From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends. Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!
If you had a chance to read Monday’s post, you know I spent an extra-long weekend at Bliss Barracks with my Mom as it marked a milestone anniversary of her parent’s passing.
Even though I promised myself I would not travel for the entire month of March because we had traveled so much from October through February, the thought of my Mom spending the weekend by herself was just too much for me.
Since my Dad had recently finished building a hutch top for the buffet at Loblolly and I needed to paint it anyway, I told my Mom to make a unicorn list of all the things she wanted to do while I was visiting.
There wasn’t a single thing on the list that was wild or outrageous.
We created Easter vignettes and streamlined some of her spring décor, watched a movie (Marry Me) in the actual theater, ate off my Granny’s china, hit the treasure trail, got caught in the rain, laughed at my Dad’s bad Dad jokes (he has plenty), shared slices of pie at a place she’d heard of but had never been, ate lunch on the water, shopped Restoration Hardware, grabbed lattes and magazines, took the photo’s for Monday’s post during a tornado watch, and celebrated the latest news from my Aunt’s (her sister) oncologist appointment.
I also squeezed in enough time to paint the hutch. It took me 6 hours because the weather would not cooperate. I still haven’t seen it in good light because it rained the entire time I was there.
But instead of getting frustrated things didn’t go quite as planned, I decided the only thing I was bringing home other than a bag of laundry I had amassed were the pockets of happiness we had intentionally carved out each day.
Tiny joy-filled moments on an anniversary weekend that would have otherwise been incredibly difficult.
I know finding happiness in the midst of chaos is not always easy. Those little gifts will always be there for us though as long as we’re willing to stop, look and listen.
Zoom Call Update…
In last week’s From the Front Porch post, I invited you to be a part of a Zoom call with me on Monday, March 21st at 4 pm EST. I’ve already heard from several of you that the call is scheduled during your work time and some of you are also on Spring Break which I totally get!
For those of you who are on the fence because you’ve gained weight during the pandemic (me too!), feel your house is not “Zoom ready” (No judgment at all – our laundry room is undergoing a renovation right now and there is so much stuff in our dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook I’m starting to wonder if I’ll get a Spring home tour done in time), or don’t feel like you’re “good on camera” (me either!) please don’t let that hold you back.
We have an incredible group of ladies (and a few guys too) who leave the kindest and most thoughtful comments and I truly believe we can all learn something valuable from each other.
There are 2 spots left so hit reply to this email and let me know if you want in. We would love to have you!
PS: This is me with frizzy hair and no makeup in the morning – you have nothing to worry about 😆
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…
***On the off chance, you’re reading this post earlier than 10 am CST Miss Mustard Seed is having an original art sale this morning. 25% of the gross sales will benefit Samaritan’s Purse specifically for the emergency field hospital they are setting up in Lviv to help those injured in the war in Ukraine. Her paintings usually sell out fast but it’s such a worthwhile cause I definitely wanted to make sure you knew about it.***
This gorgeous chalet has me longing for a place in the mountains.
The beautiful portfolio of Leah Atkins Design
A Family Home That Evokes the Warmth & Charm of a Country Estate
There are so many things to love about this Montecito cottage, but the outdoor dining area stole my heart immediately.
Have you seen Rachel’s Terra Cotta Pot Spring Wreath yet? I swear, I have no idea how she comes up with these things but I’m so thankful she shares her talent with us.
Speaking of talent, Michelle made this super cute bunny topiary and I’m in love.
These mini-gardens are stunning!
Speaking of gardens, I just pinned these garden-inspired Easter eggs.
Fresh Ideas to Make the Most of Your Garden Shed
This gorgeous wedding is filled with beautiful Spring tablescape and floral arrangement ideas
I No Longer Sit At Tables Where I Might Be The Topic of Conversation When I Get Up (YES, YES, YES to this entire post!)
How to Stop Comparing Yourself to People On The Internet (this real-life vs IG life post was such a good one from Christina)
I Made These 5 Wellness Changes for Spring and I’m Already Feeling 10X Better (these are making a big difference for me too)
LOVE the print on this beautiful robe! (the napkins, placemats, shams, and cosmetic case are really pretty too)
Words to Live By…
Books of the Month and Devotion to Read This Quarter…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate and an Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- January – Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff (STILL obsessed with this book even though we read it in January! We’re even doing the quarter/half dollar challenge and I’m kind of shocked at how well it is working)
- February – Master of One: Find and Focus on the Work You Were Created to Do by Jordan Raynor (I don’t know if my expectations were too high or what but it kinda fell flat for me)
- March – Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free No Stress Way Transform Your Home and Your Life by Allie Casazza (if you get overwhelmed by beautifully organized spaces with matching bins and expertly arranged books, you’ll love this one. It gives you a step by step process on how to declutter for the way you actually live without feeling like things need to be rule-focused or perfect.)
- Courageous Influence: Embrace the Way God Made You for Impact (I have so many highlighted pages and prayers from this book. It was such a great way to start each morning and I’m excited about the other books in this series too)
On the Menu this Week…
Week of March 20th – March 27th
- 03/20 Sunday: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
- 03/21 Monday: Crab, Asparagus and Leek Quiche
- 03/22 Tuesday: Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna with a Mexican side salad
- 03/23 Wednesday: Blackened Salmon Salad
- 03/24 Thursday: Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup
- 03/25 Friday: Ranch Turkey Burgers with a side of broccoli
- 03/26 Saturday: Sheet Pan Fried Rice
- 03/27 Sunday: Chicken Pesto Pasta with an Italian side salad
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
Neutral and Spring Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate and an Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
(Each week we choose these affiliate links with you in mind and provide them for your convenience. Some of these items I’ve purchased or gifted, some of them have been recommended by fellow bloggers, friends, or family members. Sometimes I share things I have in my cart but haven’t received yet and sometimes I share things that have caught my eye, I think are pretty, and you will enjoy. Given the quality of an item can be viewed as subjective from one person to another, please be sure to read the information provided by each link so you can make an informed and educated decision.
As always, thanks so much for shopping the links that help support the blog and enable us to continue to provide free content for all to enjoy.)
Plaid Shirt * Plate * Earrings * Nude Slip
Jasmine Perfume * Dress (have and love in Black) * Candle (have and love) * Branches
Garden Caddy * The Gift of Home (April’s Book of the Month) * White Shirt * Pillow Covers
Biodegradable Toothbrush * Napkins * Shadow (have and love in Crème Brulee) * Striped Pants
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
3 Quick and Easy Easter Vignette Ideas
How to Create a Simple Easter Basket Centerpiece
Budget-Friendly Cottage Inspired Bathroom Makeover Reveal
Spring Cleaning and Organizing Task List Made Easy
March Bucket List…
- Celebrate Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Piper’s Adoption Day
- Decorate the House for Spring
- Finish the Jack and Jill Bathroom
- Replant Container Gardens on the Front Porch
- Shop for Easter Basket Gifts
- Buy New Bra and Panty Sets
- Get a Fresh Haircut
- Yoga Before Bed
- Continue Quarter Challenge
- Read the book of the month
- Keep Sundays sacred
March Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Master Bedroom and Bathroom
- 03/05 – Master Bedroom
- 03/12 – Master Bedroom Drawers
- 03/19 – Master Bedroom Closet & Accessories
- 03/26 – Master Bathroom Cabinets and Countertops
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 03/20 – First Day of Spring
- 04/01 – Buy Birthday and Special Occasion Gifts and Cards
- 04/10 – Palm Sunday, Siblings Day
- 04/11 – National Pet Day
- 04/15 – Good Friday
- 04/17 – Easter Sunday
- 04/18 – Tax Day (US)
- 04/22 – Earth Day
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Coco,
I loved reading about your time with your mom. So many great shares this week and I certainly appreciate you for sharing my wreath. You are so kind and your support is so appreciated.
You are so welcome, Rachel! I know I say this every week (and I mean it every week) you never cease to amaze me with your time, talent, and energy. I love your style so much and the way you put things together is always super creative too. We are beyond blessed you share your talents with us! Big hugs for a fabulous weekend, CoCo
Hi, friend! Thanks for posting a real-life pic of yourself. That takes courage (that I don’t actually have yet).
Happy spring to you!
You are too kind, Corrie, thank you! I hope I never make our real-life or blogging life look easy. We definitely have our ups and downs and frizzy hair/messy room moments just like everyone else 😉 Sending you big hugs for a beautiful spring as well, CoCo
Hi Coco, I have so enjoyed reading this post…(again..) and I do love to mosey round other peoples homes, its so wonderful and inspiring, gives me so many ideas, although my home is so tiny compared, but thats ok, its home.
Love to read about your family trips, nice that your all so close I like that and that China wear is gorgeous, the one with the rosebuds reminds me of my grandmother, a tea set from long ago, I think somewhere I may still have a cup and saucer, so pretty.
Thanks so much for all the work you put into this, your such a lovely person and BTW you look sweet in your morning photo.
Stay safe…hugs Janette.xxxx
You’re always so sweet to support these posts, Janette, thank you so much. We’ve lived in lots of different houses over the years big ones and small ones and I agree with you it never gets old seeing how other people decorate and celebrate their lives. My childhood home, Loblolly is one of the smallest we’ve ever lived but it still has our hearts. I’m thankful my family is within driving distance so we can all be together. It definitely takes work because we all have such different personalities but the effort is worth it. Moms definitely don’t get the credit they deserve for being the glue that holds the family together. I love that you still have pieces from your grandmother’s set – that is so cool! Sending you lots of hugs for a happy and joy-filled week, CoCo
You’re weekend with your mum sounds absolutely amazing!! What fun!! I’m trying to plan a weekend getaway for my mom’s bday in April! Hopefully ours is as successful!! Ps messy hair or not you are beautiful inside and out!! Hugs!
That is going to be so exciting, Christine! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip. I know you guys are going to have so much fun celebrating her birthday. My Mom still says the best part of the trip was that we were all together. Wishing you all the best as you begin planning something special. Big hugs, CoCo PS: Can you believe I have to comb that stuff every day 😂
What a sweet daughter you are, CoCo. SO wonderful that you had that time together. xo Laura
Thank you, Laura! We had a great time making memories together. I definitely think my grandparents would have given their stamp of approval on the weekend. Hope yours was a special one too, CoCo