64. Personalized Blend Coffee

MATERIALS:

1 lb. ground coffee
1-2 tsp. spice (ground cinnamon, cardamum, nutmeg, vanilla bean...)
coffee bag with coated lining
ribbon
label (PDF)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix one or two teaspoons of cinnamon or nutmeg into a pound of freshly ground coffee beans; or scrape the seeds from four vanilla beans with a paring knife, and add them to a pound of coffee. For the best flavor, use a medium-bodied coffee, such as one from Kenya or Colombia. Scoop into a coffee bag with a coated lining, available at kitchen-supply stores. Finish with a ribbon and a decorative sticker.

Source: MarthaStewart.com

Clip-on Measuring spoon

MATERIALS

Metal measuring spoon (Tablespoon)
Metal tie clip
metal to metal adhesive

INSTRUCTIONS

have yourself the early morning fumble for a measuring spoon by clipping one to your sack of dark roast. This makes a lovely housewarming gift as well. Simply use multipurpose adhesive (one intended for metal-to-metal applications) to affix an inexpensive tie clip to a metal measuring spoon. Be sure to hand-wash the spoon to prevent glue from dissolving.

Resource: Martha Stewart

14. Sugar Scrub

MATERIALS

1 clear plastic or glass jar
1 cup sugar (this can be white, brown, or raw)

you can also use ground coffee (see note below)

1/2 cup oil (extra virgin olive oil, jojoba, safflower, grape seed, or apricot kernel)
scented essential oils (optional)
baking soda (optional: helps clarify the skin)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. mix the sugar and oil in the plastic container.
   
   since you are using this in the bath or shower, I would avoid using glass
2. add any optional scents you like:
   
   • Vanilla: Great especially in the coffee or brown sugar scrub.
   • Orange, lime, tangerine or lemon: For an uplifting effect.
   • Rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint: For clearing out the sinuses and stimulating the body
   • Cinnamon or clove: For improving circulation and adding a spicy kick to your scrub.
   • Rose, jasmine or ylang-ylang: for a romantic floral scrub.
   • Geranium: For balancing your mood.
   • Lavender: For promoting relaxation.
3. to use: place some on a wash cloth and rub in circles anywhere you need exfoliation.
   note: the sugar may settle to the bottom, so it may be necessary to shake before using.

Note: Coffee can be used as a topical scrub as well.

From Cancerlynx.com:

Coffee is granular and feels nice on the skin but the caffeine has added benefits. Applied topically coffee helps to redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite. It also acts as a vasorestrictor, tightening and shrinking blood vessels thereby helping eliminate varicose veins. It has been used for years in spas in Hawaii and on the coast of Bali.