Saturdays on the Porch #73
Saturdays on the Porch #73 is full of the latest happenings in life, fashion, books I'm reading, and home favorites.
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Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch.
Saturdays on the Porch
Happy Saturday, sweet friends. I hope you are doing well. I got back into the swing of things, and then Hurricane Helene got us out of nowhere. While we were in her path, there was lots of local destruction, massive power outages, and internet outages that are still out in some neighborhoods. However, it is nothing compared to the devastation to our neighbors an hour away in Western North Carolina.
We lost close to 30 trees on our property. Luckily, nothing damaged the house. I've lived in our town since the late 1970s, and NEVER have we seen a storm like this. It was terrifying. I plan to post a blog post on what we had that helped us and what we wish we had. We do plan to up our storm arsenal for the future. It's better to be safe than sorry.
The rain and wind were so severe and relentless that we have several established shrubs that are now simply dead. We are going to leave them alone and hope that maybe they come back out in the spring. But for now, they look gone.
Western North Carolina is still in need. Samaritan's Purse is a wonderful organization if you are looking to donate.
The roads were impassible everywhere. This is just a snippet of what driving looked like. We went down the road to a local Hardes when the power was out. We just turned around and went home.
Here is a recent shot of the beautiful Northern Lights visible from the front yard.
I've been keeping our granddaughter a lot lately. Phoebe just turned 7 months old. This is several weeks ago helping her with sitting up practice. She is a pro now. This is a toy that I saved from the kids all those years ago.
We recently had Sunday Lunch in the dining room. It's always fun breaking out the fall china. See more of fall home HERE and HERE.
We are making progress on the twin bedroom for the grands and guests. I wanted Jenny Lind beds in here. They are very expensive. We were on a budget here. My husband found these beds on Wayfair. Good job, Hubby!
Fall Ideas on the Blog
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
The Look
Cardigan | Cargo Pants | Similar Sneakers | Earrings | Turquoise Necklace
FIT TIP: This is an outfit that I wore on our trip out west last spring. It's perfect for fall as well. The cargo pants are still in stock and on sale. I am wearing a size 8. I like that the ankle is adjustable. The Quince sweater is a favorite. I have it in white and a black stripe. It is an oversized fit. I wear this in a size small. It is slightly cropped, which is fabulous with popular looser pants. The turquoise necklace gives a nice pop of color.
Striped Cardigan | Jeans | Loafers | Apple Watch Band | Nail Polish
FIT TIP: This cardigan from Amazon was a fabulous find. The sweater is made well and feels wonderful. It comes in several colorways. It is oversized. I am wearing a small. I wear a size .5 in Chico's jeans. I've had these a couple of years. I reach for them all the time. Gentle Souls loafers are a dream to wear. I am wearing my true-to-size 8. They are from last year, but I found them at a reduced price.
Quince Dress | Cardigan | Birdies Flats | Gold Belt | Mirror | Faux Tree | Earrings
FIT TIP: This linen dress from Quince was a summer workhorse. I am transitioning it to fall with this short-sleeved cardigan and ballet flats. You can see how I wore it for summer here. I am wearing a size medium in the linen dress. The straps are adjustable. Let's talk about this amazing sweater. It was a splurge, but worth it. It is light but cozy. I plan to wear it all season with long-sleeved tops and blouses. It comes in a few colors. Since I want to wear it layered and more age-appropriate, I ordered up to a size large. You can see that it is big in the shoulders. If you want a more tailored look, then order true to size. I am wearing a size medium in the belt. The flats are from last year and are no longer available. I wear a true 8 in all Birdies flats.
Clutch | Scarf | Tank | Similar Pants | Blazer | Chico's Shoes
Chico's pants are a favorite. My pants are several years old and a year-round staple. I wear a size .5 in them. The blazer is from last year. It is so good that Chico's still has it in stock in multiple colors. I wear it in a size 1. It is very flattering and versatile. The suede sandals are from last year as well.
Dress | Clutch | Scarf | Leopard Pump
FIT TIP: Let's talk about this amazing dress. I've been eyeing the Tuckernuck version for a while now. I love classic styles. If money was no option, I'd have an entire wardrobe completely consisting of all Tuckernuck. I have 2 special occasion dresses that I still wear all the time. Amazon has a wonderful dupe for this look. I can't compare it to the real version. BUT it is very well made. I feel like it fits a little longer, which I prefer. PLUS it is under $50! I am wearing it in a medium. The pumps are extremely comfortable and true to size. I have picky feet and my feet do not like heels. I need to get more colors in these. I got them last year at Belk, but found them on Amazon on sale.
Jeans | Similar Loafer | Watch Band | Scarf | Similar V Neck Sweater | Earrings
Have you heard of quiet luxury? Wikipedia defines it as a lifestyle characterized by understated elegance and refined consumption, emphasizing exclusivity and discerning taste without overt displays of wealth. It can also be characterized as an “old money aesthetic.” In other words, a classic look that is timeless. I love this look.
You can get this look without breaking the bank. You probably have something in your closet to recreate this look. I wore this yesterday to run errands, and I felt very put together.
FIT TIP: My daughter has the jeans in 2 colors. I ordered based on her recommendation. Per her tip, I ordered a size up in a 10 short. I could have worn an 8, but these feel fabulous. All of this is shopping my closet, but I have linked similar.
Latest Reels
In the Kitchen
Worth a try! It serves 4 so it was nice having leftovers one night.
My family loves them. They were even fabulous as a sandwich with leftover honey-baked ham.
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 holding a real book occasionally is nice.
I've had my Audible membership for a while, and LOVE it! It gives me one book credit per month.
Let me share how I read on Kindle and listen to books. Get yourself a library card!
Then add the LIBBY and HOOPLA apps to your phone.
I typically check to see if a book is available there first before using my credit or buying it. 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 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. Here is an update for 2024.
- I am currently reading The Third Girl. This series is about a recently divorced woman who leaves the US to start a new life in France. It had me at France! (mystery series)
- I have started reading my first Christmas book of the season! I am reading Meet Me at Christmas by Jenny Hale. I can't get enough of Christmas stories so I start in October.
What We've Bought
- We are using this set of firepit roasting sticks this weekend for smores. These won't be regular s'mores, but cheese s'mores! I'll keep you posted.
- I am obsessed with all things Quince. The prices are fabulous, and we have been pleased with the quality. I just bought these gloves, hat and scarf for my husband's birthday. (they are unisex so I can borrow them!) He doesn't typically wear any of these things, but he will need it for this trip. We have a big trip coming up in November that we are taking for our 35th wedding anniversary which in in December.
- I ordered these suede lace-up booties that are fur-lined. They are due in next week. Fingers crossed they fit and are comfortable. The brand is excellent. 20 years ago, I had a pair of sandals that I wore for travel from the brand.
- Last year I bought a pair of these Born Chelsea boots in brown. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight. I typically size up 1/2 a size in boots, but bought my true size in these based on reviews. I just ordered the black because they are reduced. My black boots are over 10 years old and need replacing.
- I needed a pair of waterproof boots for the trip. We may have rain and snow. There is nothing worse than wet, cold feet. I ordered these a 1/2 size up. I'll report back when they come in.
- I am upgrading from remote clickers (which I do love) to the ease of saying, “Alexa, turn on the Christmas lights.” with these plugs.
- Ashlyn ordered this watch storage case for he husband's birthday. She is very pleased with it.
- I have been using this taupe clutch as I have transitioned from my raffia woven clutch for fall.
- Our evening treat is an Edy's Outshine Fruit Pop- the single size. I bought one of these bins to place in the freezer for them. It is perfect for one box and easier to grab one out.
What Caught My Eye
- This sourdough discard recipe for Cheddar Biscuits is amazing! Getting started with sourdough is easy with this.
- I am going to try this One Dish Shrimp recipe.
- I love to stumble across great cooking accounts. This one is unique in that she has gorgeous fashion style and a lovely home. It's a must-see.
- I adore the use of color and spunk with this eclectic account.
- I always enjoy the holiday issue of the Cottage Journal magazine. Here is a sneak peek.
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.
