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Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.
Welcome back to The Curated Life…a midweek pause filled with simple ideas, seasonal beauty, and little things that make everyday life feel more intentional. Whether you stop by every week or this is your first time, I’m truly glad you’re here.
This space is where I gather the things that don’t always make it into a full blog post, but still feel worth sharing. You’ll find home inspiration, recipes from my own kitchen, thoughtful tips for living well, and whatever else has been on my mind lately. So grab a comfy spot, and let’s take a look at what’s inside this week.
1.) Gather + Savor
This week I tried something new in the kitchen: a small-batch pumpkin dessert that came together in less than an hour. It’s not quite a dump cake and not quite a crisp, but it has the best qualities of both. Warm, rustic, and simple to make, it filled the house with the most wonderful fall aroma. It’s baked in an 8×8-inch square dish, doesn’t use a cake mix, and can be whisked together entirely by hand. Spoon it into bowls, add a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy. It’s the perfect dessert for when you’re craving something seasonal but don’t want a big production. Just a small, comforting taste of fall. (Get the full recipe HERE.)
2.) Words Worth Sharing
“If today feels messy or mundane, look around and find one thing that feels beautiful, interesting, or worth enjoying. One thing that feels perfect in the vast imperfection of daily life. Everything shifts when we consciously choose to shift our perspective.”
~Found HERE.
3.) Style for the Season
Every so often, I’ll come across a style idea that feels both practical and fun. Recently, I was “influenced” to try a quarter-zip tan sweater paired with black leggings. It’s a simple combination that’s easy to wear, but still looks pulled together. The detail that really makes the outfit is a pair of tan-and-black Nike sneakers, which tie everything together perfectly.
It’s such a good reminder that style doesn’t have to be complicated. A few classic pieces, mixed with something new, can feel fresh and seasonal without being over the top. And truthfully, I can’t wait until the weather turns chilly enough to actually wear it!
4.) The Follow-Up File
A quick note about source links: I always do my best to include links to the items I feature here. Sometimes, though, products sell out and are no longer available. When that happens, I take a step back and ask myself if the content still offers value…whether through ideas, inspiration, or other resources. My goal is always to make sure it’s still worth your time.
Last week I refreshed a fall décor post from last year and updated as many links as I could. One set of pillow covers had sold out, and several of you asked about them. While I did worry about sharing something that’s no longer available, I also knew the post still had plenty of ideas that could spark inspiration. Just know that I will search long and hard to provide links whenever possible, and I always try to find good sources at fair prices.
5.) Things Worth Mentioning
- Coming Sunday: The first fall layers are appearing in our living room, and I’ll be giving you all the details in A Sunday Well Spent.
- Did You Miss Anything? I shared our fall front porch, which is simple and welcoming, along with a look at how to add dried gourds to your fall décor. Both are easy and budget-friendly ways to bring a seasonal touch to your home.
- What I’m Watching: A Thousand Tomorrows and The Thursday Murder Club, both on Netflix.
- This edition of The Curated Life took a little longer to come together. Some weeks just flow, and others take more effort. This one was definitely the latter! No matter what, I’m always grateful you’re here to read along. My hope is that you found something that spoke to you, and I’m so grateful you took the time to stop by.
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Thanks for the great ideas; I love that you share what you’re watching. I’m not a huge tv watcher, but when I do….I need something good. :)
Ann,
I am never concerned if something is not available… just love all the inspiring ideas!! You stumble on so many items that are cost effective and lovely. For example those corduroy pillow covers you shared I think last fall… I have two sets and everyone asks where they came from.
Eager to try this pumpkin dessert. Meanwhile I made that cake mix crust recipe with the chocolate and butterscotch chips and they were delicious. I took them to my nieces for a visit with 5 little nephews all six and under. They told me they were nummy. The oldest asked how I knew to make these. I told him a friend shared the recipe. He said you must be a good friend.
I really appreciate you giving us pared down recipe’s as there is just my husband and myself to cook for. My days of cooking for many is long gone now.
Loving you new format and recipes! Thanks Ann
I just want you to know I really like your new format and appreciate all your hard work.
I freeze fresh pumpkin puree in one cups amounts. I was so glad to see this recipe didn’t need an entire can of pumpkin. It’s perfect!
I hate to buy half and half just to use a 1/2 cup, is there a possible substitution? I really want to try this.
Bobbi, you can substitute evaporated milk, sour cream, or yogurt for the half and half.
I Bobbi…Melanie is right! Evaporated milk will work the best, but sour cream or yogurt will add the creaminess you need. Good luck!
Ann,
The recipe looks delicious. It’s nice to have a smaller version. Looking forward to trying it.
I just have to say ~ That basket with your Gourds, pumpkins & blue flowers is So Elegant !! It says ” Cozy” in so many ways. Your blog is always a joy to receive & it’s been coming to my inbox for many years now. *Some day I will get assistance to use your prints, they are always so beautiful.
Thank you again for great inspiration.
Will you be doing a 2026 printable calendar? I’m anxiously awaiting it, as always!!
Love all your ideas. Bought the zippered sweater for our trip to D.C. and North Carolina next week. The printables are lovely. Thank you for your inspiration.
I’ve enjoyed your blog for a long time it’s beautiful, thoughtful and so many great ideas! I really like your Wednesday editions and look forward to each one.
This new format you’re doing is great. I really enjoy it. And the illustrations are lovely. Thank you.
Hello!
The Pumpkin Crisp recipe looks delicious! I need to serve 16 people (3 X the recipe) and it still says to use an 8 x 8 pan and bake 30 to 35 minutes. Did l misread this? Thank you
I’m sorry…the recipe card adjusts the ingredients, but doesn’t have any impact on the instructions. Although I have never done it, this recipe should triple beautifully. Just make sure to mix it up in a very large bowl. Use a jelly roll pan (about 10×15 inches) so the layer stays roughly the same thickness. The baking time will be close to the original, though you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes. Start checking at the usual time. The top should look golden and set, not jiggly. The edges get a tiny bit crispy. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so it firms up a bit. This size is perfect for a crowd, just spoon it into bowls.