In order to buy fun things, I like to save money by making the not-fun things (and by cancelling vacations see here and here).
What I regularly make:
1. Yogurt. I use whole milk and make in my crockpot and then strain it with a cheese cloth to make it greek style. I end up with three pints for about $3.
2. Face wash. For over a year now I have been washing and moisturizing my face with a mix of castor oil and olive oil. My face has never been perfectly clear (although it always looks better when I avoid milk products), and it still isn't, but my skin is definitely softer, smoother and "tougher" in the sense that I don't actually have to wash it as much. I usually use my olive/castor oil at night and then just rinse my face in the morning.
3. Laundry detergent. Ok, I haven't made it yet. I have the ingredients and I need to do it. I hope it's as awesome as I'm reading about. (Speaking of that, I use white vinegar as softener (when I remember, which is rare) and it works great).
4. Cleaning spray. I use vinegar water all over my house and on glass and windows.
5. Peanut butter. I just started doing this last month. Two cans of unsalted peanuts (not dry roasted), about a tablespoon of coconut oil and honey, and a dash of salt. Blend in food processor until it's as smooth as you like (we like super super smooth). Keep in fridge. I end up with about a pint for $4. So it's actually not a ton cheaper. Just soooo much tastier (and healthier maybe?).
6. Hand soap. I save the foaming soap dispensers and bought Dr. Bronner's concentrated soap. Water and a tablespoon of Dr. Bronners in the dispensers every few months. And the girls love foaming soap and will wash their hands all day if I let them.
7. Shampoo/conditioner. Every few days, instead of shampoo and conditioner, I wash my hair with baking soda and rinse it with water/apple cider vinegar. I tried to do it every day but after a week I felt too gross to continue.
8. Lara bars. See here.
That's why tonight, when I don't feel like cooking, the four of us are going to an expensive Japanese steak house and I don't feel guilty.
My goal is to take some pictures tonight because I haven't even turned on my poor camera in about a week. Hopefully you'll get to see pictures of my kids soon instead of just stupid stories:)
I would LOVE to know, what do you make? Any other ideas?
5 comments:
Nothing. I make nothing. That is seriously impressive.
Yay! I love that someone else makes all this stuff too! I also make my own toothpaste. Do you put essential oil in your laundry or hair vinegar? I use a combo of lemon and mint and also put that in my laundry detergent. It doesn't leave a strong smell which I really like.
hahahaha. I'm not creative enough nor do I have the time to even THINK about making anything. The only like I make from scratch is Oatmeal cookies, that I've been doing since I was a kid. :) Very impressive. So not me though.
I don't think cookies count anyways! LOL!
Almost all baked goods I make. OTherwise, nothing. You are awesome. I still have the larabar stuff in the pantry waiting for me to quit being lazy.
i am impressed!!! i thought i was doing good with just making my kids less crap this year. go you!!
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