The Curated Life No. 40

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

May always feels like a turning point. The house begins to shift into a lighter rhythm, and the days seem to offer just a little more time to enjoy it. The porch is ready for summer, the living room has been refreshed, and meals have taken a simpler turn with fresh salads in place of cold weather soups. Evenings are stretching out in the best way, and I find myself wanting to make the most of them before the heat settles in. There are herbs waiting to be planted, small projects being checked off, and a quiet sense that a new season is settling in nicely.

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1.) Garden Notes

I kept my herb garden very simple this year and planted just the ones I use most: rosemary, thyme, lavender, mint, and basil. From start to finish, it took less than an hour to put everything together, which made it feel easy and manageable right from the beginning. It’s just right for what I need, and watering has been almost effortless. I’ve had these planters for many years, so they are no longer available, but I did find a very similar schnauzer statue and the St. Francis in case you’re looking for something along those lines. (The St. Francis statue sells out, and then it comes back in stock. If it’s currently unavailable, here is something similar.)

2.) Words Worth Sharing

“The happiest people I know don’t have perfect lives; they just don’t hold onto things longer than they need to. A bad moment doesn’t define the rest of their day, their mood, or their identity. They feel it, learn from it, and let it pass. That’s the difference.” ~Vex King

3.) Everyday Favorites

• I just got this stunning book and I’ve been reading one chapter a day. I want to make it last as long as possible.
• If you travel with minimal jewelry, this little case is perfect.
• This t-shirt dress is comfortable yet classy. It’s well-made and the fabric is substantial. Runs true to size. If you like a roomier fit, size up.
• If you prefer not to wear shorts in warm weather, these pants are the answer. They are lightweight and wash beautifully. They run true to size, but I sized up for extra room. (I wanted more of a cropped look, so I ordered petite. They look great with sneakers.)
• This sleeveless top is very cute, and has a traditional fit. It’s designed with really nice coverage, so you don’t have to worry about straps showing or adjusting throughout the day.

4.) Gather & Savor

I recently updated my white sangria mocktail, and it’s one of those recipes that feels just right for this time of year. It’s light, refreshing, and so pretty in a pitcher, especially when served with fresh fruit. It’s a simple way to make any gathering feel a little more special.

5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

• What You Might Have Missed: on Saturday, my email subscribers received my best tips for arranging peonies. On Sunday, I answered the question we always ask when we’re invited to a party or gathering. “What can I bring?”
• Warm weather has finally arrived, and it feels like it’s here to stay for a while. I’m slowing down just a bit and making an effort to savor these nice days as they come. I still plan to send my usual three emails each week, and I have some new ideas in the works, including recipes, a post on growing rosemary, and a few thoughts on simplifying summer. My hope is that when I land in your inbox, it feels like a small pause in your day, with something simple, useful, or encouraging to take with you.
• If you would like to join my email list, you can sign up here. XO