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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

October 1, 2011

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 34!

Inspiration Friday Graphic large
Once again, we tip our hats to all of you amazingly talented folks who come over and join us each week!
And, once again, we find it nearly impossible to pick out only a few to highlight.
Before we jump into our Features from last week’s party, we have another copy-cat on our hands!
Vanessa decided to tackle this one so let’s hear about it from her.
Hey guys!
I was wanting to add some fun Fall decor to my kitchen but didn’t want anything overly fussy or something I would have to move around while I prepared meals.

When I saw that Amanda from My Heart’s Desire linked this up to our party last week, I knew it would be just the thing! Simple, fun and just right for a Fall kitchen.
The only items I purchased were the corn kernels and the split peas. The white beans I was planning on using to make some soup but
why make soup with them when you can create something decorative?
I pulled out my simple glass hurricane and loaded it up!
Some fun and whispy orange ribbon tied around the top completed the look.
It was the perfect way to add a touch of Fall to my kitchen island!
Thank you Amanda for sharing this idea with us!
Speaking of Kitchen Islands, here is a recap of what we were up to this week at the Fence.
Did you happen to see Heather’s Kitchen Island Transformation?
If you missed it, hop on over and check it out and if you already saw it, well, you can just hop on over and see it again! Be sure to stay tuned next week for the tutorial on how she accomplished this makeover.
Kitchen Remodel4
Vanessa shared the second of her two Fireplace Mantels all dressed up for Fall, and next week she will be sharing a fun fall craft perfect for the kiddos in your life!
And now, let’s check out those Features from last week’s party!
picketfence_20010
We knew we would like Rachael from House of Noise…I Mean Boys right away when the first few lines of her post referenced Anne of Green Gables! We could pretty much quote every single word of those books/movies so we like to think that we are now kindred spirits with Rachael.
Her gorgeous fall leaf garland was just the icing on the cake in our book!
Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs showed us how to make this gorgeous wool pillow out of an old sweater! She claims she shrunk her hubby’s sweater by accident
but we suspect she knew all along it would make a beautiful Fall pillow. 😉
She also includes a fantastic tutorial for making that beautiful sunflower embellishment.
We adore this Pumpkin Spice Yarn Wreath that Katie Little Things Bring Smiles shared with us!
Doesn’t it just make you think of cool, crip days and the colors of Autumn.
Or, if you are like us it makes you think of a Pumpkin Spice Latte…
with a dollop of whipped cream of course!
When Sherry from No Minimalist Here shared this DIY $4.00 Chalk Paint, we were beyond impressed!
Who knew we had a paint-ologist among us?
Sherry came up with her own formula for a version of the uber-popular Chalk Paint and we think it is an absolutely wonderful alternative for those of us whose budgets aren’t quite ready to try out the original version. Or, if perhaps you are wanting to create your own unique and custom colors.
It is obvious from this vanity how beautifully it works!
We are suckers for little girls in tutus so this next one really caught our eye!
Mrs. G Growing Up Gardner shared this No Sew Pumpkin “TuTutorial” and while we think it is beyond adorable, we are pretty sure her darling daughter stole the show!
Thank you to all of our features this week as well as to all of you who share your amazing ideas, projects and inspiration with us each and every week! If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in our sidebar!

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!
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:

stuffandnonsense
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 try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows and especially during the busy summer months, sometimes we miss some 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!
We would love to recommend this fabulous post over at Crafter Minds for a quick tutorial on partying at a linky party! We couldn’t say it better ourselves! “Linky Party Like a Dinner Party?”


This Inspiration Friday Party is brought to you by our Newest Sponsor.
We are so thrilled to be partnering with Ann from:

Stay tuned to see more from her incredible new Esty Shop and a fabulous upcoming Giveaway!

 

52 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « A Tale of Two Mantels…Part Two
Next Post: A Labor of the Heart Part 6 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bella Vista Cottage says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Love the hurricanes….so festive.

    Thanks so much for hosting.

    Barb

    Reply
  2. Maury says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! The candles look great. I might have to steal that idea for my dining room centerpiece!

    Reply
  3. andrea says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Wow, those are super selections for features! I really love the pumpkin tutu! If my daughter sees it online, she will be wantin’ it! The kitchen island came out great! Love the styling on your photography for it. Thanks for hosting, andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  4. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Thanks for sharing such greatness, and thanks for hosting such a fun partay!

    Reply
  5. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls:) Martina

    Reply
  6. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    I love the lentils! Such clever girlies!

    Reply
  7. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Great features. That tutu is so cute. Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend.

    Reply
  8. Poppy says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Loving the hurricanes dressed up for fall, will make a perfect addition for a autumn tablescape. Fabulous features as always,enjoying all the creative links here. Heather’s kitchen island transformation is so very impressive… and she is a “beauty” indeed! I love the combination of the white beadboard panels and the dark walnut counter…looks gorgeous like you see on the pages of a magazine! The caddy with the silver ware and greenery makes everything picture perfect. A job well done! Thanks for being our gracious hostess tonight. Have a great weekend!~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  9. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    I love the hurricane idea. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  10. Ginger Zuck says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Fabulous Features! WOW… Thanks for hosting this party. It’s aways fun and very learn lots of stuff!

    Reply
  11. Natasha @ Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365 says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks so much for having me today. Happy Friday!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  12. NanaDiana says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Really cute hurricane. I have to tell you- somehow I had missed that post about chalk paint earlier so thanks for that link! Great job you are doing! xo Diana

    Reply
  13. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I’m linked in! What great features!

    Reply
  14. Debra @ Common Ground says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    love, love, love these jars with all the fall goodies layered! just linked up, thanks for doing the honors! xoxo

    Reply
  15. Katie says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    LOVE these features! I just love fall! Your copycat vase looks awesome! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  16. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Thanks a million for the plug and thanks for hosting. I’ve already been to a few links. Awesome inspiration…have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  17. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    Vanessa and Heather,

    Love your inspirational parties; thanks so much for hosting.

    My contribution this week is a simple “how to” for working with what we refer to as the “vexing and dastardly double D-ring hangers” that so often are placed on the back of large pictures or mirrors. I hope to inspire others to be fearless in selecting those items to hang, because the process can be made quite simple!

    And, if I can also try to inspire on a slightly more weighty topic, I appreciate your time … National Fire Safety and Prevention week will start Oct 9 this year. A primary goal of this event is increased fire safety awareness and education. I have a giveaway in process on my blog in support of the upcoming event / week in the hopes that some folks will review or learn new fire safety information.

    Robin
    happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. Sherry says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    Your hurricanes look very pretty for fall. Love the kitchen island! Very nice features! Thanks for having us over! Happy Fall!
    Sherry

    Reply
  19. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Hey Heather & Vanessa! Hope you ladies have a great week. Some great features this wee. And the island Heather, just wow! Thanks for hosting. Your party is soo much fun. = )

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  20. Stuff and Nonsense says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    adore the features and
    of course
    that gorgeous new kitchen island

    all linked up girls!

    alison

    Reply
  21. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    Hello ladies,
    LOVE Heather’s island…Mr.CC has gotta see this one!!! I also saw those colorful bean/candle display and want to do me some here at my nest.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  22. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Hi Ladies, Thank you so much for featuring my vanity and DIY chalk paint. I enjoy looking at all the inspiration here and appreciate you hosting this party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  23. Judy says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Great features. I have got to try the thing with the corn and beans. Love the fall colors. Thanks for being great hosts.

    Reply
  24. Tres Chere says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

    Reply
  25. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Thanks for hosting girls. Love the Fall hurricanes! Have a fabulous weekend.

    Reply
  26. Something Nice and Pretty says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting love visiting everyone and joining in on the party!

    Reply
  27. Kerry Rossow says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Jeesh, this is an awesome link up of talent!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com

    Reply
  28. Ginger Zuck says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    Adore your hurricane creations! Love and hugs!

    Reply
  29. Shelia says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hi ladies! Oh, this is the cutest hurricane! You did good!
    Thanks for hosting,
    shelia 😉

    Reply
  30. Sue says

    September 30, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    When I made my apothecary jars last year, it took a ton of beans and lentils! Yours looks so pretty with the wispy ribbon. 🙂
    Glad I could link up this week. Now that the yard is finally done, I’ll have more time to play around my interiors! LOL I am so behind- last year I rushed it and had everything up in August! Just a wee bit early….

    Reply
  31. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 29, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Hi girls!!
    We have a couple of the same features this week~ lol!! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  32. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    September 29, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Hi! Thank you very much for featuring my pillow! Going to have to shrink another wool sweater soon…. 😉
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  33. Rachael says

    September 30, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Thank you so much for the feature! And I really enjoyed looking at everyone else’s amazing things. So much fun and inspiration out here in blogland! – RM

    Reply
  34. Tina´s PicStory says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    I like this corn in the glass. nice idea 🙂

    Reply
  35. Shabbily By The Sea says

    September 30, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    That little vanity is gorgeous,i have got to try making some chalk paint,the inspiration out here is mind blowing,
    Have a great weekend x

    Reply
  36. Junky Vagabond says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Yay! I love to have stuff to link up 🙂 Thanks for hosting; I always look forward to looking for new inspiration.

    Reply
  37. Amanda says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Oh.My.Goodness! I am about to pop with excitement seeing my hurricanes featured!! Thank you, and I do love your version!!
    As always, I, too, love this linky for great ideas that make me “think outside the box!”
    Love
    Amanda

    Reply
  38. Bootersmom03 says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Looking forward to seeing all the great projects! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  39. Beth says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting! Can’t wait to look through all the links!

    Reply
  40. Marcia - Crafty Sewing and Quilting says

    September 30, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    Thanks Vanessa and Heather for Hosting! This is my third week to join you! Enjoying hopping around to get all sorts of inspiration! Thanks!

    Reply
  41. Becca says

    September 30, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Love the layered hurricanes! Perfect Fall colors … looks beautiful! I did only the corn in two of mine and layered beans and peas in one of my canisters. Ya got me thinking (AGAIN) that I need to add more layers to my little old corn! And, thanks for hosting, friends … I crashed twice this week. Ooopsie. xoxo

    Reply
  42. Debbie says

    September 30, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    Love the dried beans and corn. I’m planning to do something like that. Is that POP corn, or did you actually find dried corn some place? I like that!

    Reply
  43. Marla and Steve @ Always Nesting says

    September 30, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Great photos! Love the clarity. Thanks for hosting another successful party! I’m stepping away from home decor and touching into personal decor today.

    Reply
  44. CAS says

    September 30, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Thanks, as always, Vanessa & Heather, for hosting these wonderful parties.
    🙂 CAS

    Reply
  45. Val says

    September 30, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Incredible features…..very inspiring!!! =))

    Reply
  46. Honey at 2805 says

    September 30, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Terrific features! Thanks so much fo being gracious hostesses!

    Reply
  47. Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale says

    September 30, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    this party is getting so big these days! 🙂
    heather, your kitchen is fabulous…great job!
    thanks to you both for hosting each week…there’s so much inspiration to be found here!!

    Reply
  48. Ivy and Elephants says

    October 1, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    The vanity is so adorable and fabulously done. Thanks for the wonderful features and for hosting this wonderful Friday shin dig!

    Paula

    Reply
  49. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    October 1, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Another amazing week of projects, ladies! (How did we get to Week #34 already?!!!) Hope you both have a fantastic weekend.

    Reply
  50. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    October 1, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    So many blogs, so little time! I am so impressed and inspired!

    Reply
  51. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    October 2, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    I’m late but I’m here – that’s what counts right 😉 I have been dying to try that $4 chalk paint concoction from Sherry. Can’t beat $4!

    Reply
  52. classic • casual • home says

    October 3, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    SOOOO much lovely creativity.

    Reply

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“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

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.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
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