Day 25

Day 25: A Simple Day Off — Cleaning, Cozy Coffee, and Small Home Refreshes

Although this series focuses on cooking for a crowd, today’s post takes a detour away from the kitchen. I arranged some regular time off each week so I could breathe and enjoy a little “normal.” Even when I’ve had days or half-days away from kitchen duties, much of that time was still spent planning, prepping, or thinking about culinary tasks. This day, however, was entirely different: I deliberately left the kitchen untouched.

I started the morning slowly with a pot of French vanilla coffee and a cozy seat by the fireplace. I welcomed the quiet and imagined you sitting beside me so I could share how the day unfolded. There were no plans, just the freedom to sleep in and savor my coffee while catching up with blogging friends.

Once awake, I took a look around and realized the house could use some attention. Where I sleep looked as if a small whirlwind had passed through — clothes and clutter were scattered, and the bedroom felt untidy. I decided to spend the day making the home feel like a restful place again.

The bedroom had been neglected lately, so I began there. Clearing the floor, folding clothes, and reclaiming closet space made a noticeable difference. Small, steady tasks transformed the room from chaos to calm, and suddenly the rest of the house felt worth tackling, too.

The living room, my evening refuge after long workdays, had also lost a bit of its relaxing charm. There were little reminders of busy days: a coffee bag on the floor, stacks of papers, and an overall sense that the space needed refreshing. I set to work dusting, vacuuming, and removing obvious clutter.

Cleaning one area motivated me to keep going. While I didn’t manage to deep-clean the entire house, I made real progress: I can now walk through my bedroom without stepping over piles of clothing, and the living room corner is tidy once more.

Clearing and cleaning lifted my spirits and sparked a little creativity. With a fresh surface to work with, I did some light redecorating to add color and warmth for the season. A friend had gifted me a couple of bright orange cushions that I adore, and I arranged them on the sofa to add a cheerful accent.

Small touches made a big difference. I filled a bowl with apples we harvested from our tree, placed it on the coffee table, and added a few seasonal elements to the dining room. These modest updates created a welcoming, cozy atmosphere perfect for cooler weather.

Reclaiming the top of the dining table felt like a small victory — it’s amazing how a clear surface can change the tone of a room. I added a few pops of red and apple-themed accents to echo the season and bring a cohesive feel to the space.

These simple home care tasks reminded me of childhood days spent playing house. As a little girl I loved arranging my pretend home in a small closet with a sloped ceiling, rearranging doll clothes and trying on my mother’s shoes, and making pretend dough in a cardboard sink with flour and water. The delight of arranging and rearranging a space has always been part of who I am.

Today felt like a grown-up version of that play — gentler, quieter, and deeply satisfying. I didn’t clomp around in high heels, but I did enjoy being barefoot and relaxed. I even kept my hair down instead of pulling it into a bun, savoring the simple luxury of a day with no kitchen duties and no schedules.

By evening, the house felt refreshed and welcoming. The effort of a single day of tidying and light decorating restored a sense of calm and made the home feel cared-for. These small rituals — a steaming cup of coffee, a cozy fire, and the slow satisfaction of putting things in order — are worth scheduling into life. They remind us that rest and renewal can be intentional, and that a few thoughtful touches can turn a tidy house into a true home.