From the Front Porch
Happy Sunday from the front porch. We hope your week has been fantastic. We’re excited to be a part of your day today!
A Heart to Heart…
Before we get into this week’s favorite things, I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and sweet comments on our Thanksgiving Blog Hop post.
I was SO close to not even writing that post for a million different reasons. Mostly because I would never want to seem ungrateful for having a big family.
They make our lives richer on a daily basis in ways we could never imagine.
But I also don’t want to sugarcoat things or pretend the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year” for everyone either.
I know first hand that is simply not the case.
The holidays can bring up all sorts of feelings. Especially, if you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one or if you’re grieving a situation that has gone unresolved.
I’m not even gonna lie, this week has been a tough one. It’s been full of heartfelt conversations that have left me feeling angry and frustrated and unusually teary all at the same time.
Part of it is the nostalgia of the holidays.
But the other part of it, is learning how to navigate and manage the expectations I have of myself and of others.
On any given day, it feels like an awkward mix of stress and frustration, grace and forgiveness, hope and resolve.
The Truth About Feelings…
The thing I keep coming back to when I face situations that are challenging and difficult is that while feelings are real, they can also be fickle.
So, you have to hold onto what is true.
While it’s not always easy to do, it’s a necessary part of staying peace filled during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Look for ways to be mindful and make self-care a priority. Set healthy boundaries and be bold enough to create white space in your calendar.
Find ways to fill your cup and refresh your spirit, so you don’t feel frazzled come Christmas morning or lose the magic of the season entirely.
The holidays come around once a year and it’s up to us to make it count.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
There are so many pretty patterns in this traditional blue and white home.
If you love classic style, you’ll love this simple and pretty holiday tablescape.
This blue and green bathroom by Alexander Interiors is beautiful.
This blue and white master bedroom makeover is really fresh!
There are so many gorgeous spaces in this post, The French Connection.
This would be a fun Christmas gift for the reader in your life.
Speaking of which, how cool is this 110-year old library?
You’ll get lost in this archive of the most beautiful holiday inspiration.
This Christmas living room has lots of chinoiserie inspired goodies in it too!
Cap Your To Do List at Three Things Every Day
Why You Should Master the Art of Saying No
This post, 10 Signs You’re a Perfectionist, hit a little too close to home.
Season 3 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel launches on December 6th so catch up now if you need to. Word to the wise though, there is a lot of salty language in this show so it’s not kid friendly!
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 November 25 – December 2
Monday – Winter Minestrone with Garlic Bruschetta
Tuesday – Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Wednesday – Fall Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Thursday – Thanksgiving in the US! These 60 Thanksgiving Recipes That Are As Easy As Pie will help you plan your menu. You can find vegan Thanksgiving ideas here.
Friday – 35 Genius Ways to Eat Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
Saturday – Tuscan Salmon with side of roasted veggies
Sunday – Easy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms and side of steamed veggies
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
87 Thanksgiving Desserts That Go Beyond Pumpkin Pie
Here Are a Cozy Holiday Gift Ideas We Spotted on Amazon and Target This Week…
**(Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Women’s Cozy Fleece Lounge Top (also comes in dark mauve)
Donut Socks (additional sayings available)
Silk Pillowcase (additional colors and sizes available)
Women’s Cozy Fleece Lounge Pant (also comes in gray)
Slippers (additional colors available)
Throw (additional colors and sizes available)
PJ Set (additional colors available)
Cloudfoam Sneakers (additional colors available, they seem to be going fast)
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or the Blog Lately, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
We Gather Together Thanksgiving Blog Hop
Blue and White Check Rag Ball Ornaments
How to Plant Ornamental Kale in Ironstone Containers
10 Steps Stress Free Holiday Decorating
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 47 Christmas Paper and Gift Wrap Supplies and looking forward to completing Week 48 Christmas Shopping/Naughty or Nice List.
*** 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, Dates to Remember & Upcoming Posts…
- 11/28 – Thanksgiving in the US
- 11/29 – Black Friday
- 11/30 – Shop Small Saturday
- 12/2 – Cyber Monday
- 12/3 – Make a Gift Day
- 12/4 – Cookie Day
- 12/6 – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 3 Debuts on Amazon
- 12/9 – Christmas Tree Blog Hop
- 12/13-12/14 – The first holiday shipping deadline, additional dates found here.
That’s all for now!
As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your Sunday is peace filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you this week including the biggest holiday gift guides we’ve ever put together!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
CoCo – you have nailed all of the feelings right on the head. Being that our mom/grandma passed away Thanksgiving week AND on she and dad’s wedding anniversary, Thanksgiving is always a hard week for us. Not that we aren’t joyful, grateful or happy. We definitely are. It’s just during the holidays, we feel the loss even more. Just this weekend my brother lost his sister-in-law to cancer. They will always feel the pain of her loss, but doubly so because it is during the holiday season. All of this is to say…change is good. Celebrate where you want, how you want and with who you want. Life is too short for anything else. Much love!