Saturdays on the Porch #86

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Check out the most recent Saturdays on the Porch.

Saturdays on the Porch

Happy Saturday, friends! It's been a fairly quiet week around Our Southern Home, which honestly felt a little nice after all of our recent travels and activity. Most of my time has been spent at home, checking things off the never-ending to-do list and enjoying some simple everyday moments.

One of the highlights of my week was spending Tuesday with Phoebe. At 27 months old, she has quite the personality and keeps us laughing. It's so much fun watching her grow and seeing the world through her eyes. We packed a lot into our day together, and as always, I was exhausted in the best possible way when she headed home.

The primary bathroom makeover continues to inch along. The new quartzite countertops were installed last week, and we've had the plumber/electrician here for the last couple of days reconnecting our faucets and swapping out the old off-white outlets and switch plates for fresh white ones. Progress always seems slow in the middle of a project, but it's definitely coming together. The biggest decision left is wallpaper. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that's not a choice I take lightly! My goal is to dig into samples and make a final decision next week.

Last Sunday's family lunch was especially enjoyable, and it inspired a new weekly series that I'm excited to share soon. I'll be featuring our Sunday lunch menu, recipes, and tablescape each week. Family meals around the table have always been important to us, and I think you'll enjoy seeing what we're serving.

I also made it back to my morning walks this week for the first time since vacation. I've really missed that quiet hour and a half to myself. There's something so peaceful about starting the day with a walk and a good audiobook. The only challenge this time of year is beating the heat. Every week seems to require an earlier start time, but it's worth it to enjoy those cooler morning temperatures before a South Carolina summer settles in for the day.

Now let's get to this week's outfits, meals, home updates, and a few things that caught my eye.

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Around the House

I took a couple of quick cell phone photos of the exterior of the house on my way back in from my walk this week. The grass is really starting to grow and get green.

This bed is looking great and will be in full bloom soon.

The purple coneflower looks gorgeous this year. I transplanted them from the backyard a few years ago.

The Look

Here are a few outfit looks from this week. 

Quince Blue & White Linen Shirt Dress

Linen Shirtdress | Sandals | Necklace | Earrings | Wicker Bracelet

This blue and white striped linen shirt dress has quickly become one of my most versatile summer pieces. I'm wearing a size small, and I love how effortlessly it works for everyday wear, travel, and vacation days. It can be worn loose as shown here, belted to create a more defined silhouette, or unbuttoned over a swimsuit as a chic beach or pool cover-up. The breathable linen fabric keeps you cool in the summer heat while the classic stripes give it a timeless look that you'll reach for year after year. 

This was my first Quince linen piece. 

A Closet Favorite That Keeps Hanging Around

Birkenstocks | Earrings | Beaded Necklace

This dress is proof that you don't always need something new. I bought it about four years ago, and it's still one of my favorite summer throw-on-and-go dresses. It was an inexpensive purchase in a small French village. The relaxed fit makes it comfortable for errands and everyday wear, while the pretty print and colorful necklace make it feel a little more special than a basic tee and shorts. If you've been around here for a while, you've probably seen this dress before—and that tells you just how much I love it! 😊

Colorful Beaded Necklace

Move over scarves—beaded necklaces are having a moment in my closet! I've been collecting colorful styles lately, and they have become my favorite way to refresh older outfits. Whether paired with a simple linen dress, a classic button-down, or a basic tee, they instantly make an outfit feel more current and intentional. Amazon has become my go-to source for affordable options, so I can add a little color and fun without a major investment.

Quince Black Gauze Dress

Black Gauze Dress | Crocs Sandals | Turquoise Necklace | Earrings | Chain Link Necklace | Medallion Necklace | Magnetic Clasp

I've actually had this black gauze dress from Quince for several years now, which probably tells you how much I love it. I'm wearing a size small, and it remains one of my favorite warm-weather dresses. The gauze fabric is lightweight, breezy, and comfortable on even the hottest summer days. I can dress it up with jewelry and sandals for dinner out or keep it casual with sneakers for errands and everyday life. It's one of those tried-and-true pieces that never seems to go out of style and always feels just right when I put it on.

My daughter shared this magnetic necklace clasp with me. It comes with one for 2 necklaces and one for 3. I've only used the 2 one and just add the beads on top. It makes layering necklaces so much easier.

Quince Blue & White Stripe Gauze Dress

Quince Guaze Dress | Necklace | Earrings

If this dress looks familiar, it's because it's essentially the striped version of my beloved black Quince gauze dress. I ordered this one as a new addition for summer and absolutely loved the blue and white stripes. Unfortunately, the fit wasn't quite the same. I ordered my usual size small, but this colorway is lined, and I found it fit noticeably differently from my black dress. It felt a bit more fitted everywhere than I prefer. Reluctantly, I sent it back and have added myself to the waitlist for a medium. I'm hoping it comes back in stock because the fabric, style, and classic stripes are exactly what I was looking for this season.

In the Kitchen

Zucchini Pasta

This is the second time that I have made this pasta. We love it! I divide it in 1/2 for the 2 of us and still have enough leftovers for a side one night. This recipe is for when you want to possibly hide the zucchini. Ha, ha! Not the case for us, but would be good with kids. You use the grated zuchini to make a sauce. I just threw together some spices with olive oil, lemon ,and champagne vinegar to make a marinade for the grilled chicken. It was great! 

Here is the leftover pasta with some pork tenderloin and corn on the cob.

I had some chorizo in the freezer, so I searched for a recipe to use it up. I came across this one-dish meal. It was pretty good, but honestly, I am not sure I'd make it again with chorizo. I did have to add more chicken broth to it. I'd probably do some ground turkey and bump up the spices. It was quite simple and inexpensive. I had most of the ingredients on hand.

What I'm Reading

• Just finished listening on Audible: June Baby
• Currently Listening on Audible: The Keeper
• The Night We Lost Him
• We Are All Guilty Here 
• Nobody's Girl
• 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 have also now read the 2nd book installment, The Housemaid's Secret. The Housemaid's Wedding is a short story that you would read third in the series. I listened to it in Libby. It's like 1.5 hours so don't waste an Audible credit on it. Check out at the library.
• 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 was my daily read in Puerto Rico, watching the sunrise, and by the pool.

What We've Bought

• I splurged on this white linen vest. It was on sale, and I ordered a size 8.
• I ordered these under-sink mats for the primary bath. They are due to arrive today.
• I am tired of digging for cable to charge things. A lot of electronics have gone to the USB-C style. I ordered this charger with 4 cords that pull out from it. I also ordered a short micro-USB for items like my old Kindle. It's due to arrive today.
• Theo got a new rolling dog food storage container.
• My husband just got his new expandable 24-inch suitcase in Navy from Quince. It is really pretty!
• He also ordered these men's linen pants.

Well, friends, that's a wrap on another week around Our Southern Home. As I get older, I'm finding that it's often the simple weeks that end up being the sweetest—the ones filled with family meals, walks around the neighborhood, progress on home projects, and ordinary days spent at home.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the bathroom comes together over the next few weeks and finally making a wallpaper decision. I'll be sure to keep you posted on that adventure! I'm also excited to launch the new Sunday lunch series. Gathering around the table with family is one of my favorite traditions, and it will be fun to share those menus, recipes, and tablescapes with you each week.

For now, I'm off to enjoy the rest of the weekend and prepare for another Sunday lunch with the family. Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little time with me on the porch. Whether you've been reading for years or are new to Our Southern Home, I'm so grateful you're here.

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead filled with simple joys, good food, and a little time to slow down and enjoy the season.

Until next time, I'll meet you right back here on the porch.

❤️ Christy

 

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