I know we’re busy- we’re at the end of one of those bonkers weeks (bonkers year, really!). I’m just stopping in with a few things you might add to your grocery list in case you’re anything like me and you’ve forgotten a gift or two. Give a bath. Give a bath and take a bath (because lordy if we don’t all need a treat or two this time of year).
Here are a few soothing bath blends you can toss together yourself, with your own street-smarts and thoughtfulness.
We’re making three bath salts from epsom salt and food that does a body good from the outside in.
Here’s what you’ll need to make three different bath salts. And everything (besides the essential oils) come straight from the grocery store aisles.
So… while you’re shopping for Christmas Oreos and spiral sliced ham… you can pick up some crafty last-minute gifts.
On your grocery list goes:
- Epsom salts
- Mustard powder
- Baking Soda
- Milk powder
- Old-Fashioned Oats to make oat powder
- Mason jars
- Extra credit ingredients (like if you’re shopping at Whole Foods or something like that): essential oils and avocado or almond oil.
Three different versions! Here’s how they come together:
All of the bath salt mixtures start with one heaping cup of epsom salts.
To make the a Warming Mustard Bath, add:
• one heaping cup epsom salts
• one heaping cup mustard powder- to warm the body from the outside in. (You can certainly use less, about 1/2 cup if you’d like) (No you won’t dirty the tub too much and, no you won’t smell like a sandwich.)
• one heaping cup baking soda- for soothing and softness
• extra credit: a few sprinkles of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil.
Stir it up, spoon into a jar, and bow it up!
To make a Moisturizing Milk Bath, add:
• one heaping cup epsom salts
• one heaping cup dry milk powder- it’s very moisturizing!
• extra credit: grapefruit essential oil
To make a Soothing Oat Bath, add:
• one heaping cup epsom salts
• one heaping cup oat powder (To make oat powder, place uncooked old-fashioned oats in a spice grinder or cleaned out coffee grinder. Pulse to a fine powder. It’s that easy!)
• extra credit: lavender essential oil drops
I also like to add almond or avocado oil (about 1 tablespoon… not too much) to my bath salts for extra softness.
Stir together your bath salt mixture, spoon it into a jar, seal the lid, make a festive tag, bow it up, wish rest and relaxation to all!
Kitchen to bathtub salts! I love what food can do to the outside of our bodies.
Happy Holiday. Stay soft. Stay sane.
xo Joy
Ginger Love
I am on a budget and cannot afford to go buy any of these products. Im gonna put it on the list and post it on my freezer magnet groc list and impatiently wait until i get around around again again to saving the means to get it. Then im gonna take in a long soak and drain the tub. I can only imagine how awesome ill feel after.
Susan
How much of the finished bath salt is used in the bath?
joythebaker
You know.. I use the whole dang thing in the bath.
Tracy Genheimer
Such a great idea! Joy you really are just the best! Merry Christmas to you!
Bettye
Joy
I’m gonna make ME some after Christmas
Thanks for the good
Info !!
Happy Christmas !
Teddi
I love your ideas and the photography is excellent. Also, your site does not have the annoying ads that pop up from the bottom that you have to constantly fight. I am taking all of those sites off my list as one of my New Year’s resolutions. Keep your classy look. It is a winner.
Janet
Just wanted to wish you and your big ol’ cat the merriest of Christmases! I hope you can take some time to chill! Much love and big hugs from all of us! P.S. Love this bath salt recipe!!
christinalfrutiger
These look so nice and easy to whip up! I’m wondering if the mustard powder..ahem…might be a little irritating to the delicate lady parts in the bath? You know maybe kind of burning but not in a good way! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one! :)
Maria's Cul-De-Sac Kitchen
What a thoughtful gift idea these are! And quick and easy to make also. I have loved reading your blog all year and appreciate all the wonderful recipes you have shared with us! Merry Christmas Joy!
Erin Reed
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog. Your recipes are always delicious and your look at the world and issues is always interesting. Your photography is beautiful. Have a merry Christmas and a safe holiday!!
Janet Christian
Where does one find mustard powder — in large quantities?
Belle
Stores that sell bulk spices, like Sprouts.
Liz
Such a great idea — and so easy! I’ve hit my shopping done but
I’d make this for me to use in a post-holiday relaxation bath! LOVE that last picture with the tree in the background.
heather (delicious not gorgeous)
whoa. i went to one of those bath salt and lip balm making classes once, and it was just epsom salt and essential oil. these sound more hardcore (esp that mustard option!). kind of disappointed that i wouldn’t smell like a sandwich after using that one though; i think it’d be funny to walk around and see how people react to it.