Sensible & Simple Life

Making your own candles at home is not only fun and relaxing, but it also lets you customize scents, colors, and containers to match your mood, decor, or season. Whether you're crafting candles for yourself or as thoughtful handmade gifts, this hobby is a great way to add a personal and cozy touch to your space. I started making candles recently and was surprised at how easy and satisfying it was. In this post, I’ll walk you through what you need, how to do it step by step, and some ideas for scents and decorations that will make your candles feel extra special. 🛍️ What You’ll Need to Get Started You can find all of these supplies online or at craft stores. I’ll be adding an affiliate link to my favorite candle-making kit soon if you'd like an all-in-one option. Soy wax flakes (or beeswax or paraffin) Wicks (pre-waxed with tabs are easiest) Containers (glass jars, tins, teacups, etc.) Fragrance oils or essential oils Candle dye (optional) Wick stickers or...

Want to know how to plant garlic in Michigan? Good news: it's one of the easiest things you can grow, and the timing actually works perfectly with our Zone 6 climate. You plant it in the fall when most of your garden is done for the season, and it basically does its own thing all winter while you're inside staying warm. I planted garlic for the first time two falls ago on a whim because a neighbor gave me a few extra bulbs. I had no idea what I was doing, honestly. I just stuck them in my raised garden bed, threw some mulch on top, and forgot about them until spring. And when those green shoots started popping up in April, I was so excited. Here's the thing nobody tells you about growing garlic: it is probably the most low maintenance crop you can grow. You do about 30 minutes of work in October, and then nature basically handles the rest. By July you're pulling out beautiful bulbs that taste a million times better than anything from the grocery store. In this guide, ...

I picked up The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown thinking it might offer a few gentle reminders to be kinder to myself. What I discovered was so much more. This book is filled with warmth, truth, and practical wisdom about embracing who we are and letting go of the constant chase for perfection. 📚 Book Details: Title: The Gifts of Imperfection Author: Brené Brown Genre: Self-Help, Personal Development, Psychology Setting: N/A (Non-fiction) Publication: 2010 Page Count: ~150 pages Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Best For: People struggling with perfectionism, anyone seeking authenticity, readers interested in wholehearted living and self-compassion 💡 What The Gifts of Imperfection is About In The Gifts of Imperfection , Brené Brown explores what she calls wholehearted living . She shares ten guideposts for living a more authentic, connected, and compassionate life. Instead of striving for perfection or pretending everything is fine, she encourages us to show up as we are and beli...

Fall is here and that means it's officially chili season. As the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili to warm you up from the inside out. This Pumpkin Turkey Chili is one of my favorite autumn comfort meals. It has all the cozy flavors of a classic chili but with a seasonal twist: pumpkin! I made this recipe last year and it was such a hit that I’m bringing it back again this October. It's the perfect meal for a cool evening, and I love how the pumpkin adds a smooth texture and a little extra nutrition. Plus, this is a great way to use up that extra can of pumpkin puree you might have leftover from baking. 🍲 What Makes This Chili Special? What sets this chili apart is the use of pumpkin puree. You don’t really taste the pumpkin itself, but it adds a rich and creamy texture that balances out the spices beautifully. Pumpkin is also packed with vitamins A and C, so it’s a comforting meal that’s also good for you. U...