Saturdays on the Porch #77
Saturdays on the Porch #77 is full of the latest happenings in life, fashion, books I'm reading, and home favorites.
Lots of rainy and cloudy days this week to enjoy lamplight!
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Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch.
Saturdays on the Porch
April and May have been filled with extra joy as I've been spending more time with my granddaughter, Phoebe. With her sitter moving back to California, I've been taking over the role of her daytime caregiver. Morgan, my daughter-in-law, is a teacher and will soon be on summer break, but in the meantime, it’s been a blessing to have Phoebe around. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors together is by taking daily walks in my new jogging stroller. It’s been such a great purchase, not just for me but for Phoebe too—she absolutely loves the ride! It's been a wonderful way to keep up with my routine while making memories with my little one.
I enjoy walking down the drive on our walks and seeing the oak leaf hydrangeas in bloom. They are putting on a show this year.
The patches of fescue around the front of the house are looking lush and green.
Posts You May Enjoy
This String Lights Container project has been one of our favorites for outdoor living.
It's time for Adult Slushie season! It is a family tradition and very refreshing.
My family loves hot dogs as the weather heats up for cookouts. This chili makes a hot dog.
The Look
Recently, I've been sharing a few of my go-to outfits for various occasions, from church to running errands and even date nights. It's all about finding that sweet spot between comfort and style, and these looks have been perfect for all the different parts of my week. Whether I'm dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual for a busy day, I love finding pieces that make me feel confident and put-together. Stay tuned for a closer look at some of these outfits I’ve been loving lately!
Shirt Dress | Bag | Accessories
Fit Tip
I am so impressed with this shirt dress from Amazon. It is giving Frank and Eileen vibes. I read reviews, and it is generous in sizing. I am in a small. I will also wear it belted as well as more casual with sneakers.
One of my absolute favorites is the Bettina Tiered Shirt Dress by Maeve from Anthropologie. While my exact colorway is currently out of stock, I'm excited to share that there are several beautiful new options available for this season. This dress has quickly become a go-to for me, offering both comfort and style for various occasions. Whether I'm attending church, running errands, or enjoying a date night, the Bettina dress has proven to be a versatile and flattering choice. I've linked the new colorways for you to explore and find the perfect one to add to your wardrobe.
Fit Tip
The cut of this dress is generous. I wear it in a size small. I wear it both loose and belted.
Crochet Sweater | Tank | Turquoise necklace | Coin Necklace | Paperclip Chain | Everything Else | Lidded Basket
I’m loving this easy all-white look: a breezy crochet sweater over a simple cami, paired with cropped ivory jeans and classic flip-flops. A turquoise necklace adds a fresh pop of color, and gold-tone accessories keep it polished. Perfect for church, errands, or a casual date night!
Fit Tip
I am wearing a small in the top. If you want to wear it off the shoulder, size up. The tank runs very small. I sized up to a large and could have done an XL. It's great with this top. My jeans are several years old, but I wear an 8 in Wit & Wisdom. Entire outfit link
Fit Tip
I bought the short earth-toned kimono last year on our trip out west in Sedona. The boutique was lovely. I found it for you on ebay! It is one size. I wear it 3 seasons. It's lovely with shorts, blue jeans and linen pants.
I’ve been living in this Quince linen blazer lately—it’s the perfect lightweight layer for date night. I paired it with a ribbed white tank, dark cropped jeans, nude block-heel sandals, and a woven clutch with a fun scarf detail for a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Fit Tip
I am wearing a size small in the Quince blazer, an 8 in the jeans and a medium in the tank.
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.
- I am currently listening to Murder in an English Village. It is book 1 in a series.
- I will be starting soon for a new to me local book club: The Wedding People
- I just finished Audible original, The Twisted Women's Book Club. It is included with an Audible membership.
- The God of the Woods. It is a mystery with great reviews.
- Broken Country. It is a really good book with a couple of twists at the end.
What We've Bought
- I bought this set of bottles to store fresh-squeezed lemons, lime, and homemade simple syrups.
- Theo got his first harness in a size medium. It is so well-made and fits him perfectly.
- My hubby just got this 100-foot garden hose.
- The dogs are obsessed with this soccer ball with tags for them to play with in the backyard!
- This was part of my Mom's Mother's Day gift. I picked her up a set of chair cushions at Homegoods and got this to store them. We also have one on the back patio. It is where we house the furniture covers.
- This is my second order of this produce wash. This time I bought the gallon size. It's much cheaper. I saved my 1/2 gallon bottle and poured it into it.
- I ordered these necklaces for layering this summer. Not all are worn together! Paperclip Chain | Thicker Choker Chain | Coin Necklace | Seashell Necklace | Colored Beads
- I got a set of these to replace the bottoms of my wrought iron chairs.
- My mom loves the Bible word search book we got here.
- I wanted a bathing suit skirt cover-up to wear when we walk on the beach. We go for hour-long walks with the dogs. I sized up to a large and it's perfect!
- Have you seen the Archie's flip-flop ads all over Facebook? They are a basic-looking flip-flop with arch support. I fell for it! I ordered white and tan. They are fabulous and the real deal. I'll wear them to the beach, but for now, I wear them at home.
- A size small in this crochet top.
In the Kitchen
The kids gave me this bread bowl and baker combo for Mother's Day. I put that gorgeous KitchenAid ceramic bread bowl to good use right away by baking a round of rosemary sourdough. The dough rose beautifully, and the aromas of fresh herbs filled the kitchen as it baked. Once it came out golden and crisp, it was the perfect complement to a simple olive oil and balsamic dip for snacking. This bowl isn’t just beautiful—it’s already proving its worth as a go-to for breads.
I made this recipe of Rosemary Sourdough with it. It is so good!
This is our favorite recipe! It serves 4, so we have leftovers. They heat up beautifully on the reheat setting on our air fryer.
I came across a recipe for moist roasted chicken in the oven. I have created my version with whatever spices I have, keeping the liquid the same. I use 2 large boneless breasts. I slice them in half so they are thinner. If yours are thin, you won't have to do this. The first night we have it with traditional veggies. For the second night, I have used it for big salads and tacos. For the tacos, I warm it up in a cast iron skillet with taco seasoning. I make a sauce with equal parts mayo and sour cream. Then add juice of one lime or more, depending on the amount you make, with a generous portion of sriracha sauce. The lime acts to flavor and thin the sauce.
In the Home
We ate at the kitchen table for Mother's Day lunch. We can squeeze in 9. All the extra chairs had not been added yet.
And that’s a wrap on another cozy Saturday on the porch! From morning stroller strolls to trying out new wardrobe favorites (looking at you, Bettina Maeve dress and this trusty Quince linen blazer), it’s been a whirlwind of family time, fresh outfits, and a little kitchen creativity—thanks to that lovely ceramic bread bowl and a homemade round of rosemary sourdough. I hope you’ve picked up a few style inspo ideas and maybe even a recipe tip or two. What have you been up to this weekend? Can’t wait to catch up next Saturday with more home tours, style finds, and porch chats!
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.
