From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends. We’re happy to have you here. Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!
By now I’m thinking most of your littles, tweens, and teens have gone back to school already or will be starting around Labor Day.
Some of you have even dropped your kids off at college which I know pulls at the heartstrings.
How’s it going?
Have you been able to navigate the transition ok?
I’ve spent a good part of the week working on a few organization projects, finalizing fall content plans, and decorating for the season.
I know it might seem a little early but we have a lot of travel plans on the books this season and I’m trying to get everything up as soon as possible so I can enjoy it for as long as possible.
Joann’s was still putting some things out when I popped in to pick up a few hydrangeas. Overall it seems like it’s going to be a very traditional fall with a little bit of creamy whites and blue/purple hues mixed in.
My Mom got these pear stems for Bliss Barracks. They’re really pretty.
I loved this wreath too! It’s so neutral you could leave it up til the end of November which is nice.
While my plan is to always use the things we have on hand first, Joanns had these stems on sale and I couldn’t resist the pale pink!
Have you picked a fall color palette or theme yet?
A Few of Our Favorite Things From Around the Web This Week…
We had an oops moment with the Patina Meadow link last week, so I wanted to share it in case you missed it!
The beautiful portfolio of Anna Evans Architect
Just shared this cozy home with my bestie S who helps run the TCG website and she was in love.
Everything from James F. Carter is amazing, including this crazy cool stable.
The exposed brick in this home tour is really cozy.
Speaking of cozy, the Supper Club ladies totally nailed it this week. Don’t miss their Country Garden Party-themed tablescapes,
Jen recently updated her chandelier and it is fabulous!
Have you seen this Woodcrest Remodel yet? It’s gorgeous!
Another home run home tour from Bria Hammel Interiors. Especially, if you love modern coastal style.
These tablescapes are the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer!
Speaking of perfect, how cute is this bowl for serving shrimp?
This would be so much fun to make for Labor Day – I swear Michele makes everything pretty!
An easy-to-follow guide to growing herbs.
10 Easy Ways to Add More Veggies to Your Diet
10 Household Items You’re Overdue to Replace (And What to Do with Them)
The Journal Prompt You Should Try Tonight Based On Your Enneagram
Mark your calendars…PSLs and other yummy menu items are on the way!
Words to Live By…
Third Quarter Books of the Month and Devotional…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon 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)
- July: How Are You, Really? by Jenna Kutcher (This book feels like reading sage advice from one of your best girlfriends)
- August: Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life by Shira Gill (This book will take you through each room and help you reach your decluttering goals step by step)
- September: A More Beautiful Life: A Simple Five-Step Approach to Living Balanced Goals with HEART by Whitney English (If SMART goals have never really worked for you, HEART goals might be just what you need to get back on track and stay on track. I’ve just started this book but I’m learning so much already!)
- Quarter 3 Devotional: Courageous Joy: Delight in God in Every Season by (in)courage (This series has been such a great way to start each morning. Week 2 rocked my world in the best possible way!)
On the Menu this Week…
Week of August 28th – September 4th
- 08/26 Friday: Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Ricotta Grilled Cheese
- 08/27 Saturday: Foil Packet Spice Rubbed Fish with Watermelon Salsa
- 08/28 Sunday: Honey Garlic Baby Back Ribs with coleslaw and fries
- 08/29 Monday: 30 Minute Greek Shrimp Grain Bowls
- 08/30 Tuesday: Baked Chimichangas
- 08/31 Wednesday: Summer Berry Spinach Salad
- 09/01 Thursday: Asian Tofu Noodle Soup
- 09/02 Friday: Labor Day Charcuterie
- 09/03 Saturday: New England Lobster Roll with zesty fries
- 09/04 Sunday: Easy Freezer to Oven Chicken Parmesan with an Italian side salad and crusty loaf
- 09/05 Monday: Labor Day (US) 25 Labor Day Recipes for a Mouthwatering Cookout Meal
Sweet Treats to Try This Week…
No Bake Lemon Yogurt Cheesecake and 64 Gorgeous Labor Day Desserts
Late Summer and Neutral 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 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)
Polka Dot Storage Bins * Pullover * Self-Care Planner * Flats
Necklace * Soap Dispensers * Antelope Print Rug * Polish
Umbrella * Laptop Bag * Collars * Duvet and Sham Set
Earrings * Pants * Canister * Sweater Bins
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
The Busy Girl’s Guide to Fall Planning
Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Sleep Essentials
11 Ways to Stay Organized with Alexa
Fall Grapevine Wreath for Beginners
August Bucket List…
- Celebrate August Birthdays and Grandparent Anniversaries
- Back to School Event for the Littles
- Pick up Fresh Office Supplies
- Find Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Celebrate Living at Journeys End 13 years
- Attend Global Leadership Summit Retreat at Bliss Barracks
- Design 2023 Planner and Blog Notebook
- Organize the Refrigerator, Desk Drawers, and Kitchen Drawers
- Check Hurricane Kits
- Confirm Fall Travel Plans
- Continue Quarter Challenge
- Try New IG Strategy
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
August Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Car, Garden, & Garage
- 08/06 – Medicine Cabinet & First Aid Supplies/Emergency Contact List
- 08/13 – Garage, Attic, or Basement
- 08/20 – Garden Supplies/Potting Shed
- 08/27 – Seasonal Decorative Items-Fall
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts
- 08/26 – Women’s Equality Day
- 08/26 – National Dog Day
- 08/27 – Just Because Day
- 08/28 – Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
- 08/30 – National Beach Day
- 08/31 – Eat Outside Day
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
The blush color is so pretty for fall, CoCo. I can’t wait to see how you use it in your home. It looks like I need to get to my local Joann store, stat! So many pretty things.
Thank you for sharing my chandelier update. I so appreciate it!
Hugs!
You are so welcome, Jen! You inspire me daily and I’m always excited to see what you create from week to week. Working full time and blogging full time is not easy but you make it look effortless. Keep up the good work sweet friend – you’re making a difference, CoCo
Hi CoCo – I love your “From the Front Porch Series”. There are so many points I relate to with this post. First Michele does make everything look beautiful – even potato salad. I love the color nail polish you shared with us and those buffalo check sheets are so cute. Finally, your recipes always save me when I am in a cooking rut. Thanks for sharing all the good stuff with us!
You are so sweet, Anna, thank you! These posts are always fun to put together. I swear I’m amazed every single week at all the creativity that surrounds us. Michele inspires me all the time too! I’m totally new to Olive and June nail polish but as long as I have a topcoat, I can make an at-home manicure last about 2 weeks. As you know, I’m all about simple tips and tricks that help to cut down on decision fatigue so planning our meals out is a must. It’s fun to know we’re all cooking and trying out new recipes together! Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Hi Coco, just popping by to send you a big thanks for this brilliant post, how you manage to pack so much in is amazing to me and I love it. I have saved it till I got plenty of time to browse, I have so enjoyed it.
I hope your well, take care lovely lady.xxx
It melts my heart to hear you get so much joy out of these posts, Janette, thank you so much for your kind words. Each week I grab a generous mug of coffee and snuggle in to find inspiration. I know the internet and social media have their ups and downs but I’m always thankful we get to connect in this way. Big hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Enjoyed the post! Love seeing so many of my friends on here. And I totally agree with you – Michelle makes everything pretty. Who knew mushy ol’ potato salad could look so good! 😉 Happy Monday. Hope your week is peaceful and that something makes you smile and laugh every single day of it.
We do have such a fantastic group of creative ladies surrounding us, Cindy! I swear their creativity never ceases to amaze me and I know I’m a better person for having you all in my orbit. This week has been a great one so far. Piper is currently sleeping at my feet so I’m taking time to connect which feels like a huge blessing. Sending you lots of love and hugs for a happy week as well, CoCo