Your springtime glow up: Courtesy of your garden and pantry
Hinterland Homesteading by Racheal Pascoe
Are you like me and just love a bit of a pamper? Now, I can’t really justify going and spending a lot on myself, nor is that really my style but I do like to take care of myself. Buying a body scrub or exfoliant can be expensive, but did you know you can make your own? It is just so easy.
Sugar scrub
An all over body scrub feels just wonderful and you have exactly what you need in your pantry and the garden. Firstly, you will need some sugar, preferably white or caster sugar. It is best to choose a fine sugar as raw sugar is too coarse on the skin.
Take a cup of sugar in the shower with you. Wet your skin, take some sugar in your hand and rub your skin in gentle circles all over. The sugar will feel grainy at first and then it will dissolve. You might not feel like it has done much but wait until you towel dry off. It’s like magic … your skin is super soft and smooth. And your hands will both feel silky smooth too. It is great for softening areas of skin that are tough from work.
Take care when using it on your face. The skin on our faces is fine and you should only use it very gently. Avoid the eye areas.
Herb it up
Plain sugar is just lovely by itself, but if you are wanting a little aromatherapy session at the same time … you could add some dried herbs. What have you got growing in your garden that could be used? I just love lemon myrtle or lemon balm. I dry some of those leaves, simply by hanging them up for a couple of weeks in a cool, dry place. Then I crush them in a mortar and pestle. Mix the herbs through the sugar. The more herbs you mix in, the stronger the fragrance will be.
When you are in the shower, use it just like before, but now the hot shower will release the fragrance of the lemon myrtle, which makes the entire shower smell beautiful.
Maybe you could try lavender or the petals from your favourite rose? I am sure there are other herbs that might work… probably steer clear of basil though, unless you want to smell like pesto. The Basil Body Scrub. It could become a thing?
Body scrub gifts
With Christmas on the horizon and everyone looking for a unique pressie… you could look at making some body scrub gifts this year. Once you have made a large batch of fragranced sugar, head to the cheapie shop and find some cute jars… or maybe you have some at home you could use. Dress them up with some ribbon and a sweet handwritten tag… hey presto, not pesto… beautiful Christmas pressies all done.
Taking the time to look after yourself does not have to be expensive and it feels great when you can source what you need at home.
Happy Homesteading everyone!
