Homemade Laundry Detergent and Photo Loves

It's Monday which in our house usually means catching up from the weekend's craziness, lots of cleaning, and low key fun.  The boys and I spent last week at the beach with hubby's parents and are trying to get caught up and rested from our long trip.  I did capture the sunrise while we were on our hour long ferry ride from island to mainland and it was stunning!

We are glad to be back home!  One of the things going on vacation means for us is that we always have a TON of laundry to do when we get home.  I've been making/using my own homemade laundry detergent for over 2 years now and I LOVE it!  One batch lasts our family of 4 apx. 6 months or longer.  I addition to the laundry detergent I also use fabric softener just for extra scent!  I like my laundry to smell clean and fresh!

I get the question a lot as to what's my recipe so here it is- try it out... you won't regret that you did!

Homemade Washing Powder

16 cups Baking Soda

12 cups Borax

8 cups grated Castile Soap or Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

3 Tablespoons of Lavender, Lemon, or Grapefruit Essential Oil

Combine the baking soda, borax, and grated soap in a large container.  Add the essential oil and stir with a whisk to incorporate well.  Use 1/8 cup of powder per load.

I find the best prices for me to get essential oil in bulk is through Amazon - $21.99 gets you a 4 oz bottle of lavendar oil here which would last you for several batches of laundry detergent.

I definitely find myself enjoying doing laundry and love the money that's saved by not having to buy detergent all the time.

Here are a few pictures of my loves-

Little W on our way home from vacation... cannot believe this little one is almost 1!

And the many faces of B-

I will be spending the day with these loves!

Loves,

Laura

Oh for the Love of Leopard Flats

One of my staples lately has been anything and everything leopard... because didn't you know that Leopard is a neutral?!  Yup you heard me right... leopard goes with pretty much EVERYTHING.  I am super picky about the type of leopard print that I buy... some call me a leopard snob but it's gotta be right or I cannot wear it.  I own a super old pair of leopard ballet flats from Payless that they no longer carry but these pairs from Target are super cute and affordable!  Not to mention that you can buy 1 pair get one 1/2 off right now!- that's a wonderful deal if I do say so myself.

1. Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Ona Scrunch Ballet Flat in Leopard $16.99

2. Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Dedra Flat in animal print $24.99

3. Women's Odell Ballet Flat in animal print $14.99

4. Women's Loretta Sneakers in animal print $16.99

I'm loving these cute affordable options and have been on the hunt for some leopard print slip on sneakers for awhile now... ever since I saw these cute inspiration pictures on pinterest below.

Source: here

Source: here

What Leopard are you rocking lately??

Loves,

Laura

Vintage Jewelry Finds

Some people may not know it but I have a LOVE of vintage jewelry.  My collection has grown over the past few years... adding a few pieces here and there when I find something worthwhile.  There is a little shop in Ocracoke, NC that I go to every time to find treasures.  I usually never leave empty handed.  This time I found a few super amazing pieces that I cannot wait to start wearing.

Check these sparkly treasures...

2 lovely rings and 2 pair of vintage clip on earrings

2 pendant necklaces!

A sneak peek of my new jumpsuit- I just love this fabric!

What are your favorite vintage jewelry finds?

Loves,

Laura

Parka Splurge

So I've been hunting for an olive green anorak (parka) coat for awhile now.  I've looked at countless thrift stores, EBay, various online stores and haven't found anything that looked like what I was looking for that didn't cost a small fortune.... until now.

GAP sent me an email with a gorgeous parka... exactly what I've been looking for- and it was on sale from $168.00 to $134.00 and I had a 30% off coupon.  So I snatched it right up for $94.00 including shipping!  Honestly I hate spending a lot of money on anything fashion related unless it is going to be something that I will keep around for a super long time if not forever and this coat fit the bill.  Shipping is always free at GAP.com for orders over $50.00- Use code HAPPY to save an additional 30% right now!

I CANNOT wait to get it in the mail and wear it this fall/winter and many years to come.

On Sale right now for $134.40 at GAP.com here

This one was also a huge contender also at GAP.com for $117.60- here

If you want the look but a cheaper alternative Forever21 has a great option that I almost bought.  The only reason that I didn't is because I wanted a high quality coat that was thicker for the winter and that would last me a super long time.  But for $47.90 this coat is ADORABLE even if it only lasts for a few seasons.

Find it at Forever 21 here

Here is another cute budget-friendly option from Forever 21 for only $27.80!  

Find it at Forever 21 here

I'm trying to bulk up my jacket selection a bit since I only own a few options- all of which have been very budget friendly.  I'm excited to finally have a jacket that is waterproof, warm, and super cute!

And you know it's going to be like Christmas for this gal when it finally arrives in the mail!

What jacket styles are you loving lately??  Trench? Wool? Parkas? Blazers?

Loves,

Laura

Printed Jumpsuit

So I may have thrifted a fun green Aztec printed jumpsuit today for $3.74.  This is a fun trend I've been dying to try but not spend a ton of money on.  Here's to hoping it fits me... and if it doesn't than I have a super fun jumpsuit to sell on EBay.

This one is only $15.99 from Boohoo- here

This one is from Neiman Marcus and is a more expensive option here

The fun thing with these is that you can wear them in the fall with ankle boots and a solid blazer or cardigan for warmth and to pull your look together.  Stay tuned for pictures of my new printed jumpsuit- here's to hoping it fits!

Loves,

Laura

Welcome... What is Laura's Loves?

Hi Y'all!

Welcome to Laura's Loves!  You may have been following me over at Marriage, Home, Baby the past few years but now you will find me over here.  Marriage, Home, Baby just wasn't the blog I was envisioning for myself, and now with all the things that I want to share with you- the name just didn't fit.  There are so many things that I'm into... that I LOVE and "Marriage, home, baby" was putting me into a box that just didn't fit. 

Here at Laura's Loves I will be sharing about anything and everything I LOVE and am into including but not limited to the following: Fashion, Beauty, Interior Design, Fitness, Food, Shopping, Photography, Thrifting, My kids, My husband, My home, Clean eating, and MUCH more.  This blog will be all about my loves.

I hope that you will join me on this new journey as I share myself with you!

That gorgeous orchid I grabbed for just $4.98 at our local Home Depot... Isn't it just beautiful!?

Loves,

Laura