Stressing Over Gifts? Scrub it Out!

Time is running out and Christmas will be here before you know it. But for whatever reason, we always need those last minute gifts. If you’re anything like me, there has probably been at least one (or a few) Christmas' that you left present-buying to the last minute that you completely forget about. Buying presents at the last minute isn’t unusual, but it can be stressful. Here’s are some quick and easy DIY'ers to prepare without the hassle of running out to the malls.

White Sugar Scrub for All Skin Types
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp warm water
Preparation:
Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts.
Make sure granules are dissolved, otherwise they could tear your skin.
Apply to the face.
Gently massage around the skin.
Rinse with warm water OR I like to take a warm washcloth that's steamed in the
microwave. Make sure the washcloth is not too hot.

Brown Sugar Scrub
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tsp (more or less, add drops if you need them) of olive oil or extra virgin coconut
oil
Preparation:
Put the brown sugar in your palm
Add the olive or coconut oil
Stir in your palm with your finger, creating a paste.
Add or less as needed
Massage into skin in a circular motion.
Rinse off with warm water.
Press a warm washcloth into face.
Slather your skin in your favorite moisturizer or follow with a moisturizing mask.



Cleansing Body Scrub
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
2 tablespoons finely ground almonds
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Mix everything together. Rub gently onto face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Salt Scrub
1/2 cup oil. Use sweet almond, grapeseed or another light-textured massage oil. Don't use simple cooking oil from your pantry.
1 cup sea salt. Baleine is a good choice. You can experiment with different textures to see what feels best for your skin. Don't use simple iodized table salt -- it's too harsh. 
5-15 drops high quality essential oils. The essential oil you choose for your salt scrub depends on the result you want. Lavender is relaxing, lemongrass is refreshing and rosemary is stimulating. You can experiment and do your own blend.
Preparation:
Put the salt in a small bowl.
Add the oil, mixing well with a spoon or wooden stick. The texture should be moist enough to hold together, but not overly oily. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve that texture.
Gently tap in the drops of essential oil and combine well. If you get more interested in aromatherapy you can customize your recipe using different essential oils. 

Coffee Body Scrub

Coffee has been rumored to reduce cellulite and help with varicose veins. Whether those claims
are true or not, this scrub will definitely make your skin silky smooth, and I bet you have all of
the ingredients in your kitchen cabinets right now: coffee grounds, sugar or salt, and oil. You can
also add brown sugar or vanilla for a sweeter fragrance. Yum.

 Lemon-Brown Sugar Body Scrub
This recipe from Organic Authority utilizes brown sugar, grapeseed oil, and lemon peel to both
soften your skin and invigorate your senses. A very simple recipe -- and very effective, too.

Oatmeal and honey scrub
8 tablespoons Oatmeal
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon finely ground almonds.

Preparation: Warm up the honey until it becomes runny (not too hot). Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth paste. Before applying oatmeal scrub clean your skin with lukewarm to warm water or a warm, damp washcloth. Even better is to take a hot shower or a steam bath to clean and open up your pores. Rub this in a circular motion onto your body and face and gently massage to exfoliate. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse it off with alternately cold and warm water, end with a splash of cold, pat your skin with a towel.

Honey almond and orange scrub for smoothing and softening skin.
4 tablespoon finely ground almonds
2 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1/2 orange
A freshly ground mint leaf (optional)

Preparation: Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Pat scrub on face and neck. Wet your hands and massage gently to exfoliate, You can also leave it on for up to 10 minutes for extra softening and rinse off.

Cornmeal Facial Scrub Very good for oily skin! Recipe 
Cornmeal Facial Scrub Very good for oily skin!
2 tbsp. cornmeal; 
1 tsp. lemon juice; 
2 tbsp. plain yogurt or buttermilk

Place cornmeal in bowl. Mix lemon juice and yogurt or buttermilk to make a paste. Let sit for 5 minutes. Gently
massage paste into face for 5 minutes. Avoid eye area. Rinse well with warm water. Pat dry. Tone. Moisturize 

*When it comes to packing make look pretty. A nice container or jar with cellophane, ribbons and/or labels will go a long way, Another suggestion may be to create a 'spa' day basket with different homemade scrubs arranged beautifully in a basket.*