Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

Discover how to make a balanced, nourishing shampoo soap bar using the hot process method. This recipe combines gentle, hair-friendly oils like olive and sweet almond with cleansing coconut oil and conditioning castor oil. We use chamomile tea as the liquid for a soothing effect, plus aloe vera and honey to hydrate and soften your scalp and hair.

Hibiscus powder adds a beautiful natural color and extra strength. This shampoo bar is perfect for anyone looking for a natural, eco-friendly alternative to commercial shampoos. Give it a try and enjoy healthy, shiny hair with every wash!

Base Oils (845g total):

• Coconut Oil – 250g

• Olive Oil – 300g

• Castor Oil – 45g

• Sweet Almond Oil – 150g

• Shea Butter – 100g

Lye Solution:

• Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): 118.7g

• Chamomile Tea (cooled): 260g

Additives (after cook):

• Aloe Vera Gel – 50g
• Honey – 1 tsp (don’t skip!)
• Lavender Essential Oil – 15–20g
• Hibiscus Powder – 1–2 tsp (pre-mixed in warm oil)

Step 1

Prepare Chamomile Tea & Lye Solution:
Brew strong chamomile tea using hot water and let it cool to room temperature. Slowly add sodium hydroxide (lye) to the chamomile tea while stirring gently—never pour water into lye! This reaction generates heat, so set the mixture aside to cool down to about 100–110°F (38–43°C).
⚠️ Safety first: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling lye.

Step 2

Measure & Melt Oils:
Weigh all oils (coconut, olive, castor, sweet almond, shea butter) separately. Melt them together gently in a slow cooker or double boiler until fully liquid. Cool the oils to approximately 110–120°F (43–49°C).

Step 3

Check Temperatures:
Ensure both the lye solution and oils are between 100–120°F (38–49°C) and within 10°F (5°C) of each other. This helps avoid separation or unwanted reactions during mixing.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

Safety First: Always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a mask. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated.

Coloring Options: Add natural colorants like moringa powder for a beautiful, gentle finish.

Testing: Use pH strips to ensure your soap is safe, aiming for a pH between 7 and 10. Test if it’s bubbly—bubbles indicate successful saponification.

• Olive Oil: 400 g
• Coconut Oil: 250 g
• Shea Butter: 150 g
• Cocoa Butter: 100 g
• Castor Oil: 50 g

Lye Solution:

• Distilled Water: 300 ml
• Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 140 g

Additives:

• Moringa Powder: 1-2 teaspoons
• Essential Oils: 20-40 ml (optional, for fragrance; e.g., lavender, peppermint, or tea tree)

Step 1

Prepare the Lye Solution:

Carefully add the lye to the distilled water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool to 100-110°F (37-43°C).

Step 2

Melt and Mix the Oils:

Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter in the slow cooker. Add the olive oil and castor oil. Allow the mixture to cool to 100-110°F (37-43°C).

Step 3

Combine Lye and Oils:

Pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until trace.

Cook the soap mixture in the slow cooker on low, stirring every 15 minutes, until it reaches the mashed potato stage and appears glossy and translucent.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

Discover the joy of natural Easter egg decorating with three vibrant methods using ingredients from your kitchen.

From the classic hues of cabbage water to the golden glow of turmeric and the earthy tones of onion peels, these techniques yield beautifully colored eggs.

Experiment with patterns using pretty leaves for an extra touch of creativity. Let’s celebrate Easter with nature’s palette! 🥚🎀🌸

• White eggs (the natural color of the eggshells will enhance the final colors)
• Red cabbage (for the cabbage water dye)
• Turmeric powder (for the turmeric dye)
• Onion peels (red, brown, or mixed, for the onion peel dye)
• Vinegar (helps the dye adhere to the eggshells)
• Baking soda (optional, for creating lighter shades)
• Water
• Pretty leaves (optional, for creating leaf patterns)
• Transparent pantyhose parts (optional, for securing the leaves to the eggs)

Step 1

Classic Cabbage Water Dye:

Chop or shred the red cabbage into small pieces.

In a pot, combine the chopped cabbage with enough water to fully cover the eggs.

Add a splash of vinegar to the pot to help the dye adhere to the eggshells.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Once the water has turned a deep blue or purple color, remove the cabbage pieces using a slotted spoon.

Carefully add the pre-cooked white eggs to the cabbage water and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

For a lighter shade, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in the cabbage water before adding the eggs.

Once the eggs reach the desired color, remove them from the cabbage water and let them cool.

Step 2

Vibrant Turmeric Dye:

In a pot, mix 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with enough water to cover the eggs.

Add a splash of vinegar to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Carefully add the pre-cooked white eggs to the turmeric water and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Once the eggs reach a vibrant yellow color, remove them from the turmeric water and let them cool.