From the Front Porch: Prepping for the Holidays

Happy Thursday, from the front porch sweet friends. Thanks so much for being here and for making us a part of your day!

If your household has been anything like mine you’ve likely been having lively discussions, fiery debates and spirited disagreements with friends and loved ones these past few months.

That’s simply the nature of passion and politics, you know?

And while I’d love nothing more than for everyone to get what they want, I know some of you are disappointed, some are just glad the election is over and some of you are more determined now than ever.

I get that too.

Recently, podcaster and master life coach, Tonya Leigh posed a few questions in her newsletter that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about…

*How often do you vote for yourself?

*When was the last time you campaigned for your own dreams with the same energy you campaign, share and wear the merchandise of your favorite politicians?

and

*Are you on your own ballot?

I know.

I had to really stop and think about those myself.

The thing I’ve realized this political season is that no matter who you voted for or what side of the political aisle you fall, you can continue to vote for yourself every single day.

You can wake up with purpose and lean into your calling.

You can cultivate your dreams, live out your values, champion your success, support causes close to your heart, and honor your standard of excellence each and every day.

So, as we move forward and begin to navigate a new political landscape, as well as the holiday season ahead, I encourage you to remember you are the president and the CEO of your own life.

Your leadership likely covers everything from boo boos to unexpected blessings, so embrace your role as someone who has been set apart.

Then walk boldly in the direction of your dreams with confidence knowing you’re fully capable of changing the world and creating a life you love.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on.

PS: Here’s 5 Ways to Vote for Yourself to hear more from Tonya’s podcast.

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

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• Have you seen the Valley Forge Project from Katie Davis Design yet? Every detail feels so warm and inviting.
• What about the Palmetto Bluff Project from Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design? It’s dreamy.
• Blue View from Fran Keenan Design is gorgeous too.
• This curb appeal transformation via Lonny is drastic in the best possible way.

Seasonal Inspiration:

• Donna from An Organized Season has a helpful guide on How to Host the Best Thanksgiving and it’s free!
• Simple Ways to Incorporate Blue Pumpkins Into Your Décor (via Shabbyfufu)
• A classic beautiful blue and white tablescape for Thanksgiving (via Kelley Nan)
• Kim from Perfecting Places crafted the prettiest chinoiserie ornaments and I can’t get over how easy they were to make.
• Speaking of chinoiserie, have you seen Randi Garrett’s dusty blue chinoiserie tree yet? Talk about a show stopper!
• This Christmas Cottage Home Tour from Live Oak Nest is just gorgeous.

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• How to Deal With Sunset Anxiety (via Self)
• Be Your Best Self With These 5 Proven Neurohacks (via Next Big Idea)
• Do Less. It’s Good For You (via Time)

 Style and Travel Inspiration:

• 11 Tips on How to Look Expensive and What to Avoid (via My Chic Obsession)
• The 16 Best Eye Creams According to Dermatologists and Editors (via Marie Claire)
• 30 Festive Small Towns In The South For a Charming Christmas Getaway (via Southern Living)

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• These scalloped tea towels from H&M are so cute.
• There are so many things to love about J Crew’s Holiday Gift Guide including an under $25 section too.
• I found this new to me brand while looking for a watch recently and can’t get over how similar the Tilly looks to a famous luxury brand but at a fraction of the price.

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 Create a Thanksgiving Vignette

How to Make a Blessings Wreath

Fall Inspired Outdoor Dessert Buffet

12 Ways to Ease Into the Holidays

The Easiest Way to Clean Your Porch and Patio

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)

• Duster Kit (have, love and recently reviewed as seen above)
• Striped Pullover (this comes in lots of different colorways and would be such an easy travel outfit idea)
• Stationary Set (have, love and gift all the time)
• Decaf Chai (looking forward to snuggling up with a cup of this during the afternoon slump)
• Duvet (have and love)
• Multi Surface Cleaning Spray (recently started using and it smells so good)
• Travel Set (another easy travel or running errand outfit idea)
• Pen (Excited to gift this pen now that you can have it personalized and engraved, I have the fountain pen version)
• Earrings (this simple shape is so pretty and would go with everything)
• Book (I love Eden’s Sugar & Charm blog so I’m excited to dive into her new book)
• Dish Soap (another piece of the home care set we recently started using and love)
• Pullover (this comes in lots of pretty colors)
• Face Towels (these are great to leave in guest bathrooms and welcome baskets)
• Glasses (have, love and use every day)
• Sheet Set (recently gifted to a loved one who really likes these, the dove gray and white version is really pretty too)
• Wipes (have been using for quick on the go clean ups, they smell so good)

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