Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Welcome to “Show Off Your Cottage Monday”, a blog party I host at the beginning of each week to celebrate the things we love about our homes and how we live.

Today, I’m celebrating “scent”

At The house in the roses we believe in living the simple life... which means that other than a very small Christmas tree illuminating one of our windows, I don’t decorate our home for Christmas. I know, that's pretty unusual. Why would anyone not want to celebrate Christmas like nearly everybody else? Well, for once, I believe that Christmas is driven by commercialism, and sadly to say, the real reason for the Christmas season has been long forgotten. So, you won’t find roads of reindeers, winter scenes, elves and the God substitute, Santa Claus in our home, but I do love the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Especially the smell. A home smelling like cinnamon rolls and pies being baked, speaks of Christmas and holidays. Aromatic smells coming from the kitchen is the sign of a welcoming home, but if you don’t happen to be baking at the moment, you can still have fabulous smells wafting out from the kitchen, by using liquid potpourri. 

Today, I created my own Christmas potpourri by simmering liquid over the stove with some spices I had in the pantry… Almost any spice would work. Almond, lemon or vanilla are common flavorings. If you don't any of these ingredients on hand, just substitute some herbs, seasonings or fruits that you have available that you enjoy. For my liquid potpourri, I used 3 cups water, some chunks of apples, including the peel, nutmeg, and of course, cinnamon sticks. I love the smell of cinnamon; cinnamon evokes memories of holiday festivities, family gatherings and favorite seasonal treats. Cinnamon's aroma is simply soothing.

I also bought some greenery... fresh pine boughs and branches to dress my house and fill simple bottles, vases and jugs with it.

I loved the fresh smell of pine wafting through the house. Some fresh pine boughs and "Silent Night" are all I need.

What are you celebrating today?

Now it’s your turn to tell us what you’re celebrating. If you have something to share with us on your blog, then add your link below. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address. 2. Link back to the house in the roses from your post so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is celebrating today! 3. Copy and paste our little logo on your blog so your readers can also join our celebration. 4. And enjoy your home!