Making Scents

There’s something so refreshing and relaxing about a clean home. Not just that everything is in its place and the floors are squeaky clean. It’s also the smellwe enjoy.

And when that scent comes from Mother Nature, rather than a manufacturer of perfumes or cleaning products, it’s better for your health and better smelling.

With so many products on the market today, it can be difficult to make the right choice for a healthy, natural home. So rather than risk the chemicals or toxins, have some fun and make your own household items.

Lavender has healing properties and can also help with insomnia, which makes it ideal for the bedroom. Create your own lavender water and spritz your bed sheets and bath towels or add to the rinse cycle when washing. The water also makes a great disinfectant. 

Handmade soaps are easy to make and a great way to incorporate your favorite herbs, citrus and other fragrant elements. Restock your bathroom and toss the can of air freshener.

Lemons and oranges improve digestion and help detoxify your body and they can also reduce stress. With slices of dried citrus, small squares of burlap and a bit of stitching, you can craft your own sachets to tuck in dresser drawers.

Don’t have much time but you have a garden? Cut some flowers or pick up a bunch next time you’re at the farmer’s market.

There are so many wonderful ways to freshen your home—simply look to nature’s bountiful offerings and get inspired to make your own scents.

RECIPE
Lavender Water Recipe

Ingredients
Distilled water
Essential lavender oil
Vodka
Spray bottle or jar

• Combine vodka and lavender oil in bottle and shake. Pour distilled water into bottle and shake. Note:Add 6 drops of essential oil and 1 oz. of vodka to every 6 oz. of water.

• Steep the water two weeks, shaking the bottle frequently.

Catherine Risling is a freelance  writer based in Southern California. When she's not creating with her children, she's preparing college students for a career in communications.