Monthly/Bimonthly Maintenance

To prevent buying overpriced, overpackaged convenience items, I make a habit of mixing in more ingredients. This month, I got a $.50 box of baking soda and a $1.00 bar of soap from the dollar store. I grated the bar with a cheese grater and added it to my existing powdered detergent container plus about half a box of baking soda (probably should've gotten two boxes as it's very multipurpose). Onto hair. Grocery Outlet had a coconut oil hair mask for $1.99. Took an empty baby food jar, dumped the hair mask inside and mixed with my normal conditioner. Now it'll last me 1-2 more uses! As for my moisturizer, I spooned two teaspoons solidified coconut oil into another empty jar plus a few drops of argan and olive oil. Not uber cheap, but cooking with even slightly less oil easily allows for this.

Simplified Living

We've all done it. $9 tea, $50 haircut, $30 shampoo. In this materialistic world in which we reside, it's easy to be an idealist, put a price tag on self-worth, or partake in retail therapy. Problem is, this kind of behavior only results in short-term happiness. What's more, even if you live comfortably now, these are uncertain times for even the best of us. If you are looking for a little inspiration, the book 'You Can Buy Happiness (and it's cheap)', might just be it. In it, many people share stories about downsizing, decluttering, prioritizing, and ultimately simplifying their lives. I don't know that I could ever feel comfortable in a one hundred square foot home, but I have great respect for people's that can. All too often, people assert that they won't give money to the homeless because they won't know how the money will be allocated. I recently saw some nifty little bags on pinterest filled with anything from granola bars to toilet paper to travel-sized toothbrushes. Making and dispersing these bags are definitely on my to-do list.

Gift Giving Ideas on the Cheap

It is approaching that chaotic time of year where consumerism is at an all time high. Skip the jam-packed malls (at times I've spent as much time circling the parking lot as I've spent in the actual stores). </p> Make your own cards or gift tags. Glossy index cards cut to the geometrical shape of your choice coupled with the following, creates a personal touch: scrap paper, gift wrap, colored tissue paper, gold-toned string, and mod podge. Get out your hole puncher and ribbon for personalized gift tags! </p> Hit up your local thrift stores (preferably legit not-for-profit, ahem). You might be surprised to find fully sealed candles, eye masks, toys, and the like. The savings are nothing to scoff at. </p> Call health food stores in your area to see if they carry dried lavender, orris root powder, and essential oil. If they do, snag some sheer fabric from a craft store on your way home. Sheer night gowns or curtains can also work. </p> Sachet instructions: 1. Cut two squares to desired size. 2. In a large bowl, mix lavender, a little bit of orris root powder (its sole purpose is to preserve the smell--no need to go crazy). 3. Add three drops essential oil for each sachet your intending to make. Some considerations are: lavender, rose, lemon, and vanilla. 4. Mix all ingredients. 5. Lay mixture between the two squares. 6. Carefully stitch or glue around the perimeter.