Monday, February 9, 2009

Freshen Up

Happy Monday!  The sunrise was glorious outside our window again today and it sparked me with Spring Fever.  But, the groundhog saw his shadow, and even if he didn't I have never heard of Winter ending in February in Michigan, so we are in for a few more weeks of cold, sludge, and snow here.  

It's getting to be that time of year where everyone's house and cars smell...well...bad.  The water, the mud, the people and animals all stuck inside, it makes for a less than present experience for the nose.  So, I am going to dedicate most of this week to freshening up our spaces.  And because I hate delaying indulgence (yes, I eat dessert before dinner...and after dinner...and sometimes for dinner) I am giving you my very favorite tip first.  

Why is this tip my favorite?  Because it combines something I have to do with something I want done and is a super inexpensive and Earth-friendly way to freshen up.  How do you feel when you see this?

I KNOW!  I used to feel that way too (awful, tired, unwilling)!  But vacuuming is a necessary evil in most of our lives.  And it's one I feel a lot better about since I stumbled over this tip to make your house smell better while you vacuum.  Here's how it works; before vacuuming, you douse a cotton ball in a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  My personal favorite is geranium because it fills the whole house, but feel free to experiment and find your own favorite.

Then you suck the cotton ball into the vacuum and have at your house with Hoover.  As you vacuum, the essential oils will continue to release and by they time you are done, your whole house will not only be dust bunny free, but smell terrific too!  Go on now, I know you want to try it!!!  

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Hiya! Thanks for the nice comment on my blog. My husband is from MI and was just talking about how much he misses it.
I love your idea for vacuuming and scenting the house at the same time! I'll have to try it soon!

Willo said...

Thanks for stopping by Bethany! Right now is not really a time to miss MI! But y'all should make a trip up in the fall.

Stephanie said...

Mmmmm, geranium is one of my favorites, too.
And bergamot. And clary sage. :)
I don't use cotton balls, but I make a carpet refresher with baking soda with oils. :) It works.

Willo said...

Thanks for stopping by Stephanie...that is a great suggestion. Check out 10 uses Tuesday for more baking soda ideas!

Tina said...

I love doing this. If you have central heat or air you can also but the cotton balls just inside the vents and it keeps your house smelling beautiful. Gotta love essential oils.

Anonymous said...

that sunrise shot is awesome and btw, I LOVE baking soda too! lol

so may uses so little time!! ;0)

Willo said...

Great idea Tina!

Petersen-it is truly awesome to get a picture compliment from a photographer! And I know-SO many uses!

Cynthia said...

How clever is that! I will totally try it:)

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I'd tried some commercial carpet refreshers, but I never really liked the scent. I'll definitely try this! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love this tip!

I use clove and cinnamon oils around the house in the fall/winter. Lemon or something flowery like geranium or lavender in the spring/summer.