If you’ve got curly or wavy hair like I do, you probably know the struggle — frizz, dryness, and that telltale pouf that humidity seems to summon out of nowhere. After years of trying store-bought gels and creams, I finally found something that truly works for me: homemade flax seed hair gel.

There’s something about a rainy day that slows everything down. The rhythm of raindrops on the roof, the gray light drifting through the windows, and the gentle hush that settles over the house—it's the perfect backdrop for baking something warm and comforting.

This morning, as the rain came steady and soft, I found myself reaching for overripe bananas and a mixing bowl. There's no better time to fill the kitchen with the smell of banana bread. It’s simple, familiar, and exactly the kind of small joy that rainy days call for.

I used to think a “good” garden was one without a single weed in sight. Neat rows, fresh mulch, clean borders—that was the picture of success. Anything that didn’t belong, I pulled.

But the longer I’ve lived this simple, slower life—hands in the dirt, eyes open to the rhythms of nature—the more I’ve realized: some of our best teachers are the ones we once tried to remove.

Weeds, in all their wild persistence, have something to say.

There's something deeply grounding about stepping outside and snipping a sprig of thyme or lemon balm, knowing it will soothe your body or flavor your tea. As summer begins to stretch her arms and warm the earth, it's the perfect time to carve out a corner of your backyard—or even a few pots on the porch—for your own simple herbal apothecary.

This isn’t about complexity or perfection. It’s about intention. About growing what you can, learning as you go, and leaning into the old ways, where medicine was made in kitchens and healing came from the land.

When the garden is in full bloom and the sun stretches long into the evening, it’s a joy to spend our days and nights outdoors. But nothing chases us inside faster than a cloud of hungry mosquitoes. I’m not a big fan of being another organism’s dinner!

There’s a quiet little plant growing underfoot that many folks pass by without a second glance. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t smell sweet. But it’s one of the most powerful, soothing herbs you can keep in your natural medicine cabinet—and it grows abundantly just outside your door.

I’m talking about wild plantain.
Not the banana-shaped fruit, but the humble green herb often called Nature’s Bandaid. Once you get to know it, you’ll start spotting it everywhere—and you’ll never want to be without it.

Wild violets have long held a place in traditional folk medicine. Their leaves and blossoms are both edible and beneficial, rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and soothing mucilage that’s good for the skin and respiratory system. Today, I’m sharing the ways we use wild violets in our home—from teas and syrups to infused oils and healing salves.

If you've never tried a lotion bar before, you're in for a treat. These little wonders are made from natural butters, oils, and waxes that melt into your skin with body heat, sealing in moisture without the fuss of pumps or preservatives. And best of all? They’re incredibly easy to make at home.

The yellow blossoms are more than just cheerful—they’re edible and packed with antioxidants. Rich in vitamins A and C, and offering anti-inflammatory benefits, dandelion flowers are gentle allies for wellness.

As spring breathes new life into our gardens and wild spaces, it also brings buzzing insects and the perfect time to start crafting herbal remedies. Instead of reaching for store-bought repellents and medicines filled with chemicals, why not make your own? Today, I’m sharing two simple and effective DIY projects: a natural bug repellent and a basic herbal tincture to support wellness throughout the season.

There’s something truly magical about crafting your own skincare remedies, especially when they come straight from nature’s apothecary. This Golden Bloom Balm is a rich, nourishing salve infused with the healing properties of calendula, rosehip seed, tamanu, and lavender—each chosen for their skin-loving benefits. Whether you're soothing dry hands, calming irritation, or simply giving your skin a little extra love, this balm is the perfect companion for a simple living lifestyle.

There’s something truly magical about crafting your own skincare remedies, especially when they come straight from nature’s apothecary. This Golden Bloom Balm is a rich, nourishing salve infused with the healing properties of calendula, rosehip seed, tamanu, and lavender—each chosen for their skin-loving benefits. Whether you're soothing dry hands, calming irritation, or simply giving your skin a little extra love, this balm is the perfect companion for a simple living lifestyle.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked bread cooling on the counter. Whether it’s a warm loaf of sourdough, a soft sandwich bread, or a rustic country loaf, homemade bread always feels like a little slice of simple living. But once that bread has cooled and you’ve sliced into it, the next challenge arises — how to store it.

For years, I wrapped my bread in plastic wrap, slipped it into plastic storage bags, or tucked it away in a plastic container. But as I’ve slowly moved toward reducing my reliance on plastic, I knew there had to be a better way. Enter: cloth bread bags — a simple, sustainable solution that keeps your bread fresh without the waste.

In this post, I’ll share with you why cloth bread bags are a game-changer, how to use them, and, best of all — how to make your own!

At Rustic Roots & Simple Living, we cherish the art of breathing new life into pre-loved items. One of our favorite endeavors is transforming thrifted jeans into personalized fashion statements using charming printed patches crafted from scrap materials. This sustainable practice not only reduces waste but also allows for unique, creative expression.

Living a simple, homemade lifestyle means embracing the beauty of natural, handcrafted products. This week, I’m sharing two wonderful DIYs that embody that philosophy: Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar and a Nourishing Facial Serum. These recipes are simple, effective, and packed with benefits for your health, home, and skincare routine.

I was sitting in my favorite chair, drinking a tea blend that I created, feeling pretty good about the sustainable swaps I have been making around the house. But then the little voice in my head said, "Don't pat yourself on the back too hard." I purchase many things that are strictly used once and then thrown away. I went to my pantry and looked inside. That little annoying voice was right. I have switched many items to storage in glass jars, but I had plastic wrap, plastic ware, baggies, and plastic cups lurking in there.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to reach for disposable items like plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover leftovers or store food. But if you’re striving for a more sustainable, rustic, and simple lifestyle, making your own cloth bowl covers is a wonderful step toward reducing waste and adding a touch of handmade charm to your kitchen. Not only are these covers eco-friendly, but they’re also reusable, washable, and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into how you can create your own cloth bowl covers!

This weekend was a perfect balance of creativity, productivity, and cherished moments with one of my favorite tiny humans. The house is still carrying the lingering scents of warm spices, citrus, and floral notes—a true testament to the busy hands and full heart that shaped these past two days.

I started experimenting with herbal infused oils because I was trying to find uses for all the essential oil bottles I end up with from soap making. Making infused oils turned out to be a great way to put those leftover oils to good use while creating something practical and beautiful.

Today, as I was making sourdough, I found myself reflecting on the things in my life that bring me joy and comfort. I don’t plan my blog posts out ahead of time—I simply write about whatever I’m doing or thinking about in the moment. And there’s something about kneading dough that always puts me in a reflective mood.