Sensible & Simple Life

Last year I made personalized Christmas ornaments using my Cricut Maker 3 and gave them to coworkers and friends. They turned out so beautiful and were such a hit that I plan to make even more this year. These ornaments are a fun project that can be as simple or creative as you want them to be. Using vinyl on clear or frosted round disk ornaments allows you to customize each one with names, quotes, dates, or even little holiday graphics. They make thoughtful gifts and are also perfect for decorating your own tree with a handmade touch. 🧰 Supplies You May Need Here is a list of what I used to make my vinyl ornaments Cricut Maker 3 Clear plastic or glass round disk ornaments Permanent adhesive vinyl (such as Cricut Premium Vinyl or Oracle 651) Transfer tape Weeding tools Scraper or credit card Ribbon or twine for hanging Optional: faux snow, glitter, or mini decorations for inside the ornaments 👉 Thinking about getting your own Cricut? The latest version i...

This year I tried growing a small patch of spinach in fabric grow bags for the first time. It was my first time planting spinach at all, so I was thrilled when the leaves filled out enough to harvest. Growing in grow bags worked beautifully. I could manage spacing, ease of watering, and keep things tidy. When the outer leaves reached about 4 to 6 inches long, I knew it was time. Harvesting spinach feels so rewarding. Just snip and enjoy fresh greens from your own garden. 👩‍🌾 How to Grow and Care for Spinach in Michigan Spinach thrives in Michigan’s (zone 6) cool spring and fall seasons. Here are my best tips, based on local recommendations from MSU Extension: Planting season : Sow seeds in early spring (April) once the soil is workable, or again in late summer for a fall crop. You can plant spinach in grow bags; here is a link to  grow bags  on Amazon ( affiliate link ). Soil prep : Use loose, well-amended soil with compost mixed in. A slightly alkaline or neutral ...

Investing can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're looking for something more stable and lower-maintenance than buying individual stocks. One option is something called a REIT . Whether you’re trying to build passive income, diversify your portfolio, or just grow your savings outside of a traditional bank account, REITs may offer a nice balance of simplicity and return potential. 🏠 What Is a REIT? REIT stands for Real Estate Investment Trust . Think of it like this: Instead of buying a rental property yourself, you invest in a company that owns income-producing real estate like office buildings, apartment complexes, shopping centers, or even data centers. The REIT collects rent or lease income from these properties and pays a portion of the profits to shareholders (people like you or me). REITs are required by law to return at least 90 percent of their taxable income to investors through dividends, which can make them appealing for people who want steady income ...

When the leaves start to turn and the holidays are right around the corner, one of my favorite dishes to bring to the table is this cranberry dressing. It is a simple recipe but the combination of sweet dried fruit and warm savory spices makes it feel extra special. I first started making this recipe years ago and it quickly became a family favorite. Whether I am cooking for Thanksgiving or a winter Sunday dinner, this dish always gets compliments and second servings. 🥣 Cranberry Dressing Ingredients 1 package pre-seasoned stuffing mix 1 stick of butter 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced onion 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup dried cranberries (you can use more or less to taste). Optional substitutions: dried cherries or raisins Sprinkle of rubbed sage, thyme, rosemary, and paprika (season to taste) 3 cups broth (I usually use chicken broth but vegetable broth works too) 👩‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Dressing (Step-by-Step) Melt the butter in a skillet over medium he...