If you love all things Grinchmas, this festive simmer pot will fill your home with the cozy scent of Christmas in Whoville! Between the fresh green apples, tart lime, warm cinnamon, and sparkly green shimmer, it’s the perfect blend of holiday cheer and mischievous fun. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange or just want your home to smell amazing while wrapping gifts, this Grinch-inspired simmer pot is simple, fragrant, and delightfully over the top.
A few drops of essential oil (like clove, orange, or cinnamon)
1 sprig of rosemary
Pinch of green luster dust or edible glitter
Water
Instructions
Slice & Layer Add the sliced green apple, lime, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to a small pot or simmering pot.
Add Holiday Sparkle Fill the pot about halfway with water, then add some green luster dust for that Grinchy sparkle.
Enhance the Scent Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a stronger, longer-lasting aroma. Orange, cinnamon, or pine oils are perfect for a Christmas blend.
Simmer & Enjoy Bring to a gentle simmer on the stove, then reduce the heat to low. Add water as needed to keep the pot filled. Within minutes, your home will smell like a Christmas wonderland, with a hint of Whoville magic.
Tips & Variations
You can also use a small slow cooker for all-day simmering.
Try adding a few sprigs of pine for an earthy twist.
Store ingredients in a mason jar as a cute DIY holiday gift, just include a tag that says “Smells Like Christmas in Whoville!”
Why You’ll Love It
This simmer pot is an easy, natural way to bring festive scents into your home without artificial sprays. The green hue and glitter give it that playful Grinch vibe, making it both beautiful and whimsical. It’s equal parts cozy and cheeky, just like our favorite holiday troublemaker.
If you loved the pumpkin version, you’ll adore these DIY holiday taper candles. In this festive update, I’m showing you how to transform plain candles into beautiful seasonal décor using simple red glue gun bows. This project is quick, affordable, and perfect for adding handmade charm to your holiday table, mantel, or gift setup.
Why Update Your Taper Candles for the Holidays
While pumpkins were perfect for fall, this easy update brings a fresh, festive touch to your home for the holidays. Adding handmade bows to taper candles is simple but instantly transforms the look of your tablescape or mantel. It’s also a great project to do during a quiet evening or weekend craft session.
Plain white or cream taper candles (flameless or real)
Red hot glue sticks (for bows)
Optional: gold or silver glue sticks (for accents)
Low-temp glue gun
Parchment paper or craft mat
Optional: ribbon or twine for extra flair
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep your candles Lay your taper candles on parchment paper or a craft mat to protect your surface.
Form the bow loops with red hot glue Insert a red glue stick into your glue gun and create two curved loops side by side to form your bow.
Add the bow tails Below the loops, add two angled lines for the tails of the bow.
Add a knot or accents Use gold or silver glue for a small center knot or a little shimmer.
Let cool and display Once cooled, display your candles in holders or wrap them as gifts.
Optional ribbon tie Add a small real ribbon or twine bow around the base for a mixed-media look.
Crafting Tips
Use a low-temperature glue gun to prevent melting your candles.
Work on parchment paper so you can peel off any excess glue easily.
Try different color combos: red and gold, silver and white, or even deep green.
Use flameless candles for the safest option.
Why You’ll Love This DIY
This craft checks every box: quick, budget-friendly, and stylish. It’s a small project that makes a big impact and it looks like you spent way more time than you actually did. You can also repurpose leftover glue sticks and taper candles from fall décor for this easy holiday refresh.
Wrap-Up
These DIY holiday taper candles are the perfect blend of festive and handmade charm. Whether you line them up on your holiday table, gift them to friends, or pair them with a cozy candle holder, they’re an instant seasonal upgrade.
If you try this project, tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
If you’re looking for a Halloween treat that’s equal parts creepy and delicious, these chocolate covered strawberry skulls are it. They’re made using white chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a little strawberry syrup to give that “bloody” eye effect. The secret? A skull ice mold that turns ordinary chocolate strawberries into a spooky masterpiece.
Melt the Chocolate: Start by melting your white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Fill the Mold: Spoon a small amount of melted white chocolate into each skull cavity, coating the sides with the back of a spoon or pastry brush. Place the mold in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set.
Add the Strawberries: Once the first chocolate layer has hardened, place a strawberry into each skull mold (stem side down).
Seal the Skulls: Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the strawberries, covering them completely. Tap the mold lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Freeze Until Set: Place the mold back in the freezer for 15–20 minutes, or until firm.
Add the Bloody Detail: Pop out each skull and drizzle strawberry syrup into the eye sockets or over the top for a bloody, dramatic look.
Edited in Tezza with: Mood
Serving Ideas
These chocolate covered strawberry skulls make an amazing Halloween party treat or edible table decoration. Serve them on a dark platter or scatter candy eyes and cookie crumbs around for an extra eerie effect.
Storage Tip
Keep your skulls in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They’re best eaten the same day for maximum freshness and crunch.
If you’re craving a coffee shop treat without leaving the house, this maple almond cold brew is your new morning favorite. It’s smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet thanks to the rich combination of heavy cream, maple syrup, and almond extract. The result is a drink that feels cozy and indulgent but comes together in just minutes, ideal for busy moms who still want that café-style pick-me-up.
Mix the cream: In a small cup or frother, combine heavy cream, maple syrup, and almond extract. Whisk or froth until slightly thickened and creamy.
Pour and swirl: Fill the glass halfway with cold brew coffee, then top with your maple-almond cream. Watch it swirl beautifully, then give it a gentle stir.
Garnish and sip: Add a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an extra hint of warmth.
Tips
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or your favorite milk alternative.
Want it extra frothy? Use a handheld frother to whip the cream before pouring.
Try drizzling a little maple syrup down the inside of your glass for a cozy café touch.
Why You’ll Love It
This maple almond cold brew is the ultimate blend of rich and refreshing. The almond extract adds a warm bakery-style aroma, while the maple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness. It’s quick, cozy, and feels like a fall hug in a cup.
If apple cider donuts are your fall love language, you’re going to be obsessed with this apple cider donut bread. It’s packed with apple pie spice, real shredded apples, and reduced apple cider, but the secret ingredient that takes it over the top is sour cream. It adds the perfect amount of moisture and richness, giving the bread that soft, bakery-style texture that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
2 cups apple cider
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 large egg
½ cup sour cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
4 teaspoons apple pie spice
1¼ cups shredded apple (about 1 large apple)
For the Topping:
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Reduce the cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ¾ cup. This takes around 10–15 minutes and intensifies the apple flavor. Let it cool slightly before using.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla, reduced apple cider, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice.
Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the shredded apple gently—avoid overmixing.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Add the topping: Once slightly cooled, brush the top with melted butter. Combine the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle or roll the bread in the mixture for that classic donut coating.
Tips & Tricks
Full-fat sour cream works best for richness and moisture.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for flavor contrast.
Want more sweetness? Drizzle a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider once the loaf cools.
FAQ
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes! Full-fat Greek yogurt works perfectly as a 1:1 swap.
How do I store it?
Keep your apple cider donut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Slice and wrap individual pieces before freezing for a quick fall treat anytime.
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
