From the Front Porch: Christmas in July
Welcome to the Christmas in July Edition of our weekly series, From the Front Porch, sweet friends.
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 each year, my Mom and I head to Mount Dora for a bit of treasure hunting.
We always have an amazing time and see so many pretty things!
Truthfully, I’m never really sure what to expect when we set off.
But I’m bound and determined to keep an open mind no matter what we discover.
My Mom has been to at least four different counties looking for fresh finds these past few months, and she almost always comes home empty-handed.
I knew before we left we’d feel pressure to scoop things up as quickly as possible given our Labor Day deadline.
Shopping like that makes it really hard for my Mom to make decisions sometimes.
Add to that, my wanting Loblolly to reflect her style and not my own, I was extra careful not to weigh in unless asked directly.
There were pieces she saw and knew she wanted immediately.
And other pieces we walked back to inspect “just one more time” on three separate occasions.
As we loaded the car with the last piece of furniture, I gave my Mom a big hug and a high five, “I know it wasn’t easy to make decisions on the fly like that, Mom, but you totally nailed it today. I’m so proud of you.”
Not one to take credit for anything, my Mom gave me a sheepish grin and said, “I’m pretty proud of myself. Making decisions for a space you can’t see right away is so hard. I think we did well though, and I’m excited about everything we’re bringing home.”
It’s true, holding space to make decisions for a new goal, a fresh opportunity, a dream not yet realized, a treasured relationship, or a life change can definitely be tough.
Sometimes the decisions are clear cut and other times they require extra prayer and careful consideration.
Either way, they demand we trust ourselves enough to take action.
So, as we get ready to ease into the final week of July, I want to 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.
- My Riverside French Cottage is a new to me blog, but I fell in love with her gorgeous images and beautiful Christmas home tour the minute I landed on her site.
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!
- 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!
- 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.
Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:
- This book is one of my all time favorite holiday decorating books. Every page is positively magical!
- Just added this budget friendly bracelet to my Christmas wish list.
- And basically everything from this line.
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 garland at Loblolly and it’s so pretty, also available in additional colors)
- 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 in the primary bedroom)
- Shams (love the natural color and the ruffles too)
- Flocked Tree (unavailable), Similar (an unlit budget friendly flocked tree, lit option also available)
- 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)
- French Bulldog Ornament (additional breeds available)
- Loveseat (unavailable), Similar (on the lookout for a loveseat we can use in my Mom’s office, this one is a great price)
- Doormat
- French Perle Dish Set (dishes you can dress up or down in any season)
- Ornament (makes a fun gift basket idea too)
- Bubble Bath (smells amazing and has a nice foam 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!
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.