Scents and Senses

If a mans' home is his castle, then we must treat is as so. Creating a blissful environment in our homes can be not only relaxing but good for our emotional health as well. Perk up your senses with a few easy tips and guidelines, whether you are entertaining guests, entertaining a lover or just entertaining yourself.

If you are like me, then your home is putting off a "lived in" scent rather than a peaceful, relaxing scent. This is nothing to be ashamed of, but it is definitely something that should be put on the "To Do" list of home repairs.

Have you ever noticed that when your mother knits a blanket for you or sends over an item from her house, it has a certain familiar smell to it? It is the smell of her home, it may be a familiar smell or it could be a smell of the potpourri she had sitting next to the blanket, either way it is the smell of that home.

People who smoke, have pet's, children or even an aquarium in their homes also have a smell, and it is not that of potpourri! What has always been interesting to me, is that I can never seem to smell my own scents in my home, until I have been out of it for some time, like on vacation and then arriving home only to question the smell in the air.

There are many advantages of having your home smell nice and not just for your guests, but for your mind and soul. They have "Feng Shui" so why not "Feng Shmell". The benefits are better sleep, less stress and an overall happier disposition.

Strategically placed candles or flower vases can make a big difference in how well you can relax in your home. A vase full of fresh cut roses or mixed flowers placed near the front door will give a burst of freshness when you walk in the room...minus the fresia! Fresia is somewhat of a "stinky" flower and is not recommended for indoor use.

Cleaning your kitchen floors with vinegar works wonders and is safe for children and pets but it will leave a strong odor lingering for hours. To eliminate this odor but still get that "squeaky" clean floor or glass, mix a cup of lemon juice into it.

A candle that smells of Cinnamon or vanilla is a fantastic way of achieving that "Just out of the oven" smell all day long, especially when placed on a kitchen counter or dining room table.

Bad smells, clutter in the home, cat boxes or unemptied trash cans in the kitchen can make for a sleepless night or an exhausted morning. If it is raining outside or has just rained, crack the window just a bit and treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh flowers and feel the zen just breeze right through your home.

Start creating that perfect smell for your home with candles, cut lemons and fresh flowers.