From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends, welcome to October!
It’s been the most beautiful weather as we continue to clean up limbs and yard debris from around the property after Hurricane Ian.
I know I’ve said this already but I want to say it again, thank you so much to those of you who kindly checked in on us during the storm and for continuing to lift up fellow Floridians.
It always helps to know you’re not alone, especially when you’re having to rebuild your life.
I’ve passed along all your kind words to my family members who were affected by the storm and they have been greatly appreciated.
Recently, my Mom and I were in line waiting to order lunch at one of our favorite places.
It’s sort of a “hole in the wall” kind of place but the chicken salad croissant sandwiches are so good we try to grab them whenever we’re in town together.
I was searching for the daily specials when a colorful sign caught my eye, “The world is short staffed,” it read. “Be kind to the people who chose to show up today.”
I’ve been thinking about those words all week as people around the state begin putting their lives back together.
While there’s been a lot of coverage of the storm, as it should be, I keep thinking about the countless number of people that were affected whose stories will never be told.
If you’ve never lived through a natural disaster, life-changing illness, a job loss, or a difficult divorce, it might be hard to imagine losing so much.
So just for a second, stand at your kitchen sink and look around at the things you’ve worked hard to collect, soak in the smells wafting through the air, take in the sounds of your loved ones, and deeply appreciate the roof, the walls, the windows, and the floors that help to keep you safe each day.
The life you’re currently living took years to create and even under the best of circumstances it was likely hard won.
While most people won’t ever have their homes destroyed by a hurricane, there are people all over the world who are currently working to rebuild their lives and doing the best they can with what they have each day.
Some are not able to give financially yet freely offer their time and talent.
Others are called to philanthropy and to share their wealth.
Every gift no matter how big or small creates an impact that ripples through families, neighborhoods, towns, counties, states, regions, and countries.
What you do, what you say, and how you live your life matters whether you can see a direct impact or not.
After lunch, my Mom and I popped into a local antique store and I saw the coolest sign hanging in the bathroom. At the top, it read, “Take What You Need” and on little slips of paper, it offered things like…
- This will be a good day
- I believe in you
- Freedom
- Self-confidence
- A Bear Hug
Not surprisingly nearly everything available was free.
I know there are times when things are so overwhelming it can be hard to know where to start.
So, begin where you are with what you have.
Imagine the impact you could create by helping someone repair or rebuild their life today.
It might be a listening ear for a coworker whose struggling or a mom who needs 5 minutes to take a bath in peace. It could be a child who’s dealing with a learning disability or a rescued pup who struggles with severe anxiety.
Maybe your spouse needs to be encouraged today or you might even have a neighbor on a fixed income that could use help with meals.
The cashier that rings up your groceries could definitely use your appreciation. The wait staff at your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant could use your grace.
Or maybe, just maybe, you might realize the person that needs kindness, love, empathy, grace, and appreciation the most is you.
Cheering you on as you take what you need and give back what you can this season.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…
*How to help those affected by Hurricane Ian
This Lake Washington Renovation is really pretty.
Can you imagine cozying up in this lake house?
The blue and white touches in this kitchen are fantastic.
This Kansas City House feels so warm and inviting.
This pumpkin planter has me all kinds of excited for the season.
Speaking of pumpkins, have you seen these yet?
What about this fall cottage home tour?
55 of The Best Fall Porch Decorating Ideas to Welcome Autumn
How to Have a Cozy Fall Porch Without the Beloved Mum
This Chocolate Biscuit Cake was reportedly a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II
Speaking of which, The Royal Collections Shop is up and running again and they’ve added some beautiful pieces.
Have you seen the new Fall arrivals at Talbots yet?
A fresh take on a cable knit sweater.
How to Keep Your Sweaters Looking Brand New
19 Simple Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today
50 Ideas for Elevating Readymade Home Items on a Budget
Words to Live By…
Fourth 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)
- October: Celebrating Home by James T Farmer, III
- November: How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K White OR How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
- December: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
- Devotion: Courageous Kindness by (in)courage
On the Menu this Week…
*You can find a complete list of our October Menu Ideas here.
- 10/09 Sunday: Creamy Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms and steamed veggies
- 10/10 Monday: Zucchini Stir Fry
- 10/11 Tuesday: Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
- 10/12 Wednesday: Autumn Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
- 10/13 Thursday: Hearty Minestrone Soup
- 10/14 Friday: Maryland Crab Cakes with classic cole slaw and zesty sweet potato fries
- 10/15 Saturday: Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions with grilled corn on the cob and salad
- 10/16 Sunday: One Pan Cheese Spaghetti Pie with an Italian side salad
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
Rust, Navy, 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)
Blazer * Surface Cleaner * Organizers * French Terry Sweatshirt
Shadow Stick * Sweater * Pumpkin * Kraft Paper
Clogs * Earrings * Plaid Dress * Pillow
PJs * Ribbon * Lip Gloss * Coat
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
10 Things That Made the Biggest Difference in Quarter 3
Simple Ways to Celebrate Fall Home Tour (last year’s fall home tour)
Simple Ways to Celebrate Fall Porch Tour (last year’s porch tour)
Quick and Easy Fall Vignette Ideas
October Bucket List…
*You can find the rest of our Fall Monthly Bucket List Ideas here
- Celebrate Oktoberfest
- Decorate the House for Halloween
- Bake a Loaf of Pumpkin Bread
- Attend an Outdoor Fall Antique Event
- Buy a New Sweater
- Enjoy a New Decorating Book
- Navigate the Pumpkin Patch or the Corn Maze
- Paint or Carve Pumpkins
- Host a Halloween Dinner, a Spooky Soiree, or Indoor Candy Scavenger Hunt
- Keep Sundays Sacred
October Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Fall Planning and Seasonal Activities
- 10/01 Organize Pet Cabinet and Supplies
- 10/08 Organize Garage, Attic, or Basement
- 10/15 Finalize Holiday Travel Plans
- 10/22 Finalize Seasonal and Holiday Decor Ideas and Plans
- 10/29 Create Winter and Holiday Bucket List
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 10/10 World Mental Health Day
- 10/13 National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day
- 10/15 National Mammography Day
- 10/16 National Sweetest Day
- 10/20 Chicken and Waffles Day
- 10/22 National Make a Dog’s Day
- 10/23 National Make a Difference Day
- 10/26 National Pumpkin Day
- 10/29 National Cat Day
- 10/31 Halloween
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
Well said my friend. I love my husband so much and he works hard for us. But the one thing I love the most is when he’s at the diner he visits every morning he does something so great.
A man comes in that doesn’t have much and struggles and he pays for his breakfast. He never lets him know he just does it and I love that about his heart.
He helps elderly people finds items in the grocery store if he notices them struggling. He’ll reach up to grab items that are too high without being asked.
These are the things that melt my heart. He even sees something he thinks I will enjoy eating and brings it home for me. The list could go on and on.
Great pictures too and I’m so relieved you are safe. I thought of you the entire time during the hurricane.
How’s your aunt doing?
It’s so sweet that your husband does all these big and little things throughout the day to help make someone’s life better or easier, Cindy. It’s like he’s sprinkling his best gifts around town and inside your home every day. My aunt is doing well. One of the medications she was on made it hard for her hands to work and that has been a bit of a struggle but they have switched her over to something new and it’s made a huge difference. Her husband (my uncle) is out working with families around the Punta Gorda area in Florida helping those affected by the hurricane so she is packing up supplies and putting kits together to send. It’s like an all-hands-on-deck kind of situation no matter what part of Florida you live in because the need is just so great! Hope you’ve had an awesome week, CoCo
CoCo,
You have such a wonderful way of expressing your feelings, and I love reading your thoughts and words of encouragement. Thanks for sharing my pumpkin too!!
Such sweet and kind words, Rachel, thank you. I really appreciate it! Hugs, CoCo
This reminder “So, begin where you are with what you have.” I love this and live by this every single day.
Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers. Thank you for another inspirational post and for the wonderful kindness of your heart.
This reminder “So, begin where you are with what you have.” I love this and live by this every single day.
Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers.
You have the best heart and always encourage me. Thank you for featuring my post. What a nice surprise! I pinned so many ideas and wowza, just might try making the Queens cake. Btw, thanks for posting the days. Today is Macy’s (our middle child) birthday and she IS the sweetest. Hmmm, maybe it’s your birthday too?! Big hugs.
Hope you guys had so much fun celebrating, Macy’s birthday, Cindy! She always sounds like such a treasure. I’m so glad you feel inspired by these posts – it makes my heart so happy. I will forever be grateful for all the gifts the internet provides, most especially for your friendship. Sending you tons of hugs, CoCo. PS: Let me know how you like the cake. I’m hoping to go to Fresh Market to be able to find some more authentic ingredients