Anyone who’s been reading for a while, probably knows that I’ve kind of changed my tune about baths over the past year. Once upon a time, they really freaked me out. You see, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I was a firm believer in the fact that I didn’t have time for baths.
I know… bath lovers unite. Me and my stubborn short sightedness, sometimes.
{Barn door how to here}
In our old tub, I couldn’t sit without coming out of the water. TMI? I’m not that tall {5 ft 3 and 3/4ths – the 3/4ths part is important to me – I claim all that I can} and I got all cold and stuff in our shallow, odd tub. This, complicated by the fact that I kind of always viewed it as smoldering in my own dirt, and I was out of there. Ew.
I’m the same way about dishes. It all freaks me out.
Then the whole beercanmoldpocalypse thing hit so we gave it a facelift due to the mold-in-the-wall/leak infestation, which kind of made the gross factor even worse… until we were actually finito. And then we had the chance to choose the clawfoot that sits there now, and I can’t really explain it, but instant love.
The other night I had finished taking part in my nightly bath time ritual with Rinaldo – doesn’t he sound like a steamy McHotstuff from a cheesefest Daytime drama? {Creds to Maureen here in the comments.} I informed Jamin that I was off to spend time with said Rinaldo when he asked with a smirk on his face, “I thought you were smoldering in your own filth?”
“If baths are wrong, then I don’t want to be right,” I proclaimed. “Also, if we ever move from our home, I will be chaining myself to Rinaldo in sheer protest, until they allow me to take him with me.”
I’m not even kidding. It’s a real love affair.
There’s just something about creating your own sacred space in your home that I never took the time to do before. And I realized, it’s really in the little things. You don’t have to have a beercanmoldpocalypse resulting in an over-the-top redo to enjoy your bathroom. Everyone’s preferences are different, and it just took me giving it all a chance to start enjoying it. To realize those specific benefits for me, personally. And here I am, with my own spa at the end of the day, a much-needed escape… and I absolutely love it.
Introductory rambling aside, I wanted to share a super simple salt soak recipe… that will make your skin baby soft. Along with some more fun labels, so that packaging any of our little recipes together would make a thoughtful, {and super easy} diy spa kit kinda gift for anyone-just in time for the holidays!
Or keep it for yourself… we won’t judge. {Trust me… these little packaged gems you see here are mine. Aaaaalllll mine.}
Now that I started making this stuff, there’s no turning back for me… the scents are better than anything you can buy in the stores, and they’re all natural. There are so many benefits to homemade scrubs and soaps, and especially salt soaks for detoxifying… it can easily feel like your own little spa – or a thoughtful treat for someone else!
These aren’t complicated, and are pretty basic with the mixing of just a few of your faves.
Here’s what you’ll need for a salt soak:
• 1 cup Mediterranean Sea Salt • 3 cups Epsom Salt • 2 cups Baking Soda
{It makes a generous helping, more than enough to fill a lot of those little bottles.}
Add some scent it with a few drops of your essential oil of choice. Stir it all together and package it up for someone special!
PS. Balance is my new go-to for all things holidaisical apocalypse. Nothing beats a good soak in this after a looooong day. And you’ll smell kind of like a Christmas tree, in a good way, so that’s winning in my book.
I combine it with this label {salt soak labels} and our sugar scrub…
{read all about how to make it, with free printable labels here}
And these handmade soaps
{more free printable labels here}
And you have your own little handmade custom spa kit, right at your fingertips!
It’s the little things, y’all. Especially for last minute gift ideas!
Seriously, do it. Do it now. You won’t regret your little handmade treats!
I know that oils have been all the rage for some time, and usually we run far, far away from bandwagons. But we’ve used them for about a year and a half now {totally not selling them} just because they’ve been very useful to us in different ways – and if you’re curious, you can read more about our experiences with them here!
+ more info on my own home ‘spa’ {read: totally doable bathroom storage solutions here}
If you have any questions, feel free to let us know… As always let us know if you try it!
Have an inspired day!
Patricia says
How much salt soak goes into the tub at a time? The whole bottle? I’d probably want to include that info on any bath gift … how to use it and how much.
But thanks for the lovely idea.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Patricia! Thanks + good point! I always leave it to however much they wish – the softening/scent affects are up to their choice. But there are detox benefits with a salt bath based on the weight of a person. I hope that helps!
Layla K says
Omg perfect! You’re a lifesaver. Thank you thank you thank you!
Anna says
I am a bath person too. And that pic made me LOL so funny! Love this thank you.
Tania // Run To Radiance says
So lovely. I still have a total crush on your bathroom. And i bet it smells incredible!
ashley @ the handmade home says
BAHAHAHA Thanks! MOST of the time, Tania. When it’s not invaded by the littles. ;} OR, uh, others…
Pamela Metziere says
Many blogs make me smile, but NONE make me laugh OUT LOUD like yours, Ashley! I love your gift of the written word. (I laugh all over again just remembering your theme park bathroom blog, the mystery hair net blog and today’s dish washing visual) Thank you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, thanks Pamela! Sometimes I think we’re so bizarre I’m glad that others find it humorous as well! ;}