From the Front Porch: French Country Summer

Happy Thursday from the front porch, sweet friends, what. a. week!

Recently, I was watching a recap of the women’s gymnastics finals and could not believe that nearly half the field fell off the beam and struggled to complete their routines.

At 4 inches wide and a little over 16 feet long, the beam is considered one of the most difficult both mentally and physically.

So, it was wildly fascinating to see each athlete’s split-second reaction to falling off the beam in real time.

A mix of raw disappointment, frustration, determination, grit and strength on full display.

What I loved about those fleeting moments was hearing the crowd quietly start clapping, then cheering and chanting as the gymnasts got back on the beam and finished their routines. 

It was a gentle reminder of just how much we need the encouragement and heartfelt connection of others.

After all, there are bound to be days filled with disappointment and frustration.

Especially, if you’re someone who is chasing a goal or a dream.

And while those days might not ever be seen on a global scale, it doesn’t mean they’re any less important.

Always remember the days we fall and get back up are some of the most important days we will ever have.

So, allow the disappointment to wash over you and let the tears fall if you need.

Then think about your unique talents and gifts, your grit and determination, and why you started in the first place and begin again.

Cheering you on as you let your light shine through the good days and bad.

A Few of our Favorite Posts From Around the Web This Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• Chelsey Hale’s Dream Home is stunning.
• Speaking of stunning, have you seen this home by Establish yet? It’s dreamy.
• This European kitchen design from My Chic Obsession is gorgeous.
• A Storybook Garden via Mpls St Paul Magazine

Seasonal Inspiration:

• The Most Charming Apartment to Stay in Paris (via French Country Cottage)
• Shop The World’s Most Famous French Flea Market (via Ajiri Aki)
• The Art of Weekending (via Heather Bullard)
• How to Create Beautiful Peony Flower Arrangements (via B Vintage Style)

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• The Benefits of Small Habits (via Intelligent Change)
• 20 Tips for Keeping Clutter Off Your Kitchen Countertops (via Real Simple)
• The Best Way to Rehydrate Quickly When You’re Super Hot and Sweaty (via Self)

Style and Travel Inspiration:

• 6 French Girl Makeup Tips, According to a French Makeup Artist (via Byrdie)
• How to Do Paris Like a Parisian (via Leonce Chenal)
• What Not to Wear in Paris (via Wit & Whimsy)
• 9 Rules for Eating and Drinking Like the French (via Food & Wine)
• 12 Interesting Podcasts to Help That Will Help You Improve Your French (via Frenchly)
• Best Hotels Near the Eiffel Tower (via CN Traveler)
• A 5-minute French vacation thanks to Tayor Swift (via Taylor’s YouTube)

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• How beautiful is this find on Etsy?
• A fabulous collection of scents.
• Speaking of fabulous, I just added this French inspired sweatshirt to my Christmas list!

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

SureFit White Ruffled Slipcover Review

French Country Summer Bucket List

Summer Lavender Basket

Cottage Inspired Summer Porch Tour

You can find last week’s From the Front Porch: Back to School Edition here if you missed it…

Inspiration We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…

(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)

• Shirt (love the longer sleeve length)
• Bag (this bag would be so easy to use all year)
• Nail Polish (curious about this vegan formula)
• Cooking Set (considering this set for my parents)
• Earrings (these would go with so many different outfits)
• Lounge Set (an set that would easy to travel in)
• Pillow Covers Gray and Linen (have these in linen and love them so much)
• Luminizer (wear this nearly every day)
• Curtains (have these in the primary bedroom and can’t get over how dark they make the room)
• Headband (my sister wore style to dinner the other night and it was so cute)
• Shirt Dress (a simple way to transition from summer to fall)
• Tote (a classic style you can wear year after year)
• Umbrella Stand (considering this for our entry)
• Runner (considering this washable rug for the kitchen)
• Slides (comes in three pretty shades)
• Two Piece Vest Set (an easy set to mix and match)

As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing.  We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,

CoCo