullness of their worth. It is only through being in his presence that we are able to feel the full magnitude of our value.

Who he is allows us to know, really know, just who we are.

We are beloved.

We are cherished.

We are worth it.
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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 kids 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.

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And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

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A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

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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.
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