how to keep your ice bath cold

HOMEMADE HERBAL BATH MELTS

These herbal bath melts are perfect for moisturizing your skin, resetting your energy, calming your mind, and opening your heart. There’s no better way to unwind and release the day’s stress than through a self-care ritual, setting a personal bath intention. With these melts, you’ll create a soothing experience that nourishes both body and soul.

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know how much I advocate for self-care. One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is by enjoying a nourishing bath that refreshes both your skin and your spirit.

Over the years, I’ve shared various bathtime essentials, including bath salts, soaks, and bath bombs. These herbal bath melts offer a unique experience—they’re portable like bath bombs yet deliver the deep hydration of a bath soak, making them a perfect addition to your relaxation routine.

WHAT IS AN HERBAL BATH MELT?

Imagine the silky, indulgent experience of a bath soak combined with the convenience of a bath bomb. These herbal bath melts gently dissolve without fizzing, releasing essential herbs and oils for a deeply hydrating bath.

Infused with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and skin-soothing herbs, these melts create a balanced, nourishing bath ritual that your skin will adore. As you soak, a sense of calm, renewal, and heart-opening warmth will envelop you, leaving your skin soft and replenished.

ARE BATH MELTS HARD TO MAKE?

Nope! Making herbal bath melts is actually quite simple and allows for a lot of flexibility with ingredients. All it takes is mixing your chosen ingredients, pouring them into a silicone mold, and letting them set.

The recipe I used combines clays, essential oils, organic flowers, and coconut oil. Unlike bath bombs, these herbal melts are less labor-intensive and offer more creative freedom. I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after using them!

The best part of this herbal bath melt recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit your specific herbal needs, spiritual intentions, or simply what you have on hand.

FAVORITE DIY HERBAL BATH MELT INGREDIENTS

Creating your own bath melts lets you design a bath experience perfectly suited to your needs. I often begin with Epsom salts, which offer muscle-relaxing properties and skin nourishment, much like a bath bomb.

I also love adding my favorite organic flowers like calendula and chamomile, which bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bath. Be sure they’re 100% organic since you’ll be soaking in them!

When choosing ingredients for your herbal bath melts, think about the self-care ritual you want to create—one that encourages focus and letting go. Each ingredient has nourishing properties for the skin, but consider those that uplift your soul as well.

HEART-OPENING HERBAL SOAK

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to thaw your body, mind, and heart on a chilly evening. Let the cocoa butter in these herbal bath melts melt into your skin, providing deep moisture and warmth.

Rose is a beautiful, heart-opening addition to this ritual, perfect for the colder months when many of us feel more introspective. Chamomile brings a gentle, calming quality with its light floral aroma, helping you drift off to a peaceful place, while calendula offers soothing support as you release and heal from the past.

For a touch of winter magic, bright orange peel brings fresh energy to your connections, love, and dreams. And the earthy scent of cedar offers a grounding presence, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom, grounding you as you explore and embrace your truest self.

Other ingredients added:

  • rose clay
  • french green clay
  • rhassoul clay
  • cocoa butter wafers
  • shea butter
  • essential oils
  • cedar leaf
  • calendula flowers
  • chamomile
  • dried orange peel
  • rose petals

These ingredients not only hold everything together but also provide essential nutrients to nourish your skin.

Feel free to get creative, experimenting with or mixing your favorite ingredients. Whatever herbs you choose, simply stick to the recommended ratios, and you’ll create a magical DIY bath melt every time!

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL BATH MELTS

First, weigh out the coconut oil, cocoa butter wafers, and shea butter using a digital kitchen scale.

Next, melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (by placing a Pyrex measuring cup or bowl over a pan with an inch or two of simmering water) until the oils reach a fully melted state.

If you’re using any optional clay ingredients, divide the melted oils into separate bowls. Stir in each clay while mixing to ensure they melt smoothly. Keep in mind that different clay types will affect the color of the melts and provide additional skin benefits.

Next, pour the melted oil mixtures into silicone molds. Then, in each mold, add Epsom salts and your chosen herbal ingredients. Feel free to use flower petals, cedar leaves, dried orange peel, or any other herbs in combinations that best suit your needs.

Allow the bath melts to dry and harden in the silicone molds overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

Once they are completely set, gently pop the herbal bath melts out of the molds. Then, enjoy your soothing ritual of self-love, self-realization, and self-companionship!

HOW TO STORE AND USE HERBAL BATH MELTS

While you await their use, keep these lovely bath melts at room temperature, storing them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.

If you live in or visit a very hot climate, it’s best to store the herbal bath melts in the refrigerator. After all, no one wants a pre-melted bath melt!

Use the herbal bath melts as needed to moisturize your skin and relax your mind. Embrace the herbal benefits as you reconnect with your inner self. Just as the melts cater to your individual needs, create a ritual that feels right for you in the moment.

There’s nothing selfish about self-care. You’ll discover that as the bath melt dissolves, you’ll also melt away the day’s stressors.

Simply place a bath melt into a tub of hot water and allow it to melt, releasing the soothing herbs as you soak. Enjoy the experience!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I avoid the bath melts making a mess in the bathtub?

If you’re concerned about a mess after using the bath melt, I have a few tips for you. First, grind the flower petals using a coffee grinder, a circle silicone mold, a double boiler insert, a blender, or a food processor to minimize residue. Second, you can use a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to strain out any leftover materials, making cleanup easier.

Regarding plumbing worries, I found that while using the bath melts, I focused on applying the oils to my skin, similar to a lotion bar. By the end of your bath, you’ll likely notice any remaining oils floating on top of the water. You can scoop these up with a cup to prevent them from going down the drain. If this method doesn’t work for you, consider leaving out the Epsom salt from the recipe and using the bath melt right after getting out of the bath!

Will the bath melts stay solid at room temperature?

Absolutely! We created and tested the bath melts recipe to ensure they stay solid at room temperature. However, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. Avoid sunny windows and be cautious when transporting the melts on hot days to keep them in perfect condition.

What tools will I need to make the bath melts?

I recommend using a silicone mold to shape the bath melts; I used a circular silicone mold for mine. For melting, I often set up a standard double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a pot filled with warm water. Alternatively, I love using a double boiler insert for easy heating and pouring. A kitchen scale is also helpful for measuring the ingredients accurately!

conclusion

In conclusion, creating your own herbal bath melts is a delightful and customizable way to enhance your self-care routine. By choosing ingredients that resonate with your needs and preferences, you can craft a soothing and nourishing bath experience that promotes relaxation, skin hydration, and inner peace. With simple steps and flexible options, you can enjoy the calming benefits of these bath melts while reconnecting with yourself. So gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and indulge in the magic of a personalized herbal bath ritual that rejuvenates both your body and mind! Enjoy every moment of your self-care journey!

80 HEARTFELT QUOTES TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE FOR FAMILY

Family: the six-letter word that holds within it unconditional love, frustration, and occasional feuds. At times, the best way to describe it is simply, “It’s complicated.” But despite the disagreements and challenges, there’s no denying that family is irreplaceable. They are the one source of love that doesn’t need to be earned, the safe haven we turn to for comfort and support, and the constant anchor in life’s inevitable changes.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Instagram caption for a family photo or a heartfelt message for a family member’s card, these quotes about love, life, and kinship will help you express just how much your family means to you.

Meaningful Quotes About Family Bonds

  • “I sustain myself with the love of family.” – Maya Angelou
  • “A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.” – Charles R. Swindoll
  • “I find the family the most mysterious and fascinating institution in the world.” – Amos Oz
  • “Families are the tie that reminds us of yesterday, provide strength and support today, and give us hope for tomorrow.” – Bill Owens
  • “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” – George Santayana
  • “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” – Richard Bach
  • “My mother used to tell me that when push comes to shove, you always know who to turn to. That being a family isn’t a social construct but an instinct.” – Jodi Picoult
  • “Home isn’t where you’re from, it’s where you find light when all grows dark.” – Pierce Brown
  • “To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.” – Barbara Bush
  • “Family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice.” – Reinhold Niebuhr
  • “I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.” – Barbara Bush
  • “Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” – Brad Henry

Heartfelt Family Quotes About Love

  • “My family’s the most important thing in my life.” – Joe Namath
  • “”At the end of the day, a loving family should find everything forgivable.” ~ Mark V. Olsen
  • “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox
  • “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” – David Ogden Stiers
  • “The love of a family is a life’s greatest blessing.” – Eva Burrows
  • “When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching–they are your family.” – Jim Butcher
  • “The greatest gift of family life is to be intimately acquainted with people you might never even introduce yourself to, had life not done it for you.” – Kendall Hailey
  • “In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, a bridge to our future.” – Alex Haley
  • “I believe the world is one big family, and we need to help each other.” – Jet Li
  • “The family you come from isn’t as important as the family you’re going to have.” – Ring Lardner

Playful and Funny Quotes About Family

  • “Families are like fudge–mostly sweet, with a few nuts.” – Les Dawson
  • “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” – Cary Grant
  • “People are pretty forgiving when it comes to other people’s families. The only family that ever horrifies you is your own.” – Douglas Coupland
  • “I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.” – Phyllis Diller
  • “The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.” – George Carlin
  • “That’s what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you’re not so lovable.” – Deb Caletti
  • “I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance—waiting for the bathroom.” – Bob Hope
  • “Family: A unit composed not only of children, but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold.” – Mark Twain
  • “My dear young cousin, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the eons, it’s that you can’t give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it.” – Rick Riordan
  • “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” – George Burns

Uplifting Quotes About Family

  • “Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.” – Anonymous
  • “Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home.” — Anthony Liccione
  • “You need a rock-solid foundation of friends and family to keep you where you need to be.” – Lilly Singh
  • “If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles.” – Letty Cottin Pogrebin
  • “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” – Tia Walker
  • “Home is people. Not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, then all you can see is what is not there anymore.”- Robin Hobb
  • “Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed Phifer
  • “Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them out and enjoy their riches.” – Wanda Hope Carter
  • “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” – George A. Moore
  • “Families don’t have to match. You don’t have to look like someone else to love them.” – Leigh Anne Tuohy

Meaningful Family Quotes About Priorities

  • “We may have our differences, but nothing’s more important than family.” – Coco
  • “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family.” – Paul Pearsall
  • “The family is the first essential cell of human society.” – Pope John XXIII
  • “Dignity is not negotiable. Dignity is the honor of the family.” – Vartan Gregorian
  • “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” – Mother Teresa
  • “No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?” ~ Lee Iacocca
  • “I’ve always put my family first and that’s just the way it is.” – Jamie Lee Curtis
  • “When all the dust is settled and all the crowds are gone, the things that matter are faith, family, and friends.” – Barbara Bush
  • “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden
  • “My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart-a heart so large that everybody’s joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.” – Mark Twain
  • “The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.” – Thomas Jefferson
  • “It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family.” – Philip Green
  • “The family is the test of freedom; because the family is the only thing that the free man makes for himself and by himself.” – Gilbert K. Chesterton
  • “Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Princess Diana
  • “Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.” – Anthony Brandt

Heartwarming Family Quotes Filled with Gratitude

  • “Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Princess Diana
  • “Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.” – Anthony Brandt
  • “We may have our differences, but nothing’s more important than family.” – Coco
  • “I’ve always put my family first and that’s just the way it is.” – Jamie Lee Curtis
  • “The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.” – Thomas Jefferson
  • “It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family.” – Philip Green
  • “The family is the test of freedom; because the family is the only thing that the free man makes for himself and by himself.” – Gilbert K. Chesterton
  • “When all the dust is settled and all the crowds are gone, the things that matter are faith, family, and friends.” – Barbara Bush
  • “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” – John Wooden
  • “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” – Mother Teresa
  • “No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?” ~ Lee Iacocca
  • “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family.” – Paul Pearsall
  • “The family is the first essential cell of human society.” – Pope John XXIII
  • “Dignity is not negotiable. Dignity is the honor of the family.” – Vartan Gregorian
  • “My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart-a heart so large that everybody’s joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.” – Mark Twain

Family Quotes About A Strong Foundation

  • “The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family.” – Lee Iacocca
  • “In family relationships, ‘love’ is really spelled ‘t-i-m-e,’ time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
  • “My life is proof that no matter what situation you’re in, as long as you have a supportive family, you can achieve anything.” – Michaela DePrince
  • “The foundation of family—that’s where it all begins for me.” – Faith Hill
  • “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” – Jane Howard
  • “The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.” – Mario Puzo
  • “Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.” – Margaret Mead
  • “The memories we make with our family is everything.” – Candace Cameron Bure
  • “Families are like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” – Unknown
  • “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu
  • “I had a very supportive family environment that gave me room to explore and discover things about myself.” – Brad Pitt
  • “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened and maintained.” – Winston Churchill

Hilarious and Relatable Family Quotes

  • “People are pretty forgiving when it comes to other people’s families. The only family that ever horrifies you is your own.” – Douglas Coupland
  • “I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.” – Phyllis Diller
  • “Families are like fudge–mostly sweet, with a few nuts.” – Les Dawson
  • “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” – Cary Grant
  • “That’s what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you’re not so lovable.” – Deb Caletti
  • “My dear young cousin, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the eons, it’s that you can’t give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it.” – Rick Riordan
  • “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” – George Burns
  • “The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.” – George Carlin
  • “I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance—waiting for the bathroom.” – Bob Hope
  • “Family: A unit composed not only of children, but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold.” – Mark Twain

Family Quotes Full Of Gratitude

  • “In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” – Friedrich Nietzche
  • “The family is where we are formed as people. Every family is a brick in the building of society.” – Pope Francis
  • “Time together as a family is a gift.” – Joanna Gaines
  • “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” – George Bernard Shaw
  • “For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.” – Christina Rossetti
  • “Spend some time this weekend on home improvement; improve your attitude toward your family.” – Bo Bennett
  • “Don’t worry about the family that ignores and acts like you don’t matter. Love the ones who are always there for you no matter what.” – Unknown
  • “It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it.” – Peter Buffett
  • “A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss…that’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all.” – Brad Pitt
  • “Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.” – Albert Einstein

Inspiring Family Quotes About Building a Strong Foundation

  • “The foundation of family—that’s where it all begins for me.” – Faith Hill
  • “The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family.” – Lee Iacocca
  • “In family relationships, ‘love’ is really spelled ‘t-i-m-e,’ time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
  • “My life is proof that no matter what situation you’re in, as long as you have a supportive family, you can achieve anything.” – Michaela DePrince
  • “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” – Jane Howard
  • “The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.” – Mario Puzo
  • “Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.” – Margaret Mead
  • “Families are like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” – Unknown
  • “I had a very supportive family environment that gave me room to explore and discover things about myself.” – Brad Pitt
  • “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened and maintained.” – Winston Churchill
  • “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu
  • “The memories we make with our family is everything.” – Candace Cameron Bure

conclusion

Family is an essential part of our lives, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging. Whether through heartfelt expressions of gratitude, playful humor, or affirmations of the strong bonds we share, these quotes capture the essence of what family means. They remind us that, despite our differences and quirks, the ties that bind us are filled with warmth, joy, and an unbreakable connection. Embrace these sentiments and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of love and laughter that is family.