A Lovely Winter's Glow (Sugar Scrub)

From living in what I like to call, ‘the "Big City" 'Baltimore Maryland, I can say this from personal experience; winter can be rough on skin. Whether it is the dry hot air needed to keep you cozy or cold, arctic blasts chafing at you exposed skin outside – nourishing your skin in time for spring is a must to get it back in shape! Fortunately, you do not need to hire a team of dermatologists or spend a week at a spa to do so, although a week at a spa relaxing would be quite enjoyable! Just a few simple ingredients mixed together and you can create your own at-home spa-like experience for a fraction of the cost.

Before you start, gather the ingredients you will need:
 ½ cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (unrefined)
1 cup Raw, Unrefined Sugar
6 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)
1 or 2 containers with tight fitting lids (you will need 2 if you use the peppermint oil)
Labels / Marker (optional)

You can find these items at most large grocery stores. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) is usually sold near the other cooking oils and it is solid at room temperature. If you have never purchased it before, you will notice it is usually sold in short, wide glass jars and not bottles. For the sugar, you will need a small bag that is able to be scooped from or poured. Do not purchase the individual packets – opening enough for the recipe will be rather tedious. The peppermint essential oil can be found at a pharmacy or specialty nutrition shop. It is not required but will make the second scrub smell amazing. Many online retailers sell it as well. Directions: Divide your EVCO equally into 1/4 cups each in two microwave safe bowls. Take your first bowl and microwave it for about 30-45 seconds or until the oil is melted. (Do not heat the oil until boiling!) Once your oil is melted, mix 1/2 cup of your Raw, Unrefined Sugar into the oil until it is thoroughly mixed. This is your body sugar scrub. Label your container “Body Scrub”.

For the second batch, follow all of the same directions above except once you have your raw sugar and EVCO thoroughly mixed, add 6 drops of the Peppermint Essential Oil. This will be your foot scrub and will smell very much like Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookie™. Label your second container “Peppermint Foot Scrub”. Usage: During a hot bath or shower, rub an ample amount of the sugar scrub to your body, concentrating on the rough, dry patches. Allow the scrub to sit on your skin for a few minutes then rinse off for noticeably softer skin. Do the same with the foot scrub. Enjoy your new glowing winter skin!