Christmas is just around the corner… hard to believe, isn’t it? It definitely looks like Christmas in my neighborhood, too. Nearly all the houses are lit from the ground up… it’s pretty crazy. Our little lights and wreath on the front of our house are miniscule compared to what our street looks like. Maybe next year, if I can talk Rob into getting on the roof, we’ll do it up right! A least I have a tree in my living room this year, maybe not a tree skirt, but a tree nonetheless and it’s decorated!!
Isn’t it pretty? I only put 20 or so ornaments on it, though. The more you put on, the more you’ll have to take off and I loathe that part! Thank goodness for pre-lit trees, too! My least favorite tree decorating ritual is stringing the lights. Inevitably, I’d get stuck by the fake branches and bleed! Not anymore, thanks to my wonderful mother! I am now the proud owner of a pre-lit Christmas tree!!
I love making homemade gifts for Christmas. One year I made candles, I’ve also made hand soaps and note cards in the past. This year, I thought I’d try facial scrubs. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect moisturizer or cleanser for my face.
I saw this recipe for a sugar scrub on line at ehow.com, so I thought I’d try it.
You only need a few ingredients:
Raw Sugar ($2.28 at Wal-Mart)
or you can use regular granulated sugar
Pure Olive Oil ($3.48 at Wal-Mart)
Vitamin E Oil ($3.96 at Wal-Mart)
Glass jar with a secure lid ($2.97 at Wal-Mart)
(there are no exact measurements in this recipe)
Here’s how to make a sugar scrub:
First, fill glass jar ¾ full with raw sugar. Raw sugar is made up of larger granules. Granulated sugar is finer.
Make sure the jar has a tight fitting lid to keep the scrub fresh. I found this jar in the kitchen aisle at Wal-Mart next to the sugar and flour canisters. It’s like a typical candy jar and they come in various sizes.
Next, pour in the pure olive oil, a little at a time until it seeps to the bottom of the container and the sugar is nearly coated. Try not to make it too runny.
If you don’t want to use olive oil, you might try almond oil or sesame oil. Do NOT use baby oil, this can actually be damaging to the face.
Now, add about a tablespoon or so of Vitamin E Oil. Vitamin E contains antioxidants and is very moisturizing to the skin. I’ve also read it can reduce the appearance of scars, such as those caused by acne, and has anti-aging benefits. Woo Hoo!
Now would be the time to add several drops of a fragrance if desired. I couldn’t find anything at Wal-Mart, except for what you would use in a reed diffuser and I don’t think I’d like to put that on my face. I’ve also heard you could put in a few drops of regular perfume, but I decided against it. This version is unscented.
Finally, carefully stir the mixture. If it is too thick, add a little more olive oil until it is the consistency you prefer. Put the lid on and you’re done!
I strongly suggest using this scrub in the shower because its kind of messy. I would also suggest using it right before going to bed due to the oil. It will moisturize your skin overnight.
To Use:
Start with a clean face. You will need to take a spoon and stir the mix before each use because the olive oil rises to the top. Scoop an ample amount of scrub onto your fingers. Massage in a circular motion all over your face for 3 to 5 minutes, being careful to avoid the eye and lip areas. Don’t rub too hard, just use the natural pressure of your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry with a towel. Use once or twice a week.
You should have enough ingredients to make at least 2 or 3 more jars to give away as gifts this holiday season.
I used this sugar facial scrub tonight and I really like it. It left my skin smooth and fresh feeling.
Click
HERE for a YouTube video of another facial scrub using coffee beans and cocoa. YUM!!
Until next time…
Happy Blogging!
