Start living cheaper, healthier, and happier!

So I've taken on the roll of housewife now and I've been looking for ways we can live cheaper. I like the idea of being as self-sufficient as possible, but with the house we live in right now, we can't do it all. So I figured might as well do what I can.
I have recipes for cleaning supplies, pet supplies(for cats, dogs, and guinea pigs), and toiletries including hair and make-up stuff. I also have a list of what we can plant inside and out in our area(the midwest) for food and medicinal purposes.

Here is a list of the things I have recipes/instructions for:
Disinfecting Wipes
Non-Toxic Disinfecting Spray
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Window&Mirror Cleaner
Shower Cleaner
Laundry Stain Remover
Laundry Soap
Fabric Softener
Crayon Remover
Ant Killer
Mosquito Repellant
Dish Soap
Produce Cleaner
Carpet Cleaner
Dusting Spray
Wood Furniture Polish
Leather Furniture Polish
"Fauxbreeze"
Air Freshener
Mop Solution
Castile Soap (used for many of the above recipes)

Mouthwash
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shaving Cream
Lotion
Sunscreen
Facial Cleanser
Facial Mask
Facial Moisturizer
Body Wash
Deodorant Bars
Perfume
Aloe Vera Gel

Make-up Brush Cleaner
Eye Make-up Remover
Mascara
Blush Powder
Foundation
Lip Balm

Hair Gel
Hair Spray
Detangle Spray
Static Guard
Hair Mousse
Volumizer

Scented Candles
Citronella Candles
Incense Sticks

Cat Food
Cat Treats
Cat Litter
Dog Food
Dog Treats
Guinea Pig Bedding
Guinea Pig Food
Guinea Pig Treats
Flea Shampoo

I shared this because I figured it might inspire some of you to try this stuff out and save some money. There are a lot of unnatural and unhealthy ingredients in the store bought versions of these things that some people would rather live without. A lot of people are surprised at all the things you can actually make/do yourself. I only have recipes for the stuff that I use, but I would be more than happy to share any and all of them.

 

Have you made and tried all of the things that you have listed? I have always wanted to make soap. I read a book on the subject but have yet to get around to it.

 

I have not made all of them yet, but I have made most of them and they've all worked great. I've been making them as we run out of their store bought versions. Soap is really easy and it's one of the most fun ones because you can play with scents. Definitely try it out if you think you'd want to, it's worth it.

 

I'd like to see the recipes. I just started using my own mixture for cleaning the counters after I make meals. It cleans well but if it gets on plastic surfaces, it leaves streaks.

 

Diluted vinegar works well

 

Yeah, that's what I use! Bit of vinegar, bit of baking soda, lot of water, squeeze of lemon. Works very well.

 

I'd be interested in hearing what you do for air freshener and ant killer?

Whether you wanna post it here or pm me.

I also like to make various things... like toner/astringent, soaps, etc myself.

 

Sorry to anyone asking for recipes, I don't have internet at my house and occasionally forget about all the stuff I used to do on it. lol
Next time I am on I will make sure to have my book with me, it has all the recipes I've been using.

For those of you that have recipes of your own, I'm sure we'd all love to see 'em. Everyone is different so sometimes you need to try different things to see what works best for you.

 

My girlfriend and I live on fruits vegs and Kosher foods. NYC freeganists all the way kid. Pool rent money. Paying for

super cheap food from Chinese markets
laundry
sub/bus fare
rent