Simple Spring Porch Tour
Today, we’re excited to share our simple spring porch tour as part of the Easter’s On Its Way Blog Hop hosted by the always creative Amber of Follow the Yellow Brick Home.
If you’re coming over from my sweet friend, Julie of My Wee Abode welcome, we’re happy to have you here. Didn’t you love her Easter placecards? She’s so talented!
An Opportunity To Rise…
Given everything that’s happening right now, I was really on the fence about whether I should even bother celebrating Spring on the front porch this year.
Before we started social distancing, we had already started sprinkling a bit of Spring around the house with projects that were all quick and easy.
I’ll freely admit, it’s been hard to feel motivated and creative as of late, which is really not like me at all. Most of the time, I have a list a mile long filled with goals to reach and a constant fire to get as much accomplished as I possibly can.
After dealing with the loss of my grandparents and S’s accident back to back, I just knew this year was going to be different. I believed we were finally going to have the freedom to do and enjoy those things we had been putting off for years while recovering.
And yet, here we are again.
Another opportunity to rise to a challenge we never saw coming.
Gratitude During Social Distancing…
Like most of you, we’ve been finding small ways here and there to celebrate our home and our time social distancing. It hasn’t always been easy, especially the second week.
But we’re making the most of it with bucket lists, teatime check ins, interesting meals and lots of calls to our family and friends.
Every morning when I wake up, I try to start the day with a grateful heart.
I know that might sound kind of woo-woo but I’ve literally trained myself while I’m still in bed to think of things I’m grateful for before my feet even hit the floor.
My gratitude list used to be big things like reaching a specific financial goal, finalizing new contracts, or receiving blessings I had not even asked for.
Lately though, they’ve become so small.
Tiny things I had not even taken the time to notice before because I was so caught up in the big things.
Things like the way the leaves on our oak trees are donning the prettiest spring green right now. The night we had a bad thunderstorm and woke up to unexpected chilly temperatures the next day.
How my nephew called to play an April Fools trick on me this week and the sound of his voice speaking so enthusiastically the words tumbled out of his brain faster than he could get them out of his mouth.
The funny memes my baby sister sends me, and the pictures of her stress breakouts followed by pictures of a DIY mask treatment she found on Pinterest to try.
Such small mundane things I would have brushed aside before, now feel like golden nuggets of sunshine that lift my spirits daily.
Simple Spring Porch Inspiration…
The weekend before we started self-isolating, we drove to Lowes to pick up a few plants for the front porch.
As I’ve shared in the past, we love all kinds of plants and flowers but struggle with horrible allergies. So, we usually have a mix of real and faux flowers around the house.
Still, it was the beginning of March and I was so excited to welcome Spring. I envisioned a simple Spring porch with lots of pink and white plants.
It seemed kind of frivolous at the time. But being able to potter around the porch has been more life giving than I could have imagined.
Especially, now.
I know we’re all trying to navigate a new normal and to find ways each day to keep our spirits up.
And as someone who thrives on routines and goals, I know firsthand how the constant uncertainty, distractions and interruptions can easily knock us off our game if we let it.
But the thing I keep reminding myself is that this time of social distancing is going to pass no matter how we choose to spend it.
Spring has arrived at our front door and its given us all an invitation to welcome it in a fresh way.
Finding The Things That Make a Difference Each Day…
So, as you embrace the new day to day think about those things big and small things that are making a difference in your life.
Then do more of them.
Maybe it’s a bubble bath each night that’s helping to keep your sanity. Or baking bread for your friend and neighbors.
Perhaps it’s setting up a work area that will help you feel more effective each day.
Or maybe it’s taking the time to dream about a project you’ve suddenly had to put off.
Your home and wellbeing have never been more important than they are right now. So, cherish the time you’ve been given.
Afterall, Spring only comes once a year and hope can always be found on the horizon.
Even on the days, it feels hard.
Simple Spring Porch Tour & Easter’s On Its Way Blog Hop…
Let us know if you plan to create a simple Spring porch this season and the things that are giving you joy!
Be sure to check out the fantastic Kelly of The Tattered Pew who is up next on the Easter’s On Its Way Blog Hop. You’ll love her meaningful Easter ideas for families.
And don’t miss all the other fabulous and creative Easter inspiration the rest of the ladies on the tour are sharing too…
A Few Other Spring Inspired Posts You Might Enjoy…
- Simple Spring Grapevine Wreath
- Spring Dough Bowl Centerpiece
- 18 Quick & Easy Spring DIY Projects
- Spring Flowers Inspired Tablescape & Blog Hop
- Spring Inspiration: Mini-Coconut Bundt Cakes
[sign off]
Many blessings,
CoCo
CoCo your Spring porch is absolutely breathtaking. I would love to sit out there and enjoy every inch of the décor. Very pretty. Thanks for sharing. Happy Spring!
I really appreciate it, Terrie, thank you so much! It’s definitely been a fun place to escape to as of late especially since the weather here as been so pretty. Hugs for a happy day, CoCo
Your spring decor is so lovely, CoCo. The hardest part of staying home has been not being with my family! We keep in touch by phone a lot and I got a Skype app…that has helped. I’ve really been using the time as an opportunity to do a lot of the things I’ve been wanting to do, but haven’t done.
I know just what you mean, Linda! Not being with family has definitely been hard for sure. The first week felt totally doable, the second week was super hard. The third week we were hanging in there. But now that we know it’s going to be at least another 30 days it’s helped us to better set our expectation and I think we’re on the upswing 🙂 Thinking of you and your family and hoping you guys are all safe and well. We’re going to make it! Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo, I am totally with you in making the small things magnified now. I have always loved Spring as my favorite season, and I want to savor every blue sky, leaf or flower bud, and the chance to see them another day. We have strictly observed social distancing since March 13, and will continue as long as necessary. Your porch is a calm respite to the world surrounding, with thriving plants oblivious to the concerns around. This gives everyone a chance to realize that we make our homes comfortable and safe for ourselves first and foremost. Being able to share with others through a blogging platform is certainly a gift. Thanks for opening your present with us today! Happy Easter.
Such sweet and kind words I needed to hear today, Rita, thank you. It’s gotten so much better now that we know we’re going to be at this another 30 days because we can set our expectations now. I keep thinking about everything our grandparents had to go through during WW II and this is nowhere even close. It has not been easy but it’s nothing compared to what they endured for us. We’re definitely blessed. Sending you hugs and hoping you and your family are all safe and well, coCo
Coco, your spring porch is so inviting and I love the thoughts you shared about gratitude, which are especially relevant in these uncertain times. Happy & healthy Easter! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much, Cecilia, I really appreciate it. Gratitude is definitely getting us through on a daily basis 🙂 Thinking of you and your family. Be well and safe, CoCo
Beautiful, CoCo! Thanks for the encouraging words – I’ve had a few times that tears have flowed, but trying to stay positive – this too, will pass! XO
As always you inspire me. From your thoughts of gratefulness before your feet hit the floor to finding joy in the little things, you make me smile. I know 2021 is far away but I hope it’s your year. You deserve it sweet friend. Still love that cozy porch and I’m glad you decided to springity it! 😉 Happy Easter too!
You are too good to me, Cindy, thank you! Being grateful everyday is definitely helping us to keep it all in perspective. We live in a home we love, the weather has been fantastic and the stores are being stocked with fresh supplies so we are absolutely blessed. All those little things are making the big things that much easier to handle 🙂 Sending you hugs and hoping you and your family are all well and safe. I loved seeing the girls on horseback and your gorgeous blue blooms tour too!
Spring and fall is when I wish I had a porch like yours CoCo. So lovely to have a pretty spot to sit surrounded by potted flowers, and enjoying the fresh air. Your table decorations are stunning. Love the dough bowl with flowers and the rabbits. Pinning of course! Stay well my friend!
Thank you, Michelle! Spring and Fall are definitely our two favorite seasons as well. Most of the time I think I about changing things up on the porch by adding lots of rocking chairs, urns and porch swings. But then I walk outside and water all these plants and I totally change my mind 🙂 Sending you lots of hugs for a safe and happy Easter season, CoCo
Coco,
Your porch is absolutely stunning!! Love the soft colors and seating area.
It’s going to be an odd Easter for all. Enjoy your porch.
Cindy
So sweet of you to say, Cindy, thank you! This porch has been a huge blessing while social distancing. This Easter will be definitely be something we won’t ever forget. Sending you hugs and hoping you and your family are all well and safe, CoCo
Coco, I want to come and sit upon your porch! You put me to shame with all of your lovely pots of plants! I LOVE cabbages as decorative plants and yours are so sweet in their little pots. The display of soft pastel florals and your tall and regal bunnies is fantastic! I wish I had more faux flowers to enhance my porch now! I hope you find joy in this Easter season!
You’re so sweet Chloe, thank you! Your porch is always so amazing. I love everything you do. Those little cabbages are growing like crazy now. We’ve had those since the winter season but I wish they sold them all year 🙂 Sending you lots of hugs for a happy Easter season, CoCo
I love this. I agree completely. Instead of worrying about what I can’t change. I’m thinking about having peace. 2019 was a hard year. I was hoping this one would be easier too. I love your porch. It’s beautiful.
I know just what you mean, Katie! Every time I think about what I want to be happening instead of what is really happening, I remind myself this is how we become stronger and build resiliency. It’s hard to go through and even harder to grow through it at times but there is a purpose and a season to everything. Sending you hugs and hoping your Easter is a memorable one and your season is filled with blessings, CoCo
What a gorgeous porch! An attitude of gratitude is priceless.
Thank you, Laura! Gratitude changes everything 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
This is such a beautiful post! I’ve noticed that I’ve started paying more attention to the little details a lot more this year. The cool, crisp mornings and the pops of color springing to life seem so much brighter. Your porch is beautiful decorated for spring. I could sit out there with a good book all day!
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Such sweet and kind words, Michelle, thank you! I’m almost embarrassed to say how many small things I haven’t taken the time to notice over the years out of being busy. Slowing down a bit during this time of social distancing has definitely been a gift. Sending you hugs and prayers and hoping you and your family are all safe too, CoCo
CoCo your joy is contagious! I loved your idea of finding something to be thankful for everyday. This shelter in place is not easy but I am thankful for the encouragement and beauty you so freely share. Easter blessings my friend!
I really appreciate that Kelly, thank you! I feel like we had a bit of a head start on social distancing since S’s accident and recovery took such a long time so I’m happy to pass along anything and everything that can help make things better. There will definitely be some hard days ahead but there will also be days filled with beautiful memories we’ll cherish for years to come. Hang in there! Sending you hugs and hoping you and your family have a blessed Easter season. Hugs, CoCo
I loved reading your thoughts on being more grateful for the little things in life now that we are all living in social isolation. Living with cancer for 3 years and 3+ months has taught me to appreciate every single minute of every single day.
I loved every picture you shared of your gorgeous spring porch. I can imagine how much you enjoy sitting out there to relax and enjoy the beauty of spring. It’s always a pleasure to visit your blog!
Such sweet and thoughtful words, Paula, thank you. I appreciate it so much. Being in social isolation is going to change so much about our lives both presently and in the future too. The days have not always been easy but the opportunity to slow down and cultivate what’s really important has been a huge blessing. Sending you lots of hugs and continued thanks for your health and support, CoCo
Your porch is just gorgeous, CoCo… but I enjoyed reading your post of thankfulness even more (though I did go back and look through the pictures, again!) 😉 Love your heart, and would love to know how old your nephew is, and what the joke was! 😉 Hugs, and pinned, of course! (Thanks for the kinds words at the beginning, too!)
Thanks so much, Julie! Our porch is always fun to decorate and a place to spend quiet time too. My nephew is 8 and he nearly gave me a heart attack! He said that there was a weird guy looking in his window (they use this creepy decal for Halloween) and that he called the cops because he couldn’t find his parents (both of which are currently working from home). He was talking 90 to nothing (which he does when telling jokes and stories) so I calmly asked him a few questions while grabbing another phone to call my parents who are closer in proximity than I am. I was in the middle of telling him my parents were on their way when he shouted “April Fools” much like you do when you yell “Happy Birthday” at a surprise party 🙂 He then proceeded to ask me why some Easter bunnies wore sneakers and others had “paws” for feet because he had discovered that “google answers questions and has pictures too” so…then there’s that 🙂 This will definitely be an Easter season we’ll never forget. Lots of hugs, CoCo
Your porch is so pretty and inviting, and I adore that wreath.
I really appreciate it, Marty, thank you so much! Hugs, CoCo
Your porch looks so inviting and relaxing! I love the color palette. Love the wreath on the door with the little nest too!
Thank you, Angelina! The porch is always a fun space to put together and that wreath was super easy to make too. Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Coco, Your porch is so welcoming for spring. I kept a gratitude journal for many years and it’s amazing all we can find to be grateful for, even on a very bad day. I love your thinking of being positive during these trying times.
This is the first year, I’ve had quiet time and journaled with consistency and it’s made such a huge difference. It’s almost like you have to replace a negative thought will a grateful thought immediately so it doesn’t take hold and disrupt your day. It’s not always easy but I’m so thankful to have discovered it works. I love that you’ve kept a gratitude journal for many years. It makes me want to keep going too 🙂 Hugs, CoCo
Your porch is always a favorite! I love both sides and would probably go back and forth between both sides all day long. I love your terra cotta pots by the front door and your beautiful wreath!
Thank you so much, Kristin. I’ve actually thought of putting a porch swing on one end but then I look at these pictures and change my mind 🙂 We were set to build out our potting shed and a tiny she shed before all this started but have since had to delay it all. So until then, I’ll just be refining my plans and watering these plants. Sending you hugs, CoCo
EVERYTHING. YOU. SAID!!!!!
I feel the same way, oh how the Lord is blessing our spirits and redirecting our focus to what’s important! I honestly am grateful for this trial, I don’t ever want to go back to taking the little things for granted and obsessing about the big future finanical plans (this world is NOT our home!) What matters is how we connect with others, how we love one another!
I love your beautiful spring porch. It seems you and I were both a week ahead and were able to get some plants before all of this went down. I have spent nearly every free minute outside, puttering around on my porch and in the yard. I even wrote a post about violets you might enjoy, it’s on my featured posts scroll across the top of my blog.
Thanks for sharing your candid thoughts and gorgeous spring porch.
Happy Easter!
So glad you like this post, Amber! I really appreciate you bringing all of us together. These ladies are all amazing inside and out. This season has been such an interesting one and I agree with you wholeheartedly that it’s been a blessing in ways we never could have imagined. I look at everything differently now which I hope will stay with me for years to come. I can’t wait to check out your violets post. I definitely miss being able to go to the nursery to pick up plants but I’m thankful to have a porch that gives us peace. It’s amazing to know that even when you can’t see the seeds forming and taking shape, we always have the promise of beautiful blooms. Sending you hugs and thank yous, CoCo
Your post is so uplifting, CoCo, every photo of your porch and pretty blooms really lifts my soul. Coincidentally, we are redoing our porch at the lakehouse. Plans and work are stalled right now, but you’ve given me so much inspiration. We have the same white wicker furniture and I so love the way you’ve added those soft pillows and the throw.
Stay safe and well,
Jane?
That is so exciting to hear, Jane! I love everything you do so I’m super excited to see how your porch comes together. I often think about changing things up on the porch by adding lots of rocking chairs, urns and porch swings. But then I look at these posts from the different seasons and totally change my mind 🙂 Thinking of you and your family. I hope you guys are all safe and well. Sending you lots of hugs for a blessed and happy Easter season, CoCo
CoCo, I cannot begin to express what a well-written, candid and uplifting post I found this. Such an enjoyable read! As beautiful and as much as I enjoyed seeing your lovely porch, it was your words that touched me. You articulated many of my feelings. Finding meaning and joy in other ways. My two adult sons live in hard-hit Manhattan and central, historic district of Philly. One is volunteering on weekends (while working from home 10-12 hours daily) to use his healthcare administrative expertise at a pop-up Covid 19 hospital — I worry about them providing him protective gear. The other is working nearly round-the-clock hours (also from his apartment) as operations director for a global bank with offices around the world. And, it’s coming up on the anniversary of my dad’s passing. So it’s hard. But, I’m counting my blessing, keeping active, and trying to do my own small part.
Your spring porch is darling! I can’t imagine not having it smiling at everyone like it does. Little things like this make me happy and I can not let them slide by. Have a Happy Easter!
hugs,
Jann
Thank you so much, Jann! We appreciate this space most of the year but especially now given everything that’s going on in the world. It’s such a sweet escape from it all! Hope you and your family are all safe and well, hugs, CoCo
Coco, thank you so much for sharing your honest feelings and thoughts, which echo so much my own. I love how you decorate your lovely porch and I can imagine sitting out there in spring and thinking and praying about our current situation. Keep up with creating your beautiful settings for us all to enjoy. Happy Easter.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Carol! I know we’re all just trying to do the best we can given the current climate. And if there are two things we need right now in addition to prayer, it’s encouragement and kindness which will always be perfect no matter what the season 🙂 Sending you hugs and hoping you and your family are all safe and well. Hugs, CoCo
Coco, your porch is so lovely. It must be heavenly to sit outdoors and enjoy it.
Love the softness and the pastels. I am featuring your beautiful porch today at Love Your Creativity. Happy Easter Coco. Hugs
That is so sweet of you, Linda and such a special Easter surprise too! We enjoy the porch almost every day anyway but it’s especially become comforting given everything that’s going on in the world right now 🙂 Sending you hugs and thank yous and hoping you and your family had a blessed Easter weekend, CoCo
Lovely spring porch that is perfect for relaxing on comfy pillows and enjoying the gorgeous decor.
Happy Spring,
Kippi
Hi Coco, I’m so embarrassed that I didn’t comment on your post sooner, maybe I just needed to see and read it today. I love all your beautiful plantings that make your porch so calming and relaxing. I grew up in an old farmhouse that had a huge wraparound porch and we would spend so much time there. your bunny floral centerpiece in the doughbowl is just gorgeous. Love those pinks! I’m featuring your post this evening at All About Home. thanks so much for partying with us!
Beautiful Tour! Thanks for sharing with us at Charming Home and Garden Link Party.
Rachel
I really appreciate it, Rachel, thank you so much!
CoCo,
Your porch posts are always inspiring, and this one especially so. I love all the planted pots around your front door. The swing is so inviting, and the table arrangements just beautiful
Happy Spring, my friend. Keep looking for the bright spots in every day.
Judith
Thank you so much, Judith! I’m so thankful we have this space to be able to relax in during this time. It’s definitely helped with the cabin fever 🙂 Sending you hugs and hoping you and your family are all safe and well. Hugs, CoCo
CoCo, your post is filled with such inspiration and beauty. Everything looks so beautiful and welcoming! Wishing you a joyful spring, my friend!