Author: embracingspirit

The Beauty of Homemade Gifts: Simple Ways to Share Love and Meaning This Season

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The holidays often bring pressure to buy more, spend more, and fill our carts with things that don’t always hold lasting meaning. Yet some of the most cherished gifts are the ones made by hand — crafted with time, thought, and love.

It’s time to normalize the beauty of homemade gifts. Not because they’re cheaper or easier, but because they hold something money can’t buy: presence and intention.

The Heart Behind Homemade

When we take the time to make something for someone, we infuse it with care. It’s a quiet way of saying, “You matter.” Whether it’s a loaf of bread, a handwritten note, or a jar of bath salts, each handmade offering carries a little piece of your heart.

Homemade gifts remind us that love doesn’t come from the store — it comes from our hands, our creativity, and our willingness to give meaningfully. Neighbors, teachers, friends, and family can all enjoy timeless gifts that are made from the heart.

Simple Homemade Gift Ideas

Here are a few thoughtful, easy ideas that invite creativity and connection:

1. Essential Oil Blends or Sprays
Mix your favorite oils into a simple roller blend or room spray. Try combinations like wild orange and clove for comfort, or lavender and frankincense for calm. Add a handwritten note with the emotional benefits or a short affirmation.

2. Baked Goods with Intention
Bake a loaf of sourdough, a batch of pumpkin bread, or scones wrapped in parchment and twine. Include a card sharing why you made that recipe — the memories it stirs or the comfort it brings.

3. Cookie Mix in a Jar
Layer dry ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar, then attach a simple tag with baking instructions. Add festive ribbon and a handwritten message like “Made with love and sweet memories.”

4. Homemade Bath Salts or Body Scrubs
Combine Epsom salt, a few drops of essential oils, and dried herbs like lavender or rosemary. Package them in a glass jar with a simple label that reads “for slowing down.”

5. Potpourri Simmer Pot
Create a simmer pot mix with dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Add a little note with directions: “Simmer in a pot of water to fill your home with cozy holiday scents.”

6. Gratitude Jars or Affirmation Cards
Write uplifting notes, affirmations, or reasons you’re grateful for the person. Place them in a small jar tied with ribbon — a daily reminder of how loved they are.

7. Crochet Headband or Scarf
If you love crafting, crochet a simple headband or scarf in cozy winter colors. These handmade accessories are thoughtful, practical, and full of heart.

8. Tea or Spice Blends
Create a signature blend of loose leaf tea or herbal infusions. You can also make custom spice mixes for cooking — a fun and personal gift for food lovers.

Why Homemade Gifts Matter

Homemade gifts invite us to slow down and give from the heart. They encourage mindfulness, creativity, and a return to simplicity.

They remind both giver and receiver that joy doesn’t come from how much we spend, but from how much love we pour into what we give.

When we choose to make something by hand, we choose meaning over material — and that’s the kind of gift that truly lasts long after the holidays have passed.

If you are looking to give some homemade gifts but aren’t crafty I can help. Check out my gift giving guide here!

Why 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift

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Finding the right gift isn’t always easy. The best gifts are those that stay with us — the ones that remind us to slow down, breathe, and appreciate life.

That’s exactly what 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living was created to do. This book offers more than words on a page. It’s a gentle guide for anyone seeking to live with more awareness, gratitude, and balance.

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Each week brings a short reflection, a mindful practice, and an affirmation. These simple moments of awareness encourage readers to pause and reconnect. The practices are inspired by the changing seasons and the wisdom of nature.

In spring, you’ll be invited to explore new beginnings.
In summer, you’ll find joy and expansion.
In fall, you’ll reflect on letting go and change.
In winter, you’ll rest and return inward.

Through these themes, 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness helps you stay grounded in life’s natural rhythms.

Simple Practices for Everyday Mindfulness

You don’t need much time or space to begin. The book offers easy practices like mindfulness practices, wekly affirmations, and relfections. Each one helps you notice beauty in everyday life and cultivate presence with ease.

These practices are not about doing more. They are about being more — more aware, more open, and more connected.

A Meaningful Gift for Any Season

This book makes a heartfelt gift for:

  • Yoga and mindfulness lovers
  • Caregivers and healers
  • Friends seeking calm or clarity
  • Anyone ready to begin a mindful journey

It’s also a wonderful gift for yourself — a reminder to take time for what truly matters.

Give the Gift of Mindfulness

52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness is a year-long invitation to live with intention, gratitude, and joy. As each week unfolds, readers discover simple ways to feel more balanced and inspired.

This holiday season, share a gift that lasts. Give someone you love the opportunity to find stillness, connection, and meaning through mindful living.

Find 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living here.

A year of wisdom begins with one small act of mindfulness — perhaps this book is that beginning.

Want to explore more mindfulness practices? Visit the Yoga and Wellness section of my blog for simple, seasonal ways to nurture your spirit. Would you like to add my top selling Gratitude Blend to your gift giving? Here it is!

Gratitude Essential Oil Blend and Ritual | A Heart-Opening Practice for November

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Gratitude Essential Oil Blend and Ritual

As the season shifts and November invites us inward, we are reminded of the quiet beauty in gratitude — not as a fleeting thought, but as a feeling that roots deep in the heart. This gratitude essential oil blend and ritual is designed to nurture that feeling, helping you connect to appreciation through scent, breath, and mindful reflection.

The Gratitude Essential Oil Blend

Each oil in this blend carries a distinct emotional resonance, working together to open the heart, ground the body, and awaken joy.

You’ll Need:

  • 3 drops Wild Orange — Brings joy, abundance, and creativity. Wild Orange uplifts the spirit and reminds us that life’s sweetness is found in the present moment.
  • 2 drops Lavender — Offers emotional balance and calm. Lavender soothes the heart, eases tension, and helps release resistance to peace and gratitude.
  • 2 drops Patchouli — Deeply grounding and stabilizing. Patchouli connects us to our body, helping us feel centered and safe enough to open to appreciation.
  • 1 drop Roman Chamomile — Encourages compassion and acceptance. This gentle oil supports emotional release and nurtures inner harmony.
  • Optional: 1 drop Frankincense — Enhances spiritual awareness and inner stillness. Frankincense deepens the connection to gratitude by bringing clarity and sacredness to your practice.

Combine oils in a 10 ml roller bottle and top with fractionated coconut oil (or your preferred carrier oil). Gently roll between your palms to blend.

How to Use Your Gratitude Blend

Apply over your heart, wrists, or temples. Close your eyes and take three slow, intentional breaths. Allow the scent to settle — notice how it shifts your energy, softens your thoughts, and opens you to a quieter sense of thankfulness.

The Gratitude Ritual

  1. Find a comfortable place where you won’t be interrupted.
  2. Roll the blend over your heart space and breathe deeply.
  3. Reflect on three things you are grateful for — one that brings you comfort, one that inspires you, and one that challenges you but helps you grow.
  4. Sit quietly for a few moments, letting gratitude expand through your body.
  5. End with a gentle affirmation, such as “My heart is open to the blessings that surround me.”

You may wish to journal, meditate, or simply rest in the feeling of appreciation that lingers.

Why This Practice Works

Aromatherapy engages the limbic system — the part of the brain that connects scent, memory, and emotion. When paired with mindful awareness, essential oils help anchor gratitude in both body and spirit. Over time, this practice can reframe the mind toward joy and cultivate a more peaceful, appreciative heart.

Suggested Oil Substitutions

Don’t have all the oils on hand? You can still create a powerful blend with similar emotional benefits. Try one of these easy swaps:

  • Wild Orange: Substitute with Bergamot or Tangerine for uplifting energy and emotional brightness.
  • Lavender: Swap for Clary Sage or Geranium to promote calm, balance, and self-compassion.
  • Patchouli: Try Cedarwood or Vetiver for grounding and emotional stability.
  • Roman Chamomile: Use Ylang Ylang or Magnolia for soothing comfort and heart-centered energy.
  • Frankincense: Substitute with Sandalwood or Myrrh for spiritual connection and reflection.

These alternatives will still encourage presence, gratitude, and peace — allowing you to personalize the blend based on what you already love or have available.

A Note of Reflection

Gratitude often lives in the subtle spaces — in the light on your morning coffee, the rhythm of your breath, or the warmth of someone’s kindness. This simple ritual is a way to pause and honor those quiet blessings, allowing your heart to soften and your spirit to expand.

How to Roast Root Vegetables | A Simple and Flavorful Fall Side Dish

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How to Roast Root Vegetables for a Fall Side Dish

There’s something deeply grounding about root vegetables — their earthy aroma, vibrant colors, and connection to the soil remind us to slow down and root ourselves in the present moment. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, creating a simple and nourishing dish that captures the essence of fall.

This roasted root vegetable recipe is more than a side dish — it’s a seasonal ritual. As the oven warms your kitchen and herbs perfume the air, cooking becomes a meditation in gratitude for the abundance of the earth.

Ingredients

  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 sweet potato, cubed
  • 1 beet, peeled and cubed
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • Optional: drizzle of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare your vegetables. Cut everything into even-sized pieces so they roast evenly.
  3. Toss in olive oil and herbs. In a large bowl, combine vegetables, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs until evenly coated.
  4. Spread on the baking sheet. Give them space — crowding traps steam and prevents that golden, crisp edge.
  5. Roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.
  6. Finish with a flourish. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar or sprinkle fresh herbs before serving.

Mindful Kitchen Moment

As you chop and stir, notice the colors — the deep magenta of beets, the sunset hue of sweet potatoes, the creamy white of parsnips. Cooking with awareness connects us to the cycle of the seasons and the nourishment nature provides.

Serving Ideas

These roasted root vegetables pair beautifully with any fall meal — alongside a cozy soup, over quinoa, or as a base for a grain bowl. They also reheat beautifully, making them a practical and delicious meal prep option for the week ahead.

A Note on Gratitude

November invites us to give thanks for simple pleasures — the warmth of the oven, the scent of herbs, the way a humble root transforms into something golden and sweet. May your kitchen be a place of nourishment, reflection, and gratitude this season.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups: Cozy, Healthy Breakfast for Fall

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups

There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of baked apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. These oatmeal cups bring that feeling into your mornings — a little bit of fall coziness you can hold in your hands.

They’re simple to make, nourishing for the body, and grounding for the soul — everything autumn breakfasts should be.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji are great)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Mix dry ingredients — oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt — in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients — milk, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, and coconut oil — in another bowl.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures, then fold in the diced apple (and nuts if using).
  5. Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups, pressing down gently to help them hold shape.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden and set.
  7. Cool completely before removing from the pan.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently and enjoy with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.

Mindful Tip

As these oatmeal cups bake, take a moment to breathe in the scent of cinnamon and apple. Let it remind you of the sweetness in simplicity — nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated.

Staying Grounded This Fall: 3 Soulful Lessons from Nature’s Wisdom

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As autumn unfurls her golden shawl and the air turns crisp with change, nature invites us to slow down. The trees whisper ancient lessons in letting go. The wind hums reminders to breathe deeper. The earth softens, making space for rest.

If we listen closely, fall becomes more than a season — it becomes a teacher. Here are three soulful ways to stay grounded this fall and to walk in rhythm with nature’s wisdom.

1. Practice the Art of Letting Go

The trees do not mourn their leaves; they release them with grace, trusting the cycle to bring new life in time. Let your practice this season be one of gentle release — old expectations, heavy emotions, the endless striving. Take a few quiet moments each day to breathe out what no longer serves you.

Try this: Stand beneath a tree and imagine your worries as leaves drifting softly to the ground. Whisper gratitude for what they taught you, then let them go.

2. Root Down into Ritual

Just as roots reach deeper when the air grows colder, grounding rituals can anchor us during times of change. Light a candle at dawn. Stir cinnamon into your tea. Walk outside and feel your feet press into the earth.

Consistency in small sacred acts reminds the body that it is safe — that stillness can be a sanctuary.

Try this: Begin or end your day with one slow, intentional breath of gratitude. Feel your breath connect you to everything that is steady and alive.

3. Rest in Rhythm, Not Resistance

Nature never rushes. The sun tilts earlier into twilight, the soil gathers its quiet strength for spring. Instead of pushing against the darker days, allow yourself to move in harmony with them. Rest more. Reflect. Dream.

Let your inner pace match the pace of the season — slow, rich, and full of unseen growth.

Try this: Keep a “slow journal” — write one sentence each night about something beautiful you noticed, no matter how small.

As the world turns inward, so can you. Let fall remind you that surrender is not weakness — it is wisdom. The wisdom of knowing when to pause, when to soften, and when to simply be.

May this season root you in peace, and may you trust that even in stillness, you are growing.

Nut-Free Homemade Granola: A Heartwarming Snack for Every Season

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Nut-Free Homemade Granola: A Heartwarming Snack for Every Season

There’s something so comforting about the scent of granola baking in the oven—the soft sweetness of honey and oats, the warmth of cinnamon filling the kitchen. This nut-free granola recipe came from a simple wish to create something nourishing and safe to share with friends who can’t enjoy nuts. It’s sweetened naturally, filled with wholesome goodness, and made with the kind of care that turns a recipe into a ritual.

Each bite is a reminder that simple ingredients can come together in the most beautiful way—just like the moments of our lives when we slow down and pay attention.

Nut-Free Granola Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  3. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup), oil, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
  5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before stirring in the chopped dates and cranberries. Store in an airtight jar or container.

Mindful Moment
As you stir the oats and honey together, pause for a moment. Notice the texture, the scent, the warmth rising from the bowl. Let this simple act of creation be an offering—a way to nurture not just your body, but your spirit.

Serving Ideas

  • Sprinkle over Greek yogurt with fresh berries.
  • Layer into parfaits with coconut yogurt and fruit.
  • Enjoy as a crunchy snack with a cup of tea.
  • Add to baked apples or use as a topping for smoothie bowls.

Essential Oil Blend for Grounding & Alignment: Returning to Your True Self

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There are seasons in life when we feel pulled in many directions—torn between what the world expects of us and what our heart truly knows. When that happens, I turn to ritual. A moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the values that shape who I am.

This essential oil blend is one of those quiet rituals—a gentle reminder to come home to yourself. It helps ground the energy in the body while aligning the heart and mind with clarity and purpose.

When we are grounded, we act with steadiness. When we are aligned, we act with integrity. Together, grounding and alignment help us move through life as our most authentic, radiant self.

Grounding & Alignment Blend

  • 3 drops Frankincense — for spiritual connection and inner calm
  • 3 drops Cedarwood — for deep grounding and stability
  • 2 drops Bergamot — for joy, confidence, and authenticity
  • 2 drops Lavender — for emotional balance and grace
  • 1 drop Sandalwood (or Vetiver) — for deep presence and inner peace

Combine in a 10 ml roller bottle and top with fractionated coconut oil. Roll over the heart, wrists, and the back of the neck. Breathe deeply and set your intention to live in harmony with your values.

Mindful Moment:
As you anoint yourself with this blend, take a slow inhale and silently repeat:
“I am rooted in truth, aligned with purpose, and guided by grace.”

This is not just an aroma—it’s an energetic invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember who you are beneath the noise.

Essential Oil Tip:
Try diffusing this blend while journaling or meditating on your personal values. Ask yourself what truly matters to you right now, and how you can take one small action that reflects that truth.

When we live in alignment with our deepest values, we become both grounded and free. Learn more about essential oils in the free download.

The Week After the Book Release: Gratitude, Growth, and Grace

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The week following the release of my book has felt like a dream I once whispered quietly to myself that finally came true. There’s been so much joy—messages from readers, kind words from friends, and a deep, steady sense of gratitude that continues to unfold each day.

It’s funny how something that begins as a simple intention—a quiet goal set in the corner of your heart—can grow into something that touches others. I remember the early mornings when doubt was louder than belief. I remember pushing through moments of resistance, showing up even when I questioned if anyone would care. But what I’ve learned through this process is that staying accountable, even when no one’s watching, builds a kind of inner trust that no outside validation can replace.

Releasing this book has not just been about sharing my words; it’s been about becoming the kind of person who finishes what she starts. I’ve discovered a deeper layer of confidence that comes from commitment—from choosing to keep going even when imposter syndrome whispers that you’re not ready or not enough.

Action Makes It Real

This journey reminded me that we don’t have to wait until we feel perfectly confident to take action. Confidence comes from taking action. From showing up, again and again, even when the outcome is uncertain.

As I sit here reflecting on this first week of sharing my work with the world, my heart is full. I’m grateful for every person who has read, shared, or reached out. I’m grateful for the years of learning, unlearning, healing, and creating that led me here.

Dreams and Goals

If you’re holding onto a dream—whether it’s writing a book, starting a project, or simply taking the next brave step—trust that the process will shape you just as much as the outcome. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to begin.

Because sometimes, the most powerful transformation happens not when the world sees what you’ve created, but when you finally see what you’re capable of.

If my journey resonates with you, I’d love for you to explore my new book, 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living. It’s a reflection of the lessons, practices, and heart-centered truths that helped me stay grounded through the seasons of growth.

Fresh & Flavorful Mediterranean Turkey Bowl

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Looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Mediterranean Turkey Bowl is bursting with bright flavors, crunchy textures, and nourishing ingredients that support balanced blood sugar and steady energy. It’s quick enough for weeknights, colorful enough for guests, and endlessly adaptable!

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

For the dressing:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
  2. Assemble the bowl: Divide quinoa among bowls. Top with turkey, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the bowls.
  4. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy warm or chilled.

This bowl supports balanced blood sugar with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies. It’s perfect for meal prep and can easily be customized—try adding roasted chickpeas, spinach, or tzatziki for extra flavor.

Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Handmade Gifts, Artisan Bakes & Mindful Living Treasures

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Soulful Holiday Gift Guide: Handmade & Mindful Treasures for the Season

The holidays are a time of connection, reflection, and giving from the heart. If you’re searching for thoughtful holiday gifts that carry meaning and intention, handmade treasures are always the answer. This year, I’m excited to share my Holiday Gift Guide filled with soulful offerings that nourish body, mind, and spirit. Every gift has been created with love, care, and mindfulness — because the best presents are the ones that carry a story.

Handmade Skincare & Wellness Gifts

  • Whipped Body Butter – Luxuriously rich and hydrating, perfect for soothing dry winter skin.
  • Bath Salts & Bath Bombs – Infused with essential oils for relaxation, stress relief, and a spa-like experience at home.
  • Essential Oil Blends – Custom-crafted aromas to inspire calm, focus, or joy throughout the season.

? Artisan & Homemade Food Gifts

*baked goods local people only

  • Christmas Jam – A seasonal favorite made with care, ideal for sharing around the holiday table.
  • Artisan Sourdough Bread – Hand-crafted, crusty, and perfect for gifting or enjoying with family gatherings.
  • Scones & Muffins – Tender and comforting baked goods, baked with love.
  • Homemade Cookies – Classic, heartwarming treats that bring a smile to every bite.

Mindful Living & Inspiration

This year has been a journey of resilience, gratitude, and joy. Out of that experience came my newest release:
52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living 
This book is more than words on a page — it’s an invitation to weave rituals of mindfulness, presence, and gratitude into everyday life. A meaningful holiday gift for anyone seeking inspiration and healing in the year ahead.

Why Handmade Gifts Matter

Handmade gifts aren’t just things you buy — they are extensions of love, intention, and care. In a season that often feels rushed, they bring us back to what truly matters: thoughtfulness, connection, and joy. Whether it’s a jar of jam, a hand-blended oil, or a book filled with mindful practices, these gifts are created to be cherished.

 Order early to ensure your handmade treasures are ready for holiday giving! Every purchase supports my healing journey and allows me to keep sharing mindfulness, movement, and soulful creations with you.

See the entire holiday gift guide here!

Shop Here

And, thank you so much for you continued support and well wishes. xo, Stacie

Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze – A Cozy October Recipe

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There’s something magical about October baking. The crisp air, falling leaves, and golden glow of autumn invite us into the kitchen to stir up something comforting and full of seasonal spice. And while pumpkin spice is everywhere this time of year, nothing beats a homemade loaf of Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze.

This bread is tender, perfectly spiced, and just sweet enough. The drizzle of maple glaze takes it from everyday snack to showstopper dessert. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, or wrap it up as a gift for a friend—it’s pure autumn comfort.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Bread:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Splash of milk, if needed to thin

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, oil, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely before glazing.
  8. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Bread

  • Use fresh pumpkin purée if you can—it gives richer flavor.
  • Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • For extra decadence, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Embracing October in the Kitchen

Baking isn’t just about food—it’s about ritual, warmth, and connection. When we bake with the flavors of the season, we’re aligning with nature’s rhythm and giving ourselves a delicious reminder to slow down and savor.

So light a candle, play your favorite cozy playlist, and let this Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze bring a little extra sweetness to your October days.