Homemade Sugar Scrubs - Great Holiday Gift

Sugar scrubs seem to be all the rage this year!

I have seen lots of posts, and hopefully you don't find this one "redundant," but I made some, too!

peppermint sugar scrub

My kids' school actually really does us and the teachers a favor by doing gift certificates for all of the staff.  

In early December we send in a donation, and they divvy it out.

It's a lifesaver.  

I usually try to make something homemade for them, and we buy them a book or two for their classrooms.

This year it sugar scrub!

these are the ones I did for their teachers

A month or so ago, my daughter Josie and I decided to make some.  

I made one for my friend, Lori, for her birthday.  

She had given me some sweet orange essential oil a while back for in my bubble bathes.

I knew she liked it, so I decided to make her a sweet orange sugar scrub.

(Wish I would have taken a picture of it!)

She loved it, and asked me for the recipe.

This one is for you, Lori!! 

(and all of you others who want something for dry skin this winter!!)




*** You can find Vitamin E Oil and Essential oils at Whole Foods, vitamin or nutrition stores! ***

Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 1/2 teaspoon essential oil / or scented extract

Blend together in a bowl until oil is absorbed into sugar.

This is a basic recipe, I have just played with it for the different scents. 

brown sugar vanilla sugar scrub

This one smells so good!!  

Brown Sugar Vanilla Sugar Scrub

1/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla

Blend together in a bowl until oil is absorbed into sugar.

top view of teacher gifts

You can use leftover jars, jelly jars or find something cute like the ones above at your local craft store for around a $1.00

Word to the wise...DO NOT use garlic jars.  They may smell clean...but trust me, they will smell like garlic, so unless you're into Garlic Sugar Scrub, or you need to keep vampires away or something, I wouldn't recommend it!

I used ribbon, and scrapbook paper, Modge Podge, some fun "snowball looking" sprigs, and made tags on my computer.  Just use your imagination! 

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

1 cup white sugar

2 regular sized candy canes (crushed finely)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

Blend together in a bowl until oil in absorbed into sugar.

peppermint scrub --- I modge podged a reindeer scrapbook sticker on the front

bubblegum sugar scrub

Bubblegum sugar scrub was inspired by my beloved Bubble Gum Cupcakes!

This scrub smells SO DARN GOOD!!  

Bubble Gum Sugar Scrub

1cup white sugar

pink sugar crystals

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 teaspoon bubblegum extract

Blend together in a bowl until oil is absorbed into sugar. Add pink sugar crystals to "pink up" the scrub.

There ya go!! Easy, fun, economical and useful gifts.

I have made all kinds of them.... 

I can't wait to give them to the teachers,  some friends, my mail lady ... and a few others!

Cheers to smooth scrubbed tootsies this winter!

Sugar scrubs seem to be all the rage this year!

I have seen lots of posts, and hopefully you don't find this one "redundant," but I made some, too!

peppermint sugar scrub

My kids' school actually really does us and the teachers a favor by doing gift certificates for all of the staff.  

In early December we send in a donation, and they divvy it out.

It's a lifesaver.  

I usually try to make something homemade for them, and we buy them a book or two for their classrooms.

This year it sugar scrub!

these are the ones I did for their teachers

A month or so ago, my daughter Josie and I decided to make some.  

I made one for my friend, Lori, for her birthday.  

She had given me some sweet orange essential oil a while back for in my bubble bathes.

I knew she liked it, so I decided to make her a sweet orange sugar scrub.

(Wish I would have taken a picture of it!)

She loved it, and asked me for the recipe.

This one is for you, Lori!! 

(and all of you others who want something for dry skin this winter!!)




*** You can find Vitamin E Oil and Essential oils at Whole Foods, vitamin or nutrition stores! ***

Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 1/2 teaspoon essential oil / or scented extract

Blend together in a bowl until oil is absorbed into sugar.

This is a basic recipe, I have just played with it for the different scents. 

brown sugar vanilla sugar scrub

This one smells so good!!  

Brown Sugar Vanilla Sugar Scrub

1/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla

Blend together in a bowl until oil is absorbed into sugar.

top view of teacher gifts

You can use leftover jars, jelly jars or find something cute like the ones above at your local craft store for around a $1.00

Word to the wise...DO NOT use garlic jars.  They may smell clean...but trust me, they will smell like garlic, so unless you're into Garlic Sugar Scrub, or you need to keep vampires away or something, I wouldn't recommend it!

I used ribbon, and scrapbook paper, Modge Podge, some fun "snowball looking" sprigs, and made tags on my computer.  Just use your imagination! 

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

1 cup white sugar

2 regular sized candy canes (crushed finely)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

Blend together in a bowl until oil in absorbed into sugar.

peppermint scrub --- I modge podged a reindeer scrapbook sticker on the front

bubblegum sugar scrub

Bubblegum sugar scrub was inspired by my beloved Bubble Gum Cupcakes!

This scrub smells SO DARN GOOD!!  

Bubble Gum Sugar Scrub

1cup white sugar

pink sugar crystals

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E Oil

1 teaspoon bubblegum extract

Blend together in a bowl until oil is absorbed into sugar. Add pink sugar crystals to "pink up" the scrub.

There ya go!! Easy, fun, economical and useful gifts.

I have made all kinds of them.... 

I can't wait to give them to the teachers,  some friends, my mail lady ... and a few others!

Cheers to smooth scrubbed tootsies this winter!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Snow Angel

I just found this picture of my Sports Fanatic while browsing my online photo gallery.

It's an oldie but a goodie.

I remember taking it, it was over five years ago.  We lived in Pennsylvania, and my days were much longer than they are now.

I had more time, because I had less munchkins.  They were involved in nothing but preschool.  If memory serves (it sometimes doesn't) I had the munchkins in bed by 7:30 and I watched a minimum of three shows every night.

And there was always a hefty ice cream on my lap.

These days my memory serves just about nothing and I am lucky if my eyeballs catch a little of my DVR before they are staring at the back of my eyelids.

Tis' the season.  And I love every exhausting minute of it.

Have a good one everyone!

I just found this picture of my Sports Fanatic while browsing my online photo gallery.

It's an oldie but a goodie.

I remember taking it, it was over five years ago.  We lived in Pennsylvania, and my days were much longer than they are now.

I had more time, because I had less munchkins.  They were involved in nothing but preschool.  If memory serves (it sometimes doesn't) I had the munchkins in bed by 7:30 and I watched a minimum of three shows every night.

And there was always a hefty ice cream on my lap.

These days my memory serves just about nothing and I am lucky if my eyeballs catch a little of my DVR before they are staring at the back of my eyelids.

Tis' the season.  And I love every exhausting minute of it.

Have a good one everyone!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dollar Store Christmas

Every year, I take my munchkins to the Dollar Store to do their Christmas Shopping.  While I realize a dollar store is no place to find quality gifts, it is a place they can shop without me constantly over their shoulder checking prices.  They have the freedom to choose what they like, for who they like. 

If they want to buy something for the mailman, they have my blessing.  I do not, if at all possible, sway them in any which direction on what to buy.

I silently follow them, always amused, as they peruse each aisle in search of that "most perfect" Christmas gift.  They fill their little shopping baskets with goodies for just about every person they know.

Luckily for me my kids don't know too many people.

Once all gifts have been thoughtfully and carefully selected, we set aside an hour for them to wrap their own gifts.  I set out cheap wrapping paper and stick on bows.  We play Christmas music.  They cut and tape until their tiny little hearts are content.

Every gift they give is completely from them.

If Hubby is to receive a pen that reads "#1 Uncle", wrapped almost entirely in Scotch Tape, then that is what he will receive.

This method of gift giving makes for a very interesting Christmas Eve.  Before bed, the munchkins set their gifts under the tree and walk every self-wrapped present to its recipient. Over the years we have unwrapped rocks, plastic flowers, whistles, stuffed animals, keychains, notepads, pens, hair clips and several gifts of the homemade variety.

And they are some of the most cherished gifts ever given in our home.

Christmas is about giving.  And about remembering those you love. 

Our "Dollar Store Christmas" allows my munchkins to do just that.  On their own terms.

Happy Monday!

Every year, I take my munchkins to the Dollar Store to do their Christmas Shopping.  While I realize a dollar store is no place to find quality gifts, it is a place they can shop without me constantly over their shoulder checking prices.  They have the freedom to choose what they like, for who they like. 

If they want to buy something for the mailman, they have my blessing.  I do not, if at all possible, sway them in any which direction on what to buy.

I silently follow them, always amused, as they peruse each aisle in search of that "most perfect" Christmas gift.  They fill their little shopping baskets with goodies for just about every person they know.

Luckily for me my kids don't know too many people.

Once all gifts have been thoughtfully and carefully selected, we set aside an hour for them to wrap their own gifts.  I set out cheap wrapping paper and stick on bows.  We play Christmas music.  They cut and tape until their tiny little hearts are content.

Every gift they give is completely from them.

If Hubby is to receive a pen that reads "#1 Uncle", wrapped almost entirely in Scotch Tape, then that is what he will receive.

This method of gift giving makes for a very interesting Christmas Eve.  Before bed, the munchkins set their gifts under the tree and walk every self-wrapped present to its recipient. Over the years we have unwrapped rocks, plastic flowers, whistles, stuffed animals, keychains, notepads, pens, hair clips and several gifts of the homemade variety.

And they are some of the most cherished gifts ever given in our home.

Christmas is about giving.  And about remembering those you love. 

Our "Dollar Store Christmas" allows my munchkins to do just that.  On their own terms.

Happy Monday!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

My Girls

Loving.  Funny.  Temperamental.  Beautiful.  

Smart.  Too smart.  Dainty.  Stubborn.  

Emotional.  Active.  Thoughtful. 

Sweet.  Friendly.  Outgoing.

Inquisitive.  Clever.

Genuine.

These girls are pure sunshine on a rainy day.  And I'm so blessed to have them.

Loving.  Funny.  Temperamental.  Beautiful.  

Smart.  Too smart.  Dainty.  Stubborn.  

Emotional.  Active.  Thoughtful. 

Sweet.  Friendly.  Outgoing.

Inquisitive.  Clever.

Genuine.

These girls are pure sunshine on a rainy day.  And I'm so blessed to have them.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Lost Tooth and a Little Perspective

I remember when my Sports Fanatic had his first loose tooth.  He was late to the game, he had no "wigglers" until the summer after first grade.

This is tough for a kid.  It's no fun to hear about Tooth Fairy visits from classmates.  And to see teeth popping out at school.

This was also tough for me.  I was ready for that Tooth Fairy visit.  I was an impatient mommy ready to take on another important role.

I was so impatient I traumatized him asking him to "see" his tooth every few days.

He was no dummy.  He knew "see" meant "wiggle".  And he would run at the very mention of his loose tooth.

He imagined losing this tooth would be scary, and painful.  He had no idea what it would feel like.  And my obsession with him losing it made the anxiety worse. 

Finally one day, the tooth had gotten so loose it was twisted backward. He ran to me crying.  He was scared, and I promised him I would fix it.  I told him I would gently twist his tooth straight again.

"You (sob sob) proooomiiissse????"

 Yes.

I gently turned the tooth to "right" it and it fell into my palm.

Now, my son was still squirming and holding back tears, fists clenched, waiting for pain.  Or to hear that the tooth was "right" again.  He peeked his eye open and asked if I was finished.

I told him his tooth was in my hands. 

Minutes later he was squealing with delight, excited he would finally have a visit from the coveted Tooth Fairy.

That day was three and a half years ago.  And since then we have experienced several lost teeth.  At least 16, maybe more.  The obsession to wiggle teeth is now far behind me.

All my energy goes into making sure they are brushed.  

Two weeks ago, LLG ran to me and announced he had his first loose tooth.  I asked to wiggle his tooth for the sole purpose of gauging how much prep time the Tooth Fairy had before her next visit.

The tooth was loose, but experience in the matter told me the fairy had a minimum of two weeks to prepare.

And today, that tooth fell out when LLG was eating carrots.  He didn't even know it.  We found it on the table, right next to the carrot bowl.

Naturally, there was much excitement all day surrounding the "lost tooth".  We read the Tooth Fairy book, and the tooth is snug in place awaiting its departure.

I realized that my little guy never had a lick of anxiety about losing his tooth.  There were no tears.  There was no running from anyone in fear they would yank out his tooth. 

He lost his tooth and he was nothing but ecstatic.  His memories will be happy and painless.

I've learned those teeth fall out when they are good and ready.

And as with everything, it's easier to leave well enough alone.

I remember when my Sports Fanatic had his first loose tooth.  He was late to the game, he had no "wigglers" until the summer after first grade.

This is tough for a kid.  It's no fun to hear about Tooth Fairy visits from classmates.  And to see teeth popping out at school.

This was also tough for me.  I was ready for that Tooth Fairy visit.  I was an impatient mommy ready to take on another important role.

I was so impatient I traumatized him asking him to "see" his tooth every few days.

He was no dummy.  He knew "see" meant "wiggle".  And he would run at the very mention of his loose tooth.

He imagined losing this tooth would be scary, and painful.  He had no idea what it would feel like.  And my obsession with him losing it made the anxiety worse. 

Finally one day, the tooth had gotten so loose it was twisted backward. He ran to me crying.  He was scared, and I promised him I would fix it.  I told him I would gently twist his tooth straight again.

"You (sob sob) proooomiiissse????"

 Yes.

I gently turned the tooth to "right" it and it fell into my palm.

Now, my son was still squirming and holding back tears, fists clenched, waiting for pain.  Or to hear that the tooth was "right" again.  He peeked his eye open and asked if I was finished.

I told him his tooth was in my hands. 

Minutes later he was squealing with delight, excited he would finally have a visit from the coveted Tooth Fairy.

That day was three and a half years ago.  And since then we have experienced several lost teeth.  At least 16, maybe more.  The obsession to wiggle teeth is now far behind me.

All my energy goes into making sure they are brushed.  

Two weeks ago, LLG ran to me and announced he had his first loose tooth.  I asked to wiggle his tooth for the sole purpose of gauging how much prep time the Tooth Fairy had before her next visit.

The tooth was loose, but experience in the matter told me the fairy had a minimum of two weeks to prepare.

And today, that tooth fell out when LLG was eating carrots.  He didn't even know it.  We found it on the table, right next to the carrot bowl.

Naturally, there was much excitement all day surrounding the "lost tooth".  We read the Tooth Fairy book, and the tooth is snug in place awaiting its departure.

I realized that my little guy never had a lick of anxiety about losing his tooth.  There were no tears.  There was no running from anyone in fear they would yank out his tooth. 

He lost his tooth and he was nothing but ecstatic.  His memories will be happy and painless.

I've learned those teeth fall out when they are good and ready.

And as with everything, it's easier to leave well enough alone.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Bake Along Challenge: Caramel, Toffee and Pecan Fudge

caramel toffee pecan fudge

My third bake along challenge was for caramel, toffee & pecan fudge.  

A little shout out to Danielle over at Hugs & Cookies XOXO for helping me with my holiday baking!!

Woo Hoo!!!

This is a very soft and moist fudge.  If you love white chocolate, this one is FOR YOU!  

I am attaching the recipe the way it was emailed to me. 

Thank you for looking!

bake along challenge 

Caramel, Toffee and Pecan Fudge

Ingredients:

·  3 cups NESTLE white chocolate chips (I like to use Nestle)

·  1 can sweetened condensed milk

·  7 OUNCES Kraft's Caramels (1/2 BAG), melted in microwave with a 1T. heavy cream

·  1/2 cup, coarsely chopped pecans (Toast them in the oven 350 for a couple of minutes!!! Made a huge taste difference)

·  1/3 cup toffee bits (i used two Heath bars chopped)

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. 

2. Pour into a 9x9 dish lined with nonstick foil.

3. Pour the melted caramel over the fudge and use a knife or spatula to marble throughout the fudge.  Scoop some of the fudge from the bottom on top of the caramel so it's mixed well from top to bottom.

4. Add chopped pecans and toffee bits. I swirled them through just a drop.

5. Chill for at least an hour. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from something swanky

Recipe Challenge from Hugs & Cookies XOXO

caramel toffee pecan fudge

My third bake along challenge was for caramel, toffee & pecan fudge.  

A little shout out to Danielle over at Hugs & Cookies XOXO for helping me with my holiday baking!!

Woo Hoo!!!

This is a very soft and moist fudge.  If you love white chocolate, this one is FOR YOU!  

I am attaching the recipe the way it was emailed to me. 

Thank you for looking!

bake along challenge 

Caramel, Toffee and Pecan Fudge

Ingredients:

·  3 cups NESTLE white chocolate chips (I like to use Nestle)

·  1 can sweetened condensed milk

·  7 OUNCES Kraft's Caramels (1/2 BAG), melted in microwave with a 1T. heavy cream

·  1/2 cup, coarsely chopped pecans (Toast them in the oven 350 for a couple of minutes!!! Made a huge taste difference)

·  1/3 cup toffee bits (i used two Heath bars chopped)

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. 

2. Pour into a 9x9 dish lined with nonstick foil.

3. Pour the melted caramel over the fudge and use a knife or spatula to marble throughout the fudge.  Scoop some of the fudge from the bottom on top of the caramel so it's mixed well from top to bottom.

4. Add chopped pecans and toffee bits. I swirled them through just a drop.

5. Chill for at least an hour. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from something swanky

Recipe Challenge from Hugs & Cookies XOXO

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Candy Bar Fudge

candy bar fudge, made with Snickers

I make this fudge EVERY year at Christmas.  

Yesterday was no different.  It just so happened that it ended up being the "light at the end of the tunnel" for my little guy yesterday afternoon.

I have been trying to get my kids in for flu shots for weeks.  It's hard to get 4 kids and myself to the doctor all at once without missing school. Then every time I had it scheduled, someone came home from school or stayed home sick.  Yesterday I said that's it! Today is the day!

I texted my two high schoolers and told them to meet me at the doctor's office after school.  I picked up my two 9 year olds and headed over.  

My youngest son asked why we were turning and I said that we were getting our flu shots.  

PURE PANIC. 

He is NOT a fan of shots (who is really?) But even more so... 

So, I did what Mom's do best in awkward situations, I changed the subject.

Asked them about their day, and told them about what I had baked.

When I said fudge, his eyes lit up and exclaimed "FUDGE?!? The one with the Snickers in it??"

That very one... 

Thank goodness.  It was what pulled him through! 

This fudge is so darn easy!! It literally has 3 ingredients.

candy bar fudge

Candy Bar Fudge

1 can Chocolate Frosting 

( I use chocolate fudge, but Milk chocolate works great, too)

1 bag of chocolate chips 

(I use semi-sweet, but use milk chocolate if you use the milk chocolate frosting)

3 regular sized Snickers candy bars 

( or about 7 minis) 

Line an 8x8 pan with foil. Spray with non-stick spray. 

(or use non-stick foil...that stuff is THE BOMB.)

Chop candy bars, reserving about 1/4 cup.

Melt chips over low heat in saucepan.

hen melted add the frosting and stir until smooth.

 Add chopped candy bars, stir. 

Spread into prepared pan.

Top with reserved candy bars, and chill for at least one hour.

Cut into squares with warm knife.

Makes 36 squares.

I have also made this with Butterfingers.  The Snickers is the hit at my house. You could use about any candy bar I would think? I bet if you were an Almond Joy fan that would be awesome!

Enjoy!!

~Michaela

candy bar fudge, made with Snickers

I make this fudge EVERY year at Christmas.  

Yesterday was no different.  It just so happened that it ended up being the "light at the end of the tunnel" for my little guy yesterday afternoon.

I have been trying to get my kids in for flu shots for weeks.  It's hard to get 4 kids and myself to the doctor all at once without missing school. Then every time I had it scheduled, someone came home from school or stayed home sick.  Yesterday I said that's it! Today is the day!

I texted my two high schoolers and told them to meet me at the doctor's office after school.  I picked up my two 9 year olds and headed over.  

My youngest son asked why we were turning and I said that we were getting our flu shots.  

PURE PANIC. 

He is NOT a fan of shots (who is really?) But even more so... 

So, I did what Mom's do best in awkward situations, I changed the subject.

Asked them about their day, and told them about what I had baked.

When I said fudge, his eyes lit up and exclaimed "FUDGE?!? The one with the Snickers in it??"

That very one... 

Thank goodness.  It was what pulled him through! 

This fudge is so darn easy!! It literally has 3 ingredients.

candy bar fudge

Candy Bar Fudge

1 can Chocolate Frosting 

( I use chocolate fudge, but Milk chocolate works great, too)

1 bag of chocolate chips 

(I use semi-sweet, but use milk chocolate if you use the milk chocolate frosting)

3 regular sized Snickers candy bars 

( or about 7 minis) 

Line an 8x8 pan with foil. Spray with non-stick spray. 

(or use non-stick foil...that stuff is THE BOMB.)

Chop candy bars, reserving about 1/4 cup.

Melt chips over low heat in saucepan.

hen melted add the frosting and stir until smooth.

 Add chopped candy bars, stir. 

Spread into prepared pan.

Top with reserved candy bars, and chill for at least one hour.

Cut into squares with warm knife.

Makes 36 squares.

I have also made this with Butterfingers.  The Snickers is the hit at my house. You could use about any candy bar I would think? I bet if you were an Almond Joy fan that would be awesome!

Enjoy!!

~Michaela

reade more... Résuméabuiyad