Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.
July arrived while I wasn’t looking. It began with a trip away from home, and somehow half the month is already behind me. The days are long, and most have been very hot, but July still feels like the heart of summer, settled right in the middle of the season. I plan to enjoy every day that remains, and I hope you do as well.
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1.) Thank You
Thank you for the kind notes you sent in reply to last week’s email, and for the thoughtful comments on Where I Am, One Year Later. Hearing about your own experiences, and knowing that parts of my story felt familiar, meant more than I can say. Your encouragement after our trip was so generous, and the response to Sunday’s post was just as heartfelt. I read every message and comment, and each one made me feel understood and supported. It was a lovely reminder that honesty has a way of bringing people together. I am truly grateful that you took the time to write a comment, or send an email.
2.) Words Worth Sharing
“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece, after all.”
~Nathan W. Morris
3.) Easy Everyday Favorites
- This passport holder keeps two passports safe and secure. I ordered it before my trip, and it was perfect for keeping everything organized in my carry-on.
- These compression sneaker socks are comfortable and provide just the right amount of support. I have been buying them one pack at a time, and I finally have enough to wear a fresh pair every day. They also gave me a good reason to clean out my sock drawer.
- This portable cell phone charger was so useful. It is small and lightweight, fits easily into a purse or tote bag, and was very handy while I was away from home.
- Finding travel clothes that resist wrinkles and take up very little room can be a challenge, but these pants checked every box. They are lightweight, comfortable, and came out of my suitcase without wrinkles. I suggest going up one size for a roomier fit. They look great with both tees and tunics.
- This set of packing cubes can be used with or without compression. They helped me stay organized while I packed and made it much easier to keep everything in order throughout the trip.
- See the whole collection HERE.
4.) Gather & Savor
If you don’t have zucchini growing in the garden, now is a good time to pick up a few at a local farm stand. I just spent part of the morning shredding and freezing zucchini, and it is one of the easiest ways to save some for later. My step-by-step guide for how to freeze zucchini explains exactly what to do, and once it is in the freezer, it will be ready for zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, or chocolate zucchini cake when you are ready to bake.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What’s Ahead: this month is going to be low-key. I have two new zucchini recipes to share this weekend, so I hope you open my email on Sunday and take a look.
- If you aren’t a current OSP email subscriber, we would love to have you join us. Click HERE to sign up.
- Truth be told, I am still trying to get back into some sort of routine after our trip to Alaska. It’s turned out to be more difficult than I thought. But I’m trying, and I’m almost there. Thank you for your patience, and your friendship.
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Love your blog and watercolor illustrations.
At 67 (next week), I’m simplifying my life as well. I’m a dentist, sold my practice last spring and working now two days a week for the gal who purchased my practice. It is wonderful. I was so busy for so many years working and taking care of my mom that I don’t think I could have just stopped working ‘cold turkey’. I tell my husband I need a long landing strip. I am getting there with eyes on full retirement by next spring. Your lovely blog and one other blog are the only ones I read now. They just resonate with me. Your kind and gentle manner and sweet postings are so nurturing. I love your creativity and I can see the effort you put into everything you do. As a combination introvert (by nature) and extrovert (by necessity due to my career), life can get a little exhausting so I get what you are feeling! Be kind to yourself and pace accordingly. Thank you for sharing your world with us!
Vacations, to me, always go so fast. I hope it was a very relaxing, enjoyable one. We always talked about making that trip but it’s no longer in our plans. Hubby has way too much difficulty walking. Compression socks — I found two pair a few years ago at Job Lots never again to see them there so your tip was exactly what I needed. Now I can get more and weed out my sock drawer too.
Take your time getting back into the swing of things, as we get older we want savor our time and take it slowly.
I so hear you about slowing down and editing life. Friends ask “what are you doing” or “where are you going” and I say “ I’m doing it” . I’m enjoying walking in the woods, my garden and slow morning coffee and reading in the afternoons. The simple life, gloriously simpler now. Love your blog and inspiration, thank you😊🇨🇦
Although I am tardy in sending you a note, my thoughts are heartfelt. Welcome back, Ann. I have enjoyed your blog, the only one I follow, for years. You are uplifting, kind and inspiring and I wish you lived next door. Your recipes are simple and delicious and I enjoy your decorating ideas and shopping leads. I’m glad you had a chance to get away and recharge your batteries. Thank you for all your wonderful inspiration. I appreciate you!