From the Front Porch: Galentine’s Day Edition

Hello from the Front Porch sweet friends and welcome to the Galentine’s Day Edition of this weekly series.

How was your week?

Earlier this year, I was having brunch with one of my girlfriends at a popular spot in town.

Inside, there were multiple tables of friends exchanging gifts and excitedly sharing plans for the New Year, including the table beside us.

For context, our tables were uncomfortably close, mere inches apart.

Our waiter had just brought our drinks over when the two friends sitting next to us began opening Christmas presents.

Right away the gifts from friend A to friend B seemed to be a big hit.

You could genuinely tell friend A had thoughtfully spent time shopping and friend B felt seen based on her reactions.

But when friend A started opening her gifts from friend B, it was a completely different story.

While she graciously accepted friend B’s gifts, it was like friend B didn’t know friend A that well at all despite their obvious close rapport.

In fact, you could visibly see friend A’s face drop then quickly recover when she opened her final gift from friend B, a pumpkin scented candle from a popular retailer.

Friend B must have noticed the drop because she immediately said, “OMG! That’s right! You don’t like pumpkin!”

To which friend A sheepishly replied, “Oh no, it’s ok. I usually don’t burn pumpkin scented things because they give me horrible migraines.”

To which friend B replied, “Well, maybe you can burn it anyway, just in another room.”

Given our tables were mere inches apart, it was hard not to overhear their exchange.

But I have to say, my girlfriend and I were stunned to see friend B be so completely dismissive.

It was a gentle reminder that gifts of all shapes and sizes play an important role in our lives.

They can help strengthen relationships, bring joy, offer comfort, ease tension, express belonging, provide a sense of stability, create connection, an opportunity to practice gratitude, and to celebrate someone special.

So, as we enter another season of gifting, I encourage you to think about the gifts you give and those you have to offer.

It might be your time, your talent and creativity, an encouraging word or compliment, your resources, something handmade, an “I saw this and thought of you” antique, or a store-bought gift.

Then think about how you can give those gifts in an intentional, thoughtful, and most generous way.

It truly makes a difference.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on.

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…

Seasonal Inspiration and Home Tours:

• I feel like I’ve shared the Anderson design project by AKB Interiors before, but I wanted to share it again in case you missed it. It’s just so incredibly dreamy!
• Speaking of dreamy, wait until you see this home from Unique Homestays in Poldark country. I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s straight out of a fairytale!
• This New York City Rental Customized with English Charm via The Glam Pad is bright and cheery. I love all the floral displays, and the wallpaper in the bathroom is fabulous.
• Have you seen the Sycamore Street Project from W Design Collective yet? I can’t believe it’s a new build.
• This idea from @genevavanderzei via Instagram is genius!
• This French Garden Design from My French Country Home has me dreaming of spring.

Seasonal Project Ideas:

• 7 Valentine’s Day Project Ideas That are Simple and Affordable (these ideas from Anna of Sky Lark House would make a fun craft night)
• 12 Creative DIY Valentine Gift Ideas Under $5 Anyone Can Make (loved these last-minute and budget-friendly ideas from Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse)
• Love this coffee and flower gift box idea from Craftberry Bush because you can use it for multiple occasions.
• Completely obsessed in the best possible way with these festive Valentine Ideas from The
• Glam Pad.
• 35 Best Galentine’s Day Girl’s Night Ideas via Cassie Scroggins look like so much fun. Love these 40 Galentine’s Day Party Ideas via Good Housekeeping too.
• 50 Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Love Language (via Camille Styles)
• How cute is this Valentine’s Day Breakfast from Rachel Parcell?
• These puff pastry hearts for Valentine’s Day from Dear Lillie look delicious.
• 18 Pink Cocktails for Any and Every Occasion (via Martha Stewart)

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• A gentle reminder from The New Happy, We Feel the Same (so many fabulous comments too)
• How to Be a Good Friend, Even When You’re Busy (via Be More With Less) and 25 Ways To Be a True Friend (via Tiny Buddha)
• 99 Conversation Starters for Deeper Connections (via The Good Trade)
• 7 Toxic Habits That Are Bringing You Down, According to Experts (via Real Simple)

Makeup, Style, and Travel Inspiration:

• 8 French Girl Travel Outfit Ideas (via My Chic Obsession, and they’re all fabulous)
• 60 Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas (via Byrdie)
• Drugstore Makeup for Mature Skin (via Stephanie Marie Blogs)
• The Best Hotels in Paris (according to Conde Nast Traveler)

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

Valentine’s Day Dessert Buffet

Valentine’s Day Poppers

DIY Blind Date with a Book

Galentine’s Day Gift Basket Ideas

Pearl Embellished Sweatshirt

Stenciled Air Dry Clay Hearts

Conversation Heart Vase

The Valentine’s Day That Changed Everything

You find last week’s From the Front Porch: Valentine’s Day Edition 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)

• Coat Cardigan (a classic style for multiple seasons)
• Flowers (these come in multiple colors, including 2 pretty shades of pink)
• Throw Pillow Covers (a sweet but subtle nod to Valentine’s Day)
• Book (currently on my TBR List)
• Belt (additional colors and buckle styles available)
• Slim Fit Tee (great alone or for layering, and comes in lots of different colors)
• Candle (will be gifting)
• Quilt Set (available in colors and sizes available and an easy way to transition into Spring)  
• Nail Concealer (have, love, and wear all the time)
• Ballet Flats (the square toe gives it a true ballet slipper vibe, budget-friendly, and pretty neutral colors available)
• Skirt (pretty for dinner and other special occasion events)
• Print (currently in search of vintage-inspired artwork for the house and love this vibe)
• Earrings (beautiful and budget-friendly studs)
• Mask (works while you sleep and leaves your skin so soft)
• Kiss Lock Purse (love the color and the shape of this kiss lock purse)
• Heart Pajamas (one of my favorite pajama brands, they’re thin and perfect for hot sleepers)

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