Tulsa, OK March 2024

HOME + DESIGN

HOME & GARDEN

INSPIRATION

ENTERTAINMENT

ARE YOU READY FOR POOL SEASON?

LOCAL SERVICES

ROOFING TIPS & HOME STAGING

March – The Home Issue

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the aesthetic and design, but most importantly the people.

Home is where our creative spirit shines. Decorating a spare bedroom or planting flowers to welcome visitors are examples of what makes our house a home. It’s also where memories are made and cherished. Our childhoods are filled with wonder and learning life lessons that we associate with certain people and the area where we lived. For me, home during my teen years brings back memories of good friendships, camping in the waterfall cave but never sleeping because a bear might visit, sledding and biking down dead-man’s hill and crashing with scars to show and stories to tell, sitting around a bonfire with friends on top of Baldy Mountain, and skiing. Home was a tight knit community in the mountains. Now, home is playing with the fur-babies, digging in the flower beds and challenging myself year after year to grow something edible in the veggie garden.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work puts a smile on your face.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most of all - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

COMMUNITY

Our youngest learners go to PE every day with the same coaches who lead our championshipwinning basketball and football teams — building true community.

CREATION

The arts are an integral part of a Holland Hall education. All students share in the creation of music, painting, ceramics, dance and more.

CONNECTION

With a 9:1 student to faculty ratio and deliberately small class sizes, our students truly connect and develop strong relationships and a solid liberal arts education.

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

Now enrolling for the 2024-25 school year.

Gezellig — an event named after the Dutch word for family and togetherness — will be held on April 20, 2024.

This fundraising event combines live and silent auctions with an event straight out of an edgy club — Club G, to be exact.

All proceeds support professional development for faculty, financial aid and enrichment activities.

To sponsor the event, or provide items for a silent or live auction, email  news@hollandhall.org, or go online to hollandhall.org/events

Photography by Holland Hall

Save the date! Join Oklahoma Pet Collective Society for a fun-filled evening of food, live music from The Hype, a silent auction, and more at Studio 308, May 2, 2024 from 6:30-9:30 pm. Sponsors and Auction items are needed. OPCS saves lives of local abandoned, abused and neglected animals by pulling them from local shelters, provides spay/neuter education, helps owners with vet cost assistance, and provides temporary boarding at their  facility for local rescues. Info and tickets at  okpetcollective.org

Photography by Cindy Alvarez

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Holland Hall announces 30th annual golf tournament

Save the date! Holland Hall is hosting their annual golf tournament fundraising event this spring and sponsorship opportunities are open.  The 30th annual golf tournament is set for May 20, 2024 at Meadowbrook Country Club. Proceeds from the golf tournament benefit a new turf field for the field hockey and soccer programs. For tournament information, contact Charlie Brown at  cbrown@ hollandhall.org.

Photography by Holland Hall

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TULSA CUSTOM POOLS

ARTICLE BY BEKI AKINS

For over four decades, Tulsa Custom Pools has stood as a cornerstone in the swimming pool industry, serving Tulsa and its neighboring areas with unwavering dedication and expertise. They are a family-owned business. Josh and Kristin Atkinson both attended ORU and played basketball....a tradition their kids carry on. They understand the importance of creating not just pools, but spaces where memories are made, laughter echoes, and families gather for generations to come.

We reached out to co-owners Josh and his father-in-law, Bob Brady, to find out how their passion and business philosophy have allowed them to be a Tulsa staple for over 40 years. Gratefully acknowledging this milestone, they are appreciative to the community and for the journey marked by resilience and growth.

“We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your every swimming pool need. Whether you're envisioning a custom-built vinyl pool, a sleek fiberglass design, or a complete renovation of your current pool, we have the expertise and resources to bring your dreams to life.

We take immense pride in our ability to handle all phases of construction in-house, ensuring the highest level of quality and craftsmanship in every project we undertake. From the initial consultation to the final finishing touches, you can trust Tulsa Custom Pools to deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations.

Central to our philosophy is the belief that a swimming pool is more than just a recreational amenity; it's a repository of cherished memories and a symbol of family togetherness. That's why we approach each project with a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for creating spaces where families can thrive.

When you choose Tulsa Custom Pools, you're not just investing in a pool; you're investing in a lifetime of memories.”

Countless families have entrusted Tulsa Custom Pools with their swimming pool needs and experienced the difference firsthand. You can visit their showroom in Tulsa or contact them to schedule a consultation and let them turn your vision into reality.

Tulsa Custom Pools 6300 S 105th E Avenue in Tulsa 918.250.0005

TulsaCustomPools.com

YOUR TRUSTED SWIMMING POOL EXPERTS SINCE 1980

“Sweet Visions tile... Good Times Never Seemed So Good. So Good, So Good, So Good!”

CREATE A LUXURIOUS ATMOSPHERE AND SELL YOUR HOME FOR TOP DOLLAR

Luxury

Home Staging

ARTICLE BY ANDREA GARDNER

The Transitions Home Staging team (left to right): Mary Mooney, Alicia Baum, Cindy Gasior, Shelley Parker. Photo: Kim Williamson.

“Effectively marketing a home is an art, strategically positioning it for the highest possible sale price. When a prospective buyer walks through the front door and experiences an immediate emotional connection with the home's ambiance, energy, and beauty, it signals success. This emotional allure ensures they can't resist making that home their own, achieving the seller's mission of top dollar, optimal return on investment, and a swift sale,” explains Amy Cavallin, a top-producing Keller Williams Advantage real estate agent.

“The key to such results lies in meticulous staging. Every home, without exception, deserves a luxurious stage to distinguish itself from the competition. It should be the diamond in the rough, stealing the spotlight among its counterparts. Transitions Home Staging, led by Cindy Gasior and her talented team, has been an invaluable partnership and a competitive advantage in my business, ensuring my clients receive nothing but the best.”

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Visually stunning photos entice buyers to stop scrolling and schedule a showing. Photo: Vast Media.

A picture pretty dining room –luxurious grass cloth, chic furniture and artwork. Photo: Green Country Real Estate Photography.

Professional home staging transforms a space into a luxurious haven, using exquisite furniture and contemporary styling to captivate attention. A professionally staged home goes beyond mere presentation; it's crafted and packaged in a customized, memorable, market-driven manner. This approach respects the home's architecture while appealing to the likely buyers' demographics.

Cindy Gasior, founder of Transitions Home Staging of Tulsa, is one of the best home stagers in the business today. In her 18-year career, she has staged almost 3,000 homes, including award-winners in the Parade of Homes, and been nationally recognized 16 times through the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). The past two years she was named RESA’s Professional Stager of the Year.

To stress the importance of home staging, Cindy emphasizes, "Our homes are usually our most valuable assets – only the best should be used in its marketing and presentation." Staging adds an element of sophistication, making the home and its staging feel expensive, accentuating the positive aspects of the house.

The goal of every staged home is to energize, inspire, and motivate buyers to envision their future in the space – and to do so at top dollar. Though professional staging involves an investment, it pays dividends by enhancing the home's value. In most cases, the investment is more than recouped upon sale. In a market of stiff competition,  staging becomes a crucial differentiator. It transforms listings into visually stunning presentations that entice buyers to stop scrolling and schedule showings.

The beauty of successful home staging is found in the details. Photo: Vast Media.

Lush, magazine-worthy photos of professionally staged homes not only impress but also turn a house into the dream home envisioned by buyers. Each picture tells a compelling story, capturing the emotion, dreams, and possibilities associated with the property. As Gasior observes, "If all we were buying is bricks and mortar, just about any house would do. Instead, we are buying emotion, dreams, and possibilities."

Transitions Home Staging transitionshomestagingtulsa.com 918.914.2144

Organic furniture and fresh styling will bring great attention to a home. Photo: Vast Media.

Professional home staging transforms a room into a luxurious haven. Photo: Green Country Real Estate Photography.

Does Your Roofing Contractor Measure Up?

ARTICLE BY DEBRA LAIZURE

“The SBA reports 96% of roofing contractors are completely out of business within 5 years.”

Storm season has begun. It brings wind and hail, but may blow in “storm chasing” roofing companies from other states. It also brings an influx of brand-new roofing companies that may not have the professional credentials to do the necessary work for homeowners.

We spoke with father-daughter roofing contractors, Dave Laizure and Brooke Laizure, from Whirlwind Roofing & Construction in Bixby, OK about the most important things to consider when hiring a roofing contractor. They offered the following tips to protect yourself, avoid headaches later, and to ensure the best roof or home improvement project for your home.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

State Registration — In Oklahoma, roofing companies are required to file for registration. This is the first step to vet a company to repair your property. Visit the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board at cib.ok.gov to verify your roofing contractor is in good standing and their registration is current. The site will also show the owner’s name, business address, phone number, and renewal date. The CIB number is required to be visible on vehicles, brochures, websites, and contracts.

Proof of Insurance — Ask for a copy of the contractor’s general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and then call the insurance agent to verify coverage. Unfortunately, some companies obtain insurance just to get a state registration number and will quit paying the bill, leaving them (and you) open to liability.

Years in Business — The SBA (Small Business Administration) reports that 80% of roofing contractors fail within the first 2 years. In 5 years, 96% are completely out of business. Roofing contractors that stick around past the five-year threshold achieve their longevity for a good reason—they do great work, pay their bills, and serve their customers well.

Personal Recommendations — Ask your friends about home improvement projects they have done and what the job entailed. Make sure the work is similar to your project. For instance, having a new fence installed is quite different than fabricating a custom copper cupola

or replacing a roofing system. More importantly, ask your friend about their customer experience.

Test Their Knowledge — Ask the roofing contractor questions about the brands and types of shingles they recommend. Ask about the specific building codes in your area and if they are familiar with your neighborhood HOA requirements. Above all, ask about their years of construction experience.

Building Codes — Does the roofing contractor address all aspects of your roofing project? Common building code items include decking, ventilation, protection in the valleys, or adding drip edge to your wood fascia to protect your home from rot. These are simple things to include while installing a roof system that can save you money later and protect your investment from future repairs.

Photo Documentation — Request photos of the roof before and after work is completed. This provides documentation of your repair and proof that it was completed per your signed agreement. Too often, homeowners pay for expensive repairs that are not done correctly.

Warranties — Ask what labor and manufacturer warranties your contractor provides and if they will register your warranty for you. Also check if the roofing contractor has any factory certifications. This means the company has received training and certification from the manufacturer to meet a stringent set of standards and can offer valuable extended warranties.

STORM RESTORATION

Insurance Claims — Insurance companies are notorious for leaving items out of your estimate, which could cost you thousands in out-of-pocket expenses. Be careful about roofers claiming to be insurance claim “specialists.” Can they read and explain to you each line item in your insurance paperwork and tell you what is and what is not included? Make sure the contractor is certified to use insurance property estimating software programs such as Xactimate. Level 3 is the highest certification.

Storm Chasers — Hire a local contractor. They will be here for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

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Does the roofer have an Oklahoma license plate on their truck? If not, they may be here today, and gone tomorrow.

Door Knockers — Beware of roofing companies that flood your neighborhood after a storm. They tend to be aggressive and will pressure you into signing a contract. These companies tend to concentrate on quantity, not quality.

Deductibles — The biggest red flag in hiring a roofing contractor is if they offer to “absorb your deductible.” Although tempting, it is illegal and any contractor offering to do so is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner.

BUYER BEWARE

No Brick and Mortar — Choose a roofing contractor with an office or product showroom that you can visit. Roofing companies with a physical location have made an investment in their community and offer a safe place to discuss your project and review product samples and colors.

Tricks and Gimmicks — Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers such as $1,000 off your roof, zero-dollar deductible programs, or extremely low payments. Always read

the fine print and ask for clarity on any special offers and make sure any verbal promises are put in writing.

Vague Estimates — Beware of estimates that are vague and only have a price and no details of materials or the roofing system to be used. Estimates should also include photo documentation, terms and conditions, payment options, and “good, better, best” choices for your project.

Not Signing a Contract — Always get the details in writing. Contracts protect you and eliminate any oral promises and fluffy language that can be misconstrued.

Money Up Front — Be wary of roofers asking to be paid in full before starting work. You may never see them again! However, it is customary for a local company to ask for half down prior to the job for materials and the rest after completion.

Excessive Google Reviews — Read the company’s reviews for authenticity. Hundreds of 5-star reviews without a personal testimonial is a sign of purchased reviews. Franchised roofing companies can use all their company locations’ reviews, making them appear to have a larger local presence.

Swan Lake

A retrospective look inside a mid-century charmer in one of Tulsa’s most desirable neighborhoods

ARTICLE BY DEBRA LAIZURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHUTTER HOUSE TOURS

Austin and Sally Rutledge are embracing lake living at its finest. Built in 1951, their home is in the historic Swan Lake neighborhood and is quintessentially mid-century modern. The couple purchased the midtown home “as-is” and have spent the past six years lovingly transforming it into their family’s home.

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The Rutledge’s have fostered a warm and welcoming environment where family and friends can enjoy the lake together.

Opposite: Interior design provided by Transitions Home Staging.

Above: The large picture window anchors the main living room with spectacular views of Swan Lake.

Right: Swan Lake is home to a collection of native waterfowl maintained by the Swan Lake Waterfowl Society and Tulsa Parks.

The home’s exceptional location, facing the lake, invites a flood of natural light to pour through the interior and offers breathtaking views from the living room and kitchen windows. The couple says the midtown location is hard to beat, but the culture and community that exists on Swan Lake is truly special.

Sally says, “Gardening is a passion of ours and we have devoted countless hours landscaping the outdoor spaces. The tulips are the first to bloom, followed by stunning purple and pink azaleas around the porch and front picture window. The garden then bursts into an array of colors as peonies, roses, and hydrangeas bloom.”

The Rutledge’s cherish their home and enjoy hosting dinners on their deck overlooking Swan Lake. According to Austin, “Living on Swan Lake expands your circle of neighbors. The people who live around the lake are all quite connected.”

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Above: The opalescent fireplace tile offers a fresh play on patterns.

Opposite: The outdoor entertaining space offers spectacular views of the lake.

“The midtown location is hard to beat, but the culture and community that exists on Swan Lake is truly special.”

Top: The quaint built-in breakfast nook overlooks Swan Lake.

Left: The MCM chandelier adds a bit of glam to the newly remodeled kitchen.

Right: Smart and stylish finishes create a clean, modern workspace.

2023 Tulsa Home & Garden Show volunteers.

The Home Remodeling Showcase is an annual fundraising event featuring renovation projects.

THE TULSA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Seventy-Five Years of Innovation and Inspiration

The Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa was founded by a group of forward-thinking Tulsa businessmen meeting at a Tulsa hotel in 1941. These men hoped home sales would boom once the Second World War ended. They reached out and networked with other home-building groups across the United States. In 1942, through the National Association of Home Builders of the United States (NAHB), the Tulsa group became the Tulsa Home Builders Association (Tulsa HBA).

In 1949, an innovative idea took root, sparking the creation of the first-ever "New-Homes Product Show." Little did the organizers know that this inaugural event, later known as The Home & Garden Show, would become a

time-honored tradition, standing the test of seventy-five years and evolving into the prestigious Tulsa Home & Garden Show we know today.

The maiden event, held in a humble skating arena, laid the foundation for a spectacular journey that has brought together homeowners, remodelers, landscapers, and enthusiasts of all things related to homes and gardens. Over the years, this annual extravaganza has transformed into a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends, cutting-edge products, and expert advice in home and garden improvement, spanning the Sage Net Center at the Expo Square. It takes over 150 volunteers of the Tulsa HBA’s 1,100 memberships to make this show a reality, a testament to the strong community spirit that is the Tulsa HBA.

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ARTICLE BY KATRINA MARIE MEACHAM

As we celebrate the diamond anniversary of the Tulsa Home & Garden Show, the Tulsa HBA has something special in store for attendees: $40,000 in Show Bucks will be given away over the event's four days. You only need to visit the Burnett Home Improvement Booth near the Golden Driller entrance to participate in this opportunity. Use the QR code to sign up for the daily drawing, and you could be one of the lucky winners of Show Bucks. These Show Bucks can only be redeemed at participating vendors throughout this year’s event, allowing you to purchase products or services that enhance your home and garden dreams.

The Tulsa Home & Garden Show is only one of the many public events the Tulsa HBA produces. March 7-10, 2024, Tulsa HBA presents the Tulsa Home & Garden Show at the SageNet Center at the Expo and the Claremore Home & Garden Show, March 22-23, 2024, at the Claremore Expo. April and May bring about the Designer Showcase Tulsa, highlighting local designers' work as they redecorate a house in the Tulsa Metro area. Highlighting new homes is the Parade of Homes in June. And wrapping up the year in September with the Remodeling Showcase, which is the transformation of an outdated area of a home or a total home remodel.

Encouraging Tulsans to engage with builders, designers, remodelers, and other home and garden professionals is a key aspect of the Tulsa HBA’s mission. These events allow for those interactions to take place. Check out TulsaHBA.com or call 918-663-5820 for more information. Here is to seventy-five years of the Tulsa Home & Garden Show and many more years of turning houses into homes and your garden into an oasis.

“We are proud that the Tulsa HBA has produced the Tulsa Home & Garden Show for seventy-five years and that it has become a staple of springtime activities in the Tulsa Metro area,” said Carl Novara, this year’s 75th Anniversary chairperson. He continued, “We hope that this year’s introduction of Show Bucks will inspire more people to come out, enjoy a day at the show, and shop with our vendors.”

ARTICLE BY ANDREA GARDNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TULSA GARDEN CENTER

Native Plants for Oklahoma Gardens

SHOP FOR THESE NATIVE OKLAHOMA PLANTS AND MORE AT SPRINGFEST

Smooth Hydrangea

A native to eastern Oklahoma.  With large white blooms all summer long, it’s hard to believe this species is more tolerant of heat, sun, and drought than its cousin the Bigleaf Hydrangea.

American Beautyberry

A showstopper in all four seasons. Bright purple berries mature in late summer and become a focal point when the leaves fall off during autumn.  Beautyberry can be trained or left to its whimsical nature.

Common Rose Mallow

A great choice for areas that tend to hold moisture.  This hardy hibiscus boasts large flowers that attract hummingbirds and wow dinner guests.

Indian Blanket Flower

Oklahoma’s state wildflower is a must-have for any native plant enthusiast. Bright red blooms are a favorite of pollinators and stand out after the rest of the garden has given in to the summer heat.

Events & Workshops

The Tulsa Garden Center offers horticultural educational opportunities. To learn more and preregister for workshops, visit tulsagarden center.org.

• Venus Flytrap Workshop: March 7, 6-8 pm

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events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST - 24TH

Cynthia Marcoux: Beaded Memories

108 Contemporary, 108 E Reconciliation Way Tulsa, OK 74103 | 6:00 PM

See Oklahoma artist Cynthia Marcoux's exhibition, Beaded Memories, at 108 Contemporary in the Tulsa Arts District through March 24th. This exhibition is a collection of items that have been transformed with beads into long-lasting gem-like tributes to Marcoux’s childhood. Find out more at 108contemporary.org

MARCH 1ST

Candy & Toy Bundles and Children’s Storytime at Tulsa Toy Depot

10114 S. Sheridan RD Tulsa, OK 74133 | 11:00 AM

Do all of your Easter shopping in one place with lots of toys, candy and chocolate to choose from! Children’s Storytime on Thursdays is popular with Miss Carol Meyer, Tulsa’s finest kids entertainer. Carol leads the kids in music and story-telling each week for 30 minutes of great active fun for the little ones. tulsatoydepot.com

MARCH 1ST

Tulsa Stained Glass Events

Tulsa Stained Glass, 4131 S Sheridan RD Tulsa, OK 74145

Enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can be creative and express yourself at Tulsa Stained Glass. Make and take home a beautiful leaded stained glass project or a stained glass mosaic. Or enjoy a wine tasting and glass painting class and they’ve just added rock painting classes! Buy tickets and see the full class schedule at tulsastainedglass.com.

MARCH 10TH

Cabinet of Wonders

Bob Dylan Center, 116 E Reconciliation Way Tulsa, OK 74103 | 7:00 PM

The multitalented singer-songwriter-impresario Wesley Stace, aka John Wesley Harding, will bring his Cabinet of Wonders extravaganza to Tulsa for the very first time on March 10th. This one-of-a-kind variety show features Stace in performance alongside celebrated musicians, writers and comedians.

A 600-acre private estate along the Arkansas River was enhanced by adding a timber frame cabin, creating miles of nature trails, constructing a dam, installing a bridge, and planting thousands of trees -- all while protecting critical wildlife and dealing with ever-changing water levels

Want to be featured?

MARCH 13TH

Women's Business Leadership Conference

Cox Business Convention Center, 403 S Houston Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 | 9:00 AM

Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma International Women's Forum invite women in business to come together to hear from speakers who are known locally and nationally for their entrepreneurial success, women’s health knowledge, and business development skills. Learn more and register at business.okstate.edu

MARCH 21ST - 24TH

Romeo & Juliet

TPAC, 110 E 2nd St Tulsa, OK 74103 | 7:00 PM

See the Tulsa Ballet perform this emotionally stunning ballet, combining intensity and passion to portray William Shakespeare’s tragic story of two star-crossed lovers. Find out more and buy tickets at tulsapac.com.

MARCH 26TH - 31ST

To Kill a Mockingbird

TPAC, 110 E 2nd St Tulsa, OK 74103 | 7:30 PM

See Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork at the TPAC beginning March 26th. View showtimes and purchase tickets at tulsapac.com.

MARCH 29TH

Tulsa Oilers Vs. Wichita Thunder

BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 | 7:00 PM

See Tulsa's professional hockey team play the Wichita Thunder at the BOK Center. Buy tickets and view all games at tulsaoilers.com

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com