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Give the gift of aromatherapy. Pure essential oils form the basis of these easy-to-make pick-me-up home fragrances and air fresheners. Use recycled containers that have been cleaned and sanitized, or buy new ones from a container store, aromatherapy vendor, glass bottle company or through specialtybottle.com, to store your new home fragrance. Label the bottle and attach a tag on which you've printed the directions for use.

Essential oils, which are the fragrant liquids derived from certain plants, trees and grasses, can be purchased at health food stores (usually in the beauty products section), aromatherapy shops and through various online retailers. Since essential oils evaporate easily and can be damaged by light and very hot or cold temperatures, be sure to store them in tightly stopped, dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place.

In each recipe, vodka (plain, not flavoured) is added as a preservative and carrying agent. Basically it helps maintain the integrity of the fragrance mix. (You need a high-proof alcohol, so vodka or alcool work but not rubbing alcohol.) Don't substitute gin, rum or other spirits since they have powerful fragrances that would affect the blend.

Allergy Note: People who suffer from allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever and skin sensitivities may need to avoid essential oils; they could trigger skin redness and itching, or other symptoms. Anyone, regardless of their allergic history, should do a skin patch test before using any of these fragrances and sprays.

Allow each mixture to sit for a few days before using. When spraying, avoid allowing the mist to fall onto furniture or beverages.

Refresh Cologne Purse Spray
4½ tsp vodka
2 tsp rosewater
10 drops bergamot essential oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
10 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Add all ingredients to an airtight dark-coloured glass container and blend well by shaking. Leave for two weeks for scent to mature, shaking container three times per day during resting period. After two weeks, filter cologne through coffee filter and decant into purse–size spray atomizer.

Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spritz pulse points -- sides of neck, inside wrists and inside elbows -- any time you need a scent pick-me-up.

De-stress Temple Treatment
1 tbsp vodka
1 tbsp distilled water
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil

Add all ingredients to a small bottle and shake well to combine.

Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Massage a couple of drops into temples for relief of tension headache.

Citrus Room Spray
3 tbsp distilled water
3 tbsp vodka
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops orange essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Add all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.

Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spray through any room to impart a fresh, uplifting fragrance and combat stale odours.

Lavender Linen Water
3 cups distilled water
6 tbsp vodka
30 drops lavender essential oil

Add ingredients to a sterilized glass or plastic bottle. Cover and shake well.

Directions for use: Pour into iron before ironing linens or shirts. Decant into a clean spray bottle and spritz linens as they dry on the clothesline or while you make the bed.

Eucalyptus Yoga Mat Spray
3 tbsp distilled water
3 tbsp vodka
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Add all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.

Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spray yoga mat after each use.

Energize Car Freshener
3 tbsp distilled water
3 tbsp vodka
16 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops pine essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil

Add all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.

Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spritz car upholstery before each commute and after any road trips.

Sweet Dreams Sheet Spray
3 tbsp distilled water
3 tbsp vodka
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
10 drops clary sage essential oil

Add all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.

Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spritz pillowcases and linens before bedtime to encourage a peaceful slumber.