A Warm Hello
Welcome to the very first edition of Home Made Simple! Whether you’ve been following @what.sophie.does and my home tips journey over the years, or you’ve just discovered this little corner of the internet, I’m so happy you’re here.
This newsletter is my personal letter to anyone who wants their home to feel simpler, calmer, and more manageable, without the pressure of perfection. Every month, I’ll share the practical tips, routines, and small shifts that actually make a difference in daily life.
Because here’s what I believe: a tidy home feels good, but a lived-in home that truly supports your life feels even better.
Alongside home life, I’ll be sharing little lifestyle extras too, like the beauty products I’m loving, travel tips that inspire me, and the everyday comforts that make life feel easier. My aim is to create a helpful, relaxed read you can look forward to each month.
Ready to start fresh together?
Clean Tip of the Month: The Mini Reset
Forget the overwhelming spring clean, let’s talk about the power of choosing just one small space to refresh.
Pick your trouble spot: that chaotic junk drawer, the under-sink cabinet, your bedside table, or even just the top shelf of your pantry. Spend 15-20 minutes giving it some love, clear it out, wipe it down, and put back only what belongs.
The magic? Every time you open that space, you’ll get a little hit of calm. One organised corner has a way of inspiring the rest.
Something That Made Life Easier
The “10-Minute Tidy” has been my secret weapon lately. When the house feels chaotic and I’m overwhelmed, I set a timer for just 10 minutes and focus on one area, the kitchen counter, the coffee table, or even just gathering up all the random items that have wandered from their homes.
It’s amazing how much calm you can create in such a short time. The timer makes it feel manageable, and the results give you momentum for the rest of your day.
Cleaning Checklist
Home Hack I Wish I’d Known Sooner
Refresh cushions with a little eucalyptus oil
Here’s a quick and easy way to refresh soft furnishings: add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil to a slightly damp microfibre cloth, then gently wipe down your mattress, couch cushions, or throw pillows.
It lifts away dust, eliminates musty odours, and leaves everything smelling fresh and clean. I do this monthly now, and it’s transformed how my living spaces feel, especially after those cosy movie nights with extra blankets!
Kitchen Comfort
Simple Recipes that make home feel even better
My family’s favourite crispy smashed potatoes
These golden, crispy-edged potatoes are the ultimate crowd pleaser, and honestly, they’re so good that I’ve never had leftovers. The secret? Getting them really tender first, then letting the oven work its magic to create those irresistible crispy bits.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 15 min
How to Make Them
Cook the potatoes: Place chopped, unpeeled potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then cook for 15 minutes or until they’re really tender, you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Drain and rest: Drain the potatoes well and let them sit for 2-3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Smash and season: Spread the potatoes over a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, gently press each potato until it’s flattened but still holds together, you want those lovely rough edges! Spray generously with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.
Get them golden: Bake at 180°C for 45-60 minutes, until they’re deeply golden and crispy on the edges.
Serve now: These are best enjoyed straight from the oven while those crispy bits are at their peak!
Why They Work: The double-cooking method is the secret, boiling makes them fluffy inside, while the oven creates those addictive crispy edges. Plus, keeping the skins on adds extra texture and saves you prep time.
Perfect with: Roast chicken, grilled steak, or honestly, just a simple green salad for a comfy weeknight dinner.
Once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too!
This Month’s Favourite
Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick
I’ve recently discovered this little magic wand for brightening under my eyes, and it has been such a winner. I use the shade Light to Medium Bisque, and it covers blue tones beautifully without ever feeling heavy or cakey. Just light, natural coverage. Perfect for tired mornings or those times you want to look instantly more awake.
https://go.shopmy.us/p-23743350
A Note From Me
I started Home Made Simple because I craved a slower, more intentional space to share what I’ve learned about creating a home that genuinely feels good to live in.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the quick tips and clever hacks (and you’ll get plenty of those!) But I also believe there’s something deeper here. For me, a peaceful home isn’t about Pinterest-perfect rooms or having everything in its place 24/7. It’s about creating rhythms and systems that support your real life, not complicate it.
It’s about those small moments of satisfaction when you walk into a tidy kitchen, or the exhale of relief when you can actually find what you’re looking for. It’s about making space, literally and figuratively, for what matters most.
This newsletter is where I get to share not just the how, but the why behind it all. The heart behind the home, if you will.
Thank you for trusting me with a spot in your inbox. I don’t take that lightly, and I’m excited for what we’ll discover together.
Here’s to making home feel a little simpler, one small step at a time.
Talk soon,
Sophie
Follow along for more home inspiration on Instagram: @what.sophie.does
P.S. I’d love to hear from you! Hit reply and tell me: what’s one small area of your home that could use some love this month? I read as many responses as I can, and sometimes will share reader tips in future newsletters (with permission, of course).