There’s a difference between being “thrifty” and being “cheap”… at least I think so. Those who are thrifty are smart and creative with their purchasing habits, while those who are cheap base their spending solely on finances. For most of us, our spending habits have had to change recently. I know mine have. So, I’ve been trying to figure out ways to be “thrifty.”

I’ve been experimenting, making some body products naturally. Here are a few of the basics with which you can edit to your choosing.


Face Scrubs will get rid of dead skin cells and leave your face silky smooth and moisturized. You’ll obviously need something to keep it in after you finish it. It’ll be prettiest in a nice glass moisture-proof container but, let’s be honest, a Ziploc bag will work too.
You will need:
– about a cup of salt
– 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil
– a bar of face soap (green tea oil soap is really good for your skin)
– vitamin oil or scented oil that’s allowed to be on your skin (a good one to use is vitamin E oil)
– a container for the finished result
– a grater
– a mixing bowl
What to do:
1) Grate between 1/4 to 1/2 of the bar of soap
2) Mix everything (except the soap)
– use your discretion with how much oil you want to use
– you don’t want it to be too strong because it could burn
3) Add the soap in and mix well
4) Store it at room temperature

Toothpaste is definitely something that we all need. Sure, it’s not all that expensive, but if you can make it at home with natural ingredients then there’s no good reason to buy it. Right?
You will need:
– one citrus fruit for zesting (prefereably a lime, lemon or orange)
– a cup of baking soda
– some type of mint oil (whichever type of mint you prefer)
– a tiny zester
– a container
– a mixing bowl
What to do:
1) Zest the rind until you’re at the flesh of the fruit
– let it dry for two-three hours or for best results let it dry overnight
2) Mix everything together and shake well
3) Store at room temperature

Foot Balm Treatment is sometimes just as necessary as toothpaste. Believe it or not, you don’t have to spend $50 on a pedicure to get soft feet. Just walk on down to Wal-Mart and pick up some petroleum jelly.
You will need:
– 1/2 to 3/4 cup of petroleum jelly
– a fragrant oil (I really like the peppermint)
– a container
– an old pair of socks
What to do:
1) Heat the petroleum jelly until melted
-you probably want to do it in 30 to 45 minute intervals
2) Add in drops of the oil (use your discretion)
-I think more is better; since it’s used on your foot you can be generous as opposed to the oil you would use on your face
3) Let it harden for a few hours
-to speed up this process you can put in the fridge
4) Before you go to sleep you can rub this on your feet and wear those old nasty socks to bed.