Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

Make A DIY Steamer With Eucalyptus Gum Leaves ! (A great decongestant)

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Do you remember years ago when you had a cold and your mum would put Vick’s in a bowl with boiling water and you would  put your head over the bowl with a towel thrown over the top to keep the steam and heat locked in while you  took deep breaths to help clear all the mucus lodged in your head, nose and chest ? Well this is a really healthy alternative as I wouldn’t ever use Vick’s because it is petroleum-based ( sorry mum )  . Why not use  Eucalyptus gum leaves instead,  they’re full of eucalyptus oil and  are free. Here’s what you do……put a big handful  of gum leaves in a pot on the stove cover with water and bring to the boil.  Stand over it and breath in the steam and vapors it really does unblock and clear all the sinuses. . Sheree from “Simpleliving“ did it the other day and it really cleared her nasal passages whilst giving her a facial cleanse at the same time  really worth trying. Thanks for sharing with us Sheree.

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Have you read?

Grinch Gunk Bath Slime – A Silly, Skin-Safe Christmas Soak for Kids

There’s always one cheeky elf who pushes things a little too far—and this time? He’s covered in Grinch Gunk! This fun, fizzy Grinch Gunk Bath Slime is a gooey, giggle-worthy bath treat that looks mischievous but is totally skin-safe. It’s squishy, jiggly, and dissolves into the bath for a silly Christmas soak your kids won’t forget.

Whether you’re staging your Elf on the Shelf’s latest misadventure or putting together a “Grinch Spa Kit” for holiday gifting, this bath-safe slime is part sensory play, part bath magic.

 Why You’ll Love This Grinchy Goo

  • Safe and fun for kids 
  • No harsh ingredients—just skin-loving gentle goo 
  • Doubles as sensory play before bath time 
  • Can be poured into the bath like a bath gel 
  • Perfect for Elf on the Shelf setups or DIY stocking stuffers 
  • Customisable with scent, shimmer, and fun containers 

 Ingredients – Guar Gum Gel Version (Skin-Safe, Natural)

Makes about 1 cup of Grinch Gunk

  • 1 cup warm distilled water 
  • 1 tsp guar gum powder (natural thickener) 
  • 1 tbsp glycerin or aloe vera gel (skin soothing + slip) 
  • 5–10 drops peppermint essential oil (or vanilla-mint blend) 
  • Green mica powder or food-safe soap colorant 
  • 1 tsp baking soda (optional, helps soothe skin) 
  • Small jar or squishy tub container 

Optional:

  • A pinch of eco-safe glitter 
  • Mini plastic Grinch or Elf toy 
  • Printable “Help! The Grinch Got Me!” tag 

 Melt-and-Pour Version (For Squishy Soap-Like Texture)

  • ½ cup clear melt-and-pour soap base, chopped 
  • 1 tbsp vegetable glycerin 
  • Green soap colorant or mica 
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • Heat-safe jar or silicone mold 

 How to Make – Guar Gum Version

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and glycerin. 
  2. Slowly sprinkle in the guar gum powder, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. 
  3. Add baking soda, essential oils, and green mica. Whisk again until smooth and gooey. 
  4. Add glitter or shimmer if using. Pour into small jars. 
  5. Let sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes before sealing. 

 How to Make – Melt & Pour Version

  1. Gently melt soap base in microwave or double boiler until fully liquid. 
  2. Stir in glycerin, mica, and essential oils. 
  3. Pour into jar or mold and allow to cool and firm up. The result: a jiggly, jello-like slab of bath slime! 

 How to Use Grinch Bath Slime

  • Scoop a tablespoon or two into the tub as the water runs 
  • Rub between hands for silly slime play before rinsing 
  • Watch it dissolve into a silky, minty soak 
  • Store leftovers sealed, out of sunlight, for 1–2 weeks (guar gum version) 

Note: As with all kids’ bath products, adult supervision is recommended. Avoid eyes and mouth.

 Elf on the Shelf Setup

Here’s how to make your elf’s Grinch-y mischief come to life:

  • Place your Elf in a clear jar of green slime 
  • Add a sign that says:
     “HELP! The Grinch Got Me!” 
  • Scatter a few green drops or slime trails around the counter 
  • Leave behind a note that says:
     “I tried to sneak a treat, but the Grinch left me stuck in goo! Scoop some into your bath—if you dare!” 

 Gifting Tips

Grinch Gunk makes an adorable DIY gift for:

  • Christmas Eve boxes 
  • Classmate gifts 
  • Stocking stuffers 
  • Holiday bath kits 
  • Grinch movie night party favours 

Packaging ideas:

  • Green slime in mini jam jars 
  • Labelled with: “Grinch Gunk – For When You’ve Been a Little Naughty” 
  • Tie with black ribbon or pipe cleaner “antlers” 
  • Pair with a mini candy cane or elf sticker 

This Grinch Gunk Bath Slime brings just the right amount of holiday chaos to bath time. It’s festive, fun, and full of sensory magic—and the perfect way to turn a simple soak into a giggly, sparkly memory.

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