There’s something about summer nights in the South that just beg for a warm, bubbling peach cobbler. Sweet, golden peaches tucked under a tender, cake-like crust—it’s comfort food that tastes like home. I made this cobbler during a quiet Sunday…

Refining what Living truly means
Hi, I’m Anh—and I’m so glad you’re here.
This space was created to inspire a more thoughtful, intentional way of living—one that embraces joy, simplicity, and the beauty of everyday moments. The Art of Refined Living is about discovering what truly brings you balance—through nourishing meals, slow travel, peaceful home rituals, and the grounding rhythm of nature.
Here, you'll find gentle practices and personal reflections that invite you to reconnect with yourself:
🌿 Through mindful gardening and time outdoors
🍲 Through foods that comfort and energize
✈️ Through travels that refresh the soul
🏡 And through creating a home that feels like peace
The purpose of this space is simple: to help you refine how you live—not for perfection, but for presence. Whether you're looking to reset your routine or just carve out more stillness, you'll find inspiration, ideas, and encouragement here.
Thank you for stopping by. Stay as long as you’d like—and come back whenever your spirit needs a soft place to land.
With kindness,
Anh
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There’s something about summer nights in the South that just beg for a warm, bubbling peach cobbler. Sweet, golden peaches tucked under a tender, cake-like crust—it’s comfort food that tastes like home. I made this cobbler during a quiet Sunday…
Recipes ·
Southern chicken salad is more than just a dish; it’s a reminder of home cooking, served with love and nostalgia. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a timeless choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual lunch, family potluck, or a special gathering, this salad stands out with its delightful mix of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try, and bring a piece of Southern charm to your table.
Recipes ·
Why You’ll Love This Recipe! WHAT YOU WILL NEED: We recently completely a portion of our backyard project (still so much to do and I will post photos soon) but all I’ve wanted to do lately since the weather has…
This one tastes just like the real thing and you save $10! Here is all that you will need: A Blender! I have done my homework on blenders and this one is my favorite for home use. I like it…
North America, Oregon, Travel ·
If you’re considering a quick summer vacation, I highly recommend planning a trip to Oregon. The flight from Arizona to Oregon is a swift 2 hours and 40 minutes, nonstop. Moreover, I found the airfare surprisingly affordable for a round…
The best french toast with a twist! Delicious and an irresistible twist on a classic recipe on a Fall morning day! You must try out this recipe! Your family will thank you! As usual, I utilized the ingredients available in…
This Vietnamese recipe was undoubtedly one of my favorite dishes during my childhood. Packed with delightful flavors, protein, and a subtle touch of sweetness from the aromatic onions and garlic. Back then, I couldn’t quite comprehend why I adored it…
WOW! I was definitely on the fence (no pun intended) about this plant, the Champagne Pink Bougainvillea has won me over! Upon moving into our new home, I immediately knew that I wanted to create a Moon Garden adorned with…
I absolutely love it when a recipe calls for any left-over fruit on hand! Try this delicious and simple berry compote recipe for pancakes or ice cream toppings. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan, heat berries until…
Recipes ·
Okay y’all! I have had my fair share of pancakes in restaurants, at other people’s homes, and recipes that have claimed to be the best but this has to be the best of the best and I truly believe it…
DIY Projects, Home, Melt Ceramics, Wellness ·
It has truly been a labor of love, to say the least. I enrolled in Ceramics 101 at my local community college last summer and ever since, I have been captivated by the art form. Within just three weeks of…
Recipes ·
In my opinion, this is the ideal meal. It’s incredibly flavorful, light, and very easy to make! You can even marinate the meat in advance: freeze it, defrost it, grill it, and ta-da – my version of a frozen dinner!…
As you will come to realize, the majority, if not all of my recipes, are spontaneous and heavily influenced by the contents of my refrigerator, pantry, and chest freezer. I find this approach more relatable to real-life situations and have…
I know I probably jumped the gun but the weather dropped to under 100 degrees today and I wanted to bask in the moment. Also, the hubby recently had back surgery and home from work and repeatedly requested PUMPKIN Cinnamon…
A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to San Francisco: What to Skip and What to See As always, I may have spent more time than I should researching where to stay, eat, and do before I go, my first “real” (one overnight…
Gardening, Home, Living, Uncategorized ·
Background to Explain My Obsession The South, with its rich history, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture, has long been a melting pot of diverse communities. As one of the first and only Asian immigrant in my hometown of Gainesville, Georgia,…
Travel, Tropical Destinations ·
Well…almost. Post-pandemic and the island of Maui felt like our very own private island! Top 5 Things to Do, See, and Eat in Maui One of my favorite Hawaiian islands is hands down, Maui! Maui is the tropical paradise of…
Embracing the Southern Charm: Coconut Layered Cake for Warm Summer Days Ah, warm summer days in the South – they bring back memories of laughter, family gatherings, and delicious homemade treats. One such delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence…
Living, Melt Ceramics, Wellness ·
A Ceramics Journey and Mental HealthIn today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We often find ourselves constantly rushing from one task to another, leaving little time for self-care and…
Super Easy, Low-maintenance Houseplant that provides a POP of green to your home YEAR ROUND! Reason 1: THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL! Check out the BIG, BRIGHT, GREEN leaves on this beauty! Trust me, I was nervous when I saw how large…
Beauty, My Product Reviews, Uncategorized ·
This post is unsponsored and my honest/unbiased review. If you’ve ever debated between professional lash extensions and at-home lash systems, you’re not alone. I’ve been getting eyelash extensions since 2008, back when lash extensions first arrived in the U.S. For…
Gardening, Mindfulness Practices, Wellness ·
There’s something transformative about starting the morning outdoors, surrounded by nature, with a glass of fresh juice in hand. For me, mornings are less about rushing through a checklist and more about creating space for rituals that feel nourishing and…
Costco, Living, My Product Reviews ·
Brand – Whitney Jordan Air-Dried Persimmon Slices from Costco: A Pure and Wholesome Snack In the quest for healthy snacking options, it’s always exciting to discover a product that not only delights the taste buds but also aligns with a…
Recipes ·
Looking for the perfect Saturday morning treat? Look no further than these delightful Lemon Blueberry Muffins topped with a luscious Mascarpone Cream Cheese Icing. This recipe was born out of a moment of inspiration when my sweet tooth kicked in…
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