Front Porch Coffee Talk - Southern State of Mind Blog by Heather

NINE WEEKS. Welp. I think I am about to stop keeping track because at this point does it really even matter? We are in this for the long haul it seems. But wow, every Friday it blows my mind that we have been in this pandemic pickle for as long as we have. This week there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that (home)school is wrapping up. The bad news is that (home)school is wrapping up. Does anyone else feel this way? Today I am dishing out a few things on my mind from this $30 Amazon dress to a few tips for wrapping up the school year. I would love to hear from you, so grab your coffee and meet me on the porch for this week’s Front Porch Coffee Talk.

PHOTO SOURCES: Boho Dress | Nude Sandals | Barn Star | Outdoor Rug | Orchid Pink Gel Nail Polish

LAST DAY OF (HOME)SCHOOL

As I mentioned, school is wrapping up for us this week and early next week. We have one rising third grader and one who just graduated from pre-K and heading to kindergarten. Of course, we couldn’t have an official graduation ceremony for him this week, but I think the preschool did a great job with a drive-by ceremony and tailgate “party”. Nothing feels the same right now and the entire experience does make me feel a bit out of sorts, but I am so thankful for closure. We have been at this preschool for six years and it is truly the end of an era for us.

Don’t forget to snap those last day of school pics! It’s going to be harder than ever to remember this year. If you don’t have a little sign or chalkboard, these printables are free and cute.

CAR MARKERS

Since we had a drive by ceremony, we all went over the top decorating cars with banners, balloons, streamers, posters, etc. I found these window markers on Amazon and they were a great little activity for the kids and a perfect way to feel festive.

TEACHER GIFT IDEA

Is anyone seeing their teachers at the end of the school year? If so, this Teacher Gift Idea post from a few years ago is always a reader favorite and always seems to take off in the spring over on Pinterest. It’s a simple little gift and who couldn’t use fresh sunscreen and a nice new beach towel this time of year?

NEW DOG PRESENT

Speaking of gift ideas, did everyone you know get a new dog too? Seems to have been a trend over the past few months- and I am here for it! Although we are not ready to get a new pup of our own yet, I LOVE spoiling all of my friends fur babies. So I was thrilled to gift this tote bag to our friends for their new pup! Now when she has a spend the night- she has her very own luggage to carry all of her food, leashes, toys and bowls. And apparently she liked to hang out in the tote too:) This is my go-to Lands End tote in navy with an orange monogram.

$30 BOHO DRESS ON AMAZON PRIME

Still in workout clothes and leggings? That’s ok, me too mostly. BUT I GOT DRESSED! And you know what? It felt GREAT! You may recognize this boho dress from my Thanksgiving Eat, Drink & Be Thankful series. It was the perfect dress then and is the perfect dress now. It feels like pajamas but gives you that put together look. This dress is around $30 and comes in lots of different colors and patterns– and I am in a medium although I do think I could have possibly sized down.

Oh, and don’t you think my 8 year old did a great job snapping this pic?

CUTE AFFORDABLE OUTDOOR CONVERSATION SET

I shared this porch furniture conversation set yesterday but a reader was bummed when she went to buy it an it was sold out. Well, she got a notice last night that it was back in stock! Porch furniture can be SO pricey and this three piece set is pretty reasonable, when compared to other similar sets. The cushion covers are comfy and the way the chair is designed gives it a little flex and bounce making them comfy. I also assembled these in around 30 minutes- easy!