Here we are on Day 6. So far we’ve done some decorating, a bit of maintenance and winter prep, some cleaning and organizing. We’ve got cosy blankets and puzzles ready for cool evenings at home. Today we are going to turn our attention toward what I like to think of as “atmosphere”. Those extra touches which make a house look festive and smell fresh and delicious.
Candles, essential oil diffusers, salt lamps, twinkly lights, spices simmering on the stove…these are special touches which elevate basic housekeeping to a higher level.
I have allergies and asthma so I have to be careful about the scents I use in my home. One thing I love are beeswax candles. They only give off the faintest honey scent and don’t make me wheeze. And the natural color is perfect with fall decor. I like to place tea lights on my bookshelves for a pretty little glow.
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If you prefer scented candles, natural soy candles are a good choice. As a side note, if you have friends who have asthma or allergies, they would be forever grateful if you’d avoid burning scented candles, especially those with synthetic fragrances, when they visit.
Pumpkin Souffle scented soy candle
This is something I’ve been wanting for ages. It’s in my Amazon wish list and I’m just about to go ahead and order it. They are supposed to purify the air but I just think they look cool.
If allergies are an issue for your family or if you are concerned about indoor air quality, an essential oil diffuser is a good way to make your home smell lovely without the use of artificially scented candles. There are many types and styles of diffusers available. But if you happen to have a candle warmer you can achieve a similar effect. Just place a small glass jar filled with water and several drops of your favorite essential oil on the warmer and turn it on. As the liquid warms, the scent will be released into the room. It’s not quite as effective but it’s a decent option. In fact, that’s what I do. One of these days I will probably buy a diffuser but this works for now.
You can also simmer some spices in a saucepan of water on your stove. Just be sure to set a timer so the water doesn’t boil away and leave you with a burned on mess. Yes, I’ve done that. More than once.
Of course, the best way to make your house smell delicious is to bake bread or cookies. However, it’s not a practical way to have a pleasant scent every day unless you are trying to put on some winter weight and personally, I don’t need any help in that department.
Our assignments for Day 6:
- Take stock of your candle supply and purchase more if necessary. Be sure you have plenty of matches or lighters handy for each area where you light candles.
- If you have a diffuser, check your stock of essential oils. Consider seasonal scents such as cinnamon or cloves.
- Check off another item or two from your printable fall checklist.
Treat of the day:
Treat yourself to a new candle or essential oil.
Fabulous Fall Series:
I need to order more candles. I also was thinking I need to get out my Himalayan salt tea light candle holder. Not sure it works but it’s at least relaxing so why not! 🙂
That’s what I figure. It’s worth a shot and it looks pretty.
I had incident to need a candle the other day, and realized other than a small piece of a green taper candle (I assume left from a Christmas past) I had not a single candle in my house!!! I will be hitting the dollar store this week to remedy that with a large supply of tea candles for emergency use, then more as I see ones I like and are good quality, on sale, I will begin stocking up. I TRULY couldn’t believe that. I think I got rid of so many when I moved, and then have used them, always assuming that I’ll restock from regular general shopping, which I finally realized I simply don’t do anymore!!
I need some more decorative candles but I have a pretty good emergency supply. They were going to throw out all the half burned altar candles at church a couple of years ago so I rescued them. I noticed there’s a bunch again.
I tend to burn incense rather than candles. I do need to get more of that though… I’ve only got a handful of sticks left, and no cones at all. I do love candles, but incense is safer for me to use. Also, candles make the rodent gang panic, but they’re fine with incense… I think it’s the flame that upsets them.
Funny… scented candles don’t bother my asthma. Maybe it’s because mine has become bronchial asthma, so only bothers me when I get a chest infection now? But then… Even back when my asthma was bad they didn’t bother me… Perhaps it matters exactly how bad your asthma is? Or, perhaps, it’s only an issue for some people with asthma in general, regardless of how bad their asthma is? *Shrugs*
I love incense. I don’t burn it in the house but I love to sit on the front porch with incense burning. As for the scented candles, it probably varies from one person to another. When my asthma is bad most anything can be an irritant. Fortunately I tend to only have a couple of serious flare-ups a year now (anytime I catch a cold) unlike years ago before I started my current meds.
I’m glad things for your asthma aren’t as bad now.