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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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March 10, 2011

This, That and The Other!

There is nothing quite like a weekend filled with sunshine to make you feel alive again! We are all still as pale white as “Elmer’s” Glue, but at least we got some Vitamin D straight from the source.
While Yankee Boy and Rascal 1 played golf, Rascal 2 and I spent some time in the backyard.
Don’t you love that Vegetable raincoat?
We pretended to be in a marching band and marched ourselves all around the yard. We had to stop every once and awhile and pretend to be butterflies.
Hey, it’s her imagination…I don’t ask questions!

We blew countless numbers of bubbles.
And she showed off her newly learned “pumping” skills on the swing.
“I do it allllllllll myself!”
The fresh air has definitely gone to my head and with a “Spring” in my step I have been doing some tweaking around the house. There have been several things I was keeping my eye out for…you know…those one-sy two-sy, odds and ends that you are always on the lookout for and are just so excited when you finally spot just the right thing!
Like this sofa table which I picked up for a song at a consignment store.
I knew I needed something back there but wanted something that felt light to off-set the dark tones in the room. It also had to be narrow so the rascals could still have plenty of space for “wrastling” with daddy!
I absolutely fell in love with the patina and the criss-cross detailing.
And the glass top helps achieve the more open feeling I was going for.
Plus, it provided the perfect place to display my favorite photo of the rascals showin’ some love to each other! I look at it every time they are going at each other just to remind myself that they actually do have these kinds of moments too.
I have been searching FOREVER to try and find the perfect chair for our office. Had to have good back support…couldn’t be too tall or too short…and most importantly, of course, it had to be pretty!
I found this at where else??? TJ MAXX! I know you are shocked.
My next find I kind of resisted for awhile.
This is our breakfast nook. And lunch nook. And dinner nook. We do have a formal dining room too but when the kids are looking for something and I say “it’s in the Dining Room” and they say “the what?” and then I say “that room with the other big table!” it makes me realize how rarely we actually use it. But it sure is pretty to look at!
Ok, so what is missing from this picture?
I can hear you all yelling it out…A RUG under the table! Right?
But I have little kids. And little kids make lots of crumbs. And they run around the table.
And they are really adament about pulling out their own chair when we sit down to eat. Ok, only the little one does that because she “is not little she is a BIG girl!”
And then I found this and all bets were off.
I mean, we have plenty of other places for them to run around.
And those crumbs just magically disappear somehow after dropping onto this rug.
And the little miss? Well, let’s just say that we think having to pull out her chair on the rug has been great for developing her upper body strength.
I love this rug.
Let’s look at it again!
The tones change with the light and I love the bricky red.
While I was at it, I decided that the artwork in this space was not doing it any favors.
It came with us from our old house and was just looking a bit faded and forlorn.
I think the orchid actually started wilting more and more over time.
While at Ross the other day (sorry TJ’s…you know you are my first love but sometimes you just can’t give me everything I need!) I found these.
I love me some Botanical Prints.
And wait, what does that price say?
$9.99! Are you out of your mind?
That’s right. For 2 framed prints!
I’m debating whether or not to paint the frames to lighten them up a bit.
What do you think?
This one’s my favorite!
There are just all sorts of things “Spring”ing up around here!
Thank you for letting me share some of them with you!
And be sure to come back by tonight for
With lots of love from the Fence,
Linking to these parties
Metamorphosis Monday
Whassup Wednesday
Swing into Spring
Wow Us Wednesday

26 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 10, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Hi Vanessa, Your children are so adorable and I love the raincoat. You have done a great job of adding Spring to your home. The new prints and rug are wonderful.
    I hope you will join my new linky party starting next Thursday. See you there.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  2. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 10, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Great finds, Vanessa! Love the chair & the rug! I need both of those items! I sometimes find some good buys at Ross,too. You never know!

    Reply
  3. Martina says

    March 10, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Hi Vanessa, First off your daughter is a little cutie!! She reminds me of my youngest,she will be 5 in June, everything is I can do it by myself I don’t need any help!!It’s a good thing their learning to be independent. Now on to all that eye candy. So many pretty things, love the new prints and that photo of your dining area with the sun flowing in,just beautiful! Martina

    Reply
  4. Linda says

    March 10, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for hosting Inspiration Friday. I realized I didn’t have your button up. It is now. I’m sorry. Thanks for being sweet about it!

    Your house looks so inviting! I love Ross, but we have moved to a state that doesn’t have one. I miss it.

    Reply
  5. Pam @ Our Adventures in Home Improvement says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Wow, lots to comment on about this post! First, I love your daughter’s raincoat and boots! So cute. Great new sofa table! I love the new chair and the new rug!

    Have a great day.
    Pam

    Reply
  6. Tyla says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    OMGosh! I need a rug under my kitchen table in the worst way. I love yours. I, too, like to shop at Ross’. I don’t always find what I’m looking for, but usually I find SOMETHING. lol

    Reply
  7. Val says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Oh my, How sweet are those little cuties!!!!??? I LOVE. I heart the new pictures.

    Reply
  8. Nellie's Cozy place says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    wow, you have been having fun, fun,
    fun springersizing your home! Your new sofa table is perfect,
    and love love love that precious pic of your children. Your rug is perfect for your dining area, and I
    love botanicals prints as well, they look very nice. Your computer chair is beautiful too. You just can’t beat ross, Tj Maxx, marshalls or HomeGoods, they are great stores.
    Blessings for a Beautiful spring hon, Nellie

    Reply
  9. Lori says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Your house looks great! I love the rug under your table and those prints are perfect. I can’t believe they were $9.99 for both!
    Your daughter is just too cute! I love her rain boots – my daughter has the same Hello Kitty boots from Target.

    Have a great day!!!

    Lori : )

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Your home is simply gorgeous. I adore the color on the wall in your family room. The new rug in the dining area is stunning. I’m so glad you found it – it changes the entire look of the room and pulls it all together. Those botanical prints are awesome and the deal of the year. Love the chair – TJ Maxx is owned by the same company as Home Goods so I can see why you love it. I just can’t get enough of your home. I love your style. I’ll be back later for the party.

    Reply
  11. Ashley says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Awesome finds! I love the rug! Where in the world did you find that vegetable rain coat? My daughter had those same boots last year. Both the boots and her rain coat are too small now so I am about to be on the hunt for new ones.

    Reply
  12. Traci says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    I’m soooo ready for spring! I really need a little color so that I don’t continue to frighten people when I go to Yogalates! I love the chair & rug! Great finds!

    Reply
  13. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    You’ve been busy! It all looks great! Don’t you just love TJ Maxx?

    Reply
  14. Honey at 2805 says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Your children are so precious! Love her little raincoat. You home looks great and your found some really neat things lately! You house is neat a pin…can you come over and help me with mine?

    Reply
  15. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Hey Vanessa…thanks for sharing these pics of your home. I loved seeing everything and all your great bargains! I enjoyed your 2nd Blogging 101 post too. I’m sure you have heard this before but I wish I would have known some of that stuff before I started my blog. I was utterly clueless. Thanks for visiting my blog…I so appreciate it. Looking forward to Inspiration Friday. ~Ann

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    March 10, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Your home is so pretty. The rug looks great under your table and the prints are beautiful…$9.99, WOW! My favorite…the picture of your children; adorable!!!

    Reply
  17. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    March 10, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    You did very well, my friend! First, having a hubby who “wrastles” with his kids … can’t beat that! Then, of course, the cute little crumb-droppers. And your bargains? Incredible! Isn’t it fun when things come together? See you tonight for Inspiration Friday!

    Reply
  18. NanaDiana says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Vanessa- Your kids sure are cute! Love those little faces. I have to say that I think the rug just made that room. It just makes it look finished somehow…AND I love the chair too…Oh Heck…I love it all! xxoo Diana

    Reply
  19. Carol says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:52 AM

    Vanessa, do you want to know what is the very BEST part of your post?? Without a doubt – the pictures of our wonderful grandchildren!!

    Reply
  20. The Hopeless Romantic says

    March 11, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I love it all, ur home is beautiful! Ide leave the frames the color they are, it blends well with the rest of ur furnishings and pops off the wall better than if it were lighter. Thats my 2cents, lol……Nice post, u have a beautiful home……..Bonnie

    Reply
  21. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    March 11, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Love the boots and the table!

    I am having an antique auction on my blog. All sorts of lovely and romantic finds looking for a new home. I hope you’ll stop by.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  22. michelle says

    March 12, 2011 at 4:10 AM

    She is so adorable and how precious that she “do it allll by herself”! 🙂 I love your finds too, the table is beautiful and the rug is perfect! I am now looking for a rug too for under our table, I agree with you, they can run around elsewhere. 🙂
    It looks so pretty and sunny there, what a wonderful day!

    Have a great weekend my friend!

    Reply
  23. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 12, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    Such a darling post Vanessa~ What a sweet girl! Love your finds too- Ross is a favorite store of mine- they always have something fantastic and your pictures are perfect- such a great deal!! Thanks for sharing at FNF! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Melissa Miller says

    March 12, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    It all looks so pretty Vanessa. Love the gorgeous rug and great find on the unique table.

    Reply
  25. alison says

    March 13, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    you made some great scores…especially the rug and the table…love how they look in the rooms…thanks for sharing at fridays unfolded and being my party partner!

    blessings,

    alison
    stuff and nonsense

    Reply
  26. Beverly says

    March 16, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    Vanessa.. those pics were a great deal.. they are so expensive now. I love botanicals. Your rug does look great. Feels good to change things around doesn’t it?

    Reply

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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
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!
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