Listen Now
I am…
…a minimalist,
…chemically sensitive,
…on a budget!
But I still like my house to smell good!
Uplifting smells do more than smell good. They lift the spirits, they increase brain power, they can even calm an energetic household or a weary mama. And certain smells prepare us for the season. Scents can remind us of good things.
Here’s a recipe for one of my favorite Christmas scents.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- A medium size pan that you won’t be using for a couple days. Or if you can, go to Goodwill and get a cheap pot just for this potpourri purpose.
- Several orange peel rinds (when your family eats oranges, freeze the leftover peeling)
- 4-6 cinnamon sticks (I’ve even been known to use a few Tbs. of powder if that’s all I had)
- 5-6 whole cloves
- 1-2 Tbs. of allspice (optional)
- If you have access to pine needles or even a juniper bush, grab a handful and toss them in (optional)
Throw all these items in your pan, cover with water, bring to a boil, then turn on low to simmer. Throughout the day you need to add in a little more water to prevent pan from burning dry. When I add more water, I return it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer again. Sometimes I even set the timer to remind me to check the water level. I can generally keep adding water for a couple days before needing to drain the water, throw away old ingredients, and start again. It’s great for winter months or dry climates as it adds a little moisture to the air.
Other herbs that make great scented and beneficial potpourri:
Rosemary, pine needles, sage, lavender flowers, dried rose petals, eucalyptus
Some great smelling spices to play with:
Cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla bean
Play around with ingredients and have fun. This mixture can be used in many ways. Tonight I’m going to strain off some of my water, add 1 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar, and use it as a rinse for my hair. You could do the same, or even and wipe your counters with it.
Amy Wedel: I make this too when Meggin comes over!
Jeanette Davila-Rivera: Put vanilla extract in a coffee cup. Place in your oven on low heat, 200 to 300 degrees. It smells like warm vanilla throughout your house for 20 to 30 minutes.
Rebecca Pearsall: Most places that sell Christmas trees will give you leftover cuttings. I hide them by the handfuls all over the house.
Sarah Knapp: I like the scented pine cones found at my local fabric store for $5. I put them in a basket near my heat vent. When the furnace turns on, we have warm, great smelling air. I shake the basket every once in awhile to spread the scent.
Amy Wedel: I use the wooden sticks sitting in scented oil. They can be found in many dollar stores around the country and smell so good!
