Unfortunately this last week I was summoned to my couch for multiple days in a row because I caught the flu. Obviously not the way I wanted to start out the wonderful weather that comes with fall, but on the positive side, it allowed me and my body much needed rest.
If you have ever suffered from the flu then you know how miserable it will make you feel. I am pretty sure I spent 48 hours straight in the fetal position because I was hurting so bad. I did not move from the couch much, except to draw a very hot bath hoping it would ease the body aches.
After four days on the couch, my skin felt dry, scaly, and dull. I knew I needed a great exfoliate to make my skin come alive again.
I had a recipe for sugar scrub cubes that I wanted to try, so this was the perfect time to get busy. After my mother picked up my girls for fall break, I enlisted my son to help me out in the kitchen. This makes a great craft for little hands!
Items needed:
– Granulated sugar
– Almond, olive, or coconut oil (your preference)
– Shredded bar of soap or soap base (your preference)
– Square silicone tray or scoop
– Essential oil (I used DoTerra Citrus Bliss)
– Mixing bowl
– Spoon
– A few drops of vitamin E oil (optional)
– Microwave or possibly a double boiler
This recipe calls for one part oil, two parts shredded soap, and three parts sugar.
– 1/4 cup oil of choice
– 1/2 cup shredded soap
– 3 to 4 drops of essential oil
– 1 cup of sugar
First, pour the oil into a bowl and add the shredded soap. Microwave on high for 10 second intervals, while stopping and stirring in between. If the soap does not start to melt and mix into your oil, you might need to use a double boiler.
Many people do not own a double boiler, such as myself, and I don’t blame you because it is very easy to create your own. Why spend the money on one? To make a double boiler, simply fill a saucepan about a fourth of the way full with water. Place a glass bowl that will sit on the rim of the saucepan on the top. I recommend glass; however, just make sure the bowl is one that will not melt from the heat.
Once the mixture has melted together, add several drops of your chosen essential oil. At this point have the mold or a pan ready to use. This is important because once you add the sugar the mixture will harden very quickly.
Pour the sugar into the mixture and stir quickly. Take the mixture out and press into the mold using your fingers. If you chose to not use a mold, simply scoop out in round piles about the size of a quarter onto the pan.
Let the cubes harden for at least 30 minutes by putting them in the freezer. Once they have hardened, pop them out of the mold and cut them into fourths depending on the size you desire. If you made balls with them, then just remove them from the pan.
Store them in an airtight container, like a mason jar. Once again, these will make incredible gifts for all the lovely ladies in your life. The greatest part about them is if stored properly they will last for three months!
Happy scrubbing!
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com.