From the Front Porch

Happy Friday from the front porch. It’s a blessing to have you here. Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!

Every year I look forward to the purple pom-poms that dot the landscape of our yard and the rest of the island.

I have no idea what they’re called.

They must be a wildflower of some sort because there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the way they grow.

Fall Wildflowers in Florida-The Crowned Goat

But after our hydrangeas fade, the roses die back, the crepe myrtles lose their blooms, and the goldenrod turns to a pale beige as if on cue, the purple pom-poms slowly begin to appear.

It feels like the biggest gift to have them on our property.

A beautiful promise from one season to the next that seems to say, “Despite all the ups and downs, the big changes and the little ones, I’m still here.”

The day my aunt found out she had cancer, she stood at the door of her doctor’s office holding hands with my uncle, gathering her thoughts.

A woman of powerful faith, she looked up at him with complete resolve and said, “No matter what the doctor tells us, He (Jesus) is already in the room. He’s gone before us. He knows the outcome. We will choose to put our trust in Him.”

Pink and White Pumpkins on an Ironstone Platter in the Breakfast Nook-The Crowned Goat

Shortly after she shared this story with me, I started visualizing my aunt’s treatment rooms being expertly prepared for her, filled with strength, wisdom, love, light, and perfect peace before she walked through the door.

It seems like such a small thing, but to this day, it still brings me comfort.

Earlier this week, my cousin (her daughter) posted this sunrise on our family messaging thread, and it immediately stopped me in my tracks.

Not only because the capture was stunning, but also because it was another reminder on an ordinary day which seemed to say, “Despite all the ups and downs, the big changes and the little ones, I’m still here.”

Pumpkin-Pick-and-Pink-Pumpkin-The-Crowned-Goat

No matter if you’ve had a hard week or a banner week, I hope you’re able to find hope in the beauty of nature and feel abundant love working through the hands and feet of those who have been placed on your path.

Pink and White Pumpkins with Brown and White Transferware Plate-The Crowned Goat

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

The views from Healdsburg House look amazing. Also, don’t miss the wine rack built-ins in the kitchen. Talk about a show stopper!

Loved the flowers Ashley chose for this post, Easy Flower Arrangement + Video they were really beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, I can’t get over this tablescape. It’s stunning!

A House Finds Its Hero (I love when old homes get restored like this)

This DC Townhome is so pretty. Also, if you click the interiors tab and go to the holidays tab – it’s amazing too.

If you love a good before and after, you’re going to love this flip house tour.

31 Days of Halloween Activities, DIYs, Décor, and More to Help You Celebrate All Month Long

There are so many cute Halloween party ideas on this new to me blog.

And this blog is one of my go-to’s for entertaining ideas no matter what the season. I mean, how fantastic are these vintage Halloween ideas?

I can’t get over these faux caramel apples! They look SO REAL!

17 Self Care Tips You Can Start Today (and a beautiful reminder of the power of transformations from the inside out)

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet

Words to Live By…

Q&A Friday…

Do you have a system for cleaning bathrooms? My boys are ridiculously messy and I could use a shortcut.

I usually deep clean the bathrooms once a week. First, I spray down all the showers, the bathtub, sinks, and toilets with a scrubby cleaner so it can start working while I’m doing other tasks. Next, I clean all the mirrors, followed by all the sinks and the countertops. Then I do the bathtubs and showers before finishing up with the toilets and floors.

That way all the bathrooms get done at the same time.

We wipe out the sinks and wipe down the countertops daily. Dirty clothes and towels go into a basket each day as well so there’s nothing cluttering up the floor.

Keep in mind, you’ll want to check to make sure the cleaner you’re using is safe to leave on surfaces for an extended period of time prior to spraying everything down. Several types of tile, tubs, and countertops are extremely porous and you definitely don’t want to ruin them.

Finally, depending on your boys’ age, you can get them involved in the process too! They can easily be responsible for putting bath toys away, placing towels on hooks, dirty clothes in baskets, and their toothbrush/toothpaste back on the drawer.

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 October 10th – October 17th

Sweet Treat to Try This Week…

Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Icing

A Few Fun Gift Basket and Stocking Stuffer 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)

Stocking Stuffer and Holiday Gift Basket Ideas from Target and Amazon-The Crowned Goat

Lipstick Set * Lip Balm * Foundation Brush * Brightening Gel

Press-On Nail Kit * Vitamin C Serum * Whitening Toothpaste * Hair Mask

Skin Food * Dr. Teals Set * Wonder Water * Glow Tonic

Dark Spot Serum * Astringent Pads * Shower Oil * Eye Serum

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

7 Things I’ve Learned from Miss Mustard Seed

5 Minute Fall Vignette Ideas with Urns and Vintage Trophies

Five Minute Fall Vignette Ideas with Urns and Vintage Trophies: The Crowned Goat

Quick and Easy Heirloom Pumpkin Centerpiece

Fall Inspired DIY Heirloom Centerpiece-The Crowned Goat

How to Create a Gourmet S’mores Bar

Create a Quick and Easy Smores Bar-The Crowned Goat

October Bucket List…

  • Celebrate My Aunt’s Last Chemo Treatment
  • Decorate the House for Halloween
  • Carve a Pumpkin
  • Bake a Loaf of Pumpkin Bread
  • Try a New Seasonal Soup
  • Buy a Costume for Piper
  • Attend Halloween Party with the Pod
  • Watch a Movie Outside
  • Help Launch On Purpose and Feels Like Home
  • Buy a Cable Knit Sweater
  • Read the Book of the Month
  • Keep Sundays Sacred

October Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…

Focus of the Month: Fall Planning & Seasonal Activities

  • 10/02 Pet Cabinet and Supplies
  • 10/09 Garage, Attic or Basement
  • 10/16 Holiday Travel Plans
  • 10/23 Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Items
  • 10/30 Winter or Holiday Bucket List

TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember and Upcoming Posts…

  • 10/10 World Mental Health Day
  • 10/13 National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day
  • 10/15 National Mammography Day
  • 10/16 National Sweetest Day
  • 10/20 Chicken and Waffles Day
  • 10/22 National Make a Dog’s Day
  • 10/23 National Make a Difference Day
  • 10/26 National Pumpkin Day
  • 10/29 National Cat Day
  • 10/31 Halloween

 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

Similar Posts

8 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for sharing your Aunt’s faith. So much negative things going on in the world today, but I know HE holds my tomorrow. We as Christians must be show the world our faith in Jesus Christ! Let HIS light shine. I truly enjoy your post. Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas.

    1. Thanks so much for your sweet words, Karen, I really appreciate it. My aunt is definitely a special lady and we are blessed to be able to walk this journey with her. We see His light shining through her on a daily basis. Hope your weekend is all that you need it to be. Hugs and thank yous, CoCo

  2. Your aunts story is so inspiring this morning, my friend. With everything going on in this world right now I do not know what I would do without my faith. It has always gotten me through the toughest of times. I know I’ve said this before but it bears repeating. I so look forward to this post every week. I realize you spend a great deal of thought and time to put it all this amazing inspiration together and I so appreciate it!! Happy weekend! Hugs, Christine

    1. You’re so kind and thoughtful, Christine, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. My aunt is definitely a tough cookie and I’m beyond thankful she has allowed us to be a part of her cancer journey and story. She amazes me on a weekly basis. Sending you tons of hugs and thank yous for always being such a sweet support, CoCo

  3. Such bravery from your aunt. I love this From the Front Porch posts.

    Wow that pumpkin bread looks delicious. I visited and pinned.

    1. Thank you, Cindy! They’re always so much fun to put together. I swear I’m always amazed at all the creativity people come up with in every season! Hope you’ve had a great week and thank you for being such a sweet support, CoCo

  4. What a beautiful post CoCo. It was so inspiring to hear your aunt’s story and I see that you will be celebrating her last day of chemo this month. Loved your features and everything else. Can’t wait to catch up on all your pumpkin ideas. Have a good weekend my friend!

    1. Thank you bunches, Kim! We know she has a long way to go so we broke everything up from the get-go so it wouldn’t feel so overwhelming. She’s such an amazing lady and we are beyond blessed to have her in our lives. Sending you lots of hugs and hoping your week was a special one, CoCo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *