From the Front Porch
Happy Friday and Valentine’s weekend from the front porch sweet friends!
How has your week been so far?
Are you ready for Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl?
Late last week, we had a Nor’easter blow through our part of Florida which helped set the tone for the entire week.
Looking back it was a huge blessing because it not only forced us to stay inside, slow down and snuggle up. It also forced us to prioritize things we haven’t been able to get to for a while.
I literally sat down last Sunday and asked myself, “What can you do *today* to make things better or easier?”
It sounds almost too simple, doesn’t it?
But using the motivation from the weekend to jump-start this week and asking myself a simple question, then promptly taking action, changed everything!
I’ve had my phone on Focus Mode all week, I’ve been waking up at 445 to sneak in a workout, and I’ve even made time to try a new nighttime yoga video which has been helping a lot more than I anticipated.
The week hasn’t been perfect by any stretch but making time to cultivate those things that are essential for daily wellness has been a game-changer.
As we ease closer to Valentine’s Day, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to ask yourself where you can make changes – big or small – to help make things in your life easier or better.
It might be processing your day in a journal, saying no to new projects or committees, asking for help or support even though it feels vulnerable, hiring a cleaning service, or even giving yourself permission to eat more takeout instead of making every meal as you carve out time to work on your goals and dreams.
Self-care is not selfish.
You will always be worth the effort it takes to make lasting change!
A Few of Our Favorite Things From Around the Web…
The fabulous portfolio of Meredith Ellis Design.
It was really hard to pick a favorite project in this landscape designer’s portfolio. They’re all gorgeous!
Every detail of this Midway New Build is amazing!
Valentine’s Day Decorations Around the House (That mantel, right? So fun and festive!)
This Galentine’s Day Brunch is stunning.
10 Tips for a Lovely Valentine’s Day at Home
How to Fold a Napkin Like an Envelope
Can you even with this fabulous Valentine cloche idea? Seriously so creative!
Speaking of creative, I just put these on my crafting bucket list.
Love this Valentine’s Day Playlist
I Asked an Abundance Coach How to Have the Best Year Ever, and Her Tips Will Change Your Life
3 Phrases Couples Should Say Daily (I feel like these would be great for any family relationship or friendship too though)
Words to Live By…
Devotion and Self-Discovery Books to Read This Quarter…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate 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)
- January – Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff
- February – Master of One: Find and Focus on the Work You Were Created to Do by Jordan Raynor
- March – Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free No Stress Way Transform Your Home and Your Life by Allie Casazza
- Devotion – Courageous Influence: Embrace the Way God Made You for Impact
On the Menu this Week…
Week of February 13th – February 20th
- 02/13 Sunday: Super Bowl Sunday
- Super Bowl Sunday: 90 Super Bowl Sunday Recipes to Satisfy Your Hungry Guests
- The 17 Best Game Day Recipes
- 37 Desserts to Make Super Bowl Sunday Sweet
- 02/14 Monday: Valentine’s Day: 60 Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas
- 02/15 Tuesday: Chicken Taquitos with Mexican side salad
- 02/16 Wednesday: Mediterranean Greek Salad with Hummus
- 02/17 Thursday: Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage
- 02/18 Friday: Fish and Chips
- 02/19 Saturday: Sesame Steak Stir Fry
- 02/20 Sunday: Mushroom Penne Pasta with Walnut Pesto
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
These Baked Vanilla Donuts would be perfect for Valentine’s Day breakfast and this Heritage Red Velvet Cake would be perfect for Valentine’s Day dessert.
Health and Wellness Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate 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)
Duffle Bag * Cheek Drops * Yoga Pants * Stretch Bands
Humidifier * Book * Weight Bangles * Meal Prep Container
Water Bottle * Sunscreen * Sweatshirt * Collagen Protein Powder
B 12 Awake Patch * Neck Reading Light * Yoga Mat * Stress Ease
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 Raspberry Iced Coffee
Modern Day Cleaning Schedule Made Easy
February Bucket List…
- Celebrate February Birthdays
- Order and deliver Valentine’s Day goodies
- Attend Family Valentine’s Day Party
- Celebrate Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day
- Watch the Super Bowl
- Continue New Anthem AM and PM Routine
- Get a Vibrating Watch
- Wake up at the same time each morning
- Walk or bike 45 mins each day
- Continue Quarter Challenge
- Mg supplement and stretching before bed
- Get an Eye Exam
- Reclaim afternoon teatime
- Plan Spring home décor and porch projects
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
February Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Kitchen
- 01/29 Organize the Pantry & Spices
- 02/05 Organize the Refrigerator & Freezer
- 02/12 Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
- 02/19 Kitchen Counters/Coffee Bar
- 02/26 Breakfast Nook
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember and Upcoming Posts…
- 02/12 Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
- 02/13 Galentine’s Day
- 02/13 Super Bowl Sunday
- 02/14 Valentine’s Day
- 02/17 National Random Acts of Kindness Day
- 02/20 Love Your Pet Day
- 02/21 President’s Day (US)
We’ll be back tomorrow for the Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop. As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your Valentine’s 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
CoCo,
I look so forward to your weekly Front Porch post. So many great shares and I love your focus.
I really appreciate that Rachel, thank you. They’re always so much fun to put together. I hope your Valentine’s weekend is filled with lots of love and laughter, CoCo
I’m so happy you had a day to ask yourself what to do.
You all needed a snuggle day.
Looking forward to your spring plans.
Thank you so much, Cindy! I’m forcing myself to slow down this year and even though it’s only be a few weeks I can definitely see the small steps and changes paying off. Hope your Valentine’s Weekend is a special one, CoCo
I do agree with you on self-care not being selfish. It truly is a necessity that I try to focus on but should do more of. Thank you for the reminder. I so look forward to your Front porch posts as I always find so much inspiration! You are so sweet to share my donut recipe! Much appreciated, my friend! Happy Valentine’s day! May yours be filled with many blessings!
You are so welcome, Christine! I could sit at the conversation bar in your kitchen and keep you company any day of the week. I’m always excited about your recipes and crazy cool projects. I think we can all use a reminder about self-care. It’s amazing how fast the days go by without even taking the time to check and see what we really need. I’m hoping to change that for myself this year and I know you are too. I’m cheering you on, CoCo
Just like Rachel said, I love your focus. It always makes me want to be a better version of myself. I want to be like you! Thank you for adding my cloche. I was so shocked! I think out of all the links I loved that Midway House the most. It felt normal and reachable. Not like the other fave – Boxwood House. Wow, can you imagine strolling those gardens?! With that house, I’m not sure they own pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. They might even wear lipstick to bed! LOL. Thanks for all the inspo. Happy Valentine’s Day!
You’re so sweet, Cindy, thank you. I loved the Midway House too. It was so pretty and layered with so many pretty pops of texture and charm. Those Boxwood House gardens were definitely next level and I totally see them wearing silk pajamas, fuzzy slippers, and lipstick to bed 🙌 Sending you lots of hugs for a joy-filled Valentine’s Weekend, CoCo PS: I could be the President of your fan club – cloche skills and all 😍