From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends, it’s great to be with you today!
Last Friday, I completely panicked when I went into my closet and realized I had donated the dress I had planned to wear for Mother’s Day brunch.
Way back in January, I started decluttering and reorganizing my closet to make it more functional.
Truthfully, it’s taking way longer than it should because it’s not a total makeover – not even close.
It’s more of a refresh.
But for some reason, I’ve been dragging my feet to finish it.
So, Saturday morning I headed to Belk’s praying I could avoid the mall and find a dress at the last minute.
Thankfully, they were having a big sale and I not only found a dress to wear to brunch I was also able to find something to wear to upcoming graduation and recital events too.
I was changing back into my clothes when I heard the woman next to me start psyching herself up.
“You can do this,” she whispered.
“You’re beautiful.”
“You’re worth it.”
“You deserve to be happy,” she continued.
A few moments later, I heard a light tap on my dressing room door.
“Excuse me,” she said, “Could I get your help with something?”
Our dressing room did not have an attendant so I figured the lady might need assistance with a button or zipper.
“Just a minute,” I called back gathering my belongings.
As I gently opened the door, I saw a gorgeous woman in her mid-60s vulnerably standing in front of me.
Her skin was nearly flawless save for the beautiful laugh lines around her bright blue eyes and her hair was so shiny it looked like strands of silver.
“I’m sorry to bother you,” she said as her face flushed, “I was wondering if you could help me, please.”
“Sure, what do you need?” I replied.
“I should have come with a girlfriend. But I was too embarrassed. It’s silly, really. I have a date tonight,” she said avoiding eye contact.
“This is the first date I’ve had since my husband died,” she continued.
“Actually, it’s the first date I’ve had in 45 years,” she blurted out with a mix of excitement and fear, “Do I look ok in this dress?”
“You look amazing,” I said with a genuine smile.
“Thank you,” she said as she let out a grateful sigh.
“I’m normally not nervous or indecisive about things like this, I guess I’m just out of practice. I think tonight might be more important to me than I let myself believe.”
“Putting yourself out there is not easy,” I said, “Neither is holding space for yourself like this, it’s a big deal.”
She fanned her eyes in a typically Southern and completely endearing way, “I’m already nervous, don’t get me crying too, hon,” she said.
“You’ll be great,” I said as I squeezed her hand triggering the sound of the gold charms on her charm bracelet.
“Thank you for your time and for your help,” she said as she squeezed my hand back.
As I was standing in line at the register, I thought about how putting yourself out there doesn’t end when you leave childhood or college.
It doesn’t end when you finally get the big job, chair the committee, marry the person of your dreams, settle into a healthy, happy life, or climb the ladder of success.
No matter what your age, putting yourself out there is a continual process of taking chances, doing the next right thing, trusting your intuition, and leaning into what’s most important to you.
It’s not letting the “mean girl” voice in your head win out.
But rather exalting the confident and elegant voice of a seasoned woman who knows her worth.
Cheering you on as you put yourself out there in both big and small ways!
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
Every detail in this home tour is amazing.
An Elegant Before and After (SO many gorgeous shades of blues and greens)
This home is filled with simple touches and a gorgeous view.
This Del Mar home has such a relaxing beach vibe.
I love all the layers of texture in this Nantucket cottage.
Have you seen the cottage dresser Anna shared this week? It’s fabulous!
Wait until you see how Donna made this fabulous basket!
This garden is amazing. I can’t even imagine having that many beautiful flowers at one time to make floral arrangements!
Speaking of amazing, my friend Kim wrote a fantastic post on Cottage Garden Design Ideas and it was super helpful.
The Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Pots
25 Creative Patriotic Decor Ideas (Rachel put together so many fun ideas)
This hand towel would make such a pretty gift idea!
Speaking of which, I can’t believe I missed this collection from Mrs. Alice.
How to Tidy Up Your Home When You Don’t Feel Like Cleaning
How to Make Your Days Off Feel Like a True Break
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 working to make small shifts to our morning routine and it’s made a huge difference. The tips and techniques in The Miracle Morning have definitely helped the most but 5 AM Club which is a bit more philosophical in my honest opinion got rave review!
You can find a complete list of the self-discovery books we’ve read here and a list of our favorite podcasts here.
Menu Ideas…
Spring to Summer Inspired 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)
Beach Cover-Up * Tote * Pillow * Luggage Set
Perfume Set * Swimsuit * Woven Frame * Tinted Sunscreen
Duvet Set * Earrings * Lounge Set * Picnic Basket
Candle * Yellow Plaid Plates * Body Wash * Floral Top
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Simple Ways to Elevate Your Morning
Weekend DIY Projects for Your Porch or Patio
Quick and Easy Lavender Basket
Lavender Hand Scrub for Gardeners
May Bucket List…
- Celebrate May Day, Cinco de May, Debry Day, Coronation Day, Mother’s Day, & Memorial Day
- Attend Recital and Graduation Festivities
- Make Ice Cream
- Sunset Picnic at the Beach
- Buy Piper a Swimming Pool
- Map Out a Solid Plan for Loblolly Refresh
- Work on Back Patio Refresh
- Continue Quarter Challenge in Q2
- Continue Trampolining Workout
- Morning Pages & Journaling
- Finish Photography Class
- Read the Book of the Month
- Continue Q2 Devotion
- Continue Skincare Routine
- Keep Sundays Sacred
May Word of the Month: Nourish
Activities to Enjoy:
- Prioritize Self Care
- Create a Simple 5-15 Minute Makeup Routine
- Buy New Bras
- Book a Relaxing Trip to the Spa or Treat Yourself to a Mani/Pedi
- Sign Up for a Local 5K, 10K, 15K, Half or Full Marathon
- Take a Power Nap in a Dark Room
- Buy Flowers for Yourself and a Friend Who Least Expects It
- Put Together 7-10 Outfits You Feel Amazing In
You can find our complete list of Word of the Month Ideas here.
52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Shared and Common Areas
- 05/07 – Organize Household Books & Magazines
- 05/14 – Home Office or Guest Room
- 05/21 – Home Office or Guest Room Closet & Drawers
- 05/28 – Create Summer Bucket List
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 05/20 – National Rescue Dog Day
- 05/29 – Memorial Day
- 05/30 – National Creativity 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 look forward to these each week! I love Belk, and I could picture this whole scenario taking place. I’m glad she found you to give her the added boost of confidence she needed. Thanks for sharing your story, and have a wonderful weekend!
I really appreciate that, Susan, thank you so much. These Friday posts are always fun to put together. It’s been YEARS since I’ve been into Belks but I’m so thankful I took a chance and went in there. They were having a big buy 1 get 2 free sale around Mother’s Day so I put it on my calendar for next year because we saved over $450 that day. It was bananas! Hope you have the best weekend, CoCo
You made my day by helping that sweet little lady by just giving her a compliment on her outfit and supporting her by acknowledging her anxiety about a first date in 45 year! A small simple act of kindness that helped a fellow sister in life! Way to go and thanks for jump starting us to be kinder today by your example!
You are so welcome, Keena! I’m reminded on a regular basis that one small act of kindness or encouraging word can truly change everything. Wishing you an amazing day and thanks so much for your sweet comment, CoCo
What a lovely story, CoCo!! That’s just adorable. Thanks so much for the beautiful post today! I always look forward to reading your Friday porch posts!!
Thank you so much, Rachel! I could have never imagine in a million years these Friday posts would be so popular but thanks to all the sweet support from people like you, they’ve opened up a whole new chapter for the blog. Big hugs and thank yous, CoCo
This ….right here….I am 64 and lost my husband almost 2 years ago. This past week I had 2 invites. One for dinner with one of my late husband’s golfing buddies. Maybe? The second for coffee from a guy I met at the grocery store. I smiled and politely declined, checked out, and left the store like my hair was on fire. LOL. It’s been 45 years since I went on a date too!
I love this story so much, Rachel, thank you for sharing it with us. I’m so excited for you! It is not easy to put yourself out there but I truly believe when you’re ready you will be at perfect peace about it. Until then keep believing in yourself and know that you have so much to offer. I’m cheering you on! Big hugs, CoCo
Thanks for the reminder to never be afraid to put yourself out there! I know your encouragement meant so much to her and I appreciate the encouragement you give us each week! And thank you for sharing my packing paper basket, I appreciate that so much! Hugs to you, Donna
That’s so sweet of you to day, Donna, there is not a person I know that can’t use a little encouragement and I’m just thankful I was there to help. Love your basket idea, it was totally genius and I’m happy to share. Hope you have the best weekend, CoCo
Coco that woman in the dressing room was destined to find you that day so that you could provide her some words of encouragement and give her a little boost when she needed it most. You are a true gem <3
I just loved the story of the woman in the dressing room CoCo. It just warms my heart that she was brave enough to ask for your opinion on how she looked and how you were there to give her just what she needed at that time. So beautiful! I wish there was more of that these days. Love all the great inspiration this week, especially the garden full of dahlias. That was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing my cottage garden post here. You are truly the best. Hugs and love, Kim
This was such a good story CoCo. I hope that when I am 60, I am just as brave as the woman you met trying on the dress. Truly, she is an inspiration. I am so glad you were there – at the right time and place – to cheer her on during her journey. Definitely reviewing your May menu ideas … you always offer great inspiration so we don’t get stuck in a dinner rut.
Wishing you a fabulous week!
Thank you again for sharing my green cottage dresser makeover!!!