From the Front Porch
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the front porch sweet friends. Thank you so much for making us a part of your day today!
How are you?
Did you navigate the time change ok?
I must admit, we have been struggling this week.
In fact, I haven’t slept through the night, a single night, since the time changed, and the brain fog is no joke.
A few days ago, I could not for the life of me remember one of my passwords.
I distinctly remember nearing a deadline and quickly jotting down the information in a corner of a random page in one of my notebooks promising myself I would place it in our secure location once I was finished.
But the deadline rolled into a meeting, which rolled into dinner, and before I even realized it I completely forgot about that random page.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit I spent over 2 hours going through ALL my notebooks and planners, sure as the sun rises I’d be able to find that random page, to no avail.
As I sat on the porch willing myself to wave the white flag, I got a text message from the youngest little.
He’s on spring break sharing lots of pictures and videos of their time away.
The stormy gray skies he captured looked dreadfully dreary, the ground was wet from rain, and they were all bundled up.
The words he chose for the pictures and the music he chose for the videos were all surprisingly cheery and upbeat though.
And at that moment, I realized it’s all about perspective.
Gray skies and winter weather mean nothing when you’re out of school on a wild carefree spring break adventure.
To him, it was a beautiful day.
A few minutes later I sat at my desk and cracked open my laptop.
5 seconds after that I had a new password.
Armed with a fresh perspective, I poured myself a cup of tea and settled in for the night.
In the past, I would have wasted another 2 hours completely lost in my own head saying things like…
- “Why didn’t you just take 5 seconds to create a new password in the first place!”
- “How can a person with a pantry and refrigerator that looks like this be the same person that loses passwords!”
- “You did not have 2 hours to waste! We’re even further behind now!”
Goodness, sometimes we’re harder on ourselves than anyone else could ever be, you know?
The longer I’m on this journey of personal growth and development though, the more I’ve come to appreciate these minor inconveniences.
For I know they are gentle nudges and grace-filled opportunities that rally us to make small shifts that create lasting change.
And while I can’t say I won’t ever lose a password again, I know I’ll be more prepared next time as this situation taught me an important lesson.
Preparation and organization are forms of self-care.
Cheering you on as you listen and learn, and allow minor inconveniences to teach you grace-filled lessons with a fresh perspective this season.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
Step Inside The French Country Inspired Home of a Former NHL Star
This award-winning sunroom makes me wish we had one!
Wait until you see this Nantucket Cottage. The dining porch is amazing!
60 French Country Kitchen to Fall In Love With
This kitchen and butler’s pantry are amazing – gah – Bria Hammel is magic!
The beautiful portfolio of Lizzie Cox and Willway Gardens
Famous Writers Houses You Can Visit In The UK
What To Do In Paris In The Spring (I love all the ideas on her packing list too)
The French House (I can’t wait to dive into this playlist)
Everything in this cake atelier is stunning!
Just pinned Jen’s fabulous wreath!
Have you seen Donna’s creative topiary yet?
Wait until you see Rachel’s Easter tablescape, those plates are gorgeous!
These would be so pretty if you’re hosting Easter this year.
And since we’re planning ahead, this dress is really beautiful.
How cute are these sweaters!
These Parisian Postcards would make such a fun gift.
25 Things You Should Do Before Boarding a Plane, According to a Frequent Flier
Words to Live By…
On My Nightstand…
(Amazon 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)
I was so hesitant to read the book, Believe IT: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima because I couldn’t imagine having something in common with a billion-dollar brand.
I couldn’t have been more wrong though!
If you own your own business and feel like giving up this book will give you the inspiration to stay in the game. And if you’re not an entrepreneur, it will show you that we all have something powerful to contribute at every stage of life.
You can find a complete list of all the self-discovery books we’ve read here.
Menu Ideas…
Fresh 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)
Bench * Cocktail Shaker * Stems * Sneakers
Kitchen Towels * Sconces * Doormat * Patchwork Pillow
Woven Bag * Meal Planner Pad * Footstool * Egg Cups
Luggage Set * Pillow * Washcloths * Duvet Cover Set
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Farmhouse Easter Baskets Ideas
(144 ideas to explore for people and pets)
Cottage-Inspired Spring Porch Tour
Spring at The Crowned Goat Cottage
Quick and Easy Spring Bunny Art
March Bucket List…
- Celebrate Piper’s Adoption Day and St. Patrick’s Day
- Decorate the House for Spring
- Finish Closet Makeover and Refresh
- Make Decision on Guest Room Chair
- Replant Container Gardens on the Front Porch
- Shop for Easter Basket Gifts
- Get a Fresh Haircut
- Yoga Before Bed
- Continue Quarter Challenge
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
March Words of the Month: Cultivate Healthy Habits
Activities to Enjoy:
- Make a Healthy Smoothie or Juice Recipe
- Enjoy Movie Night with a Friend
- Go for a Walk on the Beach or in a New to You Trendy Neighborhood
- Prioritize Sleep
- Stretch Before You Get Out of Bed
- Fill Your Water Bottle and Place It in the Fridge Before Going to Bed or Place a Carafe Filled with Water on Your Nightstand
- Do a 15-Minute Clutter Catcher Clean-Up Each Night
You can find our complete list of Word of the Month Ideas here.
March Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Primary Bedroom and Bathroom
- 03/05 – Primary Bedroom
- 03/12 – Primary Bedroom Drawers
- 03/19 – Primary Bedroom Closet & Accessories
- 03/26 – Primary Bathroom Cabinets and Countertops
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 03/17 – St. Patrick’s Day
- 03/20 – First Day of Spring
- 03/22 – Spring Home Tour
- 04/01 – Buy Birthday and Special Occasion Gifts and Cards
- 04/02 – Palm Sunday
- 04/17 – Good Friday
- 04/09 – Easter Sunday
- 04/10 – National Siblings Day
- 04/11 – National Pet Day
- 04/18 – Tax Day (US)
- 04/22 – Earth 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
I love the wisdom! I’ve been struggling with the same issue! Thanks for sharing!
Gah-so sorry you’ve been struggling with sleep too Susan. It’s so hard to get back on track when you’ve had a rough go of it like that but I’m going to give it my best shot this weekend. I’m praying you get a reset as well. Big hugs, CoCo
Hi, friend!
I don’t know how you always have the right words on the days when I need them most but you continue to every.single.time. I’m so appreciative of your perspective on things and the way in which you convey them to others. You truly are such a gem! Hope you have a super great weekend!
You’re so sweet Rachel, thank you. I pray each time I sit down to write to be a vessel and not a container. Sometimes the words flow exactly how I want them to and sometimes I stare at a blinking cursor for far too long. Glad this one spoke to you today. I need reminders like this myself, all the time. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
Oh my gosh so many great shares this week. Those dishes are amazing. It’s hard to believe they are disposable. Thanks for sharing my Easter Table. You are the best.
I know, Rachel! I was shocked when I realized they were disposable too. Those pieces would be perfect for any party. Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
I can relate to searching for a password too long before making a new one, lol!! Thanks for sharing such great links to explore and including my DIY grapevine topiaries! I appreciate it so much! I hope you have the best week ever! Hugs, Donna
You’re so sweet to say that, Donna, as you are one of the most organized people I know. It was a tough lesson to learn but one I’m thankful I didn’t have to learn in an emergency, you know? Silver lining! Hope you have the best weekend, CoCo
Coco,
Thank you so much for sharing my moss Easter wreath. I always appreciate your kindness. I hope you have the most wonderful weekend!
You are so welcome, Jen! Your wreath is amazing and I always look forward to what you’re sharing each week. You are one talented lady. Big hugs, CoCo
That playlist is SO FUN! I’m listening to it now and having a blast while I clean my home office.
I’m so glad you like the playlist, Corrie! We listen to it all the time, especially at dinner or when we’re hosting brunch on the weekends. There’s just something about it that makes ya feel happy. Hope you’re having the best day and good luck with your office. Hugs, CoCo