From the Front Porch

Happy Friday, from the front porch you guys!

We hope your July is off to a fabulous start and you’re looking forward to a long holiday weekend. 

I know a lot of towns have decided not to have parades, firework displays or festivals due to the pandemic. 

But with a little bit of creativity and planning, I still believe we can all find meaningful ways to celebrate and make special memories.

Despite everything that has happened in the US this year, for generations, there have been countless men, women and families that have paid a price for the freedoms we enjoy and at times take for granted.

I’ve grown up in a military family my entire life and I’ve yet to meet a single service member from WW II to Afghanistan that was not willing to fight for all.

Most who volunteer, truly, consider it a calling greater than themselves. 

Yes, we have a lot of work and healing to do.  But we can all contribute to lasting and postive change.  So, we must not give up or lose heart. 

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

This Family Transformed an Aging Getaway into Their Isle of Hope Dream Home 

The Perfect Mix of Old and New 

An Abandoned Summer Camp Becomes an Eclectic Family Home 

This Nob Hill Renovation Reveal by Bria Hammel Interiors is so pretty.

English Country Style with Nicolas Fairford 

The blue kitchen that was a happy accident.

10 Helpful Gardening Tips That Actually Helped This Former Plant Killer 

Another beautiful DIY greenhouse you don’t want to miss!

The technique that works wonders for productivity.

Nutritionists Share Their Favorite Hacks for Healthy Eating (and they’re totally doable)

Such a pretty place to shop for island inspired décor. On a side note, I’m completely obsessed with their tissue box cover designs.

Speaking of obsessed, how beautiful are these little French pots? 

The 33 Best Bathroom Cleaning Hacks of All Time 

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Spring 2020 One Room Challenge makeover reveal spaces yet, you can find the Guest Designers here  and the featured designers here

The creativity and inspiration is fabulous!

Quote of the Week and Free Printable…

Self-Discovery Journey: Books We’re Reading…

**(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)

This month, we’re tackling The Art of Showing Up: How to be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Wilkerson Miller  

I’ve already started reading this one and there is some salty language sprinkled throughout so I just wanted to let you know in advance.

Going through the questions in the beginning took a bit. Now that I’m into the book, I can see why she asks them though.

So, be sure not to skip that part.  I’ll definitely be keeping my journal handy for this one!

In August, we’ll read Love Does by Bob Goff. 

If you’ve missed any of our other books, you can find them here: 

June – Get Out Of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts  by Jennie Allen.

We also added,  Be The Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation  by Latasha Morrison in June.

May – The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming by Sally and Sarah Clarkson.  

AprilRhythms of Renewal: Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose  by Rebekah Lyons 

MarchThe Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions  by Emily P Freeman

FebruaryThe Compound Effect  by Darren Hardy 

January You Are the Girl for the Job: Daring to Believe the God Who Calls You  by Jess Connolly 

Listening and Watching…

I’ve been listening to my favorite version of “America the Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner” on repeat this week as we gear up for the 4th of July. 

PBS is hosting A Capital Fourth to celebrate America’s 244th birthday, and including a special tribute to the first responders of COVID-19 this year.

This Inspiring America piece will melt your heart.  

On the Menu this Week…

Week of July 4 – July 12

07/04 – Saturday 50+ 4th of July Recipes 

07/05 – SundayZucchini Tart  or Tomato Cheese Pie 

07/06 – Monday Eggroll in a Bowl 

07/07 – Tuesday Cowboy Quesadilla 

07/08 – WednesdaySummer Nectarine Salad 

007/09 – Thursday Garlic Basil Shrimp and Grits 

07/10 – FridayEasy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry 

07/11 – Saturday – Old Bay Grilled Lime Tuna Steak  with grilled veggies

07/12 – SundayMushroom Ravioli with Spinach 

Sweet Treat to Try This Week…

45 Delicious Homemade Ice Cream Recipes 

Summer Inspiration We Spotted Online at Target and Amazon 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)

Loveseat Tank Dress Coastal Blues  *  Dinner Plate Set Lamp 

Patio Coffee TableAnchors Outdoor RugTop Laundry Wash 

Towels Shoes * Steam Mop Undies Boxwood Topiary 

Planter Striped Storage Basket

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

Last Minute 4th of July Ideas 

Latest Finds from Renningers

Patriotic Party Cones 

Quick & Easy USA Cake 

How to Make a Serving Tray From a Breadboard 

52 Weeks to a Simplified & Organized Home Challenge

Here’s a look at what we’ll be working on in the month of July as part of the 52 Weeks to a Simplified & Organized Home Challenge  …

  • 07/04 – Organize Your Purse and Wallet & Update Your Phone Contacts
  • 07/11 – Garden Supplies/Potting Shed
  • 07/18 – Garage, Attic or Basement
  • 07/25 – Kids Room or Guest Room

Upcoming Blog Posts and Dates to Remember…

  • 07/04 – Independence Day (US)
  • 07/07 – Chocolate Day
  • 07/09 – National Sugar Cookie Day
  • 07/11 – Vintage & Antique Farmhouse Basket Blog Hop
  • 07/12 – National Pecan Day
  • 07/15 – Taxes Due (US)
  • 07/21 – National Junk Food Day
  • 07/22 – Summer Leisure Day
  • 07/30 – Paperback Book Day

One Year Ago This Week…

This week been bittersweet for us as we marked the one year anniversary of the passing of our beloved, Jelly Bean. 

I knew the day was coming but I was sure I was strong enough to handle it.

So imagine my surprise when I found myself making lunch with a lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face on a completely random day. 

We miss her dearly. 

Grieving-the-loss-of-a-pet-The-Crowned-Goat-20 When Love Shows Up on Easter Sunday Heart Stuff

Grief has such a crazy way of sneaking up on you and showing up when you least expect it.

It reminds us all there are some holes in our hearts that might not ever be fully mended.  Thankfully, grace and love step in to bridge the gap and cover us. 

I couldn’t think of a better way to honor Jelly’s memory than to share this heartwarming video… 

As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your weekend is peace filled and relaxing. 

We’re looking forward to taking a few days off to rest, reconnect and celebrate the holiday. 

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

Many blessings,

CoCo

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4 Comments

  1. Oh my goodness, CoCo! I am so terribly sorry for your loss! I can’t even imagine losing our fur baby Bentley, and a year would certainly not ease the pain. My prayers are with you! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful inspiring post today! I’m on staycation this week so I plan on spending the remainder of my morning checking out your links! Have a wonderful weekend!

    1. Thank you so much, Christine! We miss our sweet little Jelly Bean something awful. We found her on the side of the road on Easter Sunday and she was definitely a bright spot in our lives every single day. I know you must feel the same way about your Bentley too. I hope your staycation was a fun one and you had a chance to rest and relax. It’s so important to take time for yourself and celebrate each day. Sending you hugs, CoCo

  2. Thanks so much for the chocolate day reminder! And I am so sorry about your sweet Jelly Bean. We lost Charlie last August, and it still hurts. Wishing you a fabulous week CoCo.

    1. I really appreciate it, Kim, thank you. We literally found Jelly on the side of the road and she was the best gift. While she lived a long time and we are forever grateful to have had her but as you know with Charlie the house is way too quiet now. Sending you lots of love and hugs, CoCo

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