Fall time music, simmer pots & recipes
This time of year always stirs a sense of renewed opportunity for me to slow down and follow the seasons shift in entering into a state of rest and peacefulness. I find that as the sticky, hot, outdoor days of summer ebb away I crave the simplistic beauty that fall ushers in. I bask in the taste of fresh baked foods, the sounds of folk/instrumental soundtracks accompanying our day and the smells of a simmer pot filling up our home. I know life is busy with sports, school, work and all the daily demands that life puts on us. Which is why I'm sharing a few ways I'm able to enjoy these things without it taking too much time out of my day so I can pour into my family.
First up is music. I feel like music sets the tone in so many ways. If my boys want to be pirates we put on our battle playlist, if I want to pretend I'm off in a book world I play my fantasy playlist etc. With fall time I personally tend to love more instrumental or folk music. I created a playlist inspired by the Pride & Prejudice, Little Women, Poldark and Outlander soundtracks. I also love anything by the profile The Village Green. These always make me feel as if I'm out foraging in a forest or siting on a cabin porch shelling peas with my Granny. They bring a sense of nostalgia and fuel our day in a fun and new way. So take 15 minutes and curate your own playlist based on what your family enjoys and put it on in the morning and enjoy the background it sets for your day.
Next up is simmer pots. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE a good pumpkin candle as much as the next person. However, I'm trying to be better about what I emit into the air in our home. While I enjoy my essential oils and soy/beeswax candles they just don't get a strong enough smell for me. Which is where a simmer pot just shines. You can use the same pot for a few days and the possibilities for the scent you want is endless. The one we use is filling up a small pot with water and I add apple slices, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, clove, dried lavender and a splash of vanilla. I stir and put it on high to get a boil going then lower it to a small simmer for the day. Be sure to check it throughout the day and refill the water as needed. I can't tell you how wonderful it will make your home smell and the smile it will bring to your face.
Lastly is fresh baked goods and recipes. When fall comes around I love a good crockpot meal. It allows me to get more done with my kids or around the house and come together at the end of the day and enjoy a good meal without a ton of work from me. Some of my go to things to make are to prep a French toast casserole or cinnamon rolls the night before so in the morning I just pop them in the oven. For some go to crockpot or instant pot meals we love a good pot roast with carrots and potatoes, chili, lasagna soup, chicken noodle soup and beef stroganoff. These delicious meals take only a few minutes to throw together in the morning and let the pot take over from there. Which allows me more time to spend with my family.
I hope that maybe some of these ideas inspire you to give them a try in your own home. As mamas we're always busy and taking care of everyone else so I think it's important to find those little snippets of beauty to weave into our day to add some extra joy. My hope is that this fall season brings forth beauty in the mundane to you and your family.
All my love,
Christin
