From the Front Porch: Prepping for Summer

Hello from the front porch, sweet friends and welcome to the Prepping for Summer edition of this weekly series.

Thanks so much for being here and for spending time with us today!

How has your week been?

Nearly every year, at about this same time, I start feeling a low-grade panic.

To most people the trigger is the silliest thing.

But to a recovering perfectionist, it’s a completely different story.

Afterall, seeing June 1 on the calendar feels a lot like seeing January 1, you know?

So many hopes and dreams to rediscover and refine.

As we prepare to step into June, I want to encourage you to look back at the goals and intentions you set in January.

Take time to reassess them to see if they’re still aligned with the priorities and purpose you’ve envisioned.

If there’s something you’ve started, give yourself the space to finish it.

If you feel completely off track with your 25 in 25 list, consider a 7 in 7 or a 6 in 6 list.

If there’s something you’re procrastinating on, figure out and address why you’re stressing, avoiding or feeling stuck. Then create a game plan with small manageable steps, a timeline with hard stop dates, and a way to celebrate following through and finishing.

If there’s something you’re no longer interested in pursuing, give yourself the gift of letting it go.

While there’s nothing inherently magical about January 1, June 1, or for that matter, July 2, the official halfway point, there’s definitely something extra special about creating a life you love.

And today is a great day to get started.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on.

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

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• Southern Island Charmer from Jenny Keenan Design is filled with bright and cheery spaces.
• Have you seen the poolside press cabana at the Colony Hotel yet? It’s fabulous! (via Veranda)
• This Northport Historic Coastal Cottage from Reath Design is a lesson in creating cozy spaces.
• It’s always fun to see how Martha lives so I loved learning more about her home in Maine, Skylands (via Architectural Digest)

Seasonal Project Ideas and Inspiration:

• If you need any last minute patriotic tablescape ideas, Kim from Cottage in the Mitten has you covered.
• Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse created a DIY Vintage Italian Fruit Basket that looks like the real thing!
• The peel and stick wallpaper Anna from Sky Lark House chose for her cottage cupboard is so pretty.
• 6 Collector’s Items That Are Hot This Year (via Better Homes & Gardens)
• The Delightfully Analog Art of Letter Writing via NPR’s Life Kit was so cool. I’m going to be my youngest nephew’s pen pal this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
• LOVED this behind the scenes look at Studio McGee x Tuckernuck collaboration on YouTube.

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• James Clear has such a fantastic newsletter. I loved his take on Making the Most of What You Have and how not everything blooms in Spring.
• 14 Mobility Exercises Anyone Over 35 Should Add to Their Day (via Self)
• 50 Ways to Be Ridiculously Generous and Feel Ridiculously Good About It (via Alexandra Franzen-This is such a great list)

Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:

• 15 Chic Summer Outifts for Classic Women’s Style (via My Chic Obsession – there are so many cute ideas in this post)
• I Tried Gwyneth Paltrow’s Favorite Mouth Tape For a Week (via Glamour-so curious about this)
• 13 Affordable Places to Travel in the US (via CN Traveler)

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

17 Ways to Ease Into Summer

Budget Friendly Decorating Tips for Summer

Thrift Store Shopping Tips and Latest Finds

Simple Summer Flower Arrangement Ideas

Weekend DIY Projects for the Porch and Patio

Need Last Minute Memorial Day Inspiration and Ideas?

From the Front Porch

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)

• Dress (available in 9 colors)
• Sunscreen (my Mom and I both wear and love)
• Flats (16 colors to choose from)
• Quilt Set (lightweight for summer)
• Hydrangeas (real touch, 10 colors to choose from)
• Crewneck (21 colors to choose from and the longer sleeve length is great)
• Polish (31 colors to choose from, dries quickly)
• Earrings (an easy way to go from the pool to the clubhouse)
• Picnic Basket for 2 Set (5 colors to choose from)
• Tray (28 colors to choose from, I gifted this in black and gold and was a hit)
• Sleeveless Dress (great for bbqs or summer date nights, 23 colors to choose from)
• Magnesium Flakes (such a relaxing way to end the day)
• Ottoman (such a pretty shade of blue)
• Beach Umbrella (how cute is the fringe)
• Luggage Set (summer travel ready)
• Striped Shirt (16 colors to choose from and goes with so many things)

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

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

Many blessings,

CoCo