DIY ESSENTIAL OIL LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Hopefully by now you're an avid IFF follower and are familiar with our recurring DIY series; a collaboration with Anna Liesemeyer from In Honor of Design. If not, then see here and here (no hard feelings) ;) Check out our repost from IHOD below!
I have been trying to find ways to integrate essential oils into our lifestyle more since there are hundreds of benefits from them. I was already using this detergent recipe (which literally comes out to 1 cent per load!). I added a few essential oils to enhance the smell but also reap the health benefits. Have you all seen Lindsay Coletta’s work yet? She is an all star when it comes to floral design and she styled this shoot for me! And you might be able to guess by how beautiful these photos turned out that the photography is by Haley Sheffield. My dream team! - Anna
Ingredients:
Lavender or Lemon Essential Oil
Balance Essential Oil blend
1/2 c. Borax
1 Bar Soap (I use Fels-Naptha or Ivory)
1 c. Baking Soda
5 Gallon Bucket
To use as gifts, head to Hobby Lobby in the bottle section for those pictured above! You can add some lemons and flowers to complete a gift basket:)
Instructions: There are several versions for the base detergent on the web, but this is what I have found most successful.
1) Grate your entire bar of soap with a cheese grater.
2) Boil a teapot of water and add 5 cups to a pan. Add your grated soap bar. Stir over medium with a wooden spoon until fully melted.
3) Fill your 5 gallon bucket with hot water and stir in the borax, baking soda, and soap mixture till dissolved. Use a giant ladel or spoon to stir.
4) Add in several drops of each essential oil you choose to use. This will enhance the smell and benefit stress and anxiety relief!
5) Fill the rest of the bucket with cold water and stir again. Cover and let sit overnight.
6) In the morning you will have a gel type liquid. You may need to stir it up before you use each time.
LITTLE BARN APOTHECARY
At IFF, we are lovers of shopping local and discovering new Georgia-based brands. During a trip to Atlanta's Root City Market, we were introduced to Joshua Morgan and Brad Scoggins, creators of Little Barn Apothecary. Founded in Stone Mountain just earlier this year, Little Barn has already made a big name for themselves as they were recently featured in Vogue, Elle and InStyle as one of the Best Natural Beauty brands. They are stocked in shops in 15 + states as well as Panama and Canada along with online carriers such as Urban Outfitters.
Joshua is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Brad grew up in a farm community in Cordele, Georgia. Currently, they live in Stone Mountain, Georgia and create simple and plant-based apothecary goods from wild-harvested, certified organic ingredients. Right now, LBA carries nearly three dozen small-batch items, including soaks, washes, scrubs, oils, balms, salves, naturally scented air waters, and more.
In 2012, Josh and Brad began researching botanicals and experimenting at home with recipes for simple self-care products. They shared some of the items with friends and family, who responded with enthusiastic requests for more! After expanding the line to include today’s core selection, they debuted Little Barn Apothecary to the public. The idea was born from a passion to create unique formulas as a substitute for the chemical-laden skincare that’s so prevalent today. Together, they love educating people on the benefits of using herbs and botanicals. From recipe testing to packaging design to shipping, Josh and Brad handle each step of the process. They select ingredients not only for their intoxicating scents but for their unique healing properties.
Making use of the South’s long growing season, Joshua and Brad grow most of Little Barn Apothecary’s ingredients in their backyard garden or source them from nearby farmers markets. By committing to whole and certified organic ingredients, Little Barn Apothecary creates goods from scratch that are 100% safe, naturally potent, and highly effective.
“The goal of Little Barn Apothecary is to be an everyday and affordable brand that feels like a treat. We believe in the power of nature and want to bring luxurious, natural options to the market. Our brand is a reminder to slow down, enjoy daily rituals, and keep it simple. ”
IFF BEAUTY: DIY ESSENTIAL OIL BODY BUTTER
Since photographing this DIY session with Anna Leisemeyer of In Honor of Design, I have not found another moisturizer/body butter to love more! The scent is out of this world plus it goes on smoothly and absorbs beautifully into your skin. The body butter is a great homemade moisturizer and also serves as a sweet gift for friends, family, co-workers, fellow yogi's, etc. Plus the innumerable benefits of essential oils make this DIY project the gift that truly keeps on giving. Find the recipe and instructions below:
INGREDIENTS:
Wild Orange Essential Oil – 10-12 drops
Balance Essential Oil Blend – 10-12 drops
1 c. Shea Butter
1/2 c. Coconut Oil
1/2 c. Avocado, Almond, or Olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 • Use a double broiler and place shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado, olive, or almond oil in the top. Bring water to a boil.
2 • Stir until the substances are melted and blending. Remove from heat. Add in essential oils and stir again.
3 • Cover and place in the fridge to set.
4 • Using a mixer, beat the mix until it has a fluffier blended look and feel.
Recipe originally posted on Style Me Pretty Living by Anna Leisemeyer. Photographs by Haley Sheffield. Florals by Lindsay Coletta.