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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 to The Curated Life…your occasional mid-week dose of style, home, and inspiration. If this is your first visit, this series is a curated blend of things I think you’ll enjoy. It’s a place for all the ideas that don’t quite fit into a full blog post, but that I still feel are worth sharing. You’ll see everything from lovely home tours and fashion picks to seasonal decorating ideas, recipes, and little ways to enjoy everyday life. My goal is to offer inspiration that helps you create a home and life you truly love, one thoughtful moment at a time. It’s meant to be a simple, uplifting pause in the middle of your week. Let’s dive in!
A Simpler Way
Under-Cabinet Lighting: Our kitchen doesn’t have under-cabinet lighting, and I often found myself struggling to see clearly when cooking or baking, especially in the evenings. Before committing to the expense and hassle of hard-wired lighting, I decided to try a set of rechargeable lights instead. I’m so glad I did. See how the kitchen looked before adding the lights in the image above.
They were incredibly easy to install with no drilling, no wires, and no damage to the cabinets. I used three lights along my counters, and I’m honestly shocked at how much brighter the space feels. (Pictured in the image above.) This option may not be the perfect fit for everyone, but for me, it’s been a simple and affordable solution that made a big difference. I found the lights on Amazon, mine are Cool White, and they’ve worked beautifully so far. (You might also notice that the cabinet doors have three different handle styles. I would love to update the existing handles with something new, but I can’t decide. What do you think?)
Words Worth Sharing
“Joy doesn’t cancel out the heavy things, but it gives you little pockets of strength to carry on. Let it in. Whenever and wherever you can.” ~Stacie Swift
Magazine-Worthy Made Simple
In this segment of The Curated Life, I link to a home tour, renovation, or makeover. After you click over and take a look, please come back and read my own take-aways…and get a few ideas for how to make them work in simple, practical ways.
First…
Click to take a look at the featured home…it’s packed with beautiful ideas. When you’re done, head back here and I’ll show you a few easy, budget-friendly ways to bring the same feel into your own space with simple touches and everyday charm.
How To Get The Look
- The upholstered coffee table in the TV room is perfection. The octagon shape adds interest, but the same look can be achieved with a simple round upholstered coffee table. See my choices below.
- I love the symmetry in the formal sitting room. The twin sofas facing each other, the pair of sitting chairs, the windows flanking the fireplace, and the set of candle holders on the mantel all add warmth and a sense of peace. I realize it would be a challenge to duplicate this entire arrangement, but adding just one symmetrical element to a room, such as a pair of lamps, matching chairs, or evenly spaced artwork, can create a similar feeling of calm and intention.
- The console sink in the small bathroom pairs beautifully with the green paneling. Even without built-in storage, it adds a charming, vintage touch that feels both timeless and inviting.
- I adore the twin beds with their denim coverlets and the charming trunks positioned just beyond the foot of each bed. Although these trunks appear to be upholstered, you can achieve a similar look by adding a thin cushion or neatly-folded throw blanket to the top of a wicker or wooden trunk.
COFFEE TABLES, QUILTS, + TRUNKS
Gather + Savor
When my grandchildren were home a few weeks ago, we made Dole Whip in my Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. It was fun to do, and they loved it! Here are the easy directions: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of Dole Whip mix, 1 1/2 cups milk, and 1 1/2 cups water. Assemble the ice cream maker and turn it on. Pour the mixture into the frozen drum of the ice cream maker and let it churn for 30 minutes. Transfer Dole Whip to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What’s ahead on Sunday:
- From My Table To Yours: a simple but bakery-worthy recipe for peach muffins.
- What’s In Season? Part 2 of my best lavender ideas.
- A Better Way: Some tips for putting together arrangements using simple garden flowers.
- What you might have missed:
- This mouth-watering recipe for Cold Spaghetti Salad.
- The cutest and so simple DIY Lavender Sachets.
- A refreshing recipe for Lavender Lemonade.
- How to make this aromatic and delightful Lavender Syrup.
- What I’m Watching: The first two seasons of Sullivan’s Crossing just arrived on Netflix. If you enjoyed Virgin River, this series has a similar feel, but with the added bonus of stunning Nova Scotia scenery. I have to admit, I was hooked right away! Over on HBO, Season 3 of The Gilded Age is underway, with four episodes currently available. And on Up Faith + Family, Season 18 of Heartland is wrapping up. It’s still one of my longtime favorites, and I was happy to see it’s officially been renewed for Season 19. Have you been watching anything good lately? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
- What do you do with your mint? Not long ago, a reader emailed me to ask exactly how I use my homegrown mint. The short answer? I use it all the time! Almost every day, I add a few fresh sprigs to a glass of diet ginger ale or mix it with tonic and a squeeze of lime…it’s simple and so refreshing. I also love using mint as a garnish in my food photos, and it adds a lovely touch to recipes like this watermelon mint salad. When the stems get long, I snip them and tuck the greenery into garden flower arrangements. It’s one of those herbs that’s as beautiful as it is useful.
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I forgot to add I love the handles over your mixer.
I love your Curated Life series so much!!
Regarding the cabinet handles. I’m planning on replacing mine as well and I cannot tell you how many different designer blogs I have read warning about handles that have the overextended ends. So many people have said “don’t get them” because they tend to grab your clothing. Mainly those located on lower drawers and cabinet doors. The handles you’ve chosen are all beautiful, but I’d vote for the handles above your KitchenAid mixer. The ends don’t extend. And they’re really beautiful!
Thank you for continuing to share your wonderful ideas with us. I especially thank you today for the quote about joy. Have a blessed weekend!
The quote is so perfect for me today! And I love the garden room with all the windows, what a dream!
Ann, thank you for your suggestion of Nexflex’s Sullivan’s Crossing. My husband and I binged on season 1 last night! We are really enjoying it and can’t wait to continue with season 2.
Love your new format and hearing from you! Have a wonderful weekend!
I am very much enjoying your posts! Thank you!
Hi Ann, hope you’re keeping well and enjoying more free time. I have made so many of your recipes and every single one is a keeper. Thank you again for your beautiful and useful posts.
Take a breath, move your feet, and simply enjoy life.
Love the handles on the right-a nice, subtle design. Also loving the new format!
The handles to the left are charming. Love those!
On the kitchen handles, I prefer the handle on the right. There are no straight metal ends sticking out. I have found the other 2 types get caught on clothing. I am enjoying your new blog.
I just adore your updated blog. It’s the perfect size,content is great and I love trying your recipes. I’m 70 and didn’t think we’d ever get around to doing another kitchen refresh but I’m using yours as my inspiration. I knew I’d do a white kitchen again. After 28 years I still love mine but it’s needing some love. I’ve been thinking of doing my island in navy too. Would you happen to know what colour of paint this is and are you happy with that choice?
Thank you so much for your lovely blog……it is so appreciated .
Donna…..A fan from 🇨🇦
I made the cold spaghetti salad for dinner last night and my husband and I agreed, it’s a keeper and so refreshing and delicious! Thank you.
I prefer plain and simple in the kitchen because there is so much going on in there so my favorite handle would be the one to the right of your microwave. As a matter of fact I’d love to have them on my cabinets instead of the dopey round wood ones I currently have. Where did you find them?
Morning Ann,
Love this new post, thanks for sending. Yes, we love Heartland too….so happy to hear there will be a season 19. We just an HGTV show called “Castle Impossible”, We only watched 2 episodes but we really like it. So far, they just have one season.
Liked the lights in your kitchen. Looks great and useful….
Have a lovely day hon,
blessings, Nellie
Hi Nellie! I love Castle Impossible too! I had been following that couple on YouTube for a while before they became TV stars. I follow a couple of other “Chateau people” so next week I will share those as well. Thank you!
The home you shared is beautiful.
I am enjoying your new pared down posts. I hope you’re feeling “joy” and have more time for yourself.
Karen B.
Thanks for the roundup! I like your thoughts. Blessings
Thank you for your ideas and takeaways from the symmetrical house
Hi Ann,
I like all the cabinet pulls shown but if it were me, I would go with the ones you have over the microwave because they would be the easiest to keep clean,