From the Front Porch: The Birthday Edition
Happy hello from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Birthday Edition of this weekly series!
I’m keeping it short and sweet as you’ve likely seen all the pictures from the winter storms that hit Florida this week.
As I write this, there’s still a chance of snow in our area today which is wild to even think about.
In a million years, I never thought I’d see snowflakes from our back patio much less watch it accumulate on the rooftops of the house and on the Crowned Goat Cottage too.
It was truly the best and most unexpected birthday gift I could have asked for!
So far, we’ve had more of a wintery mix of snow, freezing rain, ice and sleet than friends and family in our hometown, the Panhandle and the Big Bend area.
And while I wish we could have gotten a few more inches, I’m genuinely excited for all the people in that region because they’re still very much recovering from Hurricane Helene, and they deserve a little winter magic.
My plan as of now is to continue to work on quick and easy indoor projects while leaving plenty of time to snuggle up by the fire, sip pink hot chocolate, embroidery, and enjoy a belated birthday celebration with my pod this weekend.
It’s been such a wild start to the year, I don’t want to miss all the unexpected gifts of the season, and I don’t want you to miss them either.
Whatever you have planned, I hope it’s something cozy that fills your cup and reminds you we’re in this together.
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.
- Speaking of which, Andrea from Pine and Prospect always has such a beautiful winter home.
- 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:
- A big thank you to Kim of Cottage in the Mitten for including me in her post on Unique Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas filled with so many fun and festive ideas!
- This Valentine heart garland Cindy from Cloches and Lavender is pretty.
- Have you seen this post from Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse yet? It has 12 Creative DIY Valentines Gift Ideas for Under $5
- Leave it to Jen from Midwest Life and Style to come up with this fabulous Galentine’s Day tablecape.
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)
Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:
- 30 Must Have Pieces for a Capsule Wardrobe (via My Chic Obsession)
- 12 “Old Money” Nail Ideas That Are the Epitome of Quiet Luxury (via The Everygirl)
- 23 of The Best Winter Vacations (via US News Travel)
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Vintage Holiday Birthday Party
A Birthday Celebration in Savannah
15 Things You Don’t Know About CoCo
Countdown to Valentine’s Day Calendar (we use countdown calendars like these throughout the year for birthdays and special occasions and they’re always so much fun)
Dear Future Self… (One of our most popular Encouragement of the Month posts)
You Can Find Last Week’s From the Front Porch: The Kindness Edition here if you missed it…
Words to Live By…
Shopping Notes: Birthday Party Inspiration
(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 (such a fun way to celebrate a fan)
- Nail Concealer (have, love, and wear on a regular basis. This has been a reader favorite for years!)
- Banner Kit (an easy way to celebration special occasions. We use this 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 (have and love)
- Pink Garland (have and love this pink and Gold Garland and use throughout the year)
- 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!
Happy Belated Birthday dear friend! I hope you have a happy, healthy and prosperous year! I always appreciate your front porch posts and the work you put into them.
Thank you so much, Anna, I really appreciate it. Hope your weekend is a fun one too, CoCo
Happy Birthday, my friend! I can’t believe how cold it’s been! We’re staying inside, and I’m enjoying wearing the few sweaters I kept in my closet, lol!! It’s so crazy seeing pictures of snow on the beach! Stay warm and enjoy your special day!
A belated but nonetheless heartfelt Happy Birthday to you. I hope you have many more healthy and happy ones.