Hi, Reader,

When I first started blogging years and years ago, I learned how easy it was to make most of the products we use on a regular basis.

Homemade lip balm? Easy.

Toothpaste? Done.

Deodorant? Surprisingly easy.

Once I realized how I could take a few simple ingredients and turn them into something else, I was hooked.

Not only did it feel good to make something I previously had to buy, but I also quickly saw how affordable it could be.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that there are some start-up costs here. Buying oils, butters, waxes, and containers for the first time can become quite pricey.

But over time, the price per item becomes infinitesimally small, especially when compared to the stuff from the store.

Plus, you don't necessarily need to buy every product out there. I usually use the same handful of ingredients in different ways (shea butter, mango butter, almond oil, beeswax, and sometimes a few others).

It's also a great way to control of the quality of ingredients. I've shared before that I can't tolerate fragrance. I also have very, very sensitive skin.

It's very hard for me to find basic ingredients that don't bother my fragrance sensitivity or my skin.

And those safer products often cost a small fortune. (So frustrating!)

So once again, I turn to my little stash of ingredients, break out the double boiler, and start melting waxes and butters to make whatever I need.

If you've never dabbled with making candles, lip balms, butters, and more, consider this your sign.

I bet you already have the ingredients you can use to make one of these recipes below.

Once you get that little rush of dopamine from realizing "I did it!" then you'll be hooked, just like me.

Below, I'm sharing some of my favorite projects, but this is just the start. There are so many products you can make for your body or your home. Just let yourself try something new and see where it takes you. :)

Easy Natural Living Projects

​Homemade Lotion Bars​

These solid lotion bars are super simple to make, naturally non-greasy, and small enough to throw in your bag to bring wherever you go. I often use mine as a lip balm, too!

​Lemon Honey Sugar Scrub​

This recipe will actually be featured in a print magazine this summer! It's a lovely, refreshing option, great for exfoliating dry, winter skin.

​DIY Toilet Bombs ​

You need citric acid, baking soda, and a few essential oils to make a naturally fizzing toilet cleaner to help minimize the scrubbing required to clean your toilet. We like to make a bunch at once and have them on hand for whenever! They're also great for cleaning your garbage disposal.

​Vanilla Sugar Scrub​

This simple scrub is an easy way to use up leftover vanilla beans and it has the most delicious aroma from the vanilla extract. Great for gifting!

​Eucalyptus Spray​

Eucalyptus gives this spray a cleansing, refreshing scent, perfect for freshening up linens and rooms.

​Whipped Sugar Scrub - NEW!​

This simple scrub uses coconut oil, a liquid carrier oil and brown sugar for a fluffy, creamy consistency. Add a splash of vanilla extract and it will smell (and look) just like cookie dough. Plus, it's so soothing for dry winter skin!

​Easy DIY Beeswax Candles​

One of my all-time favorite projects is to pour my own beeswax candles. They're naturally scented with the beeswax, so they're suitable for people who can't tolerate fragrance.

Plus, I make mine with a second ingredient that helps them burn wonderfully while reducing the cost (optional, but helpful when the budget is tight).

​Lavender Salt Lip Scrub​

If your lips are feeling dry, just mix a few ingredients together to help nourish them back to life.

​DIY Toilet Spray​

If you have a couple of ingredients on hand, you'll never need to spend money on an overpriced bottle of Poo Pourri again!

​DIY Brown Sugar Lip Scrub​

This is such a simple, but effective recipe. I make it often during the winter!