Welcome back to the 13th edition of The Weekly Muse. I’m glad you’ve stopped by to catch up—this week brought a mix of small victories, unexpected interruptions, and plenty of cozy inspiration. From a questionable dog haircut to fall decor dreams, here’s what I’ve been up to and loving lately.
My week at a glance
This week felt like one of those stretches where the harder I worked, the farther behind I seemed to fall. Life threw a few curveballs—appointments, deliveries, and last-minute plans—but there were also simple pleasures that made the chaos worthwhile. One of the highlights was spending a relaxed afternoon with my almost-16-year-old granddaughter. Time with family is always restorative and adds perspective to a busy schedule.
There was also a small domestic adventure: my little toy poodle, Bella Grace, had her first grooming appointment. She was positively fluffy beforehand, and I’d requested a soft puppy cut to keep her looking cute and light for summer. The result ended up shorter than I expected, and for a day or two I wondered if the groomer had returned the wrong dog. It’s all in good fun—she’s still the same sweet pup, just a bit less fuzzy. If you’re debating a first grooming for a toy poodle, consider bringing a photo of the exact length you want and asking the groomer to leave a little extra to start.
On the home front, I’m inching closer to finishing my dining room makeover. I managed to sew a couple of new pillows that tie the space together—small projects like this really polish a room. I had hoped to share the full reveal this week, but a delay in shipping the lampshades pushed the final photo shoot back. It’s a reminder that even with a plan, patience is part of the creative process.
On my wishlist
I’ve been daydreaming about a few decorative pieces that would cozy up the house for fall. First are these elegant chinoiserie-style pumpkins—delicate blue and white patterns that feel classic and seasonal without being over the top. They’d make a lovely centerpiece or mantel vignette and add instant seasonal charm.
I’m also smitten with a seagrass console table I spotted—the texture and scalloped lines would bring warmth and tactile interest to an entryway or hallway. Natural materials like seagrass add a casual sophistication and pair beautifully with both modern and traditional decor. I can already picture it layered with books, a vase of flowers, and a few small decorative accents.
Fabulous inspiration
I gathered a few links and tutorials that pulled at my autumn-loving heartstrings this week. There are several smart, budget-friendly fall decorating ideas that make use of what you already have—simple changes like swapping out a few pillows, adding candles, or arranging seasonal greenery can make a big visual impact without a big spend.
I also found a mouthwatering recipe for an Easy Tart Cherry and Almond Galette that looks like the perfect way to celebrate late-summer fruit with a cozy, rustic dessert. Galettes are wonderfully forgiving—great for entertaining or a quiet weekend treat—and the combination of tart cherries with almond adds a lovely balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
If you’re planning a small DIY project, there’s a clear, helpful tutorial for building floor-to-ceiling floating shelves that maximize storage while creating a clean, modern look. These shelves are ideal for styling books, ceramics, and seasonal accents—perfect for anyone looking to refresh a living room or home office with a relatively simple weekend project.
Thank you for spending a little time here with me. I hope you find a spark of inspiration—whether it’s a recipe to try, a small decorating idea to refresh a room, or a weekend project that motivates you. Wishing you a peaceful and creative week ahead, my friend!