Saturdays on the Porch #83

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Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch .

Saturdays on the Porch

There’s something about winter weeks that feel both slow and full all at once. This one has been wrapped in gray skies, quiet moments at home, and the kind of anticipation that comes when you know the weather is about to change everything—if only for a day or two. We’re bracing for a major ice storm here in Upstate South Carolina, expected to move in this evening, and the house has that familiar hum of preparation and waiting.

Ashlyn and Tim have had Bentley. We should have him back today, but we had to reschedule Ashlyn's family Birthday dinner for tonight. We are in the middle of a snow storm today….. southern style! 

This week felt very us—simple meals, cozy layers, time spent indoors, and keeping a close eye on both the forecast and each other. Let’s step onto the porch and catch up.

This Week on the Blog

New series called Mood Board Monday

Pinterest Challenge: Kitchen Valentine Vignette

The Look

Shop the Look

Cold weather dressing has been all about comfort lately, but still feeling pulled together. This green fleece has been on repeat—it’s warm without being bulky and easy to throw on for errands or a quick walk outside. I’ve also been reaching for my red sweater paired with black pants and loafers. It’s such an easy outfit, but feels cheerful and classic during the gray winter days.

Layering pieces that work hard and still feel polished are what I gravitate toward this time of year. Nothing fussy—just pieces that make getting dressed simple.

FIT TIP: I wear a medium in Dudley Fleece. It's warm and cozy!!! Now is the time to pick some up on sale. 

Shop the Look

The red Quince cashmere sweater has been one of my favorite pieces to reach for this winter. The color adds just the right amount of cheer to these gray January days, and the fit is relaxed without feeling sloppy. It’s the kind of sweater that works just as well for everyday errands as it does for a casual lunch or a cozy afternoon at home. Soft, lightweight, and easy to style, it’s one of those wardrobe staples that proves simple really can be special.

FIT TIP: I am wearing a medium in this loose-fit sweater with sleeves rolled up. I ordered a medium so I could layer shirts underneath it. I've linked several other options above in the shop the look link under the photo. 

In the Kitchen

Meals this week were very much “use what we have” cooking, which I honestly love. One standout was shrimp fried cauliflower rice—full of flavor, loaded with vegetables, and surprisingly satisfying. A good no-salt seasoning makes all the difference, especially when you’re trying to keep things balanced without sacrificing taste.

We also had a hearty vegetable beef soup simmering away, the kind of meal that warms the house and tastes even better the next day. Paired with homemade sourdough, it was exactly what we needed as temperatures dropped.

There’s something comforting about returning to these dependable, nourishing meals when winter settles in.

 

I baked sourdough again this week, and there’s just something grounding about the process—mixing, waiting, shaping, and finally pulling golden loaves from the oven. The kitchen smelled wonderful, and the bread didn’t last long. Sourdough has become one of those rhythms that anchors my week, especially when we’re spending more time at home.

I've been keeping packs of frozen cauliflower rice and risotto in the freezer. They are great for a quick meal. I just use whatever protein and veggies I have on hand.

This no-salt seasoning has quietly become a staple in our kitchen. I love having something on hand that adds great flavor without overpowering a dish, especially when I’m cooking soups, vegetables, or quick weeknight meals. It’s been especially handy during the winter months when comfort food is on repeat, and it makes it easy to season generously while still keeping things balanced. I purchased it at Costco.

I'm on a lunch salad kick! This one has shredded kale, tuna pouch, the above seasoning, about 1/4 cup of canned lentils, shredded carrot, half an avocado…..tossed with a bit of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and champagne vinegar.

Yummy Vegetable Beef Soup!

We had this soup 2 times last week and froze one container. I make grilled cheese with our sourdough bread. These containers work in the freezer and hold enough for 2 servings. This is perfect for empty nesters! 

Ice Storm

As the storm moved in, the views outside shifted quickly. Ice coated the trees, weighed down branches, and turned everything quiet and still. Looking out the window at the garden and yard felt both beautiful and a little unsettling—ice storms do that. They’re peaceful and unpredictable all at once.

We spent much of the day watching, waiting, and checking in on updates as conditions changed. Luckily, we never lost power!

Ice storms have a way of finding every weak spot, and this one reminded us of that quickly. We ended up with water coming through the kitchen ceiling, which meant buckets, towels, and quick thinking. It’s never fun to deal with household issues, but it’s part of homeownership—and a reminder to take things in stride.

Thankfully, it was manageable, and we’re already planning next steps. Not how you want to spend a winter evening, but we’ve learned that flexibility goes a long way.

A Year with Theo

The pets have been keeping close during the cold snap. Theo has been very content staying inside, watching everything unfold from a warm spot on the rug. These quieter winter days always remind me how much comfort animals bring to a home—especially when the world outside feels icy and uncertain. We are at the one-year mark Theo. He's come a long way and you'd never know that he started out as a starving puppy dragging himself from the woods with 2 broken back legs.

What I'm Reading

• We Are All Guilty Here (currently listening)
• The First Time I Saw Him (next read) This is book 2. Read The Last Thing He Told Me first. Book 1 was an Apple TV series starring Jennifer Gardner. It was really good, and has a season 2 starting in February. I love seeing books that I read turned into movies and TV shows.
• Speaking of books that I have read, going to the big screen: The Housemaid did not disappoint! On a whim, I went to the local movie theater solo to watch it. It is set up for a 2nd movie, so hopefully the movie franchise will continue. I am looking forward to reading the 2nd book installment, The Housemaid's Secret.
• My sweet friend, Jennifer, from City Farmhouse, has her very first book published! I have received an advance copy. If you like a little romance along with home remodel and decorating taking place at the coast….you will love The Summer I Found You!!!! I am currently reading it as well. It will be released on April 7th, and you can preorder it.

What We've Bought

We have not bought anything this week other than groceries! So there is not much to share on that. You can see last week's purchases HERE. Below you will find top reader favorites for the month!

• The Mediterranean Cookbook for Two (recommend spiral bound)
• Aquaphor Lip Repair
• Heart Hands Sculpture (I've linked various sizes)
• Triple Slowcooker Buffet Server (Game Day ready!! )
• Blanket in French Oak (in our bedroom)
• Pair of Chinoiserie Lamps (in our bedroom)
• My embroidered jacket (Gorgeous and on sale cheaper than I got it for)
• French Linen quilt set

This week felt like a reminder to slow down, stay close to home, and take care of the little things as they come. Winter has a way of asking us to pause, pay attention, and adapt—and I’m learning to appreciate that rhythm more each year.

Thanks for spending a bit of your Saturday here with me. I hope wherever you are, you’re warm, safe, and finding comfort in the simple moments too.

I’ll see you back here next week.

 

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