@ANNVOIGT
Illustration by Boyoun Kim
Book stacks, my favorite candle scents, and homely clutter. It’s how I make hotel rooms feel more like “my space” when I travel.
@LIZBETHMARION
Good food, fine wine, and fun conversations about whatever comes to mind.
BARB LOWERY MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON
We have a set of battery-operated wax candles on a timer. They flicker on at dusk and set the tone to relax.
JACQUELINE SIMMONS RIDGEVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
My mom’s freshly laundered towels when I visit her.
@HAIKOODLES
A feeling in the air of comfort. The smell of something familiar. The lack of fussiness that comes from the belief that things are just things and relationships matter. KELLY HAIDET SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA
Cold weather with homemade beef-vegetable soup on the stove and my dog and three cats around me.
KAREN JONES TERRELL, TEXAS
My own bed.
@SCHRADER.URSULA
A comfortable chair in a tidy room with a footstool to plop on between chores. Knowing my pets and family are nearby and safe, supper is planned or prepped, laundry is done, and chores are complete (or at least started). And knowing I can read a book, open my mail, or check in on my iPad in peace and quiet.
SUSAN FITCH CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Bookcases with books waiting to be read, a nice collection of mugs, and my craft supplies.
@CRAFTYTYPER
Taking my shoes off!
@MRSJANETANDBLAKE
Whenever I return to San Francisco after traveling and step out of the air - port terminal, I am struck by the smell of eucalyptus, salty ocean water, and the mist of the fog, and I instantly know I am home.
ELIZABETH RIDEOUT SAN FRANCISCO
Our programmable coffee maker —we wake up to the scent of coffee. And then we drink it in bed.
ELISABETH SIMON KINDERHOOK, NEW YORK
Comfy leather couches and a fully lit fireplace.
CAROL DONOHOO GEORGETOWN, OHIO
My husband, my chihuahua, and feeling relaxed enough to take my bra off with no judgment.
VICTORIA CHANDER ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
A hot cup of coffee with a good friend.
DIANNE RODERICK YARMOUTH PORT, MASSACHUSETTS
Being in my house clothes, which usually means a comfortable T-shirt or sweatshirt dress.
@ALICIAAABDUL
The smell of good food cooking.
DEBI MINTON STANDISH, MAINE
Clean linens. There is something so comforting about slipping into a freshly made bed.
DENISE PRATHER BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Home for me is a place where I feel safe to be myself. I’ve been married for 43 years, and home is wherever we are together. I truly believe we could be happy anywhere. BRENDA BJURMAN MAYLENE, ALABAMA
Something delicious in the slow cooker and a candle burning on the counter.
REBECCA TREADWELL MADAWASKA, MAINE
Knowing where everything is!
SUZANNE MILBY SEABROOK, TEXAS
HEADSHOT COURTESY OF TAMMIE ROSS
READER OF THE MONTH
Tammie Ross, 48
FOUNDER AND CEO OF A WOMAN-OWNED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Simplest part of your life:
Spending quality time with my husband.
Who makes you laugh the most?
Kevin Hart! He is so funny, and it is always a good time watching his comedic talent.
Go-to karaoke song:
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin. It’s such a fun and empowering song that gets the crowd on their feet and singing along.
Favorite family recipe:
My famous strawberry-banana pudding! When my kids were in elementary school, our family was having some financial difficulties. My sons and I would make individual servings and sell them at local beauty shops and car dealerships on the weekends. We’d sell out in a couple of hours— with orders for more! That extra money helped us buy school supplies and new clothes for the school year. Thinking back to how a recipe made with love bridged the financial gap for us puts a smile on my face more than a decade later!
NEXT QUESTION
What was your wildest animal encounter?
Send an email (and a photo, if you want!) to yourwords@realsimple.com and let us know your answer. Your response could appear on these pages.
