From the Front Porch
Earlier this week I found myself with the microwave door wide open reaching for a steaming mug of coffee.
The chocolate chip cookies were set to come out of the oven in less than 2 minutes and I was looking forward to taking those spare minutes to regroup.
As I pulled my coffee mug out of the microwave, I noticed tiny bits of chicken noodle soup stuck to the roof and the sides of the microwave.
Apparently, there had been a soup explosion of some kind while heating up lunch which had gone unnoticed by everyone but me.
I was this close to letting it go.
After all, I knew I could come back to it after my cookie break.
But as we’ve been cultivating healthy habits this month, we’ve also been working hard to change the soundtracks that keep us stuck in a reactive cycle instead of a proactive one.
So, it was not surprising when I heard a little voice deep inside me say, “By the time you’ve finished wiping out the microwave, the cookies will be ready to come out of the oven. It’s only 2 minutes. Your future self will thank you for taking care of it now.”
A few minutes later, I was sitting on the front porch watching Piper play in the yard enjoying my cookie break with a clean microwave.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit, I would not have taken advantage of those 2 minutes in the past.
I would have almost certainly done something completely unproductive.
While I’m not saying you need to be productive every minute of every day, at some point, we’ve all likely given into “Tomorrowland Thinking.”
As in, “I’ll take care of it tomorrow…I’ll start tomorrow…I’ll call tomorrow…I’ll get back on track tomorrow,” and then tomorrow comes and brings its own set of needs.
And that tiny task that would have normally taken us 5 minutes or less slowly turns into a project that has to be scheduled and managed.
So, as we ease toward the end of the first quarter, I want to encourage you to be proactive about the tasks that can quickly be accomplished.
That way when big and unexpected things come up, you’ll have set your future self up for success.
Cheering you on as you make small shifts, proactive adjustments, and work to cultivate healthy habits this year.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
This Turtle Lake Residence is positively magical.
The beautiful portfolio of Elliott Interiors (don’t miss the Bedford Colonial)
This Palm Beach estate is so pretty.
I love all the soft colors in this Coastal Classic home tour.
Have you seen this kitchen reveal yet? It doesn’t even look like the same space!
If traveling to Europe is not in the cards this spring, consider this property. It’s beautiful!
As someone who is always looking to up their photography game, this portfolio was so inspiring.
Can we talk about how amazing these stamped eggs are?
These Easter kitchen decor ideas are all so cute. I’m totally saving that tree idea for next year!
Speaking of Easter trees, have you seen this creative ornament idea?
Leave it to Kim to come up with this beautiful centerpiece idea.
The Supper Club ladies are at it again! Don’t miss Rachel’s Spring Fling tablescape in the greenhouse, Michele’s lemon-themed tablescape, and Jen’s garden-themed tablescape. They’re all gorgeous!
Speaking of beautiful, have you seen these peat pot basket ideas?
What about this cake? It’s almost too pretty to eat!
Beyond excited Sanditon is back. If you loved Seasons 1 & 2, you’ll adore season 3!
All three colorways of this dress are fabulous!
Love all the amazing pieces in this Dillard x Nellie Howard Ossi collection too. They are such a talented family!
These napkins are stunning.
These digital downloads are all so pretty.
This YouTube Channel feels like a mini vacation.
The 10/30 Rule Gave Me a Cleaner House and a Healthier Budget (this is helping us too)
15 of the World’s Most Beautiful Libraries
50 Easy Things You Can Do To Be Healthier and Happier in 2023
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)
This month we’ve been reading Believe IT: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima and it is so good!
It’s part a behind-the-scenes peek into the beauty industry, part scrappy entrepreneur, and what it REALLY takes to become a billion-dollar CEO, part dealing with difficult personalities and nay-sayers, and part pep talk.
I loved it!
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 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)
Lounge Set * Sandals * Plates * Basket
Clutch * Hoodie * Cuticle Oil * Napkins
Block Print Comforter Set * Earrings * Dress * Moisturizing Cream
Collapsible Tote * Rug * Mules * Gingham Dress
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Simple Spring Centerpiece and Vignette Ideas
Cottage-Inspired Spring Home Tour
Farmhouse Easter Basket Ideas (144 ideas to explore!)
DIY Speckled Eggs and Kitchen Vignette Ideas
How to Make a Spring Grapevine Wreath
Upcycled Country House Bird House
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…
- 04/01 – Buy Birthday and Special Occasion Gifts and Cards
- 04/02 – Palm Sunday
- 04/07 – 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
CoCo,
Happy Friday!
My husband is always telling me to just take 2 minutes to clean up my mess and then it doesn’t get out of hand. I need to be more disciplined. Thanks for the inspiration. Also you are so sweet to always lift me up by sharing posts. I appreciate you so much.
Oh my gosh, Rachel, I can totally relate to that too. It’s like take 2 minutes now or 2 hours when all the craft supplies pile up! Happy to share your talents any time, sweet friend. You are so creative! Big hugs and happy weekend, CoCo
This is great motivation! It’s so easy to just put it off until a later time! Many times I feel like Scarlet O’Hara – “After all, tomorrow is another day!” Thanks for the encouragement to do it today!
You are so right, Susan, it is way too easy which is what makes it so appealing, you know? Every time I think small things don’t make much of an impact I think about how tiny ants or gnats can change an entire picnic or camping experience. Sending you lots of hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
Thanks so much for sharing my ornaments, CoCo!! I hope you have a beautiful weekend ahead!
You are so welcome, Rachel, they were super cute! Hope you have a beautiful weekend too. I can’t believe it’s almost the end of March. Big hugs, CoCo
I always look forward to your posts. It’s like coming home. Hugs to you, my friend.
Such and thoughtful words, Renae, thank you so much. I really appreciate it! Hope your weekend is full of sunshine, CoCo
There are so many beautiful ideas this week, CoCo. Thank you so much for including me in your shares. You made my day! I love your tip about prioritizing the tasks that can be quickly accomplished. That’s such a good reminder for me. Wishing you the very best week ahead, my friend. Hugs.
CoCo, your posts are always so fun to read and filled with so many inspiring ideas. I am excited to dive into some of them! You had me checking the inside of my microwave. My husband informed me, he had just cleaned it a few days ago. Funny how we procrastinate when it comes to the small stuff. Thanks for all the great advice.
Oh boy, can I relate! It’s so easy to put things off! Thanks for your encouraging words and sweet reminder that it only takes a few minutes to clean up a small mess! Oh yes, and thank you for sharing my stamped Easter eggs! You are so kind, and I appreciate it! Hope you have a fabulous week! Hugs, Donna
Sorry I’m so late to the party, CoCo. I’m still playing catch-up from being gone in Minneapolis last weekend for a volleyball tournament.
Thank you so much for sharing my spring tablescape. I appreciate it!
Oh my gosh! SO MANY great ideas. I love the books you recommend and all the links you shared. I am more inspired now to create all things “Easter”. I also loved Donna’s stamped eggs and Rachel’s ornaments! Thanks for all the inspiration.