Saturdays on the Porch #66
Saturdays on the Porch #66 is back for the new year with the latest happenings on the blog plus fashion, reading, and home favorites.
Latest from OSH
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of my links, I may earn a small commission from the retailer costing you nothing more. You can read more on my disclosure page.
Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch.
Saturdays on the Porch
Birdies Flats (on sale) | Sweater | Topiaries | Wreath | Blue Ribbon |
Bottom Door Mat | Top Door Mat
Happy New Year! I can't believe it is 2024! Back when I was younger, that would have seemed so futuristic. Watching the news last night, a young reporter referred to a date on a map as Nineteen Hundred Eighty-Eight. I found that hysterical. It almost sounded like he was talking about the Victorian Era instead of just saying 1988. Regardless, it made me feel my age. LOL!
Speaking of age, I turned 55 over the holidays. I am now closer to Medicare and Social Security than when I graduated high school.
We are expecting our first grandbaby on March 31st! It's a girl!!! So happy that Woods and Morgan just live 15 minutes from us. Max has decided on Papa. I am still undecided about my name. Any suggestions? I know the grandkids typically end up calling you what they want or a variation on what you call yourself, but thought I'd try!
I have lots that I want to accomplish in our home in 2024.
I've created lists in my notebook. Just brainstorm and write them down! I've been doing more in categories. I have organizing, outdoor, maintenance, and inside projects.
I am writing the tasks in small doable actions. For example, instead of writing clean out the bathroom vanity. I'm writing to clean out the top right drawer. For me, little tasks added to daily life will make some of these mundane things get done.
I need to do another closet cleanout. I have my shirts divided by color. I am going to start by cleaning out my white tops……get the idea? If I try to do it at one time, it overwhelms me.
Cheers to 2024 and Saturdays on the Porch cranking back up!
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What I Wore
Birdies Flats (on sale) | Sweater | Topiaries | Wreath | Blue Ribbon |
Bottom Door Mat | Top Door Mat
At the time of writing this post, my front porch faux topiaries are on sale for $67.77 each! Wow! You can read about mine and how I “planted” them here.
My Birdies are under the sale tab. They are my true size 8.
Birdies have quickly become my favorite shoe over the past year. I love them so much that I have given them to my mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law as birthday gifts.
I wear an 8 across the board in all the flats. Use my link for a discount code.
Birdies Flats (on sale) | Sweater
I rarely wear heels except on a dressy occasion or at church. This sweater is old, but perfectly chic with a fun flat.
I took my time packing away Christmas decorations this year. I've slowly been redecorating.
I just can't say goodbye to the deer yet from Christmas. I left them out for our winter mantel. I only use these battery-operated tapers on our mantel now for safety and ease of use. The magnolia stems were used on the study Christmas mantel. I removed them from the garland and added them to a vase for winter. Unfortunately, they are currently sold out. Mine has the buds and unopened blooms. They do have some that are opened flowers.
What I'm Reading
I love to read AND listen to books. If you are looking for a way to get more steps in with your walking…..listen to books! You will want to keep walking to listen. I also listen while doing chores around the house. I will use my earbuds while walking, While in the house I will use a Bluetooth speaker that I can carry around with me or our Alexa.
I read actual printed books as well as on Kindle. I prefer my Kindle, but it is nice to hold a real book occasionally.
I've had my Audible membership for a while, and LOVE it! It gives me one book credit per month.
Let me share with you how I read on Kindle and listen to books as well. Get yourself a library card!
Then add the LIBBY and HOOPLA apps to your phone.
I will typically check to see if a book is available there first before using my credit or buying. Using these 2 apps with your library card is FREE!!! I love FREE.
There may be a waitlist if it is a newer title or popular. That's ok. Sometimes the wait can be lengthy. If I'm not willing to wait, I will just purchase. If it is new or popular, you NEED to finish the book in the allowed checkout time. Sometimes you can renew, and sometimes you may have to get back in the queue. If that happens, when it is available again…..it will download where you left off.
Get in the habit of always carrying a book with you to get in a little extra time. That way if you are waiting at the doctor's office or to get your car serviced….you are prepared!
It was my goal to read more than 12 books last year, and I completed that task. Check out that list which has been updated with my thoughts on the books. Here is my list for 2024. This is the list of definites for the year. I have a goal of 36 books this year. I will sprinkle in lots of audiobooks as well.
- My first book of 2024 is The Midnight Library. It's a different read, but I'm enjoying it thus far. I'm about halfway into the book.
- I bought Welcome Home a few years ago, but have just started reading it. I'm enjoying Myquillyn's approach to decorating. I've been gravitating to this for a couple of years purging lots of seasonal decor. If you are looking to simplify your style a bit, this is a must-read. I could never go minimalist, but I lean more toward adding natural elements for the seasons these days. Christmas is a whole other thing though. Ha, ha!
- I love cookbooks. and enjoy cooking. I just purchased The Dude Diet Dinertime. I'm looking forward to cooking our first dinner from it. It's cleanish recipes of decadent favorites.
What We've Bought
- I dropped my favorite supplement storage container and cracked the top. I just ordered a new one which is due today. If you detest the inconvenience of having multiple supplement bottles to open plus the clutter of them all, you are going to enjoy this one.
- Speaking of supplements, I added 2 new ones about 10 days ago, and they are helping me. This one is for calming, relaxation, and anxiety. I take it mid-morning on an empty stomach and wait about an hour before eating. Please read the description and evaluate on your own with your doctor.
- I started taking this supplement about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. It says it can take up to a week to see results. I started with 1 because I tend to have a very sensitive stomach. It has not bothered me at all. I am now at 2 working my way up to the recommended dose of 3. I am seeing a difference. I have been having a lot of trouble with my lower back for months now. I was waking all during the night when I'd change positions while sleeping. I noticed a difference rather quickly. I am also sleeping better. Again read up on the product and consult your doctor with questions.
- I'm a pen geek. I have used this black felt tip pen for ages. I bought this fun-colored pack for the new year. I like to use colors in my calendar and when I take notes for the blog.
- I just bought the second set of these smart bulbs. I buy the same brand of bulbs and plugs for ease with their app. Plus they work with Alexa, and just set them up ALL BY MYSELF for voice activation.
What Caught My Eye
I have had my eye on this sweater for months, but have not purchased it. Ashlyn loves it, so we are getting her the Vintage Blue color in a size medium for her birthday. I'm looking forward to giving it a quick try when it arrives for sizing. It says it runs big. With Ashlyyn being 6 feet tall, she usually has to order larger for sleeve length.
I am looking for a couple of new accent pillows for our bedroom. I am leaning towards a blue and green block print.
Thank you so much for being here today with me! I hope your weekend is joyful. XO, Christy
Christy has been creating content for Our Southern Home since 2012. She has been featured in numerous print and online publications. Her classic, eclectic design approach spans her home and fashion style. Christy has a way of mixing store-bought with thrift store, antique and vintage finds. As a recent empty nester, she is having fun navigating this new stage of life. Read more about Christy HERE. Be sure to subscribe below. You can also contact me HERE.
