Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Muse. Join me as I share the small joys, fresh ideas, and discoveries from my week—everything from quick decor tips and seasonal styling to recipes worth trying and a few personal reflections. My aim is to inspire simple, attainable changes that make your home and days feel thoughtfully curated.
This week’s random’ness
• This entry is a tender one for me. I’ve waited a few weeks to write it because it felt important to take a little time and share from the heart. This week’s Muse is dedicated to my sweet girl, Zoey.
Zoey grew ill with several complications and, after weighing our options with our veterinarian, we made the very difficult decision to let her go. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest moments I’ve experienced. I’ve had to make this choice for other pets over the years, but Zoey slipped into my life in a special way—she had a way of nestling into my heart that made her loss feel particularly heavy.
The day after she passed, I dreamt my husband came through the front door carrying Zoey in his arms, cradled like a baby. The dream jolted me awake and lingered for days. Grief shows up in small, surprising ways; some moments still catch me off guard.
I’m doing almost okay now, but there’s a Zoey-sized space in my life that will always be there. For anyone else navigating pet loss, know that it’s okay to grieve and to take the time you need. Cherished pets leave us with a lifetime of memories and a lasting place in our hearts.
• On a lighter note, yesterday we wrapped up a Mini Summer Decorating Crash Course. I hope you found the quick, practical tips useful—summer tends to be busy with kids, travel, and outdoor living, so the focus was on easy updates that yield big visual impact without a lot of time or expense.
Did you try any of the ideas in your own home? Simple swaps like lighter textiles, a few seasonal accents, or rearranging a vignette can refresh a space instantly. If you did make changes, I’d love to hear what worked for you.
Which leads me to a question: are there specific decorating topics you’d like me to cover next? Whether it’s small-space styling, seasonal color palettes, budget-friendly updates, or layered lighting ideas, I want this space to be a helpful, inspiring resource tailored to what you want to see.
• Thank you for the book suggestions you’ve shared—I’ve added each recommendation to my list. Right now I’m searching for a Bible study or commentary that goes a bit deeper; I prefer studies that unpack scripture thoughtfully rather than skim across topics. If you have a favorite in-depth study, I’d appreciate hearing about it.
Caught my eye
I’m always drawn to a beautiful ginger jar, so this styled coffee table vignette really caught my attention—the mix of classic blue-and-white pottery with a bright splash of pink feels both timeless and fresh. Small pops of color can shift the mood of a room without overwhelming it.
A thoughtfully chosen light fixture can transform a space. Whether you’re updating a living room, dining area, or bedroom, changing the fixture is one of the most effective ways to modernize a room’s personality and improve layered lighting.
I’m also excited by a skirt steak marinade with chimichurri I came across—there’s something so right about a zesty, citrus-forward marinade for summer grilling. Bright, herb-forward sauces like chimichurri make simple proteins sing and are perfect for outdoor gatherings.
I noticed an art print priced under $12 that’s surprisingly pretty and versatile—great for updating a small wall or adding a touch of color to a gallery arrangement without a big investment.
Julie at My Wee Abode shared a lovely approach to toning down red, white, and blue for patriotic styling—subtle accents and layered textures make holiday decor feel sophisticated and homey rather than loud.
There’s also a rug I’ve been seeing everywhere that grows on me more each time. A well-chosen area rug can anchor a room, add warmth, and pull colors together—an easy way to refresh a space without a complete redo.
Thanks for spending part of your weekend here. Wishing you a peaceful week ahead—whether you’re tackling a small decorating project, trying a new recipe, or simply taking time to rest.