From the Front Porch

Some of you might know this already because you’ve been with me from the beginning (hi Vee), but if you’re new to the TCG community (welcome), you may not know that I am endlessly fascinated by people who live extraordinary lives.

How Lewis Hamilton can get in an F1 racing car and drive over 200 mph when I can’t even ride to the grocery store without getting clammy hands because my anxiety in the car gets the best of me sometimes is beyond me.

Or how Simone Biles had the courage to start a global conversation on mental health at the Olympics while dealing with the twisties still amazes me.

I can’t even comprehend what it must be like to work on cancer research knowing that progress isn’t measured in days but in years.

Or the grit it takes to persevere as an aid worker in the Middle East right now.  

Before you think an extraordinary life is out of reach for you because these people are famous and you aren’t though, I want you to know that each and every day you’re surrounded by people who have already made the conscious decision to step into the lead role of their lives.

The bus driver who is determined each passenger will be treated with dignity and respect no matter what they look like or how they present themselves.

The nurse who refuses to give up on a patient and pulls a double shift.  

The teacher who didn’t give up on a student with learning disabilities which decades later allowed that same student to become a leading expert in the tech industry.  

The son who left the family business to become one of the highest-ranking military officers in his home state.

The daughter who grew up with an unstable father and very little money who went on to become a millionaire and retire early.

Or the boy with a heart of service and a powerful message who didn’t let frequent teasing and a difficult stutter hold him back from becoming one of the most beloved elected officials in his hometown.

While you could easily argue these people have all been born with natural gifts and talents, make no mistake, they still made the *daily* decision to rise above the doubts, overcome the obstacles, and use their passion as fuel to get out of bed and live an extraordinary life.   

So, as we prepare to move into what promises to be a busy holiday season, I encourage you to think about what an extraordinary life would look like to you.

Are you taking steps now that your future self will thank you for later or does your comfort zone keep you stuck?

Do you embody lead role energy, or have you allowed yourself to become so small you barely recognize the person you used to be or dream of becoming one day?

Are you carving out time for things you enjoy or are you allowing others to dictate your schedule to the point that you’re so tired you no longer show up for the people you love in a way you’re proud of any more?

I don’t ask these questions to pry, believe me, I’ve taken inventory myself this week.

I only ask because I want the best for you.

I want you to create a life you love.

One that encourages you to find wisdom in the highest peaks possible and everyday glory in the valleys.

One that holds space for your dreams and your dirty dishes.

Does it take work?

Absolutely.

But I fully believe you’ve already been equipped with exactly what you need to take the next steps.

That way, when an opportunity for an extraordinary life presents itself, you’ll find the courage to lean into the lead role created just for you.

And, maybe just maybe, you’ll even steward that role for future generations to enjoy.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on.

A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• Look through the portfolio of Purple Cherry on the biggest screen you can find, it’s all so stunning.
• How to Decorate in English Country Style (via Interior Design Info)
• English Country Home Tour (via Ali Henrie Design)
• The Rise of the Unfitted Kitchen (via Cottonwood Co)
• Have you seen Dear Lillie’s Billie Bookcase Library Hack yet? It’s fabulous!

Seasonal Inspiration:

• Rachel’s post on How to Make a Foraged Oak Leaves Wreath for Fall the Easy Way was so beautiful.
• Speaking of beautiful, I loved the way Michele used an unexpected color on her Thanksgiving tablescape.
• Wait until you see how Nicolle created this pumpkin baked brie. It’s almost too pretty to eat!
• 15 Easy Fall Vignette Ideas (via Tidbits and Twine – I pinned so many of these!)
• Now is such a great time to start crafting for the holidays. Kim recently created these Pottery Barn-inspired tartan photo frames and it made me want to run to the store for supplies!

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• The One-Minute Rule That Will Help You Keep Your Home Neat and Tidy (via Vogue – this works!)
• How to Politely Decline an Invitation (via Apartment Therapy – such helpful tips)
• What You Don’t See (this was a great reminder from The New Happy)

Style Inspiration:

• 15 of the Best Fall Fashion Trends From Paris (via Everyday Parisian)
• 17 Ways You’re Making Your Outfits Look Cheap (via Strawberry Chic)
• How to Apply Corrector and Concealer (if you have dark circles and mature skin)

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• A really pretty gift idea
• I feel like Ralph Lauren made all three of these for me and I know you’ll adore them too.
• Carrying a crossbody bag when you’re out treasure-hunting makes things so much easier. Love this inexpensive style in black and green!

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…

Feels Like Home Fall Tablescape

How to Make a Blessings Leaf, Garland, or Wreath

How to Create a Thanksgiving Vignette (Fall Tray Blog Hop)

Salted Caramel Pumpie Pie Gooey Bars (Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop with 12 additional recipes)

and here is our Halloween Inspired From the Front Porch post from last week in case you missed it…

Organizing the Week Ahead…

Words to Live By:

Dates to Celebrate:

• 10/29 National Cat Day
• 10/31 Halloween
• 11/01 Buy Birthday and Special Occasion Gifts and Cards
• 11/05 Daylight Savings Time Ends (Remember to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors)

Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:

• 10/29 Create Winter and Holiday Bucket List

3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:

• Sip on Hot Apple Cider
• Find a New Leaf Peeping Trail
• Support Indigenous People and Organizations

November Menu Ideas:

• November Menu Ideas

Late Fall and Thanksgiving Essentials We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…

(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and 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 to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

Sweater * Tablecloth * Moss Ribbon * Turkey Place Cards

Crossbody Bag * Mockneck * Serving Tray * Wine Ribbon

Book * Gold Hoops * Sweater * Wreath

 Placemats * Polish * Slippers * Mohair Cardigan

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