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