Spiralling onwards
A kind of path for 2026 for Hearthside
I’ve spent the last 12 months not writing much for various reasons. See previous newsletters about the end of the world, systems collapse, and having a toddler who doesn’t really nap anymore.
And in truth, I’ve also felt a little lost about what l want to write about. What is it that l really want to share? I felt like a mess of eclectic offerings that landed a bit splat on the page.
A jumbled basket of things.
While l have always had eclectic interests, I did want slightly more clarity in this space. And l think l’ve found it. Hopefully.
See, I do l lot of different things.
I mother.
I make herbal products and sell those.
I write recipes when time permits and share them.
I hand sew.
I create hand sewing patterns that never see the light of day.
And l sell hand-crafted wool felt items.
A basket of jumbled things, as l said.
After much pondering, and chats with other mothers in my circle, I’ve found a way to retain all of my electric-ness, and bring a little more clarity to the chaos.
I’ve restructured and recategorised my Substack posts, and my other website, and l worked with a lovely linocut artist, Elsie, to make a logo 🧡
Welcome to Hearthside
Living seasonally through rhythm, remedy, & hearthcraft
Hearthside Rhythms is about returning heart to hearth. Here you’ll find guidance, ritual, and simple handcrafts for more cyclical living.
In 2026, I’ve got plans to release:
Four seasonal companions that each include:
Rhythms & rituals for the season
Herbal remedy recipes to support you through the shifts
Kitchen rhythms & seasonal recipes
A beginner hearthcraft hand sewing project with video tutorials
Free resources on:
Researching your own ancestral seasonal rituals
Hosting a cosy winter gathering
Approaching Christmas intentionally with rituals you can experiment with
I’m hoping l may be able to share other recipes along the way too, and the usual field notes from the heart(h), albeit perhaps less often.
And likely more sporadic. I was worrying about this; l couldn’t always share something every week and l sort of gave up. Here’s the thing — this is the season of life l am in. The sharing might be sporadic, but it’s authentic. If you’re here, thanks for being at my hearth.
I am also 20 weeks pregnant so l might be being ambitious here…time will tell!
Here’s to another lap around the sun on this wonderful planet.
Warmest,
Rachel x
I would love to come to a cozy winter gathering 🩵🩵