From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch, sweet friends. It’s good to be with you. Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!
How has your summer been so far?
Are you ready to celebrate the 4th?
July is such a fun month because we get to welcome a fresh quarter AND it marks the halfway point of the year too.
We took all of June to figure out what was working well for our family and tried to figure out ways to make the things that weren’t working a lot better.
It was tough at times because the conversations were extremely uncomfortable.
But they were also necessary for growth and I’m thankful to have had them.
As women, we seem to be really good at making other people’s needs a priority while putting our own needs on the back burner.
Do you feel that way too?
It’s like day after day we keep thinking we’ll get to it but then more life stuff gets piled on our plates and before you know it, we’ve totally let the things we wanted and needed most slide altogether.
I guess that’s why I’ve been fascinated by the concept of self-sabotage lately.
I’ve taken a total deep dive into the reasons some of the smartest, most capable, and most amazing women I know are struggling with this issue right now.
Women who have all the tools and information they need to be successful and yet they can’t seem to stick with their healthy eating and exercising plan, or maintain boundaries or keep the house clean or make a decision for fear of making the wrong one so they don’t make one at all, or they struggle to be consistent and give up after a few days and then wonder why they don’t see the results they’re after or they don’t even bother setting goals anymore because they don’t know what they want and taking the time to figure it out feels too overwhelming.
3 people in my inner circle are self-made millionaires yet continue to struggle with a scarcity mindset.
I’m not throwing shade or judging at all because I’ve found myself resisting things that I know will make my life better too.
Some of them are so basic, they would blow your mind!
While change can be scary, at the end of the day, nothing changes, if nothing changes, you know?
And it’s up to us to put in the work to create a more beautiful life.
So, as we prepare to welcome all the good things July has to offer, I want you to take the time to celebrate where you are right now.
I want you to celebrate everything you’ve made it through so far this year.
The really scary things you never imagined you would make it through, and the courageous things that made a big impact.
For every bit of progress, no matter how big or small, is one step closer to helping you create a life you love.
And you, sweet friend, deserve the best!
A few things that have been helping me lately…
*My dear friend, Anna from Skylark House introduced me to Dr. Greger and the Daily Dozen Checklist recently and I’m so grateful.
It’s only been two weeks but I can already tell the difference. I haven’t lost any weight I just feel better overall, if that makes sense.
While it’s always best to consult your doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice, Nutrition Facts has a wealth of knowledge on plant-based diets if you’re interested.
*Loved this podcast from Tonya Leigh, My Secret Productivity Hack because I would have never in a million years guessed her hack but I can totally see the connection now.
*I might have shared this already, but I also loved Holly’s podcast episode on What It Truly Takes to Be Consistent I listen to it every time I need a pep talk.
*Don’t Call It a Comfort Zone was also a fantastic and quick read/listen (I love their simple visuals)
*This post, How to Set Realistic Doable Goals, is a good one if you’re curious about reevaluating your yearly goals. I really appreciate the section on making them easy!
*This post How to Set Healthy Boundaries hit a little too close to home, but one I definitely needed to read/hear.
*If you’re looking for a fresh morning playlist, these songs will get you going!
As always, I’m cheering you on as you work to make self-care a priority, find joy in simple pleasures, and take action on the things that are most important to you.
You can create a life you love!
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
There are so many beautiful pops of pink in this Palm Beach mansion.
Speaking of pink, wait until you see this butler’s pantry.
This home in Hampshire has so many pretty and peaceful details.
I love all the cozy details in this 43rd Street home.
From Beach to Woodsy Cottage (this is such a great before and after)
Have you seen this 248 sq ft Estonia studio apartment yet? It’s a masterclass in small-space living.
Martha Stewart has a new series on the Roku Channel.
This dress is summer perfection!
11 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Your First Time in Europe
I’ve lived in Paris for 12 Years, Here Are 15 Questions French People Ask to Make Small Talk More Interesting (these are great icebreakers/conversation starters for summer parties too!)
When Will I Arrive? (A great pep talk if you’re not “getting there” as quickly as you would like in life.
4th of July Prep…
Did you catch last week’s From the Front Porch post? It’s filled with last-minute 4th of July ideas.
Rachel shared Patriotic Thrift Store Finds which has me ready for the treasure trail and Donna shared this fabulous outdoor buffet idea as part of a fun blog hop!
This elegant tablescape and this festive stars and stripes tablescape are both beautiful, pinnable, and totally doable!
Watching…
When someone suggested I watch the Netflix series, How to Get Rich, I’ll freely admit I watched the trailer and didn’t think it was for me.
“Just give it a chance,” they said, “I promise, you’ll learn something.”
I’m so thankful I gave it a second look because after watching the series, doing our own research, and running the numbers we implemented 2 key pieces of advice and already see the difference.
Here’s a great post, 8 Takeaways from the Netflix Series How to Get Rich if you’d rather read the highlights.
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 had every intention of kicking off July with, Home Sweet Maison: The French Art of Making Home as part of our French Country Summer Bucket List but then I took a deep dive into all things self-sabotage and started reading, Stop Self Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower and Get Out of Your Own Way. It’s been eye-opening, to say the least, and I’ve enjoyed exploring this topic.
As always, you can find a complete list of the self-discovery books we’ve read here, 64 of the best books to read this summer here, and a list of our favorite podcasts here.
Menu Ideas…
Wellness-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)
How Not to Die * Workout Top * Body Oil * Facial Wipes
MTC Oil * The Self Care Solution * Water Bottle * Serum
Sunscreen * Toothpaste * Hot and Bothered * Nodpod
Cleaning Tablets * Mosquito Repeller * BeKool Sheets * The Hormone Cure
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
How to Create a Restoration Hardware-Inspired Tabletop with Paint
How to Decorate a Store-Bought Cake for the 4th of July
July Bucket List…
- Celebrate Independence Day
- Finish Bedrooms at Loblolly
- Prepare the Porch for Summer
- Take Piper to the Beach
- Attend a Summer Yard Sale
- Christmas in July Activities
- Begin Summer Routines
- Begin Quarter 3 Challenge
- Read the Book of the Month
- Start Quarter 3 Devotional
- Keep Sundays Sacred
July Simplified and Organize Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Kid’s Rooms or Guest Rooms & Bathrooms
- 07/02 – Kid’s Room or Guest Room
- 07/09 – Kid’s Room or Guest Room Closet & Drawers
- 07/16 – Kid’s Room or Guest Room Bathroom & Cabinets
- 07/23 – Back to School Supplies/ Toys & Games
- 07/30 – Clean Out/Organize Your Car
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 07/01 – Buy Birthday and Special Occasion Cards and Gifts
- 07/01 – Canada Day
- 07/02 – Made in the USA Day
- 07/04 – Independence Day (US)
- 07/11 & 12 – Amazon Prime Day
- 07/12 – National Simplicity Day
- 07/14 – Bastille Day
- 07/16 – National Ice Cream Day
- 07/31 – National Mutt 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!
Many blessings,
CoCo
***** Five stars for my favorite blog! How fortunate we are that you are so willing to share your wisdom and experiences! Let me review those links and grow some more!
You are too kind, Megan, thank you so much for your sweet words. I often get asked how I find inspiration to write the intro to these posts and my answer is always the same – I’m right there in the trenches too. Hope your weekend is filled with all good things and cheering you on as we ease into the second half of the year, CoCo
Hello CoCo!
It does not seem possible that half of the year can be over! It is a great time to re-evaluate our goals and dreams! My favorite quote by Einstein goes something like this…
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing every day and expecting a different outcome!
Even though it’s hard to change our habits, we must keep trying different things until we succeed!
Thanks for your encouraging words and I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday weekend and fun 4th of July! Blessings, Donna
I know, Donna! It’s kind of blowing my mind how fast this year is flying by but also kind of exciting as well. It definitely makes me want to hold onto each moment. I love that quote from Einstein and I repeat it to myself often. It might sound cliche but almost everything we dream about is just on the other side of our fear and while stepping out is not easy, it’s totally worth it. Cheering you on sweet friend, CoCo
PS Thanks for sharing my last-minute 4th of July ideas! I appreciate it so much! Hugs, Donna
This one hit home! One of the things I forget to do is reflect back to see what worked or didn’t. I love that y’all have a meeting to evaluate!
Thank you, Susan! Reflecting back on what worked well and what didn’t work at all has been HUGE for us. I think sometimes we just expect the people we live with to “get on board” or to “go with the flow” when in truth they are exhausted from the schedule we’ve set for them or feel frustrated they don’t have time to do what they want to do because they’re too busy doing what we want them to do. It’s not always an easy conversation to have but goodness it’s so important – same goes for the conversations we have with ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is a few tweaks to make things better. Sending you hugs and cheering you on, CoCo
Such a well-written post, CoCo!!
Thank you so much for sharing your words with us each week.
I hope you have the best long weekend ahead…happy 4th!!
You are so welcome, Rachel, I’m happy to share anything I think might be helpful and I’m thankful to have you as part of this community. You definitely lift me up! I hope you and your family have a festive long weekend as well. Big hugs, CoCo
Amazing home tours and that pink pantry is amazing! Happy Fourth of July, my sweet friend. Hugs and blessings to you.
I know! I feel totally obsessed in the best possible way with that pink pantry, Renae. It was fabulous! Sending you lots of hugs for a happy weekend and a blessed 4th of July, CoCo
CoCo – Thank you for sharing Dr. Greggers Daily Dozen. I am so glad you find it useful. I love that the focus is solely on helping people eat food with more nutrition that’s backed by science. Also, I thank you for the encouragement on self care – yes been there- and still struggling. Although recently I have set some pretty good rails/boundaries. (One of them is to eat healthier). It’s also the reason I still pursue blogging and sharing my ideas with the internet. As difficult as it can be, as much time and effort as it requires and although it doesn’t make much money – I would be foolish to do nothing. Right? We have to do something! Hooray for that. Thanks for always celebrating the small wins. They are so important.
Also – still trying to figure out how you got that bench home. . . (and its makeover is absolutely stunning!)
As usual, wise words and a wonderful gathering of resources and links. I will spend some more time with this later, but I have to say that I love that tiny apartment in Estonia. My daughter lives in New York and she has had her fair share of tiny bedrooms inside small apartments with several roommates. She will love seeing this. Thank you, CoCo! I just love your From the Front Porch! It inspires me in so many ways. Have a beautiful day!