Dry Rub - Gift Idea #2

If you haven't noticed, lately I've become slightly obsessed with glass jars, ribbons, etc and have been thinking of different things to make to put inside these glass jars and tying up with ribbons and labeling with my cool Martha Stewart decals. It's in part due to my sister's up- coming wedding and the holiday season which is fast approaching. But more than all that, I just like the idea of making gifts for friends, it's so personal and enjoyable and it is a good way to cut spending as we are all probably a little more money-conscious these days.

Here, I made a dry-rub for meats or veggies using some of my favorite spices. Feel free to come up with your own - but try to keep the salt content of your total recipe at about 20%.

Home Made Bath Salts. Gift idea #1...

My sister is getting married next May (yay!), and as the dutiful Maid of Honor, I have been thinking of personal gifts to make to give out as wedding favours. I'm not sure if this task fits in with the requisite duties that the Maid of Honor holds, but I'm doing it, nonetheless - and getting really in to it, I might add! After spending some time in Michael's, (mecca for crafters and scrap-bookers, which I never thought I'd be associated with...), I found the perfect jars, labels, ribbons and stickers, to package my home-made soaking salts. I bought some coarse sea salt and a tiny bottle of lavender essential oil from Whole Foods, and for an added dose of loveliness, I threw a small handful of lavender flowers in to the mix. As soon as the oil met with the salt, a delightful aroma filled the house, invoking calmness. Ahhh, well worth the effort! This is so easy and low budget, it's perfect for the upcoming holiday season or for a sweet and simple hostess gift. Better yet, why not just do it for yourself? : )

Home Made Bath Salts

In a large mixing bowl, add about 4 cups coarse sea salt and mix in a few drops of essential oil (whichever you like), and a handful of dried flowers.

Breath in and relax!

Note: If you are adding dried flowers, pour into a spice sachet to prevent flowers from floating in your bath water.