From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch! We hope your week has been filled with all good things. Thanks so much for spending time with us today!
They’re in the process of restringing all the electricity and cable lines on the island which has made services super, super slow, and working a challenge these past few weeks.
I’m still in the process of getting back to some of you but I’ve been getting a lot of the same questions so I thought I would do a quick Q&A today.
How is your aunt doing?
My aunt will have her 3rd chemo treatment next week and she is holding up well.
Within minutes of her first treatment, she had a crazy scary and severe allergic reaction to the chemo cocktail. Thankfully, she was able to get medical treatment immediately and is doing much better now.
Since then, they’ve changed the chemo cocktail and dosage which lengthened the number of treatments she’ll have to take but it’s at least a tolerable experience now.
Thank you so much for all your sweet words of encouragement, healing thoughts, and prayers. They mean the world!
Did your niece make it home from the sea to shining sea trip? What was the last picture she sent?
My baby sister (who inspired the From the Front Porch series) arrived home safely with her family at the beginning of August. They had an amazing time!
The last picture my niece sent was a half-eaten snowcone with the caption…”Wish you were here CoCo you would really love this flavor.”
We celebrated her birthday this week and I couldn’t be more thankful she’s a part of our life. She’s such a great kid!
Are you using pink in your Fall decor?
To be perfectly honest, this is the first year I’ve had a complete vision for our holiday home before I’ve had one for our Fall home which is so weird because Fall is my favorite season of the entire year!
My plan as of now is to use shades of pinks, creams, greens, and browns if I can find them and make them work.
I popped into Michales this week and they were just putting out all of their seasonal goodies but it definitely seems like stores have more variety this year than last.
What planner do you currently use?
I currently use a custom planner from Plum Paper and I love it!
I write big and have a lot to keep track of so I use the daily planner. They have lots of different styles and layouts to choose from though.
Customizing can be a little overwhelming at first but I really appreciate having multiple options.
Do you have any work-from-home tips? I thought my spouse was going back into the office but he is not. I’m desperate.
This one gave me the giggles because we are in the same boat.
As an introvert, I was literally counting down the days until I had the house all to myself again during the day.
Since those plans drastically changed this summer, we’re learning how to pivot.
Goodness gracious, you guys it’s not easy sometimes.
I’m hoping to have some sanity savers for you soon 😉
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
This Norwegian cabin makes me want to snuggle up and enjoy the lazy days of summer.
Speaking of which, this blue and white Cornwall cottage is really pretty too!
Can you even with this stunning French Country bedroom?
The layers of texture in this home tour are all fabulous!
The Architectural Features That Add Value to Your Home
This event portfolio is filled with gorgeous ideas!
How a Couple Saved 10K on a Custom Closet
Rebuilding Your Wardrobe After Weight Change (I’m looking at you pandemic pounds)
10 Lazy Girl Beauty Hacks to Try Now
5 Qualities Introverts Want in a Friend (shaking my head YES to all of these)
Words to Live By…
Listening to This Week…
Just sent this song to my baby sister as the last of the littles will be going back to school on Monday. It really makes you realize how important it is to make each day special.
On a side note, if you got teary during the book, Love You Forever, you might want to bring some tissues. You’re welcome for the heads up, Mom 😉
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)
Several of you have mentioned the chapter on branding in Living the Simply Luxurious Life by Shannon Ables.
While it might seem like brands are only for businesses, you’d be surprised at how much people pay attention to personal branding as well.
The birthday card I got my niece had a cat wearing a bright pink cape and a crown. The minute she pulled it out of the envelope my nephew said, “Oh that’s definitely from CoCo!” 😂
A personal brand is nothing more than how people perceive you so don’t gloss over that chapter!
If you’re wearing J Crew cardigans, strings of pearls, sparkly shoes, and sending monogrammed thank you notes, you already have a personal brand whether you realize it or not.
As for The Joy of Missing Out: Live More by Doing Less by Tanya Dalton I’m super thankful for the extra resources she offers online. They’ve been really helpful!
On the Menu this Week…
Week of August 15 – August 21
08/15 Sunday – Rosemary Peach Chicken in White Wine Pan Sauce
08/16 Monday – Falafel Bowls
08/17 Tuesday – Mexican Pizza
08/18 Wednesday – Glowing Grilled Summer Detox Salad
08/19 Thursday – Lemon Turkey Rice Soup
08/20 Friday – Blackened Salmon Burgers with Herb Cream Cheese and side of sweet potato fries
08/21 Saturday – Crock Pot Chicken Marsala with mashed potatoes and green beans
08/22 Sunday – Stuffed Peppers Casserole
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
A Few Fun Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(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)
** Indicates additional colors or options available when this post was originally published
**Basic Tee * **Basket * **Wireless Keyboard and Mouse * **Blouse
**Bunny Ring Tray * **Magazine Organizers * Facial in a Glass * Desk
**Binder * **Vitamin C Serum * **Hanging Closet Shelves * **Rug
**Pants * **Stapler * **Chair * **Dress
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
The Evolution of the Breakfast Nook and Late Summer Flower Power Blog Hop
11 Simple Ways to Stay Organized with Alexa
Quick and Easy French Country Cabinet Makeover
(blown away by your help, advice, and opinions on this! thank you, thank you, thank you!)
How to Save Time with Smoothie Prep Packets
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
- Grill Outside One More Time
- 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…
- 08/13 – Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
- 08/13 – International Lefthanders Day
- 08/15 – International Homeless Animals Day
- 08/15 – National Relaxation Day
- 08/20 – National Lemonade Day
- 08/24 – National Waffle Day
- 08/25 – National Banana Split Day
- 08/26 – National Dog 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
CoCo,
so many great questions answered. I enjoy reading your Front Porch posts.
I really appreciate that Rachel, thank you so much! They’re always fun to put together. Big hugs, CoCo
Thanks for the update on your aunt. Continuing to pray for her.
Happy your sister gad a great trip.
I’m thinking fall. It’s that time. I’m looking forward to seeing your pretty touches.
Thank you so much for always checking on her, Cindy, it means so much! It’s hotter than a pepper patch in Florida right now but I’m totally with you. I’m ready for all things Fall too! Big hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo