Saturdays on the Porch #80
Cool mornings, Cleo’s 4-month update, brownies, chicken piccata, smoked wings, and cozy travel outfits in this week’s Saturdays on the Porch.
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Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch.
Saturdays on the Porch
This week has been gorgeous and mild. The mornings have been cool enough to open the doors to the screened porch, and the pets have been in heaven. Jack and Cleo love playing out there and keeping an eye on the wildlife. Before long, I’ll be cleaning it up for fall — our favorite season to enjoy the porch!
🌻 The black-eyed Susans in the front yard are still going strong! I’m considering moving the ones from the back bed out front where they can really shine (and stay safe from the dogs).
Recently on the Blog
The Look
I’ve been prepping my travel day outfit for our upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal. Comfort and put-together is my goal, and I think I’ve found it with the Quince Cashmere Pants in Moss, paired with a couple of different sweaters. I am trying to decide between the two sweaters. One will go back.
Polo Neck Sweater (size small — my husband’s favorite for its neat look)
Boatneck Sweater (slightly oversized in a medium, but still chic)
All of these pieces were tried on straight out of the shipping bag. I'll be wearing this outfit with walking sneakers or a pair of neutral flats.
I won't be wearing this oatmeal colored sweater with these pants. I was trying it on for fit. I'll be wearing it with jeans and pants. It's one of those pieces that can be dressed up or down. All of these pieces need a quick steam.
I have had this dress in black and light blue for a couple of years now. It's a great church or event dress. I have a medium in both. I wore it to church last Sunday.
In the Kitchen
Here are a few hits in the kitchen this week!!!
🍋 Chicken Piccata — This recipe has quickly become a favorite. I’ve adapted it down for two people with a few tweaks. Worth a try!
🍫 Salted Caramel Brownies — I tried a new recipe from Barefoot Contessa Foolproof. They’re fudgy, rich, and topped with flaky sea salt. Truly to die for!
🍗 Smoked Wings — My hubby has been experimenting with his Father’s Day gift, a gas smoker. This week, he tried a Tajín blend on the wings, and they were absolutely delicious. I’ll be documenting this one soon for the blog!
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 reading Anita de Monte Laughs Last, and it’s already drawing me in. Recently I’ve finished:
- The Matchmaker
- The View from Lake Como
- The Wedding People
- The Whalebone Theatre
- I’d love to hear what you’re reading — I’m always looking for recommendations!
Random Things
🐾 Cleo turned 4 months old! We are completely smitten with her sweet personality and playful antics. She’s such a wonderful addition to our home.
💪 I’ve been walking 4 ½ miles at least five days a week for years now, but I recently added a weighted vest to my routine. I have the 12-pound one. I can already tell the difference, and I think it’s going to make travel days in Europe much easier on my stamina!
What Caught My Eye
- Thinking about an Acorn TV subscription — I love UK shows and mysteries, and they have some fun new series starring Alicia Silverstone and Brooke Shields.
- We just finished The Waterfront on Netflix. We really enjoyed it. It was disappointing to hear that it was not renewed for season 2.
- More fall inspiration for the home — can’t wait to refresh ours for the season ahead! I've been pinning ideas!
- I juice a lot of citrus for drinks, recipes, and general cooking. It gets tiring juicing 11 lemons for a pie! I'm looking at juicers. Do you have one you recommend?
- I am helping Ashlyn and Tim refresh their front entrance area. We just picked out this paint color for the front door. We plan to paint it next Saturday morning.
I'm obsessed with this room designed by James Farmer. You know I love a great wall of hanging plates. This room is perfection. It's one of the reasons that I adore white walls. Fabrics and art shine against them. Color warms the heart.
What We've Bought
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.
