DIY Scented Wood Car Air Freshener

I have yet to find a car air freshener that is both attractive and natural smelling. Luckily, there are ways to scent your car to mask any pet or fast food smells. 

• What you need:
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• An old fashioned clothing line pin
• Container with lid (Mason jar)
• Your favorite scented oil

• Instructions:
• 
  
• Place clothes pin inside glass jar with several drops of scented oil.
• Close lid and let sit overnight to let the natural wood absorb the oil
• Remove clothes pin and insert into car vent

As you drive, the air from the vent will blow the scent throughout the car.

DIY All Natural Rosemary Carpet Powder

I've always been drawn to natural cleaning products but also enjoy having a clean smelling home. Because artificially scented products produce headaches for my husband who has a sensitive nose, I've researched ways to incorporate natural scents into my homemade cleaning products to still have that clean smell without making my husband nauseous.

Because our home consists of 2 dogs and 2 cats, we need to vacuum frequently. Our hardwood floors are adorned with large area rugs that like to grab onto pet fur as well as pet odors. My solution to this problem is homemade carpet powder.

• Ingredients:
• 
  

• Baking soda (I like Bob's Red Mill)
• Dried lavender or rosemary
• Container with lid (Mason jar or Bonne Maman)

• Instructions:
• 
  
• Fill jar with baking soda.
• Add as much dried lavender or rosemary as needed, depending on your cleaning needs and desired scent strength.
• Put lid on jar and shake to mix.
• Sprinkle powder onto carpet sparingly.
• Let sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb odors.
• Vacuum until no powder or dried herbs remain.

This is a great way to use up any baking soda that has been in the fridge to freshen stored food and lavender or rosemary from your garden that has dried up for the season.

Forever Autumn

1. Evening bike ride to the sound of popping acorns and crunching leaves.
2. Chilly autumn weather inspired sausage, aged cheddar and thyme cornbread for dinner.
3. Autumn forever with my Penny girl by my side.
4. Cozy slow Saturday.
5. Drying out firewood and gathering warm blankets in autumn anticipation.

Bacon Parmesan Crusted Scalloped Potatoes

With fall weather comes hearty meals like ham and beans, cornbread, stew, soup and chili. This recipe for scalloped potatoes is perfect for any chilly autumn afternoon as the addition of bacon transforms this side dish into a full meal for your family.

• 
  
• Ingredients:
• 
  

• 4-6 slices of bacon
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 9 tablespoons grated Parmesan, divided, plus more for broiling

• 
  
• Instructions:
• 
  

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Cook bacon on medium heat in a large cast iron skillet until browned and crisp (do not drain grease).
• In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, garlic, thyme and nutmeg over medium heat until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add a layer of potatoes on top of bacon in an overlapping pattern; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour 1/3 cup cream mixture over potatoes; sprinkle with 3 tablespoons Parmesan. Repeat with remaining potato slices, cream mixture and Parmesan to create 2 more layers.
• Place skillet into the oven and bake until cooked through, about 35-40 minutes. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until top becomes golden brown and crusted.

Adapted from Damn Delicioius