Masterpieces Magazine #06
Welcome to the June edition of the monthly Masterpieces of my Life Magazine newsletter. This monthly publication 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.

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.

Key Takeaways:
Masterpieces Magazine #06 Newsletter
> Current Personal Anecdotes
> June Published Post Digest
> July Trends, Insights & Forecasts
> Spotlight Showcase & Inspiration around the Web
*Affiliate links might be included for your convenience. These affiliate links mean a small commission is earned if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which support this website. For more information: Full Disclosure Policy.
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
Some fun happenings in the month of June. The most important doing was Miss M’s 22nd birthday. If you remember Lexi graduated last month from CU Boulder and she stayed at school. She will be living there for the next year before she moves back to California for good. That’s the plan right now anyway. In the meantime she came home for a bit to celebrate her birthday and Father’s day.





And in other news, lots of exciting sports happenings going on right now. We are originally from back east so all our sports teams are New York teams. The NBA finals were insane and we were on the edge of our seats every.single.game. We are also following the World Cup. I was born in Uruguay where soccer is a big deal. Although the Uruguayan team was hard and disappointing to watch, I will be rooting for USA and Spain. My dad was born in Spain and my mother’s side also has Spanish lineage so I do have a dog in that fight.
Wellness Journey
Some encouraging news in my MS journey, includes the new medication I mentioned last month. It’s not a medication to target the MS disease per se, but to help with walking, which is my biggest issue. The medication is AMPYRA® (dalfampridine), which is indicated to help improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis. I’m happy to say that it seems to be effective in my case. My walking is stronger- I can walk better and for a longer period of time. Am I back to normal? No, but it’s incredible how the brain works.
Dalfampridine is a broad spectrum potassium channel blocker, which increases conduction of action potentials in demyelinated axons. What does this mean? Demylenation is what causes the breakdown between brain and body in MS. Think of it as the insulation around an electrical cable, which is eroded causing the electrical cable to be exposed and malfunction. The Ampyra medication helps promote the connection on the demyelinated nerves. I’m amazed at how it works. I can almost, almost, remember how my body is suppose to work.
My MS Journey Cliff Notes
I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in my late twenties {1994} when I had an episode of optic neuritis. My eyesight regained quickly, and I remained asymptomatic most of my life until I didn’t. In late 2021 I had a break through episode, which provided my latest diagnosis. My main symptom currently is walking stamina. I can get around marginally and I still drive etc., but it’s all in an edited fashion. If you are interested you can read my whole story here {My prognosis & Living with MS}.
June Digest
June’s content included a mix of outdoor living, decor, crafting and tablescape inspiration plus much more. This is such a happy time of year and in case you missed anything…
DECORATE

Thrift Chic Decor: Budget Friendly Way to Decorate for the 4th of July

Patriotic Decor: 20 Easy Ways to Decorate your Home for the Season with Flair

How to Curate a Stunning Gallery Wall with Thrifted Collections


CREATE

Patriotic Decor: Charming Long-tailed Bow for the 4th of July

Summer Craft: How to DIY a Patriotic Rocket

Thrift Flip: How to Up-cycle a Thrifted Wall Sconce Shelf to Match Your Decor


ENTERTAIN

Patriotic American Flag Charcuterie Board Recipe

The Bee’s Knees Table Setting


GARDEN

A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Your Own Home Vegetable Garden

July Forecasts
The month of July will start with a BIG bang as America celebrates 250 years! It’s sure to be a fabulous celebration all over the country in different ways to honor our country.

July will find us in full summer mode with lots of warm weather activities. Be on the lookout for outdoor living posts, including more gardening, outdoor entreating and some Christmas in July content.
Trends & Insights
2026 Pinterest Summer Trend Report: From Sports to Street Style
Sports seem to be spilling over into mainstream according to Pinterest. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the winter Olympics and the World Cup converging in the same year or if it’s a sign of lifestyle choices.
According to Pinterest: sports are moving from a spectator moment to an entire aesthetic, vibe and identity, according to a new analysis of search habits from over 600 million monthly active users worldwide on Pinterest.
The data shows a clear cultural shift: People are borrowing the iconography of sport—team colors, uniforms, bold graphics, and national pride—and incorporating them into everyday choices.
In short: Fandom is becoming a global lifestyle signal
Yes, I’ll be checking out all these searches.
Inspiration around the Web
- My friend Donna @ An Organized Season shared the most amazing patriotic Frame DIY- you know I love using vintage frames in new ways and this is a fabulous DIY.
- Lora from the Create & Ponder blog combined two of my vintage loves- frames and sheet music. Check it out-it’s a fantastic DIY.
- This beautiful home in Provence with collected antiques and Italian charm is worth a look.
- This home tour had me at tabletop designer, but add the French country home and I’m beyond inspired.
- Do you need an idea for shade gardens? Hostas and ferns is how I hope to plant our shaded side yard and this Martha Stewart article is a hostas comprehensive guide.
- Summertime is full of fresh flowers galore, but faux flowers have their place too. In today’s day & age faux florals have come a long way. Check out the selection at Whim House (where I use to work) from dried to preserved to silks to felt and so much more.
- I love secret gardens and this sensible guide on how to create a magical garden makes it easy and attainable.
Masterpieces of My Life Spotlights
Favorite Summer Craft:

Patriotic DIY: Faux Tin Tile Star Charms Hanger
Are you ready for the 4th of July holiday? Independence Day is fast approaching and if you need a quick, easy and affordable decoration, I’ve got you.
Favorite Summer BBQ Recipe:
Basic Barbecue Sauce Recipe
A traditional American barbecue sauce is a delicious mixture of tangy and sweetness, which is used to marinate and coat many protein options.

Communication 101 & Building Community
Mastering the Art of Joie de Vivre
As a content creator I hope to provide the best communication for you, my readers. This monthly magazine will hopefully deliver an added layer of resources, information and inspiration. Welcome to a monthly publication to foster community, nurture relationship and curate content for dedicated readers. Welcome, and let’s enjoy the good life together.
More Related Posts

Grab a copy of my free
Vintage Home
Decor Guide
This guide provides 10 easy ideas to add timeless charm to your home with a free PDF full of images and inspiration.
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

- 1. My favorite Preserved Boxwood Square Wreath
- 2. Lanterns create the perfect glow Square Wooden and Metal Lanterns – Set of Two
- 3. Nicole Miller Outdoor Medallion Rug Gray | Black – love the juxtaposition of traditional pattern in rustic setting
- 4. Faux Leather Outdoor Pillows – give me all the Ralph Lauren Vibes
- 5. Mini boxwood wreaths are fabulous quality and perfect accents for chairs or as shelf or mantel leaners.

Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!

For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest.

Most Recent Posts
June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy.”
L.M. Montgomery










Maryjo, thank you for posting about that medication you’re on. My sister-in-law is also suffering from MS and having a lot of trouble walking, so I passed the information onto her. Also, I wanted to say I enjoyed the photos of your family. You are blessed in many ways!
Hi MaryAnn! Yes- I’m so glad you shared with your SIL & I hope it helps her. My neurologist tried to get me on it at the end of 2024 and I had issues with the specialty pharmacy and my insurance that I finally gave up. We discussed it again at my last appointment and she prescribed it again and I only wish I had started sooner. Advocating for yourself is super imporatant. Please lmk how it goes for your SIL & I’m praying for her. XO- MJ
Thank you. Her doctor told her she can’t take it due to her history of seizures. I’m disappointed for her. But I’m very glad it’s working for you ???
Ignore the question marks. Typo
Oh! I’m so sad to hear that. Seizures is one of the side effects so I understand her Dr’s concern. Sending prayers for your SIL. It’s an ugly disease and it affects all of us differently. XO- MJ
Hi MaryJo! So happy to hear that the new medicine is working so well for you! That is fantastic news! Thanks for sharing my DIY frame wreath! I appreciate it so much! Hope you and your family have a very Happy 4th of July!
Thanks so much Donna. Yes I’m so inspired by my new ability but at the same time I’m fearful it will stop working. Time will tell. I loved your frame and I’m happy to share. Happy 4th to you and yours. XO- MJ
Mary Jo, I am so glad the new med is helping you. I love your patriotic decor and enjoyed reading your newsletter. Wishing you a wonderful July 4th and America’s 250th birthday!
Thanks so much Pam. Yes, it’s incredible how much it’s helping and I’m praying it stays effective. Wishing you a fabulous 250 celebration with your loved ones as well. XO- MJ
I’m so glad to hear that your medication is helping! Rooting for you! Lots of great stuff in this edition. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got in store for July! ~Susan
Thanks so much Susan. I’m happy it’s helped but I’m super scared it’s going to stop working. I guess I should live in the moment. Have a great weekend! XO- MJ
I am so glad the medication is helping! Congrats on your daughter graduating from CU. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this with us at the Will Blog for Comments #87 linkup. We hope to see you at #88–sharing old or new posts–when it opens Monday morning.
Thanks so much! I’m am super happy about the medicine. It’s a feeling I can’t even explain when I walk now. Not normal like before but not struggling as much. We are over the moon about Lexi and she already start a job this week. Very proud of her. XO- MJ