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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!
1.) A Simpler Way
One of my favorite parts of summer is growing herbs. There’s just something about it that feels grounding, and it’s a true simple pleasure. I love the fresh scent when I brush against the leaves, the way herbs look tucked into my patio pots, and that little sense of accomplishment when it’s time to harvest. Basil, in particular, has become a favorite. It’s easy to grow, and beautiful to look at.
I recently updated my basil growing guide, and I’d love for you to take a look. It’s been completely refreshed with new images, better organization, and helpful tips to make your basil thrive. Whether you’re starting with a plant, or trying your hand at propagation, it covers everything that makes this herb so enjoyable to grow…and how to use it in your kitchen all season long.
2.) Words Worth Sharing
“Anxiety is often a reaction to living too far in the future. Come back to now–where your feet are, where your breath is, where your power lives.” ~A Conscious Rethink
When I read this quote, it really hit home. I catch myself worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet…more often than I’d like to admit. If you find yourself doing the same, please know you’re not alone. We’re in this together, and we’ll find our way, one grounded step at a time.
3.) 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…
This home is full of cozy corners and inspiring design. Click through to explore, then return here for a few easy ways to recreate the feel in your own home without spending a fortune.
How To Get The Look
- I’m in love with the simple desk tucked into the eating area of the kitchen. What really caught my eye is the tall built-in cabinet beside it. I think it’s a brilliant way to add closed storage without making the space feel heavy. If you have room in your own home, this look could be recreated with stock cabinets and floating shelves for a budget-friendly alternative that still feels custom.
- The grouping of vintage-style paintings over the two-tone credenza is simply charming. This type of artwork is becoming easier to find…there are even beautiful options on Amazon. And while the credenza itself looks quite high-end, the look could easily be achieved by refinishing a piece you already own or by giving a thrift store find a fresh coat of paint.
- One of the cleverest details is how the mudroom is built into an awkward, angled corner. It’s a great reminder to look for underused spaces in your home. With just a bit of board and batten, a shelf or two, and a few sturdy hooks, you can create functional storage in even the most unexpected spots.
- Although I often stick with neutral colors for my own walls and cabinets, I love the way this home blends painted finishes with warm wood tones. The contrast adds character without feeling busy, and the result is both cozy and curated. It’s proof that thoughtful details, not big budgets, make a home feel special.
Vintage Style Artwork
4.) Millie Update
So many of you write to ask how our little dog Millie is doing. The answer is she’s doing great, as you can see from the photo above! She’s feisty, funny, and full of personality. At just 3 years old, she can be a bit of a handful in the evening, but she’s the best company during the day. To be honest, I’ve occasionally questioned our decision to get a second dog after Kelly died. Sometimes I wonder what we were thinking, but at the end of the day, she’s ours. She’s not perfect, but she is so deeply loved.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What’s ahead on Sunday: I’m sending out the digital calendars for August, along with a quick look back at everything I shared in July. It’s a great way to catch up and revisit anything that slipped by.
- What you might have missed:
- this super delicious recipe for peach muffins
- how to make homemade herbal tea
- this lavender lemon bread recipe
- my updated (all new pics) and fresh tips for arranging garden flowers
- What I’m Watching: I recently watched Nonnas on Netflix, and it was an absolute delight from beginning to end. It’s one of those rare films that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. If you’ve lost a parent, as many of us have, the emotions woven throughout this story will feel especially meaningful and familiar.
- One More Show: There’s a new program on HGTV called Castle Impossible. It follows the story of a young woman who literally inherited a castle in France, and how she embraced the challenge of this life-changing gift. I found this woman and her now-husband a few years ago on YouTube, and when I saw they had their own TV show, I was very happy for them. The first season has wrapped up, but you can watch the whole thing on HBO/max. (You can get HBO as an add-on channel via Amazon Prime Video. If you decide to sign up, make sure to watch The Gilded Age too!)
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Ann,
I made the peach muffins tonight for supper. They were yummy!!! Also, I enjoyed watching the Castle series this season. It was quite interesting and they did a wonderful job on their renovations.
Ann, I absolutely love your new format The Curated Life❤️. It is so relaxing to read. Doesn’t feel like information overload. Just perfect. When I read your posts it feels like I am sitting down with friends for a chat… whether sharing a tip, decorating idea or even a new nummy recipe and of course pictures of the kids even if furry😉 By the way my Lodge pan arrived… I see cake in my future😊
Ann
My husband loves all of your recipes. I have made so many of them and the first question he asks is “is this Ann’s recipe?” When I say yes, his comment is then it has to be good.
Karen
Hi Karen…this made me smile, and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It made my day
Ann
I started following you many years ago and love you have gotten back to simpler things. Thanks for great ideas.
So enjoying your new look! It appeals to me as I have had several life changing happenings in my life that have been time limiting. I lost my husband, son, and dog all within months of each other. The aftermath is sometimes overwhelming at times. But, your new look I can do and just sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy a nice break.
You are a source of grounding for me as I stepped out of one life in seconds to a new life. You bring me back to what has always made my heart happy,
Simply love Millie! She is a doll and she knows it! Well, I love anything with four legs. I am still a farm girl!
At 90 years, I still have a love of a beautiful, comfortable home. I still manage a 3,000.00 plus sq. foot house with yard, etc., etc., etc.
I love cooking and sharing food and entertaining. What a joy. You help me stay on my track and keep focus at a difficult time. Your quote today was good for me.
Loving The Curated Life, Ann. It makes me slow down, sit quietly, and digest everything in each session.
Did I miss it? Can you tell us about those basil “cubes” in the picture. They almost look like butter (?). I make pesto in ice cube trays, but these don’t look like pesto. Thanks! Enjoying your new format.
Hi Jeannine…just click on the link to the Basil guide that I included in the post. All the information is there. Those cubes are basil frozen in olive oil! They are wonderful. XO
I have followed you for years and have always loved your down to earth approach to decorating and life itself. Your new series is wonderful and I enjoy all of it! Thank you for sharing so many great ideas.
I especially related to ” The words worth sharing” this week. Its nice to know others do the same. Love hearing about Millie…. maybe you could additional segment on her?
I agree… Life with Millie❤️
It’s funny you included that quote. I always remember a quote by Ru Paul who said (kind of crudely) that anxiety is tomorrow pissing on today which I thought was spot on. Stop thinking of what could happen and just breathe when it gets to be too much.
Oh my gosh thank you for sharing!
I loved your ideas and Millie is gorgeous!!!!!!!! God bless.
The featured house is beautiful. My problem is I have a very tiny kitchen and when two people are in it, it’s a tight squeeze. I dream in vain of a kitchen like the one in the featured house but it’s still nice to see what loveliness is out there anyway. P.S. I love the quote.
The picture of Millie made my day! What a cutie!
Love the quote – try to be calm but it is a struggle some days. LOVING Castle Impossible and the Gilded Age, too. Thanks for all the good tips, recipes, and quotes!
Bravo, Ann! It is a high-spot in our mailboxes. Well done! — Maureen
I love everything about The Curated Life, Ann. Today I especially love the quote about anxiety. I too struggle with anxiety at times, and this quote really hit home. It will be a great help to me. Thank you!
I am so enjoying your new format and the Wednesday’s posts!
I love your new posts. I perused the cottage, but as we get older all the upper storage is useless. I have downsized and all my upper cabinets are empty. It’s not safe to get on a ladder…and what’s up there must not be needed if I can’t reach it. As you age you will notice understand. Show us how to handle this
I always enjoy and try your recipes…thank you for posts.
And yes the castle remake is fun to watch…all your tv and books are good recommendations.
Your comment regarding anxiety really hit home as I am awaiting test results. My mind has gone to the dark side! Thanks for the reminder to take it one day at a time.
I’m really enjoying your new Wednesday format! It is beautiful & fresh! I love that you continue to address same topics!
Thank you!!
I enjoy your new Wednesday posts.
Ian and Daphne of Castle Impossible have their own YouTube channel called Beau Chateau with videos going back three years. Enough short videos to keep us entertained until hopefully season 2 begins on HGTV! Plus, they’re now married.
We had three schnauzers in our life, and each one’s personality was different! Love your new format.
If you like Castle Impossible check out Restoring La Chartreuse on YouTube. It’s a young couple restoring their historic French home. They are quite impressive!
I so enjoy your posts. I have lavender and chamomile from my garden drying right now and will be harvesting mint and lemon balm in the next few days so will be trying the tea recipes for sure. Thank you so much and have a great week.
I’m loving your new format so much! Thank you! Have a beautiful day!
Good morning Ann,
Wanted to let you know I’m enjoying your new online presence and format. It’s simple and easy to ready through, still full of your wonderful content and pictures.
Thank you for making our days more beautiful! ❤️
Beautiful, Simply Beautiful!