From the Front Porch
Happy Thursday from the front porch you guys! How was your week? We hope it’s been amazing as we say goodbye to June and head into July.
I can honestly say, this month has been a blur. Almost every weekend has been dedicated to a variety of family activities. Despite feeling behind every week, all of the events and activities have been fun and absolutely worth it!
Scenes From Our Week…
If you guys had a chance to read last week’s, From the Front Porch, you may remember me saying I was headed to an estate sale with my Mom. While we didn’t find very much at the sale we did finds lots of goodies on “the loop.” We found this fantastic stack of ironstone plates (you should see the edging) for around $2. As well as, this trophy which I’ve since put in my bookcase for $4!
Even though we weren’t looking for furniture I found this fabulous green hutch. It would be SO gorgeous painted in French Linen in my breakfast nook
and this French Country hutch I told my Mom she NEEDED in her entry.
I’m still kind of grieving we didn’t pick up either one. We didn’t come home empty handed though. Here’s a peek at my haul…
A Few of Our Favorite Posts From Around the Web This Week…
*If you’re still looking for 4th of July decorating inspiration, don’t miss this post Decorating with Old Glory & Fun Flag Facts .
*?Looking for beach inspiration but you don’t want shell décor everywhere? Take a look at this beach house tour.
*If you’re style is more farmhouse than beach house but you still love all things red, white and blue, check out this cute cottage home tour .
*Have you guys seen this yet? Magnolia Market at the Silos is Getting a $10.4 Million Dollar Expansion.
*The South’s Best Bookstores according to Southern Living.
*10 Ways to Style a Striped Shirt
*15 Cute Summer Outfits with Sperry’s
*The Best Healthy Soda Alternatives according to Mind Body Green.
*9 Ways to Curb Burnout and Carve Out Time for What’s Truly Important
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 July 1 – July 7
Monday – Salmon Roll Up Sushi Bowl
Tuesday – Chicken Tostadas
Wednesday – Whole 30 Floridian Salad
Thursday – 4th of July! Find 36 patriotic recipes here.
Friday – Maine Lobster Rolls
Saturday – Asian Chicken Salad
Sunday – Contest Winning Chicken Cacciatore
Sweet Treat to Try this Week…
There were SO many fun cupcakes in this Good Housekeeping post, 15+ Festive Cupcakes to Celebrate the 4th of July I literally could not pick just one!
Here Are a Few Summertime 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…
How to Make a First Aid Cabin Sign
Quick & Easy Patriotic Party Cones
How to Make a Serving Tray From a Bread Board
Crafting Your Best Day (June Goals Video from the archives)
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 26, Your Car and looking forward to working on Week 27, Your Purse & Phone Contacts.
*** Keep in mind, if you’re new to this challenge or have gotten behind for whatever reason, simply pick up on the current week and start again. You don’t have to be perfect, just don’t stay stuck! This challenge is all about making progress no matter how big or small. ***
TCG Housekeeping Notes…
*There are TONS of sales happening right now and I’m sure they will continue into the holiday week. Most stores are getting rid of their spring and summer inventory to gear up for all things Fall! If you have your eye on something it’s a great time to double up on coupon codes where possible and take advantage of sale prices.
*Mark your calendars for July 15 and 16 because it’s Amazon Prime Day! Prime Day will start on Monday, July 15 at 12 am PT and promises to be a “two-day parade of epic deals.” You have to be a Prime Member in order to participate in the deals. If you’re not member yet, you can find out how to become one here. It’s a great sale to stock up on everything from beauty products to toys for Christmas!
*A few of you have asked if I have taken the Enneagram and if so, would I share my number. I actually have taken the test and I’m a 3 – The Performer/Achiever. My mom and one of my sisters are both a 9 – The Peacemaker. S, who runs the TCG website is a 5 – The Observer/Investigator. I haven’t started reading it yet but I can’t wait to pick up The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery (Amazon affiliate link) soon.
A Heartbreaking Decision
*Finally, this will probably by one of the hardest TCG Notes, I’ll ever have to write, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We’re headed to the vet’s office on Monday for what will likely be the final time. As you guys know, our sweet Jelly Bean’s health has been declining due to canine dementia for the past year. There have been significant changes in her overall health and behavior these past few weeks.
I‘ve already spoken to the vet on multiple occasions during that time. And tried all sorts of different things to no avail. It is one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. One I do not wish on any person or pet owner. As you can imagine, we are completely heartbroken.
We have one commitment to keep on Saturday, we plan to spend the rest of this week and through the weekend soaking in every possible minute we can with her. I have a few posts ready for next week, so they will go out as planned. That said, Jelly has been featured for years on the blog. While It might look like everything is ok from the outside, I wanted to give you a heads up about what was really happening behind the scenes.
Thank you in advance for your support and understanding. This is truly the part of love and loss that never gets easier. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
My heart breaks for you. I pray God will ease your pain.
I really appreciate you sweet and thoughtful words, Barbara, thank you so much. Hugs, CoCo
Dear CoCo,
I can hardly see as I write this – you know that I know this heartbreak – you have my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers. I know that sweet little one has been dearly loved and even though expected, we are never really ready to accept the end. When we lost our Max a few months ago (16 year old cat, the one who grieved so when we lost Madden) we felt like we could feel an actual break in our hearts. There really are no words to help – I wish I was close enough to at least give you a heart felt hug – I’m sending it through the air. XO
I really appreciate it Patty, thank you. I know you understand this kind of love and heartbreak all too well. It’s definitely been a sad few days. We miss her dearly and I know you feel the same way about Madden and Max. I lost Tally around the same time you lost Madden and the only thing that gives me comfort is that they’ve somehow found each other and are dancing under the rainbows together. Sending you lots of hugs, love and prayers, CoCo
So sorry to learn of your beloved pet’s failing health. May your many happy memories be a comfort to you.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words, Marie. Our homes and hearts feel empty without her in it. That said, we had the chance to love her a long time and are thankful we stopped to pick her up off the side of the road all those years ago. She was a gift, every single day. Sending you hugs and thank yous, CoCo
Dearest CoCo – we are wrapping you in warm hugs and love. So sorry, sweet friend. You gave Jelly Bean the best life ever. Much love to you all!