You’ve probably noticed that this blog’s tagline is “creating a beautiful life”. I love the idea of intentionally creating the sort of life I desire. But just exactly how do we do that? Let’s consider what a museum curator does and how that might apply to our own lives.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

I went to the dictionary for the definition of “curate” when used as a verb. According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

     *to be in charge of selecting and caring for objects to be shown in a museum or to form part of a collection of art, an exhibition, etc.:

Curators have traditionally been those who work in museums but the definition has broadened. I like to think of us all as curators of our own lives. We consciously select the various elements that create the sort of life we want to live. At least, that’s what we should do.

Our lives consist of many facets, all of which we make choices about.

Yes, I want to include that.

No, that doesn’t fit my lifestyle.

Here are some life categories and how we might curate what they include.

Home

Decluttering is a hugely popular topic these days. Whether you follow the rather extreme Kon Marie method or something less structured, I think we’d all agree that eliminating excess and unwanted items from our homes makes for a more pleasant home life. However, it’s all too easy to get caught up in what we should eliminate rather than what to include.

When you consider your living space, think about the items that contribute to the way you want to live in your home. Do you like to read? Then you’ll want a comfortable chair with good lighting. Do you have hobbies you enjoy? Then you’ll need space for those, including storage. A tea aficionado like myself? A good tea kettle, mugs or cups and saucers, and a selection of teas should have dedicated space in your kitchen.

I like to start with what I want in my home and then begin eliminating the things that don’t fit – either the space or the vision.

Wardrobe

Is your closet full yet you have trouble finding something to wear much of the time? Then it’s time to rethink your clothing. Ideally, everything in your closet and dresser drawers should fit, be in good condition and make you feel good about yourself when you wear it.

Many people are dramatically scaling back on the number of items of clothing they own. There are a number of resources on the “capsule wardrobe”:

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

The Capsule Wardrobe: How to Reduce Your Closet to 37 Pieces

How to start a capsule wardrobe: a guide for beginners

Menu

Most of us have heard of a capsule wardrobe but have you heard of a “capsule menu”? Shannon Ables of “The Simply Luxurious Life” developed the concept and has this to say about it:

 “Much like curating a capsule wardrobe for spring and fall, adhering to a capsule menu for regular weekly meals is a simple, but dependable way to eat well, always have on hand what you need and fuel your body efficiently.”

You can read more about it here:

A Capsule Menu: What It Is and How to Create Your Own

It’s worth considering, especially if you find cooking more of a chore than a pleasure.

Relationships

This is admittedly a tough one. We all have “difficult” people in our lives. Sometimes we can (and should) completely remove those people from our lives. Truly toxic people, especially those who are abusive, don’t deserve a place in a carefully curated life.

But what about those who are often negative, make us feel inadequate or always have drama following on their heels like a parade? If they are casual acquaintances, you may be able to avoid them but if they are family? Much harder! Only you can decide where to draw the line for your own well-being.

How to Deal with Difficult Family Members

I’d also encourage you to actively seek out relationships which enrich your life. If you have enough loving and affirming relationships, those few irritating people in your life won’t matter as much.

Social Media

This is a hot topic. Everywhere I turn, I encounter another article or podcast about digital detoxes. I personally know a number of people who have deleted their social media accounts entirely and are happier for it. It’s certainly worth considering if social media is making you miserable. On the other hand, social media can promote positive connections with others. Like anything else, it’s largely a matter of choices and balance.

A limited social media detox is a good idea for many of us. For the past few years I’ve given up my personal Facebook profile for Lent. I administer several pages and groups so I can’t leave Facebook entirely but for those several weeks of Lent each year, I don’t read anything on the newsfeed and don’t post on my page. I also try to do shorter periods of social media detox once in awhile.

One thing I’ve also been doing recently is evaluating who I follow and what I consume online. I’ve unfollowed a lot of Facebook pages and Instagram accounts. I’ve deleted many blogs and news sources from my Feedly account. I don’t spend as much time on Twitter but I plan to begin going through the people I follow there, too.

After you’ve eliminated what no longer serves you, consider searching out some positive people or pages to follow. Curation isn’t just elimination; it’s adding what feeds your soul.

Experiences

Think about the experiences which have enriched your life. Not just the big things but those small moments, too.

I love to play the piano, have afternoon tea, listen to vinyl records on our stereo, go to the movies, curl up with a good book, and stargaze in our backyard. These are all small pleasures that require little more than time and planning.

Consider the things that bring you pleasure and intentionally make time for them.

We are responsible for the life we live. We can thoughtlessly trudge through each day or we can live intentionally. I suggest the latter.

Ah, the carefree days of summer. As a child I could barely wait for school to let out so my days would belong entirely to me. I loved to spend the mornings watching favorite television shows. Later, I might play “pioneers” with my brothers and cousins. There were the countless hours spent at my grandparents’ house next door playing, sharing “sweet tea and saltines”.  And of course, lots of time to read.

Those summer days of childhood may be gone but with some planning it’s still possible to have an enjoyable season. It’s all too easy to let the days slip by and suddenly realize in September that we didn’t make the most of summertime.

I suggest creating a summer bucket list to make sure that doesn’t happen.

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Create a Summer Bucket List

1. Go swimming

If you have your own pool, lucky you! If not, there are still options. A nearby lake, community pool, YMCA/YWCA, a generous friend with a pool…

Or you can do what I’m planning to do this year. I’m setting up a large, inflatable pool in my backyard for the summer. It’s not nearly big enough to swim in but I can kick back in it and at least enjoy the water. I plan to play island music, sip piña coladas and pretend I’m at the beach.

2. Host a barbecue 

Invite some friends over, throw some burgers or steaks on the grill, and enjoy the pleasure of dining alfresco.

3. Make homemade ice cream 

We live near the peach capitol of Oklahoma and there is nothing to compare with the taste of homemade peach ice cream. I can’t wait!

4. Read your favorite children’s book

Remember what it felt like to spend an entire afternoon stretched out across your bed, totally engrossed in a book? Pull out that tattered copy of The Secret Garden, your favorite Nancy Drew mystery or, if you’re a lot younger than I am, Harry Potter. Clear your schedule and read for several hours, guilt-free.

5. Watch one of your favorite old television series from start to finish

Choose a series you own on DVD or have access to via Netflix, Hulu, etc. Start with the very first episode and watch all the way through. If you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for that!” consider substituting it for other mindless “entertainment” such as scrolling Facebook or Instagram. Or watch while on the treadmill.

I’m planning to watch Sex and the City this summer. I’ve only watched episodes here and there because we didn’t have HBO back in the days it was on television.

6. Take a road trip

It doesn’t have to be a two-week trek across the country (although it could be). A weekend trip can be fun, too. Or, if you really don’t have the time or money for a trip, just go for a long drive. Roll down the windows, blast some tunes and enjoy seeing something new.

7. Tackle a small organizing task

This may not seem like a fun thing to put on your bucket list but hear me out. There is something deeply satisfying about completing an organizing task you’ve been putting off. I’m not talking about decluttering and organizing your whole house, or even a whole room. I’m talking about something like a jewelry box, the household junk drawer, spices, or your DVD collection. Choose something that you can complete in less than an hour, turn on some music or listen to an audio book while you work.

8. Learn something new

Have you always wanted to learn how to can fresh produce? Summer is the perfect time. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making homemade tortillas or fresh pasta. Or maybe take a dance class and learn the salsa.

9. Take a “Staycation”

Even if you’re planning a real vacation, consider a staycation, as well. As Jane Austen said, “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” Whether for a week or just a weekend, vacationing in your own home can be the ultimate in true comfort and relaxation. Here are some great staycation ideas:

How to Kick Back, Relax, and Vacation at Home

10. Go to the movies

Is there anything better than sitting in a cool, dark theater munching on buttery popcorn on a hot, summer day? You don’t even have to get someone to go with you. If there is something you want to see and no one else in your family is interested or available, go by yourself.

I Went to a Movie Alone ~ and Why You Should Too

Have you ever created a Summer Bucket List? If so, I’d love to hear what’s on yours. Leave me a comment and I just might add your suggestion to my own list.

You may also enjoy these posts:

Summer Television

Sweet Tea and Saltines

Pioneer Play and Little House on the Prairie

Favorite  Children’s Books

I Went to the Movies Alone…and Why You Should Too

Summer Fun ~ 10 Things on My Fun List

Too often we equate luxury with such things as designer handbags and Italian sports cars. But the truth is we can fill our daily lives with luxury for pennies a day…or sometimes nothing more than a few moments of our time. Here are 14 affordable luxuries you can add to YOUR beautiful life.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

1. Ironed Pillow Cases

Let’s start with something I’ve talked about before and which costs nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Ironed pillow cases. Every Monday I wash my sheets and remake my bed. I then take a few minutes to iron my pillow cases. There is nothing quite like slipping between the covers of a freshly made bed and lying your head on a smooth, crisp pillow case. I don’t see it as a chore but as a little gift I give myself.

2. Fresh Flowers

This may sound expensive and it certainly can be if you buy big bouquets from a florist. However there are inexpensive sources for fresh flowers, too. Least expensive (unless you consider your time) are flowers you grow yourself. My dream is to have a rose garden plus a small garden of flowers specifically for cutting.

I do have various bulbs which bloom every year with little care from me. Daffodils, irises and day lilies were planted on our property before we bought it and I bless the previous owners each time I cut a few for my vases.

You can also find inexpensive bouquets of flowers at the grocery store. Trader Joe’s is my favorite source and I always indulge in some when my daughter and I shop there on one of our monthly grocery hauls. Our local Aldi’s nearly always has some decent looking flowers for as little as $3.99 a bunch.

And don’t totally discount your local florist. Develop a relationship with one of the floral designers and they can often steer you towards something inexpensive. I love to pick up a couple of stems of Star Gazer Lilies for my entry table because they smell fantastic. I’m friends with several people at one of our local florists and they will help me pick out a stem or two with the most buds. I then add some very inexpensive filler and have them just wrap these up for me so I can arrange them at home.

It pays to learn some basic floral design tips so you can create a pretty bouquet with whatever flowers you are able to get. If this is something you’re interested in learning, let me know. I’ve been thinking about doing a blog post on the topic if there is enough interest.

3. A Beautiful Journal

I’m a sucker for journals and notebooks. Fortunately these don’t have to be very expensive. Keep an eye out when vacationing, at museum gift shops, stationery stores, and gift shops.

Use these for gratitude journals, reading lists, diaries, ongoing to do lists, travel journals, etc.

4. A Special Pen

You’ll need a special pen to go with that pretty journal, right? There are very expensive pens available but you can also find something pretty for just a few dollars. Take a look at these beauties, for instance. For less than $10 you get three pens. These are currently in my Amazon cart.

5. A Good Pair of Scissors

You may not have thought of this as a luxury but a good, sharp pair of scissors is a true pleasure. Especially if they are attractive like these AND if you can always find them. I recently received a pair of these pretty, rose gold scissors in one of the subscription boxes I receive from Nikki of At Home With Nikki. I love them! I keep them in my office and they are off limits to anyone but myself. Buy a couple of pairs of cheap scissors for the kitchen and hide some nice ones for yourself.

6. Lavender Linen Spray

Many, many years ago I splurged on a fairly expensive bottle of lavender linen spray from France. It was in a pretty glass spray bottle and I loved spraying it on my pillow cases at night or while ironing. Soon enough, it was gone. That’s when I started making my own. It’s easy and inexpensive. Here’s how to make it:

7. Cloth Napkins

Don’t you just love opening up a starched linen napkin in a fancy restaurant and spreading it across your lap before picking up your fork? It elevates the experience from merely eating to dining. And you know what? You can have that same experience at home. They may not be huge, white, heavily starched linen napkins (although they could be). But any type of cloth napkin makes a meal feel a bit more special. Try setting the table with “real dishes” instead of paper plates and add cloth napkins for a little touch of luxury in your everyday life.

8. A New Set of Dish Towels

Go open the drawer where you keep your dish towels. What do you see? Unless you’ve just set up housekeeping it’s quite likely that the drawer is full of mismatched dish towels and dish cloths, many of which have seen better days. They may be perfectly serviceable but are they attractive?

I hereby give you permission to relegate everything in that drawer to the rag bag and purchase all new, matching towels and dish cloths. Really. Buy something pretty, give them a wash, fold neatly (you might even iron them if they are the type that can benefit by it) and put them in the drawer. Every time you open the drawer to get out a fresh towel I promise you will thank me.

9. Luxury Scented Soap

We generally use an all-natural goats milk soap with patchouli essential oil but I also have this lilac-scented soap from Caswell-Massey tucked away for leisurely baths. Indulge in something that smells fabulous and then set aside time at least once a week for some pampering. You deserve it! 

10. Expensive Perfume

Yes, you read that correctly. How does expensive perfume fit in a list of inexpensive luxuries, you may ask? Cost per use, my friend. I have worn Shalimar since high school and not a day goes by that I don’t use it at least once, usually twice. The initial purchase price isn’t cheap but if you break it down to the cost per day it’s reasonable. Many people think nothing of buying a soft drink or coffee every day. I’d rather smell fabulous.

11. Drink From a Pretty Glass

We are constantly reminded how important it is to drink plenty of water. Lots of us carry around water bottles, either disposable (terrible for the environment) or reusable. Water bottles are very handy while exercising or in the car but at home or at your desk consider using a pretty glass. Did you receive some gorgeous glassware as a wedding gift but rarely use it? Here’s your opportunity. You may not want to take part of a matching set to work but you can easily pick up something pretty at an antique shop, thrift store or gift shop. You might want to avoid lead crystal for your daily drinking glass but there are any number of other choices. How about this carafe set? (It’s lead-free.)

12. Luxury Tea or Coffee

If you drink tea or coffee and have been settling for a cheap store brand, consider treating yourself to a more expensive brand now and then. I’ve been enjoying Plum Deluxe teas recently. You can even sign up for their Organic Tea of the Month club.

If you are more of a coffee drinker you might look for something locally roasted or a private reserve blend. We normally drink Community Coffee whole bean Breakfast Blend which is around $6.50 for a 12 oz. bag. I order directly from the company and receive their emails about special offers. On our last order I tried their Louisiana Blend Private Reserve and am loving it! It’s about $3 a bag more but I will definitely be splurging on it once in awhile.

13. China Cup and Saucer

No matter what brand of tea or coffee you are drinking, I think it tastes better in a proper cup and saucer. You can pick up beautiful china cups and saucers at any antique store for very little. Or pull out a couple from your wedding china. That’s what I have done. Yes, I did break one but I found that replacement pieces of my discontinued Noritake Westport china are available through Replacements. I was able to get another cup and saucer for around $10. For me, it is worth the risk of occasional breakage in order to enjoy my pretty china every day.

14. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Fresh squeezed orange juice is a delicious treat that you can have every morning if you choose. It takes less than a minute to squeeze an orange or two and the taste is worth the effort.

I encourage you to choose one or more of these little luxuries and indulge this coming week. Or use this list as inspiration to come up with your OWN affordable luxuries. I’d love to hear your ideas.