I’m glad summer’s here. It’s my opportunity for a morning coffee on the back porch and a walk. I love spring but the cooler weather has lingered way too long!
Last summer we went to Magnolia in Waco. This year we went to the Virginia beach house our family rents. It’s a favorite place because we have the beach to ourselves.
I like to sit out front—sometimes when I’m alone and sometimes to watch the kids. And even though our front porch isn’t big, I appreciate it. We didn’t have one in our last home. I’m not sure why the Southern preference for front porches isn’t as pervasive in the Northeast, but I’m down with ’em. They make a nice retreat.
Today, I’m sharing our front porch refresh. I’d like to briefly tell you about Novica and their mission, in their own words:
To create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all. Along the way, we discovered something very important – as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.
Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.
Our vision of the future is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. We reject that future!
Instead, we see a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become our drivers.
We see an open-minded world that builds deeper bonds across nations, religions, and communities, forging cultural understanding, mutual respect and admiration.
What a great mission!
I grew up in the Philippines where I saw a wider mix of global decor and fashion. It’s a country of microbusinesses. Lots of households have small stands and shops and make and sell street food. The Filipino way is to be enterprising. You have to be to make ends meet. The workweek is 6 and, sometimes, 7 days. Most Filipinos work all day to earn less than most Americans earn in an hour.
When you consider how little much of the world survives on, you begin to understand how meaningful it is to support artists and their communities. It’s kind to buy with the well being of others in mind. I admit, the convenience of Walmart and Amazon makes it easy to get caught up in consumerism and forget the people behind the products.
I need to work that myself, but you’re not here for moral direction.
An outdoor space without throw pillows is incomplete. My husband will tell you I have a strong pillow bias. Pillows are my go-to accessory.
These handmade pillow covers were brought to us by Indonesian artists. My father, a retired fisherman, did much of his fishing around Indonesia and I grew up with Indonesian friends. Indonesia didn’t always mean the other side of the world for me. It rings of home. It reminds me that the world is many different cultures.
These covers are cotton and well-made. Their tassels give them a boho-flare which—you’ll know if you follow my blog—I love.
I wanted a coastal feel so I added blue accents: the rug, the vase and the throw blanket. The area rug is cozy and grounds the space.
I included metal hanging hoops for visual interest. I’ll probably vary the pot and flowers to occasionally change up the color scheme.
Don’t be afraid to use indoor accessories outdoors if your porch is covered. I feel the rug, throw pillows and blanket give a welcoming vibe.
I also bought this round woven bag from Novica’s website. I’ve been using it since summer started. The quality’s great. Unfortunately, this bag is sold out similar here.
Things sell out. When products are hand crafted and not mass produced, it’s normal. The upside is it increases the odds of unique finds your friends won’t have.
Use this coupon code SAVE7NOW for $7 off your purchase.
Thank you for stopping by. Have a blessed day!
Thanks, Novica, for sponsoring this post.
Jennabel
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