The Curated Life 49

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

August is still very much a summer month, even as thoughts begin to turn toward the season ahead. The heat may feel tiring, and the watering may seem endless, but cooler days will arrive soon enough. For now, enjoy the long evenings, fresh garden flowers, seasonal recipes, and every simple pleasure this last full month of summer has to offer.

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1.) The Follow-Up File Part II

Last week I shared the linen books a reader had asked about, and I mentioned the one thing I had not solved, which was where to find plain, heavy paper large enough to cover a book. Well, you came through, as you so often do. Several of you left comments pointing me toward kraft paper, along with a few other clever suggestions I had not considered, and I was grateful to read every one. It turns out kraft paper is simple to find and gentle on the budget, and it comes in both flat sheets and rolls, depending on how you prefer to work. I gathered a couple of affordable options below.

• 20 sheets brown kraft paper
• 17 inch roll of brown kraft paper
• 17 inch roll of lined kraft paper (has a subtle texture)
• All linen faux books and book boxes

2.) Words Worth Sharing

“August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know.” ~Tove Jansson

3.) Summer Garden Notes

My Limelight hydrangeas are in full bloom, and the heavy flower heads are making the stems droop ever so slightly. In the morning, their soft scent drifts all the way to the walkway. The three plants fill one corner of the landscaping, nestled against the stone, and they have become one of my favorite things about living in this home. A summer garden does not need a long row of hydrangeas or a complicated plan to feel satisfying. Sometimes just a few well-placed plants are enough. (PIctured in front are Veronica, also known as Speedwell, and Allium Millenium.)

4.) Gather & Savor

Peach season is the perfect time to make something simple and sweet. These three recipes each have something special to offer, from a classic old-fashioned peach cobbler to buttery peach shortbread bars and tender peach muffins. Fresh peaches make every one especially good, so take a look and choose the recipe that sounds best to you.

5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

• What You Might Have Missed: a recipe for a refreshing apple ginger beer mocktail, an easy apple chicken sausage sheet pan dinner, and a gentle start to August.
• Coming this weekend: a brand new hydrangea and sunflower arrangement, and a collection of seasonal zucchini recipes.