From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch, sweet friends. I hope your Thanksgiving weekend was all that you needed it to be and December finds you anticipating all the good things coming your way.
I spent some time with my parents at Bliss Barracks a few weeks ago and my Mom took me to this store called, At Home. She and my aunts have raved about this store for years but this was the first time I’d ever been in.
I was shocked at all the Christmas decor and the inexpensive prices too!
We didn’t really look at anything other than the holiday sections but I loved the way everything was organized by color and theme. It was all really easy to shop.
Anyway, I just wanted to mention it in case you’re still decorating for the holidays or ever have the chance to stop by one of their stores – it’s definitely worth it.
The pink was already sold out at our store but how cute are these cotton candy ornaments!
This was the scene that greeted us on the way to the cash wrap. I think the tree is technically white but the lights gave it a blush tone that was really pretty and I love all the pops of gold and silver too.
Tulip Design Co Christmas Cards…
Speaking of beautiful blush tones, have you started sending out Christmas cards yet?
My super talented friend, Jennifer of Tulip Design Co. designed these fabulous cards and I’m obsessed. They’re almost an exact match to the ribbon we’re using this year so I was beyond delighted when Jennifer asked to work together on some sponsored posts for Instagram.
I loved the cards so much I wanted to share them on the blog too!
There are lots of fabulous goodies in her online shop from stickers to cards to notepads which would make great stocking stuffer gifts.
In addition, Jennifer has a fun 2022 calendar I’ll be sharing more about in the coming weeks too.
Jennifer is also doing 12 Days of Giving! From December 1st through 12th, she is going to make your spirits bright by giving you loads of freebies, printables, DIY projects, and discounts.
Each day at 10 am EST, check this page and a door will be opened to reveal that day’s gift!
We love Tulip Design Co for so many reasons but a big one is that Jennifer gives a percentage of her profits to causes that help educate and empower women and girls in the US and abroad which speaks volumes to her talent and heart.
For more information about the giveaway and each product, you can find Tulip Design Co online here and on Instagram here!
A Few More of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
This gorgeous mountain house looks like the perfect place to retreat after a busy holiday season.
French Blue might not be a color you’d typically associate with Christmas, but this stunning tree is the perfect reason it pays to think outside the box for the holidays.
Romantic Ideas for Christmas Flower Arrangements (the hydrangeas on the mantel – wow)
If homespun touches are more your style, you’ll love this Christmas tour.
This beautiful hazelnut wreath.
Wait until you see how these gingerbread houses are made – seriously so cute and creative too!
These Christmas Decorating Ideas Will Inspire You to Bring the Beauty of the Season Home
How to Make an Outdoor Christmas Planter in 8 Easy Steps
This Kindness Campaign is so much fun!
What to Write in a Christmas Card
If you need any last-minute gift ideas, this bee bangle is really pretty.
The Importance of a Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet for Energy
8 Little Wake-Up Calls You Need to Receive Before It’s Too Late
A new series coming to HBO from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellows.
Words to Live By…
Q&A Friday…
I read your Advent Calendar post and decided to give one to my parents as a Christmas gift. I’m just wondering how you are holding your parents accountable. My Navy dad is a homebody and I’m worried he might lose interest after a few days.
So fun you’re doing this for your parents too!
I have an Army dad and have wondered to myself a million times if he’d be up to the task for 25 straight days. Especially, since my parents are traveling a lot and some of the activities are outdoors and he HATES to be cold.
When my parents opened the box containing the advent calendar, I enclosed a letter with instructions. Knowing my Dad is goal-driven, I tried to be very MI5 and named it Operation Christmas Challenge 🤣
The first line of the letter said, “Your mission should you choose to accept it, is to complete this 25-day challenge.”
And the last line said, “You must text a selfie to one of the XXXXs (I used my Dad’s code name for us) on the day of the challenge once it’s completed. We are keeping track of who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.”
I realize it might not help for this year but if you ever decide to do something like this again for Valentine’s Day or a special birthday event, you’ll have an idea ready to go.
Book 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)
I had originally chosen Bob Goff’s book, Dream Big, for our December book of the month. But one of our sweet readers reminded me we had already met our goal of 12 books for the year (Thank you, Kathy!)
Several of the books we chose this year were really delayed due to shipping issues, Liz Marie’s book, Cozy White Cottage Seasons being one of them. Since this book was just released on November 23 and we’re technically in the perfect season to practice all things cozy, we’ve decided to end the year with this one.
I hope you guys enjoy it too!
On the Menu this Week…
Week of December 5th – December 12th
- 12/5 Sunday – Oven Braised Pot Roast with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- 12/6 Monday – Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce with a side of asparagus
- 12/7 Tuesday – Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup with Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
- 12/8 Wednesday – Greek Salad with field greens
- 12/9 Thursday – Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken with brown rice and steamed veggies
- 12/10 Friday – Turkey Apple Brie Flatbread with field greens
- 12/11 Saturday – Slow Cooker 3 Bean Chili
- 12/12 Sunday – Thai Shrimp Noodles
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
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 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)
**Additional colors available at the time of original post
**Coat * **Earrings * **Ribbon * **Blanket
Ice Roller * **Clutch * **Flats * **Mirror
Vitamin C Rose Oil * **Electronic Organizer Bag * **PJs * **Key Ring
**Cordless Hot Glue Gun * **Sweater * Water Bottle * **Pillowcase (check your local Walmart Dollar Spot for a less expensive version)
Santa Mugs * **Plates * Cotton Candy Sugar Scrub
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 Create Vintage Inspired Ornaments From New Ornaments (and Christmas Cheer Holiday Hop)
How to Create a Festive Holiday Mantel in 5 Easy Steps
Renningers November Extravaganza Recap (in case you missed it)
November’s Encouragement of the Month Post – A Reminder of Who You Are… (in case you missed it)
Our Biggest Holiday Gift Guide Ever (160 ideas across 10 different boards)
December Bucket List…
- Observe Advent
- Celebrate December Birthdays and Anniversaries
- Donate to the Sweater Drive and Angel Tree
- Attend Dance and Piano Recitals to Cheer on The Littles
- Sip Cocoa at The Lights Festival
- Christmas Lunch with Extended Family at The Farm
- Facetime Cousins for G’s Blizzard Birthday Party
- Celebrate Christmas with The Pod at Bliss Barracks
- Leave Cookies and Milk for Santa and Veggies for the Reindeer
- Relax at the Cabin and Enjoy a Holiday Vacation
- Meet Friends and Family for Lunch at The Lodge
- Hike Trails on the AT
- Bundle Up by the Firepit and Make S’Mores
- Make Christmas Fettuccine and Watch The Holiday
- Attend Zoom Call with MMS
- Set Goals, Dreams, and Intentions for 2022
- Create a Vision Board for 2022
- Choose a Word of the Year for 2022
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve and Midnight Gift Exchange
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
December Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Holiday Planning & Preparing for the New Year
- 12/04 – Mail Christmas Packages
- 12/11 – Finalize Christmas Menu & Grocery List
- 12/18 – Purchase New Planner & Set Goals for the New Year
- 12/26 – Organize Holiday Storage Items
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 12/04 National Cookie Day
- 12/05 Second Week of Advent: Peace
- 12/06 Chanukah Ends
- 12/08 Christmas Home Tour Blog Hop
- 12/09 Christmas Card Day
- 12/12 Third Week of Advent: Love
- 12/13 National Cocoa Day
- 12/15 Shipping Deadline for Christmas Ground Delivery (US)
- 12/18 National Wreaths Across America Day
- 12/19 Fourth Week of Advent: Joy
- 12/24 Christmas Eve
- 12/25 Christmas Day
- 12/26 Boxing Day
- 12/26 Kwanzaa Begins
- 12/31 New Year’s Eve
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 always look forward to your Front Porch posts, my friend! This week especially since I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather and feel like I’ve missed out on so much! Thank you for putting together all this amazing inspiration. I look forward to having an extra cup of tea while I meander through the links!
You are always so thoughtful about these posts, Christine, thank you! I was sick at Thanksgiving and it’s taken about 2 weeks to feel like myself again so I can completely relate. Iknow this time of year and be really pressure filled. Espcially, as a blogger. So I hope you’re able to give yourself the time you need to heal and lots of extra TLC. Blogging will always be here so dont miss the magic of the season trying to make it all work. Sending you hugs for a healthy recovery, CoCo
I enjoyed this post. So fun reading the advent story. We never had one.
Thank you for sharing my hazelnut wreath. I love it!
You are so welcome, Cindy! I’m totally obsessed with the way you so carefully weave nature into your home. It’s always stunning! Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
Thanks so much for stopping by!! And thanks for your very kind words!! I am feeling much better as we all had to be put on antibiotics!! At least we managed to keep Jim and Danielle healthy as they leave for Vegas in the morning and we are watching our Grand pup Faye while they are gone!! what an amazing store…I would have loved it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
So glad to hear you’re feeling better and Jim and Danielle will be able to leave for their trip to Vegas, Deb! I know sweet little Faye will be in expert hands and spoiled rotten until her parents return 😍 You would LOVE the At Home store for sure! Hope your week has been a special one, CoCo
I loved all of the gorgeous photos you captured on your visit to At Home. This is one of my favorite times of year to go to stores. I love seeing all the beautiful Christmas decorations. I hope you have an amazing week!
I couldn’t get over all the fun holiday stuff that had, Heidi! It was the most packed of any store I’ve been in this season. It’s so hard to believe Christmas is in 17 days. We’re definitely getting excited and I hope you guys are too. Hugs, CoCo