[SarahandElisha]

I also find that my boyfriend and my habit of cooking dinner from all fresh ingredients nightly helps with freshness. My boyfriend's sister in law always complains to me that she tries her best to get rid of the smell of cooking, but in my mind there is nothing better than walking in to a house that is buzzing with the smells of a home cooked meal. It makes me feel warm and happy. Reminds me of my grandmother's house, where no matter when you stop by, there is always something delicious on the stove. Plus, we clean the kitchen every time we cook (wash dishes, wipe counters, sweep floors), which helps with the cleanliness and freshness all over.

I have a vanilla-scented candle burning right now while my boyfriend and I are spending an evening on the couch with Jesse curled up by our feet.

My apartment has never smelled like dog. Not even a little.

The cinnamon/vanilla/citrus simmer sounds like a genius idea, too. I'm definitely going to give that a try.