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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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February 11, 2012

Valentine’s Day Features!


Love is in the air!

And we thought we would help to spread it around a little by showing off some of our favorite Valentine’s Day Features from the last few Inspiration Friday Parties.

There were so many we decided to divide them into categories!
So, are you ready to check out some incredible talent?

Let’s get this love fest going!



Recipes

  Raiding your kid’s candy isn’t the only way to satisfy a sweet tooth on Valentine’s Day. Check out these incredible concoctions!


Don’t go thinking that Sue from Munchkin Munchies would share with us just any old “box of chocolates”. No sir-ee! This is actually a giant cookie!



We love this Cookie Bouquet from It’s Overflowing! Perfect for giving to teachers or neighbors…or yourself…late at night…when everyone else is in bed. Just sayin’!



And how about this darling Cupid’s Arrow Cupcake by Sweetology?!


These Love Potion Floats from Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats look delicious!



How about these Red Velvet cupcakes shared with us by Food, Folks and Fun. They were made using the recipe from the DC Cupcake Gals. You know they will be awesome!



How cute is this Heart Hot Chocolate and Snack Mix from Dixie Delights?!

February 2012 132

Here is a recipe for Gluten Free Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes from Design, Dining and Diapers.
Healthy, delicious and beautiful!


Decor

We think the 3-D effect of this Paper Heart Garland from Woven Home is just adorable!


We consider this Button Burlap Heart from Southern Lovely to be some pretty chic looking Valentine’s Day decor!




This is one “love”ly Valentine’s Day Mantel from Fox Hollow Cottage!


And, of course, Becca from Adventures in Decorating couldn’t resist adding some love to her already gorgeous fireplace mantel!



Fancy Frugal Life’s Valentine’s Day Kid’s Table with Pottery Barn Inspired Chair Backs is so darling that we are a tad bit jealous we wouldn’t fit into those chairs!


This Love One Another Valentine Pillow from Trish at  Uncommon Designs is fabulous!


and we couldn’t leave Bonnie from Uncommon Designs out! We fell in LOVE with her Pottery Barn Knock-off LOVE sign



Wreaths

This Cupcake Wrapper Wreath  from Alderberry Hill puts a fun twist on the traditional pink and red color combo!



This Rolled Paper Rosette Heart Wreath from Synergy In Me is simply beautiful with it’s soft pinks and grays.

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We love this fun and Funky Heart Door Hanger from Burton Avenue



How about this Wrapped Ribbon Wreath from I “Shir” Can Craft? So adorable!


Kim at Too Much Time on my Hands made this “Valentine’s Wreath from a Bunch of Old Junk” (her words!). But there is nothing “junky” about how fantastic this is!


Fashion

Creative Passages created this beautiful Heart Necklace and she shares just how she did it!

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Of course our dear friend Angelina of Ruby Jean just had to go and take it up a notch, or two, or three by creating these positively darling Valentine’s Day knickers with matching hat!




These Valentine Rings from Pitter and Glink are a fun and easy way to add a dash of whimsy to your Valentine’s Day ensemble!


This Heart Shirt from Southern Lovely is tu-tu cute!


Crafts

You won’t believe what Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia  used to make this Kissing Ball!



This Will Melt Your Heart {Box}from The… Late, Young Family is so sweet!



These are some gorgeous French Script Candles from Confessions of a Plate Addict.

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And we love the simplicity of this Valentine Clothesline Art from Artsy Fartsy Mama



They are giving gifts in style with these Bath Fizzy Gift Boxes from Creating Home


Valentine’s!

Of course it wouldn’t actually be Valentine’s Day without actual Valentine’s, and boy they’ve come along way since we were kids!

We love these Valentine’s Day Fortune Cookies from Sweet Anne and think they are the perfect alternative to the traditional card. She even includes a free printable so you can make these yourself!


These Glowstick Valentine’s from Making It Feel Like Home would definitely be the hit of any classroom!


Here’s another version from It’s Overflowing! 


Up, Up and Away Candy Airplane from Love, Laughter & Décor would be popular with boys and girls alike!  


If your Valentine’s Day Project was featured today please grab a Featured At Inspiration Friday Button from our Buttons Page!
Thanks so much for joining us for this Love Fest at the Fence today!
 
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21 Comments Filed Under: Features, Holidays, Valentine's Day

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Previous Post: « Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 51!
Next Post: A Simple Love Song for a Simply Sunday »

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Comments

  1. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    February 11, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    Wow! So much inspiration! Thanks for mentioning my candles! Happy weekend!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  2. Coastal Cottage Dreams says

    February 11, 2012 at 2:27 PM

    Wonderful inspiration! I just followed you on your new Linky tool, could you please follow me back? Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Inspire Me Heather says

    February 11, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    I heart Valentines too! What a fabulous round-up, I loved the little airplane idea the most!!!

    Reply
  4. Vicki says

    February 11, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    That was fun! Gosh so much great projects! Great job to everyone who was featured!!

    Reply
  5. Debbiedoo's says

    February 11, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    Such pretties! Really so many creative gals out here, it amazes me! Enjoy your weekend.

    Reply
  6. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    So much crafty love! Thanks for featuring my kissing ball, so fun to wake up to that this morning 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  7. debbie refresh restyle says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    Happy Valentine’s Day! What a beautiful roundup of pretties! Love them all!
    Debbie

    Reply
  8. Sue says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    What a great round-up! Thanks so much for including my box of chocolates cookie, Heather and Vanessa! Happy Valentine’s Day! XO, Sue

    Reply
  9. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    February 11, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Oh my goodness. My heart jumped out of my chest when I saw my ad. Thank you so much for the plug. It is deeply appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  10. Ellen says

    February 11, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Thanks for including my necklace! And thanks for hosting too!

    Reply
  11. Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama says

    February 11, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    Awesome round-up! Thanks for featuring my Valentine Clothesline! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    February 11, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Ok… that is an amazing body of work for Valentine’s Day! Thank you for featuring us. It is quite an honor to among such talented crafters!

    Reply
  13. NanaDiana says

    February 11, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Some GREAT blogs featured here today. You did a lot of work getting this post ready for us to enjoy. Thank you so much- I am off to visit a couple of new blogs. Happy Saturday from Disney! xo Diana

    Reply
  14. PitterAndGlink says

    February 11, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    Thanks so much for featuring my Valentine’s Day rings! 🙂 You made my afternoon!

    Reply
  15. Becca says

    February 11, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Thank you both so very much for featuring my Valentine mantel! I truly appreciate it, sweet friends. The other features are awesome … I’m drooling over the yummies and so inspired by the crafty projects. Happy Valentine’s Day !!

    Reply
  16. Lindsay says

    February 11, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    Oh my goodness, two features from my site, I am so honored! Thank you very much, totally made my day! The other Valentine ideas are wonderful!

    Reply
  17. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    February 12, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    Hi girls! Thanks for giving my mantel some love! She is in good company with Becca =) Great minds… I showed of Kristins pretty pink kissing ball on my fb page. How sweet was that? Happy Valentine’s Day!!

    Hope to win big in Vegas! Maybe I’ll make it to Haven 😉

    Reply
  18. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 12, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    AWESOME features girls! Loved them all!!

    Reply
  19. Dixie Delights says

    February 12, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    so excited for the feature 🙂 xo

    Reply
  20. Hibiscus House says

    February 13, 2012 at 4:10 AM

    Lots of cute ideas thanks for posting.

    Reply
  21. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    January 30, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    Hey Ladies!
    Thanks so much for the feature and gathering so many AMAZING Valentine’s day goodies!
    xo
    Kim

    Reply

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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"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
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