Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-April 20, 2011 Issue

April 20, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 29 �� (ARA) Whether your home is an expression of cleanlined modernism in stainless steel and glass or a warm and worn harmony of earth tones and antique furnishings, an often-overlooked element of home style is the unseen atmosphere that you breathe. Customizing a unique palette of aromatic style is no less an expression of your taste than the selection of wall color, furnishing, and fabrics. More importantly, if you want a home that’s toxin-free, you’ll want to select home fragrance options carefully, and not choose synthetic commercial options. Synthetic-based home fragrance products can cause adverse physical reactions and increased chemical sensitivity in humans and pets. These scents are also often very obtrusive and lack the subtle nuances of 100 percent pure essential oils - true aromas that are created in nature. 3-2-11basic elements of safe and natural aromatic style The karen/janine begin with individual essential oils that are steam distilled HomeImpDecBanner6x from .75” Essential oils are extracted from roots, woods, 6 x plants. resins, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Synthetic fragrances rely on highly concentrated hydrocarbon molecules that are synthesized from non-renewable petroleum. According to Aura Cacia aromatherapy expert Tom Havran, the aromatic characteristics of essential oils are divided into radiant middle notes, long-lasting base notes, and fresh top notes. The most effective natural home fragrance is composed of a blend of essential oils that captures a balance of middle, base, and top note oils. The process of creating this aromatic balance is similar to what you would do to create visual balance as you select a palette of home decorating colors with an eye toward the main middle ground hue, the darker base shades and the lighter top highlights of your color scheme. The basics of blending aroma start with the selection of individual essential oils. These are usually available at your nearest natural foods supermarket. Begin your signature scent with the middle note or heart of the aroma, based on your goal. For example, do you want something woody and earthy, or light and fresh? Next, enhance the middle note with a related top note that will help your aroma expand and radiate throughout the air. Finally, select a base note that will give your blend stability and staying power as it diffuses throughout your home. There are dozens of essential oils with various aromatic characteristics to choose from and inspire you. Seek out a retailer near you that features a display of essential oils along with tester bottles so that you can sample a variety of scents before you purchase. To get started, Havran suggests the following essential oils for their note classifications: Scent and sight combine for a truly stylish home Middle note essential oils include rose, jasmine, neroli, balsam fir, and pine. Top note essential oils include lemon, grapefruit, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Base note essential oils include sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, and cedarwood. Havran then suggests you consider these blends to find the scent that complements your home’s style. Sleek and modern style: Middle note: four drops neroli; top note: six drops eucalyptus; base note: two drops cedarwood. Earthy and natural style: Middle note: five drops balsam fir; top note: five drops grapefruit; base note: two drops vetiver. Light and airy style: Middle note: eight drops pine; top note: two drops peppermint; base note: two drops cedarwood. Passion and mystery style: Middle note: three drops jasmine; top note: four drops lemon; base note: five drops patchouli. Feel free to experiment with the proportions (making sure to keep good notes so you can replicate the aroma) until you arrive at your ideal. When you have your blend ready, it’s easy to incorporate the scent into one or more natural and stylish home scenting options. Candle lamp diffusion Use a candle lamp diffuser with an unscented, paraffinfree tea light candle to suit your individual decor. This is a much less toxic option than synthetically scented candles. Ingredients: 1/4 cup water 10 to 12 drops essential oil blend Directions: Place water in bowl of diffuser lamp. Add oil. Light candle and warm the liquid to release the aroma. Note: Extinguish candle before bowl burns dry. Dried botanical diffusion Sprinkle your aroma blend over an artful selection of dried botanical specimens such as dried flowers, seed pods, whole spices, cones, and interesting twigs. You can collect these items from nature or buy them at craft stores. Ingredients: Bowl of dried botanicals 10 to 12 drops essential oil blend Directions: Arrange botanicals and sprinkle with oil. Refresh as needed. Your Time Is Precious Let Us Save You Some It’s Time For A Spring Clean Up We offer a full range of maintenance services. Call us for your complimentary consultation. ED GOSTISSA WYCKOFF, NJ 201-891-1033 NJ Lic #13VH02050500 “A Carpentry and Remodeling Company” DECKS • BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • DOORS WINDOWS • ROOFING • SIDING • ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS EBG CONSTRUCTION LLC 201-891-1199 413 Godwin Ave Midland Park, NJ Design Center & Administrative Ofﬁce Landscape Garden Gallery 201-825-4440 11 Barnstable Ct. 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