After a hectic day, there is nothing as soothing as a long soak in the bathtub. Stress just seems to flow out of us as we sink into the warm water. Adding bath salts adds to the pleasure of the bathing experience. Try this simple recipe to relax aching muscles and add a fresh scent to your bathwater.

Bath salts recipe:

Ingredients
• 1 cup (250 ml) Epsom salts
• 1 cup (250 ml) sea salt
• 3-5 drops essential oil (your choice -- lavender is recommended)
• Zipper-type plastic baggie or tightly-lidded jar
• Food coloring, optional

Instructions
1. In a tightly sealed jar or a zipper-type plastic baggie, combine Epsom salts and sea salt. Shake until well mixed.

2. Add about three drops of essential oil to the mix, seal and shake again. The concentration of essential oils can vary, so test the scent of the bath salts after adding only three drops. If the salts don't smell strong enough, add more of the scented oil, one drop at a time. The oils are potent, so don't add too much at once or you might end up with bath salts that smell too strong.

3. If you choose to add colour to your bath salts, use about 10 drops of food colouring. Shake well, or use your hands to thoroughly blend the colour.

To use, add liberally to running bath water.

Seal tightly in jars affixed with hand-written labels. Get creative when finding containers for your bath salts. Shopping at discount stores allows you to choose from delightful glass, plastic and metal containers, while keeping your project within a reasonable budget.

Find more great Mother's Day gift ideas here

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