From the Front Porch: Hop Into Spring

Hello from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Hop Into Spring Edition of this weekly series.

Thanks so much for being here and spending time with us today!

How are you?

Recently, my nephew called to ask if I had gotten him a birthday present yet.

“I was actually going to call you to see if there was anything special you wanted,” I replied.

“Great,” he said excitedly, “I really want to go to the fossil show and if you give me money for my birthday I can spend it there. I’m looking for some woolly mammoth hair.”

“That sounds like the perfect place to spend birthday money, consider it done.” I said thankful for the idea.

When he called to tell me all about the fossil show and how he had in fact bought some woolly mammoth hair, his enthusiasm was palpable.

Truly, he’s everything we were as kids yet sometimes forget to be as adults… inquisitive, curious, passionate about discovering new things, easily inspired and delighted to share.

So, last week when I got a text that read, “CoCo, they’ve made a woolly mouse! You HAVE to look it up! This is a big deal!” I knew immediately it was from our budding paleontologist.

A few days later, I was struggling through small talk while getting my haircut.

I don’t really know my stylist that well and if it were up to me, I’d simply sit in the chair and allow her to fully concentrate on snipping and shaping my unruly curls.

After chatting about books, tv shows, and work though I could tell she was also out of ideas.

I was this close to asking if she had heard about the woolly mouse before finally realizing we just don’t have that much in common and that’s ok.

As I sat there quietly waiting for her to finish cutting my hair, I took in the sights and sounds of the salon.

Some of the clients seemed to be best friends with their stylists, others were chatting about their husbands and kids, tired young moms relaxed in their chairs and simply enjoyed being pampered all while water splashed in sink bowls and dryers buzzed about.

A few moments later, my stylist fluffed my curls one final time.

As I walked out of the salon, I couldn’t help but think how small talk comes so easily to some people, yet it is so difficult for others.

And how the awkwardness of getting beyond, “How’s work going?” What are you reading?” “What are you watching?” could simply be solved with an answer inspired by the wonderment of a child.

So, as we begin a fresh month, remember to celebrate those unique things that make you, you.

It doesn’t matter if you’re passionate about woolly mammoths, art, out of the way travel destinations, a charity you hold dear, learning how to play mahjong, or expertly crafting a basketweave pie crust those experiences (and many more that aren’t listed) are valuable.

 Don’t be afraid to share them.

More importantly, don’t be afraid to make time for them.

For those are the gifts that make life rich.

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

Seasonal Inspiration and Home Tours:

• This post, A Historic Atlanta’s Home Respectful Renovation via Luxe + Interiors and Design was really beautiful.
• A charming west coast home via House and Home inspired by a Nancy Meyers movie classic makes me want to put baskets all over the house.
• Bookmarked The Best White Paint Colors For Every Home via Studio McGee.
• These 12 Dreamy English Country Bedroom Ideas via Hunker are all totally doable.
• This Updated Home on Lake Martin via Birmingham Home & Garden was a pretty discovery.
• There is lots of inspiration in this post, Garden Trends to Know in 2025 from House & Garden UK.

Seasonal Project Ideas:

• Donna from An Organized Season made the cutest carrot basket with dollar store finds.
• Can we talk about this amazing Victorian Easter Garland, Anna from Sky Lark House created? It’s adorable.
• Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse gave a pair of thrifted frames a quick makeover and they look amazing.
• Totally obsessed with making these wildflower seed balls via National Trust on Instagram.
• Speaking of obsessed, The Glam Pad is one of my favorite blogs because I’m always introduced to new to me designers, styles and ideas. Anyway, I totally went down the rabbit hole when I saw this post, de Gournay’s Delightful Easter Extravaganza. It is filled with inspiration!

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• Calming Scents That Will Make Your Home Feel More Relaxing (via Real Simple-shocked by the last one TBH)
• Overnight Hacks to Reduce Inflammation (via The Everygirl)
• How to Change the Way You Feel Without Changing Anything Else (via Marc and Angel)

Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:

• Carly from Kate Middleton Style Blog recently shared a post outlining 13 Iconic Spring Outfits and it was such a fun walk down memory lane.
• I can’t remember if I’ve shared this or not but just in case I’ve been researching LED masks and this video, Watch Before Buying a Red Light LED Mask from Angie of Hot and Flashy was a helpful one.
• This post, A Walk Through Place Dauphine from Rebecca at Everyday Parisian was a gorgeous midday break. I cannot wait for her new book to come out!

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

Hop Into Easter Blog Hop & Spring Home Tour   

Spring Bunny Tablescape 

Spring Front Porch Inspiration & Blog Hop

Easter Egg Lollipops  

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)

• Polo Sweater (have and love in the pale gray)
• Berry Basket (pretty enough to leave out for a low key breakfast)
• Eyeshadow (have and love in the basics, the minis are great for travel and touchups)
• Notecards (so many pretty cards it was hard to pick a favorite)
• Clutch (an easy way to dress an outfit up or down)
• Dress (comes in so many pretty colors, love the navy too)
• Hydrangeas (comes in addtional colors including this pretty pink)
• Candle (a fun edition to an Easter basket)
• Dinnerware Set (can’t stop thinking about these)
• Sneakers (hoping these work well for hiking)
• Vest Set (additional colors available)
• Lamps (a bit too small for what we needed but wanted to pass them along in case you can use them, they’re so cute)
• Devotional (excited to start this once Lent is over)
• Napkins (comes in addtional colors and prints)
• Sunglasses (also comes in addtional colors including a fun pink)
• Cardigan (also comes in a pretty black and an icy blue)

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!

Many blessings,

CoCo