I know you’ve heard of the fabulous sisters Vanessa and Heather from the blog At the Picket Fence, but did you know Vanessa is a published author? Do you know what her dream job is, or what traumatic event happened to her in the 4th grade? Still around because you’re about to find out.
These ladies are seriously talented! I am so happy to have Vanessa on the back porch today. Heather had some other commitments and wasn’t able to join us, but we’ll make do. Here’s Vanessa…
Hi there! I’m Vanessa, co-author along with my sister Heather, of the lifestyle blog At the Picket Fence and I’m so thrilled to be joining Anita On the Back Porch today! We’re two sisters, sharing one blog all while living thousands of miles apart.
While you will find a variety of crafts, recipes, party ideas, DIY projects and other inspiration on our site, the common thread among it all is our desire to reflect our hearts in everything. Anita has asked me a few questions and I hope my answers will help you get to know me a bit better and that you might even come over and meet us sometime At the Picket Fence!
![picketfence_20010_thumb[18]](http://www.atthepicketfence.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/picketfence_20010_thumb18.png)
Why did you start a blog?
I am super passionate about homemaking! The true, honest-to-goodness process of making a home. I absolutely love seeing an idea come to life and figuring out just how frugally I can make that happen. I’m also a writer but that passion was dormant for quite awhile as I was elbow-deep in diapers, laundry and sippie cups.
As most moms of younger children know, sometimes we just need a little outlet. A way to connect with other like-minded folks and share our ideas with one another. Blogging seemed to be the perfect way to do that and it has taken me on a completely wonderful and unexpected journey. Not only have I made life-long friends whom I absolutely adore, but I’ve also had incredible opportunities come along!
What was the most exciting thing that has happened to you because of your blog?
Besides the incredible, amazing, awesome, fabulous friendships??? Well, I would have to say that the recent opportunities I’ve had to be published in magazines has been pretty exciting (more like mind-blowing!) and honestly quite surreal! I’ve had articles published in FOLK Magazine and just this week our latest gig was announced. We are thrilled to be contributors for the Celebrating Everyday Life with Jennifer Carroll magazine! I’ve also been privileged to work with some fantastic companies and organizations including being apart of a campaign for LG Appliances which took me all the way to New York City for an exciting weekend at the Food Network Food and Wine Festival and got me a new dishwasher. Craziness, huh?
What is your dream gig?
My dream gig would have to be putting dirty clothes in the hamper only to find them freshly laundered and folded the next day. Oh wait…that wasn’t exactly what you had in mind with that question, was it? It’s always hard to put it out there and just declare what my dream gig would be.
BUT, if Anita is going to twist my arm I would have to say that my dream gig would be to have a book published. Being published in magazines has given me the encouragement to think that the dream might someday become reality. I also love speaking/teaching and wouldn’t mind having the opportunity to do more of that in conjunction with our blog.
What are a few things that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
I always feel tremendously boring when asked these types of questions! I don’t have any hidden talents (unless you count being able to go potty pretty much on demand…too much information?) and I’m still recovering from my failed performance in the 4th grade talent show where I got “gonged” for my lip-synced version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”.
I think maybe readers would be surprised to know that I rock out in the car to AC/DC, dust the baseboards in my house with my socks while I’m wearing them, that I wrestle with worry, fear and insecurity and that I have a basketball trophy which claims I was the best free-throw shooter in 10th grade. There couldn’t have been very stiff competition for that one!
How would you describe your style?
I think I might be a bit of a style mutt. The architecture and design of my home lends to a very traditional feel but I like to bring in touches of French Country with a hint of English charm. That sounds a whole lot better than “mutt”, right?
What are your top 3 favorite posts?
I recently shared my daughter’s Vintage Girl’s Bedroom and that was truly one of my most favorite reveals because it had so many personal details.
I think the next one would have to be my Under Stair Closet Turned Butler’s Pantry. Actually it was more like a wannabe butler’s pantry but since I am the maid, butler, cook and chauffeur all rolled into one I figured I could call this space whatever I wanted, right?
As fun as it is to reveal rooms, share craft ideas and yummy recipes, my most favorite posts of all have been part of my Labor of the Heart and Talking to Your Kids About Adoption Series.
Not only are they obviously very meaningful and poignant to me, but they have allowed me to get to know our readers in a much deeper way. When you share the ups and downs of your own life, others tend to do the same. And having the opportunity to come alongside of, encourage and support each other has blessed me beyond words!
Thank you so much to Anita for having me over On the Back Porch with you today! It has been so much fun and I hope you will come on over and visit us At the Picket Fence sometime!
Isn’t she amazing? I sure hope you’ll check out their blog. I could honestly stay there all day soaking up the fabulous DIY ideas and recipes.
Did you miss any of the interviews on the back porch? You can catch up here.
Isn’t she amazing? I sure hope you’ll check out their blog. I could honestly stay there all day soaking up the fabulous DIY ideas and recipes.
Did you miss any of the interviews on the back porch? You can catch up here.
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Anita- I just LOVE both of these sisters. They are BOTH amazingly talented and wonderful women-xo Diana
Well being on the back porch with Vanessa proves once again we are never really alone in anything….. I’m an AC/DC sock dusting rocker from way back. I also have been known to wet scrub spots off the floor too with socks on my feet, and I’m betting Vanessa has done that as well!
Bliss
I really enjoyed this post!
Just love Vanessa…I love reading hers and Heather’s blog…they are such creative and inspirational people..
Loved this post today, Vanessa and thanks for another great On the Back Porch, Anita…Have a wonderful weekend!
Well… you learn something new every day. I was just wasting time vacuuming the baseboards before I sat down to read…I could have done in with my socks.. Hmm.. wonder if I can make that a workout?!Next time!!
Thanks for this sweet back porch segment ladies.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs, Gee
Love this post On The Back Porch and reading about Vanessa and getting to know more about her. I love their blog it is very inspirational. Thanks.
Cynthia
Anita,
These two Sisters are new to me in the Land of Blog…I must get to know them better!!!
So~o~o glad you’re continuing on this series…
Ladies in the Land of Blog are some of the nicest people in the world!!!
I always come away filled with inspiration!
Fondly,
Pat
Oh! Thank you everyone for you kind and encouraging words!! It is an absolute honor to be here On the Back Porch with Anita today and I so appreciate you coming by and joining us! 🙂
Vanessa
These two sisters are great and have a great blog. How lucky they are to be sharing such an experience together and how fortunate we are to read all their inspiration. It was a pleasure meeting them last year and I hope to see them again this fall.
What a wonderful article! I loved learning more about a woman I admire so much and one whom I’m so proud to count as a contributor to my magazine!! I just keep loving her more, the more I get to know her!!! Thank you also for sharing a link to the magazine! What a treat!!! Hugs, Jennifer
Oh I so enjoyed reading about Vanessa! I was lucky enough to have met Heather recently so I got to know her a bit and can say she is an amazing person and so sweet too!
How excited to be published,a contributor and have amazing style too!
xx
Anne
Loved reading this interview. Vanessa and I have a lot in common! Except for the 4th grade talent show and the basketball trophy. I couldn’t shoot a basket for anything!