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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Vanessa also fufilled a long time desire when she transfered her 2 outdated brass chandeliers into lovely updated beauties.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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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
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