i read this design blog the other day where the home decorating professional spoke of how her innovative approach to design incorporates all of the senses. she admitted this was not a new concept, but that she was the first to name it. now i forget what she called it, something like "holistic design." when i was in real estate we used to bake cookies and play classical music so that the house was more than just visually inviting. i guess that is when i learned about this holistic design approach myself, but really isn't it just common sense? i mean everyone knows a stinky house is unpleasant...and who doesn't enjoy music in the background? so this "holistic design" term just makes me laugh. it reminds me of a professor from my mat program who said, "there is nothing new under the sun in education," then would quickly add, "but a lot of new names for things." so call it euphemisms or marketing, if you can just sit around and make up new names for stuff, you can look really smart.

here are some of my favorite home fragrances:


1. pina colada candles (made by a friend) yankee candle's pineapple flavor is also a treat!
2. the body shop coconut body butter (rub a tiny bit high on your front door before guests arrive) it's a great summertime scent!
3. all method products - i use these cucumber wipes in my bathroom and grapefruit wipes and sprays in my kitchen.
4. renuzit citrus spray - i use this upstairs in the kid areas.
5. downy dryer sheets - they come in several varieties, i love the lavender. my house smells really nice when i am drying clothes. i also have tucked some sheets under the seagrass rug where my dog sleeps.