How to make your house smell delicious

Mmmmm.  I love for my house to smell good.  In the autumn,  I want it to smell like cinnamon and cloves (click here to read how I do that).  But now that we're in the last stretches of winter and heading quickly toward spring, I want my house to smell a little lighter, a little fresher, but still warm and welcoming.

I discovered a way to create just the aroma I was wanting, and it couldn't be more simple.  In fact, it requires just two ingredients.

Here's what to do:

Peel an orange.  Put the orange peel into a small pot.  Fill the pot with water, then squirt in some vanilla extract.  Bring to a boil, then simmer.  Be careful not to let the pot boil dry.




Vanilla extract is the secret weapon here.  Yes, it's expensive, but you'll be so glad you used a teaspoon or two for this!

Do you have a great method for making your house smell good?  Please share!

**I'm joining Beth at Home Stories A to Z for Tutorials and Tips.**

Looking at fabrics

I've been looking for fabrics lately.  I've started a fabric pinboard to collect lots of lovely ideas.  (I'd love for you to join me on Pinterest!)

A golden herringbone (with a bit of a greenish hue)--possibility for chair upholstery:

Spa blue linen (upholstery weight with a backing):

Possibilities for other uses (decorative pillows, window treatments, etc.)

Any of these strike your fancy?

Unfinished Projects-- and an exciting announcement

That's all I seem to have lately--a bunch of unfinished projects.  Here's a little peek into what's been going on around here:

Furniture delivered but not yet in place.



Light fixture purchased but not yet installed.



Artwork framed but not yet hung.

One project, though, is just about finished.  My part of it is done.  I've been so eager to share it with you, and the wait is nearly over.

I've written an eBook.

It's called A Spiritual Formation Primer, and that's exactly what it is.  An introduction to Christian spiritual formation.  My heart in 65 pages.

Renovaré is publishing it.

It'll be available March 8 (that's just two weeks from Friday!).

And because I couldn't wait a moment longer, here's a peek at the cover:

Whew!  I'm so glad to get to share this news with you!!

So how about you?  What's going on at your house?  Do you have unfinished projects, too?  Please share!

Joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday and

Amanda at Serenity Now for Weekend Bloggy Reading.