From the Front Porch: Mother’s Day Edition

Hello from the front porch, and welcome to the Mother’s Day Edition of this weekly series.

Thanks so much for being here today.

How has your week been?

Recently, one of my girlfriends experienced an ache in her chest that didn’t feel quite right.

These intermittent “ache episodes” lasted for several days.

So, she made an appointment with her doctor.

Upon arrival, my girlfriend told the nurse the reason for her visit, and the nurse immediately advised her to go to the emergency room.  

Thankfully, they ran a battery of tests while she was there, and when she finally met her doctor, who apparently looked like a soap star and was young enough to be her son, he genuinely wanted to know why she had waited so long to seek help.

“I thought it might be stress, or maybe menopause. I’ve been drinking caffeinated coffee again, too. I usually drink decaf,” she said. “Also, I thought it would just go away.”

As she recounted the story, my heart honestly sank when she said the words, “I thought it would just go away.”

I wish I could tell you how many times I’ve heard those same words from friends, family members, loved ones, and patients at the hospitals I’ve worked.

And those words haven’t just been spoken about medical concerns either.

I’ve heard them about taxing jobs, weight loss, insomnia, financial issues, setting boundaries, addressing toxic relationships, miracle-level acts of forgiveness, parenting woes, caregivers who are burnt out but feel like they can’t speak up, and at a law office while discussing long-term care and estate plans.

The thing is, I think most people know deep down that something is not going to go away.

They’re simply too overwhelmed to start, too nervous to act, or are too scared of the consequences to do what they know in their heart is right.

So, as we enter a fresh month, I want to encourage you to know your numbers.

To learn how to advocate for yourself.

And to take responsibility for the life you’re currently creating and the legacy you’re leaving behind.

There is power in taking that first step.

It’s never too late to face challenges head-on or to make positive changes for yourself and for those around you.

After all, we cannot change what we don’t acknowledge.

So, here’s to a new month filled with self-awareness, courage, and growth.

And to women everywhere who are determined to rise.

A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• There is no way to pick a favorite from Emily England’s Design Portfolio. They’re all gorgeous!
• The Country Club Project from Katherine B Melvin is filled with lots of fabulous details.
• Have you seen the “fresh” section of ShopHouse Design yet? I love all the bold and subtle ways they used flowers in their designs.
• There are so many things to love about this English-inspired home in California (via Homes and Gardens)
• 75 Outdoor Living Room Ideas for an Epic At-Home Escape (via House Beautiful)
• Inside Shelley Johnstone’s Lake Forest Garden (via YouTube)

Seasonal Inspiration:

• Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shared a fun take on swans and whimsical containers.
• Loved this post from Anna of Sky Lark House, Vintage Items to Use In Your Spring Decor. It feels like the perfect treasure hunting list.
• Debra from Common Ground always comes up with the best vignette ideas, and this lilac basket centerpiece is no exception.
• Have you seen the terracotta-inspired tablescape MaryJo from Masterpieces of My Life created? It’s such a fun way to bridge the gap between spring and summer.
• Kim from Perfecting Places recently shared a fun DIY gift idea that I can’t wait to try.
• Speaking of can’t wait to try, have you seen these 9 Floral Handmade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Cindy of DIY Beautify yet?

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• This post (and the comments section) from Cup of Jo, A Parenting Realization That Really Moved Me, helped to remind me there’s truly no timeline for grief and loss.
• This post, “I’m Taking a Soft Life Approach to Spending & Saving From Here on Out – Here’s How You Can Too,” via The Everygirl is filled with doable ideas.
• Why Taking a Bath Is Fantastic for Your Health (via Vogue)

Style and Travel Inspiration:

• Classic Style at Every Age: The Ultimate Guide to Classic Fashion was such a great post from Sarah Tucker.
• The Best Drugstore and Affordable Skin Product Award Winners of the Year, according to Glamour.
• The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo looks like such a fun place to stay!

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…

Countdown to Mother’s Day Calendar and Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop

Personalized Monogram for Mother’s Day

17 Easy Gifts to Make Before Mother’s Day

Breakfast In Bed Picnic for Mother’s Day

You can find another edition of From the Front Porch post here, if you missed it…

Shopping Notes…

(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon 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)

• Pullover (14 colors to choose from, depending on size)
• Hydrangeas (hoping to use these in the laundry room, 19 colors to choose from)
• Chunky Necklace (13 colors to choose from)
• Tablecloth (hoping to DIY something quick and easy with this)
• Book (such a pretty nod to the Cotswolds)
• Skirt (7 colors available, depending on size)
• Notecards (7 colors available)
• Earrings (have and love, they go with everything)
• Dinnerware Set  (4 colors to choose from and such a pretty pattern)
• Terrier Art (dying to find a spot for this, love the horse with the plaid ribbon too)
• Beach Coverup (10 colors available depending on size)
• Garden Tool Set with Basket (this would make such a cute gift idea)
• Pillow Covers (hoping these work in the entry, 4 colors available depending on size)
• Laundry Labels (have and love)
• Rug (super soft and has the prettiest vintage vibe)
• Pants (great for travel, 7 colors available, depending on size)

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