Spicey 99

While a lot of people would recommend waiting to sell your home until the market moves a bit more in favor of the seller, if you have to sell your home now there is a lot to consider. Selling a home in the current market can be tough, but it can be done, and it’s important to realize that it doesn’t matter how much you want for your home but more what a buyer is willing to pay for it. First of all, don’t take on the task of selling a home by yourself, use a real estate agent.  You should also be aware of how other homes in your area are valued.  Be sure to check Zillow.com, or even do a search on Google looking for similar homes.

Patience is a virtue when selling your home, and you should also be prepared to drop the price.  Make sure you and your real estate agent work together to sell the home, and also illustrate what features you think are the best and what you think will most appeal to buyers.  When having an open house, making sure that your home is spotless and put out some aromatic potpourri. Remember, curb appeal is huge. If a buyer happens to drive by your home and doesn’t like what they see, chances are they won’t call your agent for a closer look!

People often think that the most dramatic interior decorating renovations occur when a lot of money is invested.  While this does hold true in many circumstances, you can make dramatic alterations to the design of the room for under $100 dollars and with a little elbow grease.  The easiest way to completely change the look of a room is with a new coat of paint.  Paint is inexpensive; in general, you can purchase paint to cover a room for about $30-40.  Rearranging the furniture and incorporating new items you already own is another great idea for renovation. People use all five of their senses when evaluating a room and the most oft-overlooked of these is olfactory. Putting out some premium potpourri, such as Dark Night, will add a new dimension to a room’s ambiance. Finally, little changes can make a big difference.  For example, purchase a light switch cover and replace that standard white model, consider a new lampshade, or make new drapes from your own fabric.

There are unlimited options that can successfully renovate your room and make it appear fresh and unique. The only real limit is your own creativity, so be sure to create a space you enjoy, not just one you’ve seen somewhere else!

Sleep is an important part of human existence. Without sleep the body cannot function properly. Insomnia comes with a bevy of negative side effects. Those who suffer from the ailment report a decreased ability to concentrate, a lack of productivity and depression. Prescription medication is one way to handle sleeplessness, but many people don’t think putting chemicals into their bodies is the best option.

Aromatherapy is a natural alternative for those who struggle to fall asleep. Vanilla oil is calming and its aroma is reported to help people relax and fall asleep more easily. Try using a glass oil warmer to waft the gentle aroma of vanilla oil throughout your home. If you’re not comfortable leaving a warmer on overnight, putting out some wholesale spice will do the trick as well.

We’re always singing the praises of potpourri in this blog – whether it’s a traditional mix of dried floral pieces or a newer blend of spices and essential oil. Now it’s time to focus on the many uses of this fragrant household favorite. Living rooms, dens and bathrooms are perhaps the most popular areas where the smelly stuff might be found, and for good reason. In the living room, potpourri is out in the open – inviting guests to partake of its pleasant odor. In the bathroom, it might be used to mask less pleasant smells.

Whenever possible, potpourri should be kept away from dining areas. Pungent smells – no matter how delectable they might be – can detract from the taste and odor of freshly cooked food. Especially if you’re hosting a dinner party, avoid the temptation to place potpourri on the table. Let your guests enjoy its wafting scent notes before dinner, as they mill around the house or sit sipping cocktails.

In earlier times, fresh herbs and fresh flowers were used in Potpourri. While fresh herbs and flowers are still used, today’s potpourri is more of a mixture of pre-dried material and essential oils which provide a gentle scent in homes and offices.  

Potpourri is put in special pots with perforated lids to perfume rooms. It can also be tied in small bags made from sheer fabric and hung throughout the house.