Oranges, Cinnamon & a Little Magic: My New Favorite Self-Care Ritual”
The Cozy Simmer Pot Ritual That Makes Your Home Smell Like Heaven (And Your Skin Glow Too)
There’s something magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by warmth, comfort, and the smell of oranges, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla drifting through the air.
It feels like hitting the reset button — for your mood, your body, your home, and honestly, your whole spirit. This is a little something I have been doing for a few years now, and I love to make sure the house is filled with some cozy aroma when my Wife and kids get home. I like to make sure that as soon as they walk through the door, their vibes change to happiness and relaxation. ( sometimes too relaxed, but that’s a work in progress)
And lately? My go-to ritual has been a simmer pot made with fresh oranges, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a little vanilla bean paste.
It’s cozy, it’s nostalgic, it’s naturally fragrant… and weirdly enough, it’s become the highlight of my week.
But it’s more than just a pretty smell.
It’s skincare.
It’s peace.
It’s a tiny moment of luxury you deserve.
Let’s talk about it.
✨ Why I Love This Combo: Oranges, Cinnamon, Clove, & Vanilla
Together, these four ingredients smell like:
• A warm hug, without a soul even touching you! It’s probably why I love it so much.
• A cozy bakery
• A holiday your soul remembers because I am creating someone else’s Nostalgia.
• The clean-house-fresh-start energy we all want but don’t always have time for
But they also each bring their own little benefits:
🍊 Oranges
Bright, fresh, mood-lifting. Put them in water or in a facial steam and suddenly your skin wakes up too.
🌿 Cinnamon
Warm, grounding, comforting. It’s like aromatherapy for stress.
✨ Cloves
Purifying, spicy, great for clearing the air literally and energetically. Any negative feelings go right out the door. I know this because I have tried it on my mom. She can absolutely hate the world some days, but I don’t blame her because me to!
🍦 Vanilla Bean Paste
Soft, sweet, calming — and makes your house smell like you baked something impressive even if dinner is literally toast and eggs.
✨ How to Turn It Into a Facial Steam (Yes, Your Skin Will Thank You)
This is the part no one tells you:
Your simmer pot can also double as the best at-home facial steam pot that didn't cost you $100s.
Once the pot is warm and fragrant:
Turn off the heat.
Place your face over the pot (not too close).
Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
Breathe. Relax. Let the steam soften your skin.
Benefits:
✔ cleans pores ( softens them so they release buildup)
✔ Hydrates dry winter skin
✔ Helps skincare absorb better afterward
✔ Reduces that “I worked all day and my face shows it” look
✔ Instantly relaxes your whole nervous system
If you want to be extra (and you know I do):
Apply a body oil or balm afterward and just melt into bed. Instant spa. Zero dollars. Trust me — your body will crave the aroma, and bam: instant uplift and a burst of wellness.
✨ The Manifesting Moment: Health, Wealth & Peace
This simmer pot isn’t just about fragrance or skincare — it’s become a mindful moment in my week.
When I drop the ingredients into the pot, I perform a small ritual, much like the one I follow when cooking for my family. I believe in it because everything is water, and if you treat pre‑frozen water gently and speak life into it, it freezes beautifully and with care.
• Oranges → health (vitality, brightness, energy)
• Cinnamon → prosperity (it’s been used for centuries for abundance rituals)
• Cloves → protection + clearing
• Vanilla → peace, comfort, sweet moments
As it simmers, I just let myself think about what I want more of:
a healthier body
a peaceful home
financial ease
good energy for my kids
new opportunities
less chaos, more calm
Is it magic? Maybe.
Is it therapy? Also maybe.
Is it life-changing? Honestly… kind of.
Because when you intentionally put good energy into something, it reflects right back at you.
✨ Why I Do This a Few Nights a Week After Work
When I get home after a long day, I don’t always have time for a full self-care routine or a 10-step ritual.
But a simmer pot?
That I can do.
I throw everything in, let it warm up, and suddenly the whole house shifts.
The energy feels lighter.
My stress melts off.
The kids relax too.
My skin enjoys the steam.
And I finally feel like… myself again.
It’s such a small thing, but it brings so much peace.
It makes my house feel like a sanctuary
my evening feel intentional
and my mood feel grounded again.
And honestly?
I think every woman deserves a ritual like that.
✨ Try It Tonight
Grab:
• 2 sliced orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5–8 whole cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or a split bean)
• Water
Simmer gently.
Breathe deeply.
Let yourself unwind.
Manifest a little.
Glow a little.
Rest a lot.
Your skin, your home, and your sanity will thank you.
