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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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April 28, 2014

Believe You Can…

…and you’re halfway there.

This past weekend we, along with over 500 of our closest friends , attended the SNAP conference in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah.

Heather and Vanessa at SNAP

And we wished there was some way to have packed you all up and brought you along with us. Imagine what the over-sized luggage fee would have been for that! 😉

Because, well, you see it was amazing.

Not only did we get to spend time with some of our most favorite people in the whole wide world…

…and rock out at an 80’s themed dance party…

But it was also an absolute honor and privilege to be apart of two incredible speaking teams.

And while it may have seemed that on the surface what we shared had mostly to do with blogging, the truth was that there was a common theme throughout the entire conference.

That theme was YOU.

You. The woman who is dreaming.

Dreaming of trying something new.

Dreaming of answering a call.

Dreaming of turning a hobby into a business.

Dreaming of wanting to remember how to dream.

We found ourselves surrounded by over 500 women who are all pursuing their dreams. And there is an energy, a truly palpable energy, when that many dreamers are gathered together in one place at one time.

There we were, 500 women from all around the world (literally the WORLD). We were all so very different and yet all so very much the same.

Because we are all dreamers.

And what we’ve come to realize over the course of these last few years as we pursue our own dreams is that often the biggest hurdle we have to get over is…well…ourselves.

Our doubts.

Our fears.

Our insecurities.

believe you can

 

‘Believing’ seems like such a simple thing to do, doesn’t it?

But getting out of our own way can truly be the hardest part of pursuing our dreams.

So, we suppose, what we really want you to know is that…well…we get it. Truly, we do.

But, let’s make a deal. Right here, right now.

We’re going to start believing that we can.

And we want you to start believing that YOU can too!

Want to start believing together?

Let’s claim this moment.

On this day, April 28, 2014 we’re going to believe that we can…which means we’re already halfway there!

dual-signature_thumb2

 

 

 

29 Comments Filed Under: Blogging 101

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erica Goodman says

    April 28, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    Thank you for the motivation! I’m super pumped yup for the day ahead of me!

    Reply
  2. Thistle says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:03 AM

    You go girl!!!!!! I love this post. So true and that is exactly what I took away from the conference, too! You are amazing!

    Happy day!
    karianne

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 28, 2014 at 4:34 PM

      No, YOU are amazing sweet friend!! 😉

      Reply
  3. martina says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:10 AM

    Awesome post girls!! Have a great week!!

    Reply
  4. Doreen says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:27 AM

    You girls rock! Thanks for sharing a bit of SNAP with us! I so wish I could have been there! My dream is what keeps me going (and inspiring posts like this one are like a boost of energy)! This was just what I needed this Monday morning!

    xoxo
    Doreen

    Reply
  5. Judy K says

    April 28, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    Found this so inspirational and motivating.

    Reply
  6. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    Great post and it looks like such a great time to connect and enjoy and learn.

    Reply
  7. aimee coker says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:37 AM

    Happy the conference went well! Very inspiring!

    Reply
  8. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    Love this. Love you both. It was so amazing to meet you both in person!! xoxo

    Reply
  9. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    See so many familiar faces…Glad you all had a magnificent time!!!

    Reply
  10. debbiedoos says

    April 28, 2014 at 12:22 PM

    I really needed this today Vanessa! Thank you:)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 28, 2014 at 8:34 PM

      Well it makes my day hearing that Debbie!

      Reply
  11. Cori @ Let's Eat Grandpa says

    April 28, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    It was so great to meet you at your storytelling class! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be the most inspirational and helpful class (and HILARIOUS) of the whole conference. Thanks for everything! <3

    Reply
  12. Vivienne at The V Spot says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:27 PM

    I double puffy heart love both of you. That is all.

    Reply
  13. Sharon Rexroad says

    April 28, 2014 at 6:14 PM

    Being able to connect with new friends and reconnect with friends like you was part of what made SNAP so awesome. And yes, I believe…

    Reply
  14. Jillene@inkhappi says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    You two are darling! I love this and your take on “Believe in YOU”. You may have motivated me to start writing my SNAP post right now! I enjoyed your class so much and it really inspired me and I know it will help me to be a better blogger. I was able to talk to KariAnne and Vivienne before the class but missed you. I hope you got my little swag from inkhappi that was “mint” for you hah. Thanks for the inspiration! ~ Jillene

    Reply
  15. Tauni says

    April 28, 2014 at 8:50 PM

    Remember that one time you came all of the way to Utah to support your friend and attend a conference you didn’t know all THAT much about? I do and I won’t ever forget it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message! xoxo

    Reply
  16. chelsea says

    April 29, 2014 at 5:43 AM

    This looks like it was so amazing!

    Reply
  17. Judy says

    April 29, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    You two are amazing. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  18. Kimberly ~ SerendipityRefined says

    April 29, 2014 at 9:15 AM

    Thanks for the inspiration, ladies! Just when I needed it most! xo

    Reply
  19. Kerry Purcell says

    April 29, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    Thank you both SO MUCH for this perfect post. I needed to read it and I definitely need to get out my own way. I have a new blog and a dream of a small business. However, I often say, “I can’t do this”, “I’m not talented”, “I already have a full time job” . . . instead of saying and believing that with God all things are possible. I’m recharged and ready to go!

    Reply
  20. Maria Gonzalez says

    April 29, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    Thank you for sharing and I accept the challenge of believing that I can!

    Reply
  21. Kelly says

    April 29, 2014 at 5:17 PM

    Ladies! Meeting you and your ever so kind spirited souls was a highlight for me. You empower(ed) me in so many ways. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement and hugs. Hoping to see you at Haven! Hugs and Kisses. #thatsall

    Reply
  22. Genny says

    April 30, 2014 at 2:11 PM

    Love this post! And, you two look amazing!

    Reply
  23. Barbara Ann says

    April 30, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    I am a California girl. Where would there be one of these close to me? I really would like to start a blog but am looking for beginners tips..
    Thank you. 🙂
    http://Www.etsy.com / shop / barbaraannscreations

    Reply
  24. Sue {munchkin munchies} says

    May 1, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Thanks so much for the inspiration! <3

    Reply
  25. Jordan@the2seasons says

    May 7, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    Ok first of all you ladies look great and I love the scrunchy on the wrist for the 80’s party. Our plan is to make it to snap next year, as this year I was out of the country. Looked like a great time had by all. Now this is getting me excited for Haven.

    Reply
  26. crown garage doors houston says

    August 1, 2014 at 6:25 AM

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied
    on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos
    to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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