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16 Comments

  1. I am one of those “scent-sitive” people you mention. I get migraines from many different scents – especially florals and woodsy scents. I’m always amazed when I walk into a home and the smell is overpowering. Makes me wonder do they clean or simply mask odors with strongly scented plug-ins. I have found a few scents that I use in my home that I can (usually) tolerate and even enjoy. Tyler Candles used to make one called Birthday Cake – well, they still make it, but it’s only available in a very small candle as part of their Happy Birthday Gift Collection set. I had more than one person come to my home and want to know what I was baking when I was burning those! Target also used to carry a Chesapeake Bay Candle in their Home Scents line called Almond Macaroons – though, the picture on the label was actually macarons. It was a wonderful, homey scent. Most recently, I’ve found Swan Creek Candle Company at my local Market Street grocery store. They have a couple of “comfort” scents. Their Cherry Almond Buttercream is delicious, though it might be a little strong when burning it. Sometimes I think it’s strong enough to just have the lid off of the jar without actually lighting the candle. Whipped Almond Frosting is another scent of Swan Creek’s that I love. It’s still warm and homey without being too overwhelming. Swan Creek also makes wax melts that you can use in warmers – those seem to be a little lighter-scented. I posted these in case any of your subscriber are also “scent-sitive” (BTW – I love that play on words!) and would like to try something to make their homes smell better without giving them a headache!

    1. Thank you for all of the recommendations my sweet friend! I can attest that the Almond Macarons candle from Target is great, but now I can’t find it anymore. I’m going to check out the Swan Creek candles next time!

  2. Interesting that you associate bleach as the smell of clean. My mother rarely used bleach, preferring elbow grease to chemicals, but my mother-in-law was rather slovenly, then would have an intense cleaning fit where she used bleach liberally to remove stains and grime (and unbelievably disgusting scum rings from the bathtub). For me, bleach is a repellent smell, and I have to remind myself that it is NOT normally indicative that people are dirty, it’s the opposite.

  3. bonnie bee says:

    awesome tips!!! i love the stove top simmer but i use half water and half pineapple juice. takes the aroma to another level. thanks for sharing such useful information.

  4. I enjoy reading your posts.
    This one however, regarding scents, I would not use dryer sheets to freshen anything!
    As a person with a very sensitive sense of smell, dryer sheets are overpowering and usually made with artificial/chemical ingredients.
    I use dryer balls in my laundry, never dryer sheets!
    I do like the other ideas though.

    1. Hi Sheryl! Yes, dryer sheets are not for those that are sensitive to smells as they are definitely strong. I’ve used them for a quick fix in musty areas, but I love the smell of fresh laundry and don’t mind it. Scents are so subjective and that’s why it’s better to have no smell at all if you’re opening your home to other people! I use dryer balls too. Dryer sheets are terrible for the auto sensors in your dryer.

  5. Hi Kate, I just recently found you & am loving your posts! I feel such a kinship with you & your wonderful ideas as I too enjoy being creative in my house & home. I do, however, want to point out that you should never pour bleach down your drains as the bleach will corrode your pipes over time & could result in an expensive plumbing bill. Baking sofa is a much better & less harmful alternative. Thanks again for all your inspirational ideas! Looking forward to your next post! ☺️

    1. Hi Maria! I’m so happy you’ve found me!! I’m no plumber and I’m sure that’s correct. I’m so old school I use bleach way too much. What’s funny is, a plumber at one time suggested I do that periodically upstairs to clean out our air conditioning drain lines.🤔

  6. Irene Mochulsky says:

    Such great tips! This will come in handy!
    Thanks Irene

  7. Happy New Year, Kate. Thank you for a wonderful year of idea posts that we can adapt to our own homes.
    Thanks again,
    Nancy

  8. Calypso in the Country says:

    Great ideas! I just pinned! (I had to do it manually because the pin button didn’t show up….not sure if it’s an issue on your end or mine.) Thanks for sharing!
    Shelley

  9. This is awesome. I would love to add this to my newsletter this week. Hugs to you, my friend.