From the Front Porch

Happy Friday from the front porch, you guys! I hope the first week of August has been good to you. 

I read the other day, “August is like the Sunday of summer,” and it’s so true! 

I simultaneously feel like I need to tackle all the projects on my to-do list while savoring the last days of summer all at the same time. 

Do you feel like that?

Fall is hands down my favorite season of the entire year and I have to force myself to stay in the moment every summer. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of projects going on at the housekeeping us busy. As you know, one project always leads to another, which leads to another. 

Our main priority this week has been the shed makeover.

It still doesn’t have a name but after WEEKS of delays (and a major meltdown which is a story for another time), I feel like we are finally making a tiny bit of progress.

We’re covering the walls with shiplap, but I’ve asked my friends and family to send me a favorite quote or word of encouragement so I can inscribe the words on the drywall. 

Despite everything, this project really is a dream come true. I think it will be such a blessing to have the space infused with positivity and love. 

Let me know if you have a favorite you want me to add!

Navigating all the delays has not been easy so I’ve been blasting The Blessing with Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes Live From Elevation Worship  each morning because this project needs all the encouragement it can get?

Believe me, there have been plenty of opportunities for growth these past few weeks and I can’t wait to celebrate the completion of this project with a PSL!

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

Beautiful beach house inspiration from Kate Marker Interiors. 

A stunning home on Alabama’s Lake Martin.

Bria Hammel Interiors does it again with this gorgeous home tour, she definitely needs a book deal, right?

The power of white paint never ceases to amaze me. Especially, in Florida cottages like this one.

New Berkshire Farmhouse Tour: After the Fire 

There are so pretty examples of master bedroom inspiration in this post.

We probably won’t be traveling any time soon, thanks to the pandemic but this property was too pretty not to share in case you live close by.

If you dream of gardens with pea gravel, you’ll love this post.

The 16 Best Hydrangeas Based on Your Climate and Garden 

Speaking of hydrangeas, how pretty is this stationery?  I loved this crown set  and this beautiful bee set too!

This stepping stone idea is really creative.

4 Energizing Juice Recipes from a Nutritionist 

This post, How I Finally Healed My Gut was so relatable and the tips were totally doable too. 

There has never been a better time to create a family ritual than right now! The comment section of this post is filled with great ideas.

If you’re looking to start shopping for Christmas early, this is a great cause to support and they have some beautiful pieces of affordable jewelry too.

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 reading Love Does by Bob Goff and I think it’s going to be one of those books that came at just the right time. 

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…

My sister just started a YouTube channel for her lifestyle and fitness company, Kaion Fitness.  She was super sweet to interview me for a series of videos starting with this one, Decorating 101.

In this video, we discuss 5 simple steps that will help you create a room you love from start to finish. 

Here’s a peek at the show notes:

Determine Your Style – Use Pinterest to create design boards, blogs, magazines and decorating books for ideas and inspiration

Set Your Budget & Get a Plan on Paper – This will help you stay on track with your home decor and supply purchases as well as provide a checklist of things to complete

Shop Your House & Determine Your Needs – For example, there may be things you can’t change like your kitchen countertops but can you update your backsplash.

Find an Inspiration Piece to Build the Room Around – Art, a colorful rug, wallpaper or a fabric print/pattern you love and can’t live without

Mix Old and New – Adding pieces family heirlooms, antique pieces or well-loved items is a simple way to get a collected over time feel

We had so much fun creating these videos together and would be tickled pink if you watched and liked this video. 

You can find out more about Kaion Fitness here, follow daily on Instagram here, and Facebook here.

On the Menu this Week…

Week of August 9 – August 16

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

08/09 – Sunday Stuffed Peppers Casserole 

08/10 – Monday Falafel Bowls  

08/11 – Tuesday Mexican Quiche 

08/12 – WednesdayGlowing Grilled Summer Detox Salad 

08/13 – Thursday Lemon Turkey Rice Soup 

08/14 – FridayBlacked Salmon Burgers with Herb Cream Cheese and side of sweet potato fries

08/15 – Saturday Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits 

08/16 – Sunday – 4 Ingredient Pesto Rigatoni 

Sweet Treat to Try This Week…

I recently made these Cookie Butter Bars for my family and they were a hit.  The crust was very, very, crumbly so just a heads up if you have littles because they’re messy.

A Few Things 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)

Vase Set ChairStriped Napkin Set Cell Phone Stand 

Leopard PJ Set * Highball Glasses Deep Pillow Spray Flip Flops 

Leather Jacket BottlePad EarringsLamp

Pre & Probiotic SupplementsTulip Paper Cups 

PlanterDrawer Organizer Set 

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

Blue and White Guest Bedroom Refresh  

Adding Whitewash to Farmhouse Furniture 

9 Quick & Easy Ways to Find Fall Inspiration

Modern Day Cleaning Schedule Made Easy 

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 – Your Car
  • 08/08 – Organize Your Purse and Wallet & Update Your Phone Contacts
  • 08/15 – Garden Supplies/Potting Shed
  • 08/22 – Garage, Attic or Basement
  • 08/29 – Kids Room or Guest Room

Upcoming Blog Posts and Dates to Remember…

  • 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 

FYI & Housekeeping Notes…

For the past few days, we’ve been having some technical issues and troubleshooting with our hosting site.  That’s part of the reason, this post is up so late.  

Fingers crossed, we’ll have it all figured out soon. Until then there may be some bugs we still have to work out and some of the features you’re used to (like the comment section) might be disabled.

Thank you in advance for your understanding!

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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4 Comments

  1. First, I quickly clicked over to the Elevation Worship and listened to “The Blessing” and I’m not going to lie, it made me tear up but with joyous tears! What a true blessing to find this amazing outlet for worship! My new morning ritual has always excluded my phone or headphones, but I may have to change that now. Listening to these beautiful voices and words will definitely improve my mornings! Thank you! I’ve bookmarked several of the links you shared this week, including that Detox Salad and How I finally healed my gut article! I need both of these! Have a great weekend!

    1. I felt the same way, Christine! I swear there’s nothing like that song to get you going in the mornings or to help you change a “moody moment” in the afternoon 🙂 It’s helped me stay focused on what’s really important so much. I hope the gut health post helps as well. I’ve been working to heal mine too and while it hasn’t always been easy, I can already tell a difference. Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo

  2. Haha.. I love the name shoffice – that should definitely be a word! I am so glad that things are starting to happen on that front for you. And I am loving your menu yet again (and the fact that you plan it out ahead like that – you are so organised, CoCo)! PS: We’re getting out downstairs floor re-tiled and I am so excited – I am starting to understand your passion for the next project! I am already starting to plan to re-do the downstairs bathroom etc etc. Oh my goodness, this is going to be fun!

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