The Curated Life No. 30

Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.

Even though February is a short month, it can feel surprisingly long. My hope is that this space offers a calm midweek pause. A place to slow down, reset your thoughts, and find a bit of comfort in simple ideas and seasonal touches. If the days feel heavy or the winter stretch feels endless, I hope coming here lifts your spirits and gives you a soft place to land for a few quiet moments.

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1.) The Follow-Up File

When I shared my thoughts on how to decorate a room so it feels finished, I had a few questions about the faux wood plantation shutters that we installed in all of our windows. They are from the Mirasol Premier Collection, and they were ordered through one of my best friends who is an interior designer. I trusted her and the installer to take care of everything, and they did an amazing job. I do have two recommendations for you that don’t require someone in the trade. My daugher has Graber shutters purchased at Lowe’s. The installer was amazing and they look beautiful. My daughter-in-law worked with Blinds to Go. Again, the shutters are wonderful and the installation went smoothly.

Upkeep is very simple. I dust them occasionally with a microfiber cloth, but other than that, there is no maintenance. It’s been over four years and they have not yellowed or cracked. They still look brand new.

One thing to keep in mind. If you install plantation shutters and then top them with fabric panels, it’s more difficult to open the shutter doors, but not impossible. I chose not to add curtains because I love being able to open my shutters wide to see our backyard, and I didn’t want to deal with fabric getting in the way.

3.) A Small Shift

Sometimes the smallest change makes the biggest difference. Bringing home fresh flowers is one of those simple acts that feels almost unnecessary, which is exactly why it matters. A small bouquet from the grocery store, arranged in a pitcher or mason jar, can soften a room and lift your mood at the same time. Many of us hesitate to spend money on something that won’t last, but a lovely bunch of flowers can feel like permission to care for yourself and your home in a quiet, meaningful way. It’s a simple reminder that everyday life is worth tending. I’m trying to give myself that permission more often.

4.) Gather & Savor

Sometimes the most satisfying treats are the simplest ones. Classic chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies never go out of style, and both are easy enough to make on an ordinary afternoon. One small habit that’s helped me is freezing five or six cookies in individual resealable freezer bags as soon as they’ve cooled. We can pull out just one or two at a time, which makes a batch last longer and keeps portions in check. It’s a simple trick, but it makes homemade cookies feel practical and easy to enjoy.

5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

• What you might have missed: last weekend was all about welcoming spring with a color that feels instantly cheerful, along with those final touches that help a room feel finished and thoughtfully put together.
• Coming This Weekend: on Saturday, I’ll be sending out the March digital calendars along with a simple recap of everything shared in February. Then on Sunday, I’ll be highlighting a complete collection of spring ideas, including a new printables package with three fresh designs and matching gift tags. If you’re not on my email list yet, I’d love to have you join us. You can sign up by filling out the form on this page.
• I want to share a short video narrated by Mike Tirico about the Winter Olympics that just ended. To be honest, I didn’t watch very much of the games this time around. I caught some of the ice skating, and I did see the final minutes of our hockey team’s win over Canada. But this five-minute recap was different. It reminded me how powerful it is to see people from around the world come together with a shared purpose. It made me feel hopeful that even in a fragmented time, there are still moments that unite us and remind us of what’s possible. It left me feeling encouraged in a way I didn’t expect. I hope it does the same for you. XO