I happen to be a slave to all things spa. Thing is, I can’t necessarily afford to be such a slave. So as much as I’d love to treat all my friends to a yummy day at the spa, or even a yummy spa-at-home experience, I can’t always afford to pamper them so. Lucky for me, a few years back I took a class in making spa goodies. So as my holiday gift to you, here are five different recipes that you can easily whip up, with basic ingredients, to make a nice basket to spoil your loved ones. And the best part about these recipes, you don’t really have to measure out your ingredients - it’s totally forgiving.
Bath Salt
In a bowl mix equal parts of Epsom salt, rock salt (ice cream or snow melting salt - being in Southern California, I cheat and use Sea Salt) with half as much (2:1) baking soda. Mix with your hands. Add essential oil or fragrance and mix further. Give it a couple of hours to dry and package it into pretty fabric bags, jars or bottles.
Sugar Scrub
Mix 1 cup raw/turbino sugar with 1 cup sweet almond oil (or a mixture of 1/2 almond oil and 1/2 light olive oil or jojoba oil). Divide mixture between jars and decorate with a pretty bow.
Bath Oil
Mix 20 or so drops of essential oil or a fragrance of your choice in with 1/2 cup of sweet almond oil). If you add 1/4 cup of fragrance-free Castile soap you’ll have foaming bath oil.
Milk Bath
1 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup Epsom or Sea Salt
1 tbs baking soda
1 tsp corn starch
A few drops of essential oil or fragrance (optional)
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Either package into tea bags, pretty bottles or jars.
This has a shelf life of 2-3 months.
Spray on Body Oil
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup scented water*
3 tsp. sweet almond oil
Pour all ingredients into a spray pump bottle and close.
Shake bottle to mix.
Shake before each use.
*To scent water-Pour boiling water over dried or fresh herbs or zests, let cool, and strain.
And to get yourself in that Zen, spa-like mood, add sliced cucumber or lemon to water and sip. Don’t forget to love yourself with any leftovers and Happy Spa Day!!
Katy
