From the Front Porch: French Country Summer

Hello from the front porch, sweet friends.

Welcome to the French Country Summer edition of this weekly series.

How are you?

Several years ago, 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 events, 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 how much we need the encouragement and heartfelt connection of others.

After all, we’re bound to have 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 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 Cape Dutch home by Establish Design 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)
• 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 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 Taylor Swift (via Taylor’s YouTube)

Encouraging Words…

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

French Country Summer Bucket List

Elevating the Art of Everyday Living

French Country Cabinet Makeover

French Country Inspired Finds and DIY Ideas

Summer Lavender Basket

You can find more From the Front Porch: Simple French Country DIY Ideas here if you missed it…

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)

• Crewneck (have and love in so many colors)
• Bag (this bag would be so cute with summer dresses)
• Headbands (my sister wore this style to dinner, and it was so cute)
• Curtains (have these in the primary bedroom and can’t get over how dark they make the room)
• Cooking Set (this is such a pretty set and budget-friendly too)
• Jeans (16 colors available depending on size)
• Sandals (5 colors to choose from depending on size)
• Earrings (small and would go with lots of different outfits)
• Nail Polish (curious about this vegan formula)
• Water Pitcher (great for infusing fruit and herbs)
• Two Piece Set (25 colors available depending on size and can easily be worn together or as separates)
• Tote (a classic style you can wear year after year)
• Pillow Covers Gray and Linen (have and love these in both colors)
• Luminizer (wear this nearly every day in the shade Starglow)
• Sunrise Alarm Clock (have, love, and gifted – it’s completely changed our morning routines)
• Shirt Dress (a simple way to transition from summer to fall)

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