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“Why make something when you can buy it?” My husband asks every time I start another “wacky project” in the kitchen.
There are lots of good reasons! Making my own stuff helps us avoid harmful chemicals, saves time and money, plus I like experimenting to see what I can do.
Read the original list of 5 Things You Should Be Making (Not Buying) here.
Vanilla Extract
We go through lots of vanilla since we make our own granola bars–and homemade vanilla is one-fourth the price of store-bought. Score!
Odor Eliminator Spray
I keep a bottle in Little Peanut’s room and one in the bathroom. No dangers from hazardous chemicals, and you can mix your own scents or leave it unscented.
Soft Pretzels
Don’t panic! If you can make cookies, you can make these. Add some shredded cheddar cheese to the dough for extra yum.
Hand Sanitizer
Reduce your family’s sniffling, sneezing, coughing and aching with a simple, natural hand sanitizer that doesn’t contain alcohol.
Insect Repellent
If you’re worried about spraying DEET or other chemicals on your kids, mix up a batch of this natural bug spray. A friend told me it kept the rabid Seattle mosquitos away from her son at Scout camp!