From the Front Porch
Happy Friday friends! I’m keeping it short and sweet today as I’ve spent the majority of the week snuggled up with this cute little nugget who has been on one too many wild pup adventures.
It all started with a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting that had us rushing to the emergency vet and ended with her catching a poisonous frog in the yard and releasing it in one of our bathtubs as she was foaming at the mouth.
In between all that “excitement” was a scary nighttime broken harness episode, a sneak on the table to enjoy a homemade PSL, biting the stems off a few baby boos, chewing a pair of sandals, and exploring the contents of a bathroom garbage can that is supposed to have a dog-proof magnetic locking system.
Thankfully, with lots of meds and TLC Hyper Piper is going to be ok, but goodness gracious, I feel like I’ve aged at least a month in this one week. She was SO CLOSE to settling down 😂
On a side note and in all seriousness, I’ve never considered using a muzzle before on any of our dogs but it might be the best option when we have to walk her at night and the poisonous frogs are out.
My only hesitation and concern is that some snakes also hunt at night and if there is one nearby she won’t be able to defend herself or us which she has very loyally done once already.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this if you have any experience!
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Grandeur & Grace, a historical homestead that got a new lease on life.
Speaking of grandeur, wait until you see the way this stunning home is landscaped.
There are lots of subtle blue and white touches in this Cedar Hills Georgian tour.
And even more in this Park Town, Oxford.
Still not over the views from this home tour.
This cabin tour is so cozy, I could literally move in tomorrow.
How to Create a Not Too Spooky Halloween Tablescape. Those brooms, right? So cool!
There are lots of cute Halloween ideas in this festive roundup.
If you still need some Halloween party menu ideas check out this post, Spooktacular Halloween Snacks, and Recipes
Completely obsessed with this beautiful leaf garland. It’s such a pretty way to transition to the Thanksgiving season.
Love this cozy Thanksgiving-inspired entry too.
17 Insanely Easy Habits That Will Change Your Life
20 Gorgeous Pantry Ideas That Will Make You Want to Organize
This is such a pretty collaboration for the holidays!
Words to Live By…
Q&A Friday…
You shared one of your goals was to drink water before you drink coffee every morning. Do you still do that and if so, has it helped?
I do and it definitely helps!
I was totally shocked when I realized I was consistently drinking 4-16 or 20 oz cups of coffee per day.
Generous mugs are one of my favorite little life luxuries, so it was no wonder I had sleep issues and found myself in an afternoon slump every day.
Now, I start the day off with at least a 20 oz tumbler of ice water (see below) each morning and drink that same amount between cups of coffee.
It’s been a game-changer because I don’t drink nearly as much coffee as I did before, and I feel a lot better too.
I recently had a baby and need to get some new clothes, but I don’t want to spend a lot because my body keeps changing. I live in a small town that basically only has a Walmart. Do you shop there?
Congratulations on your new baby!
I don’t have a lot of experience shopping there save for basic jeans (see below) and tees, but I can absolutely point you in the right direction.
Both KariAnne and Sarah share super helpful fashion posts from Walmart. I’ve gotten several items they’ve suggested these past few months and have loved them all!
Books of the Month…
**(Amazon Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and an Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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)
- October: Feels Like Home by Marian Parsons (If you haven’t seen her book launch day video yet, you can find it here) and On Purpose by Tanya Dalton (see below for more info)
- November: Cozy White Cottage Seasons: 100 Ways to Be Cozy All Year Long by Liz Marie Galvan
- December: Dream Big by Bob Goff
Get Unstuck Challenge…
To celebrate the launch of On Purpose (I’m on the book launch team and it’s such a good book), Tanya Dalton is hosting a 5 day Get Unstuck Challenge. It runs from October 22-26 and takes about 20 minutes each day.
I’m already signed up but I’d love it if you signed up too. You can check out all the Get Unstuck Challenge information here if you’re interested.
On the Menu this Week…
Week of October 17th – October 24th
- 10/17 Sunday: Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- 10/18 Monday: Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad with eggrolls.
- 10/19 Tuesday: Gumbo-laya
- 10/20 Wednesday: Chicken and Waffles to celebrate National Chicken and Waffles Day
- 10/21 Thursday: Autumn Pear Salad
- 10/22 Friday: Easy Taco Soup
- 10/23 Saturday: Chicken Cutlets with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce and steamed veggies
- 10/24 Sunday: Baked Ziti with Sausage
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
Pumpkin Layer Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
A Few Fun Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and an Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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)
**Dress * **Candles * **Blouse * Heels
**Glasses * Door Knocker * Pumpkin Pillow Cover * **Dot Sweater
**Slippers * Menorah Candle Holder * **Skirt * Gold Bangles
Curlers * **Jewelry Organizer * Glitter Pumpkin * **Pink Sweater
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Feels Like Home Fall Tablescape
1 Fall Centerpiece, 5 Different Ways
Fall Porch Tour and Thoughts on Stewarding…
Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub
If you’re looking for last-minute, Halloween decor ideas from Amazon or Target, you can find them in this post.
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…
- 10/15 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
Piper is soooo cute and im glad she is ok! That is so scary, so glad she’s doing better:) I just received Marian’s book can’t wait to dive into it this weekend. Have a wonderful day CoCo!
Thank you, Tanya! She is such a wild thing but we love her to pieces and definitely want to do everything we can to keep her safe. It’s like I was telling the vet, there is no way to explain to her the difference between frogs and snakes that are friends of the garden and those that are poisonous. To her, they’re all stranger danger and she feels like it’s her job to protect us which we greatly appreciate. I’m thankful the meds have kicked in and she’s on the mend. It’s definitely a scary situation though. On a side note, I’m so excited you got the new book! Marian’s photography is always gorgeous and I love to see how she puts things together. She’s super creative. Hugs and happy reading, CoCo
I recently found your blog & absolutely love it. All the images & research are so inspiring. The Unstuck Challenge is just what I need right now so signed up & will anxiously wait on the book!
That is so exciting, Diana, welcome, we’re happy to have you here. I’m on the book launch team for On Purpose and it’s been so much fun to dive into. Tanya also offers a readers guide for the book as well if you need it and I can’t wait to start the Unstuck Challenge on October 22nd. It seems like it’s going to be the perfect way to head into the holiday season. Hope your weekend is filled with all good things, CoCo
Thanks so much for the heads up about Chicken and Waffle Day!
My husband’s love language is definitely food, and chicken and waffles is one of his absolute favorites. So, I’ve decided to surprise him with chicken and waffles that day! He’ll be so excited!
That is so awesome, Corrie! Every year I have the hardest time deciding between shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles for my birthday dinner because I love them so much. I’m sure your husband already does this but it’s fun to see how differently restaurants make chicken and waffles depending on what city you’re eating it in. I’m not sure what part of the country you live in but Nashville always puts a little kick of spice in their version and it’s good. Hope your celebration is a fun one, CoCo
If they opened up that adorable cabin and since we both could move right in, I’m sorry, but I’d have to shove you to the ground and beat you through the door. Or if I’m in a generous mood we could have one righteous rock/paper/scissors contest. Hope you have a smile-filled weekend.
I don’t know if my heart can take all that commotion, Cindy 🤣😂🤣 That cabin was totally amazing. It definitely made me want to snuggle up and hang out a while. I have another one on tap for next week that is a rustic-refined kind of feel and it’s really pretty too. Hope your weekend is filled with all good things. Sending you lots of hugs and praying for Will’s recovery, CoCo
I know it must have been scary. I wouldn’t muzzle her. She’s been through enough.
Unfortunately we have been down this road with things and insects at our old house.
Piper has to be able to defend herself with the snakes
I totally agree! I was thinking to only muzzle her at night when the poisonous frogs are out because they could kill her in about 15 minutes if she ingested one. We live at least 45 minutes from the nearest ER vet. That said, I was just walking her at lunch and there was another snake which she alerted me to immediately. So, I think it’s pretty clear now. It’s so hard trying to protect her while she’s protecting us at the same time. I’ll do more research on how to deter the poisonous frogs as well. I’m sure we can’t be the only dog owner with this problem. Sending you hugs and thank you for weighing in, CoCo
Oh my goodness, CoCo! You and sweet Piper have had quite the week! I’m so glad to hear she is recovering well! So scary when those fur babies are hurting. I wish I could offer advice on the muzzle but the scariest thing Mr Bentley has to deal with on our nightly walks is his own shadow! 🤣 I hope you have a much quieter weekend and enjoy a bit of r&r. Thanks as always for all the wonderful inspiration! Hugs!
You are so funny, Christine! Mr. Bentley sounds like a dream 😂 We took Piper to the vet again today and he said she was doing much better so I think she’s officially on the mend. I’m shocked at how quickly she picks up frogs, snakes, insects, and lizards – you can be standing beside her on guard and she literally has one in her mouth within seconds. It’s bananas! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
Oh my gosh! Thanks for sharing my garland. You made my day. Love your From the Front Porch so much.
You are so welcome, Rachel! Your creativity amazes me all the time. These leaves are definitely a favorite and I’m all kinds of excited to find out what you’re making next! Hugs, CoCo