It’s been mentioned here on the blog several times over the past 2 to 3 years (…or more) ~ that we’re adding a front porch to our home. With so many hang ups from permits, to waiting on supplies (and the weather) to changing course when ‘hiccups’ came along ~ that I didn’t think we would ever be finished. And now we are officially 98.9% there, lol. We still need the gutter system (ugh) and to do a little caulking here and there with a little touch up paint too.

The above pictures show the before and after ~ I have always loved our ‘stoop’ and iron window boxes ~ but my packages and mail were always in danger of becoming wet in the rain…..we needed to take cover, literally! So 20 years in the making we now have a front porch and no more wet mail!

….the iron window boxes now adorn my Sister’s home.

Next week our new sidewalks will be poured. Then hopefully next year we will focus on the side of our home and the backyard ~ with raised garden beds and pouring a patio with slate details.

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The Fall Goodness in the flower beds need some ‘fluffing‘ yet but we’re getting there ~ the ‘duck’ family (read here) will be put away and the stone planters will move back into place. (….why oh why did I not do that before the photos!).

I couldn’t wait to decorate the ‘new’ front porch ~ and this Fall season being the first, we added pumpkins from Shafer’s Farms. So pretty!

For each season I envisioned a woven wicker bench beside the front door. I wanted to find a vintage table or bench but landed on this find from Walmart (here). It fits perfectly into the Cottage Vibe. (I might still add a darker stain to the seat but for now it is just perfect)!

Simply just placing the pumpkins on and around the bench and then adding the broom corn tied up with pretty brown gingham ribbon behind it ~

I mentioned our front door dilemma in the Daily Dose (read here) ~ Adding a beautiful handmade basket found thru Etsy from a Weaver in the Ukraine (visit her shop here). Simply adding a bit of straw and 2 small pumpkins. The content will be changed thru the seasons.

Simply pretty.

…and we added a few cozy Fall touches to the inside of our home as well.

Including a bowl full of pictures on the table…which is always a hit when visitors come (written about first on the Daily Dose), (and here).

And another favorite basket (from the same weaver) in our kitchen entryway.

….and some fall vibes around the fireplace mantel.

It’s been a busy season thru my work and play….always working to live a slower more meaningful life here in the Cottage.

Most times I just need to change or adjust my way of thinking.

Romans 12:² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Below are images of ‘my‘ dreaming stage for the front of our home in 2020 (read here) ~ before the new windows, new landscaping and new porch. ~ my dreams were of something entirely different but so happy with the results today.

I hope your dreams come true, even the long awaited dreams.

I hope your table is filled with good friends, family and belly laughs too (maybe from ol’ photos)!

…..I hope you find peace with each prayer lifted and in changing your way of thinking.

…and I hope this season brings a cozy feeling to your home.

Creatively Yours, Always, Amy

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