The Weekly Muse: This Week’s Highlights

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Muse. I’m sharing a little of what filled my days lately — from an awkward birthday milestone to a refreshing salad idea and a few home décor discoveries. Grab a cup of coffee and take a stroll through the week with me.

I celebrated a birthday this week — one of those that feels a little odd to mark. Birthdays are a blessing, of course, but I admit I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this one. The cake had a telltale number that made the whole thing feel slightly surreal. Still, being surrounded by small, thoughtful moments and a few laughs reminded me how much the people around us matter more than the number on the cake.

On a lighter note, sales events like Amazon Prime Days always tempt me, even when I try to stay out of the frenzy. This year I’m hoping for a great deal on a particular item I’ve had my eye on, though I’m trying not to get my hopes up. If you’re shopping the sale, keep a list of must-haves and a firm budget — it helps avoid impulse buys while still allowing for a satisfying find.

We welcomed a new little addition to the Worthing Court family recently, and she’s doing wonderfully. The only downside? I’ve been spending so much time outside with her that I’m getting eaten alive by mosquitoes and little gnats. The bites have been itchy and relentless, and I’d love your best remedies and tips.

If you have experience soothing insect bites, please share what works for you. In the meantime, I’ve been relying on a few standard approaches: washing the area with soap and water, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for itch relief, and taking an oral antihistamine when the reaction is more pronounced. Avoiding scratching and treating the itch early seem to prevent longer-term irritation. Also, wearing a gentle insect repellent and using screens or a canopy when spending time outside have helped reduce future bites.

If you’re planning a summer meal and want something bright and cooling, try a watermelon blueberry feta salad — the combination of juicy watermelon, sweet blueberries and salty feta is wonderfully refreshing and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Toss with a light vinaigrette, a few fresh mint leaves, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a simple side that always impresses.

I also found a lovely decorative dough bowl that feels like a complete steal for the price. It’s a versatile piece that works as a centerpiece, a landing spot for keys and mail, or a base for seasonal styling with candles and greenery. Small, affordable finds like that can make a big difference in how a room feels.

One cheerful home I spent time admiring this week showed bright, bold color choices done right — a great reminder that adding personality through color can lift a space instantly. If you’re refreshing a room, consider introducing one saturated accent and balancing it with neutrals so the look stays lively without feeling overwhelming.

I’m also thinking about adding a couple of cordless table lamps around the house. They’re deceptively useful — easy to move where you need light, perfect for soft evening glow, and great for creating cozy nooks without wiring fuss. If you’re short on outlets or want flexible lighting solutions, cordless lamps are worth considering.

Finally, I admired a refined living space that showcased beautiful drapery and thoughtful finishes. Details like layered window treatments, tailored hardware and textured fabrics can elevate a room from pleasant to polished. If you’re updating your window treatments, take a moment to appreciate the impact of proportion and fabric choice; the right drapes can transform the whole mood.

Thanks for stopping by this week’s muse. I hope you find a little inspiration here — whether it’s a simple recipe to try, a décor idea to pin for later, or a reliable remedy for those pesky summer bites. Stay cool, enjoy the weekend, and I’ll see you next time!