A Quiet Afternoon at Home

A quiet afternoon at home—simmer pot on the stove, jars of castile soap filled, a picnic spread out for the children on the living room floor, cozy pants on, and nothing pressing. Just tending to small, ordinary things that make a home feel loved.

• Breakfast tray
• Cozy pants
• Castile soap (dilute this with water for the perfect hand soap)
• Amber soap jars

kyrielluke

A Rustic Stovetop Simmer

Bring the gentle warmth of a countryside cottage into your home with this timeless stovetop simmer, where dried citrus and spices dance together in simmering water to fill your rooms with scents of rustic comfort.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1-2 dried oranges, sliced
• 1 blood orange, sliced (fresh or dried)
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6-8 whole cloves
• 2-3 star anise pods

• Optional Additions

  1 tsp whole allspice berries; 1–2 bay leaves (adds depth and warmth); A small piece of fresh ginger, sliced

Method

 

1. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan or small Dutch oven.
2. Cover with water until everything is just submerged.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered, filling your home with warmth and welcome.
5. Check occasionally and add more water as needed so the pot never runs dry.
6. This can gently simmer for several hours, becoming richer and softer as the day unfolds.
7. If you’re hosting, start it 30–45 minutes before guests arrive so the scent greets them at the door.