And of course, to top it all off, I've been trapped in Santa's Secret Sweatshop damn near every moment I'm not at work or doing stuff for my organizations.
Chances are, if you're reading this blog you'll know two things
1) Infertility is freaking expensive
2) I have several pinterest boards dedicated to crafting things for my loved ones.
So since I have a distinct lack of money right now (#1) and tons of inspiration (#2) it's going to be a crafty Christmas up in the Dreaming household. I've been working on gifts for a few months now, but I needed something quick and easy for hostesses gifts for the million parties I'm going to, and for my coworkers.
Enter the SUGAR SCRUB. It was quick, it was easy, and I must say it is FANTASTIC. And cheap. Especially if you have access to used jars. I used ball jars for mine, but I've seen people upcycle the cute little starbucks frappuccino bottles and it's adorable.
The best thing about the sugar scrub- you can make it in bulk (see the very end of the post) and it ended up costing me roughly $2 per container when all was said and done. That sure as hell beats $8+ each for EXACTLY THE SAME THING from Bath and Body Works.
So without further ado (and I apologize for the messy pic)
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
Ingredients- will make three pint jars each
6 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup coconut oil
Peppermint essential oil
Red food coloring
You'll want to use two mixing bowls- I used glass for easy clean up with the oil. Divide the sugar between the two mixing bowls.
Heat up your coconut oil- I microwaved mine in short bursts until it was liquid. While the coconut oil is heating, add 2 drops of red food coloring and 2 dropper fulls of peppermint essential oil (adjust per your preference) to the measuring cup. Once the coconut oil is melted, measure out 1/3 cup into the measuring cup with the peppermint EO and food coloring. Use a fork to mix.
Add the oil mix to one of the bowls of sugar, mixing until it has a soft consistency. You may need to add more sugar to get your desired texture. Play around with it. It's not rocket science.
Repeat the above steps with a second 1/3 cup of coconut oil, omitting the food coloring and mix with the second bowl of sugar.
Now, you'll need to fashion a wide-mouth funnel out of something. I used a coffee filter that is pointed at the bottom. I cut the point off about 1" up from the bottom. A standard household funnel will not work, as the sugar-oil mixture is too thick to pass through.
Now, begin layering the two colors of sugar scrub into the containers, tapping the container on the counter to even it out (or not, if you're going for that sand sculpture look). I did 1/2 cup at a time for mine, so 4 layers each.
Once the containers are full, put the top back on, add a printable label and dress it up with ribbons and scrapbook paper. Clearly I haven't gotten to that point yet. This elf is on her union break.
To use:
Once a week (or more if necessary) use a spoon to scoop out a heaping tablespoon, and apply to dry skin. Massage in circles for a few minutes before your shower or bath. Rinse remainder off in the bath. Do be careful- since there's oil, you'll be quite slick.
To note:
Because there is oil in this, you do run the risk of it going rancid. Instruct the recipients to only use a clean spoon (NOT HANDS) to scoop out the sugar, and suggest that they do NOT keep it in the tub- water getting into the mix is the number one cause of sugar scrub going rancid. If they follow these instructions and keep a good air-tight seal on it, it should last 2-3 months.
If you want to further protect your sugar scrub from going bad early, I would suggest adding some Vitamin E oil (you can just buy vitamin e capsules and split them open) and sea salt to the mix. I haven't done this myself, but based on recipes I see online I would suggest 1 tablespoon of vitamin e oil per 1/3 cup of coconut oil. I'm not sure on the measurement for the sea salt (I'd have to do more research).
I've also seen suggestions to add Tea Tree oil. Not only is it great for acne-prone skin, but it also has antimicrobial properties. If you go this route, reduce the amount of scented essential oils you add, and substitute in 10 drops per 1/3 cup coconut oil.
If you're REALLY afraid of germs, you can also add Liquid Germall Plus- it's what people who craft for a living use to preserve their scrubs. I have NO clue how much you would add. So do your research.
Make it in bulk and save
As promised, here is the shopping list if you would like to make it in bulk. You WILL have some raw material left over (especially the coconut oil, but that's never a bad thing in my house). I made 24 jars, and it took less than 1 hour total.
20lb sugar. $8.50 at Target
Nature's Way Coconut Oil 32oz Container- $17.24 on Amazon. I only used 2/3 of the jar.
Essential Oil- .5oz container. I got mine at Michaels with a 40% off coupon for $2.68 after discount
Food coloring- $1
Ball Jars- 2 dozen. I paid $17.46 after tax with my Red Card discount.
Total cost- $46.68
So even if you don't take into account the savings of overage with the sugar and coconut oil, you're looking at cost per gift of $1.95. Maybe $2.50-$2.75 if you add preservatives and buy a bunch of expensive ribbons to dress it up. If you use upcycled jars, the cost drops to $1.22 each
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