Make INSTEAD of Buy Ideas (Recipes)

There are so many items that we purchase at the store, that are so incredibly easy to make at home.  In many instances I believe they are better - as you know exactly what is in them.  I know they are cheaper!!  We all like that!
Here are a few ideas to try at home.


HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER
Many people just use plain old vinegar.  So cheap and natural.  Honest, the smell of vinegar dissipates when your laundry dries!

Another option:
12 oz. bottle of cheap hair conditioner  (Suave is cheap and many scents)
1 1/2 c white vinegar
3 C warm water
Mix and put in a pourable container.

You can also dip a sponge or old wash cloth in mix - squeeze out excess and place in the drier with clothes.


HOMEMADE DIFFUSER
In a old jar add 90% water to 10% rubbing alcohol.  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Bamboo shish-kabob sticks work great!


HOMEMADE CORNSTARCH SUBSTITUTE
Pick the leaves of wild purslane and dehydrate - grind into a powder.  (It takes a lot of leaves).  This is a great thickening agent.
Okra dehydrated and ground is wonderful thickening soups and hearty dishes.
These could both be used in soups, stews, gravies, and hearty dishes.


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Fill a jar about 3/4 with peels and cores of apples
Mix 1 Tbsp. of sugar to 1 cup of water used.  Cover the apple scraps.  Leave a couple inches to top of jar.  Cover loosely with a coffee filter or piece of fabric.  Let it set in a cool, dark space for 2 weeks.
If scum develops on top, simply skim off.
After 2 weeks filter so that liquid is clear.  It will have a light apple smell - but it isn't ready yet.  Place clear liquid back (covered again) for another 2 - 4 weeks.  You can taste and smell to tell if it's ready.  IT WILL NOT go bad!
If a gelatinous blob appears - you have lucked out and made 'mother'.  Remove to another container (or leave it) - it can be used to start future batches.
Use this vinegar for the same things as store bought!!!
You can make any flavor (flavored is good in homemade dressings)

 

Another tip for salad dressings - you can dehydrate big or old cucumbers and grind and add as flavoring to homemade dressing.



HOMEMADE PEACH VODKA
2 C peach skins (or other fruit)
3 C vodka (brandy can be used too)
Let this set for a few weeks.  Strain through a coffee filter into a nice bottle.
This is very basic - like making extracts!
You could buy a large bottle of cheap vodka and make flavored liquor for gifts! (or home!!)


HOMEMADE MIRACLE GROW CONCENTRATE
1 gal. water
1 Tbsp. Epsom slat
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. powdered milk
1/2 tsp. ammonia
2 drops blue food color
Mix 1 Tbsp. of mixture to a gallon of water to hand water plants and fertilize.  Use once a month (I use every couple weeks).
Concentrate will cost about .35 for a gallon vs. $10 or more at the store.


WEED/GRASS KILLER
1 gallon white vinegar
2 C Epsom salt
1/4 C Dawn dish soap (for sticking)
Spray or apply to areas you want to kill in the mornings after dew has evaporated.
DO NOT get this on anything desirable!
Best used for killing AN AREA of grass/weeds


Ok - there you go.
Most of these are made with things that we all have around.  It makes since to use what we have and save money in the process.
You now know that if you run out of something - you can make it at home.

NATURAL IS BEST AND FRUGAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope this helps someone!