From the Front Porch

Happy Thursday from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Country House edition of this weekly series.

How has your week been?

We were this close to cancelling our annual Global Leadership Summit retreat last week after Hurricane Debby rolled through our area.

There’s still a lot of cleanup left to do, but looking back, I’m thankful everyone rallied so we could make it.

It was one of those, “We don’t have time for this…” yet “I’m so glad we made time for this…” kind of events.

I’ve written a lot about the Summit over the past few years, so I’ll give you some of my favorite highlights and words of wisdom several of the speakers shared…

• “Busy creates the illusion of importance. Busy leaders don’t change the world, focused leaders do.” ~ Craig Groeschel
• “The most important story you will ever tell is the story you tell yourself.” ~ Kindra Hall
• “Good leaders manage their time. Great leaders manage their energy.” ~ Molly Fletcher
• “Shift from expecting perfection to expecting progress.” ~ Amy Edmonson
• “Without conflict there is no revelation.” ~ Michael Jr.
• “The 3 micronutrients of happiness are enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning.” ~ Authur C. Brooks
• “God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.” ~ Joni Erickson Tada
• “Hospitality is making other people feel seen.” ~ Will Guidara (his presentation brought the house down!)
• “Failure is not the enemy, inaction is.” ~ Carey Lorenz
• “Love is an investment in helping someone else flourish.” ~ Marcus Buckingham

I know it feels impossible to add one more thing to our already overflowing to-do lists and calendars sometimes.

Especially, when we’re already feeling maxed out.

I want to encourage you to invest in yourself and those around you whenever you get the chance though.

Because you never know how one kind word, one yes, one small adjustment, or one opportunity can change someone’s life in the most incredible way.   

A Few of our Favorite Posts From Around the Web This Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• Have you seen the Church Lane Project by Leanne Ford yet? It’s wonderful.
• Designer Stephanie Perez has a beautiful portfolio.
• The Style Files: Hageman Homes & Interiors (via The Glam Pad has lots of pretty layers to enjoy)
• 40 Country Bathroom Ideas for Your Next Renovation (via Better Homes & Gardens-so many great ideas in this post)
• 27 Country Verandas You’ll Want to Relax On (via Homes to Love-this makes me want to add a table to our front porch ASAP)

Seasonal Inspiration:

• Kim from Shiplap and Shells reminded me there’s still plenty of time to soak in the last days of Summer with this beautiful candlelight tablescape.
• Anna from Sky Lark House has a great post about what to look for when shopping and collecting blue and white transferware.
• If you’ve always wanted a pleated lampshade but have been too afraid to DIY your own, Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse has a genius idea.
• Speaking of DIY, have you seen these rosette pumpkins yet? Rachel from The Antiqued Journey shared a really simple and totally doable idea if you’re ready to start crafting Fall decor.
• MaryJo from Masterpieces of My Life shared 6 Rustic Fall Inspired Mantel Decor Ideas and I love all the layers of pretty texture.
• Finally, Cindy from DIY Beautify created the coziest Early Fall bedroom and it immediately made me want to snuggle up and read a good book. It’s beautiful!

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• 9 Collagen Rich Foods Every Woman Over 40 Should Start Eating Every Day for Healthier Skin
• This is Your Sign to Finally Get Rid of Your “One Day When I’m Thinner Clothes” (such a great reminder via Self)
• Is Perfectionism Causing Career Burnout? An Expert Reveals Key Signs (via The Everygirl)

Style and Travel Inspiration:

• The benefits of ice rolling (via Stephanie Marie Blog-this was a great post if you’ve thought about ice rolling but weren’t sure how to get started)
• 15 Cute Fall Outfits for Every Occasion (via My Chic Obsession-I pinned so many of these)
• The Dunlin in South Carolinalooks like a gorgeous place to stay.

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• This budget friendly skirt from Walmart is such a fun print.
• This collection from designer Alexa Pulitzer would make a fabulous gift idea.
• I can’t stop thinking about this accent table from Ballard Designs.

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

Jute and Rope Project Ideas and Handcrafted Society Blog Hop

How to Host a Restorative Retreat at Home

Guest Bedroom Nightstands at Loblolly

Gray and White Bedroom Makeover at Loblolly

Simple Lavender Bath Soak

You can find last week’s From the Front Porch: French Country Edition here if you missed it…

A Few Things We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…

(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)

• Books super excited about this book coming out on October 1 and this one coming out on October 8)
• Puzzle (searching for puzzles to send to my niece and found this one, it looks like so much fun)
• Cards (these would be cute to have on hand and I love this pink set too)
• Lounge Set (I can’t wait for cooler weather so I can wear this set)
• Vest Set (great to pair with shorts for summer or the vest for fall)
• Summer Sweater (this summer sweater comes in lots of pretty colors, and I like the longer sleeve length too)
• Earrings (I bought these during the Prime event, they’re a little smaller than I expected but they go with everything)
• Bangles (chunky bangles are everywhere right now, this would be a budget friendly way to try the look)
• Curtains (these curtains are so pretty, I wish they came in a blackout version)
• Scalloped Tray (this would be pretty to use as a breakfast tray)
• Tumblers (we’re in need of new tumblers and these have great reviews)

I hope you have a peace filled and relaxing weekend. I can’t wait to share more next week. 

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo