From the Front Porch

Happy Friday from the front porch, sweet friends. Thanks so much for making us a part of your day!

Last weekend, I found myself sitting in seat #13 waiting for the Talyor Swift Eras Tour movie to begin.

There was an unmistakable hint of excitement in the air, and as I balanced a big box of popcorn and M&Ms on my lap, I couldn’t help but people watch as they filed into the theater.

Best friends wearing matching outfits, grandmothers wearing bejeweled capri pants, a father and daughter wearing near identical shackets and eyeglasses, and a mom with littles in tutus *this close* to spilling a carrier of drinks just to name a few.

On the surface, it might have seemed like we had nothing in common.

But for nearly three hours we sang and danced and ooohhhhed and aaahhhed over all the costume changes – so many sequins – and without a doubt, we were thoroughly entertained.

In the past, I would have almost certainly made an excuse as to why we shouldn’t even bother going.

After all, it’s hard to compare a movie to a live concert event.

I’ve learned over the years though, that if you don’t make time for special moments, they pass you by forever.

And then you’re left with the “I wish I would haves…” or the “should haves…” or the “Next year, I’ll…” and then next year comes and you’re just as busy as you were the year before.

The reality of our lives is that there will always be dishes that need to be cleaned, clothes that need to be washed, leaves that need to be raked, and work obligations that pile up on our desks.

I’m not saying you should ignore those things, obviously, they have to be addressed.

But when you get the opportunity to make extra special memories this season, even if they seem too small to matter at the time, I encourage you to take full advantage of the moment.

Because the moments we’ve been given right now, have been given to us for a reason.

Truly, they are the gifts of today that we will treasure tomorrow.

So, carve the pumpkin, light the candles, pass out the candy, host a chili cookoff, bob for apples, get lost in the corn maze, surprise them with your epic costume, make time to sip cider by the fire, or be outrageously spontaneous.

Every day is an invitation to be savored and enjoyed.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on as you make time for what matters most this season.

PS: I shared some outfits and gift ideas below in case you’re going to the movie, hosting a themed Halloween party (don’t forget the Champagne Problems signature drink), or have a Swiftie in your house too.

A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• This colorful home tour from Jenkins Interiors makes me want to add more color and prints to my home stat!
• Everything about this Grammercy Park tour from CeCe Barfield is fabulous.
• If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to use more plants and stems in your home, you’ll adore this Georgian Villa in Somerset from Sean Symington Interior Design.
• Every inch of this kitchen from I Spy DIY oozes English cottage charm.
• A Rambling Romantic Garden for a Third Generation Farmhouse  (via TheDesign Files)

Seasonal Inspiration:

• I’m so excited Rachel shared more about her Cheap & Easy DIY Halloween Centerpiece. I still can’t get over how she made the fire!
• Just pinned Jen’s quick and easy pumpkin cauldron idea. It’s so cute and creative.
• Speaking of pinning, have you seen Jen’s 5 Minute Ghost napkins yet?
• 30+ Spooktacular Treat Ideas You Can Make with Your Kids (via The EveryMom – these would be great for last-minute party ideas too)
• Loved taking a look back at KariAnne’s fall porch decor. Each one feels warm and inviting and it was fun to see how her style has changed over the years and to see which ones were reader favorites too!

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• This Easy Protein Hack Changed My Life (via The Everygirl – Has anyone tried this yet?)
• How to Encourage Someone (via Camille Styles)
• The Keys to Happiness According to the Oldest and Wisest Americans (via CNBC)

Style Inspiration:

• Mark your calendars!
• 10 Things That Make a Closet Look Cluttered (And What To Do About It) (via Apartment Therapy)

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• Bria Hammel’s Holiday Collection recently dropped and of course, it’s all beautiful.
• Anthropologie always has some unique ornaments too.
• And in the spirit of the holidays and shopping early, this ring is very similar to the ring I talked about in this post if you’re looking for something similar.

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…

Last Minute Halloween Ideas

Spooky Season Home Tour

Simple Pumpkin Flower Arrangement Ideas

Glow in the Dark Halloween Candy Bucket

How to Decorate a Store-Bought Cake for Halloween

Organizing the Week Ahead…

Words to Live By:

Dates to Celebrate:

• 10/22 National Make a Dog’s Day
• 10/23 National Make a Difference Day
• 10/26 National Pumpkin Day

Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:

• Finalize Seasonal and Holiday Decor Ideas and Plans

3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:

• Navigate the Pumpkin Patch or the Corn Maze
• Paint or Carve Pumpkins
• Plan and Host a Halloween Dinner, a Spooky Soiree, or Indoor Candy Scavenger Hunt

October Menu Ideas:

October Menu Ideas

The Eras Tour Movie Inspired Outfits We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…

(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon 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)

White Tee * Sailor Shorts * Striped Tee * Beret * Lipstick in Ruby for Me * Glasses

Jean Jacket * White Dress * Cowboy Boots * Gray Tee * 1989 Sweatshirt * Sneakers

Trench * Scarf * Skirt * Blazer * Pullover * Dress

Sequin Dress * Earrings * Ankle Boots * Bomber Jacket * Skirt * Tights

Shaggy Jacket * Party Dress * Rhinestone Boots * Lover Necklace * Snake Necklace * Headband

Friendship Bracelet Kit * Bracelet Set * Polish Set * Face Glitter * Temporary Tattoos * Strip Lights

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