Homemade Aromatic Rub Like Vicks Vapor Rub

Normally I make things from scratch because they are less expensive.  However, sometimes I make them out of necessity.  Such is the case with this aromatic rub.  Our entire family has been ill.  I've had a respiratory illness, my hubster had it, and then our son got it.  While we were using lots of good old fashioned Vicks Vapor Rub, nobody had time to get any from the store!  

Homemade to the rescue!  I looked up the ingredients for the original, and discovered that they consisted of camphor, menthol (peppermint), and eucalyptus in a petroleum base.  A ha!  I had all that!  I mixed some up, experimented with quantities, and came up with a mixture that looked, smelled, and worked exactly like the name brand stuff. 

I like this because you can add as much or as little of the scent as you like.  If you find the name brand is too strong, you can cut back slightly on the oils and then add them in a mixture that is pleasing to you.  I have known people who have also substituted lavender, rosemary, or other oils for the camphor listed because they liked a different scent. 

Homemade Vapor Rub:  

Approximately 1/4 cup unscented petroleum jelly (like Vaseline)

10-12 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10-12 drops peppermint oil 

1/8 teaspoon Campho-Phenique ointment or liquid (this is camphor and makes it more authentic)

OR 

10-12 drops rosemary essential oil  

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the petroleum jelly in 30 second increments, stirring until melted.  When melted enough, add essential oils and stir well to combine.  Pour into container, place lid on, and allow to cool.  

Use as you would Vicks Vapor Rub!  

Medical Disclaimer:  This post is not a substitute for medical care, advice, or consultation.  Please use these recipes and tidbits with common sense, and please be aware of your own allergies and sensitivities and use (or don't use) accordingly.  Thank you! 

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows - Simple Gift

You know you've found a winning combination when your teenage son says, "Mom, these are awesome!"  These are so easy to make and the payoff is huge!  I first made these for a food and craft show that I was attending.  I made the larger chocolate dipped marshmallows to sell and we had tiny mini marshmallows dipped in chocolate for samplers.  Both were a hit!  

Make these, then either wrap them in individual plastic sacks over the top and secure with curly ribbon or do as we did and place Styrofoam in a container, arrange like a flower arrangement, then surround with plastic wrap and top with a bow.  These make a decadent, unique gift that is destined to be a favorite.  

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows:   

• 1 package candy coating such as Candiquick or Chocolate Bark  
• OR 1 package milk chocolate morsels with 1 tablespoon solid shortening or coconut oil added
• 1 package marshmallows 
• toppings such as candy sprinkles, crushed peppermint/candy canes, colored sugar, crushed nuts, etc. 
• lollipop sticks (I bought Wilton, located in the cake decorating aisle at Walmart)
• microwave safe bowl 
• styrofoam covered with plastic wrap (a must!)

Melt candy coating or morsels and oil in microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between times.  Place marshmallows on lollipop sticks, then swirl in coating.  Allow to cool for a moment or two, then dunk in toppings.  Stick these in Styrofoam covered with plastic wrap.  This is a must so that these dry right side up.  If you place them coating side down to dry, they do not come out very pretty.  Allow to cool.  Then either secure in individual 2 x 3 inch plastic sacks secured with ribbon or place floral foam into a container and arrange as you would a flower arrangement.  

You can also use white chocolate/almond bark coating or use colored candy melts found in the candy making section of craft stores to make different colored marshmallow coatings.  

My mother and I spent a Saturday making these and arranging them, then delivering them to relatives.  All of them loved the uniqueness and were even more pleasantly surprised that they were so yummy!  The hardest part is not eating all of them yourself!