From the Front Porch: The Morning Edition
Happy Friday from the front porch and welcome to the morning edition sweet friends!
I know a lot of us transitioned back to work and school and into a more normal routine this week.
How are you holding up?
Several years ago, I spent the morning at the cutest café in Savannah with my Mom and sisters.
Despite being small, it was filled with little luxuries like marble-topped bistro tables, the delicious scent of coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon, the hustle and bustle of customers grabbing buttery croissants to go, flea market style plates and utensils, generous cappuccino mugs, and a fabulous French playlist.
While individually those elements may seem ordinary, together, they created an atmosphere that transported us from Georgia to France in mere minutes.
The second I got home from that trip I ordered myself a set of generous cappuccino mugs and vowed to start incorporating simple pleasures into our daily lives.
It’s a ritual we continue to practice to this very day.
Whether you realize it or not, there is something inherently magical about mornings.
It’s the gift of a new day.
The promise of a fresh start.
Another opportunity to get it right, to chase our dreams, to make an impact, and to make beautiful memories.
Yet time and again, morning routines are one of the first routines to be dropped or glossed over this time of year.
The thing is, it’s usually our mornings that set the tone for the entire day.
And many times we forget we have the power to craft our mornings (and therefore our days) any way we wish.
We get to decide how we choose to start our day, how we react to the challenges and interruptions of the day, and ultimately how we feel when we crawl into bed each night.
So, as we move forward this month, I want you to think about how you can improve your mornings.
It might be as simple as laying your clothes out the night before, finding a workout you enjoy, researching new coffee machines, or as involved as reassessing school drop off, your drive to work, or how your meetings are scheduled.
Small changes can make a big impact, so don’t be afraid to tweak things as needed.
It can literally change your entire day.
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:
- Have you seen the portfolio of Laura Solensky Design yet? There are so many warm pops of color and cozy English cottage-style nooks.
- Speaking of which, this Georgian Country House by Isabella Worsley is really pretty too.
- I loved all the beautiful shades of pinks, blues, and purples shared in this Historic Enlightenment tour by Todd Riches Interiors.
- 63 Tried and True Blue Paint Colors (via House Beautiful)
- There is so much inspiration in Jane Beiles Photography portfolio.
Seasonal Inspiration:
- My sweet friend Cindy from County Road 407 recently shared this post, The New Year Is a Time to Say Stuff It to the 2024 Trends and it’s getting rave reviews for good reason.
- I had no idea this was even possible so I’m thankful Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shared the secret so we could try it too!
- 5 Ways to Turn Holiday Décor into Winter Décor (via French Country Cottage – those stunning garlands!)
- 42 Winter Décor Ideas to Keep You Cozy Til Spring (via The Spruce)
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- Being in the Present Moment: My Journey to Cultivating Peace (Bookmarked this fabulous post from Rachel of The Antiqued Journey)
- 100 Simple Ways to Immediately Improve Your Life (via Becoming Minimalist)
- How to Make New Year Financial Resolutions That Stick (this was a great post from Fast Company with simple ideas that are totally doable)
- Starbucks Medicine Ball (via A Beautiful Mess-we drank so many of these at the cabin)
Style and Travel Inspiration:
- I loved Grace and Carly’s post on The 5 Fashion Trends We’re Most Excited About (They always make fashion feel relatable no matter what your size or shape)
- 1 Base, 10 Outfits: How to Style a Tee, Wide Leg Jeans & Outerwear for Mild Climates (via Classy Yet Trendy was super helpful)
- If visiting London is on your bucket list this year, you’ll love this series, All Things London from Wish Wish Wish.
Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:
- I’m still waiting for my birthday dress to arrive but wanted to share it with you because it’s on sale just in case you also have a winter dinner party coming up.
- Over the moon excited about this collaboration.
- Speaking of excitement someone shared designer, Camilla Moss with me this week and her artwork and textiles are so pretty.
An Extra Dose of Encouragement…
Finally, if your holiday season wasn’t what you thought or hoped it would be, you’ll love this post, Psst What Was Your Escape Valve Over the Holidays the comments are pure gold!
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
How to Create a Morning Routine in 4 Simple Steps
Quick and Easy Smoothie Prep Packets
3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Organize Makeup and Skincare Products to Help Streamline Your Mornings
French Press Coffee Tips and Tricks
40 Affirmations to Kick Start Your Mornings
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:
- 01/14 Buy Valentine’s Day Cards and Gifts
- 01/15 Martin Luther King Jr Day (US)
- 01/20 National Use Your Gift Card Day
Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:
- Week 1: Establish Morning Routine and Workout Routine
- Week 2: Nightly Routine with 15 Minute Clutter Catcher
- Week 3: Create a Cleaning Schedule
- Week 4: Create Weekly/Monthly Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping Strategy
- Week 5: Declutter/Organize Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:
- Create Simple Systems That Work
- Set a Movement Goal
- Establish a Morning Routine
Morning Routine 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 to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Alarm Clock (highly rated) * Body Wash * PJs (have and love) * Toothpaste (have and love) * Makeup Mirror
5 Minute Journal (have and love) * Overnight Oat Containers (have and love) * Water Bottle (mom and sis love)
Stackable Organizers (have and love) * Toothbrush (have and love) * Slippers (on my birthday list)
Day of the Week Dividers * Pill Organizer (have and love) * Keurig Elite Coffee Maker (gifted my Dad)
Echo (have and love) * Collagen Powder (currently switch between this one and this one) * Dry Brush (gifted S)
Blender (have and love) * Bible (have and love) * Steamer (my Mom has and loves)
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
Oh my I just found you this week and I have fallen in love with your postings.. The #doucount video had me balling like a baby but at the same time made me feel so good inside.. Can’t wait to get your emails!
So happy to have you, Jennifer! I know just what you mean about the video. I called my sisters immediately and said, “break out the tissues!” Hope your weekend is fabulous, CoCo
Fab post CoCo – love tis new series. Thank you so much for including us in your list! Happy Friday and cheers to a wonderful weekend!
You’re so welcome! That market bag is one of my faves 🙂 Have an awesome weekend, ladies. Hugs, CoCo
Such a sweet post with awesome finds! Have a lovely weekend Coco!
I appreciate you, Kimm! Have a great weekend lady 🙂
Great idea S! Love the ideas sharing in this post.
Thank you, LiLi! Hope the kids have had a fun first week of school. You’re the best mom 🙂 Hugs, CoCo
Your trip sounds amazing! I love those kinds of simple pleasures!
We had the best time, Susan! It definitely made me want to make time for even more trips together. Hope you have the best weekend, CoCo
Happy Friday! Morning routines are so important! Helps me start the day right and be productive! Can’t wait to check out all your links! Have a wonderful weekend!
I’m so with you, Donna! Routines, coffee and Jesus are the only things that keep us going around here 😂 Hope your weekend is a lovely one, CoCo
Such a great post, CoCo!! I’m so thankful for you sharing my post. You are such an incredible human and friend. Enjoy the weekend!!
You are so welcome, Rachel, it was an amazing post. You’re a fabulous writer and I’m happy to see it resonated with so many people. Sending you lots of hugs and hoping you and you’re family are feeling a litte better each day, CoCo
So much great information CoCo. This post was such a good read. I went down the rabbit hole with the escape hatch article. You’re right, the comments were everything. Have a lovely day. XO- MaryJo
I know what you mean, MaryJo! In my mind it’s like everyone is having an amazing holiday seaon in Europe eating crossaints and not have to deal with any macro or micro drama 😆 Reading that post made me feel so much better about our Christmas. It was a chaotic in the best way! Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
Happy weekend, CoCo! I hope you enjoy it! We are on snow day number 3 for the week here in the Midwest. I could do without all the cold, but it means we’re now blessed with a 4-day weekend! I plan on spending some of that “bonus time” to figure out what my new morning routine will be as I transition to full-time blogging/VA work at the end of the month!
I’m so excited for you Jen! I know making the leap to full time blogging is such a big deal. I’m proud of you and proud for you too because I know what goes into making a decision like that. I’ll definitely be thinking of you guys this weekend. I can’t imagine being that cold. When we left the cabin it was icy and 28 and I thought my toes would never warm up again 😆 I seriously don’t know how you do it all the time! Stay safe and enjoy your time. I’m cheering you on sweet friend, CoCo
I almost bought that same dress in black. You will be stunning in it! Thanks so much for adding my post. It’s been so fun to stick to what I like and donate the rest. I’m looking forward to having an entirely new/timeless home by the end of the year. 😉 Cheers
OH! And I adore the new preppy chic fashion trends this year! I might finally be in style this year with my clothes too. LOL
I’m so excited we were almost twins, Cindy! I had the hardest time picking between that one and black one but ultimately went with the white because it fits my holiday Barbie birthday party theme so fingers crossed it’s delievered on time and it fits. I loved your post so much. “Become your own niche” gah still thinking about that fabulous idea 🥰 Can’t wait to follow along on all your adventures this year and to see what stays and what goes. Editing down a collection or closet until it feels totally “you” is half the fun! Sending you tons of hugs, CoCo
Coco,
Thanks so much for stopping by!! I do need to tweak my morning routine and you are right that it does set the tone for the day… I always love when you do these posts…I also need to start sticking to a weekly meal planner…Thanks for all the inspiration!!
Hugs,
Deb