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Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.
Welcome back to The Curated Life…a midweek pause filled with simple ideas, seasonal beauty, and little things that make everyday life feel more intentional. Whether you stop by every week or this is your first time, I’m truly glad you’re here.
This space is where I gather the things that don’t always make it into a full blog post, but still feel worth sharing. You’ll find home inspiration, recipes from my own kitchen, thoughtful tips for living well, and whatever else has been on my mind lately. So grab a comfy spot, and let’s take a look at what’s inside this week.
1.) Magazine-Worthy Made Simple
I came across this so lovely Notting Hill house, and it’s full of little details that make such a difference. Take a look, and then come back here for a few simple ideas you can borrow for your own home.
How To Get The Look
- Lights above art: picture lights instantly make framed art feel special. They don’t need to be hardwired. Battery-operated versions are easy to find and simple to use.
- Picture frame molding: adding molding to walls gives a room more depth and character. It looks high-end, but if you can measure carefully, it’s a doable DIY project.
- Try Tassels for a Fresh Touch: I picked up a few different tassels in varying sizes and added them to our fall foyer decor, and I love the effect. Tassels are such an easy way to bring a little personality and charm to cabinets, drawers, or even baskets. The best part is how flexible they are. You can experiment with different sizes, colors, and textures to see what works. Swap a neutral tassel for a colorful one, or try a chunky style in one spot and a slimmer one in another. Because they’re so simple to attach and remove, there’s no commitment. In just a minute, you can change the look and feel of a space without spending much or making a permanent change.
2.) Finding Steady Ground
Finding Steady Ground is a new space in The Curated Life where we’ll pause and talk about the harder emotions we all carry from time to time. Whether it’s worry, sadness, or simply feeling out of step, my hope is that this little corner offers perspective and encouragement. Life isn’t always easy, but together we can look for steady ground, and small ways to move forward with hope.
I recently read these words: “Somewhere in the middle of our happy moments, we all sigh a little, in the memory of someone we miss.” ~Suprita Sengupta
It’s true, isn’t it? Joy often comes with a quiet reminder of who we wish could still be here. When that happens, I try not to push it away. The people we miss are part of us, and remembering them, even in the middle of happy times, can be a blessing. If you pray, it’s a good moment to ask for grace. Let yourself remember with love, take a deep breath, and then gently return to the present. It doesn’t erase the ache, but it can help us carry it with peace. And sometimes, peace is the greatest gift of all.
3.) Thank You
I’m so grateful for all the kind words and encouragement you’ve been sending my way. To be honest, I was very nervous about changing the way I share here and in my emails. I knew I was floundering, and I knew I had to redirect my focus. It just took me a little time to figure it all out. One of the most rewarding parts of this new format has been seeing your comments return. For a while, they had nearly stopped, and I can’t tell you how much it means to hear from you again. This experience has reminded me that even when doubts creep in, it’s worth taking a chance. You just might end up with something truly wonderful.
The Curated Life is still very much a work in progress, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. As the seasons change, I’ll be introducing new segments that focus on seasonal beauty, simple living, and little ways to create a happy life. We’re off to a wonderful start together, but I truly believe the best is yet to come.
4.) Gather + Savor
Apple season is here, and over the years I’ve gathered quite a collection of recipes that celebrate it. Most are desserts, but you’ll also find a few lighter options like salads, muffins, and bread. A reader favorite year after year is my mom’s apple salad, a simple recipe that’s been in our family forever. Whether you’re craving something sweet or something fresh, there’s plenty of inspiration to help you enjoy this season’s best fruit.
5.) Things Worth Mentioning
- September is just around the corner…so I’m taking the plunge and decorating our home for fall. I’ll be refreshing the front porch, and adding bits of autumn to our living room. And of course, I’ll be sharing it all with you. Here in Ohio, fall is definitely in the air…and I’m ready.
- Who I follow on YouTube: when I need to unwind, I often grab my iPad, open YouTube, and scroll until I find something that catches my eye. I don’t follow very many channels, but these are a few of my favorites:
- Château de Purnon: for the past five years, a delightful couple has been bringing an enormous French château back to life. They just shared a new video highlighting their journey so far, and I loved every minute of it.
- Roaming Wild Rosie: I’ve also been following this woman who bought a small home in rural Sweden. She shares glimpses of her renovations, gardening, and the peaceful rhythms of quiet country life.
- CBS Sunday Morning: their channel posts every new story, and I enjoy not only keeping up with the latest segments, but also wandering through their archives for timeless features.
- What You Might Have Missed
- I shared a new recipe for Pecan Bread with Maple Syrup, which is perfect for early fall baking. I also gave our foyer a quick refresh with rustic accents pulled from things I already had on hand. And in Saturday’s edition of This Time of Year, I shared some simple fall front porch inspiration to help you welcome the season in style.
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Ann,
I can’t wait to try the Maple Pecan bread. I have shared the recipe with a few friends and they love it!
I just love the easy to read and simple new format. Sometimes life gets in the way when I am checking my facebook. In the past it was at times a lot to figure out where I left off.
I read your posts faithfully. Sorry if I don’t always comment. It’s been a tough few years with the loss of three sibs.
I live in the Twin Cities. Today my husband and I paid our respects at Annunciation School where children attending mass and praying were shot at from a window in the church. My heart is numb from all the sadness and fear of what these beautiful little ones have gone through, their families, teachers, church staff, our first responders and the community. Two have passed. Over 1,000 flowers, ribbons, therapy dogs and easily well over 100 people there.
Baking is a great way for me to distract from sadness. Love your recipes!
Ann, Thank you so much for your post. There were so many things I enjoyed!
You are amazing.
Good morning, Ann! Thanks for sharing the Pecan Maple Bread recipe! I am looking forward to trying it. I have made some of the other delicious recipes that you have shared such as chocolate chip cookies and appreciate having tried and true new ones. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
I am loving this new format, it is like a nice chat with a friend. Thank you! I have used a few of your recipes in the past and plan on continuing to try some that you post now, I have not been disappointed. Again, I am loving the slow easy feel of your blog these days.
I love your new comment! So refreshing and helpful with ideas on decorating and recipes to try without major steps and ingredients.
I enjoy your new format. Thank you for making some changes to accommodate where you are at the moment and not quitting the blog altogether.
Have a lovely week. Autumn will be here soon. Yay!
Karen B.
I love your new format and look forward to your Curated Life posts every week. When it feels like so many bloggers are just trying to sell me things, yours are refreshingly personal. I especially like the beautiful homes you share and that you give ideas on how to translate the look into our own homes. It’s helpful and inspiring.
I too love the new format! I hope you continue to share what you are watching because my husband and I always enjoy your selections. Peace to you and all of your followers 💕
I love the new format! It’s new and fresh again. I think you are on the right track. I do love the new logo done in the watercolor style. After 32 years in our home, we are moving, so the next few months will be decluttering and packing. I am excited about a covered front porch that I can decorate. I have always loved your porch decor.
I love the new format! I feel like it’s a breathe of fresh air every time I pull up your blog. I appreciate the courage it took to make a big change! Looking forward to all the new information.
Ann, I love your new format! Thank you for “A Curated Life”. I had just a moment like you mentioned in your latest post. Your reminder to remember, pray and ask for Grace was just what I needed.
I’m in Arizona and 100 degrees still. Enjoying looking at my Pinterest file of Fall inspiration for cooler weather. Time to create for days ahead.
Looking forward to following you along in your changes ahead.
Love the new look. So inspiring. One question. Will you no longer be sharing your monthly calendars for phone screens. I absolutely love these. Good luck going forward. 😊
“Somewhere in the middle of our happy moments, we all sigh a little, in the memory of someone we miss.” ~Suprita Sengupta This really really spoke to me! Having lost my sister, my bestie, to ovarian cancer, I was lost for a long time (it’s been 3 years). I feel like I’m just now coming out of my fog. But the emptiness and that hole that can’t be filled will never go away. Thanks for reminding me that other people are in the same boat. Feels very lonely sometimes!
I have really been enjoying your new format. I grab a cup of coffee and read it. Your mom’s apple salad is so much like one I have made for years. I do throw in a handful of craisins. They add a little different texture to it and I do love them! This was something my mom would make too! Keep the inspirations coming!
I love your new format Ann.
Ann, I always enjoy your posts-delicious recipes (just made the rainbow roasted veggies), decorating without a huge outlay of money for every season, practical ideas for those of us who are downsizing our homes & storage space, gardening & porch ideas. Thanks so much!
It is so hard to change and thank you for trying a new way of reaching out to us readers!!
I love the new format 🫶
Ann, I truly love and enjoy your blog and new format and look forward to your posts. The graphics and photos are beautiful (love the sweet sketch of you), as well as your writing and the varied topics. I have learned so much about finding contentment in these years of empty nests and losing family and friends. Thank you for your openness in sharing.
Loving the new format,graphics and that you keep it simple.
I also love tassels and have them around my home.
I love the new format!! As a blogger myself, my favorite posts are the ones that cover a little on a few topics, rather than a huge makeover, etc. You were smart to remove yourself from the Wishlist. Lovely ladies, but that format had grown stale. Best wishes on your new format. You are one of my all time favorites!
Ann, I have followed your blog for quite some time now, and I am really enjoying your new approach. Your new format is a welcome break from some blogs that are often trying to grab you to buy something in every post.
The art work accompanying your blogs is fresh and pretty.
Thank you!
Thank you for helping me.. and perhaps everyone else, find steady ground.
We lost our daughter 2 years ago and my husband last year. I still find it hard to go to those certain places that were always fun to go to with Lori or Glenn. Maybe I need to return to those places to “find” them again in those special memories!!!
I love the new finding steady ground segment. I enjoy reading other people’s perspectives on things we all deal with.
Ann, I have been enjoying your wonderful blog for years. You always have such thoughtful and interesting posts. Thank you for all of your hard work in putting these posts together.
Ann, I truly enjoy your new format! I now look forward to reading your posts. I can tell the hard work and thought you put in each post. So informative, inspiring, and fun.
I really enjoy this new format! I’ve followed you for a long time but came to view the joint effort as a group of bloggers trying to make money without much original content. Thank you for being willing to try something different.
I really love this new format – so simple yet packed full of wonderful treats! I’ll be making the bread this weekend and looking forward to your fall decorating posts, which always inspire me.
I’m really enjoying your new format! The graphics are beautiful! I have always enjoyed your approach to decorating and look forward to every post!
That Pecan Bread seems perfect for the season! Thanks Ann! 😊
I like how much more personal these posts feel. Much appreciated as AI starts to take over & write everything for us!
I love your new graphic of yourself and I appreciate your content. It feels like a calm in the storm in the best ways…
I Love your new blog format! I love that there are fewer posts to keep up with and seem to always be just what I needed. I also love your recipes, although I’ve been cooking and baking for 50 years, I need to find new things for the two of us and you’ve been an amazing inspiration. Thanks so much and many blessings to you ❤️
Life can be so busy, and the pauses I get to think on happy things while reading your blogs have been so enjoyable, especially lately. Thank you for being a messenger of peace in my corner of the world.
I have enjoyed your blog for a long time. Keep on.
I love your new format! Thank you so much. It’s a joy to read!
I can’t wait to make your Mom’s Apple Salad.
I do love the NW format! So fresh! Just like another person said, I really enjoy that we are in the same season of our lives and I can relate to what you share😍
I absolutely love your new format! It really caught my eye! So lovely!
I looked forward to Saturdays On The Porch for years and will look forward to your new journey 💕
Love the new format, you’re doing great and I appreciate that we’re all at the same point in life. Sending a big hug!
I bought tassels back in the early 2000’s when they were the rage and still have them out because I love them. I thought they were passé but glad to know they aren’t. I do love the look of English interiors as they are not afraid of color and pattern. That’s how I like my home. Nice post
Thanks for today’s post! I love the notting hill home! I could just move right in and feel at home! Your new platform is perfect! The sketches of you are sweet! Content always of interest! The pecan bread with maple syrup is next on my baking list! Thanks for sharing all of this with everyone!
Everything is excellent once again. I look forward to each post.
I’m fairly certain I commented a week or so ago about how much I love your new format – and on so many levels. What you said today about holding on to the memories as we live our lives was a comfort as I am struggling through great loss. Just now things are bittersweet. I can’t seem to find the peace we all crave. Maybe someday. Your spot here on the internet is a comfort. Please know that.