Perfect Scents

Since I was a little girl I have always taken pride in scent that my mother presented in our home. When I started dating my fiancé, he would constantly comment that my parent's house smelled like Christmas. I knew that once I left apartment life (where some scents are beyond your control) that my home would need to take on a smell all of it's own.

Here are a few of my favorite scent tips to keep your spaces fresh and welcoming!

I purchase drawer and closet sachets (fresh scents) from BedBath&Beyond, Meijer or Target. Shoving them in drawers, sticking them in-between towels and even placing them in the car (good idea, Ryanne) are surefire ways to keep your closed spaces smelling top notch. You can buy them in packs of three or individually. I've found them sold separately on clearance from time to time, but I can usually commit to one scent long enough to buy a package. These little guys last 6 months to a year and I try to keep them from getting on the bottom of a stack of clothes or towels so they can do their job.

Scentsy warmer's may have been a hype for awhile and some may consider them overrated. I don't care if you're using something similar, but I think we all know what product I'm generally referring to here. This warmer has served as one of my favorite methods. Instead of whipping up fresh cookies every time I have guests, I just flip the switch and let the house fill with a warm, luring aroma. I don't purchase the Scentsy refillable wax as I can pick it up from the grocery for much cheaper. When the wax has lost it's scent I use it for my next smelly trick, homemade candles.

Homemade candles are awesome because they're made from recycled wax from the wax warmer. I've alluded to this trick before in DIY Edition: [Jars]. Once the wax burns up from the candle I simply clean the glass and start over!

On my 18th birthday I asked my parents for a cedar chest. They took my request and visited a local Amish woodworker to see what he could put together. This little gem holds nearly every blanket in my possession. After sitting in chest they emerge smelling like a crisp fall day. Hands down, this is my favorite scent staging method.

What are some of your favorite tricks for staging your house with smells? Do you have any tips for getting rid of unwanted smells? Share below!

Thanks for stopping by the Humble Hammock and looking around; do come back!
Cara

DIY Edition: Jars

Do you like to burn candles? How about those scented waxes that you heat up in warmers? I have used both for some time and was frustrated when it came time to pitch all of that excess wax. So, I stopped by my local craft store, picked up a small box of candle wicks and now I'm reusing wax to make new candles.

It's easy - let me walk you through it.

Steps for candles:

• Once candle is burnt up, remove the excess wax with a butter knife. Sometimes you can cut it into small sections to remove it from the jar. You can also freeze it for a short time and the wax should pop right out. Once the wax is out, pry off the old wick base if you plan to reuse the jar.
• Prep the new candle jar by pouring a drop of oil into the bottom for the wick to set on. This makes them easier to remove when your new candle burns up.
• Place the wick in the bottom of the jar and steady the top of the wick to keep it centered during the wax pouring process. I use popsicle sticks, forks, or any other worthy utensil laying around.
• Heat the old wax on a candle warmer [in an appropriate jar or bowl] or a wax warmer. Once melted, pour into the new candle jar.

Steps for warmers:

• When the wax is no longer scented [or you tire of it] simply begin by heating it up and preparing it for your new candle.
• Prep the new candle jar by pouring a drop of oil into the bottom for the wick to set on. This makes them easier to remove when your new candle burns up.
• Place the wick in the bottom of the jar and steady the top of the wick to keep it centered during the wax pouring process. I use popsicle sticks, forks, or any other worthy utensil laying around.
• Once the wax is ready, pour into the new candle jar.

The not-so-obvious perks to these gems are:

• Multiple scents throughout the candle's burn
• Color coordination with your decor
• Great little gifts to give alongside gift cards 

On the topic of jars, I found this transition quite natural. Below is a jar that once contained a single serving of jam. Albeit cute, the lid was a bit tacky for re-gifting or exposed use throughout my house. A little roughing up with sandpaper did the trick and now they're ready for re-use!

Thanks for stopping by the Humble Hammock and looking around; do come back!

Cara

P.S. - Comment below with blog posts that you'd like to see!