Your weekly curated guide to great finds that make your home life easier, fuller, richer, and happier.

We’re not about to let these record-setting Florida temperatures beat us into submission. The dog days of Summer might be here, but Styled & Savored rolls on and is looking ahead with a fantastic backyard DIY firepit project that will have you ready (and longing) for those cold winter nights. We’ve also got home decor tips on mixing art in your home, as well as drawing inspiration from a NYC apartment makeover that will work no matter if you rent or own. We’re also continuing with our Summer reading selections with a touching and meaningful essay on observations about growing older. Summer is also the perfect time to throw an outdoor party for neighbors and friends, and we’ve got you covered with potential themes for the event. And finally, we wrap things up with some delectable recipes for frozen peach daiquiri, a cherry tomato caprese salad, key lime pie, and our beloved company president’s recipe for easy chicken pot pie. Whew!

DIY your own backyard fire pit in a weekend

The Yellow Brick Home blog walks readers through a DIY fire pit build that's cozy, budget-conscious, and surprisingly doable. Details on materials like cinder blocks, sand, gravel, and fire bricks – plus safety gear and design layout tips – are all accounted for. It’s less backyard wreckage, more backyard upgrade.

The step-by-step process includes site preparation, leveling the ground, creating a stable gravel base, stacking cinder blocks in the desired shape, and lining the center with fire bricks for longevity. Photos and notes weave in casual commentary and practical hacks like using leveling tools and rubber mallets for precision.

The tone stays lighthearted throughout – even when the article warns about not placing the pit too close to fences or overhanging tree limbs. You get the satisfying feeling of building something functional, pretty, and perfect for marshmallows or sunset chats.

By the end, you see that with planning, patience, and inexpensive materials, you can build a durable fire pit that becomes your backyard’s best friend – without hiring someone else to do it.

The art of mixing art in your home

The Chris loves Julia blog tackles the tricky task of mixing art in a home, balancing different sizes, mediums, and styles without sending your walls into visual chaos. The post explores gallery wall arrangements, the impact of scale, cohesion vs. contrast, and how to reflect personal taste without overthinking it.

The post includes real-life examples: mixing photography with abstract canvas pieces, pairing large statement art with small sentimental pieces, and grounding everything with one unifying color or motif. It also addresses hanging logistics – eye level placement, grouping asymmetrically, and giving breathing space between frames.

The tone is grounded, warm, and witty: “Think of your walls like an outfit – statement piece plus supportive basics.” There’s genuine encouragement to follow your eye: if it feels balanced to you, chances are you nailed it.

You walk away feeling elevated, not overwhelmed, with next-level wall styling ideas you can DIY using existing art or gently curated finds. Mixing art isn't scary; it’s your personal gallery, and this article makes that feel totally doable.

This apartment transformation isn’t just for tiny spaces

Apartment Therapy profiles a tiny East Village rental that punches well above its square footage in both personality and style. The tenants work within strict landlord rules – no painting, limited drilling – but still transform their home into a vibrant, organized, and highly livable space. Their secret? Smart use of removable wallpaper, layered rugs, and multi-functional furniture that maximizes both form and function.

What’s powerful about this tour is that the strategies shown aren’t limited to renters or small-space dwellers. They’re universally useful. The clever use of peel-and-stick tile for visual interest, floating shelves for storage, and mirror placement to bounce light can freshen up any room, regardless of size or ownership status. Even things like room zoning with rugs or doubling up furniture as both seating and storage can bring more intention and flow to larger or permanent homes.

The design choices reflect a deep respect for flexibility. Instead of permanent fixtures, they lean into movable pieces that evolve with your needs. Whether you’re trying to warm up a new-build house, personalize a dated condo, or rethink your home office, this story shows that creativity – not construction – is what makes a space feel truly lived in and loved.

Ultimately, the piece is a reminder that beautiful, functional design is less about square footage or ownership and more about mindset. Thoughtful details, layered textures, and a little experimentation can make any home – big or small, temporary or long-term – feel personal, expressive, and complete.

Notes on growing older

I came across Ian Leslie’s thoughtful essay-style blog post that riffs on 27 observations about aging while perusing the weekly wrap up from another of our favorite blogs, The Art of Manliness. Maybe it’s because I’m at the same point in life as Brett McKay (the founder of The Art of Manliness) and Leslie that I identified so much with Leslie’s essay. It’s part personal reflection, part universal truth. Each note is concise but introspective: from cherishing slow-paced mornings to reclaiming hobbies, from valuing memory more than minutes to celebrating the wisdom hidden in everyday routines.

The tone is warm and candid – like reading a letter from a friend who’s walked ahead a few years and wants to share what they’ve learned. There’s humor too: a note about how joints creak in places you didn’t know you had joints, paired with encouragement to savor moments rather than worry about ticking clocks.

Leslie doesn’t preach; instead, he paints a mosaic of observations: comfort in tradition, joy in small certainties, acceptance of changing priorities. The result is poignant without being heavy, contemplative but grounded.

By the end, you’re left feeling a little lighter, a little more patient with yourself and life’s pace – a gentle reminder that aging isn’t loss, it’s an ongoing story full of layers.

It’s Summer! Now’s the time to plan a neighborhood party

KBH Writing brings ideas for outdoor party themes that feel fresh – and achievable – whether you’re hosting five or fifty people. Think "Garden Tea Party," "Tropical Lantern Night," or “Rustic Campfire Table.” Each theme comes with decor suggestions (fairy lights, floral buntings, tiki torches), menu ideas, and even dress-code prompts for guests. These are perfect options for hosting a summertime party with your neighbors.

The post includes checklists for ambience – think ambient lighting, playlist suggestions (“soft jazz” vs “retro summer hits”), and seating arrangements – plus clever twists like using mismatched vintage plates for a garden party or eco-friendly bamboo utensils for tropical vibes. Even a DIY station idea – herb bouquet favors or a custom lemonade bar – makes entertaining interactive and fun.

What feels so nice is that each concept scales: you can go ultra-budget with homemade decor and recycled jars, or add on rental furniture and catered food if you’re feeling fancy. The tone is casual and enthusiastic, making throwing parties feel more joyful and less overwhelming.

By the end, you’re not just inspired – you’ve got a mini party plan ready to roll. Whether you're cozying up a backyard or tricking out a tiny terrace, the post gives you the tools to make your summer gathering feel themed, festive, and authentically you.

Cool off with this frozen peach daiquiri recipe

The Minimalist Baker serves up a vibrant frozen peach daiquiri recipe that feels like summer in a glass and would make a perfect beverage for that backyard party we mentioned above. The ingredient list is simple and includes: frozen peaches, frozen pineapple, white rum, lime juice, sweetener of choice (like agave or simple syrup), and ice if needed. It’s blended until slushy-frozen and served instantly.

The recipe includes tips for peach prep: freeze your ripe peach slices flat first, to avoid clumping, and adjust sweetness depending on peach ripeness. There are notes on rum options too – bacardi-style white rum works best for clean, bright flavor.

This daiquiri recipe is perfect for poolside afternoons or low-key happy hours—easy to scale, easy to flavor (add basil or mint if you’re feeling fancy), and dangerously drinkable.

The tone stays breezy and encouraging – “No fancy tools, no mystery syrups – just good frozen fruit, booze you trust, and a blender.” Smooth, weekend-ready, and guaranteed to quench the heat.

Cherry tomato caprese salad

Averie Cooks presents a vibrantly simple twist on the classic caprese: cherry tomatoes instead of large heirlooms. You’ll toss together 3 cups cherry tomatoes, 1½ cups bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella, ½ cup fresh basil leaves, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp capers, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper – all joined with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for the finishing touch. No fuss, no cooking, and it comes together in under 10 minutes.

The instructions are straightforward: toss tomatoes, cheese, basil, olive oil, capers, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Then drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can chill it briefly (15–30 minutes) for flavor meld, although Averie Cooks notes not to let it sit too long – salt releases tomato juice, which can make everything watery, and basil can turn brown over time.

What makes it feel so elevated is how easy it is to adapt: you can swap basil for fresh parsley, skip capers for a cleaner taste, or use a lighter balsamic vinegar if that’s what you have on hand. The article casually drops in tips like “use diced tomatoes if that’s what you’ve got,” or “go ahead and serve immediately if you’re impatient.” It’s summer hosting you can feel accomplished about.

Bright tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty capers, and fragrant basil combine in every bite, with balsamic providing the slightest sweet-tang kiss. It’s simple, fast, and perfect as a side or light main when you want fancy without effort.

Classic Key Lime Pie

Brown Eyed Baker offers a beautifully traditional key lime pie recipe that’s shallow on complexity but big on tropical charm. The graham cracker crust comes together with 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Press it into a 9-inch pie plate and bake until golden – then let it cool.

The filling is straight-up classic: whisk together 4 tsp grated lime zest, 4 egg yolks, 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup key lime juice. No starches, no extras. Pour into the cooled crust and bake until the center wobbles slightly. The result is creamy, tart, and beautifully silky.

The recipe wraps up with a whipped cream topping made by whisking 1½ cups heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spoon it over the chilled pie and garnish with lime slices or extra zest. Chill fully before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes are included on prep times, make-ahead storage (up to three days in the fridge or even freezing), and even what to do with leftover egg whites. It’s a dessert that tastes like the Keys and feels like summer in a slice.

Cory’s easy chicken pot pie

Oh, you’re in for a cozy treat with this one. Cory Winningham, the ever-resourceful President of Homes by AnnDavid, has taken a temporary break from land deals and real estate vision boards to bless us with something arguably even more comforting: a budget-savvy, time-friendly chicken pot pie recipe that tastes like a warm and hearty handshake from someone who knows how to seal a deal and season a dish.

At just under $25 total and yielding 6 servings, Cory’s easy chicken pot pie is a masterclass in culinary efficiency – no obscure ingredients, no complicated steps, and absolutely no shame in embracing store-bought shortcuts. The base begins with a rotisserie chicken (because who has time to roast their own when there are homes to build?), shredded down to its tender core. He tosses it into a casserole dish with a drained can of Veg-All mixed vegetables and half a large can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup – the kind of pantry staple that’s both nostalgic and dependable.

The real magic, though, comes in the form of Pillsbury crescent rolls. Cory rolls them out flat and gently drapes them over the casserole like a buttery blanket, overlapping edges to ensure every corner is cozily tucked in. A quick egg wash – made from two large eggs whisked into glossy submission – gives the topping its golden, bakery-worthy sheen. Pop it in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, then wrap it lovingly in foil to protect it from burning, and give it another 20-minute bake to seal the deal.

What comes out of the oven is the kind of dinner that makes you want to reach for a second helping. As my mom used to say, “It’s pretty more-ish.”

It’s hearty, nostalgic, and unpretentiously perfect. Just like Cory himself, this recipe proves that thoughtful, comforting results don’t require lavish ingredients – just a little planning, a touch of resourcefulness, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a win on a weeknight, Cory’s easy chicken pot pie might just be the real estate of dinner: high value, low hassle, and built to last.

Quote of the week: On friendship

Few things are more important in life than good friends, and the following quote is inspired by the blog post above on hosting an outdoor block party, and the opportunity to make new friends as well as strengthen the bonds of old.

“If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.”
– Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784), English author, critic, & lexicographer

That’s it for this week. Let us know your thoughts about any or all of the featured posts in this edition of Styled & Savored, and tell us what you’d like to see us cover in future editions as well.