From the Front Porch
I’ve written and rewritten this portion of today’s post more times than I can count.
How do you properly grieve a Queen in a country and a commonwealth that’s not your own?
An inspiration to millions whose strength, elegant grace, steadfast faith, and devotion to country was unparalleled.
Like a lot of you, she’s the only monarch I’ve ever known.
My Mom woke me up early to watch the wedding of Princess Diana and (then) Prince Charles. We watched William and Kate get married over breakfast at a beautiful inn in Augusta and toasted with specially made wedding cookies when Megan and Harry got married.
I had the Princess Diana haircut even with curly hair.
I got royal books and memorabilia for Christmas and birthdays.
We celebrated all the Jubilees.
And I sat at the feet of one of my favorite uncles for years listening to him recount the historical achievements of royal women and common women alike.
When he told me, “Don’t ever let anyone tell you women aren’t important, or that they can’t change the world, or that they can’t make a pivotal impact,” I believed him.
It’s in his honor, her picture hangs above my desk today.
While I mourn her loss alongside so many of you, I’m also grateful to learn more about her life and legacy from those who knew and loved her well in the weeks and months to come.
In the meantime, my heart will continue to ache for those of you that are feeling the loss of Her Majesty and for those of you who lost loved ones on 9/11 as well.
May you find peace and comfort when you need it most.
A Few of Our Favorite Things From Around the Web This Week…
The life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
This retreat space in Virginia feels like a cozy cottage in the English countryside.
The garden tour that will make you want to run to the flower market.
This former chicken farm makeover is magical.
How beautiful is this historic farmhouse bathroom makeover?
I would have never thought to have a wedding in an apple orchard but this one is stunning. Plus it’s filled with fantastic fall inspo too!
All the layers of texture in this home make me want to grab a blanket and snuggle up!
This custom lake home is filled with lots of beautiful light.
Love all the different ways Kim dresses up her kitchen and breakfast nook area for Fall.
Three Easy Faux Pumpkin Makeovers (I cannot get over how real these look!)
I pinned so many festive porch ideas from Rachel’s post!
How to Make a Pumpkin Luminary (these would be so pretty on a porch or going down the driveway)
How to Fix Your Sleep Schedule
A unique jewelry company that helps fight hunger.
20+ Freezer Meals to Take on Vacation
21 Women on What Their Grandmothers Taught Them About Intentional Living
35 Clever Hotel Hacks Every Traveler Needs to Know
Words to Live By…
Third Quarter Books of the Month and Devotional…
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- July: How Are You, Really? by Jenna Kutcher (this book feels like having a long talk with your big sister)
- August: Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life by Shira Gill (I love how this book makes organizing feel doable no matter what level of maximalism or minimalism you’re at)
- September: A More Beautiful Life: A Simple Five-Step Approach to Living Balanced Goals with HEART by Whitney English (I totally blew through this book, it’s such a good one. It flips goal setting completely on its head!)
- Devotional: Courageous Joy: Delight in God in Every Season by (in)courage (I learn something new every time I dive into this devotional)
On the Menu this Week…
September 11 – September 17
- 09/11 Sunday: Easy Beef Brisket with cole slaw and baked beans
- 09/12 Monday: Grilled Chimichurri Portobellos with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- 09/13 Tuesday: Easy Tamale Pie
- 09/14 Wednesday: BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad
- 09/15 Thursday: Vegetarian Black Bean Soup
- 09/16 Friday: Kale Pesto Pizza
- 09/17 Saturday: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Salmon
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
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)
Fishermans Sweater * Pearl Necklace* Plaid Pillow * Button Front Dress
Rug * Button Down * Candle *Accent Stool
Buckle Mules * Knot * Crewneck Sweater * Pillow Covers
Midi Dress * Shower Gel * Towel Warmer * Blazer
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Monthly Bucket List Ideas to Enjoy This Fall
Fall Wreaths and Autumn-Inspired Door Decor
Embracing Fall Home Tour & Blog Hop
DIY Brown and White Transferware Pumpkins
September Bucket List…
- Celebrate September Birthdays and Special Occasion Events
- Celebrate Labor Day with Shrimp Rolls
- Fly the Flag for Patriot’s Day
- Pick Apples While at the Cabin
- Grab a PSL at Starbucks
- Create a Fall Bucket List
- Decorate the House for Fall
- Decorate the Porch for Fall
- Make a Courageous Choice Daily (even if it’s a micro one)
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
September Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Fall Planning and Seasonal Activities
- 09/03 Create Fall Bucket List
- 09/10 Transition Seasonal Items into Closets (coats, sweaters, ski gear, sports equipment)
- 09/17 Order or Purchase New Planner or Calendar
- 09/24 Review Family Holiday Calendar & Set Family Doctor Appointments
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 09/11 Patriot Day
- 09/11 National Grandparents Day
- 09/12 National Day of Encouragement
- 09/17 National Clean Up Day
- 09/17 Oktoberfest Begins
- 09/21 National Chai Day
- 09/22 First Day of Fall
- 09/22 American Business Women’s Day
- 09/22 National Ice Cream Cone Day
- 09/23 Native American Day
- 09/23 National Pot Pie Day
- 09/25 National Daughters Day
- 09/25 Rosh Hashanah
- 09/26 National Pancake Day
- 09/26 Love Note Day
- 09/29 National Coffee and National Starbucks 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
Very well said CoCo. You always write so thoughtfully. Vee
Aww that’s so kind of you to say, Vee, thank you. I would type a sentence and delete it a minute later – for hours. So, your sweet words mean a lot. Sending you tons of hugs, CoCo
❤
I love your tribute to Queen Elizabeth! Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Susan, I really appreciate it. She will definitely be missed! Big hugs, CoCo
I’m sad about the Queen. She lived a long life. I loved Princess Diana.
They were both such an inspiration, Cindy, and will be greatly missed. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
Your wreath is just amazing. So much inspiration for fall this week. Thanks for sharing my fall front porch post. You are the best.
Always excited to share your creative projects, Rachel. They inspire me all the time. Hope you’ve had a great week so far, CoCo
CoCo, thank you so much for sharing my pumpkin luminary. I appreciate it so much. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
You are very welcome Jen! I’m always excited to see what you’re up to each week and I loved your luminaries. They’re super cute and I know they’ll be a huge hit! Hugs, CoCo
Thankyou for even mentioning our beloved Queen, Coco, we are so heartbroken right now and I feel for our new King Charles as he has to undergo so much and all the while mourn his mother, it must be awful. I am so appreciative of people like yourself, who acknowledge what we are going through as a nation. May I also add that we always remember 9/11 with deep sadness, our thoughts will be with you tomorrow.
Bless you and your wonderful inspiring posts.xx
I’ve been glued to the BBC since Thursday, Janette, soaking in all the coverage and hearing beautiful tributes to the Queen. I love how they put all the flowers in the gardens next to the palace so people can walk around, enjoy being together, and have an opportunity to comfort each other. It’s hard enough to grieve under normal circumstances but I can’t imagine having to grieve and work at the same time. It must be just exhausting for King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family even though I understand how necessary it is. I’ll keep you all in my prayers as I know this will be especially tough. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Big hugs, CoCo
I absolutely love the tribute and kind words you had about the Queen. Thank you for creating such a lovely post honoring her. I’m behind in your posts and need to get caught up! Have a lovely weekend Coco.
I really appreciate it, Kim, thank you so much. It still seems so unreal that she is gone. While I’ve always appreciated being able to learn about historical figures throughout the years, to be alive and witness the impact she’s had on the world has been a blessing. Hope your week is filled with all good things, CoCo
I love to collect mugs and plates that reference English royalty. They are more and more difficult to come by but when I can find them – I snatch them up! I remember that Rachel Ashwell from Shabby Chic had a collection as an homage to her heritage. It is the end of an era. I always love reading your from the front porch posts.
They are so hard to find now, Anna. I don’t know what’s up because I used to see some sort of royal memorabilia pretty frequently but the last few times I’ve gone to big outdoor antique events, they have hardly had anything. It’s kind of wild! I can’t only imagine how Rachel Ashwell feels now. It’s been such a sad and heartwarming week to see the outpouring of love and support. Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo