From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch you guys! How has your week been? We hope this week finds you celebrating all things spring and well on your way to having a successful month of April.
I have to tell ya, this week has been really productive for us! I’ve been using this method of productivity + batching and it has been life giving. I know that sounds totally dramatic, but not only have I started working out again, I’ve even found time to start reading again too.
I used to push all those quick little to-dos down on my list until Fridays which is usually my catch-up day for everything from cleaning to business tasks. While this method hasn’t completely eliminated that list, it has definitely made it more manageable.
Speaking of manageable, I learned a big lesson this past week about dealing with flaky friends. I’m sure we all have at least one friend that flakes out on plans at the last minute or frequently overbooks her schedule.
Well, last week I was supposed to work on a project with a friend that had been scheduled months in advance. A few days before we were set to meet, she rescheduled because she was going to be out of town. No big deal, I can be flexible, I myself have a hectic travel schedule at times.
Imagine my surprise though when I found out she arrived back in town early enough on the day we were set to work together to meet up with other friends of ours and enjoy a previously planned fun outing.
Did her actions sting a bit? Absolutely, but I learned a very important lesson that day.
I am constantly aware that one of our most important resources – time – is truly something to be treasured, it’s the reason I’m sharing this story with you.
Busy is not a badge of honor but our actions can be.
You should know, this person would not intentionally hurt me in a million years. Without a doubt she is one of the most loving people I know and deserves heaps of grace. But I would be lying if I didn’t say her actions didn’t feel icky that day though.
Ironically, in the end, it all worked out because I got to spend some extra time with my Dad, go to dinner with S, establish my Powersheets goals for the month of April and set our week up for success with an afternoon of prepping.
I share this story with you because we’re all about to enter a season of busy as Spring turns into Summer. Our calendars will be packed full of appointments, field trips, end of school parties, graduation festivities, house projects, travel, hosting out of town friends and family…the list could go on and on.
Time, unlike money though, is a resource we can’t get back. It’s the reason why we have to be crystal clear on what our priorities are and how they fit into our daily lives so we can make confident choices with how best to spend it.
A few of our favorite posts from around the web this week…
*These two cottages in Denmark have different styles but are equally as cute.
*This Modern Meets Farmhouse Dream Kitchen is so pretty.
*15 spring color schemes to make your home feel fresh this season according to House Beautiful.
*The closet in this post on Expert Ways to Organize Your Closet is the stuff dreams are made of!
*Tips for planting a cutting garden
*If you love old country chapels, you’ll appreciate this little white chapel makeover from designer, Leanne Ford.
Quote of the week & Free Printable…
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)**
*Week of April 8 – April 14
Monday– Salmon Roll Sushi Bowl
Tuesday – Loaded Mexican Pizza
Wednesday – Chickpea Apple Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Thursday– Greek Chicken Power Bowls
Friday–One Pan Basil and Tomato Pasta
Saturday–Cream of Asparagus Soup
Sunday–Goat Cheese Stuffed Lemon Chicken (sheet pan dinner)
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
Breakfast Granola Tart(Vegan, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)
Here are a few spring inspired finds we spotted on Amazon this week…
**(Affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
If you’ve missed anything on the blog lately, here’s a peek at what we’ve been up to…
Spring Easter Bunny Tablescape in the Breakfast Nook
Spring One Room Challenge Bedroom Design Plans
52 Weeks to a Simplified & Organized Home Challenge
If you’re part of our 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge, we’re completing Week 14, Linen Closets and looking forward to working on Week 15, the laundry room.
I hope you all have a peace filled and happy weekend. This is our last free weekend for the next 6 weeks, so we plan to soak up every minute possible. Whatever you have planned I hope it’s something you’re excited about too. I can’t wait to see you back here next week. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
I can relate to this flaky friend post Coco
You wouldnt believe how many times this happens in a mom group I’m in and how the lack of respect has caused hurt feelings. Most people I know either keep a paper calendar or they use their phones. Theres really no excuse. Glad you were able to turn the day around.
Aww thank you Sarah. It was not easy but I’m thankful for the unexpected fun from the day. I know just what you mean about using our calendars and phones to help keep everything on track so we don’t overbook or over schedule. As you well know, I think it all depends on what and how your prioritize the people in your life no matter if your dealing with kids, a business meeting or making time for your friends. Hope your weekend is a happy one, CoCo
Hey CoCo – We are so sorry that this happened. Since our big-event in December, we have each made drastic changes in our lives. It truly made us hone-in on what and who are really important to enrich and enhance our lives. The “energy-sucks” didn’t make the cut. It’s not like we had a face-to-face meeting or anything. We just slowly began spending less time with them. Honestly, it just came about naturally – like, realizing there were other relationships to be nurtured and loved.
You friend, definitely make the cut! Much love!
Vicki and Jenn
I can soo relate!! Not a fan of what I call time abuse .
Enjoyed the shots of one of my new favourite places ?
That is such a great way to think about it, Gee! It definitely makes you so much more aware of how you spend your time especially when something like that happens. Fort Clinch is one of those places that feel like an unspoiled area of Florida. Parts of it were damaged after the last hurricane so it makes us all kind of excited to see it making a comeback! Hugs, CoCo