DIY Stress Away Bath Salts

Do you take enough time for yourself?
Most likely not. I mean, we are all in the same boat, busy women trying to do everything perfect as a mom and wife and that doesn't leave much time for us at the end of the day... or week... or year unfortunately. It is so important to rejuvenate ourselves, though, so we can actually be our best for our precious families and that includes alone time (can we say going to the bathroom alone?), quiet time and time to reflect and grow. This may include going to the spa or a mani/pedi for some but for someone on a budget like me, a detoxifying bath with a book I haven't picked up in months will refill my tank. Baths have always been relaxing for me so I know I should place more importance on them and if I've already carved out the time for a bath why not add some detoxifying and therapeutic properties? Do you like where I'm going here? I sure do. :) If we can make a SUPER simple detox bath salt recipe with so many benefits why not?

This recipe takes about 30 seconds to make! You just mix epsom salts, coconut oil and essential oils. When I was pregnant with my second child and having early contractions I learned that MOST of the population is significantly magnesium deficient and epsom salt contains magnesium so while soaking in the bath you can gently increase your magnesium levels. (GO EASY when increasing your levels! You may experience some GI stress if you increase too quickly - don't ask me how I know ;) ) So this recipe is PERFECT! I chose to add Stress Away because it has been amazingly calming for my family. Whenever I am feeling stressed or pressured this oil melts those feelings and leaves me calm. It is a relaxing blend of Copaiba, Lime, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Ocotea and Lavender - which also promotes healthy sleep so it's an ideal addition to an evening bath.

Here's what you'll need: (yields approximately 4 baths)

~ Mixing Bowl and Spoon
~ 2 cups of Epsom Salts
~ 1 Tbsp of Coconut Oil
~ 12 drops of Stress Away Essential Oil (an amazing, calming blend from Young Living)
~ Small jars (baby food jars work well in a pinch)

Here's all you do:

In a medium mixing bowl combine epsom salt and coconut oil then add the Stress Away essential oil and mix together until the coconut oil is well incorporated. Place in jars, keep some for yourself and give some to friends - they'll love you forever :)

DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub

I have absolutely LOVED making these super simple DIY beauty products! They are absolutely divine, take only seconds to make and you can use things that you already have in your home!

Since the holidays are coming up I chose a peppermint sugar scrub made with coconut oil for it's sweet scent and the therapeutic properties of peppermint essential oil. Peppermint is awakening and invigorating so this is a perfect scrub for your morning shower (wait, what's that?!). If you want a more relaxing scrub you can substitute lavender or peace and calming instead. It is incredibly easy to adapt this recipe and come up with some amazing scrub creations. Feel free to play around with the type of sugar you use as some have thicker grains, the essential oils you add, and the different carrier oils. Get creative and share your recipes! All of these ingredients can be purchased at your local grocery store or online, and your finished product will cost a fraction of what you would pay in stores.  Even better, it will be free of any toxins or chemicals found in commercial products!

Here's what you'll need:
~ Mixing bowl
~ Glass Jars
~ Mixing Spoon
~ 2 cups of Sugar
~ 1/4 cup of Coconut Oil

Here's what we did:
In a large mixing bowl we added 2 cups of Imperial sugar (I bought organic sugar but found this bag in the pantry and thought "what the heck?!") and topped with the coconut oil and 12 drops of Young Living's Peppermint essential oil and mixed to incorporate. It took about 30 seconds to mix the ingredients evenly. Then place in jars to enjoy later or give as a fabulous and thoughtful gift!