From the Front Porch: For the Love of Lavender
Hello from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the lavender love edition of this weekly series.
Thanks so much for being here and for making us part of your day.
How has your week been?
Recently, my sister and nephews called me on their way home from school.
“I have some big news for your diary,” the youngest one exclaimed confidently.
“That sounds exciting,” I replied, “Tell me more.”
He went on to explain he won an art contest at school and made one of the teachers who’s been sick a card which she loved so much she placed in the window for everyone to enjoy.
“You have two pieces of good news for my diary. I love it. I’m really glad you shared this with me it. You’re right, this is big,” I said.
Later that night, I happily added their news to my diary, and I couldn’t help but think about all the things they’d uncover and rediscover as they read through those entries one day.
Not only would they read about family triumphs, tragedies and celebrations, but they’d also read about world events, what life was like under a new administration, how the wildfires in California impacted so many, finally bringing the astronauts stranded in space home, the death of one Pope and the election of another and so much more.
Truly, it blows my mind thinking about all the things that have happened so far this year and all the things that have yet to unfold.
So, if you’re on the fence about journaling, I encourage you to think about how you can incorporate it into your life even in a small way.
Not only is expressive writing a fabulous tool in helping you turn your thoughts around as conveyed by Dr. Ethan Kross in this fascinating podcast with Mel Robbins (Thank you for sharing this episode, Anna).
It’s also an important way to build your legacy and tell your story.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- I could get lost in the gorgeous design portfolio of Sims Hilditch for hours. There are just too many fabulous spaces to pick just one to share.
- This French Chateau from Lexi Westergard Design is really beautiful. I love all the flowers featured throughout!
- Swedish Farmhouse Style: A Serene Country Estate in Kumla via My Scandinavian Home feels like the perfect place to relax and unwind.
- The furniture, home décor, and accessories company I can’t stop thinking about.
- These beautiful bouquets from Farm Girl Flowers and these stunning bouquets Grace Rose Farms not only make great gift ideas they’re filled with color combination inspiration too.
Seasonal Project Ideas and Inspiration:
- Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse is at it again! Wait until you see her rustic flower arrangement with a thrifted candle holder.
- Speaking of fabulous, this spring foraged tablescape from MaryJo of Master “Pieces” of My Life is such a pretty way to celebrate the season.
- Love the way Cindy of Cloches and Lavender aged her terracotta pots with lime. They have such a beautiful patina.
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 5 High-Fiber Snacks That Will Keep You Satisfied Between Meals (via Self)
- 10 Good Reasons to Keep a Journal (via Psychology Today)
- 11 Things You Have Control Over Right Now (via Simply Luxurious Life – Shannon is such a fantastic follow)
- 101 Little Ways to Green Your Life at Home (via Apartment Therapy)
Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:
- 5 Wardrobe Staples for Spring in Paris (via My French Country Home Magazine)
- 11 Best Cleansing Oils to Gently Remove Makeup, According to Dermatologists (via Glamour)
- This post featuring London in Bloom from CN Traveller is so pretty.
If You’ve Missed Anything From the Blog or the Archives Lately, Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…
Spring to Summer Lavender Bedroom Refresh
Cottage Inspired Summer Entry and Dining Room Ideas
DIY Lavender Cones and a Simple Tea Basket Idea
Quick and Easy Summer Lavender Basket
DIY Gardeners Lavender Hand Scrub
Simple Melatonin Lavender Bath Soak
Prepping for Memorial Day? This post From the Front Porch: Patriotic Inspiration has lots of red, white and blue ideas.
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 for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- Skirt (the lemon print feels like summer, 15 additional colors to choose from)
- Tray (an easy way to make breakfast in bed simple)
- Cards (23 colors to choose from including a beautiful pink)
- Pitcher (pretty for lemonade and cut garden flowers)
- Comforter Set (13 colors to choose from including this fabulous green)
- Dress (4 colors to choose from and would make a great garden party or event dress)
- Wreath (this size is too small for our front door but wanted to share because the mix of hydrangeas and lemons are pretty)
- Dried Lavender (have used this dried lavender for several projects)
- Hand Cream (one of my favorite companies for lavender products)
- Cake Stand (how fun is the ruffle detail on this cake stand?)
- Skirt (6 colors to choose from and a wide range of sizes too)
- Basket (perfect for movie night blankets that pile up during sleepovers)
- Blanket (16 colors to choose from and a great way to add texture to your bedding)
- Lemon Curd (this has me ready to make lemon bars)
- Tumbler Set (this hobnail set also comes in pink and clear)
- Dress (9 colors to choose from)
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
Coco,
Thank you very much for including a recent post from The Simply Luxurious Life in your round-up today. What a wonderful post full of inspiration. ? I am tickled to be amongst so many great ideas and talents. Wishing you and your family a lovely May.
All my best,
Shannon
You are so welcome, Shannon! I’m constantly learning from you whether it’s tips and tricks in the kitchen, watching you style your gorgeous mudroom or how you handle elegant living with such kindness and grace. You make me want to slow down and enjoy the little things every day. Thank you for freely giving us such fabulous inspiration. I hope you and your family are all safe and well. With gratitude, CoCo
I SO look forward to these posts, CoCo! Whenever I can I put aside a bit more time in my morning to sip one more cup of coffee and enjoy the beauty that unfolds as I read each word and view each link. You truly are gifted at making your reader feel at home and you always seem to know just what I need to brighten up the last day of a usually busy work week. Thank you and bless you for sharing.
You’re melting my heart today, Christine, thank you for such kind and thoughtful words. These Friday posts are always fun to put together. I love to discover and share new things. People like you make me thankful for this job and for all the good in the world we get to share with each other. Sending you big hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
I’m off to have a peek at a few of your links, CoCo! We have had such a longing to visit England and it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer. I hope you continue to hang in there—you’re not alone! My frustration during this time is staying positive about myself. Sometimes we set goals and plans that even with this extra time, we aren’t figuring in just relaxing and distressing mentally. I have a laundry list of things I want to get to but it makes little sense if I’m just going to beat myself up at the end of the day when I don’t check all the boxes. Do you ever feel that way?
Sending love from Chicago?
Jane
All the time, Jane, YES! I finally just had to give myself a more realistic list and a more manageable timeline. I’m totally with you – sometimes we put way too much pressure on ourselves to create and do when we just need to “be” I hope you’re week has been a better one. I know it’s hard so hang in there. I’m cheering you on! Hugs, CoCo
Sometimes we forget to remember or celebrate the small significant things in life. Like when nephews win an art contest. Or when we make a cake that turns out beautifully. Or even when tulips are blooming in the garden. Hooray for Mel Robbins and Dr Kross who help us remember the importance of journaling!! Thank you for sharing all these links. I am off to explore them now.
I couldn’t agree more, Anna! I know it’s cliche but the older I get the more I realize the little things ARE the big things. Sending you hugs and wishing you lots of fun things to celebrate this week, CoCo
These posts make me happy. I love that you’re so close to your family and Bravo for your nephew.
I’m taking the pressure of myself with always getting new content out. Reeses is 15 and our pups are everything to us. I still miss Peanut but I don’t want to miss a moment with Reeses.
My MS has to come first too. I’m posting about the things I love to do.
Thank you for sharing my lime pots. Easy and a fun project. I have a flower pot obsession.
I’m so proud of you for prioritizing your health, being an amazing mom to Reeses and embracing the things you love most, Cindy. For so many years we were taught hustle culture was the way to “make it” and I can’t tell you how many people I know suffered from burnout and stress as a result. There will never be a more important investment than the investments you make in yourself and your family. Sending you hugs and thank you for sharing your flower pot obsession with us. I love it, CoCo
I used to journal or what I called jot down quick notes, but stopped many years ago. But… when you put it that way CoCo, I think maybe we all should. Although, I am not sure I want anyone reading my thoughts until I am dead and gone… when my husband and I made the built in cupboard in our kitchen, we left a little note for the next home owner in case they ever tear it out. I had wanted to leave something behind the bathroom wall when it was remodeled, but it was such a mess, I decided I didn’t want to share the story of how it came to be. I like to think we are sprinkling ourselves throughout our home, different, but a little bit the same as journaling. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
That was one of my biggest fears too, Cara. I didn’t want anyone to read my innermost thoughts either! At the end of the day though, a journal is nothing more than a collection of how we spend our days. And some days will be good days and others might not be as good which is how it’s supposed to be, you know? Life has many ups and downs. The thing is, people can learn invaluable lessons through our words and experiences and those same words also serve as a reminder to us on the hard days that we can make it through things we never thought possible! If you’re still on the fence about journaling, think about a pen pal or writing letters. Letters also serve as a journal of sorts but feel more interactive. Big hugs, CoCo
I think it’s so wonderful that you keep a diary! Every time I start journaling, I do it for a while and then stop. Maybe someday I will get into the habit and stick with it! Happy writing!
I used to be the same way, Donna. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started and stopped too. Truly, every time I saw a pretty journal I’d start and then get busy and stop. What finally helped me stay consistent was knowing that I was telling my own story and keeping a record for the littles. It help me shift my perspective and took the pressure off what to write about. The other thing that helped was adding it to my nightly routine. I journal just before I read every night so it feels like part of a daily ritual. Sending you hugs, CoCo
Thanks for another amazing post full of so much inspiration. My daughter came home from college yesterday & she monopolized my day (in a good way) so I just wanted to pop in quickly to thank you for the shout out. I’ll be back to visit your links since I always love everything you share. I appreciate the support. Have a wonderful day CoCo. XO- MaryJo
Such an exciting way to spend the day, MaryJo! I love that you guys got to spend some time together. As you know my Mom is one of my best friends so I hope you soak in every second of your time together. There’s nothing like it! Sending you hugs for an extra special weekend, CoCo