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 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.

Seasonal Project Ideas:

• 40 Galentine’s Day Party Ideas (via Good Housekeeping)
• 50 Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Love Language (via Camille Styles)
• 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 and throughout the year.
• These puff pastry hearts for Valentines Day from Dear Lillie look delicious.
• 18 Pink Cocktails for Any and Every Occasion, bookmarking this post right now!

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 Budha)
• 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)
• 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…

How to Make Pink Milk Glass Inspired Plates and the Handcrafted Society Blog Hop

Quick and Easy Valentine’s Day Garland

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)

• Tennis Necklace (have and love the 18 inch for layering but would love to have the 15 inch to dress up simple tops too)
• Top (comes in a variety of different colored stripes and love the little puff sleeve)
• Candle (will be gifting this)
• Book (currently on my TBR List)
• Flowers (these come in multiple colors including 2 pretty shades of pink)
• Belt (additional colors and buckle styles available)
• Quarter Zip Pullover (a great weight for those months where it’s not quite winter but not quite spring yet either)
• Mask (works while you sleep)
• Nail Concealer (have, love, and wear all the time)
• Quilt Set (additional colors available)  
• Ballet Flats (the square toe gives it a true ballet slipper vibe, lots of pretty neutral colors available)
• Coat Cardigan (a classic style for multiple seasons)
• Book (love her YouTube Channel too!)
• Mirror (need to add this to my purse, these compacts have quotes on the front)
• Print (currently in search of vintage inspired artwork for the house and love this vibe)
• Tote (this is such a pretty shade of merlot)

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