From the Front Porch
Hello sweet friends and welcome to the Goodbye July, Hello August edition of this weekly series.
How has your month been?
I hope it’s been all that you’ve needed it to be.
Recently, we unexpectedly found ourselves back in the mountains.
While we normally stay at the cabin, this time, we stayed at a family property we lovingly call The Treehouse so we could be closer to the hospital.
The day had been an exceptionally long one given we had spent much of it in the ICU and by the time we got home I was laser focused on getting into my coziest pajamas and relaxing.
I had just sat down on the edge of the bed to take my shoes off when I heard, “Get your shoes on! You have to come out here!”
I freely admit, I let out a heavy sigh hoping the excitement could wait because I was running on empty.
Besides, we had already had way more “excitement” than I had planned that day.
As I opened the door and started looking out over the property I didn’t see anything of note.
“Stand on the deck and just wait, you’ll love it, I promise,” I heard in the dark.
Not wanting to disappoint, I closed the door and allowed the stillness of the night to envelop me completely.
A few moments later, there were fireflies everywhere.
Tiny symbols of hope amid a stary summer sky that seemed to say, “I’m still here lighting your way.”
It’s been a few weeks since that delightful moment of joy, but I’ve thought about it often.
I’ve also thought about what a blessing it is to know our paths are being lit with glimmers of hope and our lives divinely orchestrated amid difficult circumstances.
So, as we get ready to say goodbye to one month and welcome another, I encourage you to look for glimmers of hope, moments of joy, sparks of unwavering love, and pockets of perfect peace.
Because you truly never know what tiny beautiful gifts are waiting for you even when things seem dark.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- I could get lost in the beautiful details of the Pillement House by Laura Design Co.
- I can’t believe the Zachary Way Project is a new build. The team at Alex Adamsom Design did an amazing job adding so many layers of character and charm.
- Have you seen this Cozy English Cottage Space by Ashley Montgomery yet? It’s dreamy!
- Can we all agree that Bria Hammel needs a design book already? I hope she includes this gorgeous Charleston House.
- What I Learned About Interior Design from Staging Homes (via The Good Trade – These are great tips even if you’re not staging your home to sell)
Seasonal Inspiration and Design Ideas:
- Can’t wait to make these cute bouquets Anna from Sky Lark House recently shared.
- My parents took all the littles to the Bahamas and this shell art from Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse, this decorative box from Anna at Sky Lark House and these ornaments from Susan of Home with Grace and Joy would be such a special way to remember their time together.
- Carrying these no-churn recipes from Elizabeth of Pinecones and Acorns into August. They all look delicious!
- Speaking of ice cream, this ice cream social party from Mary of Life at Bella Terra would be a fun to way celebrate back to school or the end of summer.
- This picnic idea from Jillian Harris is super cute.
- This post, August Adventure: Summer’s Not Over from Kim of Cottage in the Mitten was such a great reminder there’s still time!
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 7 Reasons You Should Always Start Your Day with Protein, According to Registered Dietitians (via Real Simple)
- 11 Little Ways to Fall Back in Love with Reading (via Self)
- 60 Summer Dinner Ideas (via The Everymom)
Style and Travel Inspiration:
- 8 Elegant Outfits for Women That Radiate Confidence (via My Chic Obsession)
- The Best Everyday Foundations for Mature Skin (via Stphanie Marie)
- 27 Most Beautiful Places to Travel in Europe (via CN Traveler)
Pep Talks and Gentle Reminders:
- Loved this gentle reminder post Different Days, from a Cup of Jo, artist Ruth Chan. It was exactly what I needed this week.
- And this pep talk from KristiDoingThings on YouTube, This Scripture Taught Me How to Live Privileged: How to Stop Chasing, Hoarding and Feeling Behind,
If You’ve Missed Anything From the Blog or the Archives Lately, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Organizing an Intentional and Purpose Filled August
Elevating the Art of Everyday Living: Simple Hacks, Refined Rituals and Little Luxuries
Peach Inspired Summer Tablescape (and Summer Blog Hop)
Simple Summer Flower Arrangement Ideas
Shopping Notes…
**(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)
- Polka Dot Dress (5 different colors and such a cute style)
- Earrings (7 colors to choose from and can be easily dressed up or down)
- Cardigan (3 colors to choose from and a classic style)
- Satchel Bag (a simple bag that will easily transition from spring to fall)
- Pearl Earrings (have, love and wear all the time)
- White Skirt (have in the polka dot as well and get so many compliments)
- Ballet Flats (14 colors to choose from including a sparkly black mesh)
- Shirt Dress (9 colors to choose from, easy to cuff sleeves to multiple lengths and add a belt)
- Plus Cardi (3 colors to choose from with sizes ranging XXS-5X)
- Wedges (have and love in ballet beige, 9 colors to choose from)
- Trench (5 colors to choose from)
- Hoops (silver and yellow gold plus 2 different sizes to choose from and a fun pop of sparkle)
- Tote (has multiple pockets and zips)
- Black Dress (my size is already sold out but wanted to share in case yours is still available)
- Silver Earrings (have gold ones similar to these and wear them all the time)
- Plaid Skirt (comes in 24 colors, including blush and one with bows)
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 love your story of the fireflies! That warms my heart. It’s those little moments of joy and hope and delight, when we’re tired or sad or stressed, that can give us just what we need, that show us that God is with us.
Thank you!
LeAnne
Thank you so much, LeAnne. No matter how I old I get or how long I’ve been on this faith journey it still catches me by surprise at how on time He is with little moments of hope like that. They’re such a gift! Sending you hugs and loved catching up on your travel content. You take the best photographs! Hugs, CoCo
I absolutely loved your firefly story. Sometimes the greatest treasures in life only come when we allow ourselves to be a little uncomfortable. Also, your article about elevating the art of everyday living was amazing. Thank you for sharing these lovely ideas!
I appreciate you so much, Heidi, thank you for your kind words. Big hugs, CoCo
Simple gifts from nature are so of the most special and rewarding. Hugs and prayers.
Coco, I just loved your story of the fireflies. A beautiful reminder that there is always joy amidst the hard times. Fireflies have always been a special memory of my childhood and now I’m catching them in mason jars with my granddaughters. Thanks so much for sharing my August adventures! Here’s to beautiful memories and joy seeking in August! xo
Aren’t fireflies the most interesting little creatures? I’ve loved watching them ever since I was a child, seeing how they bring a little light to the darkness! I hope you have a lovely month!
Coco- Fireflies are one of my favorite things on this earth. They are a big reason I decided to move to the east coast. (The ability to grow peonies is another) Thank you for reminding us there are sparks of beauty and joy when we least expect it. Especially when we are running on empty. Thank you also for sharing my post on dried flowers! 💚 Now I am heading home to recharge my own batteries.
CoCo, my husband LOVES fireflies. Growing up in Connecticut they were everywhere during the summer. Such little sparks of hope. We do not have fireflies here in Arizona. I wonder why….Miss them and when we go back east in the summer, we look for them on our journey.
I can honesty say that reading your posts is just a dose of therapy. I always feel enriched and relaxed at the end. You have a gift. Hugs to you for sharing my ice cream social party and I am now going back to all your links to see where they lead me. Have a beautiful week.