Each year Americans spend large sums of money on everyday items from toothpastes to household cleaners and even beauty products. With the creation of sites like Pinterest, the do it yourself (D.I.Y.) world is at your fingertips.
Why waste money on products that are full of chemicals when you can make them yourself in the comfort of your own home while saving the extra cash?
Following are simple D.I.Y. projects and recipes to save you a few dollars in the beauty and household departments.
Beauty
Olive oil and honey hair mask
The summer heat can dry out hair drastically if it isn’t given a little TLC. An olive oil and honey hair mask will restore hair strands while bringing luminous shine. Heat 4 tbsps. of olive oil in the microwave and then combine with 2 tbsp. of honey. Apply to hair from root to tips and cover with a shower cap for at least 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and style as usual.
Natural lip balm
Put down your egg-shaped lip balm and create your own similar version that is much cheaper. The ingredients are all natural and include beeswax, Shea butter and/or cocoa butter, coconut oil and an essential oil of your choice (try peppermint if you’d like a cool breeze sensation). Melt beeswax on very low heat in a saucepan and then add in the coconut oil and Shea butter (and coco butter, if you choose). Stir items until completely melted and add in 10-20 drops of the essential oil of your choice, depending on preference. While the mixture is still in a liquid form, separate into smaller containers to take on the go.
Kiwi and yogurt facial scrub
Exfoliate your skin with ingredients that you can actually pronounce. This recipe calls for kiwi, Greek yogurt, olive oil and orange juice. The great thing about this project is that it can be made in one step! Simply combine three ripe kiwi, 4 tbsp. of Greek yogurt, 1½ tbsp. of olive oil and 2 tbsp. of orange juice in a food processor until well blended. Since this scrub calls for fresh ingredients, they can only be stored in a refrigerator for three to four days before they aren’t good any longer.
For the Home
Laundry detergent
This is an essential everyone will need at least once a month. The average laundry detergent can cost about $5 and even more depending on brand and load count. Make your own detergent for just a few cents a load. Combine ¼ cup of super washing soda (try the Arm & Hammer brand), ¼ cup of grated Castile soap, ¼ cup of Fels-Naptha bar soap into a saucepan along with four cups of water. Ingredients previously mentioned can be purchased at grocery stores in the laundry aisle. Cover the pan and let simmer until the soaps are well combined. Add in your favorite essential oil (try tea tree or rosemary oils). Next, add your mixture to a storage container that contains a lid. Fill the remaining space with warm water, close the lid and let sit overnight.
Stain remover
Removing stains from clothes can be tricky, especially if it isn’t new. Wash away your blemishes by creating your own stain remover; and all you need are three ingredients. Mix 1 tsp. Dawn dishwashing soap, 2 tbs. baking soda, and 3 tbs. hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Once the ingredients are well combined, spray onto the stain and scrub gently follow by rinsing in warm water.
Air freshener
Instead of spending $5 on Febreze, whip up your own mix to keep your home smelling fresh. Combine 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil into an empty spray bottle and fill the rest with distilled water. Give the bottle a few shakes and you now have created your own masterpiece. You can also try substituting the essential oil for fabric softener.
Source: Pinterest.com
