From the Front Porch

Happy Friday from the front porch, you guys! As always, it’s great to spend some time with you today.  

I can hardly believe we’re about to welcome August tomorrow. 

Can you? 

Truth be told, while I make a concerted effort to be thankful everyday, I have to confess, I won’t be sad to see July go.  It was filled with a lot of high highs and some pretty low lows too. 

I know we’re not quite ready to make the full transition into Fall yet, but there’s something about starting a new season that always fills me with humble expectation and promise.

I hope you’ve had a great week, thanks so much for being here. 

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

This Colonial on the Bluff is so stunning, I’m at a loss for words.

An 18th Century rectory gets a beautiful makeover thanks to designer, Emma Sims Hilditch.

The sole reason I’m no longer on the fence about painting the walls in the guest bedroom pink.

Cottagecore is the soothing design style we need right now and I’m all about it.

Cathy Graham’s Second Bloom home tour is every flower lover’s dream.

This bathroom makeover is really pretty. 

So many people have been camping this summer, so it was fun to see this fabulous makeover.

The most charming garden sheds on Pinterest, according to Southern Living. 

An interesting way to deer-proof a garden.

Leave it to Martha and her team to come up with this idea.

Seriously Cute Stationery 

Tips and Tricks for Mixing Wood Tones 

51 Small Kitchen Ideas That Make the Most of a Tiny Space 

Eat Your Way to Better Mental Health 

17 Habits That Will Change Your Life

Quote of the Week and Free Printable…

Self-Discovery Journey: Books We’re Reading…

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In August, we’re reading the faith-based book Love Does by Bob Goff and I’m super excited about it.

You can find the trailer for the book here and find out how the proceeds from the book started education and human rights ministries around the world here. 

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

 July –The Art of Showing Up: How to be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Wilkerson Miller 

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 

Watching Lately…

Setting a pretty table has always been a priority for us at home, even at a very young age, thanks to my Mom’s love of vintage china and linens.  

This video from Willow Crosley is such a beautiful example of how to easily take a table from ordinary to extraordinary with simple branches and blooms. 

On the Menu this Week…

Week of August 2 – August 9

08/01 – Saturday Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas 

08/02 – SundaySpinach Lasagna Rollups 

08/03 – Monday Firecracker Salmon with Peach Avocado Salsa 

08/04 – TuesdayBaked Spicy Chicken Tacos 

08/05 – Wednesday Mediterranean Orzo 

08/06 – ThursdayAsian Tofu Noodle Soup 

08/07 – Friday –  Company Pot Roast with creamed cauliflower and steamed green beans

08/08 – Saturday – Rosemary Peach Chicken in White Wine Pan Sauce  

08/09 – Sunday Stuffed Peppers Casserole 

Sweet Treat to Try This Week…

Chocolate Sheet Cake 

Soft and Romantic 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)

Planter Vitamin C Serum Wood Leg Bench Floral Print Dress 

Tee Shirt Dress Wreath Diffuser Strappy Sandals 

Kitchen Gadget Set Juicer PJs Lamp 

Second BloomStriped PillowsBeige Blush CurtainsHair Wraps 

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

 French Country Bench Makeover in Cartouche Green

Home Decor and Decorating Books Coming Out This Fall 

Tips and Tricks for Clutter-Free Linen Closets 

DIY Monogrammed Canvas Pouch

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  …

  • 08/01 – Kids Room or Guest Room Closet & Drawers
  • 08/08 – Back to School Supplies/Emergency Contact List
  • 08/15 – Toys & Games
  • 08/22 – Medicine & First Aid Supplies
  • 08/29 – Seasonal Decorative Items-Fall

Upcoming Blog Posts and Dates to Remember…

  • 08/01 – Order Gifts and Cards for August Birthdays and Anniversaries 
  • 08/01 – Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
  • 08/01 – Girlfriends Day 
  • 08/02 – Sisters Day 
  • 08/02 – Friendship Day 
  • 08/04 – Chocolate Chip Cookie Day 
  • 08/09 – National Book Lovers Day 
  • 08/09 – National Women’s Day 
  • 08/13 – International Lefthanders Day 
  • 08/15 – International Homeless Animals Day
  • 08/15 – National Relaxation Day 
  • 08/20 – National Lemonade Day 

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

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6 Comments

  1. Happy girlfriends/sister/friendship day, lovely CoCo! I am loving these posts – so much fun to read! PS: Can I please come over for dinner this week, your menu looks super tempting!

    1. So glad you like these Friday posts, Katerina! They’re always fun to put together and each week I’m amazed at all the talent people have. You are welcome for dinner any time! It’s been fun to try out new menu items each week. I feel like I eat the same stuff all the time 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo

  2. Thank you for sharing this great list of home décor posts! It’s exciting having Fall around the corner, but I have to agree with you – it came unusually fast this year.

    1. Thanks so much! March and April were so nice because we got to enjoy a super slow way of life but man once May hit it felt like the wild wild west again ha ha. Here’s to hoping Fall is full of adventure and peace-filled weekends 🙂 Hope you have a great week, CoCo

  3. I love the poem you shared about the “Practice of Gratitude.” Being thankful and grateful sure have a way of adjusting our perspective for the better, regardless of circumstances!

    1. I totally agree with you, Heidi, gratitude changes everything. It’s definitely helped to keep us hopeful during these wild and crazy times. Hope your week is a special one, CoCo

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