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18 In DIY/ home

The coziest fall simmer pot

The coziest fall simmer pot

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This is the coziest fall simmer pot to make your home smell so good and feel warm.

We are heading into fall and cozy season. One of my favorite things to do is simmer a nice simmer pot and make the house smell amazing. This one reminds me of coffee cake or like you are sitting in a cozy coffee house with Rory Gilmore in your favorite cableknit sweater.

What is a simmer pot?

A simmer pot is a basically a pot of water, fruits, herbs and spices that you simmer throughout the day to fill your home with a nice aroma. Simmer pots are really nice around the holidays with warm spices like cinnamon and clove and they make a great gift too! (Click here to see my DIY simmer pot gift).

I’ve tried alot of different combinations and recently I started adding coffee beans! The smell is incredible! Not only does it neutralize any odors, but it will make your home smell like your favorite coffee shop and is perfect for fall.

To make the coziest fall simmer pot

You will need:

  • a pot (I like to use this glass simmer pot because it looks pretty too!)
  • coffee beans
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 slices of orange

The coziest fall simmer pot - glass pot with coffee beans, cinnamon sticks and oranges

Directions:

1.) Start by filling your pot with some coffee beans and cinnamon sticks.

2.) Slice two wedges of fresh orange and add to the pot.

3.) Fill the pot about 2/3’s full of water.

The coziest fall simmer pot - glass simmer pot filled with coffee beans, cinnamon and orange slices then filling with water

4.) Put on the stove, bring to a simmer then lower the heat.

5.) Allow to simmer for 3-4 hours, you can add more water as needed to avoid drying out.

Glass simmer pot on stove with coffee beans, orange slices and cinnamon for the coziest fall simmer pot.

 

Linking some things below to re-create a simmer pot and cozy up!

glass simmer pot spices and herbs for simmer pot cinnamon and clove for the coziest fall simmer pot chunky knit gray blanket glass etched coffee mug with gold spoon

the coziest fall simmer pot with coffee beans brown hooded cableknit cardigan rabbit fur sandals

For more cozy fall ideas check out

My pumpkin cold foam coffee

Cozy fall home decor

My pumpkin baked brie

 

 

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A cozy fall simmer pot with coffee beans, cinnamon sticks and orange slices for a hygge fall

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13 In DIY/ garden/ home

6 ways to use lilacs from your garden

6 ways to use lilacs from your garden

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I was invited to join some friends today for all the gardening ideas so get ready for all the pretty things and to be inspired! I am sharing 6 ways to use lilacs from your garden so scroll down to see them all.

Welcome to the third Fabulous Friday Link Party Blog Hop. The Fabulous Friday Link Party is where bloggers share their best home related blog posts every Friday. Quarterly, the Link Party hosts each invite a talented blogger who links up regularly to join us in a special Blog Hop.

6 ways to use lilacs from your garden

Growing up, my grandmother had a huge lilac tree in her yard. I used to love to stand under it and smell the fragrant blooms and clip some to bring home. To this day, every time I see or smell lilacs, I think of my grandmother. I’ve always had a lilac bush at our home and this year the boy’s got me 2 new bushes for Mother’s Day.

But did you know that besides clipping them to put in vases, there are other ways to use lilacs? Unfortunately lilacs only thrive for a few short weeks but there are other uses to make them last.

From edible confections, to using in your beauty or skin care regimen, here are 6 other ways to use lilacs from your garden.

1.) Lilac Lemonade

Lilacs add a nice floral touch to lemonade for a pretty and refreshing sip. Click here for my lilac lemonade recipe. It’s become quite the favorite over the past few years. And I think adding a splash of crisp rose goes well too!

glass pitcher with lilacs and lemonade on table

2.) Freeze them into ice cubes

Not only does this make your ice cubes or water look pretty, but it adds that light floral aroma too! It just elevates your traditional water a little bit and makes you feel a little more fancy which I am all for.

You can also use these lilac ice cubes to roll on your face to help reduce any puffiness, redness, and brighten your skin. (I’ll link my flower ice molds here, aren’t they so pretty?)

white vase of lilacs on rattan tray with glass of water and rose ice cube mold

3.) Lilac ice cream

Lilacs can be used in so many desserts from scones to cupcakes and ice cream. Have you ever made your own ice cream? It’s really simple to do, you can see some of my easy no churn ice cream recipes here. This lilac ice cream from Havoc in the Kitchen looks phenomenal and is on my summer bucket list to make this year. Click here for the recipe.

photo credit – Havoc in the Kitchen

4.) Make a Simmer Pot

If you haven’t hopped on the simmer pot train yet, what are you waiting for? (I say that with love of course). There’s so many lovely combinations you can do to fill your home with different seasonal aromas. And it looks really pretty on the stove too.  I’m sharing my lilac simmer pot here.

You can use any pot but I love this glass one from Amazon.

Spring lilac simmer pot with lilacs and lemons

5.) In the bath

Add a few lilac blossoms to your bath water and the steam will almost act like a simmer pot and diffuse throughout.

Or you could also dry some blossoms and mix with epsom salt to make a refreshing bath soak.

6.) For your complexion

Lilacs are a natural astringent making them great for your skin. Infuse some lilacs in a bottle of witch hazel, allowing to infuse for about 2 days and then spritz on your face or use a cotton ball.  It helps treat acne, fine lines and wrinkles.

Lilacs are also really good for soothing sunburns and scratches. Combine the petals in a carrier oil like jojoba oil or even coconut oil to make a lotion or salve.

Let me know if you try any of these ideas or if you have any other favorite ways to use lilacs.

 

lilac bush decorative farmhouse cream embossed pitcher vase round woven rattan serving tray

glass simmer pot for with fruits and herbs amber spray bottles for essential oils rose ice cube molds

 

 

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lilac lemonade, lilac simmer pot, fresh cut lilacs in white pitcher

 

And check out some of these other fantastic gardening ideas from my friends below

The best home and gardening ideas

16 In DIY/ home

Spring lilac simmer pot

Spring lilac simmer pot with lilacs and lemons

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There is just something about the smell of fresh lilacs, it brings me right back to my childhood as a little girl, picking lilacs from my grandmother’s lilac bush. I would love to bottle up the scent. I have been really into simmer pots lately and got the idea for this spring lilac simmer pot once my lilacs bloomed.

What is a simmer pot?

A simmer pot is a basically a pot of water, fruits, herbs and spices that you simmer throughout the day to fill your home with a nice aroma. Simmer pots are really nice around the holidays with warm spices like cinnamon and clove but they can be enjoyed all year long. In the spring and summer I like to do more uplifting scents like citrus and thyme or rosemary.  (Another one of my favorite simmer pot combos is rose petals, grapefruit, and peppercorn, you can see it here).

Spring lilac simmer pot

You will need:

Directions:

1.) Start by slicing a lemon.

2.) Add the fresh lilacs and lemon slices to the pot.

Spring lilac simmer pot

3.) Fill with water.

spring lilac simmer pot

4.) Put on the stove, bring to a simmer and then lower the heat.

Spring lilac simmer pot

5.) Allow to simmer for 3-4 hours, you can add more water as needed to avoid drying out.

Spring lilac simmer pot

Note – as the ingredients simmer, the lilacs will lose their purple color but will still hold their fragrance.

Linking my glass simmer pot below, click the photo

Glass Saucepan with Cover, 1.5L/50 FL OZ Heat-resistant Glass Stovetop Pot and Pan with Lid, The Best Handmade Glass Cookware Set Cooktop Safe for Pasta Noodle, Soup, Milk, Baby Food

This would also be a sweet gift for Mother’s Day or a housewarming. You can see my holiday simmer pot gift I did in the past here to give you some inspiration.

If you love lilacs, then you need to try my lilac lemonade. Sharing the recipe here.

And for more ideas on how to use lilacs, check out this post here. I’ve got lilac ice cream, beauty reigmens and more.

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Spring lilac simmer pot

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11 In home/ home decor

10 Beautiful Fall Tablescapes

10 Beautiful Fall Tablescapes

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To say I am honored for today’s post is an understatement. Today I am bringing you the best fall tablescape ideas from women who I truly admire and look up to in the blogging/home decor world and they have asked me to join them.

I’m sharing 10 Beautiful Fall Tablescapes and decor ideas from 9 other talented ladies. This is the time of year when we kick off gathering around the table with friends and family. There is truly something for everyone here whether you’re looking for something more relaxed, or upscale, or even for dining alfresco.

So let’s go!!!

 

A Beautiful and Cozy Tablescape from Wendy at WM Design House

Wendy has such a talent for making her guests feel special and welcome. I love the color palette she chose for her table decor!  And wait until you see what she used as a vessel or vase for her flower arrangement! So creative.

Fall table decorations

A relaxed autumnal table in gold hues by yours truly, Our Tiny Nest

I’m showing you how to use what you already have at home to create a relaxed table for a fall dinner party or Thanksgiving. The blue chargers are my favorite and they pair beautifully with gold accents and autumn leaves.

 

Fall Table with Pumpkins and Mums from Shiplap and Shells

You’ve no doubt decorated your porch with mums this time of year but have you ever brought them into your table decor? The result is beautiful.

Fall table with pumpkins and mums

 

This Cozy Harvest Table from Bricks and Blooms

Stacy is the queen of all things gardens and flowers. So naturally, she created this lush tablescape with elements from her own gardens. Click to see how to create your own centerpiece using a vintage toolbox and natural elements.

How to Set a Cozy Fall Harvest Table

Harvest Table for Alfresco Dining from Living Large in a Small House

If I’m being honest, I think alfresco dining in the summer is over rated with the heat and all the bugs. But in the fall, now that’s where it’s at. Lynn created this beautiful harvest alfresco dining table for her guests. I love the little cheeseboards.

a view of the harvest tablescape looking at my gardens

 

Easy Ideas for a Fall Tablescape from Vintage Home Designs

I always love to see what Michele creates because she has an eye for creating beautiful things in a neutral color palette and I love neutrals. Wait until you see these placemats she made using sheet music!

place setting for a simple fall tablescape sheet music placemat white dinner plate layered with white salad plate large dried leaf on plate silverware tied with striped ribbon on plate

Creepy Chic Halloween Table from Trueman Treasures

Kylie is showing you how to make a Halloween tablescape that is equal parts creepy and glam! Her centerpiece with moss, skulls and bones is my favorite!

A Foraged Fall Tablescape from South House Designs

Diane is a girl who takes after my heart. I’ve been known to forage and bring home some plants and things I find on my walks to decorate the house. She created this tablescape using dropcloths and elements of Mother Nature and it is stunning!

A casual Thanksgiving Table from The Tattered Pew

Kelly’s got the right idea when it comes to setting the table for Thanksgiving – keep it casual! Candles and free printable placecards add just the right touch and make it personal.

How to set a casul Thanksgiving table for family and friends.

A Rustic Elegant Table from The Peacock Ridge Farm

Renae used artichokes, grapes and beautiful flowers and candles to create this elegant yet rustic tablescape. I feel like I’ve been transported to a vineyard in Italy. I love the vintage bike too for that old world feel!

I hope you are able to take away little pieces of inspiration as you dine with friends and family throughout the holidays.

 

I’m linking some of my favorite elements for dining below. Just click the photos to shop.

gold candlesticks wine glasses glass votives gold flatware

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