• 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

June 23, 2011

Porches, Decks, Fashion and Dining…Oh My!

DSC_0315
It’s Day Three of the Blogger Block Party!  Today we are sharing a little bit of everything…porches, decks, a little summer fashion and some outdoor dining…Whew!

First, let’s head over to the NW and pay Vanessa a visit!
Welcome to Oregon! No, you’re not seeing things…that is actual BLUE SKY behind my house!
It may not last long so let me quickly show you around my outdoor spaces. We just got a new lawn put in this year and my hubby couldn’t be happier. They told us that we had about 12 different varieties of grass and that the Horticulture school would probably love to come out and take a look at the “experiment” we had going on in our yard!
Come a little closer and you are on our front “porch”. I still have big plans for this space (painting the trim being one of them), but in the meantime I did a quick makeover just using things from around my home.
I wanted a little table but didn’t want to spend any money. So I pulled out this big planter and added a glass top that goes with those inexpensive round “decorator” tables.
I have about 5 of these stashed away and now I’m glad I held onto them!
Instant Table!
And now let’s head out back to our deck! There were plans to remove the old deck and replace it with a 2-tiered one this summer but…well…we bought a car instead. Isn’t that the way life goes?
So, it just got spruced up a bit and filled with plants to help cover up as much of it as possible!
And just because I love Jenn from Green Door Designs, I’m doing something I never thought I would do. I’m participating in her Summer Fashion Party and actually sharing what I wore yesterday. Yikes!
Most of the day I spent in my “grubbies” as I worked in the yard and around the house.
But we did have to go to a Birthday party in the afternoon so I had to put on non hole-filled-covered-in potting-soil-clothing and here is what I wore.
Ummm…this will probably be the only time I do this so…here goes!
Vanessasummerfashion
That picture isn’t just hazy from the photo editing…that is one dirty mirror in my kid’s bathroom.
One more reason not to do this very often…who wants to clean the mirror every time!
I’m pretty much a walking TJ Maxx Billboard with this outfit. Everything (except the bracelet) was purchased there right down to my Steve Madden sandals and my $12 bag!
collage
My hubby must have liked that I wasn’t wearing sweats for once because he made me one of my most favorite summer meals last night. We may not have a fabulous pizza oven like Miss Judy but he manages to make this scrumptious pizza on our regular ol’ grill.
pizza
The recipe for this Grilled Pizza with Sausage, Peppers and Onions and Oregano Ricotta is a Bobby Flay specialty and can be found here.
And now, I’m heading down the block to visit Heather. If only it were as easy to do in real life as it is in Blogland!
Hey there’s some blue skies here in Kentucky too! 
DSC_0320_edited-1
Believe it or not we haven’t seen a lot of this so far this summer.  Usually the South is sunny and hot this time of year but I think Vanessa decided to share some of that Northwest rain with us because we’ve had more than our share of rainy days so far…I’m ready for the hot, lazy days of summer to arrive permanently! We always host several summer parties at our house and spending the 4th of July with us has become a tradition for many of our friends.  This year is no exception!  In honor of the Summer Blogger Block Party I wanted to deck my front porch (heh. pun intended) out a little more than I normally do. 
DSC_0334_edited-1
Of course it wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a ginormous flag out front!
DSC_0300
I think my favorite spot on our front porch has to be my porch swing…we wrote it into the contract when we bought the house: MUST LEAVE PORCH SWING! Did you spy my herb garden basket that the girl and I made a few weeks ago? It decided to get in on the patriotic act too with a few small flags! It’s doing really well!

DSC_0299
I added a few quilts to the back so on a chilly evening we can curl up out here and watch the fireflies in the woods!  They put on an amazing show every night…it’s like nature’s own fireworks! I often find the girl curled up here with Bear swinging in the breeze and it makes my heart happy!

DSC_0303
Here is where you will often find Bama Boy and me on a summer morning.  We love to come out here and drink coffee together and watch the world wake up

no-sew-pillow-7
You can get a glimpse here of my no-sew patriotic pillows! They add a nice touch of the 4th without being too over the top.

DSC_0324
This summer I decided to add a little more seating to my front porch since we often have several people wanting to sit out here during a party.  I added this little table I’ve had hanging around forever in this empty corner by the front door.  I found these two faux wicker and iron chairs at Family Dollar for $13 each and thought they matched perfect!  Now it wouldn’t be a party in Kentucky without some Ale 8! 

DSC_0327


Ale 8 is a regional soda and we were introduced to it when we moved to the Bluegrass State.  I love to keep a bucket of drinks on the porch and deck during a party so our guests can help themselves!

DSC_0306
We often end up with a pile of muddy shoes and flip-flops on our front porch as the neighborhood kids traipse in and out for popsicles and a glass of lemonade.  I like to provide a basket in the summer for them to put their shoes in.  It keeps my porch looking nice and Bear from stealing a flip-flop or two, or three…

DSC_0310
Well it’s time to head on in out of the heat.  I can offer you a glass of sweet tea or how about one of Bama Boy’s special mojitos?  I’ll be sharing the recipe on Friday at my Fresh from the Garden post! If you decide to stay awhile, you can join us back out on the front porch tonight where we can sit by the candlelight, listen to the cicadas sing their song and the fireflies dance!

DSC_0315
My front porch…my favorite place to be!

DSC_0333


P.S. I’ll be teaching you how to make that no-sew 4th of July pendant banner next week so stay tuned!

We are sharing this post with Kim from Savvy Southern Style for her Porches and Decks Party, Jenn at Green Door Designs for her Summer Fashions Party and Judy at DIY by Design for her Outdoor Cooking and Dining Party!  You can also join Kara over at Elements Interiors and share your DIY Summer Projects!  That’s a whole lot of parties on the block people!  Thank you for joining us on this leg of the Blogger Block Party now head on over to the parties above and link up!

And another shout out to all of our fabulous sponsors!

Thanks for joining us today on our porches and decks at the Fence,

dual signature
This post is partying with:

28 Comments Filed Under: Blogger Block Party, Decorating, Good Ideas

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « The Party Continues…Drop Cloth Magnetic Wall Art
Next Post: Blogger Block Party…where I entertain in the summer »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    June 22, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Wow! You both have gorgeous homes! I really enjoyed seeing your front porches & deck!

    Reply
  2. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    Fabulous! You look so cute Vanessa. Your home is gorgeous.

    Reply
  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Both of y’all have wonderful homes and porches.

    Reply
  4. Richella says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Your porches both look wonderful! Vanessa, I know you were happy to see that blue sky! Heather, I want you to know that it really made me smile to see the photos of Ale-8. One of my college roommates was from Mt. Sterling, and she introduced me to Ale-8. My aunt and uncle live in Lexington, and they brought be a carton when they came to my wedding. I had Ale-8 for breakfast on my wedding day, 26 years ago today! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Pattie says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    They both look fantastic!!!! I wish that my house sat on that piece of land with all those beautiful trees… God Bless America

    Pattie

    Reply
  6. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Well aren,t you the cutest thing!
    I love both of your outdoor spaces, makes me want to come over, hang out and drink all your wine!

    Reply
  7. Traci says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Both of your homes are so welcoming! I love the outdoor spaces. Vanessa, you look adorable & I love your sandals!

    Reply
  8. Rachel says

    June 22, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    they both look gorgeous! 🙂

    Reply
  9. All That Glitters says

    June 22, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Vanessa, I love your outfit. Both porches are really pretty!

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    June 22, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I love both your homes!! So gorgeous! Vanessa, your outfit was so cute!! Love the sandals and the purse – and Heather, we’ve had our fair share of rain here in TN too! I’m not complaining too much though, our poor lawn and landscaping needed it! But I’m ready for some sun!

    Reply
  11. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    June 22, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Both of your homes and porches look fantastic! Vanessa, you outfit is very cute! I hate taking photos of myself as I’m always running around in a tank top and shorts with my hair up and no makeup!Even your toes look pretty!

    Reply
  12. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    June 22, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather,

    You both have lovely homes. Your landscaping & lawns are just perfect! Especially against a Blue Summer Sky!!
    Have a Great Summer!

    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  13. Dayle says

    June 22, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Simply gawgeous, my dear.

    Reply
  14. NanaDiana says

    June 22, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    What fun! You girls are both so different in looks and in your home decor and home “personality” but BOTH have the same big loving,generous heart!

    Both porches are just amazing. How wonderful to see some blue sky in Oregon…and some NOT SO HOT days in the South!! Thank you both for sharing here..that party is phenomenal, isn’t it? xo to you both-xo Diana

    Reply
  15. Jan@southernjunkin' says

    June 22, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Simply wonderful! And the Personality bursts forth in the porches! Visiting from SSS!!
    Blessings!!

    Reply
  16. Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life says

    June 22, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Love the porch swing with all those pillows. It is all very cozy and ready for the 4th.

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    June 22, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    You two both have beautiful outdoor spaces. I could spend some leisure time in the NW or in Kentucky, especially on that porch swing.
    Thanks for hosting this awesome party all week. I’m having a great time blog hopping. ~ Sarah

    Reply
  18. Judy says

    June 23, 2011 at 1:35 AM

    Thanks so much for the shout out…btw I think your pizza looks very yummy. Better photo than mine for sure.

    Reply
  19. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    June 23, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    Both are gorgeous. LOVE ’em!! I recognized the Kentucky girl right away. Ale-8’s are a force to be reckoned with around here. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Pamela says

    June 23, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Loving your outside spaces ladies!! Vanessa awesome idea on making a table!

    Reply
  21. classic • casual • home says

    June 23, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Just beautiful. How patriotic…I am thinking classic and comfortable. ha…no wonder I like them.

    Reply
  22. Becca says

    June 23, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Bee-youuuu-tee-ful homes, girls !! WOW !! Vanessa, your entry is full of grandeur and your back deck looks so inviting. (You look beautiful, too!) What time is dinner? And, I’m DROOLING over the pizza … I’m going over to check out the recipe in just a sec! Heather, your front porch is sooo inviting … I can see why you asked (or was that demanded?) that the porch swing stay! Again, thanks to you both for organizing such a fun and successful blog party! xoxo

    Reply
  23. Ashley says

    June 23, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Both of your outdoor spaces are so lovely. Heather, I love the swing. I can see why you wanted it to stay. Vanessa, you look adorable! Oh and posting a pic of your yummy grilled pizza….so not nice of you to do to a pregnant lady lol! I am hungry now…again!

    Reply
  24. michelle says

    June 23, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Oh my goodness your homes are just gorgeous!! I love your area Vanessa and I love the table idea. You are so adorable, TJ Maxx has some great things. Heather your porch is wonderful, so many spots to choose from to lounge on a summer afternoon.

    Thank you for sharing!!
    xo

    Reply
  25. CAS says

    June 23, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Wow, you 2 rock your spaces! Love that grand entry, Vanessa. It’s formal but very inviting, just like you. Your deck area is truly lovely.

    That is an incredible front porch. I don’t know why front porches aren’t as popular in other areas of the US like they are across the south. Yours is so warm and lovely. It’s easy to understand why it’s a gathering place for family and friends.

    Reply
  26. Honey at 2805 says

    June 24, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    You both have such great porches and outdoor spaces! Love that porch swing! I want one too!!!

    Reply
  27. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 24, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Hi ladies, Both of your homes and porches are beautiful! I love the porch swing and Vanessa you are just so cute! If I looked like you I would be doing the What I Wore party each week.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  28. Patio Furniture says

    August 3, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    You have a lovely porch… really nice home.. its neat..very nice..
    The front porch serves as the face of the home. It is important that you embellish it with the right accents in order for it to exude a friendly and welcoming vibe. With these wooden swings in place, you and your visitors will be immediately greeted by the beautiful and cozy seat as you open the gates of your home. Their lovely designs, superb construction and excellent finishes will surely capture the interest of people walking by.

    Outdoor Swing

    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

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.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence