This formula is ideal for elbows, knees, and other problem areas that seem especially rough and dry.  As your rub the cream into your body, your hands will benefit, as well.  It can also be used as a massage cream.

1/4 cup (59 ml) cocoa butter

1/4 cup (59 ml) sweet almond oil

1/4 cut (59 ml) olive oil

5 to 6 drops essential oil (if desired)

Combine all the ingredients in a double-boiler and warm them until the cocoa butter is completely melted.  Remove from the heat and stir until the mixture is cool and starts to gel; then allow it to rest as it finishes setting up.  When it’s cool, the mixture should be creamy.  If it separates, then use a hand mixer on low speed and beat until it’s smooth.  Store in a decorative container.  If it’s kept in very cool temperatures, this cream will need to be reheated before using.

Shelf life is 3 to 4 months.

by: Abigail Beal

Indulge yourself and make your own bubble bath. Wouldn’t it be nice to relax into a bubble bath that you’d created? Making bubble bath is simple & fun. They can also make wonderful gifts for friends and loved ones for the holidays or other special occasions.

The ingredients used to make bubble bath can be found in most large grocery stores or health food stores. You can also find all of the ingredients online. They are inexpensive.

One of the benefits of making your own bubble bath is that you know exactly what is in it. If you are allergic to anything, you can be certain it is not in your bubble bath.

Another benefit to making your own bubble bath is that you know all of the ingredients are fresh and natural. There is no concern about a product that was left on the shelf for months. Another benefit is that you can be certain that your product is environmentally conscious and that it does not promote animal testing.

Bubble bath is a wonderful inexpensive way to treat yourself. Supplies are easy to find and you can create a bubble bath suited exactly to your personal tastes and needs.

An important ingredient in bubble bath is essential oil. Essential oils add the scent to your bubble bath. Use these sparingly, as you only need to use several drops to get a pleasant effect. Many essential oils should not be ingested orally, so be sure to read the directions. There are also some essential oils such as marjoram that should never be used by pregnant women. You can research any essential oil at the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy www.naha.org. Also look in aromatherapy books and ask questions at the health food store when buying essential oils.

Some essential oils are known to be relaxing and soothing. The most popular include lavender, sandalwood, marjoram, frankincense, myrrh, rosewood and chamomile. These essential oils will calm you down, relax you and help you go to sleep.

Other essential oils will uplift and energize you. Peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus and lemon oil are all oils that will brighten your day and are good to use during the day. Eucalyptus oil is especially good if you have a cold because it will break up your cold’s congestion.

To soften your skin, consider adding either coconut or almond oil to your bubble bath concoctions. Coconut oil has a wonderful nutty and floral fragrance to it. Almond oil is virtually unscented. Adding a half a cup of either almond oil or coconut oil to your bubble bath will soften your skin tremendously. This is a great addition for your bubble baths for the winter months.

Store your bubble baths in a nonbreakable container. The materials you use to make bubble baths can “keep” for awhile. You can store your bubble bath on a shelf in your bathroom or bedroom for easy access.

Personalized bubble baths make an excellent gift. You can find many decorative plastic containers at your local art store. For decorative effect you can add either marbles or seashells to the bottom of the container. If you are giving bubble bath to a child or teenager, consider adding a small amount of glitter. Do not add food coloring because it can stain people temporarily. Tie your container with a pretty bow or even a piece of tulle.

When giving bubble bath as a gift, consider adding some other bath related items. Give bath mitts or a big yellow rubber duck. Your friend or loved one will appreciate such a thoughtful and personalized gift.

Whether you are making your bubble bath for yourself or for someone special – your bubble bath is really a treat to enjoy. Here are some recipes for bubble baths to inspire you and to get your started:

Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath

This bubble bath has lavender and patchouli oils to relax you before bedtime. Use soft music and lighted candles in your bathroom for a soothing effect.

• 6 drops of lavender oil
• 3 drops of patchouli oil
• 1 quart of distilled water
• 1 bar of castille soap. (4 oz. Bar)
• 4 ounces liquid glycerin

Directions: mix the water, soap and glycerin together and stir. Now add your essential oils to the mixture.

Cold Season Bubble Bath

This bubble bath will help you breathe easier, with eucalyptus oil to ease the cold congestion. This is perfect for the cold season.

• 6 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 3 drops of spearmint oil
• 3 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 quart of distilled water
• 1 bar of castille soap. (4 oz. Bar)
• 4 ounces liquid glycerin

Directions: mix the water, soap and glycerin together and stir. Now add your essential oils to the mixture.

Pure Sunshine Bubble Bath

This citrusy bubble bath will cheer you up and energize you. Perfect for a morning bath or use after exercising.

• 6 drops of orange oil
• 4 drops of grapefruit oil
• 3 drops of lemon oil
• 1 quart of distilled water
• 1 bar of castille soap. (4 oz. Bar)
• 4 ounces liquid glycerin

Directions: mix the water, soap and glycerin together and stir. Now add your essential oils to the mixture.

Love Potion Bubble Bath

This bubble bath will put you in a romantic mood. All of the ingredients are considered known aphrodisiac – so look out!

• 6 drops jasmine oil
• 3 drops rose oil
• 3 drops vanilla oil
• 6 drops ylang ylang oil
• 1 quart of distilled water
• 1 bar of castille soap. (4 oz. Bar)
• 4 ounces liquid glycerin

Directions: mix the water, soap and glycerin together and stir. Now add your essential oils to the mixture.

About The Author

Abigail Beal a.k.a. “the Gift-wrap Goddess” teaches gift wrap in suburban New York. She is the author of 2 ezines: GiftWrapGoddessWraps and CreativeCraftsTeachers.

Aftershave -

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Solid Perfume

Solid Perfume

Solid Perfume

Whispering Rain Perfume

Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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MAKE YOUR OWN COLLOIDAL OATMEAL BATH

1 cup oatmeal (quick or slow-cooking)

Blend or process the oatmeal in your blender or food processor until you have a very fine powder (pulverized). This helps the oatmeal absorb liquid.

To test the colloid property of your oatmeal, gently stir 1 tablespoon into a glass of warm water. If the oatmeal readily absorbs the water and give it a milky look and a silky feel, you’ve processed it enough. If the oatmeal simply sinks to the bottom of the glass, it needs to be processed further.

Sprinkle the oats into a tub of running water and stir the water with your hand several times to ensure even distribution. For babies, use 1/3 cup.

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OATMEAL MILK BATH

3 cups dried milk
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup ground oatmeal
EO or FO

Use 1/2 cup in your tub or tie in muslin.

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OATMEAL SOAK

In blender, mix: 3/4 cup oats
1/2 cup Lavender Buds
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup Sea Salt
EO or FO

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Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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MOISTURIZING BUBBLE BATH

1/2 cup soap flakes

1 cup boiling water

3 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil

A few drops of EO (optional)

Dissolve the soap flakes in the boiling water, stirring gently. Immediately add almond oil, then essential oil (optional). Stir constantly while you add 4-5 tablespoons to running bath water. The rest can be used later, but you will need to stir prior to using again.

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*BIG BUBBLE* BUBBLE BATH

1 cup soap flakes

1 cup water

2-3 tablespoons Vegetable Glycerine

A few drops EO, if desired

Mix all ingredients together and store in container or glass bottle. Add 1-2 tablespoons under rapidly running water to create large bubbles. This mixture can also be used as a shower gel. Shake before using.

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Bubble Bath Drop

Bubble Bath

Cherry Berry Bubble Bath

Lavender Dreams Bath

Lilac Sensation Bubble Bath

Solid Bubble Bath

Violet Days Bath

Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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OATMEAL MILK BATH

3 cups dried milk

1 cup cornstarch

1 cup ground oatmeal

EO or FO

Use 1/2 to 1 cup in your tub or tie in muslin.

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OATMEAL SOAK

In blender, mix: 3/4 cup oats

1/2 cup Lavender Buds

1/4 cup baking soda

1/4 cup powdered milk

1/4 cup Sea Salt

EO or FO

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CALENDULA GOATMILK BATH

1 cup powdered goat milk

1 cup Dead Sea Salt

1/3 cup Calendula Petals

EO or FO

Calendula helps to soothe inflamed tissues, reduce pain, and aids in quick healing of cuts and abrasions. You could add oatmeal to this, too.

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WHITE GODDESS MILK BATH

1 cup cornstarch

2 cups dried milk powder

1/8 teaspoon EO or FO

Combine dry ingredients in food processor and blend. Add oil and blend again. Add 1/2 cup to bath water.

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OATMEAL MILK BATH

1/4 cup oatmeal

1 cup powdered milk

1 tablespoon Hazelnut Oil

6 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Put oats in muslin bag. Add the rest of the ingredients directly to your bath.

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COCONUT/ALMOND MILK BATH

3 cups powdered milk

1 tablespoon each of almond oil and coconut oil

3 drops vanilla extract

4 drops almond extract

Add mixture to water.

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MILK/SALT BATH

1 cup Sea Salt

1 cup epsom salts

1 cup powdered milk

EO or FO

Add 1/2 cup to bath water.

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Milk Bath

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Milk Bath Recipes

Milk Bath Recipes

Milk Baths

Spicy Milk Bath Recipe

Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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HERBAL BATH BAG

2 tablespoons dried Chamomile
2 tablespoons dried Rose Petals
2 tablespoons dried orange blossoms
1 coffee filter (large)
8 X 8 inch piece of lace fabric (if giving as a gift)
ribbon

Combine the herbs ina bowl, stirring until well mixed. Spoon mixture into coffee filter and secure closed with embroidery thread or ribbon. Place filter in the center of the lace. Gather together the edges and secure by tying and knotting the ribbon around it. Tie the end of ribbon in another knot at the top so that the ribbon forms a large loop that can be hung from the bathtub water spout.

To use, hang the bag from the water spout and let it steep in warm bath.

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SCENTED BATH BAG

1 ounce rolled oats
1 ounce dried Lavender
1 ounce dried Lemon Balm or Lemon Verbena leaves
1/2 ounce dried Orange Peel
1/2 ounce dried Lemon Peel
2 dried bay leaves
2 dried rosemary sprigs
8 small muslin bags

In large bowl, mix the oats, lavender and lemon balm. Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the oranges and lemon peel and bay leaves and add to mixture in bowl. Break up the sprigs of rosemary and add to mixture. Divide mixture between the 8 bags and fasten with string. To use, hang the bags from the hot tap of running water. You can continue to use the bag until fragrance is no longer evident.

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ON-THE-GO BATH TEA

Try this treatment for an energy boost. It is very stimulating, so don’t use it before going to bed or when you’re trying to relax.

1 tablespoon dried or fresh Rosemary
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Sage
1/2 tablespoon dried of fresh Eucalyptus
1/4 cup oats

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MUSCLE-SAVER BATH TEA

The oil in juniper berries helps break down the surface tension of the skin. Oil of peppermint adds to the aromatic pleasure of this bag, and lavender is relaxing. People with arthritis will enjoy this bag.

1 teaspoon Juniper
2 tablespoons dried or fresh Peppermint
2 tablespoons dried or fresh Spearmint
2 tablespoons dried or fresh Lavender Flowers and leaves

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REFRESHING CITRUS BATH

1 teaspoon dried Comfrey
1 teaspoon dried Alfalfa
1 teaspoon dried Parsley
fresh lemon peel
fresh orange peel

Put above into muslin bag. Tie under tap and let water flow through. After tub is filled, put bag in water and steep.

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