Saturdays on the Porch #74
Saturdays on the Porch #74 is full of the latest happenings in life, fashion, books I'm reading, and home favorites.
Outfit | Door Basket | Cedar Bushes | 14 Inch Pots | Similar Door Mat
Fit Tip
The Sam's Club linen pants are great. Last year I bought 2 pairs on the pants from Sam's. They are the Gap brand. This year, it's the same brand with a little different styling. They have back pockets. These aren't as baggy looking as last year. Regardless, they are worn all the time. They are lightweight and cool. I wear a size medium. I purchased the white leather Birkenstock sneakers 2 years ago. They are my travel sneaker. They have a little weight to them, but my feet were great after so many hours walking in Europe. They are true to size. I have trouble with my pinkie toes cramping in sneakers. These don't cramp my feet!!!
I have the 14-inch chinoiserie pots. You may be able to get by with the 12-inch ones. Just measure your container. These are amazing!!
Latest from OSH
- Mood Board Mondays: Wind's Breath Cottage Living Room
- Saturdays on the Porch #83
- Valentine's Decor Vignette with Heart Hands Sculpture
- Mood Board Mondays: A Moody Guest Room in Silhouette
- Saturdays on the Porch #82
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. Christy Little of Our Southern Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch.
Saturdays on the Porch
Good morning, friends! It's been a little while since I shared a “Saturdays on the Porch” post, so I’m excited to get back into the groove. This week has been full of cozy moments, new finds, and of course, a few favorite outfits and recipes I can't wait to share with you. From what’s been on my radar to the books I’ve been reading, I’ve got a lot to catch you up on. Grab your coffee (or tea!), and let’s chat about all the little things that have made this week special!
After 10 years, I finally broke down and bought myself a new MacBook Pro. My old one and our slow internet had me dreading writing. Everything was so slow and took forever. Now, with my fast laptop and new high-speed internet, I feel my love of the blog creeping back in.
Fit Tip
I wear this Quince cotton sweater ALL the time! I got it last spring for our trip out west. I wear it mainly like this buttoned up. It's also great unbuttoned over a dress or top. It does have a cropped fit, but I find this fit more flattering with higher waist pants and skirts. It's not too overwhelming. The sleeve length is forgiving. I am wearing it in a size small. It comes in many colors. I have the white and black & white stripe. It is a heavier weight cotton sweater. It is not thin like a cashmere sweater. I am wearing an 8 short in the jeans. These jeans are so comfortable. I have them in 4 colorways. The scarf is $6.99!!!! I love wearing a scarf in the spring. In warmer weather, I'll tie it to my purse handle.
As you can see, I wear this sweater a lot!
Recently on the Blog
Decorating for spring this year was a joy! The winter seemed long and so cold this year. I am looking forward to the pollen season ending and decorating our screened porch.
This month's Pinterest Challenge was a good one. You will see many ideas from my blogging friends sharing their take on this centerpiece look.
The Look
Ignore the wild hair and no makeup! I purchased this dress on the Spring Sale at Amazon. It came in, and I immediately tried it on. It reminded me of the very expensive Frank & Eileen version. (I don't own this one) This is a great high-low idea on getting the look for less.
Fit Tip
I am wearing a size medium in the Amazon version. The dress will be great for travel and would look nice with a denim jacket. It comes in many colors. The knit is not thin so forgiving. It has side pockets and side slits. The under arm is gusseted, so doesn't show my bra. I am looking forward to styling it for you soon.
Fit Tip
I had already dressed for the day in the first outfit. This sweater vest arrived and immediately tried it on. I will steam it. It's a keeper! It is lightweight and comes in several colors. The gold buttons are giving it quiet luxury feels. This is going to look fabulous with jeans, dress pants and even a dressier pair of shorts. I am wearing a size medium.
Fit Tip
I have this linen Quince top in this French blue and white. I am in a size medium.
Latest Reels
In the Kitchen
I saw Giada on The Today Show promoting this book. I love to cook and cook most nights. I am so pleased with the book. Below are a few things we have cooked from the book thus far.
Many of the recipes I have adapted for 2. This is a salmon with green beans and tomatoes. I could eat salmon multiple times per week.
The pork chops are so yummy with this pasta. I did have to get my daughter to pick up the specialty pasta at World Market.
This was a huge hit for Sunday lunch! This is the sheet pan parmesan chicken. The pasta recipe was actually a meal recipe with shrimp. I just omitted the shrimp and turned it into a side. It will be on rotation for sure!!! You can find the chicken parm on the Today Show website.
If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, check out this pizza. It is so good! It is a bit spicy, but we enjoy it for a quick dinner.
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 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. Here is an update for 2024.
- Currently reading Broken Country
- The Housemaid (book 1)
- The Heiress was a read for my book club.
- I also recently finished Mercury.
- The Magic of Sea Glass.
We are loving the new season of The White Lotus. This Sunday, should be great! It is so quirky. Just love Parker Posey's character.
1923 is our favorite of the Yellowstone franchise. The acting is superb. I just wish they'd bring Spenser and Alex back together.
The Pitt is one of the most realistic hospital shows we've ever seen. Noah Wyle must win an award. All of the acting is amazing. It follows the hospital staff during 1- 1-day shift. It is renewed for a second season. It is hospital graphic!
What We've Bought
- I just got this clear breadkeeper for my homemade loaves of sourdough bread. It felt so wasteful to wrap in parchment and a large ziplock. We are very happy with it!
- I went with a simple and smaller planner this year, just to add the highlights, because I'm going with more to-do lists this year.
- One of the things that I am doing at the start of each week is to make a menu. This pad is fantastic. Plus, it has a tear-off side for my grocery list.
- I've been unmotivated to work consistently with the blog for the last couple of years. We've been traveling more since becoming empty nesters. I have a goal to get back at it in 2025. I'm using this to-do list daily pad.
- This hydrating lip balm in Rum Raisin is a pretty color!
- I bought these battery-operated tea lights with a timer to use in a new Christmas display. I also used them on our dining table. I'm very impressed with the light of them!
- My giant Yeti tumbler was getting too heavy to wrap my hand around lately. I ordered this handle for it. Now it's perfect!
- I'm moving away from the traditional lighter for candles and such. I got this chargeable one and will never go back.
- I just reordered this hair powder to give the crown just a small touch of lift when needed. I use a tiny amount. A little goes a very long way. Y'all, the first bottle lasted me 8 years. Gulp! It's not something I use every day. I use it mainly when going out.
What Caught My Eye
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/courtyard-chairs-7045b98d-1dd6907dc60c409cafe157a486e6634a.jpg)
I am loving the simplistic plantings of this backyard terrace area. It's so elegant.
This is a lovely centerpiece idea for spring!
I recently discovered this Instagram account. It is lovely!
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.
