Home is where my heart will always be. I've lived in the same house for over 18 years, and there will never be a better feeling than walking in the door after being away. Here are six reasons why home is where the heart truly is:

1. The smells of home...

I don't know what it is, but every house seems to have a distinct smell about it. Every time I visit a new place, it has a specific scent that makes you remember it, which is sometimes good and sometimes bad. I love the feeling of walking in the door and immediately inhaling the smells of vanilla and perfume.

2. A home-cooked meal...

I've tried to repeat the recipes that my Grandma and Mom make at home so many times, but there is nothing like the real thing. My Grandma's homemade pancakes will forever hold a part of my heart and stomach. There is nothing like a good meal after eating the café food at school.

3. A full sized living area...

Although I love living at school and I love my roommates, nothing beats being able to stretch out my arms and not touch both walls at the same time. The ability to lay out on the couch or being able to sprawl my homework across a table is such a beautiful feeling. Everything is bigger and better at home. I especially love being able to roll over in my bed and not fear falling off my loft!

4.Everything's clean...

I've gotten lazier throughout the year when it comes to keeping my dorm kept up and clean. I love coming home and it being free of dust and hair. (I never realized until this year how much I shed.) I love having clean clothes everyday and clean sheets. The cleanliness of home is amazing and like none other.

5. The shower...

One of the first things I do every time I come is take a long, hot, and pressurized shower. It's like a massage compared to the trickling/barely there water pressure at school. There's also this amazing opportunity called a bubble bath. Wow, I love bubble baths. With bath bombs, of course.

6. Everything's free...

There is no paying for groceries, snacks, water, or laundry washes at home. It's all free, and at your convenience in your very own home. At at none other than the expense of your wonderful parent's wallet!

Before I went off to college I took my home for granted, now it is like going on a luxury vacation. I will always love and cherish my home!