Smells Like the Holidays!! Keeping Scents Natural This Holiday Season

Did you know? Long appreciate for its lovely scent, lavender has also been found to calm and soothe when inhaled.

During the holiday season, what could be more nostalgic than the wafting aroma of pine trees or apples and cinnamon?

Unfortunately, many types of household cleaning products, air sprays and plug-ins, candles and even potpourri rely upon synthetic fragrances derived from non-renewable petroleum. These chemicals

may, in turn, produce hazardous airborne substances called volatile organic compounds (VOC's), which contribute to poor air quality and sinus irritation.

So, when looking for a bit of ambience, go natural.

*BLEND YOUR OWN POTPOURRI*

from real cedar chips (yes, the pet store kind), lavender buds, herbs and spices, or even a bar

of all-natural soap. If the mix is too fine for a basket, use a tin or tie it all up in a pretty scrap of cloth

and put it in a drawer (more cost effective than a store-bought sachet!).

IF YOU LOVE SCENTED CANDLES, look for those made with beeswax or soy (not

petroleum-based paraffin) and natural essential oils.

BREW A POT OF HERBAL TEA.Or, before a get together, put a few cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pan of water and simmer for the aroma.

BAKE SOMETHING.

 It doesn't have to be a turkey dinner - even a few potatoes or baked apples and

cinnamon smell delicious. (Bonus: They taste great and are good for you, too.)