From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch, you guys! How was your week? We hope it’s been a great one and you had a fabulous Easter holiday. It’s so hard to believe we’re almost at the end of April!
The last few weeks have felt like a crazy whirlwind as we’ve celebrated multiple birthdays, Easter, traveled out of town, dealt with my Dad’s recent heart attack and worked on the bedroom makeover for the One Room Challenge.
I really appreciate you guys being so understanding about our posting schedule last week and this week as well. I know it’s been a bit of a change, but it was really nice to be able to take a step back, gather our thoughts and reevaluate our priorities for the next few months.
Scenes from the last few weeks…
One of my sisters is very careful about the amount of sugar she allows her kids to have so it totally gave me the giggles when she let the birthday boy pick out his own birthday cake and he chose this one…
We also celebrated S’s birthday while on break and since she’s not a big fan of cake, she chose these as her birthday treats…
Even though she asked us not to make her birthday party “a thing” it was fun to throw her a relaxed garden themed party. My family came over to surprise S with flowers and plants for one of the front flower beds.
They were even sweet enough to bring over their garden equipment and plant everything for her which was such a blessing. It’s been 6 months since the fall and surgery, but S still doesn’t have full range of motion yet. She is making progress though as she is down to one crutch, but she still has to wear bilateral braces every day. S has another big doctor’s appointment next week so fingers crossed she gets a good report.
While my brothers in law were here, they helped me move out several pieces of furniture so we could work on the bedroom makeover. On Monday morning, the room looked like this…
Thankfully the bed crown, headboard, and window trim have all now been installed and the fabric and linens are all on the way!
My Dad will be starting cardiac rehab soon and since we’ve decided not to include the bedroom’s closet as part of the One Room Challenge, I’m pretty sure he’s grateful for the extra time to rest now. Choosing not to do that one project gave us back 2 weeks.
Watching this week…
We watched Mrs. Wilson while on break and gosh, you guys, I’m STILL thinking about it! This 3-part series on PBS is based on a true story which makes the story even more thought provoking.
A few of our favorite posts from around the web this week…
* This before & after makeover is totally bananas! There are so many beautiful details to see when a former welding plant becomes a home and wedding venue.
*Love, love, love this builder’s portfolio! Every home is swoon worthy.
* A few things to remember if you’re throwing a Kentucky Derby party this year.
* This DIY Horse Head Wreath would be super cute to hang on your front door too.
* This post What Celebrities Wore to Meet the Queen was an interesting read. I would have to wear shorts under my dress because I would probably pass out the minute she walked in the room ha ha.
* We’re constantly looking for garden inspiration and this post is filled with gorgeous images and ideas.
* Helpful tips on how to combat seasonal allergies .
* 8 Natural Ways to Reduce Your Stress Hormones
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 29 – May 5
Monday – Clean Kale Mushroom Lasagna
Tuesday – Spicy Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Wednesday – Strawberry Watermelon Feta Salad
Thursday – Spring Roll Bowl
Friday – Zuccini Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Saturday – Kentucky Derby menu ideas found here
Sunday – Use these recipes to plan your Cinco de Mayo meal
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
Here are a few Derby Day 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…
One Room Challenge Week 3 Update
Bliss Barracks Lanai Makeover Reveal
Bliss Barracks Lanai Makeover: Outdoor Dining Table
Bliss Barracks Lanai Makeover: Side Tables from Columns
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 17, Dining Room and looking forward to working on Week 18, the Living Room.
I hope you all have a peace filled and happy weekend. I’m set to be out of town again this Saturday, but I have so much work to catch up on for the One Room Challenge, I haven’t decided if I’m going or not yet.
While it’s nice to have a full schedule, sometimes, you have to decide which events are your “best yes” and which events are best to skip so that you can be fully present when your priorities start falling into place. It’s always a balance, right?
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
That chocolate birthday cake looks really good Coco, I might have to order something similar myself. Thanks for another great week, the derby ideas and the link to the Fox Group. You’re right, all those homes are swoon worthy. Have a great weekend
CoCo – we honestly don’t know how you manage to keep up with everything when so much is happening behind the scenes! You are such an inspiration – in more ways than one! Much love sweet friend!