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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

July 2, 2011

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 21

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
We’re back from our little “hiatus” last week!
You may have heard a little something about this crazy, giant party that was going on instead.
And now, you can access all of the incredible ideas and inspirations ANYTIME by clicking on this:

 
We will keep this up in our sidebar for whenever you feel the need for a quick “Summer” fix!
 
Before we start this week’s Inspiration Friday party we wanted to invite you to visit us over at the The Blooming Hydrangea on Friday (July 1st) where we have a guest post!  Ange is a fabulous friend to us gals at the fence and it is an honor to be her guest. We are sharing a festive and easy 4th of July Dessert using these…
 
berries-4th-of-July
 
Did we peak your interest?! If so after linking up head over and visit us at The Blooming Hydrangea, check out this great recipe and say “Hi”!
divider
As much fun as we had partying with you at the Blogger Block Party last week, we couldn’t help but still be amazed at all you shared with us at Inspiration Friday 2 weeks ago.
 
And Vanessa even decided to try her hand at recreating one of YOUR Inspirations!
 
When she saw this recipe for Key Lime Whippers from Lisa at Simply…This That and the Other, she knew she had to try her hand at making them herself.

And, oh my goodness, these were so scrumptious!
We like us some tartness around these parts and this was the perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
So, keep on sharing those incredible recipes and decorating ideas and who knows?
YOU may be our next copy-cat victim!
Now, we just couldn’t resist sharing with you a little discovery we made at the last Inspiration Friday.
It dawned on us that 2 SISTERS had linked up their gorgeous homes to our party.
And you know we are all about the “sister love” here at the Fence!
So, we thought we would share them with you so that you could sit
and drool over their links just like we did.
First up is Sister Number 1 from The Pear Tree Cottage. She shared this STUNNING fireplace transformation and nope…this isn’t the magazine inspiration photo!

You absolutely must go over and see what this looked like “Before” to fully appreciate the “After” and while you are there, you won’t be able to help seeing all of the other incredible transformations they are making to their home. This gal has some serious talent!

And it must run in the family, because her sister at The Precious Little Things in Life completely made over these hand-me-down Ikea bookcases (I guess all sisters do the “hand-me-down” thing, huh?) and after recovering EVERY.SINGLE.BOOK with white paper and printing the titles on the bindings, adding some pops of turquoise and vintage charm, she definitely achieved what she describes as,  “cool, crisp, clean, simple and bright.”
We also loved this dining room makeover which was shared by another new friend at the Fence.
Adrienne from One Day at a Time is fairly new to blogging but she definitely isn’t a “newbie” when it comes to transforming a space. The details in here are so lovely and also budget friendly!
 
Every week we are so thrilled when Anna of Ask Anna links up her wonderful tips on everything from organization to how to clean your hair dryer! This week we loved how she showed us an easy way to make learning fun by labeling her daughter’s toys. Not only does it keep things neat and tidy, it also jump starts word associations and early reading!
And last but not least, Sonya from Beyond the Screen Door has been doing a series showcasing the AMAZING wedding details from her daughter’s recent nuptials. These party favors made with Shipping tags, are just one example of the many incredible elements of this very special day. You absolutely must go over to her blog to see the rest!
Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook?  Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week!  We appreciate you!

*Important Announcement*
You may or may not have noticed that many blogs have started to use a function at their linky parties which REQUIRES those who link up to already have a LINK BACK to the party in their post.  For now we have chosen not to take this step. However, we only have one true requirement for linking up at Inspiration Friday and that is that you put a Link Back to us in some form (our Party Button in your post or sidebar, our web address in the post, etc.) and we cannot begin to tell you how many people do not do this.  Not only do these parties require a lot of TIME (we do our best to visit as many links as possible every week), we also PAY to host them. We would really appreciate it, if you would just simply reference Inspiration Friday in some way in your post. It is such a simple step and yet it truly means so much to us!Thank you!

We’d love to invite you to read a fabulous post by Crafter Mind regarding linky parties! We couldn’t say it better ourselves.
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends
The lovely Courtney at French Country Cottage

Our beautiful friend Alison from Stuff and Nonsense

Stuff and Nonsense

And the gracious Debra from Common Ground

vif187
Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
 
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code in the sidebar) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY)
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you!  We are trying so hard between writing posts, homeschooling, and taking care of our families..grin..to visit everyone’s posts. Sometimes we miss one and for that we apologize.  It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well!  Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!
This Inspiration Friday is sponsored by
our fabulous Etsy Shop for the month of June! We’d love to invite you to pay a visit to
Maggie Jane’s Vintage shop!

45 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « 4th of July Decor-“Bang” for your Buck!
Next Post: 4th of July Recap and Remembering Why »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Richella says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Hello Vanessa and Heather–Yes, I have noticed that some bloggers now feature the fact that linking up to their parties requires that bloggers include a link back to the hostess. Honestly, I don’t blame them for taking this step. It seems that a link back is the least we can do to say thanks to hostesses. But I’m hoping that your participants will just link back without your having to take that step.

    I’m linking up a tiny little project–not a big thing, but fun because it’s interchangeable for different seasons and holidays. I can’t believe I’m your first link–I wish I had something earth-shattering to feature, since I’m the first link! I just got lucky to be online when you first put the party up, I guess. But I appreciate your allowing us to link up all kinds of things, great and small.

    Y’all have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  2. jandjhome says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting. I hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
  3. Sherry@Back2Vintage says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks so much for the party. Here’s wishing both of you a wonderful holiday weekend!!!

    Reply
  4. FABBY'S LIVING says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Thank you for hosting this great party and wishing you a wonderful 4th. of July weekend. Enjoy! Hugs, FABBY

    Reply
  5. Little Brick Ranch says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Hey, Girlies! Thanks for hosting!! I linked up my paper starburst and a little painter tape quick tip.

    Last week I took advantage of the new required link back on my linky party and it was a disaster. I had several people not be able to link up even though they had a link back. Perhaps that glitch it fixed but I did away with it after a few hours.

    Here is another GREAT link on linky parties and general courtesy from those who link up. 🙂

    Have a great holiday weekend!!

    Reply
  6. alison says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    all linked up my friend…having a fun time browsing the features…have a wonderful holiday weekend!

    alison

    Reply
  7. Poppy says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Beautiful features as always. Loved those yummy desserts and that Ikea bookcase is looking absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for having us each week… it’s a lot of fun!And a Happy 4th to you!~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  8. Coley says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    I love browsing these links! Thanks so much for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  9. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Thank you girls for all you do to make this blogging world a fun happy place. Yes, I concur, small gesture to link back, much appreciated by all party hosts! Thank you for hosting, and what great inspiration, I really dig the scrabble!

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Thanks for hosting you two!! Hope you both enjoy your holiday weekend!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    I can not wait to see more of those sisters’ blogs. I love the white book covers on that bookshelf. It’s so clean and crisp looking! I always leave blogs like that wanting to just toss a match on my whole mess.

    Reply
  12. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls and have a great 4th of July!! Martina

    Reply
  13. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Hey girls…I’ve not only joined your party but the other 3 as well. Thanks so much for those links…and thank you for hosting. I haven’t been here for a few weeks and I’m so happy to be back. Have a great July 4th!

    Reply
  14. The Garden Bell says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Just popped over from Debbie-Do to join in some Friday Fun. What a pleasure to join you this week, looking forward to being back soon. But, for now I will be off hopping around checking out what creative things everyone is up too.

    Reply
  15. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Thanks for the great party, I’m off to check out the features!! Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo Debra

    Reply
  16. Sue says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    You two have done such a wonderful job with this joint endeavor of your blog. So glad to always be here to participate and/or to be inspired. Yup- comment love and common courtesy go a long way- and that includes to the hostess(es) as well!
    xo Sue

    Reply
  17. Karen says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    This is my first time linking up for Inspiration Friday! Love those features they are all great but I seriously love that bookcase make over. Thanks for hosting, I hope to join again soon.

    Reply
  18. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    Hey! Thanks so much for featuring me. I was reading along thinking I’m going to have to come back after I link up and take at look at all these great posts. And imagine my delight when I’m one of the posts! Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Ladies, thanks for another great week of inspiring ideas! I’ve taken away a couple of things to try… Happy Independence Day to you and yours!

    Reply
  20. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Hi Ladies, Thanks for hosting this fun party and having me as a guest. The Key Lime Whipper looks delicious and I will be making it for company next week. Have a wonderful 4th!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  21. Debbie@https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    I love your parties, and appreciate all you two do! Happy to link back! Love looking at your stuff and I also love visiting your weekly features!
    Thanks,
    Debbie

    Reply
  22. Shelia says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Hi sweet ladies! Oh, I just love this party and I’m attending today!
    I love seeing all of the wonderful inspirations in Blogland and thank you for hosting.
    Have a wonderful 4th!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  23. Lisa says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Hi ladies! Thank you for being so generous in featuring the key lime whippers! So happy you liked them…I made a batch and added 8oz. cream cheese and I think I like it even BETTER! Happy almost weekend!

    Reply
  24. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Great inspiration and I had seen the first sister’s room, but not those shelves. How great. I need to go check her blog out. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  25. fran @ eleven-o-one says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting. I appreciate the opportunity to share my projects and to find other inspirational sites/projects. You are appreciated.

    Reply
  26. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I have noticed some common courtesy missing big time in real life too. Thank you for hosting this fun party every week. I do enjoy it.xo

    Reply
  27. Emily@LovelyBeasts says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    It’s been awhile but I finally finished my headboard and a little mod podge dome so I can party again! Thanks again for hosting and I appreciate that I don’t have to link to you ahead of time, but understand if you have that requirement in the future. I always link up so it doesn’t bother me! 🙂

    Emily

    Reply
  28. NanaDiana says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    Hi Girls- I am always amazed by the wonderful assortment of different things you get here. It makes it so much fun to see everything from toes to owls! Love it..love all the work you do too. xo Diana

    Reply
  29. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 30, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies!! Have a great weekend!! 🙂

    Reply
  30. Patty says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I try to link up a project here every week (when I have one!) and yes it takes very little time to put the link back to the party host. What I have done to make it easier on me, is I have created a Word doc with all the linky parties I participate in.This way I just cut and paste the address on my blog post. Saves me soooo much time.

    Reply
  31. Annette says

    July 1, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    I am definitely going to check out that recipe! Happy Independence Day!!

    Reply
  32. Anna says

    July 1, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Woo-hoo! Thanks for the feature ladies! I’m honored to be in the features with all those other great posts. 🙂

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  33. Mary Ellen says

    July 1, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Always fun to see what great posts you feature!
    Thank you for the party!

    Reply
  34. Christie says

    July 1, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    I can’t remember if I said it, but the Blog party was such a HUGE success! I know you girls are tired after what…700, 900 submissions…something like that! My head is still spinning trying to keep up!!! It was awesome and have loved so many things you have posted! I keep getting distracted by my kids! What do they think, I am supposed to cook or something weird like that! Love the garden Heather and the spring outfit Vanessa and all the red, white and blue decor! YOu girls ROCK and it is rockin’ over here at the Fence! Where did all the FREE time go this summer that we were all cravin’!!!??? Hope you two are having a great one! Christie

    Reply
  35. Deborah March says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    THANK YOU for hosting. I know this takes a LOT of time to set up, and it’s just WONDERFUL to see all the inspiration at your parties!

    Reply
  36. Maggie says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Hi ladies,
    Joining you At the Picket Fence for the first time today.
    Thanks so much for hosting and gathering all these wonderful blogs together for us to visit.
    Maggie @ Normandy Life

    Reply
  37. Wendy says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Loved the features! Thanks for hosting the party!

    Reply
  38. Traci says

    July 1, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Now I want key lime SOMETHING!! Thanks a lot! LOL!!

    Reply
  39. Kathy says

    July 1, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting – always a lot of fun!
    Kathy

    Reply
  40. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage.com says

    July 1, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Thanks for hostessing, have a wonderful 4th of July!

    Reply
  41. Honey at 2805 says

    July 2, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Hi Girls! Although I didn’t link up this week (and would not want to be late for a party), I wanted you to know that I did stop by for a good dose of inspiration! Have a good weekend and Happy 4th!

    Reply
  42. Kathy says

    July 3, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Thanks I know I appreciate being told what is right when it comes to blogging, posting and linking. I am so new but little by little
    it is becoming less painful. I dearly love the link to Crafter
    Mind. That help clear some fog.
    You girls do a great job and have been a lot of help to me.
    Thanks, I see that it isn’t to late to join your Friday party….now lets see if I can do this right
    Kathy

    Reply
  43. Okio B Designs says

    July 3, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    Thanks so much ladies for including me on your Facebook post!

    Jeanine

    Reply
  44. Stacy says

    July 3, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Vanessa and Heather,

    Ahh! This is so exciting! I am beyond thrilled. Thank you so much for featuring my sister and I. We’re very close and love each other dearly, so it’s fun to visit your blog and see you two have the same kind of relationship. As fellow home decor enthusiasts, we spend lots of time talking about our homes, giving each other ideas and discussing projects. I just returned home from a prolonged visit to Texas and I’m missing my sister terribly already. Thanks for all you do and, once again, we feel honored that you chose to feature our work.

    -Stacy

    Reply
  45. Dayle says

    July 3, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Another great party this week! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply

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Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
.
When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally bloom Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally blooming and I try really hard to not play favorites among the flowers in my garden but these beauties have my heart and bring me so much joy.

What’s bringing you joy today dear friends?
I can’t properly express how much joy it gives m I can’t properly express how much joy it gives me to know that my family loves being home. After a weeklong vacation, we all feel so happy to be back in our haven. As a homemaker in the truest sense of the word (the maker of a home), knowing my husband and children consider this the place where they feel the most relaxed and at peace means all of my intentions and efforts in this area are worthwhile. It’s not perfect and WE are not perfect by a long stretch. But, it’s where we feel the most free to be imperfect. And that makes it pretty wonderful! 🌱
Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made the Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made these last night and they were a big hit! I’ve seen variations of these online but this is my version. So yummy and ready in no time! 
#summerdinner #summerrecipes #grillingseason #grilling #easydinner #easydinnerideas
It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the Willamette Valley! Extreme rain and cooler temperatures followed by extreme heat then back to cloudy and rainy. But the silver lining is that when the sun finally does reappear we definitely don’t take it for granted. My mood is lifting along with the clouds and I’m here for it! ☀️
Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 M Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

May we never take for granted the freedom given to us not by earthly authorities but by the ONE true authority. And may we live in such a way as to honor those who fought for and protect freedom and liberty. 

“Independence Day, freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing thro “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.” Nothing captures the aroma of summer for me quite like jasmine. With my windows open, the whole house is naturally scented and it’s one of my favorite parts of the season.
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
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