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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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July 12, 2011

A Potting Bench Love Story

Follow the stone path…

Past the Agapanthus just begining to bloom..

And you’ll find yourself at…
BigLots.com - Home
Ok…so, not actually AT Big Lots!
 But, you will find this Potting Bench. And I did buy it at Big Lots!
Who would have thunk it?
I’ve dreamed of owning a potting bench for a long time.
I had the perfect spot all ready for it.
I had scoured every thrift store in town. I had been several times to our local ReStore.
I was determined I was going to have to “rig” something up or build it myself.
And then I popped into Big Lots one day looking for something else entirely when I spotted it!
It was like that moment in a love story…from across the room I saw it.
Even all boxed up I knew it was the one!
And then it just had to go and show off by being only $35 on sale!
But even a love story needs a little bit of embellishment now and then.
So, I decided to give this “built from a kit” potting bench a little extra charm!
One of my favorite pots filled with delicate white flowers.

Mason Jars filled with lavender all in a row.

 This set of 4 Smith & Hawken boxes which came inside a larger box all for only $8 at my favorite consignment store. Don’t they look so perfectly weathered?
A vintage bucket filled with soil for smaller potting projects.
I LOVE the visible wear and tear on this and the $5 price tag didn’t hurt either!

Another vintage find was this “water dipper” which is perfect for scooping soil.
My father-in-law says he remembers drinking water out of one just like it when he was a little boy.
And…it was only $3!!

Ahhh….a Potting Bench dream come true!
Thanks for joining me today at the Fence,

And don’t forget about what’s coming soon!
behind the blog graphic lettering
To make this even more fun we would love to have you help us with our interviews! Yep, you read that right you get to help ask the questions! If you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask another blogger, now’s your opportunity! It can be fun, silly or maybe it’s a serious one, if so all you need to do is leave it below in the comments today on this post and your question might be one of those chosen to ask our Behind the Blog Bloggers!

This post is partying at the following places:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday Treasures
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednsday
DIY By Design: Sizzle Into Summer
Elements Interiors: Whassup Wednesday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday

*I was not compensated for the review of this product and/or the promotion of this company*

50 Comments Filed Under: Gardening, Good Ideas

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Next Post: A Frugal Summer Recipe…Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 12, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Vanessa, I have always wanted a nice potting bench, too. I love that and what a deal. I may have to see if we have those at our Big Lots.

    Reply
  2. Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com says

    July 12, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    This is beautiful and what a bargain! II would LOVE to pot plants there… or just hang out with a cup of coffee! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    July 12, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    What a great find! I love how you dressed it up with all your other cool finds!

    Reply
  4. Debra @ Common Ground says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    What a super deal, it looks wonderful all decked out. Those S&H boxes are gorgesous!!! xoxo Debra

    Reply
  5. Katie says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Oh I love it! What an excellent find. I can’t believe that was at Big Lots! I love all the little goodies on it too!

    Reply
  6. Maggie @ Midwestern {Sewing} Girl says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Just beautiful! I’m not a gardener, but I’m seriously considering it after seeing your gorgeous potting bench…I’m in love!

    Reply
  7. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Aghhhh! I want one! I love this bench! I have a very weathered one that I’m using inside.. I need a new one! Love it!
    Susan

    Reply
  8. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    It’s so pretty! And I love all of your finds that dressed it up!

    Reply
  9. Marcia (One Heart) says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Ooh, now you’ve done it again. You’ve inspired me. 😉 This is gorgeous. I absolutely LOVE the way you set it up with all your perfect finds. Enjoy it, my dear.

    As far as my question for bloggers…During your blogging journey this far, what gain or lesson stands out the most?

    XOXO

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    heading out to BL as soon as I finish gardening. I have a great potting bench in my laundry room that is used as a purely decorative piece. I don’t want to put it outside because it is too nice~ so the one you found would be perfect! Good idea…. I wonder if MY garden path will lead to Big Lots, as well?! LOL
    xo Sue

    Reply
  11. elizabeth says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    I LOVE it…and love what you did with it! Fabulous deal!

    Reply
  12. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    girl you scored big time! Can’t beat that price and it’s just gorgeous! Love how you dressed it up and the stone leading up to it, so pretty! Thanks for linking up!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  13. Cozy Little House says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Ah, instant love and it was obviously meant to be! One thing you might do is see if it should be sprayed in some sort of sealant to keep it good as long as possible. I had trouble leaving one out over time. Wondered if I should have done that…
    Brenda

    Reply
  14. Traci says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    What a bargain!!! I just love it. You did a good job!!

    Reply
  15. Honey at 2805 says

    July 12, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Great deal and so much better with your special touch!

    Reply
  16. Katie says

    July 12, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    What a super deal on a great potting bench! Beautiful photos of your garden.

    Reply
  17. Jeri says

    July 12, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    ooo I’m in love!! I saw this last week and I hemmed and hawed!! I’m going today to get one! I love how you accessorized it!!

    Reply
  18. Judy says

    July 12, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I love your potting bench and I love how you introduced the whole thing. You did a great job. Who would have thought that Big Lots could come through like that.

    Reply
  19. Elizabeth says

    July 12, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Love this bench! What a great idea, and who doesn’t love Big Lots! They always have something cool!

    Reply
  20. Carol says

    July 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Great job, Vanessa. Love it!

    Mom

    Reply
  21. Kristin says

    July 12, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Can I share in your little love fest, too?
    So cute, Vanessa!
    I love it!

    And those little white flowers…I have those too. They have the cutest little nick name…”Breathless”.

    Just perfect!
    Love, Kristin

    Reply
  22. Ashley says

    July 12, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    o i love it! and i just die over your pictures/ they are so pretty!
    thanks for sharing

    Reply
  23. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    July 12, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Looks great, Vanessa! If I weren’t sitting in an airport, I’d be heading to Big Lots right now… Your new potting bench looks great! Renaissance Man would really love it. I’m doing a tablescape with more of his beautiful flowers this week. I’m glad some of you lucky people have green thumbs!

    Reply
  24. Dayle says

    July 12, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Love the potting bench! I’m holding out for an old hutch that has cabinets on the bottom. I’ve found a few, but the price isn’t right. (sigh)

    Reply
  25. Pamela says

    July 12, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    What a fabulous find Vanessa and a steal of a deal!

    Reply
  26. Anita says

    July 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    What a pretty little place to help make things nice for all your plants! Love it!

    Reply
  27. Brandi says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:14 AM

    i love it! such a great find!

    Reply
  28. Janette@the2seasons says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    Hello from your neighbor at Wow Us Wednesday. We’ve participated in some of your parties, too. Your potting bench is really cute. Good job. I always forget about Big Lots.

    Reply
  29. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:44 AM

    Vanessa, you have turned your Big Lot buy into an upscale area to pot, design and just show off your organic and garden elements. It is really beautiful!
    Yvonne

    Reply
  30. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    July 13, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    What a great find! If it wasn’t so hot I think I’d be inspired to go find one for myself! LOL!

    Reply
  31. Evie @ Brown Paper Packages says

    July 13, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    Wow! What a find…love it and love the way you decorated it!!

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    July 13, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Its perfectly charming and just what I need to make me (um get me) potty…potting! I have always wanted one but not sure mine wil be that neat:)

    Veronica
    http://www.tasselsandwigs.blogspot.com

    Reply
  33. Susan says

    July 13, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Oh, yippee!! I have been longing for a potting bench. This is perfect! I am headed to Big Lots today. 🙂 Love what you’ve done to decorate it too!

    Reply
  34. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    July 13, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I have been wanting a potting bench for-ever!! Must go check out Big Lots. I also love all your pretty things on your bench. 🙂

    Reply
  35. Debbie@https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    July 13, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    I want a potting bench to fall in love with! You lucky girl, I love everything about it!
    Debbie

    Reply
  36. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    July 13, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Hi Vanessa,

    The potting bench, now your garden is complete. Just think of all that will be planted there…Endless possibilities!!

    Your first picture with the cut flowers is so old fashioned looking, like a postcard or an ad for a seed catalogue, LOVE it!!

    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  37. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    July 13, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Well, I am going to hit the local Big Lots store just as soon as I can. What a deal! What a great place to display all your gorgeous pots and accessories.

    Reply
  38. Mimi says

    July 13, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Well, now I am officially jealous!!! I’ve been wanting/needing one for years! I sure hope they have them here (I have 2 Big Lots to check out)
    And at that price I just might have to buy several. Thanks so much for sharing at Savvy Southern Style.

    Reply
  39. Kim says

    July 13, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Love it and I’m SO jealous! I’ve been wanting one of those too. We have a Big Lots opening up right around the corner any day now – you know I’m gonna scour every inch for that bench!!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  40. Jeri says

    July 14, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Got mine today! I’m such a copycat lol Are you putting a sealant on yours? You think it’s ok to use the wipe on poly I have?

    Reply
  41. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    July 14, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Your potting bench is darling~ I love how you have it all styled and pretty too~ what a great piece!

    Reply
  42. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    What a great price, Vanessa! Even having to put it together yourself that’s a great price. I love the way you’ve fixed it up – pretty and functional! I need to visit Big Lots more often!

    Reply
  43. Sylvia says

    July 14, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    $35.00!!! I think you found a great deal. Love it!!

    Sylvia

    Reply
  44. Brittany says

    July 14, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Very cool! Great idea.

    P.S. I am having a giveaway on my blog. There are awesome organizational tools for moms and kids. I hope you will enter.

    Reply
  45. Amy Kinser says

    July 14, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Great find! I love your potting bench and everything you have done with it.

    Reply
  46. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    July 15, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Hi there! Just became your newest follower! Found you on Savvy Southern Style. Love the potting bench! I must admit, I’m a little green with envy, but happy you found one so brillantly priced that looks good to boot! If you have time, pop over for a visit https://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/continuation-of-story-goodwill-and.html

    Reply
  47. Heaven's Walk says

    July 16, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    Ok, Vanessa – you just put my old potting bench to shame! lol! I need to get my tookus out there and dress her up a bit! 🙂 Your bench is just adorable, and I’m loving the vintage treasures you’re using out there! 🙂 And what an incredible deal, too! Woo hoo!

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  48. SavannahGranny says

    July 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Great deal. Love Big Lots and your new potting bench. It looks awesome. Kudos, Ginger 🙂

    Reply
  49. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 16, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Hi Vanessa, Love your new potting bench and what a great price. You have dressed it up so pretty with the plants and the cute boxes. Thanks for joining my party this week.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  50. Kristal says

    July 16, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Hi, this is my first time participating in ‘Feathered Nest Friday’ and I am slowly making my way to all the parties.

    Wow, I would have never believe you found this beautiful bench at Big Lots! I am going to have to check out my local store today because I think I have a 20% coupon good for Saturday only!

    Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!!

    Reply

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"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
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
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