Scented Bath and Shower Gel

Source: Richard Elskoe

1 bar castile soap grated (we use Ivory)
1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon table salt
5 to 10 drops essential or fragrance oil (optional)

Add the grated bar of soap to 1 cup of boiling water in the blender and set on "whip." Add essential oil and mix well. Cool the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes and whip again. Add cold water to the mixture until you have 6 cups. Whip the mixture again. Pour it into a storage container and let it cool. Do not place a lid on the container. Fill a pump dispenser with the shower gel. Shake before using.

** This can also be used as a bubble bath!!

***When the recipe calls for a castile soap that means a white type of soap such as Ivory or a store brand. You can also use liquid castile soap, Ivory liquid hand soap or a similar store brand.

To make shower gel with liquid castile soap, follow these instructions:

1/2 cup castile soap (castile hand
    soap works fine too, we use Ivory)
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon table salt
5 to 10 drops essential oil, fragrance oil or
    perfume oil (any scent you prefer)

Pour shampoo into a bowl and add water. Stir gently until well mixed. Add salt, and stir until mixture thickens. Add essential oil, fragrance oil or perfume oil and place in pourable plastic bottle.

~ You may add 1 tablespoon of honey for a different variety. This is great with a vanilla scented gel.

~ If you would like a more moisturizing gel, you may add a 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E, sunflower or sesame oil.

~ Essential oils may be purchased on eBay. Fragrance and perfume oils can be found at $1 stores, Wal-Mart, or at craft stores.