From the Front Porch: Fall Prepping and Planning

Hello from the Front Porch sweet friends. Welcome to the Fall Planning and Prepping edition of this weekly series.

How has your week been?

Last week, I got a text message from my amazing friend Anna of Sky Lark House saying she’d stumbled upon something she thought I should have and was sending it in the mail.

Then she added, “It’s small, nothing fancy.”

While I freely admit I’ve been given some fabulous gifts over the years like heirloom pieces of jewelry, trips, a car and even a pecan grove, my favorite gifts are…I saw this and thought of you… small, nothing fancy…kind of gifts.

Like when someone sends a picture of a pink sunset because they know how much I love pink.

Or when my 10-year-old nephew sends me a letter with a Chick fil A  gift card in it that has my Mom’s distinct handwriting on it because he’s giving me his best gift despite not having a job or an income.

Or when my aunts call and say, “You don’t have to call me back, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you today and I love you.”

Or while shopping at an antique store or outdoor event someone says, “I found this piece of ironstone and knew you would love it.”

Or when someone says, “Get Your Shoes On! You have to see this!” and I go outside and there are fireflies everywhere.

Or says, “Sneakers were on sale today, so I got a pair for me and picked you up a pair while I was there.”

From a financial standpoint these gifts are relatively small, nothing fancy kind of gifts.

Some of them are even free.

That’s not the way they felt when I received them though.

They felt luxurious because they were intentional and wildly thoughtful.

So, as we prepare for the upcoming season, I invite you to look for opportunities to welcome moments of joy into your life, being open to divine downloads and unexpected blessings, surprising someone who least expects it, and even starting a joy journal.

Because some of life’s greatest moments come in packages that are seemingly small and not fancy yet have the power to change someone’s entire day.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on.

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• This Farmhouse Fixer Upper from Kristina Crestin Design is the perfect mix of farmhouse and equestrian style.
• I could get lost in this historic farm estate from Ashley Hanley, it’s perfection.
• This Lexington Square Tour by W Design Collective is super cozy.
• Speaking of cozy, have you seen Lydia Millen’s home tour via Sheer Luxe on YouTube yet? The inside is beautiful but wait until you see her greenhouse.

Seasonal Inspiration and Design Ideas:

• How cute are these pumpkin place card holders, Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse made? Love how you can customize the stems too.
• Love all the gorgeous Fall wreaths, Anna from Sky Lark House made.
• These no sew pumpkins from Cindy of Reinvented Delaware are adorable.
• Speaking of which, these front porch ideas with mum and pumpkins from Kim of Cottage in the Mitten are so festive.
• This post, 8 Ways to Get in the Fall Mood When It Is Still Hot Outside from Mary of My Life at Bella Terra was filled with great tips.

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• 10 High Fiber Breakfasts to Improve Your Digestion, Glucose Levels and Inflammation (via The Everygirl)
• 11 Tips on How to Relax According to Therapist (via Self)
• 25 Things To Get Rid Of From Your Closet, According to A Purge Queen (via Brit + Co)

Style and Travel Inspiration:

• 10 Ways to Wear Trouser Jeans: Casual and Dressy (via Classy Yet Trendy)
• Experts Weigh In On How Often You Should Wash Your Face (via Real Simple)
• Travel + Leisure Readers voted these 5 resorts as the best in France

Podcasts Favorites:

I listened to two Mel Robbins podcasts that were really good recently.

The first totally surprised me because her comedy is not usually my style, How to Finally Become Your Best Self with Chelsea Handler and How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Get Anything You Want In LIfe with Will Packer.

They both have books out right now and I can’t wait to read them.

Words to Live By…

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

Organizing an Intentional and Purpose Filled September

30 Day Fall Decluttering Challenge

9 Ways to Find Fall Inspiration

The Busy Girl’s Guide to Fall Planning

September Menu Ideas

Shopping Notes:

**(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)

• Blouse (14 colors to choose from based on your size)
• Earrings (4 styles available)
• Stadium Bag (6 colors to choose from)
• Scarf (41 colors to choose from)
• Dinner Plate (lots of beautiful animals to choose from, love the fox and horse too)
• Button Up Shirt (have and love in 3 differet colors, 8 colors available depending on your size)
• Belt Set (have and love, 8 sets available depending on your size)
• Boots (4 colors to choose from depending on your size and can be worn with pants and jeans)
• Cordless Table Lamps (10 colors to choose from including a pretty green and gold)
• Tablecloth (have and love, 4 colors to choose from depending on size)
• Wool Blend Crewneck Sweater (22 colors to choose from and such an easy way to transition from summer to fall)
• Bangles (have and love, also available in silver)
• Dinner Napkins (22 colors to choose from depending on size)
• Burgundy Pillow Covers (30 colors to choose from depending on size, love that they have a bit of a textured pattern too)
• Napkin Rings (You need these Mom)
• Cropped Cardi (16 colors to choose from depending on size, size up if in between sizes and wear high waisted pants, jeans or skirts if you don’t want to show your middrift)

As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. 

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

Many blessings,

CoCo