Welcome to the second edition of The Weekly Muse, my little corner for sharing the small happenings, observations, and inspiring finds that have been on my mind recently. I enjoy keeping these notes casual and personal—think of this as a friendly update and a few ideas you might want to tuck away.
Thank you for welcoming the first edition of The Weekly Muse so warmly. Your response truly encouraged me to keep sharing these short, seasonal posts.
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Running this blog on my own can sometimes feel isolating, but it also gives me the chance to connect with each of you directly—and that’s the part I love most. Whether it’s a decorating question or a request for gift ideas, I welcome your messages and suggestions.
If there’s anything you’d like me to cover—product recommendations, seasonal decor, or a specific shopping request—please let me know. I’m always happy to respond to questions and tailor content to what you want to see.
Random Happenings
• We are finally past the heavy yellow pollen season here in central North Carolina—and what a relief! If you live in a similar climate, you know how relentless that sticky dust can be. Has your region moved past it yet?
It took me two full weekends to scrub the deck, the screen porch, the front porch, and everything on them. It wasn’t fun, but it’s so satisfying to see everything fresh and ready for summer.
• One of the sweetest surprises lately has been having my granddaughter help with the blog. I never imagined she’d be interested, but watching her curiosity and the little things we share is a real joy. It’s remarkable how many habits and tastes cross generations.
• I’m already thinking about July 4th and how to add a touch of patriotism indoors without going overboard. I prefer subtle accents—a simple wreath, a couple of striped pillows, or a blue-and-white tabletop vignette that feels festive but still refined. Do you decorate for Independence Day? I’d love to hear your favorites.
• Water damage has been a recurring challenge for us. A year after a leak in our master bath shower, we’re still restoring and repairing areas affected by moisture. The insurance covered the initial emergency, which helped, but we’ve discovered rot around a bay window that insurance won’t cover because it developed over time—an expensive reminder to keep up with regular inspections and maintenance.
• On the brighter side, our annual family beach trip is just a few weeks away and everyone is excited. We’re renting a different house this year, and the most talked-about feature is a covered deck built right over the dune—perfect for shade, views, and evening gatherings. Little upgrades like that can make a big difference for a family vacation.
Caught My Eye
Courtney’s kitchen recently stopped me in my scroll—so cheerful and well planned. The scalloped hood detail is such a lovely touch and adds personality without overwhelming the space.
image via @zigandcompany
I’ve been debating switching from Roundup to the viral vinegar-based weed-killer recipe, but after reading a helpful article on possible hazards, I’m hesitant. Natural doesn’t always mean safe for every situation—what do you use in your yard? Sharing practical, eco-friendly weed control tips would be wonderful.
Speaking of beach trips: when check-in is late and everyone arrives tired and hungry, having dinner delivered can be a lifesaver. A locally made charcuterie board is perfect for welcoming guests—no cooking, just a beautiful spread that feeds a crowd and sets a relaxed tone for the vacation.
If you travel often, search for “charcuterie board delivery for
image via @wilmingtoncharcuterie
I love the idea of a simple summer bucket list printable for kids—it keeps days fresh and encourages outdoor play. Little checklists like that are great for family routines and creating summer memories.
A current favorite is a lightweight, reversible throw—perfect for summer evenings on the porch. It’s easy to toss in the car for trips, useful for cool movie nights, and adds a soft layer to casual seating.
Light-Weight Summer Throw Blanket
I’ve always dreamed of having a backyard pool just so I could lounge on one of those oversized inflatable pool floats that look like a daybed—pure summer luxury. Even without a pool, a float like that is a lovely poolside or lake accessory for guests.
If you’re planning summer pots and planters, there are great guides for arranging containers that look abundant yet balanced. A mix of trailing and upright plants, paired with a focal bloom like geraniums, makes for low-effort, high-impact summer planters.
StoneGable
Wishing you a lovely remainder of the weekend—enjoy the sunshine, the small moments, and a little time to breathe. I’ll be back with more finds and updates soon!