Relax!

It is now that strange time between Christmas and New Year's.  The holiday hoopla has almost died down waiting for New Year's Eve, the kids are still out of school, many offices are still closed, but "The Big Day" is over.  It is the perfect time for a little relaxation before the round of parties begins again (to say nothing of back to school and back to work!). 

Before Christmas I made these little Peppermint Bath Bombs, intending to have a little relaxing "me time" during the holidays.  Well, that didn't happen.  But it is not too late to enjoy peppermint, a nice relaxing bath and a little post-holiday crafting! 

Peppermint Bath Bombs

1 cup baking soda (NOT baking powder!) 

1/2 cup citric acid

1/3 cup corn starch

1/4 cup Epsom salts

4-5 drops of Peppermint Essential oil (NOT peppermint flavoring) or more if preferred

4-5 drops red food coloring or more if preferred

1/2 - 2 teaspoons water

Holiday Sprinkles (optional)

Bath bomb or soap molds 

Mix baking soda, citric acid, corn starch and Epsom salts together. Add Peppermint Essential oil to mixture as preferred, mix.  Add food coloring and mix until preferred color is reached.  Mix.  Many recipes will tell you not to add water, especially if in a humid climate or on a rainy day.  I find that I need to add at least 1/2 teaspoon of water to make the mixture "clump" together.  To test, grab a handful of the mixture and see if it holds together.  If not, add water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.  

I placed some holly sprinkles (leftover from a Gingerbread House kit!) into the bottom of the bath bomb mold before using.  You can also sprinkle your favorite holiday sprinkles into the mixture before adding to the mold.  Press mixture into both sides of bath bomb molds and push the sides together.  You can also use soap molds, just be sure to press the mixture into all of the corners and crevices.  Allow to set up for 2 hours to overnight, depending on humidity.  Carefully release from molds and enjoy! 

Place one or two of these bath bombs in a basket with the Peppermint Sugar Scrub here

and the Peppermint Soap here for a great last minute Holiday Hostess gift.  (Or better yet, a relaxing bath for yourself!)

I hope that you do find time to relax and enjoy the last few days of the Season!  Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Cynthia