Masterpieces Magazine #06

Thrift Chic Decor: Budget friendly way to decorate for the 4th of July staged styling full crate
Masterpieces Magazine Monthly Newsletter

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Masterpieces Magazine #06 Newsletter

> Current Personal Anecdotes
> June Published Post Digest
> July Trends, Insights & Forecasts
> Spotlight Showcase & Inspiration around the Web

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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.

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.

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}.

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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…

icon decorate


Thrift Chic Decor: Budget friendly way to decorate for the 4th of July staged styling close-up

Patriotic Decor: 20 easy ways to decorate your home for the season with flair


how to curate a gallery wall with thrifted collections French Opera Plates and metal gold filigree frames
icon 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
icon entertain



The bee's knees table setting
icon garden

a comprehensive guide to growing your own home vegetable garden raised bed herbs

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.

summer craft: how to DIY a patriotic rocket vintage styled vignette

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.

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

Pinterest Searches – Crossover Between Sports & Culture

  • Power Players
  • Sport-Luxe Street Style
  • Off-Duty Varsity
  • Dockside Americana
  • Hybrid Kicks & Statement Shades
  • Heat-Haze (Hair) Rivalry
  • Pep-Rally Glam
  • On-the-Go Glow
  • Fan Finishing Touches
  • Pantry Watch Party

Yes, I’ll be checking out all these searches.

Favorite Summer Craft:
Patriotic DIY Faux Tin Tile Star Charms Hanger

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. 

basic barbecue sauce recipe

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.

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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!
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I appreciate your visit, comments and shares here on the blog! I would love it if you would also follow along in my other spaces for all the inspiration, ideas and innovation.

Join Me as We Master the Art of Joie De Vivre. XOXO

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13 Comments

  1. 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!

    1. 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

      1. 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 ???

        1. 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

  2. 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!

    1. 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

  3. 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!

    1. 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

  4. 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

    1. 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

  5. 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.

    1. 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