HEALTHY WAYS TO scent YOUR HOME naturally

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Everyone loves to have a good smelling home, right? ;)
Keeping a clean home helps, and is necessary, of course, but adding in a little fragrance is just fun.

Plus, natural scents and oils have health benefits, can be antimicrobial and antibacterial too.

Nature creates the most beautiful smelling scents anyway!

And who doesn’t want to scent their home naturally?
I’m here to tell you, once you stop using the “fake” stuff, you will not want to ever go back.
The fake stuff will smell too strong, too chemically and just not natural.

Don’t get me wrong, the natural stuff can be strong too.
But strong in a completely different way. :)

So, today I’m sharing some different ways you can scent your home naturally.
I love essential oils and have been using them for 15+ years now.
I can’t wait to share a few of my favourite recipe blends and uses with you!

M a k e   Y o u r  O w n   P o t p o u r r i

• Simmer fresh sliced orange or lemons (or the peels) with cinnamon and cloves in water.
  Perfect for a quick lift or after cooking.
• Make your own potpourri with dried fruits, cinnamon sticks, cloves, etc. (you can simmer this too)
• Use the dried potpourri in and around your home in decorative dishes.
  Freshen the scent from time to time with essential oils.

C a r p e t   D e o d o r i z e r

• Mix 1 cup (or more, as needed) of baking soda in a bowl and add 20-30 drops of the pure, undiluted essential oil of your choice.
• Store in a sifter shaker bottle or just shake it out by hand onto the carpet. (note: can by clumpy without the sifter)
• Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer) and then vacuum the rug/carpet.

N a t u r a l   R o o m   S p r a y

• Mix 4 oz of distilled water with the 60-80 drops of essential oils, shake before use… or….
• You can also use 2 oz of high proof alcohol (vodka or perfumer’s alcohol) with 2 oz of distilled water.
  Be sure to mix the essential oils into the alcohol before adding the water.
  Shake before use.
• Use spray bottles like these to store the spray.
• Label them with these cute chalkboard labels. (favourite recipes are below)
• This can be used to refreshen the air or on linens. (test on linens as some essential oils can stain)
• Good for freshening the carpet in autos too.

C l e a n i n g   &   D u s t i n g

• I use the Swiffer Sweepers (the dry ones) to catch dog hair, dust and dirt tracked in.
  They are quick and easy and great for hardwood or tile floors, which my entire downstairs is comprised of.
  I will usually spritz the sheet with my “natural room spray” above before attaching it to the sweeper.
  This gives the entire space a gentle hint of scent! (and remember, many essential oils are antimicrobial and antibacterial so you get that benefit as well!)
• Another Swiffer product I like to use are the Swiffer Dusters.
  I will do the same exact thing, spritz and dust! This is such a nice way to scent your home naturally!

A i r   V e n t   S c e n t

• I will sometimes use drops of essential oil on a piece of paper and attach to the inside of my floor vents.
  (I usually use heavier weight paper (these work good) and punch a hole in it, then tie a string through and around the underside of the vent.)
  Be sure you make it secure so it doesn’t slip down the vent hole!
  When the heat/air blows through it, the scent will gently blow through the air as well.
• Place a small piece of fabric or the heavy weight paper, scented with essential oils, on the corner of your filter in your return.
  You don’t want to cover the whole filter, just one small corner is enough to disperse some scent through the air.
• Place one of the papers linked above, scented with essential oils, under the seat in your car.

And now my favourite way to scent my home…..

D i f f u s e r

• This diffuser has served me very well. I recently came across this other style diffuser by the same company and it’s functional and beautiful.
  I have bought multiple of each for my home AND many for gifts.
  I love them!
  Diffusers disperse scent better than anything I’ve ever used.
  These particular diffusers work better than any I’ve tried so far. (I’ve tried several) They work very well.
  I also love the function of ‘set it and leave it’. They turn off automatically once empty!
  Did I mention how much I love this?? ;)
• Just add water, essential oils and viola….beautiful, natural, oh-so-good smelling, healthy scented air!

R e c i p e s (these are all “one part” or “one drop”, multiply accordingly for the recipes above)

• 8 – Orange
  5 – Lemon
  1 – Black Pepper

• 8 – Peppermint
  3 – Lavender

• 8 – Peppermint
  4 – Lemon

• 6 – Lavender
  4 – Lemon
  2 – Geranium

• 2 – Cinnamon
  1 – Clove
  2 – Fir Needle
  4 – Orange

• 2 – Lavender
  4 – Lemon

• 6 – Orange
  1 – Cinnamon
  1 – Clove

• 4 – Vanilla
  1 – Vetiver

• 4 – Lemon
  1 – Frankincense
  1 – Black Pepper

• 8 – Lemon
  2 – Frankincense
  2 – Black Pepper
  1 – Vetiver

And now a recipe to make your own Vanilla “Essential” Oil and Extract (there’s not a ‘true’ essential oil for Vanilla)

Extract: ( I use this one in the diffuser without any issues)

• Place 8 vanilla beans (cut opened) into dark amber bottles and pour high alcohol content vodka (high proof) to fill.
  Let it sit for about 2 months, or longer. Be sure to shake at least weekly.

Vanilla Oil: (for personal use, lotions or in potpourri, etc)

• Place 4 vanilla beans (cut open) in a bottle and fill with Jojoba oil. Let sit for 3-4 months/shake weekly.

***You can use Madagascar or Tahitian Vanilla Beans. (I love and use both! I can almost promise you’ve never smelled anything so wonderful! ;) )

A note about essential oils:

• Try to buy and use 100% pure, undiluted (and organic, if possible) therapeutic essential oils.
• Keep in mind that essential oils will not smell the same or exactly the same every time.
  They come from different sources, different times of the year, different regions, etc.
• There are varying versions of many. Such as Lavender, I use “Fine French” because I love the scent best (it’s a bit pricier).
  The cheaper, 40/42 Lavender is a bit more medicinal smelling.
• There are also varying versions of Geranium. I use and like the Geranium Bourbon. (Note: again, they may smell slightly different from each supplier)
• You can use Litsea Cubeba in place of Lemon. It has a wonderful citrus smell and is a bit stronger than regular Lemon which can be faint and short lived.
• You can also use Lemongrass in place of Lemon but I don’t like it as well. It’s a bit more grassy, pungent and overpowering to me.
• Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s totally safe. What I mean is this, you still need to use caution with the oils.
  They can discolor wood if spilled, ruin the finish, irritate the skin, etc.
  Just use common sense as you would with anything. (remember, these are super highly concentrated oils from natural sources….consider the “water is super healthy (and needed!) but even drinking too much water is dangerous” analogy!)
• Relax, enjoy and have fun mixing and using nature’s wonder! :)

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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Recharge and Renew: 10 Great Places in BC to Restore Your Energy

Be calmed by the soothing beauty of a mountain lake or the serenity of an old-growth forest. There’s nowhere better to replenish your soul than British Columbia, with its natural beauty and a culture that celebrates mind, body, spirit, and the connections between them. Here are 10 of the province’s best restorative experiences.

1. RESTORE YOUR SELF: TIGH-NA-MARA SEASIDE SPA RESORT, PARKSVILLE

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Let Vancouver Island’s old-growth trees work their magic as you discover the healing properties of “forest bathing.” Certified forest therapy guides take you deep into the woods near Canada’s top-rated spa, allowing its natural medicine to lower your heart rate, ease your stress, and boost your bliss.

2. RESTORE YOUR SPIRIT: HOLLYHOCK, CORTES ISLAND

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Mystical Cortes Island is the ideal place to connect body, soul, and nature. Programs at this renowned learning centre focus on wellness, mindfulness, creativity, and leadership—you can even book a Restorative Getaway. But if all you’re seeking is a relaxing island escape, Hollyhock offers that, too.

3. RESTORE YOUR SERENITY: SCANDINAVE SPA WHISTLER, WHISTLER 

My Favorite :)

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Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and whispering cedar trees, this Nordic-inspired outdoor spa in Whistler is blissfully silent but for the occasional splash of healing water. Cleanse away aches and cares in the hot baths and cool waterfalls.

4. RESTORE YOUR BALANCE: ECHO VALLEY RANCH & SPA, JESMOND

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Part dude ranch, part Thai spa, Echo Valley seems, at first, like a classic rustic western experience. Then you notice the Asian-style architecture. Indulge in a Thai massage and a cowboy campfire barbecue as east meets west in perfect balance in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

5. RESTORE YOUR SPARKLE: SPARKLING HILL RESORT, VERNON

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Perched on the top of Mount Royce overlooking the sparkling lakeside lights of Vernon, this giant crystal-shaped resort is home to KurSpa’s seven unique steams and saunas, an indoor saltwater pool under a Swarovski crystal starry sky (complete with underwater music), an outdoor infinity pool under an actual starry sky, and a rejuvenating –110°C cold sauna.

6. RESTORE YOUR APPETITE: GOD’S MOUNTAIN ESTATE, PENTICTON

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Head to this quirky wine country B&B overlooking Skaha Lake for al fresco dinners that feed body and soul with the best of local food, wine, and hospitality. If you can, book the roofless room for a restorative night’s sleep under the stars.

7. RESTORE YOUR FITNESS: MOUNTAIN TREK, AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

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Lace up your boots and hit the trails for a breathtaking mountain adventure in the Kootenay

Rockies. Mountain Trek is an all-inclusive program that comprises daily guided hikes and organic spa cuisine amid towering mountain peaks and healing mineral pools.

8. RESTORE YOUR BREATH: YASODHARA ASHRAM, KOOTENAY BAY

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Journey to the rugged mountains of Kootenay Bay and discover enlightenment in a sacred setting. Learn the selfless principles of Karma Yoga while reflecting on your Warrior Pose at Yasodhara Ashram, a yoga retreat founded by Swami Sivananda Radha.

9. RESTORE YOUR NATURE: LIARD RIVER HOT SPRINGS, MUNCHO LAKE

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Way up north, near the Yukon border, there’s a place so warm and lush it was once known as the Tropical Valley. Fed by the massive Liard River Hot Springs, this is a steamily serene oasis enjoyed by weary humans, bears, and moose alike.

10. RESTORE YOUR PASSION: HAIDA GWAII AND BLUEWATER ADVENTURES, HAIDA GWAII

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Hop aboard a well-appointed sailing vessel and glide through the protected waters of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. As you sail to remote Haida village sites and discover the abundant wildlife of this misty, unspoiled archipelago you realize: this is the transformative trip of a lifetime.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca 

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9 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR SUMMER

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Want to create a flourishing garden this summer but don’t know how to get started? Don’t worry—setting up your own personal Eden is easier than you think. With just a little bit of prep work, you can set your garden up for success.

There are so many perks to gardening: a garden beautifies your space, helps the environment, and can produce amazingly delicious fruits and veggies. On top of that, gardening is actually moderate cardiovascular exercise—though when you work on the garden, you often don’t even notice you’re exercising. It’s great for your mind, your body, and the planet. So follow these tips and get ready to have the greatest summer garden ever.

The Basics:

Make a plan

It’s easy to get carried away at the gardening centre (seeds! So many seeds!), so try to plan out the basics of what you want to grow before you go out to get your supplies. There are lots of different directions you can go: vegetables, herbs, flowers. And you can also decide if you want to plant perennials, which come back every year, saving you the trouble of planting anew. So grab your first gardening tools—a pen and paper—and get going.

Prepare your gardening area

If you’ve grown a garden before, then your gardening space might be well prepped already. However, if you’re just starting, chances are you’ll need to enrich your soil. If your soil is light brown, that’s a sign that it needs some help. Organically rich soil is usually dark brown or black. Get some good compost and/or aged mushroom soil, and add 10 to 15 centimetres onto your own soil. Then, dig the compost into the surrounding soil. This will also help loosen the ground, creating space for roots to grow.

Get planting

Read up a bit on the seeds you’re planting. Most packages will have detailed information or links to websites with more info. Some plants do well if you sow them directly into the garden, but others benefit from first being planted in containers that can be moved and brought indoors if it gets cold. If you’re overwhelmed by all the prep work and aren’t sure about growing your own plants from seed, you can get starter plants that professional have grown. This is particularly a good route for new gardeners.

Garden according to your location

No matter how good a gardener you are, some plants will struggle if they don’t live in the right sort of climate and environment. Plants have evolved to live in certain conditions, which means the best way to have a thriving garden is to choose plants that are meant to live in your region. As well, take a look at your garden space. Is it in full sun? Partially shaded? Exposed to a lot of wind? Take these things into account when choosing what you want to plant.

Next Steps:

Want to take your garden to the next level? Build raised beds

So maybe you’re feeling pretty confident about your gardening skills, but you want to have a more productive garden that you can work on with a little less back strain. Take your garden to the next level—literally. By building raised beds for your plants, you put them in easy reach so that tending your garden will be a lot easier. As well, the plants will be separated from the surrounding terrain, which means you’ll have less weeds to fend off. And you won’t have to worry about stepping on your precious plant-babies.

Create a weed barrier

If you’re struggling with weeds, you can create a barrier to block them from growing—but you have to do it before you put in your own plants. First, pull all of the unwelcome plants out by the root as much as possible. Next, lay down a layer of cardboard. Then, build your garden beds on top of the cardboard. The cardboard barrier should keep any buried weeds from getting the sunlight and nutrients they need to take over your garden.

Mulch

Another way of keeping weeds out (and moisture in) is to put mulch over your soil. Mulch can come in many forms: dead leaves, hay, wood chips, grass clippings, burlap bags, or biodegradable mats built for mulching. Basically, you spread mulch over your soil, and they keep the soil cool, stop weeds from getting in, and stop water from evaporating. If you’re using organic matter from your own lawn for mulch, let it dry out in the sun for a day before spreading it, and make sure it hasn’t been exposed to toxic pesticides or chemicals. And keep it about an inch away from your plant stems to prevent any rot issues.

Keep your aggressive plants contained

If you have a plant that tends to spread and take over the garden, take steps to restrict its movement. A good way to do this is to plant it in a large pot, then cut the bottom out and plant the whole thing, pot and all. This will prevent the plant from growing sideways but still allow its roots to lengthen straight down.

Do a little rubbernecking

Still not sure what kind of plants will thrive best in your garden? Take a stroll around your neighbourhood and check out what your neighbours are growing. If a plant seems to be growing well in their garden, chances are it will in yours too. And don’t restrict yourself to peeking over fences—strike up a conversation! Having gardening buddies is great for sharing tips, and sometimes even plants.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca 

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Brand New!!! KELOWNA 2LVL TOWNHOMES Priced to Sell!!! $488,800 2 beds and 3 beds

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We have 4 homes to choose from

2Bed | 2Bath | 1,160 sqft

3Bed | 2Bath | 1,160 sqft

AMAZING PRICE ONLY!!!! $488,800 *Price to sell

For a viewing please contact Carmen 604-218-4846

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Fuller Estates: A collection of 4 extraordinary Town Homes in the heart of Kelowna. Modern, high quality finishing throughout including 10 ft ceilings, stainless steel appliance package, electric fireplace, Caesar stone quartz countertops, laminate flooring throughout, air conditioning. Private, fully landscaped yard space, gas BBQ line and one car garage. Excellent investment opportunity can generate approx $2500/mth in rental revenue, 5% cap rate plus asset growth. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, coffee and the beach.

FOR PROPERTY DETAILS 2 BED CLICK HERE ; 3 BED CLICK HERE

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca 

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2BED 2BATH 31st Floor Corner unit in YALETOWN Priced $100,000 below assessment

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3104 939 Homer Street | Vancouver | Yaletown

2Bed | 2Bath | 907sqft 

$898,000

 For a viewing contact Carmen 604-218-4846

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In the heart of Yaletown - Presenting Pinnacle’s best 2 bed+solarium, 2 bath floor plan! This spacious 907 sq ft. apartment features floor to ceiling windows with North Shore mountain, City and False Creek views. Beautifully renovated home, ready to move into. Granite counter tops, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, modern fire place, modern blinds, stylish cupboards, s/s appliances, in-suite laundry. Great amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, garden, bike room, guest suite, visitors parking + 24hr concierge. Includes 1 parking and 1 storage. With a walk score of 100, you are steps away from the finest restaurants, shopping, seawall, and transit. Pets and Rentals are welcome.  

FOR PROPERTY DETAILS CLICK HERE

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca 

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NEW PRICE!!! 1/2 Duplexes in Coquitlam BC

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NEW PRICE!!! 1/2 Duplexes
954 Quadling Avenue, Coquitlam
3Bed | 3Bed | 2,204sqft
$1,388,000

For a private viewing Contact Carmen 604-218-4846

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Baker View Estates: Stunning new contemporary duplex residence – one of a kind. This amazing three bedroom town home is exquisitely appointed with the finest quality & detail, the home provides an open concept, bright living spaces, 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms with expansive views of Mount Baker. Features include: washer & dryer, Stainless steel appliances: built in dishwasher, microwave & wine cellar, gas range, hood fan, French door refrigerator with twin cooling and chrome fixtures. Caesar Stone Quartz counter tops in kitchen & bathroom, Mix of Engineered laminate, tile & carpet flooring, kitchen & bathroom cabinets with soft closing drawers and adjustable shelving, fireplace, double glazed windows and 2 car garage, onto private lane. South facing backyard professionally landscaped.

PROPERTY DETAILS CLICK HERE

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca 

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                                                                This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.