Masterpieces Magazine #04

Welcome to the Masterpieces of my Life Magazine, a monthly newsletter, which reviews current trends, doings and happenings. The focus of the newsletter will give a peek behind the scenes around here, share curated content and provide digest communication. Welcome to the April edition.

As part of my Intentional one little word for the year, I am adding a monthly newsletter on the blog to bring mindful thoughts and purposeful information, including trending content, on-line inspiration and virtual love for my loyal readers.

The Masterpieces Magazine Newsletter is published one day early this month since it conflicts with the Thrifted Goodies series publishing tomorrow. This is in order to avoid double posts on the same day. Spreading the wealth!

Key Take Aways:

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Behind the Scenes

Where I share personal anecdotes, insider doings, and a peak behind the curtain of the Master”Pieces” of my Life blog. I hope information about me as a person will bring connection and a closer virtual relationship.

Life Lately

The month of April started with a baseball outing. The Mets were in the Bay Area and we took in a game, which turned out to be a glorious night in San Fransisco. The Mets won and a good time was had by all. We won’t speak further about the Mets at this point in time.

And just for funnsies here’s one about 30 years ago back in New York. Before Master M & Miss M were born, before we were married, before we moved to California, before so much… and so many things remain the same while so many things have changed. Next month we celebrate 29 years married- in the blink of an eye!

Easter looked a bit different for us this year. We were invited to my son’s girlfriend’s family Easter celebration for the first time. We happily accepted and joined the festivities. There was about 20 guests and I brought my Asian slaw to share.

April also celebrated Earth Day on the 22nd and Arbor Day on the 24th. I’m all about the beauty Mother Nature bestows and showers upon us. We planted the proteger kitchen garden for the season- details coming soon to the blog.

We’ve had unseasonal weather for us this spring. More rain later than usual with some cold burst too. We can always use the water in Northern California so I’m not complaining. As a bonus, Mother Nature blessed us with a double rainbow during one of these storms.

Wellness Journey

To stay strong through my MS journey, I’m being intentional about my wellness choices, including physical fitness routine, dietary mindfulness and mental health. I try to work out 5 times a week. My range of motion is aggravating, my stamina is non-existent, my balance is compromised, but I keep showing up. I do feel stronger. I don’t know if it’s because I’m being diligent about work-outs, or the new infusion medicine protocol or a combination… I just take it one day at a time. I just read that AI will make medical advancements like we’ve never seen before. Say a little prayer friends.

Personal Note: Because of my mobility situation I can not preform high impact exercises. I've built this in-home routine based on my current body's capabilities, years of personal fitness experience and physical therapy input.

I had a neurological visit Monday and my neurologist found me stiff and she wants me to stretch more. I will be focusing on stretching exercises during my routine work-outs. I also had my routine brain and spine MRI yesterday and hope there no new lesions. I’ll keep you posted on all of it. Super busy on that front, plus we leave for Colorado tomorrow to see Miss M, our baby girl, graduate from UC Boulder. It’s all good, it’s just a lot of balls in the air for me.

April Digest

April’s content included a mix of spring, gardening, decor and crafting inspiration plus much more. This is such a happy time of year with so much life sprouting around us. In case you missed anything…

May Forecasts

The month of May is highlighted with Mother’s Day on the 10th. I shared a post a few years ago, which encompasses my thoughts and emotions towards Mother’s Day. You can find the post here:

Other celebrations in May, include the college graduation of Miss M, my mini me, our youngest, from University of Colorado-Boulder plus our 29th wedding anniversary later in the month. Lots to be joyful, blessed and thankful for in May.

Trends & Insights

2026 Garden Trends

Designing with intention, balance and care- from varied sources, including: Country Living, Swan Hose, Monorovia, Southern Living, …

• Climate Adaptive & Resilient Planting (environmental health and ecological functions)
• Edible Landscapes & Native Fruits (incorporate into main garden rather dedicated space)
• Jewel Tone Colors and Dark Foliage (visually bold palettes & textures)
• “Faded Petal” Color Trend (muted, dusky pink blends rather than overpowers)
• Maximalist & Lush Design (more is more-  embrace bold & abundant)
• Pollinator Corridors & Sustainability (purpose driven gardening)
• Rewilding Gardens (create intentional natural areas)
• Cut Flower Gardens (offers beauty & utility)
• Sense of Nostalgia (time-tested from our ancestors like hydrangeas & peonies)
• Pet Friendly (keeping plants and designs non-toxic for our furry family)

AI Trend Continued

It goes without saying that AI is the biggest trend right now affecting everyone across many topics. It has changed and will change the way so many things are done. Why not use it for gardening? AI can not only troubleshoot gardening issues, but it can help with landscape design and assist with plant varieties and selections for your gardening zone.

Here are some prompts to ask AI to help you with your gardening journey, whether you are just starting out or a green thumb expert.

Based on the responses you get, let it guide you to dig (no pun intended) deeper. Use all the information to start, refine, and nurture your garden. Use AI as a guide but be aware of misinformation and always do your due diligence. This is with anything and everything not just gardening.

Inspiration around the Web

• I love a good wreath DIY, and my friend Jennifer over at Cottage on Bunkerhill has an amazing wreath making guide you don’t want to miss.
• Mother’s Day is fast approaching and all these table setting ideas are lovely if you will be hosting in your home.
• Check out this full tour of a French Chateau, which has recently been renovated. Do you have an evening salon?
• A fun fact about me is that I was born in Uruguay, which some of you may know and others not, but this Gorgeous Farmhouse in Uruguay has me inspired. We do plan to retire there for part of the year and this is beyond goals!
• Daisies are some of my favorite flowers and this daisy themed party is everything! So many great details here.
• Ironstone is a fabulous vintage collectible but throw in advertising ironstone and it’s next level! Cindy’s collection of advertising ironstone is beyond amazing.
• This greenhouse garden tour is so charming and full of secret garden wonder.

Masterpieces Spotlights

Favorite Garden Container DIY Project

Favorite EntertainingSalad Recipe

Communication 101 & Building Community

We are always striving to master the art of joie de vivre around here. If you enjoy the good life and want a reflection of this in your home, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign up and you won’t miss any new content, receiving all new posts directly into your in-box.

I’m so glad you’re here today, truly appreciate you and can’t wait to see you next time. If there are any topics you are interested in discussing next month please drop me a note down below. See ya next time.

Au revoir!

Shop My Favorites Right Now

• My favorite Preserved Boxwood Square Wreath
• Lanterns create the perfect glow Square Wooden and Metal Lanterns – Set of Two
• I love the texture and a bit of the unexpected these cheesecloth napkins bring to the party.
• Grapevine mini wreath napkin rings
• It’s all in the details and these green matches do just that.
• These green toile paper napkins are perfect for spring and summer plus are fabulous for so many decoupage projects.
• These mini boxwood wreaths are fabulous quality and perfect accents for chairs or as shelf or mantel leaners.

For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest.

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April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” 

William Shakespeare

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sharing @ between naps on the porch