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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

April 27, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 62!

 
Inspiration Friday Graphic1

Is anyone else totally flabbergasted that we are nearing the end of April already?
And if you are a Southern Gal (Heather) then you know what the end of April means.
That’s right! The Kentucky Derby!
And if you aren’t a Southern Gal (Vanessa), then it just means you have an excuse to wear a big hat and drink a yummy cocktail for no apparent reason. Woo hoo!

In honor of Derby Week, At the Picket Fence will be teaming up with these fabulous ladies to celebrate in high style.
So be sure to visit them all week long as they share how they pay homage to this Southern tradition.
At next week’s Inspiration Friday Party, Heather will be sharing 2 of her favorite “Derby” recipes!

 

We also wanted you to be sure to “Save the Date” for this upcoming event:
 

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It’s a great way to connect with other Bloggers and maybe make a few new friends!

Now, how about some Features from last week’s party?
 

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INSPIRED ROOMS

You truly have to go see this gorgeous Dining Room Transformation from Serendipity! It has so many incredible details and you simply must see that chandelier up close. Besides, when you see the ‘before’ photos you will appreciate this ‘after’ even more!
 
Our friend Ange, a.k.a. The Blooming Hydrangea, shared the darling Vintage Inspired Bedroom  she created for her daughter.
We love that adorable yellow bed and the embroidery hoop artwork hanging over it!

 
 
MAKEOVERS

Carmel from Our Fifth House shared yet another rockin’ transformation when she took basic white bookcases from boring to beautiful! Chalkboard paint backing and fabulous trim detail add to the charm of this piece gracing her daughter’s room.
This Filing Cabinet turned Bar from Smallgood Hearth is so clever and cool! We could totally see Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware knocking this off! 
 

Linda from The Studio of Decorative Arts showed us how she gave her white fireplace mantel and surround a brand new look with gold leaf details and antiquing. Just gorgeous!

CRAFTS AND CREATIONS

This beautiful Convex Mirror from Suzy at Worthing Court helped complete her lovely dining room makeover and she shares a wonderful tutorial on how she made this! 

 
We love the simple beauty of this Decorative Rope Knot from Mindy at Heart Maine Home. And she made hers for only $9 as opposed to the high price tags for the same piece at Ballards or Restoration Hardware. Well done Mindy!

 
  We love this Baseball Wreath from The Pinterest Project! And you don’t have to be a Phillies fan to try this one. Just adapt it to your favorite team! How cute would this be for Little League?!
 
 
 
 
RECIPES AND PARTIES

Anita of Cedar Hill Ranch shared with us the details from her stunning Wildflower Party which was held on her equally stunning property. She has the magic touch for sure!

These  Coconut Macaroons from A Pinch of Joy look so divine and we think they would make the perfect addition to a Mother’s Day brunch!
Coconut Macaroons 
 
INSPIRING STORIES
 
 Laurie from Heaven’s Walk shared with us the blessings she found in the simplicity of one day’s activities. Of course she did it in the only way she knows how…with heartfelt words and beautiful photos!

 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located on our Buttons Page found under our header!
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!
Are you following us on
Pinterest
We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
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:
Fridays Unfolded
vif187


Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • 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 on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • 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 sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!

    And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity! Below are some great options!
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Facebook Page
Pinterest
This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:


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Where you can find cool vintage pieces like these:

65 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « Boy’s Room Mini Makeover
Next Post: A post about prom and living out your faith…on this Simply Sunday »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tina says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Great features. Thank you so much for hosting.

    Reply
  2. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Love the dining room feature. Great colors, decor, and everything. Those knots are great too. Thanks for hosting Inspiration Friday!
    Angie

    Reply
  3. Renonda says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    We lived in Louisville for five years. I miss the time leading up to the Derby. The days before Thunder usually had the planes practicing their stunts over our house.

    Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  4. CREATIVE MIND says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Thanks for hosting another party! I m going to ad my link 🙂
    love ~

    Reply
  5. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    My sister is there…I’m totally going to follow along with you cute girls and your Derby style!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  6. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Hello Ladies,
    Your upcoming events sound absolutely wonderful! I am amazed that in a few short days it will be May – so much going on in that month too! Your features are wonderful! I do appreciate you hosting!
    God Bless,
    Kathy

    Reply
  7. Debbiedoo's says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    You girls have some serious fun coming up! Thanks for hosting. So much inspiration for sure out here! Enjoy your weekend.

    Reply
  8. Cherished Bliss says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  9. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Great features and thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  10. How to Nest for Less says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    Thanks for hosting again girls!! Love the features. Now I need to go make a baseball wreath!!!

    Reply
  11. Little Bit says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    Thanks girls for hosting an always amazing party! Little Bit

    Reply
  12. Laurel@chippingwithcharm says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Hello ladies 🙂 Fun features…I am in love with that filing cabinat bar…so clever! Thanks for hosting!! Laurel

    Reply
  13. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Super features! LOVE that dining room. It’s a stunner. Wow.
    Thanks for hosting girls. Have a SUPAH weekend =) Shannon

    Reply
  14. Calypso In The Country says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    Great features – I love that dining room! Yes, it was so funny that we both posted boys bedrooms this week! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  15. Good Time Charlie says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Oh my that bookcase! So fun on the Derby happenings next week, looking forward to reading about it. Happy almost weekend! -K

    Reply
  16. Eclectically Vintage says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    That filing cabinet bar – I want it!!

    And that wreath would be perfect for my two little softball players!

    Hope to see all you ladies in your finest (and biggest) hats to celebrate the Derby!
    Kelly

    Reply
  17. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Wonderful choices!

    Thank you for hosting a wonderful linky party!

    Reply
  18. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls!

    Reply
  19. Janel@hatingmartha says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    Thank you for hosting, so glad I had something to link!

    Reply
  20. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    The features for last week’s party are awesome! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  21. Marty Oravetz says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Fabulous features. I love that dining room, so pretty. Thanks for hosting. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  22. reFresh reStyle says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Thanks for hosting, I can’t wait to see the magazine! Thats all I can think of, I’m so excited for you!
    Have a great weekend!
    Debbie

    Reply
  23. Stuff and Nonsense says

    April 26, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    we only shared one
    feature today
    but i almost chose a couple
    more that you have here

    love them all
    and all linked up
    with my sourdough starter and bread

    thanks for hosting
    and have a wonderful weekend!

    alison

    Reply
  24. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    April 26, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    These are all wonderful features! Thanks so much for hosting each week!

    Reply
  25. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    April 26, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting. As always, great feature choices.

    Reply
  26. Becca says

    April 26, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Wonderful features! Thanks for hosting each week you two!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  27. FABBY'S LIVING says

    April 26, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Nice features. Thank you for hostessing once more. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  28. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 26, 2012 at 11:37 PM

    Hi Ladies, Great features this week. Thank you for hosting.
    xo, Sherry

    Reply
  29. Anne says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    Wow, so many talented bloggers out there! Great features!

    Thanks for hosting!!
    xox

    Reply
  30. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    Happy Friday Ladies :)Great features and thanks for hosting!
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

    Reply
  31. Kerry Rossow says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Fantastic features, as always!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  32. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    Incredible features…loved the convex mirror. I am late again but happy I’m here. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  33. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  34. Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:43 AM

    Thank you so much for the great party, ladies!!

    Reply
  35. Daniela says

    April 27, 2012 at 2:07 AM

    First time linking on your blog! Nicely done!
    https://frugalaintcheap.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  36. Something Nice and Pretty says

    April 27, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    Thanks for hosting such a fun party and I love the colorful bedroom!

    Reply
  37. Bliss says

    April 27, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    I always have to pic a fav, so I’m gonna pick….. yeah gotta go with the filing cabinet bar.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  38. Jody and Stan says

    April 27, 2012 at 2:49 AM

    Thanks for hosting a great party! Great Features…

    Jody

    Reply
  39. ~Tablescapes By Diane~ says

    April 27, 2012 at 3:23 AM

    Hi lovely lady.
    Thanks so much for hosting your linky party tonight.
    Your Features are great. I hope you and your family have a wonderful week.
    XXOO Diane

    Reply
  40. Richella says

    April 27, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    Hi girls! I’m Link #199–I’m running behind today because my youngest has been home sick, but I made it! I linked up my guest room reveal–I’m so happy with how it turned out. Now I just need to get some other projects finished and photographed! 🙂

    Thank you so much for hosting. I’m so glad to know y’all!

    Reply
  41. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    April 27, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Hello ladies! Well, well Miss Heather, congratulations on your BHG photo shoot. That is soo exciting!! Look where all your hard work got you. : ) And Miss Vanessa, your son’s room turned out great! I love all the details. That gear clock is soo cool. Thank you soo much for hosting!! Have a great weekend. =)

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  42. Meegan says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Hey cute girls!
    Thanks for hosting and sharing amazing features with us. The baseball wreath is awesome!
    Meegan@what meegan makes

    Reply
  43. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures says

    April 27, 2012 at 5:11 AM

    What wonderful features you chose. There’s something about that old filing cabinet that really makes me smile:-) Thank you so much for hosting!

    Reply
  44. Natural Mothers Network says

    April 27, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    Hi- thanks for hosting! Enjoy a great week! Rebecca@ Natural Mothers Network ( Seasonal Celebration) x

    Reply
  45. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    Vanessa and Heather, thanks for featuring the ranch. It’s an honor to be featured here on your totally awesome, fab blog. You always have the best party too! Party on Ladies!

    Reply
  46. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    Morning, ladies! Great features this week! (as always) I’ve linked up two super easy old fashioned homestyle recipes today… meatloaf and oven roasted potatoes. Thanks for hosting another fun and fabulous Inspiration Friday! Have a totally awesome weekend! ~Mary

    Reply
  47. Catherine {Stone and Rose} says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    Thank you for hosting! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  48. Liz Fourez says

    April 27, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    I agree, where did April go?? Thank you so much for hosting this week. I’m linking up some ceramic tile coasters this week. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  49. Pattie @ On Hollyhock Farm says

    April 27, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    Hi, I found your blog so informative and interesting that I have nominated it for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please check it out on my post, https://myblog-bratti.blogspot.com/2012/04/versatile-blogger-award.html
    Pattie

    Reply
  50. Laurel Stephens says

    April 27, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    I just love your eclectic and unusual finds, and look forward to seeing them each week. Thank you for hosting today’s party.

    Reply
  51. Janis@All Things Beautiful says

    April 27, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Appreciate you hosting this week! Love those features and can’t wait to check them out!

    Reply
  52. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    April 27, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Thanks for the shout out! Love all of your features and can’t wait to hear more about the BH&G shoot!! Happy Weekend to you girls!

    Reply
  53. Candy says

    April 27, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    I’ve just found your party and linked up. THANKS so much for hosting. Now Im going back up to browse through your pages. Im now following you and hope you’ll visit me at PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot.com and follow back?? THANKS AGAIN.

    Reply
  54. Carla Aston says

    April 27, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Thanks for hosting the party. Lovely features this week.

    Reply
  55. Charlene@APinchofJoy says

    April 28, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Delightful Coconut Macaroons! I’m delighted and honored! Thanks for hosting — have a great weekend!

    Reply
  56. Sherry says

    April 28, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  57. Angie says

    April 28, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    I just found your blog and I love it! I linked up for the first time and I’m a new follower. Congrats on your BHG photo shoot!

    Reply
  58. Melissa @ Loving this {crazy} life! says

    April 28, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I hope you pass by my blog and link up to my linky party which starts on Thursdays. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  59. Mindy @ Heart Maine Home says

    May 8, 2012 at 11:57 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my rope knot!! I love being part of your party and seeing the inspiration you and everyone else shares. Thank you for hosting every week!

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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