From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the Front Porch you guys!
I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been playing Christmas music and planning holiday content all week.
It’s always fun to have something to look forward to, you know?
Last year, I really struggled to find the motivation to even put up Christmas decorations which was not like me at all.
So, this year I’m making extra sure I have a game plan that can easily be broken down into simple action-oriented small steps.
As of now, our plan is to celebrate and decorate for the Fall season in August and September, Halloween in October, Thanksgiving in the first half of November, and Christmas in the second half of November and all of December.
Fall is our favorite season of the entire year and even though it usually gets interrupted by hurricane season and extra travel for family events, we try to stretch it out for as long as possible.
There’s something about Fall that feels as festive as Christmas but without the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
And we’re all for embracing a slower pace of life so we can celebrate the magic of ordinary days and make time for what matters most, you know?
I know a lot of you are in gearing up for all things back to school so I appreciate you letting me share the Christmas in July adventures I’ve recently had with my Mom.
They were definitely special!
If you’re in Florida around the Orlando area, we visited Marge’s Specialties for holiday inspiration and all the antique shop pictures shown above are from Wirewood Market in a nearby town called Altamonte Springs.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
On the days I need a little pick me up, I turn to these designers. They’re pure joy and inspiration.
Can you imagine spending the lazy days of summer in this lakefront legacy?
This coastal Georgia home offers a fresh take on Mediterranean style
Every inch of this home tour is perfection.
40 beautiful ways to layer green into your favorite spaces.
How pretty is this French-inspired Christmas in July tour?
Don’t miss this fabulous farmhouse Christmas in July home tour either!
9 Simple Ideas to Repurpose Last Year’s Christmas Décor (that are all totally doable)
These chinoiserie ornaments are super cute if you’re planning a blue and white tree this year.
So excited to learn more about this clean makeup brand Bobbi Brown recently launched.
Love Shack Fancy also recently launched a home décor line, and everything is totally dreamy.
This fabulous story could easily be a hit at the box office!
Speaking of which, Glamour magazine recently recognized Community College Women of the Year this year 🙌
Mark your calendars for this super cool event!
Words to Live By…
Watching This Week…
Golden: The Journey of USA’s Elite Gymnasts was equal parts fascinating and poignant given everything that happened at the Olympics this week.
August 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)
My accountability partner was out of town last week so I wasn’t able to get her August book pick until this week!
She chose Living the Simply Luxurious Life by Shannon Ables which is such a great choice and I chose The Joy of Missing Out: Live More by Doing Less by Tanya Dalton.
It’s also a book that’s been highly recommended and I can’t wait to dive into them both!
On the Menu this Week…
Week of July 25 – August 1
07/25 Sunday – Italian Stuffed Shells and Kale Italian Chopped Salad
07/26 Monday – Mediterranean Orzo Salad and Stuffed Grape Leaves
07/27 Tuesday – Chicken Burritos
07/28 Wednesday – Harissa-Roasted Sweet Potato Power Salad
07/29 Thursday – Crab Bisque
07/30 Friday – French Bread Pesto Pizza Chicken with a side salad
07/31 Saturday – Country Farmer’s Breakfast Skillet with a side of biscuits
08/01 Sunday – Crockpot Ribs with a side of baked beans and potato salad
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
A Few Fun Finds We Spotted Online at Target and Amazon 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
**Green Floral Dress * Ice Cream Maker * Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons * **Table Runner
**Ice Cream Light * **Spaghetti Strap Dress * **Polish * Sprinklefetti
Big Bubble Wand * Pearl Studs * **Ruffle Print Floral Dress * Sock Mask
**PJ Set * Glow Tonic * Bow Sandals * **Polka Dot Dress
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Favorite Things: Christmas in July Finds and Design Ideas
Encouragement of the Month: Thoughts on Loving Well
25 Simple DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
August Bucket List…
- Host Back to School Event for the Littles
- Pick up Fresh Office Supplies
- Find Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Celebrate Living at Journeys End 12 years
- Design 2022 Planner and Blog Notebook
- Finish Guest Bathroom Makeover (find art)
- Organize the Refrigerator and Desk Drawers
- Begin Planning Mom’s Milestone Birthday Party
- Order Christmas Gifts
- Find Rocking Chairs for the Front Porch
- Check Hurricane Kits
- Try New IG Strategy
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
August Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Car, Garden, & Garage
- 08/07 – Medicine Cabinet & First Aid Supplies/Emergency Contact List
- 08/14 – Garage, Attic, or Basement
- 08/21 – Garden Supplies/Potting Shed
- 08/28 – Seasonal Decorative Items-Fall
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts
- 07/31 – National Mutt Day
- 08/01 – Buy August Birthday and Special Occasion Gifts
- 08/01 – National Sisters Day
- 08/04 – National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
- 08/10 – National Spoil Your Dog Day
- 08/13 – Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
- 08/24 – National Waffle Day
- 08/26 – Women’s Equality Day
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, 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
Happy Friday! Thank you so much for including my ornaments this week. So many fun shares to click through, like the Love Shack Fancy home line!!! Have a great weekend CoCo.
You are so welcome, Marie! Oh my word Love Shack Fancy gets me all the time. They have some beautiful things. I could totally live in their pages 😂 Super excited to try your ornaments. They’re gorgeous! Hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
Thanks so much for sharing my Christmas in July post. I loved those antique pieces you showcased today. Looks like great shopping!
I appreciate your support.
You are so welcome, Rachel! I spent the morning pinning all kinds of things from that post. I’m super excited for Christmas now and I can’t wait to try your tips and tricks. Hugs, CoCo
Thank you so much for sharing my post!!! You’re the sweetest!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!
-Emily
You are very welcome, Emily! Your ideas inspire me all the time. Hope your weekend was fabulous as well. Big hugs, CoCo