From the Front Porch

Happy Sunday from the front porch. Thanks so much for spending time with us today!  We’re just about 10 days away from Christmas, can you believe it?

Now that we’ve officially entered the “Christmas Crunch,” how are you holding up? 

Are you ready to celebrate or are you feeling a little panicked?

Time Management Tips for Christmas…

I spent part of the weekend doing a big Christmas brain dump and then dividing those tasks into multiple lists.

It might sound totally nerdy but just getting all the thoughts related to Christmas and the New Year down on paper felt like a HUGE relief!  

Notwithstanding the menus and groceries list, I made a list of activities that were “Need To” and a list of activities that were a “Want To” to help me better manage my time.  

If you’re overwhelmed and feeling like you have to do “all the things” yet are pressed for time, take a few moments to get everything out on paper and in front of you.  That way, you’ll enter the holiday season with a solid game plan.

A Last Minute Gift Idea…

On a side note, if you’re struggling to come up with some last-minute gift ideas don’t forget about your local antique mall. 

I picked up these things while I was at Renningers in November but some of my absolute favorite gifts have been vintage or antique finds. I instantly fell in love with this doubles bowling trophy…

and I plan to turn these wooden stirrups into bookends.

These old black and white farm photos were a fun find

as was this panoramic photograph that’s over 3 feet long!

My Mom and I were just about to leave the Extravaganza when we stopped at this booth. It was mostly glassware and smalls, but I spotted a photo album and decided to open it up. 

To my shock and surprise, it was filled with old horse racing photographs! I could not believe it.

Honestly, you never really know what you’re going to find at antique malls but they’re always worth looking into.  Especially, if you’re struggling to find a gift.

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…

This Atlanta home dressed up for the holidays is so elegant.

If you haven’t noticed yet, citrus is EVERYWHERE this Christmas! This post has really pretty examples of how you can use it in your home too. 

Speaking of trends, this is a fun post about how to wear a sequin skirt in case you haven’t picked out your NYE outfit yet.

Another set of beautiful holiday home tours hosted by the ladies of  11 Magnolia Lane  if you haven’t seen them yet.

A peek inside the Maryland farmhouse of DC event planners Rick Davis and Christopher Vazquez during the holidays.  The arches…the garlands…the floral arrangements…wow!

This holiday cabin photo shoot looks like so much fun and all the sweaters are gorgeous!

If you’re looking for a super easy way to give back this year Barnes & Noble’s Annual Holiday Book Drive is going on now through December 31st.

Really beautiful holiday decorating ideas for small spaces.

I recently sent Google’s Santa Tracker to the littles and they loved the interactive site.

Festive Winter Drinks Ideas for Serving a Crowd 

These 10 Picture Perfect Ski Resorts in France will have you ready to book your flight tomorrow!

Love these beautiful Christmas windows from Fortnum & Mason.

This post, How to Wrap Gifts Without Wrapping Paper , was really creative and had pretty ideas too.

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 16 – December 22

Monday – Pan Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce 

Tuesday – Buffalo Chicken Tacos 

Wednesday – Floridian Salad 

Thursday – Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup 

Friday – Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies  

Saturday – Sheet Pan Breakfast Bowls 

Sunday –  Cheesy Ravioli and Italian Sausage Skillet 

Christmas Menu Inspiration…

6 Complete Christmas Menus with Recipes  (including apps and desserts)

48 Christmas Dinner Ideas and Recipes 

Guest Breakfast Ideas 

Sweet Treat to Try This Week…

Gingerbread Layer Cake 

Classic Yule Log Recipe 

Here’s Are a Few Fun Stocking Stuffer 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)

SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Druzy Drop Earrings (also available in blush) 

Faux Fur Eye Mask (available in 6 colors but selling out fast) 

Guided Beauty Journal 

Ring Crossbody Bag 

Hello Happiness Mug 

2n1 Bubble Bath & Body Wash 

Lip Kit 

SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Fringe Hoop Earrings (3 colors available) 

Zip Wallet (3 colors available) 

Essie Holiday Collection Mini Kit 

Treasure Bath Bomb 

Citrus & Pine Candle 

Salt Cellar 

Crew Neck Tee (14 additional colors available) 

Fujifilm Instax Camera (6 additional colors available) 

Oh Snap Socks 

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or the Blog, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…

Christmas Festival of Trees Blog Hop

Last Minute Christmas Tablescape Ideas

Soft & Romantic Farmhouse Christmas Porch

Easy Marshmallow Bar

Our Best Holiday Gift Guide 

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 50 Creating a Christmas Menu, Grocery Shopping and Party Prep and looking forward to completing Week 51 Purchasing a new planner and setting goals and intentions for 2020.

*** 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…

  • 12/15 – Third Sunday of Advent (Stir)
  • 12/17 – My Christmas Home Tour
  • 12/19 – Build a Snowman Day
  • 12/19 – Bliss Barracks Christmas Home Tour
  • 12/20 – Caroling Day
  • 12/20 – The Crowned Goat’s Christmas Break Blog Begins**
  • 12/22 – Fourth Sunday of Advent (Receive)
  • 12/24 – Christmas Eve
  • 12/25 – Christmas Day
  • 12/26 – Boxing Day
  • 12/30 – Take a Walk Day
  • 12/31 – New Year’s Eve
  • 01/01 – New Year’s Day

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!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. I love that first photo…what a fun way to use old trophies! I’m inspired…pinning! That horse racing photo album is a real find…amazing!

    1. Thank you Linda! I’m totally running out of room on that dresser so I told my Mom I was going to have to be VERY selective from this point forward ha ha. Of course I tell myself that but the truth is vintage and antique trophies are hard to find in this area so I’ll probably keep picking them up. I was shocked to find the horse racing photos. I’ve been looking for the past 10 or 15 years and have seen very few that were actually affordable so it felt like the biggest gift to find those. Sending you lots of hugs for a fabulous week, CoCo

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