Candy Cane Foot Soak

I count myself lucky that I don't have to hit the malls at Christmastime to shop for gifts. To be fair, I do contend with my fair share of shopping centre parking insanity (thanks to my gym being in the mall itself) but I'm not waiting in lines, bags and boxes in hand, anxiously watching the seconds left to wrap and tag my purchases slip away while crotchety so-and-so in front of me tried to price-match her blender (not that I'm speaking from experience, of course...).Instead, I can quietly slip in and out of a secondary entrance and save my energy for when I get home to the endless gift boxes I give as gifts in lieu of purchased trinkets.

Whether we're spending the holiday week (or so) trekking the markets for the latest toys or gadgets for those on your list, in the kitchen cooking up batches of cookies, tarts, muffins, freezer meals and cakes, or hitting the gym because we finally have a few moments to ourselves (what?) our poor feet definitely take a beating this time of year. Throw in the high heels from holiday and New Years parties, stray bits of Lego, beads and bells underfoot and the occasional runaway ornament, and our soles will be beyond done come January 2. While we can't always prevent tired tootsies this season, luckily it's beyond easy to whip up a big batch of this sweet, minty, relaxing and detoxifying Candy Cane Foot Soak and keep it in the bathroom cabinet for whenever the need arises. If you're feeling particularly Saint Nick-like, pass along a jar to a shopping buddy. That way, you'll be ready to hit the Boxing Day sales (or the Resolution Rush at the gym) and your toes will smell fabulous too!

Shared with Gluten Free Fridays

Candy Cane Foot Soak
Makes ~6 cups
4 cups Epsom salt
1 cup coarse sea salt
½ cup sugar
1 ½ tbsp pure peppermint extract
leaves from 1 peppermint tea bag (I used Candy Cane Lane Green Tea)
1 tsp red food coloring

1. Place half the salt, sugar and peppermint extract in one bowl, mixing well to disperse extract. Set aside.
2. Place remaining salt, sugar, peppermint extract, peppermint tea leaves and food colouring in another bowl, mixing well to disperse colouring, extract and tea.
3. Layer scoops of coloured and white salt mixture in jars and store in a cool, dry, dark place.

To use:

• Add 2 tbsp to a foot bath or basin of warm water and soak your tired feet for 10-30 minutes. Dry well and moisturize.