From the Front Porch: The Lucky Edition

Hello from the front porch, sweet friends, and welcome to The Lucky Edition of this weekly series.

Thanks so much for being here and for making us a part of your day!

Several months ago, my Dad, sisters, and I were sitting in the waiting room watching the clock.

What was expected to be a two-hour outpatient procedure wound up taking almost four hours thanks to several unexpected hiccups, and my Dad was pacing anxiously waiting to hear from my Mom’s surgeon about the delay.

Nearby, a man resembling Papa Smurf was also waiting for a loved one.

As we tried to calm my Dad’s frayed nerves with coffee, donuts, jokes, and hearty discussions about the littles, we saw the man was intently listening to our conversations because he laughed when we laughed.

Finally, the man took a seat next to one of my sisters, “I’ve been listening to you guys share stories about your kids and loved ones,” he said.

“It’s always interesting who shows up in times of crisis, isn’t it?”

Sensing he needed extra time to gather his thoughts, we sat there quietly.

“You guys are really lucky to have each other,” he continued.

“We are,” my Dad said taking in the moment as the man snuggled further into his seat.

Truth be told, I’ve never seen having a big family as being lucky, but the interaction had me thinking about luck for the rest of the day.

Mostly because having close relationships takes a lot more than luck.

It takes love and grace, forgiveness and patience, working hard to show up for each other, and constant communication. 

A continuous dance of giving and receiving.

The beautiful thing about luck, no matter the size of your family, is that we have the power to create our own.

After all, luck is nothing more than preparing for what you want, recognizing opportunities when they’re presented to you, and taking advantage of those opportunities with a willingness to act.

No four leaf clover or pot of gold required.

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

Seasonal Inspiration and Home Tours:

• Completely obsessed in the best possible way with the portfolio of Sabbe Interior Design. Especially this College Grove home tour and The Cottage home tour. They’re both really beautiful!
• Loved all the cozy layers in the Paines Creek Cottages by Wildflower Home Interiors too.
• A Charming Cottage Dressed in Green via The Glam Pad (wait until you see all the gorgeous ironstone)
• 10 Ways to Add Cottagecore Decor To Your Home (via Ruff Details Blog)
• Have you seen this bright and breezy home in the Hamptons via This Is Glamorous? It’s a gorgeous mix of farmhouse meets modern décor.

Seasonal Project Ideas:

• This Spring tablescape from Monika Hibbs is giving me all the feels.
• Have you seen the candles Kim from Cottage in the Mitten made? They’re fabulous!
• Excited to try the St. Patrick’s Day Menu Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse put together with the Supper Club ladies.
• This post from Anna of Sky Lark House feels like perfect timing, Old and New Jadeite.
• Donna from An Organized Season upcycled the cutest shamrocks. I cannot get over how different they look now!
• 24 St. Patrick’s Day Party Ideas with Easy Snacks and Cute Decor (so many great ideas in this post from Melissa Jane Lee)
• 35 St. Patrick’s Day Craft Ideas for the Whole Family (these are so cute via The Pioneer Woman)
• 40 St. Patrick’s Day Decor Ideas (fun and festive ideas via House Beautiful)

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• 11 Wellness Shortcuts That Make It Easier to Be Healthy (via The Everygirl)
• 9 Easy Tips to Become Financially Healthy (via The DIY Playbook)
• 8 Protein-Packed Pantry Foods Dietitians Always Have in Their Kitchens (via Real Simple)

Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:

• Effortless Winter to Spring Outfit Ideas (via My Chic Obsession)
• 17 Green Nail Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day and Beyond (via Glamour)
• 23 of the Best Hair Masks for the Softest Hair of Your Life (via The Cut)
• The Best Mother-Daughter Travel Trips (via Travel + Leisure)

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

St Patrick’s Day Inspired Tablescape

Secretary Makeover in Cartouche Green

How to Make a Simple Herb Topiary

Jadeite Inspired Cupcake Stands

23 Quick and Easy Spring Decorating Ideas

From the Front Porch: Easing Into Spring

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)

• Shirt (11 colors available depending on size such a pretty way to celebrate Spring
• Bedding Set (the bow tie closures stopped me in my tracks, lots of pretty farmhouse prints too)
• Book Boxes (love that these have a vintage feel and are functional enough to use on a desk or coffee table)
• Eye Cream (excited to try this product from Dr. Shah, it’s getting a lot of buzz)
• Bee Pitcher (would be so pretty with flowers and love that you can use it in multiple spaces)
• Pullover (have and love this in so many colors)
• Rug (They don’t have my size but wanted to share, it’s washable and budget friendly in case you’re looking too)
• Magnifying Glass (a great idea to include in a collector’s gift basket or to use in a vignette around the house)
• Nantucket Style Tote (4 styles to choose from)
• Bookends (how cute are these little bookends?)
• Skirt (4 colors to choose from depending on size and I love that it has pockets)
• Pillow Covers (these also come in multiple colors and sizes)
• Accent Table (this is too short for what I needed but wanted to share in case you might be able to use it)
• Travel Tote (gifted as part of a French inspired goodie bag, additional prints available)
• Metal Vases (these come in two colors and sizes)
• Dress (this dress comes in so many colors and would be great for spring or summer)

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