From the Front Porch
Happy Thursday from the front porch, you guys! How has your week been? We hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend and you are continuing to make lots of memories this summer with your friends, family members, loved ones and neighbors.
Thoughts From Our Week…
Last week and part of this week has been a bit of a blur for us after the loss of our sweet Jelly Bean. We kept vacillating between wanting to be productive cleaning, purging and organizing all the things to no motivation or energy at all. We can’t say thank you enough for the love, support and encouragement you guys have showered on us during this time. It totally blows me away, thank you!
We’ve been able to give ourselves permission to rest despite it all. I slept for nearly two days which I NEVER do unless I have the flu. I think I’ve finally accepted that after being a caregiver for over 2 years, it’s normal to feel totally exhausted.
I’m also realizing that finding our way back to “normal” is a process in and of itself. One of my friends suggested we continue to ask ourselves throughout the day, “What do you need?” and then to give ourselves whatever that need may be.
I was kind of skeptical at first, but I gave it an honest go and it really helped. Another thing that helped was a trick I learned from my brother in law. During S’s accident and months of recovery, he would send me text messages that would say, “What is one thing I can do to make your life better or easier today?”
Using his “one thing technique” really helped us to focus and narrow down one single action-oriented item that could be done to assist us in our grief. We didn’t have to figure out the entire day or feel the pressure of being productive for an entire week, we just focused on one thing that would help us get through the day no matter how big or small it was.
Loss of any kind is not an easy thing to have to go through as you guys know, but I’m glad this is at least a safe space where we can talk about it and share. Despite the heartaches, we really do have so many gifts to be thankful for.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
This holiday house by the sea in Iceland is a bit moodier than my usual style but it’s every bit as cozy and inviting.
This farmhouse kitchen in Sweden is every bit as fabulous as you would think it would be.
Speaking of which, what do you guys think of this cabin idea? I mean all that glass is amazing, right?
So many people I know are trying to wrap up late summer and early fall vacation plans right now. These places are both so gorgeous, they would make you want to hop on a plane or a boat today:
Dark to light before and after home makeovers never cease to amaze me and this one does not disappoint.
IKEA hacks are some of my favorite hacks because the creativity always blows me away. If you’re short on closet space, this Billy Bookcase hack is gorgeous!
How Writing a To Do List Every Week Changed My Life
101 Ways to Fight Climate Change
10 Things You Won’t Believe are Made Out of Recycled Water Bottles
The Inkey List is launching a new affordable skincare line at Sephora and everything is under $12!
Speaking of launch news, these two can do no wrong I swear! What will they think of next?
Quote of the Week & Free Printable…
On the Menu this Week…
**(Just as a sweet reminder the person that makes the menu doesn’t eat beef or pork so keep that in mind when you see this feature each week, wink wink)**
*Week of July 15 – July 21
Monday – 30 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen
Tuesday – 20 Minute Blackened Shrimp Fajitas
Wednesday – Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Thursday – Vegan Lasagna
Friday – Caribbean Chicken and Rice Lettuce Wraps
Saturday – Chickpea Spinach and Chorizo Frittata
Sunday – Whole Grain Linguine with Salmon and Asparagus
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
Easy Healthy Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Here are a few Garden Inspired Finds We Spotted on Amazon This Week…
**(Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
If You’ve Missed Anything on The Blog Lately, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…
When Love Shows Up on Easter Sunday
White Washing Terracotta Pots with Chalk Paint
How to Organize Your Kitchen Into Work Friendly Zones (from the archives)
52 Weeks to a Simplified & Organized Home Challenge…
If you’re part of our 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge we’re completing Week 28 Garden Supplies and/or your Potting Shed and looking forward to completing Week 29 Garage, Attic or Basement.
*** Keep in mind, if you’re new to this challenge or have gotten behind for whatever reason, simply pick up on the current week and start again. You don’t have to be perfect, just don’t stay stuck! This challenge is all about making progress no matter how big or small. ***
TCG Housekeeping Notes…
- We’re in the process of working on Fall and holiday related content so if there is something specific you want to see please let us know!
- The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on July 12th for cardholders and it’s open to everyone else starting on July 19th! If you’re new to the sale or missed out on something because it sold out early last year, this post, offers 8 tips for shopping the sale.
- The Amazon Prime Day Sales starts on July 15th for Prime members and ends on July 17th. You can read our post above for more information.
I have a new decorating book I’m excited to dive into this weekend and I’ll be making some time to clean out the garage as well. We’re set to be out of town for the next two weekends this month so I’m trying to catch up on as many things as I can before we leave. Whatever you have planned I hope it’s something you’re excited about too. I can’t wait to see you back here next week. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Great posts again this week Coco. I had to laugh at the pink water hose. Only you would be able to find that. I love those pink earrings too and that house in Iceland is gorgeous. Have a great weekend
I’m glad you liked those too, Sarah! The minute I saw them I thought,”I need to call Santa!” ha ha. I hope you and the girls have a great weekend as well, CoCo
So very hard to hear of the loss of your dog, Jelly Bean, Coco. I’ve been traveling a lot this summer and I’ve been reading but haven’t had the extra time to comment. I hope each day will get better as the weeks go by. I know you loved Jelly Bean a lot and it is difficult to lose someone you love. Sending you love and light, Bonnie
I really appreciate it, Bonnie, thank you so much. It’s definitely been hard these past couple of weeks without her. We miss her dearly and appreciate your kind words and prayers. Hugs, CoCo