From the Front Porch: Celebrating Spooky Season

Happy Thursday from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Celebrating Spooky Season Edition of this weekly series.

How are you?

You know a book is a good one when you can see yourself in the pages and as I shared in this week’s Tip Sheet, I can definitely see myself in the pages of Kendra Adachi’s new book, The Plan.

Especially when it comes to the concept of swooping.

As a typical Type A/oldest daughter, I’m quick to swoop in and fix something that’s wrong or could be better.

You see, I fancy myself as an encourager, a practical optimist, someone who has been gifted with a creative brain and a million and one ideas to try, someone that swears everything has a solution and in the words of Marie Forleo is figureoutable.

And while that skill set comes in handy during a crisis, or when you need someone to bounce ideas off, it was a lightbulb moment to realize not every issue is mine to solve or figure out.

Truth be told, I’m almost embarrassed to admit, I didn’t think the concept of swooping even applied to me.  

Particularly given I’m very intentional about asking, “What do you need most from me right now? Do you need me to listen or to help you problem solve?” whenever someone comes to me with an issue.

But the minute I read Kendra’s words, “Allow the space between noticing and reacting to create a spaciousness inside of you,” in the How to Notice section of her new book, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I’ve been leaving little to no space between noticing and reacting.

I’ve simply been swooping in and taking care of business.

What I realized since reading her words is that when we swoop in and leave no space between noticing and reacting, we don’t allow the other people involved to ask for what they really need, to understand the problem more clearly, to properly plan before something small becomes something big, to learn how to creatively problem solve for themselves, to customize a solution or an outcome tailored specifically to their needs, to learn how to take action, or to be the hero of their own story.  

Not only that, when we leave space between noticing and reacting, we’re also leaving space for a level of kindness and compassion we might not otherwise have when we immediately jump into “go-mode” because we’re not taking on someone else’s issue as our own.

I share this because the holidays are coming up and sometimes the most wonderful time also winds up to be the busiest and most stressful time of the year because a lot of things get added to our already full plates.

So, I encourage you to start now.

Start thinking about what matters most to you, to ask for what you need, to hold space for noticing before reacting, and to take steps to honor your energy, your expectations and your boundaries.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on.

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

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• This beautiful cozy cabin tour via 1st Dibs will make you fall in love with Autumn all over again.  
• There are so many fabulous details to explore in this Playful Knoxville Restoration via The Interior Collective.

Seasonal Inspiration:

• A spooky chic take on decorating for Halloween via Jenna Sue Design Co.
• This post 5 Quick Halloween Porch Decorations that are Spooky and Affordable from Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse is a good one if you need last minute ideas too.
• Donna from An Organized Season made these Pottery Barn inspired Halloween Bats and they’re so festive.
• Have you seen this DIY Ghost Under a Cloche from Jen of Midwest Life and Style yet? It’s super cute.
• Speaking of cute, someone in our neighborhood crafted these mini pumpkin from Tilly’s Nest and they’re awesome.
• 33 Halloween Pumpkin Carving Ideas via House Beautiful if you’re hosting your carving party this weekend.
• Planning to make these Chocolate Covered Halloween Pretzels from Elizabeth at Pinecones and Acorns for the party this weekend.
• These Black Cat Pumpkin Cupcakes via Half Baked Harvest are almost too cute to eat and these Frightfully Fun Halloween Desserts via the Food Network are fabulous too.

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• A Neuroscientist Shares the Science Behind Manifesting (via Self-this takes the woo woo out of manifesting)
• How to Prepare for the Start and End of Daylight Savings Time (via Sleep Foundation-November 3 if you’re in the US)
• 99 Ways to Slow Down for Fall (via The Good Trade-hoping to carry over some of these ideas for the holiday season as well)

Style and Travel Inspiration:

• 19 Black Owned and Founded Skincare Brands to Elevate Your Routine (via Allure)
• Trench Coat Outfit Inspiration from Carly Riordan that feels totally doable.
• This annoucement from the Biltmore Estate made me all kinds of teary in the happiest way possible. Here’s a look at how they’ve been impacted by Hurricane Helene if you missed it.

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• This party dress from H&M would be so easy to wear for a variety of events.
• I can’t wear slingback shoes anymore but I wanted to share these budget friendly heels from Target because they’re so fun and festive.
• Speaking of festive, love this ornament from Cody Foster & Co.

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

Festive Halloween Treat Containers

DIY Halloween Trees

Last Minute Halloween Tablescape Ideas

Last-Minute Halloween Ideas

Quick and Easy Halloween Treat Station

If you missed it last week, you can find our post, From the Front Porch: October Magic here. 

Shopping Notes…

**(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and 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 to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

• The Plan – as mentioned above, such a good book
• Tee – have, love and wear as part of my work uniform, they’re thin and easy to layer under jackets, sweaters and cardigans
• Bed Sheet Organizers – a simple way to get a head start on your linen closets before holiday guests arrive
• Body Cream – curious to learn more about this brand
• Art Print – comes in additional sizes and prints
• Bag – in need of a new tote and this one is a contender
• Blazer – comes in additional prints
• Bath Squeegee – has anyone tried this before? I’m wondering if it works
• Bath Soak – stocking up on gifts like this for the holidays
• Pitcher – a pretty color and texture
• Earrings – recently ordered, will report back
• Cardigan – this company has so many cute things for women, men and kids.
• Washer Dryer Countertop – we opted for a middle cabinet but wanted to share in case your washer and dryer is side by side
• Trimmer – one of my girlfriends uses this for her eyebrows and I’m so curious to learn more about it now
• Pill Organizer – have in brown for my purse
• Loafers – comes in multiple colors
• Striped Sweater – comes in additional colors

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