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Fun December Activities!

December 12th, 2023 by tisner


The best thing about the holidays in December is getting together with family and friends.  Adults and children alike can enjoy most of these activities: 

  • Cookie swap:  This is a gathering that benefits everyone.  Invite several friends who will choose a cookie recipe to pre-bake, and bring the batch to a central location.  Sample the treats, with cocoa or coffee, and have packaging available so attendees can take home small batches of their favorites.  
  • Ugly Sweater Crafts:  Instead of wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, use it to make a stocking, pillow, or small ornaments.  Have invitees bring one snack or drink each so you won’t have to worry about a lot of food prep. Get inspiration from these ideas from Better Homes and Garden’s website.  
  • Hanukkah Cupcake party:  Each party goer bakes a dozen cupcakes, and brings them unfrosted to the party.  Have frosting, frosting bags and tips, sprinkles and candies available, and everyone gets to dress up their cupcakes themselves.  Swap them out so they can take home a variety.  
  • Kids Christmas ornament party:  purchase clear shatterproof ornaments specifically for filling and have artificial snow, small toys, artificial greenery–anything small enough to fit in the ornament– along with ribbon, craft paints, and stickers, and have them create their own ornament.  Use adult supervision with very small children, or if using adhesives, especially hot glue. 
  • Gingerbread house decorating:  Lucky guests get to make and take their own cookie house!  This can be a simple venture with a gingerbread house kit, or using graham crackers, candies and royal icing, or more advanced with home-baked gingerbread cookies and decorations. This is another fun activity for the children as well as the adults. 
  • Dreidel craft:  Have the kids come over and make dreidels from craft kits or from modeling clay, skewers cut into 2” lengths and blue markers.  There are also many  inexpensive paper kits available on etsy. After the dreidels are finished, have some gelt ready, and host a spin-off tournament with prizes! 
  • Kalah game for Kwanzaa:  This is something kids will enjoy.  Cut the lid off an egg carton, then cut the lid in half.  Tape each half to the end of the bottom of the egg carton to form a tray.  Using 36 pebbles, dry beans, or pasta, play the game of kalah. 

For these casual get-togethers, send invitations via email, create an event on social media and invite friends, or use an online website to help–evite can help you design a free e-invitation, and can help you track RSVP’s. Add snacks, a cocoa or coffee bar, and make it merry! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Giving Back!

December 5th, 2023 by tisner


With a little less than a month left in the year, many begin to think about charitable donations.  Once you’ve decided on an amount to give, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Did you give last year?  Do a quick check of the organization’s website, or give them a call to see what sort of strides they’ve taken.  If you’re not satisfied, or don’t see progress, consider another charity. 
  • As difficult as it can be to narrow your donation to one organization, a larger gift can be more beneficial as one gift, instead of spreading your donations around. 
  • Keep in mind that there are thousands of charities who don’t have it in their budgets to advertise.  Consider giving to a local charity, or a national one that’s lesser known. 
  • Once you’ve narrowed down your list, call the charities if you can’t find their mission statements online, and ask questions.  It’s the best way to get the information you need. 
  • Although there’s nothing wrong with giving to your alma mater or the hospital that took such great care of a family member, find out if your local homeless or domestic violence shelter needs help.  These kinds of organizations usually struggle to make ends meet in providing services.   
  • Make sure your charity is legitimate, and it’s very important to check their finances. Charity Navigator’s website will let your search a charity’s name and get feedback. 
  • Because donations are tax-deductible, the IRS has a search tool that allows you to see what organizations are eligible for tax-deduction gifts. There are other handy options, such as seeing what organizations are no longer allowed to be considered exempt. 
  • Avoid scams–charitable giving is at a high at the year’s end, and crooks abound.  Use the above IRS search tool to make sure your charity is a legitimate charity. 
  • Keep receipts, check stubs or letters of thanks for when you’re filing taxes.  If your donation isn’t monetary, but something valued at over $5,000, the IRS requires an appraisal for your deduction. 
  • Do you volunteer? Any out-of-pocket directly related expenses–even mileage–are tax deductible.  
  • Keep in mind that last-minute online donations made December 30-31 are eligible for a tax write-off.  

Deciding who should benefit from your generosity can be a tough or easy decision, depending on what you already know. Just look for charities that depend on your generosity to keep their doors open, or who need your physical presence to be successful.  Giving isn’t always about money.  

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Safely Decorating with Outdoor Lights!

November 28th, 2023 by tisner


It’s time to get the holiday house decorating in high gear, and you may have bought new light strands, but plan on mixing them with ones you have, or adding LED lights.  Safety is important this time of year, and making the days merry and the nights bright means taking a few precautions. 

  • Check your old lights for frayed wires, nicks or cuts along the outer cord, and broken bulbs. Broken bulbs can be replaced, but toss the frayed strands, or those with cuts. 
  • Decorating the exterior of your house means the lights you use must be made for outdoors.  Check the packaging or tag on the string to make certain. 
  • Use clips or hangers that are UL-approved–do NOT nail, tack, or staple lights to any fixture. 
  • If you’d like to light a tree in your yard, make absolute certain no power lines run through the branches, and keep any lighting at least ten feet from power lines. 
  • Make sure your extension cords are specifically made for outdoor use, and have a three-pronged ground plug.  Your receptacle should be a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in case of electrical overload, it will shut off power.  Portable outdoor GFCI’s are available for very little cost at Amazon. 
  • Read and heed all labels when it comes to connecting strings of lights.  If the label says only three can be connected to one another, start a new chain of lights after the third strand is in place.  Also keep in mind that only strands with the same number of bulbs should be connected–in other words, don’t connect a 100-strand with two 25-strands. 
  • Keep extension cords away from high-traffic areas, and out from under welcome mats or pavers. 
  • Many people start decorating long before Christmas, but be aware that most non-commercial light strands are only safely exposed to the elements for 90 days.  Any longer, and deterioration to the insulation will begin.   
  • Avoid using a metal ladder if you’re having to get up high with your lights–use wooden or fiberglass instead. 
  • Never leave lights on when you’re not at home, or asleep.   
  • If you’re considering adding LED’s to your holiday display, make sure you don’t mix connecting with incandescent.  Going all-LED will be costlier upon start-up, but will save money on your power bill, as well as in replacement costs–LED’s can last up to twenty years. 

You don’t want a friendly neighborhood competition to turn into disaster, nor do you want a classic Clark Griswold power outage at home.  Know your home’s electrical limits, and use common sense and care while you’re decorating. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Easy Halloween Decorations!

October 10th, 2023 by tisner

Halloween is quickly becoming the most popular holiday in the US.   You don’t have to break the bank for decorations, though.  There are many ways you can prepare for the fun-filled holiday with inexpensive, everyday items. 

  • Save gallon milk jugs, and wash them out thoroughly.  Use permanent black marker to draw ghostly faces on the sides, then add a few rocks or marbles for stability. Place a string of battery-powered LED lights inside, and place the jugs along your walkway or steps for a ghostly path to your door. 
  • Wrap white crepe streamers around your front door mummy-style. Cut two big eyes from white and black construction paper, and tape them to look like they’re peeking out of the strips.  Instant spooky! 
  • Pumpkins are cheap and plentiful this time of year. Using child-safe carving kits, have the kids get in on the fun of carving a jack-o-lantern.  Pumpkin Lady has over 700 free templates to download and print. 
  • Use black construction paper to cut out basic ghost figures, bats, owls or cats.  Tape them to your windows, and when the lights are on at night, the silhouettes can be seen from outside. 
  • Make it look like specters are watching over your yard.  Keep a few paper towel or toilet paper roll tubes. Carefully using scissors, cut different eye shapes in them.  Tape glow sticks inside the tubes, and hide them in your shrubs and bushes. 
  • Grab a straw wreath, a few bags of faux spider webbing and plastic spiders at your local dollar store. Wrap the wreath with the webbing, and criss-cross a few strands across the middle for a cobweb effect. Hang or hot glue the spiders in different places around the wreath, add a Halloween bow, and hang on your front door. 
  • White tights can be repurposed as spider eggs.  Cut the tops off, leaving the legs open.  Add a baseball or softball to the toe, and glue or hot glue plastic spiders to the “sac.” Hang the eggs from trees (away from walking areas) or light fixtures for a really scary look. 
  • Make some ghostly guests out of unused tomato cages.  Turn them upside down, and push a large styrofoam ball down onto the ground wires.  Add lights around the cage, and drape a piece of white cloth or old sheet over the cage. 
  • Add plastic snakes, spiders and insects purchased from a dollar store to your welcome mat. 

Spooking up your yard for Halloween doesn’t have to cost a great deal.  Whether you want frightening or fun, decorating with household or inexpensive dollar store finds can be a family project.  When the big night arrives, make sure you have plenty of candy, turn on your porch light, play some creepy music, and enjoy the evening. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Summer to Fall Changeover for Your Outdoor Spaces

September 5th, 2023 by tisner


Summertime means spending time outside, and our outdoor living spaces reflect that. Just because it is almost fall, however, does not mean wrapping it all up and putting it away! There are many simple ways to transform porches, decks, and patios for use in cooler weather. Here are some simple ideas that will keep us outdoors a little longer.
 

  • When the summer blooms of potted plants fade, repot the containers with ornamental grasses, decorative kale, pansies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. 
  • Cover pillows and cushions with washable covers in neutral tones with splashes of reds, golds, and greens to add fall color to an outdoor seating area. 
  • Drape light blankets over the backs and arms of seating for use on chilly evenings. 
  • The days are getting shorter, and good lighting for outdoor spaces is essential. Use LED-lighted torches, candles, and lanterns tables for soft, relaxing lighting without spending much money. 
  • Add a cozy outdoor area rug to ward off cold feet and add texture to the space. 
  • Block chilly breezes with curtains! Create these simple no-sew outdoor curtains from drop cloths that can also be tied back to allow the sunshine in on warm days. 
  • Buying or creating a firepit invites everyone to sit around on a chilly evening. Get creative with ideas for 57 types of DIY firepits from morningchores.com. 
  • If an outdoor fire is not possible, outdoor heaters come in many styles and price ranges and use electricity or propane to keep everyone warm. 
  • Finally, when the pumpkin patches open, get a variety of pumpkins, gourds, and other fall produce, and tuck them into container plantings, or create a centerpiece or tablescape. 

Just because the days are shorter and nights are cooler does not mean the outdoors are not to be enjoyed! Spending time outdoors is proven to help alleviate stress, make us feel happier, and may help us sleep better, especially if we can catch the sunset and nightfall. Neglecting a much-loved outdoor space just because it is fall defeats the purpose; it was created to be used, and what better time of year to make the most of it than autumn?! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: rockridgefurniture.com

Fun Rainy Day Things to Do Inside Your Home

June 6th, 2023 by tisner

rainy day

Below is a list of a few rainy day things you can do inside your home so that you and your family don’t get bored being stuck inside.  If you have small children you know all too well how easily they can get bored when they are stuck inside due to bad weather.  Get them and read this list together to get started on some fun!

  1. One fun indoor activity you can do with your small children is to have an indoor scavenger hunt. Write down some clues to where you have hidden items in your house and set your children out on an indoor hunt to find them!  This can be fun for you as well as you watch your kids trying their best to find what you have hidden.
  2. Another fun rainy day thing to-do inside your home with your family is to go camping inside!  Get your tent out and set it up right in the middle of your family room.  You and your family can sleep in the tent together all night long!  If everyone doesn’t fit you can use sleeping bags to make it a full fledge family event.  A super fun way to make your indoor camping event even more real is to make smores in the microwave!
  3. Yet another fun rainy day thing to do inside is to gather all of your board games and get the entire family involved in playing them together! If you don’t have any board games you can likely find some type of game for all to play online.
  4. If you don’t want to have to create something fun to do with your family, why not bake some cookies together! It is always fun to get your little ones together in the kitchen to bake.  Have each child create their own cookie with the ingredients you have available, then let the rest of the family be judges to give the best cookie award!

These are a few fun rainy day things you can do inside your home that is sure to make everyone have an enjoyable time even if they can’t go outside!

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Creative and Budget-Friendly Organization Ideas

May 1st, 2023 by tisner


We have all seen the beautiful dream closets: they are filled with drawers, shoe shelves, a vanity, and many other bells and whistles, but all come with a hefty price tag. Organizational gadgets can cost quite a bit, but there are many ways to get organized without spending a lot– just get creative!
 

Closets 

  • Extend room for lighter clothing items, such as blouses and shirts, by using tension rods placed at the top and bottom of your closet. Add shower curtain hooks to store purses and other odd-shaped items. 
  • Family Handyman demonstrates how to use a plant-hanger chain to store multiple shirts and blouses. 
  • Mount a short curtain rod on the back of the closet door to hang scarves, and store more by using clip-style curtain rings to hang hats and gloves to keep them handy. 
  • This use of tension rods for shoe storage is a great storage hack! 

Bedrooms 

  • Create under-the-bed storage by upcycling old dresser drawers by adding adhesive felt or swivel caster wheels to the bottoms. Or get empty suitcases out of the attic and put them to use by storing seasonal clothing under the bed. 
  • Turn a bookshelf into a headboard and create space for odd items such as remotes, glasses, morning medicines, and, of course, books. 
  • No more rummaging through a mish-mash of cosmetics in a bag! This DIY magnetic makeup board is a great way to keep makeup handy and easy to find. 
  • In the kids’ room, mount wire wall planters and place books, plush toys, or arts and crafts items within a little one’s reach. 

In the Kitchen 

  • Get the pots and pans out of the cabinets by hanging them! Hang them on a wall or try this DIY ladder pot rack! 
  • Keep the infamous junk drawer tidy by using a clean egg carton or small muffin tin; both are perfect for keeping small items organized. 
  • Inexpensive dollar store baskets can be filled with cans, spices, and baking items for pull-out storage in the pantry. The baskets keep them neat and easy to access. 
  • Place large utensils in a cookie jar on the counter to keep them within reach while cooking. 
  • A wall file holder mounted on the inside of a cabinet door is transformed into a container lid holder. 

Begin your organization plans by decluttering, then using what you can afford or DIY to make it happen. Putting your home in order can be pretty, practical, and inexpensive! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: PODS

Extend Your Living Space!

April 18th, 2023 by tisner


It is time for favorite summer pastimes: grilling, dining al fresco, or relaxing in a hammock, and many homeowners realize they would better enjoy them if they had a patio or deck. Outdoor spaces can be an extension of our indoor living space, so if you are considering adding either a deck or patio, here are a few tips to get your ideas rolling:
 

  • For outdoor spaces with level ground, constructing a patio from brick, pavers, stone or poured concrete is usually more cost-effective than building a deck. 
  • Soften the hard surface and add privacy by adding landscaping. Plant a perimeter of shrubs or tall grasses or add plants of varying heights in containers–even trees! 
  • Because of the availability in many colors and styles, making a final decision on patio surfacing can be overwhelming.  Landscaping Network has done the homework for you, making it easier to choose your materials. 
  • Backyards with in-ground pools are better suited for a patio for ease of use and maintaining the pool. Another bonus is that there is less grass to mow! 
  • Create a path from the front approach of your home to your backyard courtyard if there is enough room on the side of your home. This will help keep a lot of extra traffic out of the house. 
  • Because they can be built on virtually any surface, including slopes and rocky ground, decks are the most popular outdoor space addition. 
  • Determine what size you will need as well as other aspects of the deck by how you want to use the space: grilling and/or dining, simple entertaining, or maybe a private space for a hot tub.  
  • If you have the know-how, by all means, DIY a new deck. This Old House offers a thorough guide to building a deck, from materials to designs. 
  • Two advantages to building a deck: increasing your home’s value, and cooler entertaining. Add screening and a roof for an all-weather space to protect you from the elements and insects. 
  • If your local building codes require railings for the new addition, do it in style! Check out these deck railing ideas. 

Once your new outdoor “room” is complete, do not waste the time and expense it took to create it by not utilizing it! Add seating, shade, grill, or firepit, and enjoy summer evenings with family and friends or a good book. An investment in outdoor improvements can be an investment in your well-being! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: Progressive Design Build 

Unique Window Treatments for Small Rooms

March 21st, 2023 by tisner


When it comes to the smaller rooms in the house, window treatments play an important part in the feel of the space. You do not, however, have to give up style or privacy in these areas; check out these unique ways you can add pizzazz to your windows, and “space” to your small room:
 

  • If drapes are your only choice, install the hardware higher on the wall than the top of the window. This simple trick will add a spacious feel to the room. 
  • Using a simple roller shade keeps an open feel to the room. Rollers come in many colors, or you can create a custom shade with adhesive-back shelf paper, fabric, or even wallpaper. 
  • Hanging a neutral valance will keep the room light, and add color to the window by hanging an old stained glass window section, or create your own “stained glass!” 
  • A simple way to add style and make the room seem larger by drawing the eye up is to use a cornice or a pelmet covered in colorful fabric and paired with plain sheer panels. 
  • Using shutters instead of curtains gives you privacy while allowing light to come through when you have adjustable louvers on the shutters. Most are made of wood and can be painted or stained to match your room’s decor or make a statement. 
  • Need privacy but need to keep the room well-lit? This is an easy DIY using “frosted glass” film or spray paint! A textured glass look can be created using clear glass craft paint. 
  • A sunny window is a perfect place for plants, so use them as your window treatment! Purchase shelving and install, or make shelves for your green thumb display. 
  • Window screens made of laser-cut metal are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable. Styles are seemingly endless and can be easily purchased at online home decor sites or even craft websites with laser-cutting machines becoming more common for crafters. 

The window treatments, placement and size of the furniture, and scale of the room’s decor are all factors for making a room seem open or stuffy. Choose wisely so time spent there will not leave you with a “cooped up” feeling! Simple is more in a small room! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: milesandlincoln.com

Natural Scents for Your Home

December 27th, 2022 by tisner


According to research done by 
Scentiments, 80% of Americans use home fragrances.  The choices can be overwhelming, and visitors and family members can be allergic to mass-produced products, as they likely contain chemical compounds.  Many people, however, have what they need for their home fragrances right in their pantries or available on grocery shelves! 

Fragrance Combinations 

  • orange or lemon peels and whole or ground cloves 
  • fresh rosemary stems and leaves, lemon peel, and a few drops of vanilla extract 
  • lemon or lime peel and basil leaves, fresh or dry 
  • sliced cucumber (or just the peel), basil leaves and a teaspoon of ground ginger 
  • dried lavender, lemon peel and peppermint oil 
  • grapefruit peel and lavender blossoms or rosemary stems with leaves 

— Mix one of the above combinations with a few cups of water, and simmer on your stove. Be sure to add more water as it evaporates, and the fragrance usually lasts about sixteen hours of simmer time.  If you have any scent left in the mixture but won’t be home to enjoy it, let the mixture cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few days. The mixture can also be used in a small electric simmering pot. 

— All you need is a spray bottle, distilled water, and one of the Fragrance Combinations, and you’ve got custom room spray!  Add your favorite ingredients to the bottle, fill with distilled water, and allow to sit for a few hours.  Keeping the spray refrigerated will keep it fresh for a week.  If you want to keep it longer, a few drops of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel astringent will help with preserving it. 

— Utilizing dried citrus/fruit peels and herbs, you can make simple sachets to place around your home and in dresser drawers.  Lay a square fabric scrap flat, wrong side up, and place a few spoonfuls of your dried scent combo in the center.  Bring the corners together, twist, and tie with a ribbon, jute twine or twist tie. 

— Air freshener beads can be made with polymer absorbent crystals normally used for potting soil!  Mixing the same ingredients as the room spray, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to keep the mixture from spoiling.  In a bowl, mix one teaspoon of the crystals and one cup of your scented water. For a stronger scent, add a few drops of essential oil or extracts leftover from baking.  Once the polymer has absorbed all of the water, divide them into two pint-sized jars.  Use a scrap of lace to cover the top, and add the screw lid.  

— Because essential oils are another natural alternative, here is an easy DIY reed diffuser idea.  All you need is your favorite essential oil, a glass bottle and bamboo skewers! 

Remember that these natural scents will not be as strong as commercially-produced fragrances.  The good thing about using what comes from nature can be used more frequently without the worry of using added chemicals in your home.  It will take a bit of getting used to, but a naturally sweet-smelling home will be a reward in many ways. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: hellofresh

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