Get Excited for Porch Season

You know what I’ve been loving lately? Just sitting out on the back porch and watching Fairwood Forest slowly come back to life. Every morning, I swear there’s something new—buds a little bigger, leaves a little greener, birds a little louder. It’s like the whole forest is waking up, and I get to see it unfold one quiet little moment at a time.

 

It’s honestly become my favourite slow living at home moment of the day. (In good weather 😉) I’ll grab my coffee, sit out there  enjoying the sunshine with Tank by my feet, and just… take it all in. The apple trees are in full bloom—those deep pink blossoms are so beautiful to look out at, everyday they are more stunning.

There’s nothing fancy about our porch—upstairs is a balcony and downstairs is a patio—but I love them both for different reasons. They are cozy and simple outdoor spaces, and they work. I’m working on the upper deck right now. It won’t take much… a clean sweep, a candle or two, some cushions, and a few throw blankets for these chilly mornings. The new black railing looks great. I’ve put a few plants out there to get the spring porch decor season started, and I’m adding a string of lights this year—I may never come back inside. It’s an instant patio retreat.

You will probably remember that back at the Corner House, the little side porch and the secret garden were my favourite spots. The space here at Fairwood Place is more compact… lol… but it’s also so much more peaceful. No cars whizzing by—just the birds whistling. So sweet.

It just feels good, you know? Like that gentle nudge to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Fairwood Forest puts on the best kind of show, and all I have to do is show up. Even Tanky likes to take a break and ponder by our favourite bench by the ravine.  🎾 🌳 

It doesn’t matter if it’s a porch, a patio, or a balcony… there’s such an ease to porch life inspiration, don’t you think? Dogs at our feet, music on low, probably talking about nothing and everything. Solving the world’s problems.

Stay tuned for a soon-to be-posted blog on this very pretty all natural bug repellent.

The only thing that might make it better? A screened-in porch. Mosquitos 🦟 love me. When the sun goes down, I swear I become their midnight buffet.

I was asked by the creator of another beautiful blog called Redfin to give my opinion about the luxury of a screened porch. (Such an interesting blog – a girl could get lost in it) It is such a compliment when another blogger reaches out to me for an opinion. —you can read it HERE.

Of course, it’s not just about porch decorating ideas—though let’s be honest, a cozy chair and a string of twinkle lights can lift a girl’s spirits. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about creating peaceful home moments and using the world around you to find calm.

Step outside. Breathe. Let the wind mess up your hair a little. Whether it’s a quiet corner of your porch, a shady bench in the park, or a sunny front step—use your environment to ground yourself. Nature is a calming influence—a gentle reminder to slow down and just be.

Even the silence—especially the silence—can be powerful. Sometimes all we need is a few minutes of stillness to reset our whole day.

Three journal prompts to guide you:

1. Where do I feel most at peace in my everyday surroundings—and why?
2. What part of nature makes me feel grounded, and how can I bring more of that into my daily life?
3. What does ‘quiet’ feel like to me, and how can I create more of it in a noisy world?

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If you’re itching to spruce up your own outdoor space, here are a few 

easy porch ideas

 I’m loving:

1. Comfy seating is everything.

Even if it’s just two chairs and a small table, make them the kind you want to sink into. Add some outdoor cushions in fun, fresh colors—instant cozy.

2. Plants, plants, and more plants.

You know me—I’ll hang a basket anywhere it’ll stay up. Geraniums, ferns, trailing ivy… it just brings the spring porch vibes to life. A few pots on the floor or steps work wonders too.

3. Layer it like a room.

Treat your porch like an extension of your home. Add an outdoor rug (or a scrap of linoleum) to instantly ground the space. Maybe a little table with a candle or lantern, and a throw for cooler nights. It all adds up. If you can add a screen – WOW!!! Lucky you. REDFIIN

4. Twinkle lights. Always.

I don’t care how old I get—string lights are magic. Drape them along the railing or doorframe for instant patio charm. Use big bulbs and suddenly it’s a patio party!

5. A welcome mat with personality.

It’s a small detail, but it sets the tone. Something playful or cheeky always makes me smile—We are constantly tracking in a little forest floor on our boots 🥾 and paws 🐾 .

6. A little sound goes a long way.

I love a good wind chime or a small speaker. Nothing loud, just something that adds to the mood without taking it over. Soft porch sounds make a big impact. I created a summer playlist below. 

Honestly, it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—just little touches that make you want to sit down with your coffee (or wine) and stay awhile. Especially now, with Fairwood Forest coming to life and the apple blossoms showing off—it’s like nature’s reminding us to live a little slower.

Here is my first summer playlist.  🎵

1. Here Comes the Sun – George Harrison
2. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
3. It’s a Beautiful Day – U2
4. Summer in the City – The Lovin’ Spoonful
5. The Boys Are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy
6. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
7. Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp
8. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
9. All Summer Long – Kid Rock
10. American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
11. Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac
12. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen
13. Take It Easy – Eagles
14. Wildflowers – Tom Petty
15. Roll With It – Steve Winwood
16. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
17. Maggie May – Rod Stewart
18. Tiny Dance – Elton
19. Mr Jones – Counting Crows
20. In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry
21. Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
22. Have You Ever Seen the Rain – CCR
23. You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Rolling Stones
24. American Pie – Don McLean
25. You’re So Vain – Carly Simon

 

Here’s to porch weather, apple blossoms, good conversations,

and lazy spring days ahead.