Fort Collins, CO November 2024 by City Lifestyle

A S EASON OF HOPE

Giving Thanks

Gratitude as the theme for November, both for our publication and with Thanksgiving, kick starts the holiday season with reflection and pause. We take this time to look back at this year and recognize the ways our lives have changed. A time to reflect on the impact those changes have had on ourselves and the ways we’ve created impact.

With the end of this year fast approaching, November is the time to appreciate the people in our lives and those that make our communities brighter. We are proud of and grateful to the members of our lively and wonderful Fort Collins community that have shared their stories in this issue and continue to make big contributions to Fort Collins and to the people who need it the most in our community.

Inspiring stories and personal testimonies fill our pages in this issue and remind us all of the incredible work being done in Fort Collins. We are spotlighting and celebrating the power of individuals and the collective efforts of organizations and businesses. We feel grateful to be the outlet of these stories and to help spread the important work of our community members.

We would like to thank our partners, our readers, and the Fort Collins community for your involvement in our mission of sharing local stories and showcasing the very best Fort Collins has to offer.

JAHNA & JASON EICHEL, PUBLISHERS @FORTCOLLINSCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2024

PUBLISHERS

Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com

Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Macey VanDenMeerendonk | macey.v@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Morgan Henderson morgan.henderson@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Matthew Hart | matthew@thecreativeagencyco.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

The Creative Agency | hello@thecreativeagencyco.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Macey VanDenMeerendonk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Laura’s Lens Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Proverbs 3:5-6

Go from dreaming of more to opening the door.

Meet your Colorado mortgage team.

city scene

1-7: The Skin Lounge celebrated the arrival of fall with elegance at their VIP “Peels and Prosecco” event. Guests enjoyed a sophisticated evening sipping prosecco while learning about advanced exfoliation treatments designed for optimal skin rejuvenation. This exclusive gathering left attendees feeling pampered, informed, and perfectly prepared to embrace a radiant glow for the season ahead.

8-12: In our thrilling third Annual F45 Playoffs between Fort Collins, Boulder, and Longmont, Boulder clinched first, Fort Collins proudly secured second, and Longmont took third place. Shoutout to our star athletes: Shannon Murphy, who topped the women’s division, and Sergio Ortize, who came in third among the men. Congrats top all!

city scene

13-15: Twelve members of the Millbrook World Travel team attended the Ensemble Travel Conference in Las Vegas from September 16-19. During the event, we engaged with suppliers – including cruise lines, tour companies, and hotels – and participated in sessions aimed at enhancing our ability to assist clients with their travel plans. Our team now proudly includes 16 agents!

Newest Addition to The Skin Lounge Team

The newest addition at The Skin Lounge is our wonderful massage therapist, Morningstar Peake! Returning to Colorado after 24 years in Maui, she brings an impressive 30 years of expertise in health, wellness, and bodywork. She specializes in myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, orthopedic massage, prenatal care, and geriatric rehabilitation. Her passion lies in sharing knowledge and promoting body awareness for optimized movement and injury prevention. Get ready for an elevated wellness experience!

Mummy Mountain

Palisade Mountain

McHenry's Peak

Mount Meeker

Longs Peak

Estes Park

Horsetooth Mountain

Terra Tomah Mountain

The Heart of Hope

A JOURNEY OF SURVIVAL AND THE SILVER LININGS FOUND ALONG THE WAY

Facing a shattering diagnosis, Lydia Dody didn’t just survive; she found purpose. Struck by the devastating news of breast cancer, Dody’s life spiraled into chaos. But amidst the darkness, an idea took root—a mission to support other women facing the same battle. What started as an overwhelming struggle turned into a lifeline for countless women, one that Dody didn’t yet know how to bring to life but felt compelled to pursue. Today, as the founder of Hope Lives!, she reflects on her journey through the lowest points of her life and how those moments transformed into a silver lining for others.

Before her diagnosis, Dody was a successful businesswoman in Fort Collins, running retail shops and a magazine. She excelled in everything she pursued. But in November 2000, during what she thought was a routine exam, her world was shattered. Concerned about a lump and a noticeable change in one breast, she voiced her worries to her doctor. Reassured by a negative mammogram, her doctor recommended waiting a year for the next exam. Trusting her instincts, Dody pushed for a biopsy—just to be safe. That decision led to the news that would change her life forever: breast cancer.

Within days, Dody was preparing for a bilateral mastectomy, her surgery scheduled only a week after her diagnosis. Life-saving surgery was just the beginning. Chemotherapy followed, starting the day after Christmas. It was an aggressive treatment, full of harsh side effects that landed her in the hospital multiple times. Throughout it all, she faced the reality of fighting for her life while raising two young daughters.

Lydia Dody

In the face of this overwhelming adversity, something incredible happened.

“The universe brought people into my life I wouldn’t have normally connected with,” Dody recalls. “It was as if it had been planned. All of a sudden, I had this army of support. It kept me going. It nourished me while Western medicine attacked the cancer, but also drained so much life out of me.” This network of friends, family, and even strangers became her lifeline.

Then, in the depths of her treatment, a revelation came. Dody realized she wasn’t fighting this battle just for herself. She felt a calling to help other women going through the same experience. She had to share what she had learned, from the resources she’d discovered to the emotional and physical support she had received. That very day, without any experience in the nonprofit world, she picked up the phone and started making calls. The idea for Hope Lives! was born.

Despite the toll chemotherapy took on her body, Dody pressed on. In the comfort of her bathrobe, she began organizing weekly meetings, bringing together the community to build momentum for her cause. By November 2001, Hope Lives! hosted its first fundraising events: a gala, a symposium, and a run, all aimed at raising money for women battling breast cancer. And in January 2002, Hope Lives! officially began providing services to women in need.

Hope Lives! offers more than just emotional support; it provides practical help during the toughest time in a woman’s life. Local businesses have rallied around the organization, offering services ranging from Reiki and house cleaning to mental health support. Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer can select the services that best meet their individual needs, giving them some relief in a time of great uncertainty.

“Hope Lives! is a sisterhood,” Dody says. “When you’ve had breast cancer, you understand the impact of the diagnosis in a way others can’t. That bond is powerful.” The organization creates a space where women can connect, share, and support one another, fostering a community that provides love and understanding.

“If we can improve their lives, even just a little, while they’re here with us, that’s so satisfying. It touches my heart and brings me to tears.”

- Lydia Dody

Lydia Dody at a Hope Lives! gala

“I found breast cancer to be a gift, wrapped in a nasty package. The gift was the realization that life is short and precious. It helped me prioritize, deepened my faith, and reminded me of the importance of kindness, generosity, and love.” - Lydia Dody

Tailoring its support to each woman’s unique journey, Hope Lives! recognizes the challenges women face during treatment. “If we can improve their lives, even just a little, while they’re here with us, that’s so satisfying. It touches my heart and brings me to tears,” Dody shares, reflecting on the far-reaching impact her organization has had.

Dody’s resilience and determination to turn her own battle into a force for good is inspiring. With a dedicated team, board members, and volunteers by her side, Hope Lives! has never turned away a single woman due to a lack of resources since its inception in 2002. And Dody isn’t done yet. She has plans to expand the organization beyond Northern Colorado, with hopes of reaching women across the state and eventually nationwide.

Looking ahead, the mission of Hope Lives! remains more crucial than ever, and financial support is key to continuing its vital work. On February 1, 2025, the organization will host its annual fundraising gala, a night filled with stories of triumph from survivors and a celebration of hope. It’s an evening dedicated to ensuring Hope Lives! can continue to provide essential services to women in Northern Colorado and beyond.

Reflecting on her journey, Dody says, “I found breast cancer to be a gift, wrapped in a nasty package. The gift was the realization that life is short and precious. It helped me prioritize, deepened my faith, and reminded me of the importance of kindness, generosity, and love.” Through Hope Lives! She extends these values not only to those around her but to a growing community of women whose lives she’s touched.

To purchase Gala tickets or to set up a monthly recurring donation to Hope Lives! visit their website www.hopelives.org

Lydia Dody with her army of support

thankful for family-owned businesses

CELEBRATING THE FAMILY TIES THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY

Layman Lewis Financial Group

Alicia and Joshua Lewis, co-founders of Layman Lewis Financial Group, have turned their shared entrepreneurial spirit and values into a thriving financial services firm based in Loveland, Colorado. Focusing on retirement planning and investment management, the couple provides personalized financial strategies to clients across the region.

Alicia’s journey into the world of finance began when she was just 11 years old. A school project to shadow a professional led her to spend a day with her father, Chuck Layman, a longtime Prudential agent. That day, Alicia learned her father was leaving his corporate job to offer clients a broader range of financial solutions. Inspired by his decision, Alicia later proposed that they start their own, independent firm. In 2007, Layman Lewis Financial Group was born.

Joshua’s entrepreneurial spirit developed from the financial struggles he faced growing up, leading him to start small neighborhood services like lawn mowing and snow shoveling. As an adult, he teamed up with Alicia, combining her relationship-building skills with his financial experience, creating a successful and powerful partnership.

Now, Alicia serves as the president of Layman Lewis Financial Group, while Joshua leads as a financial advisor. Alicia’s warm personality allows her to form deep connections with clients, while Joshua’s

analytical approach helps ensure each client’s retirement goals are meticulously planned.

“We each bring different strengths, and together, we create personalized strategies that help our clients enjoy financial confidence in retirement,” Alicia said. “Helping people achieve their dreams is what drives us.”

Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Layman Lewis Financial Group. Layman Lewis Financial Group is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Layman Lewis Financial Group are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements. 2631838 - 9.24

Joshua and Alicia Lewis

Yoga Pod Fort Collins began as a dream to create a sanctuary where people can come together, connect, and grow. My husband Joey and I (Maj-Lis) opened the studio in 2017, driven by a shared passion for yoga and a desire to contribute something meaningful to the Fort Collins community. From the beginning, we knew this was more than just a business—it was a family effort, rooted in love, and aimed at fostering transformation.

Part of our inspiration has always been to show our two children, Liam (15) and Lily (12), what it means to be

Yoga Pod Fort Collins

entrepreneurs. We wanted them to see that if you can dream it, with hard work and dedication, you can achieve it. Our journey is not only about yoga but about modeling perseverance and passion for the next generation.

We couldn’t do it without our incredible manager, Jana Stratton, who feels like part of our family as well. Since opening the studio, her husband Ben has also become a yoga teacher, further strengthening our tight-knit community.

Our family-centered approach reflects the values we hold dear: creating a space for connection, learning, and personal growth. For us, community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the essence of who we are. From our wonderful team of teachers to the students who walk through our doors, we see Yoga Pod Fort Collins as an extension of our family.

Yoga Pod is built on the idea that when you challenge yourself, you change yourself. We feel incredibly blessed to offer this space of love, growth, and connection. Our goal is simple: to keep expanding the community of yogis and to make the world a better place, one practice at a time.

Joey and Maj-Lis Delgado with their son, Liam, and daughter, Lily.

Radiant Dental Health

Radiant Dental Health’s conception was directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic in 2020, both partners were placed on furlough from their dental offices, where they worked at the time. This forced Alexandra Rincones and Boone Caldon to look for additional means to help people with their dental emergencies as well as support their families. This led to the shift from being corporate employees to owners of their own practice. Thus, Radiant Dental Health was started from Alexandra’s one-room hygiene practice in the Drake Avenue Miramont Family Medicine building.

Now, almost five years later, Radiant Dental Health has evolved into a bustling family dental practice where it’s not uncommon to hear patients say: “We’re treated like family here.”

This development was part of Boone and Alexandra’s vision that Radiant Dental Health should be a practice that caters to all levels of patients’ dental needs and where excellence is strived for no matter what the patient’s background is.

As a true family dental practice, it’s not uncommon to see Christopher, their child, helping to clean rooms or for Dr. Boone to come in on the weekend to help with a dental emergency. Part of treating people, not procedures, comes from their family values. When a patient comes to Radiant Dental Health, the owners’ philosophy is everyone is treated the same – with love, care, and compassion.

Alexandra Rincones and Dr. Boone Caldon Photography by Laura’s Lens Photography

Millbrook World Travel isn’t just a family business; it’s a continuation of a family legacy that began with my father’s enterprise. In 1957, he founded Millbrook Custom Kitchens in upstate New York, a venture that flourished until 2008, weathering a devastating fire before succumbing to the economic downturn. Just months after his passing in 2018, I launched my own agency, inspired by his spirit and guidance.

Today, Millbrook World Travel boasts a team of 14 dedicated agents spread across the country. This September, I

Millbrook World Travel

had the privilege of attending a travel industry conference in Las Vegas with 12 members of my team, including my daughter Alyx, eager to learn more about the business, and my son Trevor, who is not only my assistant but also a budding travel advisor.

On a particularly poignant note, in September—marking the sixth anniversary of my father’s passing—we received an inquiry that felt like a sign from above. A man reached out for assistance with a cruise, referred by a mutual connection in Florida. As we spoke, he mentioned that his family in upstate New York had a Millbrook kitchen.

In that moment, I felt the full circle of our family’s journey. Millbrook World Travel thrives on the foundation laid by my father, intertwining our past with our present. The legacy continues, connecting us with families and stories across the country, reminding us that, no matter where we are, we are always part of something greater.

Robin Norell with her son, Trevor, and daughter, Alyx

Realities For Children business members share what this organization means to them

It’s Bigger than Business

Realities For Children is making sure that no child is forgotten. Since 1995, Realities For Children has been providing for the unmet needs of Northern Colorado children who have been abused, neglected, or are at-risk. During the holiday season, their NightLights Tree, on the corner of Mulberry and College, brings increased awareness to issues of child abuse while raising funds, one nightlight at a time, to provide emergency and healing services for children in our community. Realities For Children Business Members have shared their experiences with the organization and how their efforts have not only impacted the children in our community but them and their businesses. Visit realitiesforchildren.com if you’re interested in learning more about Realities For Children, Business Membership, or helping to brighten the life of a child by giving them a nightlight this holiday season.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY

Jessica Quintana

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Inc.

As an electric cooperative, we are committed and passionate about supporting people in our local communities. Partnering with Realities For Children and sponsoring NightLights allows us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment so they can further do what they do best – providing support for children in need in Northern Colorado. By joining forces, we are working toward the same goal of care and compassion to create a brighter future for these young lives. We believe investing in an organization that takes care of our community’s most vulnerable is an easy YES and we are proud to be a part of that story.

Amber Griffin and Dr. Ashlea Franques

Thompson River Pediatrics

Being a business member of Realities For Children is vitally important to Thompson River Pediatrics. Support and protection of at-risk children in our community is a core value for owners Amber Griffin and Dr. Ashlea Franques. We enjoy celebrating the success of these children through the annual gala and supporting the Nightlights program to provide a glimmer of light and hope to abused and at-risk children on their darkest days. We have dedicated our lives to children’s health and welfare and we are grateful to have Realities for Children in our community to provide protection to our most vulnerable children.

Mindy Myers

Element Flooring

When I step back and look at the issues in our world, it’s overwhelming to think about what needs to be done to resolve them. Being a business member of Realities For Children feels like one thing I can do to effect change. It means being part of a community that recognizes and supports the needs of those who can’t advocate for themselves. Building relationships personally and professionally with a network of people who are all working towards this collective effort, reaffirms that we are all in it together. I know I’m a small part of a big solution that is an actionable force for good in the lives of children in Northern Colorado.

Blue Federal Credit Union

When Blue first opened a Fort Collins branch in 2012, we knew we wanted to support the community in a big way. After searching for the best organization to get behind, we chose to support Realities For Children. Over a decade later, we are proud to continue our support with time, talent, and treasure. Realities For Children is one of the best organizations that stands in the gap for abused, neglected, and at-risk youth throughout our community. Their mission of providing for the unmet and ongoing support needs of children in Northern Colorado is something that Blue is honored to be a part of.

Chandler Elmore Janae Burich

SCHEELS

At SCHEELS, being a business member with Realities For Children means being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re proud to support an organization dedicated to improving the lives of local youth in need, especially through impactful initiatives like NightLights. Our involvement allows us to contribute to a brighter future for children who have faced adversity, and it aligns with our mission to build strong, supportive communities. We value the opportunity to make a difference and look forward to continuing our partnership to bring hope and resources to those who need it most.

Jeremiah Smith

Admiral Auto Care and Service

As a business owner, my focus is to serve my community through extraordinary service and products. Realities For Children allows me to extend my contributions by helping those who need it the most. I can’t think of a better return on investment than helping our disadvantaged youth see a positive and rewarding future.

Lorna Reeves

First Interstate Bank

The “reality” of being a business member of Realities For Children, is worth far more in relationship and networking value in comparison to other dues and member groups. All members come together and share ideas, information, and referrals on a regular basis. The honor of belonging to this very special group provides a warm and welcoming environment and experience. First Interstate Bank has been a partner of Realities For Children, not only as a business member for many years but also as a sponsor of NightLights. We have been sincerely grateful for the opportunity to support the work and dedication the staff provides to improve the lives of these kiddos that have been neglected or abused. There is nothing more important than helping our children thrive.

a festive pairing

The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.

ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewü rztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.”

But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun.

“People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different.

“If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.”

For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey.

“With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.”

Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.”

What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.”

If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

What if I’m serving ham this year?

“Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”

What about dessert?

“If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

of wine?

How much should I spend on a bottle

“That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.”

James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife, Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.

DIY VANILLA ORANGE SUGAR SCRUB

Create your own DIY sugar scrub for a perfect gift for a special person in your life.

To make one 8 ounce mason jar of vanilla orange sugar scrub, you need:

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil

• 3/4 cup of sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 10 drops of orange essential oil

Soften the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds. Next add the vanilla extract and the orange essential oil. Then, stir in the sugar, a little at a time. Print off a fun label or attach a ribbon to the jar, and your gift is ready. Enjoy!

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH THESE EASY SIMMER POT RECIPES

Seasonal Scents

More natural than a store-bought candle, simmer pots offer an easy and healthy way to invite seasonal aromas into your home. Using natural ingredients on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this long-lasting alternative will welcome this cozy season and give a fragrant transition into the holiday season.

During this season of giving, simmer pot kits make great gifts for the holidays. This gift is as thoughtful as it is easy, just fill a jar with your favorite simmer pot ingredients and give the gift of comfort to your loved ones.

Cranberry Cinnamon Stove Top Potpourri

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oranges, sliced

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 cup cranberries

• 3 teaspoons ground clove

• 2 teaspoons nutmeg

• 2 sprigs rosemary

DIRECTIONS

Place ingredients into pot and fill with water to about 1 inch below brim and simmer. Mine lasted about 3 days. Recipe by rachelschultz.com.

"During this season of giving, simmer pot kits make great gifts for the holidays."

ARTICLE BY MACEY VANDENMEERENDONK

Apple Pie Potpourri

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small apple thinly sliced

• 2 cups liquid {apple cider, apple juice, or water}

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• 3-4 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan and stir. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce heat to low. Continuously add more liquid, either cider or water, as needed, and do not allow it to dry up. I’ll usually stir it up about once an hour to get the scent going. You can also use a crockpot for the potpourri instead of the stovetop method although you may need to increase the recipe size depending on the size of your crockpot. Recipe by cleanandscentsible.com.

Pumpkin Spice Potpourri

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups apple cider or apple juice {you could always use water too}

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

• 3-4 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 an apple or dried apple slices

DIRECTIONS

Cinnamon Orange Slow Cooker Potpourri

INGREDIENTS

• • 2 oranges, quartered

• 6 cinnamon sticks

• 2 tablespoons whole cloves

• 2 cups water, more as needed

DIRECTIONS

In a crockpot, combine oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and water. Turn the heat to high and leave the lid off. Check on it every couple of hours and add water as needed! Recipe by thenovicechefblog.com.

Bay Leaves and Licorice Potpourri

INGREDIENTS

• 2 to 3 Star Anise

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 3 to 5 dried bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon ground cloves

• Peel of 1 orange

DIRECTIONS

In a small sauce pot add all ingredients. Fill the pot to the top with water. Place the pot on the stove over very low heat. On my gas stove, you can’t even see a flame. The potpourri will come to a simmering boil and let it go until all of the water has evaporated. You can continue to fill the pot with water and let it simmer on the stove all day. Recipe by purelykatie.com.