Coconut Oil Conditioner

Homemade shampoo?  No thanks...been there, tried that...epic fail.  But an all natural alternative to conditioner?  That truly works?  Yes please!  Wait, how much does it cost?  Not even one penny per use?  OK, NOW LET ME AT IT!

                 Coconut Oil Conditioner

*The trick is to flip flop your hair washing routine and condition before shampooing.  

Hop in the shower and thoroughly wet hair.  Rub about 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil into your hands.  Run fingers all throughout your hair.  Even if it feels like there is nothing left in your hands, do not add more unless you want greasy hair!  Then shampoo as usual.

I bought this Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil from Bountiful Baskets.  One half gallon for $22, which comes out to 1,536 uses of 1/4 t.  At this rate, my $22 jar will last over eight years!

I have been using this method for almost two months.  My hair is softer and shinier.  I've noticed that I lose a lot less hair when brushing.  And best of all it holds a curl like never before.

Craigslist Treasures

When my hubby hears "Craigslist" he groans...Usually it means a two to four hour round trip, but he does it anyways because he loves me. :)

Last night he drove an hour past Seattle (after picking up Donyea from the airport) to get me some much needed kitchen shelving for $50.

Homemade Laundry Soap

This is my favorite detergent! I've tried the liquid recipes but they are clumpy and messy. This one also works great in place of stain removing spray. Just wet the spot with water (I use a water/vinegar mixture in a spray bottle) and rub into the stain before tossing it in the washer.  Donyea came home from helping Taylor coach soccer last night with a big yucky mud/grass stain and was worried it wouldn't come out.  I showed her what to do and sure enough they looked brand new forty minutes later!

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

1 4 lb 12 oz box of Borax
1 4 lb box of Arm And Hammer Baking Soda
1 3 lb 7 oz box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 3 lb container Oxy Clean
4 bars Fels Naptha Soap, grated
2 13.2 oz containers Downy Unstoppables (or 1 55 oz Purex Complete Crystals)

Mix all the ingredients in a large heavy duty garbage bag. Just close the bag securely and juggle back and forth until completely mixed. Scoop out into containers.

Use 2 Tbs for a small load, 3 Tbs for regular/big.  If you have a HE front loader just put the soap directly in the wash.

12/29/12 ~ Update with price breakdown
Still loving this detergent!  Am making a new batch with Purex Complete Crystals in place of the Untoppables.

Price Breakdown:

Washing Soda $3.24

Baking Soda $2.34

Borax $3.38

3lb Oxy Clean $7.52

Fels Naptha $7.16

Purex Crystals 55 oz $8.96 

Total $32.60

* Everything is purchased from Walmart except for the Fels Naptha.  I purchased that in bulk from Ace hardware, 24 bars for $42.96 (free shipping to store).

* Total Cost increases to $37.58 if you are using Unstoppables: $6.97 for one (13.2oz)
$13.94 for two (equals 26.4oz)