If you are looking for cookies today, bear with me, they will come later.I promise. This weekend threw an unexpected work gig my way and coming home from it that evening I had a car accident on the highway caused by a teenager rear ending me. I am fine, but as you can see was shaken and couldn’t even think about baking last night.
One project that did relax me and I am so excited for was making these sugar scrubs. C& H Sugar contacted me to write about some wonderful Holiday gift ideas. What makes C& H Sugars on the market is that use pure cane sugar, not beet sugar. Find out here what makes cane sugar so much better for baking and why their Brown Sugars are true brown sugars.
I am a bath products fiend! Many of you don’t know that I have worked in the cosmetics industry over 20 years, since leaving university. In this industry I have and wear many hats from makeup artist, account executive, to developing and supporting new business stateside and abroad. So beauty and most importantly skin is very important to me. To many of us, myself included abuse the largest organ on out body with not enough water intake, moisture, chemicals, and to much sun. Cosmetics and products abound and many are costly that we cant afford to take care of ourselves in the optimal way the companies say we should. But wouldn’t it be great if we can whip up some fabulous beauty products at home. And what wonderful gifts these would make for the Holidays, birthdays, Mothers Day, etc. They can even be tailored for the men in your life. I don’t know about you , but they have been known to use our product from time to time. So next time you are about to give your loved one a massage, throw in some sugar scrubs for their shower afterwords. Their backs and feet will smooth and cuddly.
The following are some great recipes. Be sure to visit C&H Sweet Ideas Page for more edible and Non Edible ideas and great tips and templates for decorating, gift tags, etc. Feel Free to play around with your own essential oils , extracts, and spice blends. I added Lime Essential oils to my White Cane Glimmer Sugar Scrub and yummy Pineapple extract to my Brown Sugar Scrub. The Sense of smell in regards to aromatherapy is part of the whole de stressing package. So use what appeals to you. I only advise that these be used for body, not face.

White Cane Glimmer Sugar Scrub

1 cup – C&H® Pure Cane Sugar
1 cup – vegetable oil
Oil from 1 vitamin E capsule
1 or 2 drops – of essential oil, lavender or orange
1 16oz. – glass container with lid

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended. Using a spatula, transfer mix into the container and secure lid. Contents will settle, mix before using. Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in circular motions onto your skin. Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The scrub will tighten on your skin.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

We know the perfect way to relax after a long day of baking! Try this luxurious homemade spa treatment using a delicious aromatic blend of C&H® Brown Sugar, moisturizing oils and fresh fragrances. You can also create this homemade sugar scrub, as a thoughtful, low-cost gift that will make your friends feel a little sweeter!

1/2 cup ground almonds
1/2 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup almond oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Small containers with lids

Combine all ingredients using a spatula in a large bowl until well blended. Mix should have a paste like texture. If it is too dry add more oil a few drops at a time. Conversely, if it is too oily add more dry ingredients until you reach the desired consistency. Store in jars for up to 2 weeks in refrigerator. May need to mix before use if ingredients settle.

Application:
Gently apply to wet skin in a circular motion concentrating on dry patches and rough areas of your skin. Avoid using the scrub on sensitive areas, in cuts or on skin that is irritated or sunburned. Sugar scrubs are also not recommended for the face. Thoroughly rinse with warm water.

Caution: the oil in the sugar scrub can cause the tub to become slippery.

Have fun creating your own signature body scrub by experimenting with various scents from essential oils like grapefruit, lavender or peppermint, found in specialty markets or crafts stores.

Sweet N’ Spicy Brown Sugar Scrub

1 cup – C&H® Dark or Light Brown Sugar
1 cup – C&H® Pure Cane Sugar
¾ cup – almond oil
2 tsp. – cinnamon, powdered
2 tsp. – ginger, powdered
2 tsp. – nutmeg, powdered
1 16 oz. – glass container with lid
Cinnamon sticks, optional

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all ingredients until thoroughly blended. Be sure to break up any lumps from the brown sugar or from the spices. Spoon into the glass container and secure with lid. Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in circular motions onto your skin. Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The scrub will tighten

Some decorating ideas. I went a little ethnic with mine on some . I also used odd and ends from my sewing box and a glue gun. Recycle any old jars you may have and be sure to include the instructions on the gift tag.Hope this inspires you.

Star Anise and Cinnamon Sticks Glued to Lid

Disclosure: C& H Sugar provided me with a $20 gift card to help me with expenses in this project.