Mind Over Meltdown Soap

Move over Martha, we take the quick route to pretty homemade soaps.

Whipping up a few bars of your own soap is about as easy as making "homemade" chocolate-chip cookies (fresh from the cold section of your local grocery store). And the best part? You can't eat soap (well, you can but we wouldn't recommend it). Break out these homemade soaps when you want something pretty in your guest bathroom or to give someone as a gift.

Here's what you do:

Cut the soap block into several large chunks. Melt in a microwave for approximately 40 seconds on high and then in 10-second intervals until melted. Let cool slightly and add color, herbs and fragrance. Pour into molds and let cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Gently release from molds and wrap in brown craft paper and raffia for a pretty presentation.

You'll need:

One block of pure glycerin melt-and-pour soap (available at most craft stores or websites)
Your favorite essential oils or soap-safe fragrance oils (try lemongrass or lavender)
Dried herbs or soap additives like sea kelp or eucalyptus
Soap colorizing powder or dye (optional)
Soap molds (also available at most craft stores)

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Get DIY Ingredients and Supplies:

Do-It-Yourself Tips:

Try out your concoctions on an inconspicuous place like your forearm before you go slathering it all your body and have fun!
Use recipes with perishable food items such as eggs and veggies immediately or store in an airtight container up to one week in the frig.
Vodka, witch hazel, vinegar and lemon juice are natural preservatives and help extend the life of a DIY mixture.
Sugar and salt scrubs generally keep for a couple months as long as the container has a tight seal.
Store aromatherapy massage oils in a dark, well-sealed glass container for up to 6 months.
For gifts, consider separating the dry ingredients from the liquid and giving the recipient directions on how to mix them in one-use increments.