From the Front Porch
Happy Thursday from the front porch sweet friends. I’m sliding into your inbox a little earlier than usual today as we get ready to unofficially kick off the summer season!
Mother’s Day morning we were on our way to church when somehow, we got on the subject of mistakes.
As in, “What was the last mistake you made?”
It was already a lively discussion when I heard S say, “I don’t make mistakes. I encounter growth opportunities.”
Then my Dad piped up and said, “I don’t make mistakes either. I’m given opportunities to clarify my mission.”
My brother-in-law said he viewed mistakes in the same way scientists who are trying to prove or disprove a hypothesis view them, as stepping stones, and someone else thought mistakes were challenges that haven’t been overcome yet.
My therapist shared that mistakes are simply “miss takes” and always reminds me to visualize the clapperboard on a movie set and to “Take 2” as many times as I need for as long as I need.
Like many of you we’ve had so many commitments this month, I feel like I’ve had to “Take 50,” all week.
Truly, I am running on fumes.
But I’m also excited to honor and remember Gold Star families on Memorial Day, celebrate the last of the graduates, squeeze in a dance recital, intentionally seek out quiet time to reevaluate goals, and reset seasonal routines.
Almost a year ago, I daydreamed about spending the summer at my childhood home, Loblolly, helping my parents give the entire place a refresh, and dedicating time to writing.
Next week, that dream will finally come true.
I won’t lie, knowing it has already been a year since that original dream threatened to send me into a, “What are you doing! Why haven’t you committed more time to this goal? Get it together already!” kind of “I’m so tired. I can barely think. I can’t put one more thing on my plate,” panicky meltdown.
Yet, I’ve been tenderly reminded this week that most mistakes can be overcome with genuine reflection and acknowledgment – beating ourselves up rarely helps at all.
And once we sit with the mistake, failure, regret, or setback, we can reframe it as a valuable life lesson.
A lesson in persistence, resiliency, and grace.
I’ll be taking off next week to spend time with my Mom as we settle into the summer season and back posting the first part of June.
Until then, I’ll be cheering you on as you do the things you know you were created to do.
May you be bold and brave, wildly capable, and beautifully fearless.
Words to Live By…
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
A Countryside Home Oozing with Charm and Character
A Light and Airy Farmhouse Tour
This California Cottage is filled with Scottish Charm
An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage
10 Ways to Add Vintage Charm to Your Bedroom Decor (Another fabulous decor post from Rachel)
The Best Holiday Homes to Rent in The UK
If staying in a hotel is more your style, this one is gorgeous!
99 Travel Hacks to Make Your Next Trip a Little Easier
This garden is next-level magical. Wait until you see the house that goes with it!
Speaking of magical, I can’t stop thinking about this flower studio.
My friend Cindy honored our late friend Michelle with her Pinterest Challenge series this month. Cindy’s vibe was fabulous and vintage and Renae put a beautiful French Countryside spin on her idea, Honestly, the whole blog hop will have you running to the store looking for perfectly patinaed pots!
How to Create a Beautiful English Garden No Matter Where You Live
Design Experts Weigh in On Quiet Luxury
Want to be Happier? Science Says Do These 11 Things Every Single Day
How cute is this sweater for summer?
Love this shirt dress too!
This would make a pretty gift idea.
Memorial Day Inspiration…
Have you seen Emily’s patriotic mantel yet? It’s gorgeous!
I love all the patriotic decor ideas, Amber put together too.
May is such a busy time of year and it’s very easy for summer holidays to sneak up on us. If you’re pressed for time you’ll love Kim’s patriotic container ideas.
If you loved Bomb Pops as a kid, you’ll want to try Nicolle’s festive recipe, and don’t miss Elizabeth’s 10 Easy and Delicious Memorial Day Desserts!
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 diving into all things morning routine with The Miracle Morning and the 5 AM Club. Both books were helpful in completely different ways and I’ve already started to incorporate and practice many of their tips and tricks.
I think it’s easy to get caught up in practicing certain habits at specific times of the year. For example, at the beginning of the year or for back-to-school season.
But the truth is you can start new habits like this at any time. In fact, it’s almost better to start on a random month where there is no pressure!
In June we’ll be reading, Joie: A Parisians Guide To Celebrating The Good Life as part of our French Country Inspired Summer Bucket List here.
As always, 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…
(including Memorial Day recipes and dessert ideas)
Neutral 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)
Pickleball Dress * Small Baskets * Guided Journal * Desk
Sandals * Navy Dress * Tote * Bath Bombs
Mirror * Watch * White Dress * Frames
Earrings * Shimmer Sunscreen * Sandals * Shirt
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
French Country Inspired Summer Bucket List
Budget-Friendly Summer Decorating Tips and Summer Vibes Blog Hop
10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
June Bucket List…
- Celebrate Dad’s Birthday, Flag Day, and Father’s Day
- Kickoff French Country Summer Bucket List
- Create and Decorate at Loblolly
- Begin 30 Day Rest Challenge
- Try a New Craft Project
- Learn to Make a Signature Mocktail
- Surprise Someone with an Unexpected Gift
- Take a Walking Photography Tour
- Continue Quarter 2 Challenge
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
June Words of the Month: Experiment & Explore
Activities to Enjoy:
- Try a New Recipe or Restaurant
- Experiment With Fresh Makeup/Hair/Outfit Ideas
- Ask Someone New to Lunch
- Play Tourist in a Nearby Town
- Enjoy a Concert or Play
- Cross Something Off Your Bucket List
- Visit a Farm or Botanical Garden
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: Paper Clutter, Photos, and Email
- 06/04 – Bills/Mail/Paper Clutter
- 06/11 – Digital Computer Files/Passwords/Photographs
- 06/18 – Your Email Inbox
- 06/25 – Organize Your Purse, Wallet & Update Your Phone Contacts
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 05/29 – Memorial Day
- 05/30 – National Creativity Day
- 06/01 – Buy Birthday and Special Occasions Cards and Gifts
- 06/02 – National Donut Day
- 06/04 – National Cancer Survivors Day
- 06/08 – World Oceans Day, National Best Friends Day
- 06/10 – Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop All About Breadboards
- 06/11 – National Making Life Beautiful Day
- 06/14 – Flag Day
- 06/18 – Father’s Day
- 06/19 – Juneteenth
- 06/21 – First Day of Summer
- 06/23 – National Pink Day
- 06/30 – Social Media 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
What an encouraging message! When I have the chance, I will share these thoughts on mistakes with my students. Thanks for being so transparent and sharing! Have a great time at Loblolly!
I really appreciate that, Susan, thank you so much. Sometimes it takes just one or two quick sentences to help you reframe mistakes or regrets. While I’m definitely still a work in progress I’m always thankful when people pass little nuggets – like your Friday scriptures – along. It really does make a difference! Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
Wow, CoCo! Thank you so much for all the good stuff here and in all your other newsletters. I am enjoying my morning cup of tea as I work my way through all the articles and links. I am so glad I found your blog! And thank you for your thoughts on how to handle “miss takes” and growth opportunities. That’s so helpful. Also, I want to encourage you to not be hard on yourself. You are clearly a gifted and giving person, and you are making the world a better place. Rest in that, and treat yourself like you would treat your bestie. 🙂
Thanks so much for all you do through your beautiful blog and website.
LeAnne, a new and big fan
Thank you so much for your sweet and kind words, LeAnne, they are greatly appreciated. I just read (and loved) your Mother’s Day post. All those container gardens, churches, bridges and buildings of the local architecture were beautiful. Thank you for the kind and thoughtful nudge not to be so hard on myself, I definitely needed to read that this week. Big hugs, CoCo
Happy Summer kickoff to you, CoCo!! Enjoy this time off…hope you can relax and unwind with your mom!! Lots of love to you, friend!
Thank you so much, Rachel, I really appreciate it! Wishing you a happy and relaxing holiday weekend as well, CoCo
So excited you get to spend the summer at Loblolly! Can’t wait to see what you’ll be working on! I bet your Mom is so excited! I hope you have a relaxing week of vacation! Enjoy!
My Mom is so excited she probably had the car packed and all her outfits ready to go last week, Donna. Thankfully, her expectations are high but reasonable because there is so much to do! Hope your weekend is a fun one, CoCo
CoCo
I loved your conversation about mistakes. It’s much easier to let them crush you than look for the positives! Thanks for the clarification. You are so sweet to share my bedroom tour. You are the best. Have a wonderful time with your mom. I’m spending a few days next week with my daughter as well.
You are so welcome, Rachel! I’m happy to share your creative ideas any time. They keep me motivated and inspired. I love that you guys are getting together this week too and I know you’ll have a blast. May your time together be richly blessed, CoCo
I think I will have to pick up that book – Living the simply luxurious life by Shannon Ables. I’m all about that and the cover looks darling. I am amazed at all you find on the internet and so glad you do. If not, I’d miss out on so much! Love that garden, the farmhouse, the cottage… all of it! Thank you for sharing our Pinterest Challenge and the sweet words along with it. That was one of my fave challenges. Happy Memorial Day friend. XO
I love that book, Cindy! While there are no pictures in the book, Shannon has such a beautiful way of capturing simple elegance with her words. She also has a fabulous blog, and social media pages under the same. She inspires me all the time to slow down and enjoy the little things! Your Pinterest Challenges are always so much fun. I love to see how everyone puts their own spin on things. It’s so cool! I’m excited about our LOL coming in June as well. Sending you tons of hugs for a happy weekend sweet friend, CoCo
Enjoy every minute of your week off. This is a great post. It got me realizing I have to commit to things that are for me.
My John, Peanut, Reeses and my blog.
I need the blog for me and I need to figure out how to do that.
My life isn’t the same as everyone else.
I physically can’t begin working early am and things take longer
I have to commit for me. I have guilt because Peanut is sick.
Wish me luck. I have the tools to help with writing.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Cindy! It’s so important to take care of yourself and the things you most value like your family. It takes a while to find the right blend, especially in a hustle culture like blogging, but once you find the sweet spot and define what success means to you it makes a world of difference. Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
I always love your posts. So much fun to read. Thank you so much for the feature. I sure appreciate you. Enjoy your summer. Hugs and blessings to you.
You are so welcome, Renae! I loved the way you put your own spin on Cindy’s Challenge. You guys are such a great group and I learn new ideas from you all the time. Hope your weekend is extra special, CoCo
I love that your whole family openly talks about mistakes or “miss takes” and how they re-frame them. I think talking with others about mistakes makes them seem less overwhelming and unbearable. Less like “gosh, I am such an idiot” and more like “well next time I can do ___ differently”. Our mindset about mistakes is what allows us to continue to move forward in our imperfect manner and still make progress.
On a separate note – I now realize that I need a European Manor complete with a pond and blooming clematis as well as my own flower studio with a beautiful old sink. Not sure how I am going to break this news to Mr. SLH…
COCO,
WOW!! I so do love everything that you pack into a post…They make me think and analyze what I want to do especially when you post your To Do Lists and bucket lists…. Such inspiration…I love the Miss takes….Good one… Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comment!!
I hope you have a great weekend!!
Hugs,
Deb