
It’s unbelievably dry here in Calgary. If anyone follows me on twitter you’ve probably noticed that I have been asking for remedies for my dry and cracked hands.
I received a lot of suggestions and I really appreciate all of them so thank you. Moving to a more humid climate isn’t an option unfortunately but the other suggestions were wonderful and helpful.
I am finding more and more lately that going back to basics is the way to go. What does that mean exactly?
- Using fresh and organic ingredients to bake and cook with.
- Canning during the year to capture the freshness of vegetables.
- Avoiding added chemicals in skincare and hair products.
- Making my own bath and shower goodies.
Basically I’m going back to the way my grandparents lived. Everything home-made and organically grown.
With December almost over and the New Year approaching, I’ve been thinking about what I want to share with you all in the New Year. I plan on showcasing frugal ways of making your own sauces, canned goods, and skin care. Sharing seasonal and fresh ingredients available here in Calgary. Sharing gluten free travel adventures that I have planned.
I’m starting with making a sugar body scrub. Specifically a mint chocolate scrub and a Meyer lemon sugar scrub. Both are so easy to make and great to use in the shower.
Plus these scrubs are quite inexpensive to make and are excellent home-made gifts.




Mint Chocolate Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic sugar
- 2 tbsp good quality dark chocolate cocoa
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 tsp peppermint extract OR
- 2 drops peppermint oil
Instructions
- Mix together in a large bowl the sugar and cocoa.
- Add the canola oil and stir to combine.
- Spoon sugar scrub into canning jar. Top sugar scrub with a little more canola oil.
- Screw on jar lid.




Meyer Lemon Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic sugar
- 3 Meyer lemons zest
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 tsp dried orange zest
- 1 tsp dried lemon zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, zest and juice from meyer lemons.
- Add oil and stir to combine.
- Spoon into canning jars.