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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 7, 2011

A “Sew” Simple Update and a Revisit

For some time now, I have asked my patient husband the same question.
“Don’t you think our curtains need a little something extra?”
To which he replies,
“I think they are great but I know you are going to change them so
does it really matter what I say?”
To which I reply,
“Of course it matters!”
To which he replies with that knowing look.
The one that says, “yeah right!”
He is right. I’m going to change them either way, but I just like to live under the illusion (or maybe delusion?) that he finds all of my decorating questions endlessly delightful and only one of my many charming qualities.
It was love at first sight with this fabric. I was even more certain it was “the one” when I realized it was in the Clearance Section of Hancock Fabrics.
Apparently someone had custom ordered it and then changed their mind.
Their loss was my gain for sure!
There wasn’t much of it though…just enough for 2 pillows and 2 panels.
Or so I thought…
When I had finally had enough of the “panel plainness” I went digging through my fabric remnant bin…hoping…wishing that there might be just a little bit of this left.
And then….there it was!
Just enough to add a “valance” to each panel.
With some trim (at 40% off, of course), I knew it could be given that extra “umph” I was hoping for.

Ahh…so much better!
And did my darling hubby even notice?
Of course not!
That is until he went to pull the panels across the window to block out the morning sunlight and realized that my extra little touch was just not quite as long as the panels so they didn’t close all the way.
Oops!
Thank goodness he loves me!
Now, some of you have seen our Master Bedroom before.
But, we have made so many new friends too here at the Fence that I thought it would be fun to not only show my curtain update, but the rest of this space as well.
This is the view that greets you as you come up the stairs and look to the left.
Coming in a little bit further, our master bathroom is just around that armoire.
This armoire was our first major furniture purchase as a married couple (almost 13 years ago!).
Looking into the Master Bathroom from the bedroom.

This little settee at the foot of the bed was a Craigslist find!
I was a bit nervous about the stripe but once we got it in here I knew it was meant to be.

Hubby’s nightsand was a Tuesday Morning piece that I stalked for awhile until the price came down.
It was worth the wait!
This desk was given to us by our realtor when we moved in.
They were relocating her mother to an assisted living home and asked if we would want it.
Are you kidding?
Pretty desk…good.
Free…good.
Pretty free desk? You betcha!

This collage illustrates how so many different patterns and colors can blend together seamlessly.

At least, I think they do!
Looking back into the room from the master bathroom.

Now, would you like to know what my favorite thing is in this room?
It’s our bed.
Ok…get your minds out of the gutter because THAT is not why!
It is because it was handmade by my Father-in-law as our wedding gift.
And because it has details like this….

And one other little one that he added as a surprise.
And yes…we are just weird enough to actually sleep on the side of the bed corresponding with our initial.
And yes…I realize the monogram is dusty.
It sits hidden behind that settee and only comes out on display for Blog Photos!
So, what would be the point of dusting it if it was just going to be covered up again?

I have my limits you know!
Thanks for joining me at the Fence today,
This post is partying at the following places:

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday Treasures

Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
DIY By Design: Swing into Spring
Elements Interiors: Whassup Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party

30 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. alison says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    awww…your hubs and my hubs have a lot in common when it comes to ‘understanding’ our urge to change, frill and otherwise fluff our little nests…and your room is lovely…that fabric was a fortunate find and i like all the bits and pieces that have stories behind them…they all work together so well…thanks for sharing babe!

    Reply
  2. Shelia says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Husbands! Gotta love ’em! 😉 Oh, you’re just the smartest one! I love the trim you’ve added – just a little special touch! That fabric is gorgeous! Your bedroom is gorgeous! I’m in love with your light fixture! Man, I’d never want to leave this pretty room! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    My husband sometimes comes in weeks later and says “how long has X been there?”. LOL! I love your dressed up panels and your master bedroom looks wonderful!

    Reply
  4. April says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    my hubs wouldn’t notice curtains either, and that conversation sounds VERY familiar! 🙂
    your room and bath are just gorgeous–serene and warm all at once.

    all the different textures and colors DO work together well!

    Reply
  5. Janet says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Hi Vanessa, so nice to meet you. Thanks for visiting and joining my blog. It will be fun to follow each other. I love your Master bedroom. Everything came together so well. Janet Blondell

    Reply
  6. Honey at 2805 says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    The whole room is charming and inviting, Vaness. I think you dressed up your panels quite well! The bed is just a wonderful treasure to have! And monograned too–you must feel like royalty!

    Reply
  7. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I agree with Honey…charming and inviting! And I love all your patterns. The more the merrier is my philosphy! We have a few hand made pieces by family and they are priceless. I can see why your bed is your favorite thing in the bedroom. Precious and Priceless!

    Reply
  8. larsenhernandez2011 says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    I absolutely love your bedroom! A year ago I decided to change up our bedroom I went with a more masculine feel with a touch of ME. Greys, blacks and pinks! I love it but miss the softer look. As for hubbys, mine is the greatest! I told him for our 25th ann. that I appreciated him for letting our home be my canvas.

    Reply
  9. Traci says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    My hubs must be the most observant man on the face of the earth because he notices EVERYTHING!!! Y’alls conversation sounds a lot like any we have regarding decorating. I think the curtains turned out great!

    Reply
  10. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    My hubs would notice but it would take a few days perhaps. Your master retreat is so gorgeous! Love the curtains.

    Reply
  11. NanaDiana says

    June 7, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    What a gorgeous room. I have seen it before but it is prettier every time I see it. That bed is a treasure for sure!! And I love your draperies..and what a find that little settee was/is! Love it all! xo Diana

    Reply
  12. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    June 7, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    What a pretty bedroom! You girls are doing some great stuff over here, way to go. Love that coffee station post below, I’m a big fan of syrups fancy coffee stuff.

    Reply
  13. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    June 7, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Beautiful master bedroom Vanessa!! What a beautiful treasure your bed is, I have many pieces in my home too that my dad made for me and I treasure them all! Martina

    Reply
  14. Thoughts for the day says

    June 7, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Beautiful room and bathroom I am totally jealous, it is picture perfect.

    Reply
  15. elizabeth says

    June 7, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Beautiful master suite Vanessa!
    I also loved the coffee station idea.

    Reply
  16. Lori says

    June 7, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I just love your master bedroom and bathroom! The “valance” you added was just what the panels needed. It’s perfect!

    My hubby & I have the same conversation! He knows I’m going to do what I want no matter what he says so he just agrees w/ me!

    Lori : )
    Thrifty Decor Mom

    Reply
  17. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    June 7, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Do you know what I love? I love guessing whether the post is by you or Heather before I get to your signature at the end. I’m a pretty good guess now!!

    Oooh, and I’ve just seen your Facebook thing. I’ve ‘liked’ you!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  18. Sue says

    June 7, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Just add yourself a pretty blind underneath the panels and you’ll have instant privacy. Great fabric choices, Vanessa. I have always loved to mix and match patterns, even though way back when, people looked at me as if I was weird when I told them they’d all flow together. It’s still one of my most favorite things about helping a client. I like taking home all the discontinued fabric swatches, too. I just got one from the Paula Deen line that will make the perfect accent pillow. On one side, of course! I still have to go hunt for a companion fabric. Love that chandy over the bed, btw. hugs, Sue

    Reply
  19. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 7, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Great job on the curtains…Marty at A Stroll Thru Life did that to hers recently. What a great idea. And if it’s any consolation, my husband notices nothing, nada, zero. We have been married almost 30 years and it still bugs me sometimes. You’d think I would be used to it by now! Have a great rest of the week…~Ann

    Reply
  20. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 7, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Love your gorgeous bedroom and your drapes look fantastic. I like the valance. I think it adds so much to them. Your batthroom is stunning also. I really love the mix of fabrics. That is always my favorite thing. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  21. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says

    June 7, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    It’s so nice to have husbands who accept our quirks! I live under the same illusion- I like to tell myself that my hubby finds all of my decorating chatter fascinating…I’m sure half the time he’s imagining stabbing out his eardrums with a pencil….lol!
    Your bedroom is gorgeous!! Great job with the curtains, they are so beautiful.

    Reply
  22. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    June 7, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    Hi Vanessa,

    Your Master Bedroom Suite is just Beautiful!
    The handmade bed what a treasure piece. I love the Armoire. All of that extra storage!!

    The fabrics are fabulous, I really like the stripe and the new valance & trim.
    You were right, it is just what they needed…
    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  23. Debbie says

    June 7, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Your windows look great, and I giggled at the way the husband discovered them. They closed our Hancocks here, and I am still pouting.

    And I love your bedroom. The minute the first picture came up, I remembered about the bed. I think that was one of my first visits here when I read it.

    I really do like your taste.

    Reply
  24. Joselyn @ The DIY Spot says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    You have a beautiful bedroom. Your valance addition adds that extra wow factor. Love your bed, I can see why it’s your favorite. I have never seen a monogramed bed before. Kudos to your father-in-law.

    Reply
  25. Paula Jo @ Home Decor Accents says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Oh, I love the fabric of the curtains. Your bedroom and master bath is just beautiful. Good job!

    Reply
  26. Richella says

    June 8, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    Your room is beautiful! What a gorgeous, restful space. And that bed?? I can scarcely believe your FIL made it for you! That’s so cool. I love the monogram! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    June 8, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    What a gloriously beautiful bedroom! The bed, oh my! The settee, the bedding, the light fixture, the master bath…..just stunning!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    Reply
  28. Zoanna says

    June 9, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    First time here at your blog and I love this post. What a gorgeous bedroom and bathroom .Such sttention to detail.

    Reply
  29. Steve Hunt says

    June 11, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Thanks for the bed comment, Vanessa! It’s always nice to be appreciated. Love, Kathy

    Reply
  30. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Your bedroom is GORGEOUS!

    Reply

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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
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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