From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the Front Porch, sweet friends! We hope your week has been filled with all good things. Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!
A few days ago, I had a rather passionate discussion with a loved one about time management. As someone who keeps a daily to-do list, very few things make me as excited as crossing tasks off my list.
I used to stay up until every last task had been completed.
But over the years, as someone who likes to be and stay organized, I’ve realized there will always be a list of things to do. And that can feel both exhausting and even overwhelming at times, you know?
While I still make and keep a weekly to-do list, I now focus each day around my top three priorities and it’s made a huge difference.
We’ve all heard the word busy used as an excuse and a badge of honor. Some of you might even be drinking out of the, “You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyonce,” coffee mug right now.
The thing is, it’s not really about having the time, it’s about *making* the time.
I guarantee if someone gave you a 24-hour notice to pack your bags for an all-expense-paid vacation anywhere in the world, you would clear your calendar and start packing.
If Joanna Gaines called to tell you she was on her way to your house, you would make the time to start cleaning and fluffing things up immediately.
If Oprah called and said, “I’ll meet you at the RH Cafe for coffee tomorrow morning at 10 am,” you would pick out your best dress and drop everything to make it happen.
So, why should scheduling downtime to play, white space to plan or be creative, time to think through and solve problems, to stay educated, discover something new, or properly rest be any less a priority?
If you haven’t scheduled time for yourself lately, I want to encourage you to *make* time to do things you love most next week.
Self-care is not selfish, because you will always be worth the investment.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
The beautiful portfolio from JK Interior Living.
This home tour has a modern meets traditional feel.
I pinned SO many things from this 5 Minute Fall Decorating Ideas post!
If you didn’t have a chance to watch the leaves change this year, you’ll love this Vermont foliage home tour.
This small east Texas cottage’s style is called deconstructed southern modern and it’s fantastic!
This is such a pretty Christmas home tour if you need some inspiration.
If you love the elegant simplicity of a Scandinavian Christmas, you’ll love this post.
I shared this on IG last week but in case you missed it, Erin from My Texas House has a new holiday line at Walmart and there are so many fabulous and budget-friendly ideas. Especially for pillows, blankets, and candles to make your bedroom cozy for the season.
How fun would these ornaments be?
12 Things You Can Do to Make Sure Your Home Is Always Clean (that are totally doable)
I can’t remember if I’ve already shared or not, but if you’re looking for easy monogrammed gift ideas this site has tons of them at reasonable prices too!
10 Ways to Stop Negative Self-Talk About Your Body in Its Tracks
Words to Live By…
Q&A Friday…
Have you ever felt unmotivated to decorate for the holidays? We’re traveling to multiple cities to be with family and I dread having to pull out all the boxes and decorate yet I feel guilty for not making more of an effort at the same time.
Last year, I STRUGGLED to decorate for the holidays. I mean, really struggled. I managed to rally but looking back I was totally burnout and stretched thin trying to make everyone happy so I can relate to some of what you’re going through.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to set some solid boundaries. Then prioritize holiday-related activities that bring you joy and happiness and make some magic!
It might be riding around to see the neighborhood lights, going on a sleigh ride, attending a Christmas parade or tour of homes, dressing up for a candlelight dinner, sipping hot cocoa while watching a movie, mailing Christmas cards, baking cookies, spending time at your favorite charity, taking a peppermint bath, going ice skating, seeing the Rockettes, or making Christmas ornaments.
Another thing you can do to make your home *feel* festive without putting up a big tree is to hang wreaths and, garlands around the house, stockings on the mantel, or Santa sacks at the end of the beds.
You could also put together an epic hot drink or dessert station this year, create an activity-based Advent calendar, or even place and decorate tabletop trees in each bedroom,
The holidays don’t have to be extravagant or Insta-worthy to feel impactful, I promise.
You have two cameras on your gift guide, which one do you actually use?
Both! I started out with the Canon Rebel kit and it is a fantastic camera if you want to upgrade from your phone, point and shoot camera, or want to dip your toe into the photography world.
I got the Canon 6D as a present last year and could tell the difference in the quality of my images almost immediately. That said, the camera is a significant investment not only because of the price but because I also had to get a new tripod, camera bag, and a few wireless accessories too.
There was also a bit of a learning curve and the 6D is a lot heavier than the Rebel. But to me, the upgrade was worth it because I spend a lot of time taking pictures.
Books of the Month…
(Amazon and Target 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 for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- November: Cozy White Cottage Seasons: 100 Ways to Be Cozy All Year Long by Liz Marie Galvan
- December: Dream Big by Bob Goff
On the Menu this Week…
Week of November 7th – November 14th
- 11/07 Sunday: One Pan Cheese Spaghetti Pie
- 11/08 Monday: Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
- 11/09 Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
- 11/10 Wednesday: Greek Quinoa Salad with Avocado
- 11/11 Thursday: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
- 11/12 Friday: WW Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with an Italian side salad
- 11/13 Saturday: 30 Minute Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- 11/14 Sunday: Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Planning Ahead: Thanksgiving Menu Ideas,,,
- A Gluten and Dairy Free Thanksgiving Menu
- 34 Thanksgiving Appetizers Your Guests Will Devour
- 60 Thanksgiving Recipes That Are as Easy as Pie
- 50 Traditional Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
A Few Fun Family Christmas Pajama 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 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)
Red and Black Buffalo Check * Dark Green and Red Plaid * Red Fair Isle * Christmas Tree Plaid
Green and Blue Plaid * Holiday Fair Isle * Christmas Lights Set * White and Black Buffalo Check
Navy * Holiday Cookies * Red and Green Plaid * Leaves and Berries Print
Good Tidings Union Suit * Red Striped * Snowman PJs * White Plaid
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
How to Make a Blessings Wreath or Garland
Thanksgiving Inspired Tablescape Ideas
Quick and Easy Homemade Bread Wrapper
Thanksgiving Guide and Checklist
Traditional Blue and White Christmas Tour at Bliss Barracks
Our Best Holiday Gift Guides (our biggest ever with 160 ideas!)
November Bucket List…
- Support Indigenous People and Organizations
- Celebrate Thanksgiving
- Make a Blessings Leaf Garland
- Fly the Flag and Take Dad to Lunch for Veteran’s Day
- Go to an Outdoor Antique Event
- Decorate the House for the Holidays
- Craft Christmas Ornaments
- Bake a Pecan Pie with Pecans from the Pecan Grove
- Sip on Hot Apple Cider
- Try a New Seasonal Inspired Side Dish
- Finalize Holiday Plans
- Attend Family Chili Night and Lighting of the Star at the Farm
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
November Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Holiday Planning & Prep
- 11/06 Christmas Card Contact List
- 11/13 Thanksgiving Menu/Grocery Shopping
- 11/20 Christmas Paper & Gift Wrap Supplies
- 11/27 Christmas Shopping/Naughty or Nice List
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 11/06 Fall Tray Blog Hop
- 11/07 Daylight Savings Time Ends
- 11/11 Veterans Day
- 11/13 Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
- 11/17 Homemade Bread Day
- 11/19 Equal Opportunity Day
- 11/25 Thanksgiving Day
- 11/26 Black Friday
- 11/27 Shop Small Saturday
- 11/28 First Day of Advent, Hanukkah Begins
- 11/29 Cyber Monday
- 11/30 Giving Tuesday
- 11/30 Christmas Inspiration Blog Hop
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
I pinned so many ideas from Tidbits and Twine as well! Love this post. SO much inspo and gratitude. Hope you weekend is wonderful!
Tidbits and Twine is so fabulous, isn’t she? I swear everything she does looks so effortless and so magical all at the same time. Sending you tons of hugs for a fabulous weekend as well, CoCo
Hello,
I always love your home and style! Could you give me information on the pattern of the rectangular platter on top in the third pic in this post? It sort of looks like a grey snowflake pattern. I just love it.
Thanks,
Karen
Thanks so much, Karen! The only thing on the back of the platter is a small potter’s/makers mark in the shape of a V. Almost all of my other ironstone, transferware, and windsor ware pieces are clearly marked and stamped but this one has nothing but the potter’s/makers mark. It’s so strange. I would love to have some other pieces in this pattern too. I’ll keep my eyes out if I see anything similar and post an update. We’re headed to a big antique show in November so I’ll look there too! Hope you have the best day, CoCo
I so agree with you, CoCo!! We all need to step back and take some time to just breathe. Especially this time of year! Thank you for always providing such positive advice and tips!! I’m so looking forward to checking out all the inspiration. PS Thank you so much for sharing my squash recipe.❤️
You are so come, Christine! I think we could all use a little encouragement and reminder to it’s not selfish to take time to renew our spirits and decompress a bit. Last year I struggled with motivation and this year I’ve struggled with the constant hustle and hype. I’m taking all the words to heart too, I promise! Hugs, CoCo PS: You are so welcome, we LOVE your recipes and my family does too.
Happy November CoCo. Love your front porch weekly.
Thank means so much to me, Rachel, thank you. I really appreciate it! Hope you have the best weekend, CoCo