From the Front Porch

Happy Friday sweet friends! I hope this week finds you well and your Fall season off to a great start!

The past couple of weeks have definitely felt pretty heavy so I’ve held off posting your questions. I’m going to start easing back into them though because some of the questions feel time-sensitive.

I still have several more to answer but this post was getting kind of long so I’ll save them for next week.

Hope they help and you enjoy!

Q & A Friday…

Seasonal Ideas:

I read you come up with decorating and holiday ideas from the color palettes you find in fabric, but I don’t remember you sharing a Fall one this year. Did I miss it?

You didn’t miss it! I’ve been vacillating between 2 different fabrics and finally decided to use one indoors and one outdoors, so I didn’t have to choose.  

They’re both super neutral and I think I’ll be able to use them into the winter season as well.

Here’s a grid of how I put together color, flower, and decorating ideas each season. Usually one or 2 will stand out immediately and I’ll go from there.

Option 1…

Fall Color Palette Fabric Option 2

Option 2…

Fall Color Palette Fabric Option 1

No offense but when I read your post about finding Fall inspiration, I rolled my eyes when you listed blogs and Pinterest as sources.  When I scroll through my feed, the farmhouse bloggers I used to really enjoy, all look the same now especially the ones that use the “farmhouse filter.” How do I get inspired when everything looks the same?

No offense taken, thank you for your honesty. I truly believe inspiration can be found all around us, we just have to be open to seeing things in a fresh way. 

If you’re looking for ideas outside your favorite blogs, try event planning and wedding sites.

They might seem like unusual places to look but they’re a great resource for putting together beautiful color palettes, unique flower and texture combinations, elegant place settings, and gift-wrapping ideas too.

This wedding is STUNNING!  I mean, literally, the stuff dreams are made of but it’s also full of fantastic designs and lessons in classic sophistication which can easily transition to your home or next event as well.

I appreciate how you make us feel like we can create an inviting home even if we don’t have a lot of money. I’m on a really tight budget but I want to make Fall feel festive this year. Any ideas?

That’s such a sweet compliment, thank you.

I’d start in the one area of your home you use most. Then I’d go all out with lots of paper goodies. For example paper fans, pom poms, festive balloon balls, bunting, a paper runner on your table – things that like.

They’re relatively inexpensive but make a big impact (remember all the black bats on IG last year? They were EVERYWHERE and budget-friendly too.)

After that, I’d concentrate on creating an experience around a meal.

I can’t tell you what a single wreath looked like on our front door growing up, but I remember the cat my Mom made out of peppermint patties and licorice, sitting on a fence made out of pretzel rods under a butterscotch moon like it was yesterday.

Quick and Easy Halloween Decorations-The Crowned Goat

Recent Amazon Order:

Did you order the oatmeal or the ivory-colored puff sleeve sweater from Amazon? I’m assuming you’re talking about the one in this post. I have the color shown. It’s called warm beige heather and it’s really pretty.

I’m usually between a medium and a large so I got the large and it’s definitely roomy. If you’re in between sizes and don’t plan to layer, you might want to consider sizing down.

The sweater is soft and the color goes with everything (that’s 5 outfit ideas from one sweater 🙌). I’m planning to put the gray one on my Christmas list!

Breast Cancer Journey Support:

How is your aunt doing and how are you supporting her cancer journey without being near her due to Covid and infection guarding? We’re in a similar situation.

Thanks so much for asking, she’s hanging in there.  She’s definitely had a few setbacks to work through since starting chemotherapy. As expected, the longer her treatments go on the harder it gets. She’s hanging in there though!

As far as supporting her, early on we (the 35 ½ in our extended family) knew we needed to be strategic in how we supported my aunt’s care and her immediate family pod as well.

We broke each month of her treatment plan into themes. The first month was Baskets of Blessings where we all contributed gifts and placed them in a big basket so she would have one item to open each day. The gifts ranged from healing lotion to fresh pj’s to thank you cards to books to jewelry and everything in between.

Month 2 was Cards and Caring where each family took a week to send my aunt cards and called or texted with words of encouragement every day of their assigned week.

This month, we’re wearing pink every Monday (her treatment day) and sending her videos and selfies sharing our support.

There are more people that live outside of our hometown than in our hometown now but every Monday my aunt can feel the love from 6 different counties in Florida and 1 from Georgia cheering her on as she drives to treatments.

While it’s an absolute blessing to have a large family there are still things you can do even if you have a family of 4!

I’ll be honest, it’s tough not being able to hug my aunt or see her on a regular basis because that’s what we all want to do the most. I’m sure your family feels the same way!

But right now, we know getting vaccinated, wearing masks, checking our egos, supporting her through acts of kindness, works of service, words of encouragement, and staying committed to meeting her needs is the best way to help her through her cancer journey.

I’ll definitely be keeping your family in my prayers. I know it can be overwhelming at times!

SImple White Pumpkin Vignette-The Crowned Goat

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

Remaking History on Chicago’s Gold Coast (the kitchen…the horse art…the stair runner…so fantastic!)

Beth Webb + Brays Island = Perfection (is the bread in a warming drawer? – officially obsessed)

How Photographer, Emily Kennedy, Gets the Perfect Shot

A converted barn tour that sleeps 20.

This guest bedroom makeover is really pretty.

Dying over how easy this DIY Fall berry wreath was to make!

This map will help you plan your leaf-peeping trip.

If you need a place to stay, this retreat house looks really cute.

The Longest Living People in the World Eat These 4 Anti-Inflammatory Spices Every Day

How to Feel Grateful When Life Gets Hard

7 Drugstore Makeup Products That Beat High End

Just in case you’re planning to give monogrammed presents for the holidays and want to get started early, this Etsy shop looks like it has a lot of great options and this retailer also has beautiful options too.

Words to Live By…

Books 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)

On the Menu this Week…

Week of September 20th – September 26th

09/19 Sunday – Cauliflower Gnocchi with Asparagus, Chicken Sausage, and Pesto

09/20 – MondayEgg Roll in a Bowl

09/21 – TuesdayChicken Enchilada Soup

09/22 – Wednesday Autumn Kale Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese, and Fennel

09/23 – ThursdayJerk Chicken Bowls with Pineapple Black Bean Salsa

09/24 – FridayAntipasto Mozzarella Sandwich with Pesto

 09/25 – Saturday Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic and Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables

09/26 – Sunday Pork Tenderloin with cauliflower mash, green beans, and apples

Sweet Treat to Try this Week…

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

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

Mint and Blush Finds on Target and Amazon-The Crowned Goat

**Dress * Celestial Earrings * **Satchel * Cake Stand

**Placemats * **Sweater * **Brushed Gold Pumpkins * Wreath

**Dinnerware Set * Velvet Pumpkins * **Smocked Blouse * **Ballet Flats

**Ice Trays * Throw * **Slippers * **Utility Jacket

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

Simple Chalkboard Decorating Ideas and Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop

Simple Chalkboard Decorating Ideas-Fall Cider Bar-The Crowned Goat

Simple Fall Entry Decorating Ideas

Country House Fall Entry Ideas-Decorating with Mums and Pumpkins-The Crowned Goat

How to Make a Fall Inspired Kraft Paper Sign

Fall Kraft Paper Sign with Pumpkins-The Crowned Goat

Embracing Fall Home Tour and Blog Hop

Embracing Fall Home Tour and Blog Hop-The Crowned Goat

September Bucket List…

  • Celebrate September Birthdays
  • Celebrate Labor Day with Shrimp Rolls
  • Fly the Flag for Patriot’s Day
  • Enjoy Being on Miss Mustard Seed’s Book Launch Team
  • Enjoy Being on Tanya Dalton’s Book Launch Team
  • Try the New Apple Crisp Macchiato from Starbucks
  • Create a Fall Bucket List
  • Decorate the House for Fall
  • Decorate the Porch for Fall
  • Make a Courageous Choice Daily (even if it’s a micro one)
  • Schedule a Sisters Zoom Meeting
  • Read the Book of the Month
  • Keep Sundays Sacred

September Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…

Focus of the Month: Fall Planning & Seasonal Activities

  • 09/03 – Fall Bucket List
  • 09/10 – Transition Seasonal Items (coats, sweaters, ski gear, sports equipment)
  • 09/17 – Purchase New Planner and Set Goals
  • 09/24 – Family Calendar & Set Family Doctor Appointments

TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember and Upcoming Posts…

  • 09/15 Yom Kippur
  • 09/18 National Clean Up Day
  • 09/22 First Day of Fall
  • 09/25 National Daughters Day 
  • 09/26 National Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
  • 09/26 National Pancake Day
  • 09/28 National Voter’s Registration Day
  • 09/29 National Coffee and National Starbucks 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

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14 Comments

    1. Thank you bunches, Rachel! Fridays are always fun. Hope you found lots of goodies on your trip to Ashville, CoCo

  1. Love BOTH fabrics you chose, CoCo! Your tips are always so helpful and inspire me so much! It was nice to read the updates on your auntie. What a wonderful family you have to find such sweet ways to help and support her. It truly is a difficult time for all of you, made harder now by Covid for sure. Sending prayers to you and yours! May you have a blessed weekend! Hugs, Christine!

    1. I’m so excited you like the fabrics, Christine. I think they’re going to be super versatile throughout the different seasons. My aunt is such a rock star. She’s definitely been pivotal in keeping us all going. We’re currently cooking up something special for when she finishes chemo and has a break before radiation. It will be socially distanced but I think she’ll like it. Hope your week has been filled with all good things. Fridays are the best! Hugs, CoCo

  2. Great post and I love how the family is going about supporting your aunt.

    Is hard when someone you love is going through this sort of situation. Hugging and contact is what they need but safety first.

    This dang virus has taken so many things away. You guys are rocking it.

    1. Thank you, Cindy! You’re so right about it being hard when someone you love is going through a tough situation. On one hand, you want to support them in every way possible, and on the other, you have to respect what is best for them and their health and well-being. I think the best advice people I spoke with early on (some with cancer and some with long-term illness) is to check your ego at the door because at the end of the day it’s not about you – it’s about your loved one. It was hard to hear at first but super helpful and something we’ve all tried to remember! Sending you lots of hugs and thank you for being such a great support during this time, CoCo

  3. Giant hugs! I love the month themes for your aunt. What a brilliant idea!

    1. Thank you so much, Corrie, I really appreciate it. She’s such an easy lady to love and we’re lucky to be a part of this journey with her. Sending you hugs back and hoping your week is a happy one, CoCo

  4. I am loving all of the fall inspiration, CoCo. Thank you for sharing!

    1. You are so welcome, Jen! It’s always fun to see what everyone is up to. I swear there is so much creativity floating around especially this time of year. Hope you’ve had a fun week, CoCo

  5. I love that you have a family plan on how to best support your aunt, that is so sweet! I am positive that having a strong family support network like that makes her journey a little better, no matter how difficult her treatment might be. And thank you for all the meals suggestions – I always find something fascinating in there. Like egg in a bowl – I need to try it! Hope you’ve been well CoCo! x

    1. So sweet and thoughtful for you to say, Katerina, thank you! She’s definitely gone through a lot but she’s such an easy lady to love. I’m thankful she’s allowed us to be part of her journey. She’s an inspiration every day. Sending you hugs and hoping your week is a special one, CoCo PS: That egg roll in a bowl was so easy!

  6. What a wonderful email with lots of goodies. Great job.

    1. Thanks so much, Linda! I hope your week is a special one, CoCo

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