True to the style on my behalf, I put the bubbles in the tub so I could have a bubble bath. Clean, dry, was my body and hair, I threw on my brand new Gucci underwear. For all the girls I might take home, I got the Johnson's Baby Powder and the Polo Cologne. Fresh dressed like a million bucks, threw on the Valley shoes and the fly green socks. - Ladi Dadi, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick

I am all about self-sufficiency so anytime I can find a way to make something myself and save money I am going for it.  The motivation behind this experiment came from laziness mixed with frugalness.  I was low on funds, out of laundry detergent and didn't want to fight through traffic to purchase more.  Thank God for google and DIY bloggers like   wellnessmama.com and mommypotamus.com.  I decided to make my own and I was pleasantly surprised.  I have an HE washer and had no problems using this detergent. I washed all the big items, comforters, blankets, bed sheets and everything came out clean and fresh.  So without further adieu I present to you the recipe I used for my homemade laundry detergent.  Please Note: I have no problem using borax but if you have mixed feelings or want to avoid it mommypotamus.com has a recipe that is borax-free.

Natural Laundry Soap Recipe:

• 1 bar of soap, grated until finely ground.  I used my homemade Castile (olive oil) soap 
• 1 cup of borax
• 1 cup of washing soda
• Optional: your favorite essential oils (ex: lime, lemon or grapefruit)

Grate the bar of soap using a hand grater or food processor into fine particles.  Carefully mix with the washing soda and borax.  Finally, add in your essential oils and stir.  For my heavy loads I use 2 Tbsps, for lighter loads I use 1 Tbsp.  Store the detergent in an air-tight container.

Cause only heaven knows, what to make of these changing times, but for tonight, let's just leave it all behind.  I know this world's so cold but don't let teardrops change your mind, so for tonight, let's just leave it all behind - Leave it All Behind, The Foreign Exchange

I have tried several leave-in conditioners and they have all been effective at making my hair softer, acting as a heat protectant and moisturizing but this conditioner takes it a step further.  Not only does it do all of the aforementioned but it also makes my hair smoother and more manageable.  When I blow dry my hair with this leave-in it looks like I have pressed it with a flat iron already.  I love it and my hair loves it too.  What's even better is this conditioner will balance the pH in your hair.  Human hair and scalp oil, sebum, has a pH balance of between 4.5 and 5.5. This natural hair acidity prevents fungi and bacteria in the hair and scalp, and keeps the cuticle closed and healthy. A substance that is too alkaline will cause the hair cuticle to open, while a substance that is too acidic will cause the cuticle to contract.*

My Favorite Leave-in Conditioner
2 Tbsp of silicon-free conditioner
2 Tbsp aloe vera juice
1 tsp castor oil
1 tsp jojoba oil

Add all ingredients to a bottle and shake them together until blended completely.  Apply leave-in to damp, washed hair and style as normal.  It's just that simple,  What's your favorite leave-in?  What do you love about it?
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*Website for Reference:
http://www.wikihow.com/Balance-pH-in-Hair-Naturally

You may have guessed by now that I am an avid DIY'er.  Well this weekend's experiment was with the Caramel Moisture Treatment.  This is a pre-poo treatment that is supposed to leave your hair softer and very moisturized.  Since Saturday is my wash day I decided to try it out.  There are several versions of this concoction on the internet and below is the one I used.  Overall I did like it, my hair is definitely softer, I'm just not so sure if it's more moisturized.

Caramel Moisture Treatment
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup raw honey
1/4 cup molasses
2 ripe bananas
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in water
1 tsp of sunflower oil (or any ceramide containing oil ie. walnut oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil, corn oil, hemp seed oil, etc.)

Add all ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth, then add to a pot and heat until it begins to boil then turn the heat off.  If the mixture is too thin you can add more cornstarch dissolved in water. to thicken it up.  Once the mix has cooled apply a generous amount to your damp hair and let it sit for 1 hour then shampoo off.  You don't need to sit under a heating cap.  Have you ever tried a Caramel Treatment?  Did you like it?  What were your results?