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Scenting the Home
~Heda Bejar If
that quote is true, then my hands are always fragrant. Natural
or synthetic, I am a true fragrance “nut”. My shelves (okay, perhaps a
tabletop or two, bookcase, tv stand, etc.) runneth over with dark bottles filled
with olfactory pleasure beckoning to be put to use. One
can find numerous articles on the power and science of smell. “Smell
is one of the chemical senses, the other being taste. They are so called because
they sense chemicals, and smells are, of course, chemicals. With these senses we
sample our environment for information. We are continuously testing the quality
of the air we breathe (this will alert us to potential dangers, e.g. smoke) as
well as using this sense to inform us of other relevant information, such as the
presence of food or another individual. The chemicals detected by our sensory
systems need to have certain properties. For instance, odor molecules must be
small enough to be volatile (less than 300-400 relative molecular mass) so that
they can vaporize, reach the nose and then dissolve in the mucus. This tells us
that smell, unlike taste, can signal over long distances (an early warning
device). We appear to have an innate ability to detect bad, aversive smells.
One-day old babies give facial expressions that indicate rejection when given
fish or rotten egg odor.” Personally,
I don’t really need to bother with the “why’s” or the “how’s”, as
long as it smells good to me, I will find a way to use it in my home/life. Before
I give some tips for using fragrance around your own home, take time to read the
little disclaimer below- Keep
out of reach of children or those not able to understand the proper use of
scenting oils. Do not apply directly to skin or get in eyes. Oils can stain
fabrics and can damage wood, plastic, and painted surfaces. Some fragrances can
be irritating to eyes and skin. Sensitivities vary from person to person. In other words, use common sense, : ) Some
of us that have worked with fragrance/essential oils for a number of years have
noticed some problems with our sniffers, so do use caution and wisdom when
scenting and like most things, moderation is key. If
you’re anything like me, you may find it hard to buy a commercial “room
freshener”, I mean come on, when was the last time you smelled a peach that
smelled like a Porta-Potty? So I opt instead to make my own using my favorite
soaping fragrance oils or essential oil blends.
I either re-use spray bottles (properly cleaned of course) or add them on
to a supply order, I tend to use these often and in small bottle sizes so I
usually use just distilled water, a few drops of scent and shake before
spraying. The current household favorite right now is Honey & Almond from
Kae at Olive Tree Soaps. When the crud is visiting the household, I opt for a
blend of Ravensara, Lemon Eucalyptus ,Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree. Need something really quick because you just got done
frying onions and your unexpected company will be over in just a few minutes?
Here are some ideas, you may know most of them, but hopefully there are one or
two new ones for you to try- ~Cinnamon Powder. Sprinkle on a baking sheet and set in a
warm oven. You can also toss some cinnamon sticks in a pot of simmering water,
want to spice it up a notch? Add a couple of cloves, slice of ginger and a bit
of nutmeg. In the unfortunate event that you don’t have any of the
above but do have Almond Extract, add a couple of drops to a simmering pan of
water and you’ll be good to go! ~Summertime and the air conditioner is running? Take a
cotton swap, add a few drops of scent and lightly wipe across the grill. ~Cotton Balls, never be without them! Dab on scent and
hide in an inconspicuous spot or in the case of doggy-on-couch scenario, right
under the seat cushions (read the disclaimer at the beginning of this article). Note-don’t just set the cotton ball down on your
great-great-grandmother’s table that’s been appraised for $250,000.00 on
last week’s edition of Antique Roadshow…..first set down a little square of
aluminum foil, it’s a classic too you know, ; ) ~Quick Bathroom Scenter-using an eyedropper (glass), add
a couple drops of scent to the paper toilet tube and replace on the holder. I
also like those terra cotta hanging “objects d’art”, usually filled with
cellulose or similar, add your scent and hang, peppermint is a good one. ~Scent Sachets, not just for clothing drawers. Buy the
small tea bags and make your sachets, add to the vacuum bag (this also works
with a cotton ball or if you run out of those, small piece of absorbent paper
towel with a few drops of scent). If you have floor heat registers, the large
bags work great filled with scented cellulose, every time the heat comes on,
instant euphoria! ~Carpet Freshener-Several ways to make this, I prefer
plain old baking soda with a bit of salt just to loosen the soda a bit..... and
if the shaker top becomes clogged, add a bit of rice and shake a bit before
using. Sprinkle on carpet, let sit a few minutes and vacuum. Note-test this on your carpet, if you get spots, don’t
blame me, I warned you, : ) ~Smelly Jelly-A fun project to do with the kids. You can
find the polymer crystals at numerous suppliers/craft stores/garden centers, but
here’s one place with directions:http://www.candlesupply.com/how2smellyjelly.html ~Candles-Buy them or make them yourself. ~Incense-Again, try making your own or buy from a
reputable company, don’t rely on those cheapie dollar store packages unless
you have to. If the smoke from incense bothers you, then make yourself a
“smokeless” bottle! Another fun project for you to do, or there are several
places on-line you can buy one or try your local *head* shop, : ) Herbs-Bunch them and dry them, hang them around the house
or in vases. Strip the leaves after drying for use in potpourri or incense and
use the stems for tossing on the fire in winter or toss them on the coals when
grilling (choose good cooking ones for that purpose of course). ~My *infamous* favorite-the diffuser. So many varieties
available, the great thing is that you can enjoy them regardless of your budget.
My personal favorite happens to be an old, ceramic tea-light burner given to me
by a friend years ago, but I do have several (one in each room practically). Use caution when using these, never leave unintended,
never let them “run dry” and do place on a proper surface. Fill the
“cup” with water and add a few drops of scent, light the candle and enjoy.
This type of diffuser also works great with “smoke-less incense”. Some of
you have been the recipient of favorite blends of mine, it’s so easy to make
your own and you are only limited by your imagination. There are different
methods to making this, I’ll share mine with you all. Becky’s Smoke-Less Incense If I’m making just enough for one use, I’d use
approximately ¼ cup sea salt, 1-2 “rocks” of resin powdered, approx. ½
teaspoon ground herb and a drop or two of scent all blended together. Add to the
cup of your diffuser, light the candle and stir every so often. Try chamomile
flowers, peppermint leaves, be creative. But remember, you are playing with fire, so do take care. Well, I better stop for now, or else you may get the wrong impression of me! ~
Becky Erisch |
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