Hi there! I’m Laura, the hands-on creator and photographer behind Our Oily House.
Here, you will find easy DIYs to create a natural home for your family. Fueled by a passion for natural living, I have spent the last ten-plus years creating bath and beauty DIYs, natural cleaners, room sprays and many more.
A little Background About Me
It all began in 2013 when, as a new mom, I was determined to create a natural, sustainable environment for my family. This ignited a passion for natural living that has shaped my life and this blog.
I believe that everyone deserves access to natural, affordable products, and that’s why I’m committed to sharing my knowledge and expertise with you.
Through years of hands-on experience, dedicated learning, and certifications, Iโve developed the skills needed to create practical, approachable DIY recipes, like my homemade natural conditioner and rosemary oil recipe for hair. Iโve also taken multiple courses focused on essential oils, natural skincare, soap making, and sustainable living to deepen my understanding and refine my methods.
Fast forward ten years and hundreds of DIY projects later, Our Oily House has grown into a trusted resource for anyone looking to embrace a more natural lifestyle at home.
Readers enjoy everything from my handmade beeswax candles to my homemade whipped body butter. I still remember my very first recipe. It was a simple homemade laundry soap. I loved it so much, I ended up making five gallons! That same recipe has been made by thousands of readers and continues to be a favorite on this blog.
Today, millions of readers visit Our Oily House every year in search of practical, natural alternatives that fit into everyday life.
Training and Expertise
Behind every recipe and tutorial I share is a strong foundation of hands-on training and specialized coursework. Over the years, Iโve taken multiple courses to deepen my knowledge of essential oils, natural skincare, eco-conscious living, and sustainable DIY practices.
These certifications and trainings allow me to create practical, approachable recipes that are not only effective but also aligned with a natural, low-waste lifestyle. My goal is always to make everyday routines simpler, cleaner, and more intentional.
- dลTERRA Essential Oil Specialist Certification
Gained foundational knowledge in essential oil sourcing, usage, and safe applicationโparticularly for home and lifestyle use.
This certification was completed through dลTERRA, a recognized leader in essential oil education and quality standards. - Fully Accredited Professional Aromatherapy Diploma (CTAA)
Studied in-depth blending techniques, safety guidelines, and the science behind essential oils, equipping me with a professional-level understanding of aromatherapy.
This course was taught by Dr. Karen E. Wells and accredited by the Complementary Therapists Accredited Association (CTAA). - Complete Organization Masterclass โ Decluttering & Time Management
Learned effective systems for simplifying routines, managing time, and organizing spaces, skills I bring into my approach to DIY and natural living.
This course was completed through Udemy, focusing on practical strategies for personal productivity and home organization. - Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils for Natural Living (5 CE)
Trained in blending, diffuser use, DIY product formulation, and essential oil safety, along with natural alternatives for personal care and home use.
This continuing education course was taken through Udemy and covered safe, creative ways to use essential oils around the home. - Natural Beauty: Natural Cosmetic Preservation
Learned how to properly preserve water-based products to ensure they remain safe and shelf-stable, along with essential knowledge for formulating DIY skincare like lotions and creams.
This course was completed through Udemy and focused on best practices for natural cosmetic preservation. - Certified Aromatherapy Candle Making
Developed skills in formulating natural, eco-friendly candles using essential oils for scent and ambiance, while learning proper wick sizing, burn testing, and material selection.
This certification course was taken through Udemy, with a focus on natural aromatherapy techniques in candle making. - How to Make Soap โ Homemade Soap Making for Beginners
Gained hands-on experience creating cold-process soap from scratch, understanding ingredient functions, proper measurements, and recipe development.
This practical course was completed on Udemy and emphasized making soap with natural, kitchen-friendly ingredients. - Natural Beauty: How to Make Lotions, Creams and Body Butters
Learned how to formulate custom skincare using natural oils and butters, with guidance on ingredient selection, equipment, and creating texture-rich, nourishing products.
This course was taught by herbalist and natural beauty formulator Jennifer Schroeder on Udemy. - Use Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve Your Life
Built knowledge in green interior design principles, learning how to reduce environmental impact through eco-conscious choices in the home.
This course was taken on Udemy and focused on practical, sustainable choices for every room of the home.
My Work
My blog has been featured in The Spruce, Business Insider, Marie Clare, MSN, Homes and Gardens, Tom’s Guide, Yahoo, Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Southern Living, The Penny Hoarder, and many more.
I wrote, photographed and published a book called ‘Natural Remedies for Your Home & Health.’ Inside, you’ll find 60+ recipes for cleaning and beauty.
More about me and my Blog
Absolutely! I’m a hands-on creator and tester. Every DIY recipe you find on Our Oily House has been made and used by me personally.
No, I don’t sell any of the products featured on Our Oily House. My goal is to empower you to create your own natural products at home. By providing free, easy-to-follow recipes, I aim to make natural living accessible and affordable to everyone.
I strive to post new content regularly, including blog posts, videos, and social media updates. You can subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated on the latest DIY projects and tips.
I use a Canon 80D with a 25mm, 50mm, and a 24-70mm lens.
Watch my Latest YouTube Video!
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to simplify my life and create a warm, inviting home. Join me as I share my favorite recipes, cleaning tips, and organizational hacks.
Lets Stay Connected
Our Oily House on Facebook. On Facebook, I share regular updates, live videos, and interact with our community. It’s a great place to catch the latest tips and join the conversation about natural living!
Our Oily House Instagram. Follow me on Instagram for DIY projects, behind-the-scenes looks at Our Oily House, and daily stories that give you insights into our natural lifestyle.
Our Oily House YouTube Channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for comprehensive video tutorials on making your own DIY creations, from homemade skincare to natural household cleaners. I love showing the process and sharing tips that will make your projects successful.
Our Oily House Pinterest. Join my vibrant community on Pinterest, where I’m pinning inspiration for a natural and joyful lifestyle daily. Follow me for an aesthetically pleasing array of DIYs, recipes, natural living tips, and much more.
With boards tailored to your favorite homemade solutions and green living ideas, you’re sure to find something that sparks your creativity and passion for a healthy home.
My Top Posts
Tid Bits about me
- I am one of 4 girls, and I absolutely love it! I am very close to all my sisters. We all hang out at least once a week.
- I am 100% extroverted, and my husband is 100% introverted; we learned how to make this work.
- I grew up on 400 acres. We lived on our family’s own racetrack and raised elk. I have VERY fond childhood memories.
- I have been skydiving. This was before kids, though it was super fun; I would never do it again now that I am a mama!
- I love to water ski and snow ski.
- I LOVE sushi, and you will find my husband and I at our favorite local sushi joint on all of our date nights. I mean, why fix what isn’t broken?!
What can you do to help?
I am so glad you asked! Because this site is meant to enlighten each and every reader, we would love for you to send us your recommendations on what DIY project you would like us to share next.
Don’t forget to check the search bar above for results before submitting new content requests!
I believe that everyone deserves to live a healthy, happy life, and I hope that my blog can help you achieve that goal.
