From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the Front Porch! Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!
Earlier this week, my Mom and I quietly slipped back to our hometown to surprise my sweet aunt with a fun porch makeover.
It wasn’t anything big or grand at all.
Just a super simple way to let her know we’re thinking about her as she recovers from surgery and begins cancer treatments.
My aunt’s farm is gorgeous and she works out in the yard all the time!
Our only goal for the porch makeover was to give her a space where she could relax and take in the sunrise from the best spot on the property, hang out with her family and friends, and to bring the outdoors a little closer indoors.
To say she was surprised was a total understatement and we were tickled pink to be able to bring a bit of joy to her day.
She’s definitely been through a lot these past few weeks.
Thanks again for your prayers, sweet words of encouragement and those of you who have given us recommendations from your own cancer journey or from the journey of your family members.
They’ve helped so much already and mean the world!
Our Favorite Links From Around the Web This Week…
Mark D. Sikes never disappoints this home is swoon-worthy!
This lakehouse home tour is just gorgeous and the view is amazing too.
The Contemporary Beach House That Perfects Coastal Charm
A beautiful way to mix vintage, coastal, and farmhouse charm this summer.
We definitely had one of these, did you?
Up close and Behind the Scenes with Photographer, Lindsay Salazar
17 Delightful US Beach Towns with Laid Back Vibes and Stunning Coastal Views
50 Positive Affirmations You Should Tell Yourself
1000 Hours Outside has me longing for sleepaway camp
How I Learned to Let Go of Hustle Culture
S’mores Combos You Have to Try
Words to Live By…
Listening to This Week…
This summer I’ve been taking an online writing class and while I’ve learned a few nuggets of fresh inspiration, this podcast, Storytelling Secrets That Connect and Convert, was so good I had to stop painting so I could grab my journal and take notes.
July Book of the Month…
**(Amazon 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)
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz is an old but goodie!
I’ve read it once already, but I love that it’s filled with easy-to-read chapters and digestible information you can implement almost immediately.
On the Menu this Week…
Week of July 11 – July 18
07/11 Sunday – Mediterranean Pasta with Arugula Salad
07/12 Monday – 20 Minute Garlic Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
07/13 Tuesday – Doritos Chicken Casserole
07/14 Wednesday – Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta (we’ll be adding grilled shrimp)
07/15 Thursday – Chicken and Rice Soup
07/16 Friday – Garden Pesto Grilled Cheese
07/17 Saturday – Steamed Mussels in White Wine Broth
07/18 Sunday – Mushroom Ravioli with Spinach
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
A Few Fun Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…
(Amazon and Target 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)
** Indicates additional colors or options available when this post was originally published
Wall Art * Wicker Tray * Rug * Sofa
Dry Oil * Plaid Chair * **Blue Midi Dress * Mini Hydrangeas
**Earrings * **Green Floral Dress * Sandals * Napkin Set
**Journals * **Necklace * **Ruffle Sleeve Dress * Fire and Waterproof Pouch
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
15 Things You Don’t Know About CoCo
7 Things to Prioritize Before School Starts
Easy to Make DIY Dry Erase Board
July Bucket List
- Celebrate Independence Day
- Restart 30 Day Rest Challenge
- Continue Back to Basics Summer Season
- Surprise Porch Makeover for my Sweet Aunt
- ORC Celebration Brunch
- Make a New Peach Recipe
- Attend a Summer Yard Sale
- Christmas in July Activities
- Plan Fall and Winter Content
- Try New IG Strategy
- Photograph House Tour
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
July Simplified and Organize Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Kids Rooms or Guest Rooms & Bathrooms
- 07/03 – Kids Room or Guest Room
- 07/10 – Kids Room or Guest Room Closet & Drawers
- 07/17 – Kids Room or Guest Room Bathroom & Cabinets
- 07/24 – Back to School Supplies/ Toys & Games
- 07/31 – Clean Out/Organize Your Car
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts
- 07/09 – National Sugar Cookie Day
- 07/10 – Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
- 07/11 – Studio McGee Fall Line Debuts at Target
- 07/12 – National Simplicity Day, National Pecan Day
- 07/14 – Bastille Day
- 07/18 – National Ice Cream Day
- 07/21 – National Hot Dog Day
- 07/23 – Summer Olympics Begins
- 07/31 – National Mutt Day
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing.
We’ll see you tomorrow for the Lifestyle of Love blog hop and 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
The front door wreath that you created for your aunt is gorgeous! Will you share how you made it?
So sweet of you to think I made this wreath for my aunt, Mary! She actually bought it at Hobby Lobby. The wreath was hanging on the front door when we arrived and it was just too pretty to take down 🙂 Hope your weekend has been a fun one so far, CoCo
It feels like a lifetime ago since I’ve been able to take a breather and stop by for all the wonderful inspiration I find in your posts! You didn’t disappoint! What a treat to see the lovely surprise you gave your dear aunt! Her porch looks absolutely AMAZING! I could sit on that cozy bench all day! Off to check out some of your links! Thanks as always for sharing!
I know, Christine! It’s definitely been a wild summer but it’s been fun to feel creative again. My aunt is seriously one of the sweetest ladies I know so we’re all too happy to lift her up and give her whatever she needs even if it’s helping to bring the feel of her garden a little closer to home. Sending you lots of hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
What a sweet idea CoCo. I love what you did for your aunt. I’m sure she was thrilled!
Thank you, Rachel! She’s such a sweet lady and we’re happy to do whatever she needs to make things just a little easier for her. Hope your weekend has been a fun one so far, CoCo
Beautiful porch, CoCo!! Prayers to your Aunt and family. I, too, know about the ugly word “cancer” – having support around you does help get through the toughest parts.
Thank you so much, Patty, I really appreciate it. We have experience with strokes and heart attacks but this is our first go with cancer and I think we’re all realizing what a fine line you have to walk to be able to navigate it all. I’m always thankful when others share what has helped them most because it definitely helps to make the journey easier. Sending you lots of hugs and thank you so much for your words of encouragement, CoCo
Such a wonderful thing you did for your aunt. I’m sure she was overwhelmed with joy.
The porch looks beautiful!
Continued prayers for all!!
Thank you, Cindy! She loves to work in the yard and has tons of plants and flowers. It’s WAY too hot in Florida for her to be working in the flower beds right now so we’ve been trying to think of very small ways she can have the feel of her gardens a little closer to home. She was definitely excited about it all which of course melted us immediately. Thank you so much for checking in on her progress and continuing to pray. We appreciate it so much! Big hugs, CoCo