Cottage Witchery ￨ Spirit of Home

October is here! The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and our homes are beckoning us back inside. Autumn is the perfect time to engage in a little cottage magic! A cottage witch is someone who incorporates magic and spiritual meaning into their home; they want to make their space feel safe, sacred, and comforting. In order to do this, we must connect with the Spirit of our home. This doesn’t require fancy tools or lots of money, your presence is all that’s needed to practice this type of witchery. So throw open a window, grab your broom and favorite candle, it’s time to embrace hearth magic! 

What am I reading?

Vianne by Joanne Harris

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781639369591

Rewild Yourself: Making Nature More Visible in Our Lives  by Simon Barnes

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781643132167

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?

Check the Rhime by A Tribe Called Quest 

What’s for dinner?

Carrot Cake Quinoa Bowls

Ingredients: 

• ⅔ cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 ¾ cups milk of choice 
• ¾ cup grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped and peeled apples 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter 
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup nuts and/or pumpkin seeds 

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the quinoa and milk over medium heat.
2. Once the mixture starts to simmer, add in the carrots, apples, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Turn the heat down to low. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add in the nut butter and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined and thickened.
4. Pour the quinoa into bowls. Top each portion with extra nut butter and toasted nuts and/or pumpkin seeds.

Apple Cider Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole cardamom pods
• 1 slice fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• whipped cream optional
• ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine 2 cups cider and cup of water in a medium saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse the liquid for about 5 minutes.
  
  
• Once the cider and spices are simmering, remove the pot from heat and add 2 black tea bags. Let the tea steep for 4 to 5 minutes, remove tea bags.
  
  
• Using a strainer, strain the liquid into a container.
  
  
• Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and heat gently on low. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetener, adjusting sweetness to your preference. Then, add 1/4 cup milk, whisking until the latte is warm and frothy but not boiling.
  
  
• Pour the Chaider into your favorite mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon. Enjoy!

https://thecraftsmanblog.com/dutch-colonial-architectural-style/

https://macklowespace.com/the-charm-of-dutch-colonial-revival-architecture-an-illustrated-exploration