It's cold and snowy out, in the middle of winter, and the house could use some fresh air.

It's too cold to open the windows just yet, so I am pressed with how to give the house a pick-me-up. I decided my stash of essential oils could be just the ticket. I am fairly stingy with my oils, and because they can be used for so many purposes, I decided to go with a plan that doesn't use too much of my precious commodity.

Here's exactly what I did to add a little fragrant flair to my house:

-I got out a box of baking soda and filled a clean jar halfway with it (an old Parmesan cheese jar: though plastic, it works great!).

-I then sprinkled in some of the oil, about 10 drops. You can get essential oils online. I used a ginger Sicilian lemon refresher oil from Cucina. I have not tried this with the Cote Bastide potpourri refreshing oils, but I imagine they work as well.

-I stirred the baking soda and oil mixture until well blended and had the strength of the smell I was looking for.

That's it! I then had a great powder to sprinkle on my carpets.

Not only did the baking soda deodorize the carpets, the essential oil left a refreshing scent behind after vacuuming. It was enough to give my house and myself, the refreshing lift that was needed.