A bunch of elderberries are surrounded by white flowers

Surviving the Back-to-School Cold with a Little Help from Elderberry Syrup

September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!
Homemade Coffee Creamer
Dawn's Simple Life

Because Who Has Time (or the Budget) for Store-Bought?

In our fast-paced lives, finding small ways to simplify and save can make all the difference, especially when it comes to something as routine as coffee. For the coffee drinkers in my house, store-bought coffee creamer used to be a staple—until I discovered how easy (and cost-effective) it is to make my own. Not only is it rich and creamy, but it also tastes so much better than anything off the shelf. Plus, I know exactly what's going into it, which is a huge bonus in my book!


This homemade coffee creamer recipe has become a staple in our house, and I love that the flavors are customizable. Tonight, I went all out and made a delicious pumpkin spice creamer by simply adding a couple of spoonfuls of my homemade pumpkin pie spice. The possibilities are endless—think cinnamon, hazelnut, or even peppermint around the holidays!


With the amount of creamer we go through in our home, it’s not just cheaper, but I also appreciate knowing exactly what ingredients we're using. As a bonus, we even make our own brown sugar, which I'll talk about in another post. (Yes, it’s easier than you think!)


After trying countless recipes that just didn’t hit the mark—one involved making my own sweetened condensed milk (and let me tell you, it was way too time-consuming)—I finally found this gem of a recipe that checks all the boxes. It’s just the right amount of sweetness, with a smooth creamy texture that everyone seems to love. And while I may be the odd one out as the non-coffee drinker in the house, this creamer has become a go-to!


Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe:


How to Make:

  1. Heat the water and brown sugar together in a saucepan until the sugar fully dissolves.
  2. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the cream, milk, and vanilla.
  3. Store in the fridge, and shake well before each use.


Storage Tip: The Best Bottles for Your Homemade Coffee Creamer

When it comes to storing your homemade coffee creamer, you want something that not only looks great in your fridge but also keeps everything fresh. I’ve found that these bottles from Amazon are an absolute game-changer. They’re functional, easy to pour from, and, let’s be honest, they’re pretty too! 😍

I love using glass bottles for storing my creamer because they’re easy to clean and give that extra touch of charm to my kitchen. Plus, they look super cute sitting on the counter or when guests come over for coffee.

Whether you're making a classic vanilla creamer or experimenting with fun seasonal flavours, these bottles are perfect for keeping everything fresh and delicious.


Feel free to experiment with flavors! If you're feeling adventurous, add a couple of spoonfuls of your favorite spices or extracts to create your own custom blends.

Happy brewing, and stay tuned for my DIY brown sugar recipe coming soon!

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A bunch of elderberries are surrounded by white flowers

Surviving the Back-to-School Cold with a Little Help from Elderberry Syrup

September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!

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