From the Carol's Daughter Site

Lisa's Journal

Gift Giving from the Kitchen

12.09.08 | 5 Comments

Sometimes my favorite gifts to give are a combination of my favorite soufflés and body butters with unique mixtures that aren't available for purchase.  Two of my favorites are my Rose Milk Bath and Potpourri, both of which you can hand make right in your kitchen.  They're a cinch to whip up and always make for a great present.  Since they both are fresh, you'll want to keep Rose Milk Bath in the refrigerator (it's good for up to 7 days) and the potpourri should remain closed in an airtight container for two weeks to cure.  Then you can open the jar to release the fragrance, pour the contents into a mesh bag for a scented sachet or place into a large bowl. What are your favorite items to gift for the holidays (besides Carol's Daughter gifts of course!)?
 
Rose Milk Bath
1 quart Whole Milk
1 fifth of Vodka
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
5 roses
50 drops rose fragrance oil
Strawberries, sliced and strained of juice (optional)
 
Glass Bottles
Bottle Tags
Twine
Ladle
Punch Bowl
Pyrex Measuring Cup
 
1. Gently pull the petals off the roses, throwing away the center and stem.
2. Toss the petals into a large mixing bowl, saving some for floating in your bath or in a bowl near your bath.
3. Pour in the milk (smoothes the skin), followed by the vodka (tones and skin and acts as natural preservation), then the vanilla extract (an aphrodisiac).  Stir.
4. At this point you have the option of including sliced strawberries to add alpha hydroxyl acids (improves skin texture, cleanses pores)
5. Add rose oil fragrance.  Be creative if you dare by adding gardenia (uplifting), honey (attracts and retains moisture), or sandalwood (calming). 
6. Gently mix and pour items into a glass jar.  Tie ribbon around the mouth of the jar with a note from you to the recipient.  Refrigerate until ready to gift.
 
 
Potpourri
Dried Roses (simply hang roses upside down in a dry space such as your laundry room for three days)
Pearly Everlasting
Coco Flowers
Orange Slices
Angel Wings
Tailsprings
Cinnamon Sticks
Winter Fragrance
*Alternatively, you can use dried orange slices
 
1. Clip your rose heads from their stems and place in a jar.
2. Add in Pearly Everlasting – this reminds me of snow – and slowly add in other ingredients.  The most important aspect of potpourri is color and texture so make sure you have a healthy balance.
3. Drizzle rose fragrance oil over the flowers – about 10-15 drops for each handful of ingredients.
4. Mix gently and place a good handful into airtight jars.
5. Tie with twine and include a note for the recipient to wait 2 weeks before opening. This will ensure that the fragrance is absorbed into the ingredients and will last a long time.

Peace.

Love,

Lisa

By: lisaprice