From the Front Porch
Happy Sunday from the front porch, you guys. We hope your first full week of August has been a fabulous one. We completely understand it’s not always easy to try and balance enjoying the last of the lazy days of summer with all things back to school.
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard the words (or some form of them).….
“Summer just flew by this year!”
I mean, it seems like everyone from the doctor’s office to the grocery store to friends on social media are talking about it.
Have you guys noticed that too?
I’ll freely admit, they’re right. Summer did seem to fly by this year.
The thing is, it’s not over quite yet. My friend, Chloe from Create and Decorate just wrote a great post on how to hold onto summer a little bit longer if you’re still looking for ways to celebrate.
While it would be super easy to skip over the next few weeks and jump right into fall there is definitely something to be said for taking a breath to enjoy and celebrate the transition from one season to the next.
This goes for decorating and transitioning your house too. It’s totally ok to leave the house bare for a hot minute while you reset the intentions you have for yourself and your home.
In fact, I encourage it! That way, you’ll have a fresh and clean palette when you’re ready to start decorating for Fall.
TCG: Behind the Scenes…
It’s been another productive week for us, and I can’t even tell you what a blessing it is. I remember the days I was running on a few hours of sleep trying to balance S’s physical therapy appointments, family demands and a to-do list that was longer than a CVS receipt.
During that time, I had to be super intentional with my time and I’ll be honest it wasn’t easy. Everything felt important and I can be a perfectionist. I put a ton of pressure on myself because I didn’t want to drop the ball on anything.
But I was gently reminded during a recent blog coaching session and in my planner group as well, of this simple truth bomb…
August is such a great month for getting crystal clear on your priorities, goals and intentions.
Give yourself permission today to keep doing things those things that are working best for you and to stop doing the things that no longer serve your needs or the needs of your family or your business.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
This designer’s portfolio is seriously so stunning!
A 1930s Fixer-Upper Gets a Much-Needed Makeover
This updated home inspired by the English countryside is really beautiful. And guess what? There’s not a white kitchen cabinet in sight!
These are the best lavender fields to visit in the UK according to House and Garden Magazine.
Love, love, love the gorgeous products from this talented lady.
The Seamstresses Who Helped Put a Man on the Moon
What to Pack for Paris in the Fall
If you’re a royal style watcher (I’m obsessed too), you’ll love this instagram account!
28 Life Hacks You Won’t Believe Nobody Told You About Until Now
The Simple Productivity Hack for Getting More Done in Less Time
Not sure what’s in season during the month of August? This list will make it easy for you.
A helpful guide on how to make ocean friendly choices when it comes to consuming seafood
Quote of the Week and 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 August 12 – August 18
Monday – Grilled Shrimp with Marinated Feta-Beet Salad
Tuesday – Mexican Chicken Quinoa Casserole
Wednesday – Spicy Lime Chicken Salad
Thursday – Summer Corn Chowder
Friday – Blackened Salmon Burgers with Herb Cream Cheese and side of sweet potato fries
Saturday – Grilled Chicken with 20 Minute Greek Pasta Salad
Sunday – Roasted Lemon Artichoke and Brown Butter Pasta
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream
Here are a few French Farmhouse Inspired Finds We Spotted on Amazon This Week…
**(Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
The Gift of Gathering (so excited for Bre, release Date October 1, 2019)
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or on The Blog Lately, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…
How to Make a Lavender Topiary and Summer Celebration Blog Hop
Country House Painted Accent Chairs
The Easiest Way to Organize Your Refrigerator and Pantry
9 Quick and Easy Ways to Find Fall Inspiration
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 32 Back to School Supplies and Emergency Contact Lists and looking forward to working on Week 33 Decluttering Toys and Games.
*** 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 & Upcoming Posts…
If you follow The Crowned Goat on Instagram, I shared a sneak peek of our breakfast nook refresh. I’ll share the rest of the details next week but we’re really excited about the way it all came together. Neutrals for the win ?
I’ll also be sharing one of the most common questions I get when I’m working with family members, friends, neighbors and clients on projects – where can I get reasonably priced vintage inspired art?
And as soon as I’m able to go through all the pictures, I’ll share our experience from 2019 The Southern Living Idea House. It was amazing in every way!
We’ll be kicking off the week with a birthday celebration later today and the first day of school for the last 2 littles tomorrow. There is currently a piece of furniture waiting to be painted in my entry and we’re hoping to make a final decision on the new color palette for several Bliss Barracks makeovers too. Whatever you have planned for the week I hope it’s something you’re excited about too. We can’t wait to share our new posts with you! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
This is one of my favorite posts from the entire week Coco. It feels like the one place I can catch up on everything after a busy week and now I can grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the whole thing before the girls wake up on Sunday. Thanks
You are so very welcome, Sarah, we aim to please! Good luck with the girls this week. I know the first day and week of school is exciting and bittersweet all at the same time. Hugs, CoCo
I always enjoy, and look forward to, your weekly From the Front Porch 🙂 Thanks Coco!
I really appreciate it, Anne! They’re a lot of fun to put together. Hope your day has been a fun one. Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement. Hugs, CoCo
Another great week Coco. I cant wait to see how the breakfast nook comes together. I love the home tours and amazon finds this week too.
Thanks so much, Bonnie, I’m really glad you liked everything this week. These posts are always so much fun to put together. Hugs, CoCo
Hey CoCo – so excited that you saw the Crane Island house! It is just beautiful. Our friend Bambi is traveling there next week. A tad jealous of you two LOL. We are definitely not wanting to hold onto summer…even a little HAHAHA.This summer has provided record-breaking heat and humidity in our neck of the woods. We say – bring on the flannel and pumpkin spice lattes STAT. Much love!
She is going to love it! They’ve literally thought of everything with this house. We’re all still talking about how gorgeous it was and what a great time we had. I’m so excited for her. Hugs, CoCo