The Curated Life No. 57

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

There is a shift that happens in September, quiet at first, then impossible to miss. The air turns crisp, the leaves begin to turn, and the weekends settle into the easy rhythm of football season and soup for dinner. Before the month is through, the first day of fall arrives and summer is behind us for good. Take these weeks slowly, and enjoy the comfort of a season made for coming home.

1.) October Is Here

Tomorrow is the first day of October, the month I look forward to all year. Here in Ohio, the air has turned cool, the trees are just beginning to change, and the garden has reached the end of its season. My perennials are finished, and the limelight hydrangeas have dried right on their stems.

dried limelight hydrangeas in blue and white pitcher watercolor

There is something satisfying about reaching this point in the year. I’m ready to put away the outdoor things, tidy up what needs attention, and prepare the house and garden for colder weather. Nothing has to happen all at once. October gives me a little time to make the shift slowly, and I’m very happy to be here. I hope you feel the same.

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“Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness, and small obligations given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart, and secure comfort.” ~Sir Humphry Davy

limelight hydrangeas drying on the stems

3.) One Last Thing From The Garden

I clipped a handful of dried limelight hydrangeas and filled a big pitcher on my coffee table. I can see it from the kitchen, and every time I look over, it makes me smile. It was such a simple thing to do, and it cost nothing. So this week, do one small thing just for yourself. Bring in a few flowers, light a candle, make a cup of tea, or put something you love where you can enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be useful or impressive. It just needs to make you happy.

4.) Gather & Savor

Cooler days always bring soup back to my kitchen, so this felt like a good time to gather some of my favorites in one place. There are recipes for creamy soups, simple stovetop soups, and a few hearty choices that make an easy supper. If soup sounds good right about now, I hope you find one to put on your menu.

kitchen counter with fall decor watercolor

5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

What you might have missed: Last weekend I shared Fall Kitchen Decorating Ideas with simple ways to bring the colors of the season into the kitchen. On Sunday, I sent the October digital calendars to my email subscribers. If you would like to receive the calendars each month, but aren’t on my list yet, you can sign up HERE. You’ll hear from me three times a week, with seasonal ideas, recipes, and simple inspiration without overwhelming your inbox.
What’s Ahead: Things are slowing down. The days are getting much shorter, and I find myself wanting to curl up in the afternoon under my grandmother’s afghan. Even so, I’m still working on a few new things. I have an easy pumpkin muffin recipe coming soon, and I’m also going to share the simple things I do every Sunday to get ready for the week ahead. October will have a gentler pace, but there is still plenty I’m looking forward to sharing.