Home as Haven - Part IV

Maybe you are still reeling from the thought of sorting through that part of your home that has become the dumping ground for all  matter of things that you don't want to deal with or that do not have a designated storage place.  Part - III

Because that task may actually take you days (weeks?) to complete, let's not forget to keep our spirits up.  Indulge your senses as you move from room to room looking for little touches that you can incorporate to bring warmth, light, scent, sound and texture to your winter nest, your refuge from the dark and blustery days and nights of January.

Yesterday I made of candle for our dining room using pure bees wax, the scent is sweet and reminiscent of honey, the colour is beautifully rich.  There is something special about candles that you make yourself.  As far as DIY projects go, it doesn't get much easier.

DIY Bees wax candle
Sandra King-Allikas




Pure bees wax, candle wicks, a mold,
and a double boiler for melting the wax.
S.King-Allikas

There are plenty of on-line tutorials that will guide you through the process of candle making if you are unsure.  I used an empty coffee cream container as my candle mold.

Another super easy, scent-pleasing, idea is to stick whole cloves into oranges.  You can insert them randomly or create a design.  Arrange the decorated oranges on a beautiful saucer or bowl.  The cloves pierce the orange peel releasing a delicate, natural spicy-citrus scent. 

While you have the spices out, place a cup of water in a small saucepan, sprinkle in some cinnamon, ground cloves and nutmeg.  Simmer this mixture, uncovered, over low heat (checking that it doesn't evaporate) for several hours and your home will be deliciously scented for the day.

To freshen your linen closet, place a few bars of lavender soap among your towels and sheets.  Your closet will smell lovely when you open the door and your linens will have a delicate scent .

While we're on the subject of scents, may I mention a personal pet peeve?  Yes? Thank you.  Air fresheners; in my opinion, if you are not able to create a wholesome air freshener from ingredients in your kitchen, just forget it and carry on your merry way.  Those chemical filled plug-ins, sprays, waxy twist opens, time release swooshes are unnatural, over bearing and potentially dangerous (I know, I know... what isn't potentially dangerous to our health?...but still!)  Even strongly chemically scented candles should be done away with, in my humble opinion.

Phew, I feel much better now.  Where were we?  Ah yes, keeping your spirits up and your home beautiful while you do the "heavy-lifting" of  decluttering: filing, shredding, donating, organizing, down-sizing and generally getting your junk to the curb.  If you find your determination waning, try tacking up a photo of a room that has the feel you would like to achieve in your own home.  Let this be your inspiration as you continue to liberate your home and yourself.

Thank you for stopping in at My Turquoise Kettle life today.

Wishing you a scent-uous day,

Sandra