From the Front Porch: Christmas in July
Hello, sweet friends and welcome to the Christmas in July Edition of this weekly series.
How is your summer going so far?
I hope you’ve been able to make lots of extra special memories with the people you love most.
About this time last year, my Mom and I spent time treasure hunting for my childhood home, Loblolly.
We always have an amazing time and see so many pretty things.
But we’re never really sure what to expect when we set off.
In the past, we’d feel pressure to scoop things up as quickly as possible given our tight deadlines.
Sometimes we see specific peices and know immediately it’s exactly what we’re looking for.
Other times, we find items we like and simply want to keep in mind.
I know it’s not always easy to make decisions on a room you can’t see though so our ultimate goal is to keep our vision front and center while shopping.
Holding space for decisions on a room makeover, a new goal, a fresh opportunity, a dream not yet realized, or a life change can be tough.
Decisions are not always clear cut and at times they require extra prayer and careful consideration.
In truth, decisions are an invitation to trust ourselves enough to take action.
So, as we get ready to ease into the final week of July, I encourage you to take action on something you’ve been putting off.
Start small if you must, and take baby steps if you need, but don’t ignore or put off what you know you need to do.
Because at the end of the day, it’s highly unlikely you would flake out on a friend.
So, don’t flake out on yourself.
After all, you’re just as worthy.
Cheering you on as you become more confident with each decision you make and every action you take.
A Few of our Favorite Posts From Around the Web This Week…
Christmas in July Home Tours:
- How pretty is this French-inspired Christmas in July tour by Emily of LeCultivateur?
- If you love the elegant simplicity of a Scandinavian Christmas with lots of white, you’ll love this post from Mari Magnusson.
- These Danish Christmas decorations from My Scandinavian Home have such a warm and inviting feel.
- Speaking of warm and inviting, I revisit this pretty elegant home tour from Live Oak Nest every year.
- I have no idea how Monika Hibbs always comes up with so many creative ideas but I’ve loved every holiday home tour she’s done.
- Get ready to pin these 23 French Country Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas from Brocante, Ma Joie. They’re all fabulous!
- If you’re dreaming of a traditional Christmas don’t miss this post from The Glam Pad, Christmas in Virginia with Ashley Hanley it’s beautiful too.
Seasonal Inspiration:
- Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse made these DIY Paper Trees and they would be amazing to make now and squirrel away for the holidays. I feel like you could use them throughout the winter months too!
- Have you seen these wooden gingerbread ornaments from Fynes Designs yet? I love that you can personalize them.
- Clay ornaments are really easy to make this time of year. I’ve made several over the years but I’ve never thought about adding paper and glitter the way Ann from Sky Lark House did. It’s really creative.
- Miss Mustard Seed always has the most beautiful Christmas ornaments. I’ve wanted to try these salt dough ornaments for years.
- I recently sent this stunning glitter glass pear ornament to my Mom from A Pumpkin and a Princess – talk about gorgeous!
- Can we talk about this stunning tree from French Country Cottage?
- How adorable is Cindy’s She Shed all dressed up for Christmas?
- This homemade Advent calendar from Finding Lovely is really pretty.
- Did you see Jen of Midwest Life and Style’s cozy winter tablescape? Those mercury glass trees layered with the candles and greenery get me every time.
- 17 Ways to Make Last Year’s Christmas Décor Look New (So many fabulous and totally doable ideas from KariAnn of Thistlewood Farms)
- How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Like a Professional in 12 Steps via Balsam Hill is always helpful. They have such beautiful trees!
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 7 Things to Declutter Before Christmas (This post via Real Simple was a great reminder)
- 110 Simple Things to Do to Get Ready and Prepare for Christmas (This comprehensive list from Susan of Home with Grace and Joy will help keep you on track in the busy months to come)
- Loved this post, Not Small at All, from The New Happy.
Christmas in July Inspiration From the Blog…
Simple Ways to Prepare Now for the Holidays
Favorite Things: Christmas in July
29 Simple DIY Gift Ideas You Can Make Now for Christmas
How to Make an Ice Cream Cone Ornament (A Christmas In July Blog Hop)
Sweet Shop Themed Christmas Tree (A Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop)
Christmas in July 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)
- Mercury Glass Garland (we use this small garland at Loblolly and it’s so pretty)
- Café Au Lait Bowl (a fun way to capture a bit of France at home)
- Rug (a budget friendly neutral rug that also comes in additonal colors)
- White Ruffled Duvet (currently using this duvet at Loblolly)
- Shams (love the natural color and the ruffles too)
- Flocked Tree (unavailable)
- Baguette Ornament (bagel and sourdough ornaments also available)
- Mirror (the feel of Anthro at a fraction of the price)
- Ribbon (the perfect shade of blush, I use it throughout the year)
- French Bulldog Ornament (additional breeds available)
- Loveseat (unavailable), Similar in gray
- Doormat (unavailable), Similar
- French Perle Dish Set (dishes you can dress up or down in any season)
- Bubble Bath (smells amazing and has a nice foam too)
- Ornament (makes a fun gift basket idea too)
- Laundry Basket (have had the round version of this one at Bliss Barracks for years)
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 can totally relate to the decision making issue! I am very wishy washy, but I think it is really just wanting to make sure we make the best decision. I am looking forward to seeing Loblolly completed. She will be spectacular!
I’m so excited to see the transformation at Loblolly! You guys have been working so hard!
Beautiful words today once again, CoCo. Have the best weekend!
I’m so happy you and your mom had such a great weekend shopping for treasures to use at Loblolly! It feels so wonderful to find things you like for a good price!! Can’t wait to check out all your Christmas-inspired links! Have a wonderful week!
Happy Friday, Coco. It sounds like you and your mom had a fun (and successful!) shopping trip. Thank you so much for sharing my cozy winter tablescape this week as part of your Christmas in July inspiration. I sure do appreciate it. And I can’t believe that Christmas is a short 6 months away!
I hope you enjoy your weekend!
~Jen
CoCo,
I loved seeing all the home tours and Christmas Inspiration. Thank you for including my paper trees. You are the best.
Your treasure hunting looks like so much fun, CoCo! It sounds like you came across some amazing finds. And thank you for encouraging us to take action on something we’ve been putting off. I recently got a sewing machine, but have been too intimidated to start using it. It’s time I go figure it out! 🙂
Hi CoCo- It sounds like you and your Mom had a great time shopping for Loblolly. It’ s so sweet that you have one another to lean on and to talk through design ideas. The book on self sabotage sounds really interesting. I will have to check it out. On a separate note – have you noticed that the prices for second hand items has soared? Furniture, china, lights – you name it – it seems the prices have tripled. Or perhaps that’s just in the northeast? Anyway, I am in no hurry to empty my basement because apparently I have a gold mine down there.
Coco, it sounds like a wonderful adventure. Looking forward to hearing more about Loblolly.
It sounds as if you are working hard and taking advantage of the rainy days, even if they have derailed some of your plans.
Make sure to take a break from all of your studies.
Love all of these Christmas ideas and reminders. I laughed out load when you wrote “I am going to try that next year” and then ran out of time. I have had the salt, molds, and the ribbon for 3 years and never find the time at the holidays to start making the ornaments! Maybe this year on a rainy day, if I can find the moulds, I will finally do it.
Have a wonderful week!
Love the Table of Contents!! Yes – your advice is spot on. Thank you for sharing so many great links. I too love French Riverside and follow her on IG. Finally – tell your Mom , I am proud of her too.
CoCo,
So many great ideas and appreciate you sharing my paper Christmas Trees.
Thank you for the reminders, CoCo, I am loyal to others to a fault, and yet, I seem to cut myself short. I always look forward to your words of wisdom. You mom is right, it is difficult to plan for a space you cannot see, she is lucky to have you by her side. I am looking forward to delving into this Christmas ideas!