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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.) A Simpler Way
Some days just feel harder than others. When that happens, it’s easy to get stuck in the slump, and let the day spiral. But there are small, simple things we can do to shift our mindset and bring in a little light. Here are five quick ways to give yourself an instant mood boost:
- Reach out. Call, text, or message someone you love. Even a quick “thinking of you” can make you feel more connected.
- Focus on the positive. Pause and name one thing you’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be big…even something small can shift your perspective.
- Change your environment. Step outside for a few minutes, open a window, or simply move to a different room. If you’re at work, get up from your desk, and walk away for 5 minutes.
- Drink water. Feeling tired or down can sometimes be a sign of dehydration. A tall glass or a bottle of water can do wonders for your energy and mindset.
- Tidy a small space. Wash the dishes, fold that waiting laundry, or clear off the counter. Completing even one small task can release endorphins, and instantly lift your mood.
Little actions like these take just a few minutes, but they can change the direction of your day. The next time you feel stuck, try one, or a few, of these. You might be surprised how much lighter you feel.
2.) Words Worth Sharing
“As time goes by…we start to see that while some things never change, we do. We grow stronger and find ways to live with life as it is. We fix what we can and learn to live with what we can’t. Maybe we won’t ever feel completely okay – but we’re still here, still showing up, still doing our best.” ~Live a Happy Life
3.) The Follow-Up File
When I sent out the 2026 printable calendar, I accidentally left out two extras that many of you love. The first is a binder spine insert. I haven’t included it for a few years, but I received a special request to bring it back, so I did. The second is the set of 4-months-at-a-glance pages, which make planning ahead even easier. To save you time, I’ve put both items into a separate PDF that you can download and print. If you’ve already grabbed your calendar, just add these pages to your binder and you’re all set. Download the Binder Spine + 4-Month Pages PDF. I’ve also added these pages to the full calendar PDF, so if you haven’t downloaded yet, everything will be included. JUST A REMINDER: to receive the printable calendar, you have to fill out the form at the end of this post. I am unable to send it via email because the file size is too big.
4.) Gather + Savor
Easy Baked Chicken: If you need an easy weeknight dinner, this baked chicken is moist, tender, and full of flavor. It comes together in just a few minutes and pairs perfectly with almost any side dish. Serve with rice, Jiffy corn casserole, cold spaghetti salad, or rosemary roasted potatoes for a complete, comforting meal.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Place 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.) on the pan.
- Brush generously with Parmesan Garlic wing sauce, as much or as little as you like. (The sauce is very flavorful, so go light on the salt and pepper.)
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads at least 165°F.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What’s ahead on Sunday: This weekend in A Sunday Well Spent, I’ll be sharing a recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. It’s the first time I’ve combined those two flavors, and the result is absolutely delicious. The recipe makes 8 generous muffins that freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy some now and save the rest for later. Keep an eye out for my email on Sunday morning!
- What you might have missed: I sent out my last fall décor post for the year. A collection of quick, easy ways to bring a touch of autumn into your kitchen without a lot of fuss. And since September seemed to fly by, I also sent out the digital screensaver calendars for October, along with a recap of everything I posted last month.
- And speaking of October…it’s here! This just might be my favorite month of the year. I’m planning to take a little extra time for myself, sneak in another trip to see our grandchildren, and begin thinking about the holiday season ahead.
- When I featured my mom’s pitcher and bowl filled with berries last week, several of you asked about the stems I used. The blueberry vine is new, but the russet berries came from my fall décor bin and, unfortunately, are no longer available. I did some searching and found a few reasonably priced berry stems with great reviews that look just as nice. You can now find them in the Accessories section of my Fall Décor Shop.
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Hi Ann, I can’t find any blueberry vines on your Amazon list. I feel like I’m missing something!
Linda
Hi Linda…the blueberry vine is linked separately. They aren’t from Amazon. Here is the link: https://rstyle.me/+RWo02Y0XYtkBfAaV86O3xg Enjoy!
My goodness! I just downloaded the 2026 calendar, and it is SO SO SO lovely! Thank you so much for your generosity.
PS: I adore the colors/designs you used this year. I like my planners to be reasonably neutral (but still seasonal) and you really nailed it! Thank you again.
Hello and Happy October! Just wanted to pop in and state that your blog is better now than it has ever been. Thank you for all you contribute to make our days pleasant and joyful!
I’ve said this before, but must comment again. Ann, I love your new format! I may have said this before as well. I lost my husband of 50+ years very suddenly 18 months ago. After giving things a lot of thought I came up with 2 ways to survive. First, to honor my husband I decided to continue to maintain our home and vehicles just like we did together. I also revisit our favorite places even if it means eating at a restaurant alone. Secondly, like most of us ladies, I had always put others first. I made a decision to put myself first. While I no longer cook and bake like I used to I eat very healthy. I make sure to take very good care of myself in every way be it my wardrobe, travel, you name it. I had a long time neighbor that once told me that after her husband passed away after a long illness the weekends were the hardest. If I don’t have a grandchild sporting event or other family get together on a weekend with my beloved daughter and her family I make sure I have prepared a list of places to go on my own. One day I got in the car and drove over 50 miles. The other thing, ladies make up a weekly schedule of things you want or need to do and cross them off when they are accomplished. I hope my suggestions may help someone make the most of her life.
I love love the blueberry vine!
Thank you Ann! I love waking up to positive words. I noticed you have the pumpkin print on your kitchen counter! That’s the one I picked to have enlarged and printed (thanks for the link to Short Run Posters!). I’m anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. Thanks for the links, the words and the warmth!