The Curated Life No. 14

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.) The Thoughtful Holiday Guide

As the holiday season approaches, I’ll be sharing one small, meaningful step each week to help you prepare. Calmly and with purpose. My goal is to take the pressure off, one task at a time, so when the holidays arrive, you can focus on what truly matters: time with family, cozy moments at home, and the simple joy of the season. This week’s reminder is simple but powerful: start early by making your lists.

Take a few quiet minutes to jot down everything that comes to mind: gifts, cards, menus, decorations, travel plans. Don’t forget small tasks like checking your wrapping paper or updating addresses. It doesn’t have to be pretty or organized yet; just getting it all out of your head and onto paper is the first step toward a calmer season. Once your lists are started, you can refine them over time. Add details, cross things off, and let them evolve as the holidays draw closer. A little planning now will make a big difference later, and you’ll thank yourself when December feels a little lighter and more joyful.

3.) The Follow-Up File

• Every time I share a photo that features my Liberty Blue china, I get so many questions…what pattern it is, where it came from, and whether it’s still available.
• The pattern is called Liberty Blue, and it was produced in the late 1970s to commemorate the American Bicentennial. Pieces were originally given away as grocery store promotions, which makes them both charming and collectible.
• If you’d like to learn more, and see how I’ve styled it on my table, I shared all the details (and a few sources for finding it today) in this post: Blue and White Table Setting Ideas for Spring.

4.) What I’m Watching

A few nights ago, I rented Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on Amazon Prime, and ended up watching it twice. Yes, it’s a little pricey to rent, but honestly, it was worth every penny. Without giving anything away, there’s a quiet, heartbreaking moment near the end when Isobel visits Matthew’s grave that completely undid me. I had to pause the movie and take a breath. There were many moments like this scattered throughout the movie. I’ve been a devoted Downton Abbey fan since the very first episode, and I’ve watched every season and film more than once. This final chapter felt like the perfect goodbye…beautifully written, emotional in all the right ways, and a true gift to anyone who’s loved these characters from the start.

5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

• What’s Ahead: this weekend in A Sunday Well Spent, I’m sharing my Minimalist Kitchen Essentials. It’s a look at the tools and cookware I truly use every day. When we downsized, I kept only what was practical and well-loved, and over time, that list has become even shorter. If you’ve been wanting to simplify your own kitchen, this post will be a great place to start.
• What You Might Have Missed: if you’re looking for cozy dinner inspiration, I recently shared a roundup of soup recipes. All easy, hearty, and perfect for fall evenings. And if you missed it, my new post on Simple Living in Autumn offers a few gentle reminders to slow down and enjoy this beautiful season at your own pace.
• Style for the Season: every now and then, it feels good to treat ourselves to something special. I recently found a matching top and leggings outfit from Chico’s that’s quickly become my favorite thing to wear. It’s the softest brown knit, comfortable, easy to care for, and effortlessly put-together. I paired it with black and brown sneakers that fit right into my fall wardrobe, and wore the outfit to church last Sunday with a lightweight black vest. It felt wonderful. Chico’s isn’t the most budget-friendly brand, but this set is one of those investment pieces I know I’ll wear again and again. (The leggings run a little small so I went up one size.)
• Here’s to a calm week ahead and the small comforts that make it special. XO