From the Front Porch
Happy Thursday from the front porch you guys. How was your week? We know January is usually filled with trying to organize and get “all the things” back on track! We hope it was both playful and productive which we know is not an easy combination to pull off sometimes.
Our week was filled with making sure tons of details, schedules, post content and travel plans have been all worked out. I always forget how many little things have to be done in the beginning of the year!
Scenes from our week…
Our dog Filbie is seriously one of THE messiest & pickiest eaters on the planet. No matter what food we give him he constantly takes the pieces of food he doesn’t want to eat out of his bowl. We’ve even had him checked out by the vet and everything checks out ok.
After having to clean up the floor twice a day, every day, I finally decided to line this wicker tray with a placemat and put his food and water bowls on top. Now all I have to do when things get messy is to wipe down the placemat or put it in the dishwasher which makes for an easy peasy clean up!
I’m hoping to start painting again next week, which made me think of this simple solution for a soap rest. You can find the ironstone dish at most thrift stores, the brush at places that sell beauty/bath supplies and the French soap at places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Good or Tuesday Mornings.
Not only does it look pretty by the sink, the brush helps to get those dried bits of paint off your fingers and hands.
Speaking of ironstone, I literally do not need one more piece of ironstone but now that I have these beautiful jello molds thanks to my parents for Christmas, I’m on the hunt for the last piece I’ve always wanted to find but haven’t come across yet – an ironstone cake stand.
I know I could probably find one on Etsy or Ebay but “the hunt” is what keeps me searching!
Quote of the week & Free Printable…
Reading this week…
Country Living Magazine brought back their annual Neutrals Issue for January and I am beyond excited. I spent a lazy Sunday afternoon reading it cover to cover on the porch swing without any interruptions and it felt like the biggest luxury.
Listening to this week…
Did you guys know Bobbi Brown has a podcast?
A few of our favorite posts from around the web this week…
* This builder’s portfolio is seriously stunning. You’ll get lost in all the gorgeous homes!
* Ralph Lauren has a coffee shop and of course, everything is totally fabulous.
* These sliding doors are amazing! It’s been so much fun to watch all the different projects and the details come together for this home makeover.
* 5 tips for going minimalist in your home without feeling blah.
* The Pinterest Top 100 Trends of 2019
* 40 Things You Can Do to Be Happier & Healthier in 2019
* 10 Tips to Boost Your Immune System
* Finding ways to be generous in everyday life
* Do you guys follow Five Marys Farms on Instagram? It’s lambing season and oh my gosh, how cute is this little sweet pete!
On the Menu this Week…
(*just as a sweet reminder the person that makes the menu doesn’t eat beef or pork so keep that in mind when you see this feature each week, wink wink)
Monday:Shrimp and Grits with Greens
Tuesday: 10-Minute Black Bean Tacos
Wednesday: One Pan Chicken with Cauliflower, Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Thursday: Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette
Friday: French Bread Pizzas
Saturday: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Sunday:Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
Every year, I switch between having Victoria cake and chocolate cake with chocolate icing for my birthday. This year, is a chocolate cake year and I can’t wait ?
Here are a few winter decorating finds from Amazon…
*(Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Gray Antelope Print Pillow Cover
If you’ve missed anything on the blog lately, here’s a peek at what we’ve been up to…
Monthly Meal Planning Made Easy with Meal Planning Apps to Try
The Easiest Way to Organize the Pantry and the Refrigerator
How to Make a Monogrammed Market Tote
Valentine’s Day Dessert Buffet (from the archives)
My Mom and I are headed out of town for our annual trip to the Renninger’s Extravaganza in Mount Dora to celebrate our birthdays this weekend and we have so many fun things planned into next week as well.
I’m a teensy bit nervous because S just started PT this week and this will be the first time in three months I’ve gone anywhere or left her unattended. I’ve realized nearly every day since this experience happened, I would have been a “Helicopter Mom,” had I been given the chance to have kids ha ha.
I’ll try to remember to take lots of pictures while we’re away. The Extravaganza is always packed with so many fabulous vendors and goodies galore!
Just a bit of housekeeping before we hit the road, I am so proud of all of you that have started our 52 Weeks to a Simplified & Organized Home Challenge . I know it’s not easy to organize and declutter while you’re working full time and running a home filled with lots of activity. I know you guys can do this and I’m bananas for all the progress you’ve made so far. It is crazy exciting.
If you’ve been waiting to see more home décor and DIY content, I’ll see you back here next week with all the details of one of the guestroom makeovers we completed at my childhood home, Loblolly Manor. We worked really hard on that project last year and it’s been fabulous to see everything come together so we’ll have a lot of furniture makeovers coming your way next week.
I hope you all have a peace filled and happy weekend! Whatever you have planned I hope it’s something you’re excited about. I can’t wait to see you back here on Monday. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Hope you find your cake stand Coco, happy birthday to you and your Mom!
I love all the home decor items you picked out today, Coco and the menu items too. The chocolate cake looks amazing. Have a great weekend
Hey CoCo – have THE best time in Mount Dora! You know we are always super jealous of this annual trip. Hopefully you will have luck in finding that ironstone cake plate! Much love!