From the Front Porch: Summer Porch and Patio Edition
Hello from the front porch, sweet friends and welcome to the Summer Porch and Patio Edition of this weekly series.
Thanks so much for being here and for making us a part of your day.
How has your week been?
I hope it finds you off to a great start as we ease our way into June and begin to celebrate all things summer.

Several of you asked about the photo walks I mentioned in a recent summer bucket list post.
So, I thought I would tell you about how much fun they can be.
A photo walk is basically where you wander the streets and explore a new city, play tourist in your hometown or spend time outdoors in nature taking pictures of anything you find interesting.

Honestly, you can complete a photo walk with family, friends, fellow photographers, your coworkers, or even by yourself!
Photo walks are a great way to hone your photography skills (even your phone photography skills), to challenge yourself to be more creative, to notice seemingly mundane things with a fresh perspective, to learn different photography techniques and to study new subjects too!
Another way to help document your summer season is by combining the things you’re grateful for with a photo walk.
That way, you’ll have a visual record of how you spent your summer, the things you’re grateful for and you get to practice new photography skills, lenses and equipment which could also be a summer goal.

There aren’t any rules, per se, when it comes to photo walks, but there are a few things to consider:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.
- Always, always, always be aware of your surroundings. It’s SO easy to get caught up taking pictures and trying to get the shot you’re after that you can quickly lose track of time and your surroundings. Use caution, care, and common sense when you’re out on any kind of photo walk. Also, be sure to tell someone (that’s not in your group) where you are going and how long you expect to be there.
- Don’t bring a lot of extra camera bags, multiple lenses, or extra equipment (save for maybe an extra battery and a lens cleaning towel). Keeping it simple means, you can fully focus on gathering inspiration and detailed shots.
- Avoid harsh sun and shadows by shooting during the golden hour which is just after sunrise and just before sunset. The lighting will be softer during that time and your pictures will be better, especially if you’re new to photography, or are trying to learn a new lens or hone your skills.

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- If you love a mix of dark woods and pieces that look like they’ve been collected over time, you’ll love Germantown from Sean Anderson Design.
- The Glam Pad recently shared a feature on Gil Schafer’s Country Home and it’s really beautiful as well.
- Have you seen the gorgeous portfolio of Banchory Farm yet? I just added them to my travel bucket list!
- Speaking of gorgeous kitchens, wait until you see the kitchens in this post via Jacquelyn Clark.
- This Tory Burch interview via Moda Operandi was an interesting read.
- Chelsea in Bloom (All the creative displays from this year’s flower show via House Beautiful)
- How to Plant Potted Hydrangeas (via Real Simple)
Seasonal Project Ideas:
- This post, Repurposed Garden Decor: 20+ Unique Ideas for Your Outdoor Spaces from Rachel of the Ponds Farmhouse is creative and perfectly timed.
- Speaking of perfectly timed, have you seen the garden tool wall rack Anna from Sky Lark House made? It’s fantastic.
- Kim from Shiplap and Shells has the most gorgeous view of the water and garden. Don’t miss Your Guide to Creating the Perfect Serene Outdoor Spaces for Summer so you can enjoy it as well. It’s dreamy!
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 17 of the Easiest Ways to Get Healthy Right Now and they’re all totally doable. (via The Everygirl)
- This post via Glamour UK breaks down the vitamins you need and what they do.
- This post via Pure Wow Can Dogs Get Sunburned? is a *MUST READ* for pet owners.
- Cup of Jo is one of my favorite blogs because the editors share fabulous nuggets of wisdom and their readers do too. This post, Advice for Your Younger Self is one I’ve booked marked when I need a pep talk.
Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:
- 9 White Skirt Outfits You Can Style With Outfits You Already Have (honestly these ideas could work well with white pants, jeans, or short via My Chic Obsession)
- Budget Friendly Makeup To Try This Summer (via Stephanie Marie Blogs)
- If you’re planning a trip to Charleston this summer, here’s a guide to Charleston House Tours.
Quote of the Week…

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

Weekend DIY Projects for the Porch or Patio

How to Make a Summer Inspired Grapevine Wreath

How to Spray Paint Wicker Furniture

How to Easily Clean a Porch or Patio

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)
- Dress (33 colors to choose from and is easy to dress up or down)
- Dress (7 colors to choose from and would be great for vacation)
- Two Piece Set (12 colors to choose from, yeah for easy outfit ideas)
- Jeans (6 colors to choose from including white)
- Polo (29 colors to choose from and would be great with pants, shorts or skirts)
- Cable Knit (26 colors to choose from)
- Crewneck 2 colors to choose from)
- Earrings (great for vacation or every day)
- Bracelet (this budget friendly statement piece comes in 20 colors)
- Slip Ons (5 colors to choose from)
- Sandals (12 colors to choose from)
- Sneakers (so many of my friends and family wear this brand)
- Napkins (these will have you ready for the 4th of July)
- Ice Bucket (same with this)
- Blanket (big enough to spread out, compact enough to make it easy)
- Toothbrushes (how chic are these?)
- Stationery (love the vintage design of this set)
- Makeup Bag (this immediately reminded me of my Vera Bradley days)
- Gelee (Speaking of blast from the past)
- Luggage Rack (5 colors/designs to choose from and always helpful to have on hand when guests arrive)
As always, we appreciate you sharing part of your day with us and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing.
We can’t wait to share more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
I always love to see one of your posts, CoCo! They are always chock full of inspiring photos, ideas, tips, and links. I was excited to see the porch ideas, I have a great front porch at the lakehouse and I’m always looking for new ways to style it. Your menu plans always get me excited, too! I know you don’t run around like a maniac photographing everything in sight…we miss the beauty of the moment. Still, you share some really great inspiration in your photos and that’s a good thing.
Happy summer!!
Jane x
You always leave the sweetest comments, Jane, thank you! It’s definitely fun to put these posts together and share the “cliff notes” version of the week. Styling the porches is one of those tasks that takes a while but is always worth it. We really do try our best to make it an extension of our home. It’s on my summer bucket list to take more photos! Most of the time I’m so caught up in the moment that I miss capturing an image I wish I had an actual photo of. One of my sisters takes the best candid shots at just the right moment so I’m hoping she will teach me her ways this summer. Sending you big hugs, CoCo
These are my favorite posts because even as a busy mom it allows me to catch up on the week. I really hope you keep this feature throughout the summer even though your’re taking a break too. I love the fashion finds and the farmhouse is really beautiful. I.hope you have a great weekend
Several people have asked me not to retire this weekly series over the summer Sarah so we’re definitely going to do our best to keep it for you guys! I completely understand the need to have all the posts in one spot each week so you guys can catch up because my sister does the same thing. She’s usually reading in the parent pick up line 🙂 I hope you and the girls have a fantastic weekend as well. Summer is such a great time to make fun memories. Hugs, CoCo
CoCo – thank you so very much for sharing our hydrangea post! So far the heat and the deer are losing the summer battle LOL. Love the post too about dogs and sunburn. You know that we have a very new “perfect boy” in our household – and this post is so timely! Much love!
Ohh I’m happy to read that you were inspired by my podcast episode about gratitude!!! Love seeing stuff like this!!
I really appreciate it, Taylor! Your podcast is amazing. I’ve never left an episode where I didn’t learn something important about my business, my friendships or myself. You are truly a rising tide that lifts all boats. Thank for all that you do to make all of us better Boss Girls. Hugs, CoCo
I love the photo walk idea. I’ve been doing that around my house, but I think I will venture out into the neighborhood. Thanks for the fun idea!
Such a great idea, Susan! I usually listen to a podcast when I walk but I’ve started doing quiet prayer walks in the mornings and it’s so peaceful to just listen to the birds sing and wake the earth up. Can’t wait to hear what you discover around your house too. Big hugs, CoCo
Coco
I think we all need to do a photo walk. I find I overlook so much of my surroundings and don’t take the time to smell the roses. As I’m more confined and forced to slow down, I’m realizing how much I’ve missed. I have a new appreciation for natures beauty, time with friends and family and so much more. You idea is a wonderful way to document our journeys. Thank you for sharing my repurposed garden ideas. You are the best.
Speak to my heart, Rachel, I know just what you mean. We can definitely get busy with all the hustle and bustle of life that we miss what’s right in front of us. I’m proud of you for slowing down, honoring your energy and navigating your way through this cancer journey with grace. It takes a lot of bravery and I’m so proud of you. Sending you lots of hugs and lifting you up each day, CoCo
I love the idea of a photo walk. It’s the perfect way to document a summer- or any season. I love the photo of the peaches 🍑. Thank you for rounding up all the links . So many great things to explore! Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Photo walks are so much fun, Anna. I think you’ll really enjoy them. Plus, you live in such a beautiful part of the country I know there must be tons of fabulous things to discover. Be still my heart – peach season is here. They just throw them on the tables by the bucket. Summer fruits and veggies are the best. Hope your weekend was all that you needed it to be, CoCo
CoCo you always have such great inspiration in these posts. Those home tours are stunning and one can only aspire. The Tory Burch interview was interesting and loved her tablescapes. Hope you have a lovely weekend. XO- MaryJo
I appreciate that so much, MaryJo, these posts are always fun to put together. I swear we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented creatives who are willing to share their art and ideas with us. Sending you hugs and hoping you’re having a great summer season, CoCo