From the Front Porch: A Cozy Winter Haven
Hello from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Cozy Winter Haven edition of this weekly series.
How has your week been?
If you’re a football fan, you’ve likely already seen the headlines surrounding the Wild Card games.
As a native North Floridian, we’ve been pulling for the Jacksonville Jaguars all season.
And while we’ve always been avid fans, there was something about this team in particular that truly felt like a Cinderella story.
It’s been a hard-fought season with a lot of ups and downs, national naysayers and doubters.
But the Jags did not let those words stop them.
Being referred to as a “small market team,” only added fuel to their fire.
Last weekend, the Jags had a chance to advance in the playoffs.
The city and surrounding counties were electric, and I didn’t go to a single place from the grocery store to the hospital to the pizza parlor where people weren’t wearing teal and black, or talking about the big game.
Well, the big game came and went and despite the team’s best efforts, they ultimately lost to the Buffalo Bills by a field goal.
At the press conference after the game, it was obvious head coach Liam Coen was disappointed.
Honestly, I don’t know how coaches or players stand at the podium after losing a game with cameras in their faces and reporters asking questions and hold it together.
Truly, it’s a special talent.
While most of the questions were about skill and strategy, there was one reporter that chose to make an impact.
An impact that has since gone viral.
Instead of asking a question, Lynn Jones with the Jacksonville Free Press took the opportunity to lift coach Coen up.
She said, “I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man. You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, OK? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season, OK? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”
Here’s a link to the video if you haven’t seen it yet.
As you can imagine, their exchange not only went viral, but it also sparked an online debate about the need for reporters to remain impartial.
And while I understand the need for impartiality, as a fan, I also deeply appreciate her kind words, her gift of vulnerability, and the way she handled the connection point with such sensitivity because I needed to hear those words too.
As we continue to celebrate all the good things this month has to offer no matter if we’re setting goals and decluttering, watching how we speak to ourselves and those around us or cheering on the remaining teams in the playoffs, I want you to remember your words matter.
They can speak life to a dream, give hope to someone who is struggling, create confidence amid doubt and provide comfort during disappointment.
So, choose your words wisely and with care.
Your power to bless is limitless.
As always, I’ll be cheering you on.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- A Gut Renovation That Transported This Maryland Home Into the English Countryside (via House Beautiful)
- This lakeside estate from Jennifer at Town and Country Living is really beautiful. All that natural stone has me swooning!
- Speaking of texture, don’t miss this tour which features a mix of contemporary and traditional décor styles from New England Home.
- Wait until you see the American Cottage Hillary Taylor Interiors designed. It’s a show stopper!
- This home tour from Atlanta Homes Magazine is filled with beautiful antiques and inspiration.
- 15 of the Best Winter Plants for Pots and Borders (via Homes & Garden)
Seasonal Inspiration:
- Anna from Sky Lark House shared, How to Grow Paperwhites Inside During Winter and they’re so pretty.
- Have you seen this gorgeous winter wreath from Southern Charm Wreaths yet?
- Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shared, Decorating Ideas With Vintage Windows and Doors for Farmhouse Charm, and they’re all fabulous.
- MaryJo from Master Pieces of My Life put together a festive Valentine’s Day tablescape and I’m obsessed with the napkin rings and candlestick accents.
- If you’ve started planning for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day here are 30 Party Ideas Your Guests Will Love (via Good Housekeeping)
- Kim from Cottage in the Mitten put together this fun reading list, 7 Books to Melt the Winter Chill.
- Speaking of fun lists, 100 Ways to have a Restful, Cozy Winter Reset from Elizabeth of Pinecones and Acorns is a good one too.
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 7 Areas of Healthy Habits for the New Year with Scriptures (via Home with Grace and Joy, such a great post)
- 8 Little Ways to Boost Your Mood Every Day, According to Mental Health Experts (via Real Simple)
- The 10 Best Financial Resolutions For 2026 (via Becoming Minimalist)
- How to Stop Being Lazy and Get More Done – 5 Expert Tips (via Barking Up the Wrong Tree)
Style, Makeup, Skincare, and Travel Inspiration:
- How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe One Month at a Time (via Lauren Conrad)
- 16 Easy Skincare Resolutions You Can Actually Stick With (via Pop Sugar)
- Dreamy Hotels Editors Have On Their Wishlist in 2026 (via CN Traveller)
Encouraging Words…
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog of the Archives This Week, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…
27 Simple Ways to Hygge at Home
Festive DIY Valentine’s Day Pajamas
How to Craft a Pearl Embellished Sweatshirt
DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
From the Front Porch: A Fresh Start
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)
Eye Serum * Sweatshirt * Pasta * Heart Socks * Candle
Heart Garland * Moisturizer * PJs * Bath Salts * Socks
Karaoke Machine * Napkins and Napkins Rings * Mask * Sweater * Scratch Off Date Night Ideas
Earrings * Digital Camera * Tablecloth * Eye Masks * Heart PJs
Book * Earrings * Cable Kit * Salad Plates * Korean Balm Stick
That’s all for now!
As always, we appreciate you so much 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
Wow CoCo – this post is chockfull of excellent ideas and thought-provoking conversations. We look forward to From the Front Porch each and every week! Thanks for sharing! Much love.
So glad you like this series, ladies, thank you so much! Hugs, CoCo
This one really was packed full of good stuff! I loved all of the variety of posts. Thanks so much for sharing my Healthy Habits post on here! That was a good morning blessing!