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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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December 27, 2011

Our top post picks from 2011

We thought we’d jump on the bandwagon and share our favorite At The Picket Fence posts from 2011, a few were your favorites as  well!

Up first Heather shares her top favorite three posts:
One of my favorite posts and also the most viewed post At The Picket Fence is the tutorial for my DIY Kitchen Cabinet Feet!

After they were featured on apartment therapy, Toby Fairley Design and multiple pins on pinterest they’ve become quite the popular project in blogland.  They are still holding up well on my cabinets and it’s always fun to tell people, when they come over, that they were made from curtain finials!
Without a doubt my FAVORITE post/project this year though, was my Kitchen Island Makeover! I still can’t believe sometimes that my new island started out as a humble, worn out builder grade oak island.  It too is standing the test of time and the legs haven’t fallen off yet…that’s success for a DIYer!

Kitchen island before and after

My last favorite post here was also one of my firsts and had nothing to do with carpentry or painting…and everything to do with chocolate!  My Chocolate Nutella Lava Cakes are not only popular with readers but absolutely, positively, beyond delicious! It’s on of my all time favorite photographs I’ve ever taken as well!

Next Heather’s sharing some of Vanessa’s favorite posts:
Having always claimed to,  “not be very “crafty”, Vanessa put that rumor to rest when she created her gorgeous Corn Husk Wreath! This too has been a very popular post on Pinterest and one we’ve seen lots of copies of!

Vanessa also fufilled a long time desire when she transfered her 2 outdated brass chandeliers into lovely updated beauties. Proving that dramatic transformations do not have to be costly! Vanessa has a great tutorial to show how to Makeover a Brass Chandelier!

And last but certainly not least, Vanessa shared her stunning door and front porch with us at the Doors and Porches Christmas Party! We all agreed it could have been in a magazine and is going to be featured soon on a website for Front Doors!

We’ve enjoyed so much sharing our homes, projects, recipes and hearts with you this year! We can’t wait to see what 2012 holds for us!
We also wanted to remind you that Inspiration Friday will be taking a one week hiatus…and for a very good reason!
 Our entire clan will all be together in a few short days at our parents property in the Southwest! We will be keeping you informed of our time together through some fun posts and lots of pictures, so be sure to stay tuned for updated posts on here, as well as following as on Facebook where you never know what might show up on our wall!  Several iphones, ipads and laptops in one location could mean lots of sneaky fun photos and wall posts popping up from time to time. 😉
We also will be spending some time cooking with Dad and will share a few of our New Years Eve recipes…so stay tuned for our family vacation, where you’ll see the gals At The Picket Fence TOGETHER for the first time this year!
Love to all…hope you continue to enjoy time with family and friends this week!

This post is linked up to:
From My Front Porch to Yours: Auld Lang Syne Party

27 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas, Posts from the Past

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Comments

  1. NanaDiana says

    December 27, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    GREAT choices- Those were some of my favorites as well! Love all you girls do to spur our creativity throughout the year~! xo Diana

    Reply
  2. Miss Kitty says

    December 27, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Yes, these ARE just wonderfuls posts, some of which I missed seeing the first time around so thanks for posting them. Now, I can go back and learn from them. Hope you have a great end-of-year family get together!

    Reply
  3. Kelly says

    December 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Those were such great transformations! It’s fun to look back at before and after pictures to see how your home has changed. It’s a bonus if you STILL love the after too! ha!

    Reply
  4. Marina {Yummy Mummy) says

    December 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Beautiful 2011 posts. I can’t wait to see what you have coming in 2012!

    Reply
  5. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 27, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Girls you did some fabulous projects in 2011 and I can’t wait to see what you bring us in 2012!! Martina

    Reply
  6. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    December 27, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Love the round-up! Enjoy your time with family! happy New Year!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  7. Eclectically Vintage says

    December 27, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Especially love the Christmas front door! Wishing you an fabulous New Year!
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. Debra @ Common Ground says

    December 27, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Have lots of fun you all!!!! xoxo

    Reply
  9. Sherry says

    December 27, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    You ladies inspire me! You just reminded me why I keep coming back…you are so creative and CAPABLE! The cabinets and island are my fave too. Hoping your New Year is bright!

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    December 27, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Those are some of my favorites from this year as well. I remember all of those posts. Have an awesome time. It’s so great that you will all be getting together. I can’t wait to see the photos. BTW – when I got the embroidery sewing machine I was literally jumping up and down like a kid who gets their favorite toy at Christmas. My kids were cracking up laughing. I have wanted one forever, but didn’t really expect to get one. It is so much fun!!

    Reply
  11. janet says

    December 27, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Great choices for 2011..
    HaPpY NeW YeAr..

    Reply
  12. Calypso In The Country says

    December 28, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    Beautiful! I am still so blown away by that island makeover! Happy New Year to you both!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  13. dee dee says

    December 28, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Thank you for visiting my blog. I just had to jump over and check out yours! I love your year in review projects… each is creative and amazing from the kitchen makeovers to the stunning front door! Following you back!
    Dee Dee

    Reply
  14. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    December 28, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather,

    Your project highlights are amazing!
    It has been a very good year for makeovers & yours are beautiful. Great new inspiration!
    Love the your entrance to your home all decorated for Christmas…& the Kitchen makeover WOW, what a great “after”!
    Have a lovely time with your family this weekend…
    Happy New Years to you and yours!
    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  15. domestiCate says

    December 28, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    What a beautiful blog this is! I am so excited to read through your archives! Vanessa, thanks for popping over to my blog. I’m so excited to have another follower! I am loving that island makeover. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  16. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    December 28, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Oh how I love that Christmas front door!!! It is beautiful!!!

    Reply
  17. Passionate for White says

    December 28, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Just today came across your blog and am now one of your newest followers. I like your style!

    Reply
  18. Hong Kong property says

    December 29, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    i also love the kitchen island makeover. the result is really nice!;)

    Reply
  19. debbie refresh restyle says

    December 29, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Love all the projects, they’re great just like you two! Hope you’re having a great time together and with the rest of your families! Happy New Year!
    Debbie

    Reply
  20. Becca says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Great picks for the year! Love them. ALso, I’m loving Heather’s new profile pic- she looks so pretty!!

    Reply
  22. Marilyn says

    December 30, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    All very creative and wonderful features.. I LOVE It. I wanted to stop in and say THANKS for being a great bloggy friend this year. Wishing you the HAPPIEST of NEW Year’s.. Cheers to more creativity, fun and success.. HAPPY NEW YEAR.. BIG HUGS.. xoxo.. Marilyn..

    Reply
  23. Cindy says

    December 30, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Happy New Year! Thank you for your words of encouragement. Being new to blogging I sometimes wonder what the heck I’m doing. Love your blog and am following… XO Cindy

    Reply
  24. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    December 30, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    All fabulous posts and projects. Have a great time with family and a very Blessed New Year. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  25. Becca says

    December 31, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Wonderful picks, girls! Heather … your kitchen makeover is incredible, and Vanessa … you know I LOVE your “new” chandie! And, I had to laugh seeing the picture of your beautiful corn husk wreath because my corn husks never made it outta the bag … NEXT year though, I’m soooo going to make one! Happy New Year, beautiful gals … hope you’re having a wonderful time with your family!

    Reply
  26. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    December 31, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    I can see why these are your favs, and mine too! Your Christmas decorating was off the hook from both of you!

    Reply
  27. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    January 4, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Hey Vanessa! Glad you are home and hope that all of your packing up of Christmas is going well. I am doing a series this week on dark kitchen cabinet inspiration so I hope this will help you! Every morning at 7:00 am CST I am featuring another dark cabinet kitchen. Thank you for your comment! glad to hear that these pictures are inspiring to YOU!

    Happy New Year sweet friend!

    Kristine

    Reply

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

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

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

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

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

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

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

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

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

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

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

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

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

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

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

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

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

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

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

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

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

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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