From the Front Porch
Happy Sunday from the lanai at Bliss Barracks! We’re excited to welcome you to December as we celebrate the last month of this decade.
Oh my word, it’s totally bananas to even say that!
I was just telling my bestie S it feels like we were just getting ready for Y2K and here it is 20 years later. I swear time is flying by at warp speed the older I get!
Did you celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday?
As I write this post, we’re all still at my parent’s house, Bliss Barracks. This has been the first year we’ve shared a Thanksgiving meal around our own family table.
Normally we’re visiting extended family but my Mom was up for a little something different this year. And while we’re all adults, we still do whatever she says ?
Looking back on the weekend though, I think it’s something we all definitely needed.
It’s been a weekend filled with matching pajamas, good food, lots of laughs, bonfires, bike brigades, trips to Starbucks and adventures.
I tried to stay fully present at each event so my Mom and I snuck out early one morning to grab a few of shots of downtown. It was really cool because as soon as we got out of the car the church bells started ringing which was fun.
We still have lots of exciting things to do today but it was definitely a sweet way to wrap up the weekend. I hope your holiday weekend has been a blessed one too!
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
The Oldest House in DC is gorgeous and I can only imagine what it must look like at Christmas.
Have you seen Carolyne Roehm’s new jewelry collection yet? Talk about stunning!
Simple ideas on how to decorate with garland.
Speaking of which, this Downton Abbey Inspired Christmas Tour is filled with beautiful garlands and pretty spaces too.
If red steals your heart at Christmas, don’t miss this traditional home tour.
The homes in this designer’s portfolio are fabulous, including the house of the year.
Everything about this farmhouse Christmas porch is beautiful but the tree will stop you in your tracks. (Thanks for sending me this Vicki)
If Scandinavian style has your heart, you’ll love the Christmas inspiration found in these posts.
These Christmas Planner Printables are totally cute and totally free too.
If you plan to spend time in NYC for the holidays, you might find this guide
helpful.
This post is such a great idea, especially when the hustle and bustle of the holidays is in full swing and you need gentle reminders.
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 December 2 – December 8
Monday – Bourbon Glazed Salmon with a side of Massaged Kale, Brussel Sprout + Manchego Salad and Mustard Vinaigrette
Tuesday – Simple and Quick Homemade Enchiladas
Wednesday – Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad
Thursday – Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage
Friday – Skinny Chicken Pot Pie
Saturday – Avocado Breakfast Burrito
Sunday – Bolognese Baked Tortellini (we’ll be subbing beef for a plant based product like veggie crumbles)
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
Caroline’s Layered Carrot Cake
Here Are a Few Family Pajama Ideas We Spotted Online at 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)
Red & Black Buffalo Check Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
Peanuts Holiday Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
Pink Reindeer PJ Set (additional family sizes available)
Holiday Llama Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
Hearth and Hand Holiday Ski Scene Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
Fair Isle Holiday Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
Cable Knit Pillow with Faux Fur Trim
Holiday Tartan Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
Holiday Car Flannel Pajama Set (additional family sizes available)
*If you’re curious, Santa’s bringing this pajama set to our family because they complement my parent’s Christmas tree this year ?
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or the Blog, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
25 Simple DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
Our Biggest Christmas Gift Guide Ever
Mad for Plaid Christmas Living Room and Mantel
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 48 Christmas Shopping/Naughty or Nice List and looking forward to completing Week 49 Mailing Christmas Cards and Packages.
*** 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…
- 12/1 – First Day of Advent (Awaken)
- 12/2 – Cyber Monday
- 12/ 3 – Make a Gift Day
- 12/4 – Cookie Day
- 12/6 – Give a Secret Gift Day
- 12/7 – Letter Writing Day
- 12/8 – Second Sunday of Advent (Listen)
- 12/9 – Christmas Tree Blog Hop
- 12/15 – Third Sunday of Advent (Stir)
- 12/22 – Fourth Sunday of Advent (Receive)
That’s all for now!
As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your Sunday is peace filled and relaxing. We’ll can’t wait to share even more with you this week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Another great recap Coco. I havent been leaving as many comments as I usually do but I always appreciate the things you share. It sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving, we did too.
That’s so exciting to hear, Sarah! Our Thanksgiving weekend felt like a whirlwind but in the best possible way ha ha. Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I totally get that things get busy, I always appreciate you reading and being so supportive. Sending you hugs, CoCo
I LOVE photos of beautiful architecture. Thank you for sharing.
So glad you like the pictures of downtown Joyce! We only had an hour before everyone woke up that morning but I told my Mom as soon as we got back in the car I would love to go back and explore even more when we have time. I hope your week is a special one, CoCo
Love this post, CoCo…I went to a few links and I’m popping back tomorrow to browse a few more. Thanks for picking the best of the best! I am starting to decorate for Christmas this week and this is like a one stop shopping place for ideas!!!!
Happy Holidays!
Jane❤️
Aww that’s such a sweet thing for you to say, Jane, thank you! It’s always fun coming up with this post because I love to see what kinds of things people are creating. I swear there is so much inspiration out there. I hope your week is fabulous. I’m so excited you’re getting ready to decorate for Christmas. It’s such a festive time of year and your style is really beautiful. Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
What a wonderful Thanksgiving it sounds like you had! Sweet time with family is the best. I love the collection of links you have going too. I will be back tomorrow to check more of them out.
We had a great time, Michelle! I hope you did too. It really felt good just to slow down and enjoy each other. I had NO idea kids moved around so much though ha ha. The littles were constantly dancing or singing or jumping around. It’s definitely official after this weekend, all Moms are rock stars 🙂 Hope you find the links helpful. Heading over to see what you’ve been up to! Hugs, CoCo