DIY Simmering winter potpourri

Is anyone else out there trying to make their home fresh and new, AND struggling to eat all those oranges in their CSA bin?  Seriously, I think I got 15 in my bin this week, and Jerdy won't eat them.  If I don't at least 2 a day, they really start to back up.  Oh the woes of having access to organic produce delivered weekly.  I'll shush now and get on with it! 

Creative uses to the rescue!

I got this idea when I made DIY lavender room/body spray.  It FILLED my home with lavender scent and made me wonder if it would work with any good smelling stuff.  I found this post and knew I had to give the orangy one a try. 

Here's what you do:

In a quart size mason jar, add the slices of one medium orange, 2 cinnamon sticks broken in half, and a small dash of vanilla extract.  Fill with water to the top and pour into a saucepan.  Add another mason jar full of water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to simmer and simmer for 2 hours, checking on the water level and adding more as needed.

Your home should smell SO good!  My entire apartment smelled like orange spice. :)

When finished, add the contents back in your mason jar and store in the refrigerator.  You can store this for as long as your oranges stay somewhat fresh, and simmer again and again until this happens. 

There are endless possibilities here friends!  Get creative with herbs, spices, fruits, plants or flowers.  I've got some thyme and some mint in my fridge that will NOT last much longer without a purpose, and my Christmas tree is about to be composted.  I bet some sprigs of that tree would just be heaven.  I'll keep you posted. :)

Trish