From the Front Porch: The Birthday Edition
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Birthday Edition!
After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s been amazing to slow down and savor some of our favorite things about winter.
So far, we’ve celebrated 4 birthdays, made our annual trip to Renningers, attended one of the largest lantern festivals in the US, tried out 2 new restaurants, started 3 new books, met my parents for brunch and a movie, got the house back in order, tweaked our routines, and created a 24 in ‘24 list.
Just reading through that paragraph seems like a lot.
And truthfully, at the time, it felt like a lot.
But looking back, I’m grateful for the opportunity to make the winter season a special one.
I hope you’ve had a chance to make some fun memories as well!
So, as we move forward into February, I encourage you to think about how you want to show up for yourself and your family, the ways you want craft each day, the special events you want to commemorate, the positive habits you want to continue and the wins you want to celebrate this month.
Sometimes all it takes is searching the local events page in your town for ideas.
Or looking through your calendar and asking yourself, “Where can I fit in a trip to an art gallery, an antique show, a night at the symphony or the ballet?”
Other times it’s giving yourself something to look forward to like a room refresh, a girl’s weekend, or a couple’s retreat.
Maybe you need to check into a hotel and give yourself quiet time to finally start that book you’ve always wanted to write, to enjoy a spa day and rest, to try a new hobby, or to figure out what you really want out of life.
No matter how you choose to dive into the month, I encourage you to make time for what matters most to you.
After all, the days are going to pass anyway and there’s no time like the present to do the things that make your heart sing.
As always, I’ll be cheering you on.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- There are so many things to love about this Brooklyn home tour via AD including the most fabulous bed nook.
- I was SHOCKED when I read Cynthia of Darling Down South had created these gorgeous spaces using AI. She has such a beautiful eye for design!
- How amazing are these flowers arranging room ideas? (via Flower Magazine)
Seasonal Inspiration:
- The Valentine heart garland Cindy from Cloches and Lavender made looks amazing.
- Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse always comes up with the best ideas including these 12 Creative DIY Valentines Gift Ideas for Under $5
- Leave it to Jen to come up with this fabulous Galentine’s Day tablecape.
- Kim from Cottage in the Mitten made the cutest wreath for Valentine’s Day.
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- Expert Advice: How to Reach Your Financial Goals This Year (via The Everygirl – these are totally doable no matter what your financial goals are this year)
- 5 Ways to Make Time for a Friend When You’re Really Tired (via Self – I feel like these ideas could work with extended family members too)
- 99 Ways to Creatively Recharge (via The Good Trade)
Style and Travel Inspiration:
- Have you seen the trailer for this show yet? It looks like an interesting watch.
- Everything you need to see from the Spring and Summer couture shows (via Harpers Bazaar)
- 12 “Old Money” Nail Ideas That Are the Epitome of Quiet Luxury (via The Everygirl)
Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:
- I gave the monogrammed version of this to my Mom for her birthday and she loved it.
- Speaking of gifts, I can’t wait for this little surprise to to arrive.
- Did you know Southern Living has a collection at Dillards? There are lots of pretty items to explore.
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Renningers January Extravaganza 2024 Recap
Vintage Holiday Birthday Party
15 Things You Don’t Know About CoCo
Dear Future Self… (One of our most popular Encouragement of the Month posts)
You Can Find Last Week’s From the Front Porch here, if you missed it…
Organizing the Week Ahead…
Words to Live By:
Dates to Celebrate and Commemorate:
- 02/01 Order February Cards and Special Occasion Gifts and Plans
- 02/01 Change Your Password Day
- 02/02 Groundhog Day
- 02/09 National Pizza Day
- 02/10 Lunar New Year Begins
- 02/11 National Latte Day
- 02/11 Super Bowl Sunday
Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:
- Declutter and Organize the Pantry and Spices
- Declutter and Organize the Refrigerator
3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:
- Send a Card or Flowers to an Old Friend, Loved One, or Someone Special
- Take an Elderly Neighbor or Friend to Lunch
- Listen Intently Without Distractions
Birthday Party Inspiration We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(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 for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- Tablecloth (used Lux Blush for the party)
- Tiered Tray (we had one wire tiered tray for tea sandwiches but I wish we would have had this style too)
- Earrings (I wore vintage earrings but these would have been so pretty)
- Barbie Book (so excited for this book to come out)
- Nail Concealer (have, love, and wear on a regular basis)
- Banner Kit (an easy way to celebration special occasions year round)
- Plate Set in Antique Rose (these are a peachy pink color, I didn’t have the cracking problems reported in the reviews but they are on the thin side so keep that in mind)
- Shoes (wore all night)
- Pink Garland (bought the pink and Gold Garland and will definitely use again)
- Illuminator (have, love, and wear almost daily)
- Tattoos (gave to the littles to take home and they were tickled pink)
- Ramekins (have, love, and use all the time)
- Weighted Blanket (the weighted blanket I got for Christmas was too heavy, considering this alternative)
- Sweater (comes in so many pretty shades)
- Hair Rollers (have, love, and use all the time)
- Luminary Bags (we used these with battery operated candles and they were magical. You may have to weigh them down if it’s windy though)
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
Happy birthday, my friend. Oh my goodness! I love Dillard’s Southern Living collection. It’s gorgeous.
Thank you so much, Renae! I was so excited to find the Southern Living collection at Dillards. They have so many beautiful things! Hope you have the best weekend, CoCo
Thanks so much for sharing my chocolate garland. I love the picture of you and Piper.
You are so welcome, Cindy. It was so gorgeous, I’m still thinking about it! Speaking of which, I’m just now getting around to my emails after spending some time with my Mom this week. I’ll definitely be sending you on later today though. Big hugs and hang in there sweet friend, CoCo
We tried so many fun, new restaurants in Florida and they were all SO GOOD!! Have the best weekend, friend!
I know what you mean, Rachel! It’s like just when I think I’ve discovered all the ones in our area a new one pops up. Can’t wait to hear your favorites! Big hugs and happy weekend, CoCo
I love when I visit I can always expect to see a bit of blush CoCo. What a lovely cake, looks delicious. Looks like I have missed some posts darn it. Happy Birthday to those celebrating, my mom included! I would love to get out to an antique show, I will be checking out that post next because I love all things antique and vintage, those corbels are calling my name! Hugs to you.
Thank you so much for the sweet birthday wishes, Cara. I really appreciate it. You would love the Extravaganzas at Renningers. It’s rows and rows of all sorts of goodies and treasures for acres. They have several locations around the country so if you’re ever able to attend one, you would have the best time! Adding my prayers to all the people who are lifting you up right now sweet friend, CoCo
Wow, you have had a busy month. Happy birthday to you! And thank you for sharing my Galentine’s Day tablescape. I so appreciate it!
Happy Birthday. Just finished reading today’s post – always like to set aside time to savor all the information you include and always find inspiration and enjoyable reading. Found a couple if “I think I need this” items on your Amazon list today too – earrings and sweater!
Maybe I missed it but can you tell me what your 24 in ‘24 list is? I am guessing it’s 24 things you want to do, or accomplish this year? Always looking for new ideas. Thanks
Thank you so much, AJ! You always leave such sweet and thoughtful comments and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them. They totally make my day! You are correct about the 24 and ’24 list. I usually sit down over several days and methodically chart out my goals each year based on categories like health, family, business, relationships, etc. But this year we had so many things happen back to back I just didn’t have the bandwith to sit down and think everything through. So, I got out a piece of paper and started writing down the first things that came to mind, almost like a goals to do list, and it was so much easier than the method I was using before. It’s not as comprehensive a list as I’ve used in previous years rather a basic list that covers everything from a mastermind that I want to join to pieces of furniture we need to long weekend trips I want to take to remembering to pause, reflect then react. So far, it’s working out well and if it continues that way, I’ll be sure to share a 6 month update. Sending you hugs and thank yous for all you do to contribute to this community, CoCo
Hope you had the best birthday ever! I’ll be celebrating mine this weekend! Can’t believe how fast the years fly by! Have a great week! Going to check out all your fun links now!