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 calm midweek pause filled with simple ideas, seasonal inspiration, and little ways to bring beauty and ease into everyday life. As we begin a new year, my hope is that this space feels like a steady place to land…offering gentle refreshes, thoughtful details, and quiet encouragement along the way. I’m so happy you’re here.
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1.) A Winter Well Kept: What To Do When YOu’re Snowed In
We’ve been snowed in for the past few days, but I did my best to make the time pass quickly. I headed to the kitchen to test the cherry muffin recipe that I’ll be sharing on Sunday. It took three tries, but it was time well spent. I also made chicken and rice soup, sliders, and a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies. By the second day, I needed some diversion, so I rented the movie Nuremberg, on Amazon Prime. It was disturbing in parts, but also very interesting.
My biggest concern through all of this was losing power, which thankfully did not happen. Once again, I spent time worrying about something that never came to pass. There’s a lesson in there somewhere! Things are slowly getting back to normal now, even though the wind chills are still below zero. All in all, it was a good reminder that sometimes staying put, and keeping things simple, is exactly what we need.
2.) WORDS WORTH SHARING
“As you walk down the fairway of life, you must take time to smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” ~Ben Hogan
3.) The Follow-Up File: The Watercolors
After last week’s edition, I received a few kind notes and questions about the watercolor images I share. I want to take a moment to explain how those are made. I use AI tools and photo editing programs to create them, and they all begin with a photograph I’ve taken, or an idea that lives in my imagination. From there, it’s a process of refining, adjusting, and trying again until the image feels right. It has taken months of practice, and I’m still learning, but I truly enjoy the process. (The images of me and Millie were created with the help of an artist, but I am learning how to make them myself. I’m very excited about this next step, but I’m not there yet. When I figure it all out, I will definitely share the results with you.)
When I say I love making the watercolors, I mean just that. It takes patience, because each element is added one at a time. Sometimes I have to walk away when it gets frustrating, and come back later with fresh eyes. But if I take it one step at a time, it’s possible to create something that feels soft, personal, and true to the mood I’m trying to capture. Even though I don’t paint them by hand, the images truly reflect me and my ideas, and they’ve become an important part of how I share things here. This is a completely different skill set than art created by hand, but both can result in something very beautiful.
4.) Finding Steady Ground
This time of year naturally invites a slower pace, but even so, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough. Not being productive enough, not getting out enough, or just not quite measuring up. When those thoughts start to take over, they can quickly color the whole day, and not in a good way. That’s usually my cue to pause and take care of myself in simple ways. If I’m not feeling mentally settled, it’s hard for me to be much help to anyone else. I’ll step away for a hot cup of coffee, text or call a friend, or do something small that feels grounding. Those moments don’t fix everything, but they do help me reset. And more often than not, that small shift is enough to bring the day back into balance.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What you might have missed: For This Time of Year last Saturday, I shared the most popular little craft on the blog. Homemade Sugar Scrub is lovely gift, but it’s also something to keep on hand year-round to fight dry skin. On Sunday, I sent the February digital calendars, along with a look back at all the January content.
- Coming This Weekend: I’m just putting the finishing touches on a brand new recipe for cherry muffins, that will go out on Sunday. On Saturday, I’ll be sending my ideas on how to combine your homemaking style with simple living.
- It’s been a slower week, so I don’t have as much to share. As we move into spring, there will be weeks when I’m brimming with inspiration, and others when things feel a little calmer. Either way, with each edition of The Curated Life, you’ll always find my very best ideas, gathered up just for you. If you aren’t on my email list but would like to join us, you can sign up using the form below.
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I just love the watercolors! Will look forward to you sharing the details and what you have learned about the process.
Your post is a beath of fresh air as we continue to navigate this historic ice storm in the Nashville, TN area. Thank you!
I love all things artsy and your watercolors are just great. I’d love for you to give a tutorial on who to turn a photo into a watercolor — once you get it down pat. LOL On my table I can make a background (wallpaper) and there is a feature that lets me turn it into a watercolor but I haven’t figured out how to print what I’ve designed or even use my own photo to the tablet to turn into a watercolor. I guess we’re all learning new things, just in different way.
I have enjoyed all the watercolors on your blog. They are beautiful! I had no idea you are doing them yourself now. It must be very satisfying to go from a photo to the finished image.
Ann,
I know I have commented before but I have to say it again, I LOVE the Curated Life posts. Simple ideas that achieve subtle and manageable results. Love your recipes too. Especially when they are meals for two. We are freezing here in Minnesota too but I will say our beautiful blue sky and sunshine helps make it tolerable.
Excited for this coming weekends ideas.
Ann,
You’re very gifted and creative and thank you for always sharing that with all of us. Sending you sunshine from Northern California. (We’re finally out of repeated foggy days!)
Elese
The watercolor images are so beautiful. I really love them! I appreciate the post on Finding Steady Ground. You put into words exactly how I’ve been feeling lately and I will put your suggestions to use. Thank you!
I have followed your blog for a number of years..
I don’t live too far away… Upper Sandusky.
I’m loving the AI as well… normally Chatgpt for my images and meal plans.
Stay warm and safe dear blogger.
Love that you always keep it simple.Many years ago I painted watercolors outlined with pen and ink so I appreciate your illustrations,especially like the muted soft tones.
The watercolor prints are beautiful.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Ann, I was trying to capture the winter images also but an ad was covering the submit button after I entered my name.
I’m sorry Amy! I sent you an email.
I want to try the slider recipe but we do not like honey mustard in any form! Is there something we could substitute for the honey mustard dressing? Thank you. P.S. I LOVE your blog. I read every one from beginning to end.
Hi Christy…the two things I thought of right away were Ranch dressing or Thousand Island Dressing. Actually any cream based salad dressing would work. Caesar would be delicious as well. Let us know what you decide!
Ann,
I did make your oatmeal raisin cookies when we were hunkering down during the storm last weekend. They were yummy. Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you for your blog. It fills me with peace.
I am loving the watercolors!! So soft and beautiful 💜. Great job and thank you for sharing :)
I had been admiring your watercolor images but had no idea you were doing them! You are amazing, my friend!
Ann, the watercolors are just stunning. You are quite the inspiration. Thank you for all you contribute to so many of us. Enjoy the respite.
I’ve loved cherries all my life, and I’m excited to see your recipe!
Good Morning,
While I was scrolling through today’s post a pop up window appeared with adorable Winter images. As usual there was a name and email space to enter, I thought I could get the images. It appeared to be one sheet. There were images like mittens, snowflakes and a snowman along with others. I cannot seem to find it again. Could you please snd me a link to the winter images?
Hi Joy…I sent you an email!