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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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June 23, 2011

Porches, Decks, Fashion and Dining…Oh My!

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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!
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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! 
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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. 
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Of course it wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a ginormous flag out front!
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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!

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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!

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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

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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.

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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! 

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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!

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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…

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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!

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My front porch…my favorite place to be!

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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,

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

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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

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Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.

While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.

We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.

If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.

“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
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