The Curated Life No. 45

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

June has a way of arriving quietly, and somehow, all at once. It’s not quite the start of the season, and we haven’t yet reached the middle. It’s that lovely in-between month when the days stretch a little longer, the pace begins to soften, and there’s finally time to enjoy the simple things that make summer feel special. A walk in the evening, flowers on the table, a porch chair at the end of the day, or a few minutes spent doing nothing at all. June may not ask much of us, and that might be exactly what makes it so nice.

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1.) A Simpler Life

The summer months have a natural rhythm, and I’m trying to pay better attention to it. Some weeks are full and busy, with meals to make, flowers to tend, places to go, and things to finish. Other weeks are quieter, with more open space and less on the calendar. I’m beginning to see that both kinds of weeks have something to offer.

I’ll be honest and say that living in the moment does not always come easily to me. My mind tends to move ahead to the next task, the next deadline, or the next thing that needs to be done. But this summer, I’m trying to practice staying where I am. Noticing the long evenings. Enjoying what is blooming. Sitting still for a few minutes without feeling like I should be doing something else. So as June winds down, I’m giving myself permission to let this week be what it is. A little slower, a little quieter, and maybe exactly what I need. Summer does not have to be full every single day to be meaningful. Sometimes the best thing to do is simply enjoy the day that is right in front of you.

2.) Words Worth Sharing

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” ~Henry David Thoreau

3.) Amazon Favorites

• This really cute top with lace-inset sleeves. (I have the navy and it looks great with white pants.)
• My hair dryer gave out, and I replaced it with this one. It’s lightweight and easy to use.
• If you don’t have a 9×9-inch baking pan, this is my current favorite.
• I wanted to update my laundry room just a little, so I got these labeled containers. They are very cute, and look great on the shelf over my washer & dryer.
• Call me crazy, but if you want new Christmas garland, now is the time to buy. I love this Norfolk pine garland, and right now it’s a great price. The Norfolk pine branches are also available.

4.) Gather & Savor

When summer days are hot, salads are such an easy answer for lunch, dinner, or taking along to a gathering. I updated my salad recipe collection with fresh ideas for the season, including crisp lettuce salads, pasta salads, hearty main dish salads, and fruit salads that are perfect for sharing. Whether you need something light for a simple meal at home, or a make-ahead dish for a cookout, there are plenty of easy recipes to choose from.

5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

• What You Might Have Missed: last weekend, my email subscribers received two summer-focused notes. On Saturday, I sent ideas for a small entryway refresh, with simple ways to make that first spot inside the door feel more welcoming. Then on Sunday, subscribers received a brand new post about simple living during the summer months, what it means to me, and a few easy ways to bring those ideas into your own days.
• What’s Ahead: next week, I’ll be sending two updated recipes that feature one of my favorite herbs. The July digital calendars will also be ready, along with a look back at the posts, recipes, and seasonal ideas from June.
• What I’m Watching: the final episode of The Other Bennet Sister airs today on BritBox, which means the entire series is ready to watch. If you love Jane Austen, this one is truly worth your time. Waiting a week between episodes has been a challenge, so I’m looking forward to watching it again from beginning to end. Sweet Magnolias is also back with Season 5 on Netflix, although I have to admit it felt a little slow to me. On PBS, the final season of Grantchester is airing, and I can hardly believe it’s coming to an end. Also on PBS is the second season of Patience, which I loved.