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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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October 23, 2012

Vanessa’s NYC Recap!

Last Monday morning found me pulling on my yoga pants (no, I don’t do yoga, I just like the pants…they’re so wonderfully stretchy, aren’t they?), running around packing lunches, 
driving the kids to school and coming back home to clean the house.
And, all the while, wondering if what had happened in the 2 days before had all been just a dream!

Several weeks ago we were asked to participate in a promotional event for LG and their new TrueSteam Dishwasher. Not only did I get the privilege of reviewing this incredible dishwasher, we also hosted a Giveaway here and one lucky reader by the name of Mia White won an all-expenses paid trip to join me in NYC for the Food Network Wine and Food Festival!
No…I had never been to New York.
Yes….I did pinch myself several times throughout this experience!
So, when Oct. 12th rolled around, I found myself on a plane heading to the Big Apple and feeling a bit like the “country mouse” going to the city.
Had to leave those yoga pants at home for this one!
As I buzzed (a much nicer word for my terrifying car riding experiences) through the city I was in absolute shock that I was finally getting to see Manhattan.

The weather could not have been more perfect if I had ordered it up myself.
I arrived at my swanky hotel, Ink 48, and it finally started to sink in that this was truly going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Friday evening we met up with our group and headed to an amazingly cool loft in SoHo for the Godiva “Sweet” event hosted by Sandra Lee.
I didn’t even know that was where we were until someone mentioned it after we left.
To which I replied, “I was just in a loft in SoHo? Really???!!!”

LG had this awesome kitchen set up and we got to see more of their amazing appliances including the TrueSteam dishwasher. Here I am with Mia, the winning reader. Isn’t she darling???

We had so much fun!
The next morning we awoke (3 hour time change required serious amounts of coffee!) and headed to Basketball City on Pier 36 for the Fun & Fit in the City Event hosted by Guy Fieri.
This was the view outside!
While there, Mia and I participated in a Dishwasher Loading Competition where the goal was to win a dishwasher for her.
We’ll never know who truly won (pretty sure it wasn’t going to be us…we might have called ourselves “Laverne and Shirley” all weekend!) but as you can tell by the next photo, it didn’t matter.
That man there is Dave, Director of Brand Marketing for LG, and he generously gave a TrueSteam Dishwasher to all of the competitors! Can you tell how thrilled I was for Mia?!!
I think she was in shock, which was pretty much how we both felt all weekend long.
You might recognize a couple of other faces who were there…
 Once we left the event, we were given a block of time to do whatever we wanted in the city.
And what did I want to do?

Why, finally meet in person my wonderful friend Judy from DIY By Design, of course!

She graciously drove into the city and played tour guide to us all afternoon.
I had a few butterflies right before we met…”what if she doesn’t like me?”…things like that.
But I shouldn’t have worried one bit! Judy was absolutely lovely and I truly felt like I had known her forever. We could have talked all day!
It was so wonderful to get to give her a hug and it only confirmed for me that blogging friendships are REAL friendships and it just seemed so normal to be hanging out with Judy at the Plaza Hotel.
I mean, that’s just an everyday occurrence, right?
We did the Readers Digest condensed version tour of NYC before heading back to our hotel to get ready for the next event.
Saturday night found us back at the SoHo loft for the Tacos & Tequila event hosted by none other than Bobby Flay! We tasted some of the most amazing tacos and I may or may not have dropped a fried chickpea down the front of my blouse sometime during the evening…just sayin’.
We also managed to connect with a few other familiar faces…

Me and Marc Murphy from “Chopped”, Mia chatting up the beautiful Sandra Lee and me (sorry it’s blurry!) talking with Robert Irvine from Dinner/Restaurant Impossible! 
Everyone was seriously so kind and gracious and we couldn’t believe that we were getting to meet some of our Food Network favorites!
The gals who were the biggest rock stars in our book though were these beautiful ladies, Grace (on the far left) and Annie (in between me and Mia). They work for LG-One, the PR firm for LG and they could not have been more awesome. They handled all of the details and made our time truly incredible.
Thank you girls for all you did!

Sunday morning dawned and I had just enough time before heading to the airport to walk with Mia to a neighborhood bakery that smelled so divine I wish I could have bottled it up!
A chocolate croissant and a strong cup of coffee?
What better way to end such an amazing weekend?!
Now, would you like to participate in a fun game?

“LG has teamed up with Share Our Strength and Food bank of New York City charities in a battle against hunger and has developed a short game where for every vote cast by our readers, LG will donate $1 to both charities, up to a total donation of $15,000. 

About Share our Strength

“No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day.
 
The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. The campaign also engages the public to make ending childhood hunger a national priority.”

We would love for you to join in ending childhood hunger by voting here:
Thank you again to the generous folks at LG for this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience and to LG-One for putting together the weekend of my dreams! 
I may be back in my yoga pants (still not doing yoga) but I won’t ever forget the time this “country mouse” had her adventures in the big city.

Thanks so much for joining me, and my yoga pants, today at the Fence,

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    October 22, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    WOW!!!!!!

    That’s all I can say is WOW!

    Love NYC to visit, and you had an amazing time rubbing elbows with the big peeps.

    So happy for you!

    Reply
  2. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    October 22, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    How fun! I adore NYC — it’s my go-to for fun-filled weekends; having a BFF that lives there helps. 🙂
    So glad you got to go experience the city!
    xo heidi

    Reply
  3. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    What a great whirlwind trip for you, Vanessa! That had to be a lot of fun and amazing to attend. How cool that Mia wound up with a dishwasher. I read Judy’s post about you two meeting and I think that was great. I can’t wait to meet some blogger buds myself. I’m hoping to do Haven next year.

    Reply
  4. Serendipity Refined says

    October 22, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    Wow! What a wonderful opportunity! I’m so happy that the weather cooperated. NYC is beautiful this time of year and it looks like you had a wonderful time! xo, Kimberly

    Reply
  5. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 22, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    What an awesome opportunity!! I’m so glad you enjoyed your weekend in the city & how great to have been able to meet up with Judy too!

    Reply
  6. Eclectically Vintage says

    October 22, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    So glad you had such an amazing time in NYC – only wish I could have been in town to hang out! What a great experience – now get back here soon! I’m off to vote for Share Our Strength & the NYC Food Bank!
    Kelly

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    October 22, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Vanessa, thanks for all the pictures of your trip. We enjoyed so much getting to see all that you did in NYC! Pretty cool!

    Love,
    Mom and Dad

    Reply
  8. Carol says

    October 22, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    Wow, that is so awesome, Vanessa! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip and experience. I’m so thrilled for you to have had this opportunity. Yes, I voted!

    Carol

    Reply
  9. Kate says

    October 22, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    Vanessa
    What an amazing experience! Loved seeing NYC through your eyes! Lovely post and so happy that you had this truly wonderful experience.

    xoxo
    Kate

    Reply
  10. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    October 22, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    VAnessa,

    What a fabulous trip! I am so excited that you had such a wonderful time and got to meet your blog friend! I love DIY by Design! Such a great blog.

    Have a wonderful day, Elizabeth

    Reply
  11. Savvy Seasons says

    October 22, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    Vanessa, you are too cute! Loved all your pictures, it’s as if we got to go along for the fun! So glad you and Judy got to spend some time together. Love NY this time of year! XOXO ~Liz

    Reply
  12. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 22, 2012 at 6:25 PM

    what a fantastic weekend!! love your pics and sharing all the fun!

    Reply
  13. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    October 22, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    Oh my gosh Vanessa! What an amazing trip you had. So excited for you to have been able to have this experience!!

    Reply
  14. Judy says

    October 22, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Vanessa- I had the best time meeting up with you and I’m so excited to see all of your photos from the rest of your NYC whirlwind weekend. Looks like the rest of it was a blast as well. Hope to see you again soon my friend.

    Reply
  15. Merlesworld says

    October 22, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    What fun always good when something unexpected happens and you win.
    Merle….

    Reply
  16. Jessica @ FourGenerationsOneRoof says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Looks like you guys had a blast! So fabulous 🙂

    Reply
  17. Debbie says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    It’s so great to see where the traveling pants took the other half of the sisterhood! You two have really and truly been blessed lately. That’s the only way to look at it, and frankly, it couldn’t have happened to two more likable people. Mean it. Really.

    And btw to Heather: My mother was so excited to get her BHG mag and find your feature. She showed me her copy the minute I got to the door of her house with a big old grin.

    Reply
  18. Finding Home says

    October 23, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    How great that you had such a fun visit – I really should go more – its so close! Take care, Laura

    Reply
  19. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 23, 2012 at 1:54 AM

    There is nothing like NYC….I am so happy that you and Mia had such a wonderful time….the folks at LG are certainly so wonderful and generous to have made certain that you have the experience of a lifetime….you two must have been pinching yourselves all the time..making sure it was not a dream!…and how wonderful that Judy from DIY Design so generously met you and took you on a tour…love her blog…she is such a gracious person….So glad you and Mia were able to experience NYC and meet so many wonderful people!…I am sure you are happy to be back home with your family and your yoga pants!!!…Thanks for sharing your beautiful experience!!

    Reply
  20. All That Glitters says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:09 AM

    Voted!

    You look so beautiful, Vanessa! I bet you had a blast! I’ve never been before either.

    Reply
  21. Holly says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:22 AM

    How fun for you to visit Manhattan. We used to live an hour away in CT. A couple of times a year we would go see something new there. I was so glad to go home, though – so much! So many people. A fun place to visit – for sure!!! I love the country or suburbs a lot better for living. Great post!

    Reply
  22. classic • casual • home says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:56 AM

    I just loved every single second. Hooray for LG and Vanessa!!!

    Reply
  23. sharon hines says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    Wow! How incredible and so exciting! So glad you got to go to NYC. I’d still be pinching myself too.

    Sharon

    Reply
  24. Dawn says

    October 23, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    What a wonderful trip! So glad you had the opportunity – looks like you really enjoyed it.

    Reply
  25. thistlewoodfarm says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    You go girl! I LOVE it! You and Mia looked like you had so much fun! That was the trip of a lifetime! And no one deserved it more than you!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  26. Julie redheadcandecorate.com says

    October 23, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    WOWZIE! Looks like you had such a wonderful time. Mia looked very happy too! That is amazing that she received a brand new DW…WOW! Then to drop chick peas down your shirt, drink T. and meet Robert Ervine!!!! GET OUT!…that sounds like Heaven to me Vanessa! I love that man. I think Rick has a man crush too!!! So happy it went well for you. My hubby travels to NYC a lot, he’s there right now-we want to take Daphne & Val…hopefully one day. Thanks for sharing! ~ Julie

    Reply
  27. Karen says

    October 23, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    Vanessa, how exciting!!
    Looks like you had a really fun time.

    Reply
  28. LiveLoveDIY says

    October 23, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    Wow, Vanessa! First of all, I love that you don’t do yoga but make yogapants an outfit staple…me too. Second, WHAT A TRIP! Looks like you had the trip of a lifetime! Congrats on such a sweet opportunity! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Anna says

    October 24, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    This is so awesome! I’m glad you had so much fun and I LOVE that picture of you being surprised that she’d also one a dishwasher!!! What a fun trip! 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  30. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    October 25, 2012 at 2:12 AM

    SO awesome! Glad to hear you had such a great trip! I see that your daughter got an American Girl doll 😉 or is that something Santa’s bringing?

    Reply
  31. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    October 25, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing the pictures from your fabulous trip, Vanessa–it looks like you had a blast! The Plaza Hotel–it used to house The Persian Room, where some of the most famous nightclub acts in history and entertainers performed back in the 1950s–I would love to see that hotel some day!

    Reply
  32. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    October 28, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    WOW! Looks like you had an amazing trip!! I’m glad the weather was so nice. October in NYC has been known to bring snow before!

    Reply
  33. Erika@BeBookBound says

    October 30, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    Way to take a bite out of the Big Apple! It looks like you had an amazing time, but I bet your yoga pants missed you dearly. Welcome home!

    Reply
  34. debbiedoos says

    November 3, 2012 at 10:51 PM

    You look like you had the time of your life Vanessa. I am so happy you were able to meet up with Judy too:)

    Reply
  35. sexy ink says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    Beautiful emo girls

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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