~~~~~SHABBY COTTAGE CHIC BATH SALTS~~~~~ A Salty Sweet Tutorial

~FRAGRANT BATH SALT BALLS~

Perfect For Gift Giving

For more years than I can count I've made petite Bath Salt Balls for gifts.  I'm not sure where I first got the idea to fashion these little gems, but I've loved making them for at least twenty years.  Simple to make, plus they are sweet,  inexpensive gifts for those you love!  Once packaged up in cello bags or glass jars they look absolutely lovely!

~TINY LITTLE PUFFS~

Here's what you'll need:

1.  BATH SALTS

Fragrant Bath Salts can be purchased at most any variety or drug store.  I purchased two large canisters of Salts at ROSS for about $7.99 each and they had lots and lots of scents to choose from.  I chose FRESH COTTON because I loved the sound and thought of it!

2.  MEDICAL GAUZE

This can be found at stores like Walgreen's, etc.  I purchased mine in a roll but I do think you can buy pre-cut squares!

3.  MEDIUM WEIGHT STRING

Found at any hardware store (like ACE).  Heavy Duty Thread can also be used.

4.  CELLO BAGS or JARS

I buy glass jars at the thrift store and have found some really beautiful ones for .99 each!  If you think you'll be mailing your gift skip the jars and use cello bags (available at craft stores).  The Salts turn out just as lovely in a decorated bag as they do in the jars.

5.  Ribbon

You can use almost any style of ribbon!

6.  HANG TAGS (optional)

If your knowledgeable with Photo Shop or Paint Shop Pro computer programs then you can make printable tags for your Salts!  If not you can always hand-fashion some to your liking!

 ~ALL WRAPPED UP~

Here's what you do:

1.  Unroll your gauze and working with two layers cut 4" squares.

2.  Place two (2) tablespoons of prepared Bath Salts into one 4" double layer square of gauze.

3.  Tie up with heavy thread or string.  Knot.  Snip threads.

4.  Roll Salts within your hand to mold slightly into the little balls.

5.Prepare Tags

You can include a sweet sentiment on the back and instructions for tossing ONE SALT BALL (gauze and all) into a drawn bath!

6.  Fill cello bags or jars and attach hang tag.  Tie with ribbons/decorate as desired.

 ~READY FOR GIFT GIVING~

Here's the finished product again...

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Blessings for a beautiful day!

Love to you...

~I ONLY EAT CAKE ON BIRTHDAYS~

 ~ADRIENNE and My Mr. AGPMan~

(aka: Daddy)

I'll be in my studio today working most of the day on Christmas projects, but just had to share with you a few of the pics we took last night at my girl's birthday dinner. We had so much fun together as a family and I haven't laughed that hard in a long, long time!  We dined on homemade Chicken Lasagna and yummy cheese bread...

 ~LET THEM EAT CAKE~

(One cupcake, only one!!!!)

And for desert we had applesauce cupcakes with cream cheese icing!  These days I only eat cake on birthdays but I love making them for everyone else to enjoy!

 ~A SWEET PRESENT FOR MY GIRL~

Nothing better than unexpected expected presents...  I have no idea what we are doing here but obviously something was funny!  My girl loved her wrist-let purse!

~SMILES THAT LAST~

I do know what was going on here!  My hubby gave his baby girl a precious birthday card and on the inside he tucked a "congratulations on your twin baby news" inside!  Our girl was laughing so hard over the OBVIOUS HINT about her daddy wanting more grandchildren!!!!

Nothing better than family...

NOTHING!

(Golly...I'm soooo blessed!!!!)

Hope your day is wonderful!  I'm getting an early start with my Miss K!  We are eating breakfast together at her school for a grandparent PTA Membership Drive.  Sounds like soooo much fun! (?)  I hope I don't have to stuff my eggs inside my milk carton!... Ugh!!! :(

Love to you...

~~~~~~~CELEBRATING ADRIENNE~~~~~~~ Happy Birthday To My Girl

 

~ADRIENNE'S BABY SHOWER~

September 30, 1984

Days passed...seasons changed...months melted into years.  I stand here today looking back upon my life and without a doubt one of the most beautiful moments I've ever experienced was the birth of my daughter.  From the minute I found out I was going to be a mommy for the second time I secretly hoped (and prayed) for a baby girl...

~EVERYTHING WAS YELLOW~

(except my dress!)

I always wanted a big family, but I didn't fare so well while pregnant so I knew baby number two was going to be our last child.  On the morning of our baby's birth I was prepped for surgery and only barely conscience when I heard my Mr. AGPMan whisper into my left ear "Ten fingers and ten toes, honey... (insert audible gasp here) And IT'S A GIRL! Baby...God answered our prayers and gave us our heart's desire..."

~LAST SPRING~

(Girls Night Out - Oklahoma Ballet)

I can say without any reservation everything I've done in my life and any amount of success I may have achieved will forever remain second best to the joy of being the mother of my two children.  No job, no task, no pillow, sachet or painted pink rose will ever fill my heart up like they do.

Today my daughter turns 27.  In many ways it seems like she just came into the world.  No doubt she has changed the course of my life.  As a young mom I had all these things I wanted to show her and teach her about living.  I find it nothing short of amazing that it's been she who has been the teacher.  Full of grace and love, my girl possesses the most benevolent spirit of anyone I've ever known.  Beautiful, kind and incredibly big-hearted...

~ADRIENNE and MICAH~

Someday I hope to be more like her.

~~*~~

"Happy Birthday, Adrie!  Today I'm praying God's blessings upon you as you continue to seek God's best for your life.  Thank you for always showing your daddy and I so much love and respect and for the honor you've brought into our family.  May His peace cover you today as you celebrate your blessed day.  I love you most... Mom"

~~*~~

Blessings as you celebrate the lives of those you love.  Remember the heart isn't judged by how much it loves but by how much it is loved by others...

Love to you...