Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.
March feels like a fresh page. The light lingers a little longer each evening, and on March 20th we welcome the first day of spring. That alone gives us something to look forward to. No matter what is happening beyond our doors, daily life continues. Meals still need to be made. Homes still need tending. Small touches still make a difference. I hope this space feels steady and encouraging. A quiet pause in the middle of everything else. A reminder that simple things still matter.
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1.) A Small Gift, A Bigger Purpose
Many readers first joined my email list for a free printable. If that’s you, I’m so glad you stayed. I have always loved creating printables. There is something satisfying about a simple piece of art that can be tucked into a frame, added to a clipboard, or tied onto a gift. And now that I’m spending more time working with watercolor images, I feel like the quality has grown right along with me.
But the printables have never been the whole story. My heart has always been in the everyday. Simple meals. Fresh flowers on the table. A room that works better than it did before. Small changes that make life feel calmer and more manageable. The printables are one small part of that. They are a finishing touch. A little extra. The deeper goal is helping you create a home and a life that feels steady and satisfying in this season. If you came for the art and stayed for the rest, that means more to me than you know. You can always find the full printable library on the Printables page if you need something new for the season.
2.) Words Worth Sharing
“I want days without a schedule to keep. Hours left open for unplanned adventures. Moments of true stillness. I want a life outside of our busy schedule — a life with time to live.” ~Brooke Hampton
3.) the look for less
I recently came across a set of five pillow covers that immediately caught my eye. They weren’t perfectly matched. The sizes varied, the fabrics were different, and the mix felt layered and interesting. It was one of those combinations that looked collected over time.
Then I saw the price. The set was $398.
Instead of closing the tab and forgetting about it, I paused and asked myself why I liked it so much. It wasn’t the brand. It was the mix. So I went to Amazon and searched for similar pillow covers in soft blue and neutral tones. I chose different textures and sizes, just like the original set. The total came to under $90.
When something feels out of reach, don’t assume it’s impossible. Take a little time and look for the idea behind it. There is often a way to recreate the look in a way that fits your budget. It just requires a bit of patience and a willingness to think creatively.
4.) Gather & Savor: Lighter Suppers For The Season
As we move toward spring, I find myself craving lighter dinners. More vegetables. Simple pasta. Meals that feel fresh but still filling. None of these are complicated. They’re just dependable meals that bring everyone to the table. If you’re looking for a few easy meatless options, here are some favorites that work especially well this time of year:
• Add shrimp to this pasta salad for a simple, satisfying meal that feels just a little special.
• Make this spaghetti salad and fill it generously with fresh vegetables. The more color, the better.
• A batch of homemade spaghetti sauce served over pasta is always comforting, even without meat.
• French bread pizzas are perfect for a casual supper. Skip the pepperoni and load them with vegetables and cheese.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What You Might Have Missed: last weekend I shared the March calendars on Saturday, and for A Sunday Well Spent we welcomed the new month with a collection of spring ideas. There were simple decorating touches, gardening inspiration, and even a little bit of Easter. It felt good to have something to look forward to.
- Coming This Weekend: on Saturday I’m sharing an updated look at the paint colors we used in both of our homes. Then on Sunday, there will be a brand new collection of simple side dishes that make meal planning easier and more enjoyable.
- Join the OSP Email Community: if you aren’t already an OSP email subscriber, I would love to invite you to join us. I send just three emails each week. They’re never overwhelming, and always centered on simple ideas for home, food, and everyday living. If you’re interested, you can sign up by filling out the form below.
- I hope you found something here that brightens the days ahead. Whether it’s a simple meal, a decorating idea, or a printable tucked into a small frame, the little things often make the biggest difference. Thank you for being here and for spending a few minutes of your week with me. XO
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Love your content. I’m on my own journey of slowing down and living more intentional. Bless you.
Love your pillows, Ann! They look so nice on your sofa. Thanks for sharing. Your home is beautiful and so cozy. Always enjoy your posts!
I love your new sofa! And the pillows look fantastic on it! Will you give the details on the sofa? Your posts are always wonderful!
Hi Christianna…I purchased the sofa at a local furniture store. The brand is England. Here is a link where you can get more information: https://www.sofasandsectionals.com/baylor-88-sofa-6250-100-fabrics-by-england-furniture Thanks!
I always enjoy your watercolors. They are always a fresh look for me.
Love the grouping of the artwork on your picture mantel. Maybe tell us more about the collection?
I always love your emails. They are like a breath of fresh air and the printables!! The best and the watercolors are just a soft serene beauty!! Happy almost spring!!! Now if the sun would shine :)
Just wanted to say how much I love your postings! You are my favorite….I never delete them if I’m in a hurry as I do many others that I subscribe to. I print a couple of your monthly sayings the monthly calendar and try several of your recipes.
Just wanted you to know you always bring good vibes to my day!
Judy
Good morning, Ann.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life with all of us. I look forward to your posts and the varied subjects they cover.
Also you’re a very gifted artist. Your Printables are so lovely and heartwarming in more ways than you may realize.
Many thanks! Elese
I run a rental home on the shores of Lake Michigan. I always look at your recipes and decided this year I will make your Blueberry Muffins to give to our renters on Sunday mornings as an extra bonus. They look so yummy! Thank you for the recipe!
Love your blog…..I get excited when I see it on the days you post. Your decorating style, watercolor prints, recipes, fashion is all calm and wonderful. Thank you for your uplifting spirit!
Ann, I can see why the collection of “mis-matched” pillows caught your eye. You have such a good eye for design and color.
My question is, the taupe striped pillow looks nice with your tan/beige sofa.
My sofa is gray. Do you think the taupe/neutral stripe would look out of place?Would you suggest the pillow with gray stripes, blue stripes? I feel like these would be too dark, and take away from the neutral feel.
Hi Rose…the striped pillow cover you are referring to comes in several other colors, including gray. So I think that would be perfect with your sofa. It’s got wide light beige stripes, which would work well and still keep that neutral feel.
I love reading this blog. It is a sunshine! Thank you for your efforts. Bless you
PS Have you written about how you do the watercolors? I feel like I must have missed something if you had.
Wonderful ideas and recipes. I love your posts….more calm, fewer clicks.