HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA.

Tis the season--for emptying your bank account. I adore the holiday season, and all of it's festivities, and spending what seems like extra-quality, enjoyable time with family and dear friends...but the pressure to buy all your loved-ones gifts often means I find myself stressing over the funds in our bank account. So, if you're on a rather right budget like moi, check out this amazing gift idea via my best friend Kendall. Not only is it super thrifty, but it's super cute--and super handy--meaning you'll actually use it. I don't know about you, but more often than not all those stocking stuffers and gag gifts I get end up at Goodwill, because, well...I can't stand clutter and I simply don't have room to harbor them. That, too, musters up a lot of guilt. So, here you go: a guilt-free, stress-free, money-saving gift that's entirely ahh-mazing and smells good, too :)

HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT LAUNDRY SOAP

THE RECIPE: (thank you, Kendall, for sharing!)

 and yes, it's safe for HE washers!

3 T naptha bar soap, grated (like Dr. Bronner's peppermint castille soap)

4 T washing soda 

4 T borax

5 C cold water

3/4 C hot water

30-40 drops essential oils (peppermint is good for the holidays)

Melt the grated soap with the 3/4 C water in a pot on the stove. Stir frequently. When melted, remove from heat. When mixture has cooled a bit, add the cold water, washing soda, borax, and essential oils. Then, divvy out among mason jars (or, if making it for yourself, store it in an old laundry dispenser container). Shake it up, and voila!

And, a little tip: throwing it in the blender will help emulsify everything!

Use 1/4 C of your concoction to wash a full load.

So, if you're going to be super cute like Kendall, you'd print out the recipe on a little tag and tie it around the mason jar. 

And cover the jar with some festive fabric, of course:

--If you're lucky enough to live near an ikea, this fabric would be perfect.

--This green gingham and this red gingham would be super festive and far from cheesy

--And how about this non-traditional, Amy Butler fabric? It may not be very holiday-ish, but I'm loving how it would look with some thick red yarn tied around the jar.

Have a happy start to your December holidays!

Hope this inspires you to enjoy your gift giving.