TALES FROM CHARLESTON: DIY BODY SCRUBS + WHOLE FOODS LADIES’ NIGHT

I’m in Charleston for the month of December this year, and I’m going to write up a few of my adventures because this is an extraordinary city full of wonderful people and things to do! One of those was a recent Ladies’ Night at Whole Foods where we sipped on bubbly and made DIY bath scrubs from ingredients you buy right there in the store – perfect for inexpensive holiday gifts. I also found a locally-made bath and body brand to try! Read on for details, pictures, links and recipes.

Charleston has one Whole Foods in Mount Pleasant, which is just over the Ravenel bridge, outside of Charleston-proper. My friend Brooke is the team lead of the Whole Body department and put on this awesome event that brought together women from all different walks to do something nice for ourselves on a Wednesday evening.

I chose to make their Vanilla Mocha Body Scrub because I’m pretty into coffee and chocolate, but there were also recipes for Orange Spice, Rose Spice and Relaxing Lavender. Each scrub has a base of either coarse sugar or salt, with an oil that binds it together and adds moisture. Once you’ve got that foundation down, you add the magic – like coffee grounds, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Mix it up, pour it into a ball jar, tie a ribbon around it, and you’re done!

We had such a blast. The event was short and sweet, and we walked away with a nice gift for ourselves or a friend for the holidays – plus recipes to make more at home. I’ve included the recipe for the Vanilla Mocha Body SRcrub since I made that one. For the Orange Spice, Rose Spice and Relaxing Lavender scrubs, click through each of the above corresponding images. And for even more DIY recipes from Whole Foods, click here. 

WHOLE FOODS DIY Vanilla Mocha Body Scrub
1 cup (237 ml) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (59 ml) sweet almond oil
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) real vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (5 ml) cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) finely ground coffee
3 coffee beans for decoration

Prepare a clean, 8-ounce (250-ml) sealable container. Add granulated sugar and follow with sweet almond oil. Finish with vanilla extract, cocoa powder and ground coffee. Add an additional tablespoon (15 ml) almond oil as needed for desired consistency. Stir to blend. Seal jar tightly and use within 3 months.

While I was there I also learned about a local, cruelty-free bath and body line produced in Charleston called Deep Steep. I was low on  conditioner and a body wash so I jumped at the chance to try these products – I chose the Daily Repairing Conditioner and the Brown Sugar Vanilla Body Wash. Plus, I received a few Body Butter samples with my purchase. So far, I’m really enjoying them and highly recommend you give them a try if you’re shopping online or in the area here in Charleston!

Thank you so much to Whole Foods for having us and to Brooke for arranging such an amazing event. For those of you living in Charleston, keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events like this one. Here are a few more images from the evening!

Stay tuned for more adventures from Charleston to come soon!

Belle

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