God, I hate that stale winter smell that lingers until about... June? My husband swears our house smells "just fine" but then again, this is the same man who can't detect when milk has gone bad until it's practically cheese. So I took matters into my own hands last weekend when the temps finally hit 60°.
You absolutely don't need to drop $45 on some fancy-pants candle with "notes of dewy meadow" or whatever. Trust me, I've been down that road. Bought a "luxury" diffuser back in 2019 that cost more than my monthly phone bill and ended up smelling like my grandmother's perfume cabinet had exploded.
The Stovetop Potpourri That Made My Neighbor Text Me
First thing I tried was making this stovetop concoction that honestly smelled better than anything I've ever bought. Grabbed some sad-looking lemons from the back of my fridge (they were starting to grow those weird white spots but whatever), sliced 'em up, and tossed in some mint I'd been growing in a pot by my kitchen window.
I threw in a cinnamon stick I found in the back of my spice cabinet (probably from Christmas 2021) and let the whole thing simmer on low for about two hours.
My neighbor actually texted me: "What are you cooking? It smells amazing all the way over here!" Vindication.
Spray Everything (Except the Cat)
This one's stupidly simple. Mix water with a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Done.
I used lemon oil because I had it lying around from that time I convinced myself I was going to become "an aromatherapy person." Sprayed it on my couch, curtains, and even the dog's bed when he wasn't looking. The trick is to do a light mist - I went overboard once and my husband came home asking if I'd "cleaned the house with Pledge."
Lavender works great too if you're into that whole relaxation thing.
Wait, Don't Vacuum Yet!
Here's something my mom taught me that I thought was ridiculous until I tried it. Mix some baking soda with dried flower petals and sprinkle it on your carpets before vacuuming.
I collected some roses from my garden last summer and dried them (basically forgot about them in a vase until they dried out). Crushed them up, mixed with baking soda, and sprinkled it everywhere.
The baking soda kills odors and teh petals leave this subtle floral scent that isn't overwhelming. My carpet smelled amazing for days.
Living Plants: Nature's Air Fresheners That Need Watering
Listen. If you're not a serial plant killer like me, get yourself some naturally fragrant plants. I splurged on hyacinths ($4.99 each at the garden center) and put them near windows.
I also hung eucalyptus in my shower which was this Pinterest idea I saw and thought would never work. But the steam activates the scent and now my bathroom smells like a fancy spa instead of, well, a bathroom.
Just don't forget to water the live ones. Poor hyacinth #1 didn't make it past week two.
The 98p Wonder That Saved My Sanity
I'm slightly embarrassed how excited I got about this, but I found this cleaner at Asda - Astonish Morning Dew Pet Fresh disinfectant - for less than a pound!
Mixed a capful with water, wiped down my skirting boards, radiators, adn all those weird places that collect dust. My house smelled INCREDIBLE for days.
And it killed bacteria which is a bonus because my son's friends are basically walking germ factories.
What About Those Weird Corners?
You know those random spots in your house that just smell... off? For me it's the hallway cupboard where we keep shoes. I stuck some coffee grounds in a small open container and hid it in there. Coffee apparently absorbs odors like nothing else.
Works like a charm. And now I get a little caffeine hit every time I grab my trainers.
I've spent hundreds on fancy home fragrances over the years (my husband would say thousands, but he exaggerates). These simple tricks worked better than anything that comes in a fancy glass jar with a French name.
Deal of the day
Speaking of spending too much money - if you need to spruce up your garden, The Range has this Turin Textilene four-piece set with sofa, chairs and coffee table for £79.99 instead of £99.99. I'm tempted, but my husband would kill me if I bought more patio furniture after "the incident" with the last set I bought.
Cheap treat that won't break the bank
If you've got kids, Dunelm has this adorable unicorn cabin case that doubles as a backpack for £11.20, down from £16. My niece's birthday is coming up, and this might save me from having to spend £30 on whatever weird toy is popular this month.
Swap This for That and Save Your Cash
Those green Adidas Breaknet trainers are everywhere right now - £50 a pair. I found an almost identical version at New Look for £22.99. That's £27 saved that you can spend on wine instead.
Or more plants. But probably wine.
Shop & save
Parents of Bluey-obsessed children (I see you, and I feel your pain) - the interactive talking Bluey toy is down to £14.99 from £19.99 at smythstoys.com. My sister says her kids have watched the same Bluey episode 47 times. She counted.
Hot right now
Check your American Express account! Some users (including me, thankfully) are eligible for 10% cashback at certain restaurants until June 30th. Date night just got 10% cheaper.
WANT TO WIN SOME CASH?
The Sun Raffle is giving away £100 to 250 readers every month. I've entered three times and won exactly £0 so far, but my colleague swears her cousin's neighbor won last month. Worth a shot!
Every Sun Savers code you enter equals one ticket. More codes = more chances. Simple math, really.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
Statistics
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
External Links
How To
How To File Your Taxes Accurately
Filing your taxes accurately is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Start by gathering all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and any receipts for deductible expenses. Choose the appropriate filing method, whether using tax software, hiring a tax professional, or filing manually. Familiarize yourself with the tax deductions and credits available to maximize your refund or minimize your liability. Double-check your calculations and ensure all information is accurate before submission. If you are unsure about specific items, consider consulting IRS guidelines or a tax professional for clarification. Lastly, keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for future reference.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/heartbreak-in-essex-as-ford-barns-country-store-slashes-prices-for-final-goodbye
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
