A Skinny Budget?

There are many things you can check on the net, your library and other people about what to do to cut your living expenses – exchange products, do without etc and/or increase your income. Some you have to research the pros and cons diligently and see what others have to say in a well researched and practiced manner.  Also to consider is what you have in your local environment, your health, your lifestyle, your income.  I will present what I have found and will continue to practice as I am on a low income while looking after a long term sick husband.

Some Bathroom budget basic Tips:

• With shampoo try the “No poo” method – but be gentle with your hair. If the suggestion of bi-carb soda, vinegar or lemon are used, these can be drying over time.  But there is the suggestion to after awhile using only water and friction of the scalp.  Apparently once the hair has become “de-shampooed” (my word!) it starts to produce it’s usual natural shine. .  Consider also using aloe vera for your hair as apparently the American Indians did. (Read it in a fiction romance book – I of course only read it for it’s historical and factual value!  Of course! 🙂 )
• If you use shampoo – consider washing your hair in rain water.  I don’t have it on my property – but people next door are happy to give of theirs and I know two family members with some. Your hair will feel lovely and soft.  Luxury and natural.
• We pay dearly for water where I am – so using water for your hair and to drink – saves and to me “small things” count! Water is the ultimate luxury or your body – give it as often and the best you can.  It is rather like having a shower on the inside to drink. I will even have the occasional warm water with lemons from friends as a health and beauty benefit.  If you have to have supplements for whatever reason and maybe also medicines be aware that it may negate what you are taking.
• I use only shampoo. No conditioner. I had never been taught to use conditioner in our large family.  Later I read for the need of conditioner to “close the cuticles in the hair strand”. Tepid to cool water apparently does the same thing.  So that’s what I rinse my hair with. I feel it’s healthier on my hair than using another product even though said to be “natural”. With winter months the water I use is more tepid than cool!  I have aloe plants and do a treatment and go to bed with my hair in a cap occasionally.
• To make blades of your razors last longer for you or your hubby consider blotting it dry after use and not storing in the bathroom or at least in an air tight bag.  Apparently micro-amounts of rust form which cause them to become blunt.  Info on drying razors
• Stick small bits of soap on top of that new bar.  Waste not want not.
• IF you use liquid soap for hygiene reasons – consider adding water.  It’s good for many reasons – including the environment and your hands.  I use boiled rain water (of course!)
•  I choose either lipstick or lipbalm which is local to me and use a lipbrush (if you have one) or a cotton bud.. I don’t wear any other make-up.  The site for me is Vegan online
• I also choose nail polish and topcoat from Vegan Online I treat what I pay for carefully and limit my choices.  Sometimes having less works better if it serves more than one purpose.  I rarely do my finger nails – but will often do my toe nails. A little goes a long way. If you ever feel deprived – things go a long way when you pay attention to your self-care. There is also the option of not using nail polish and instead having a polisher which buffs and shines your nail to look just as if you have put the shine of nail polish on them.
• For my face – I often rinse and use a face washer and often apply aloe vera.  In a health magazine there was some evidence that aloe vera could be used as a natural sunscreen.
• I’m not a perfume person, preferring essential oils. Jasmine is a favourite and I have on hand a base (carrier) oil if ever used on my skin.  It can be applied to your hair or on the inside of your collar or sleeve.  Oils can go off easily – so it is wise to limit the number you have.
• For dry skin I use both coconut oil, my base (carrier) oil, or aloe vera.  Keep hydrated.
• A friendly acquaintance told me – after I was having a few reactions to under-arm deodorant it would take 3 or 4 months to become “un-addicted” to the product.  It worked. Took me 4 months and I no longer needed it.  Ah – one thing – better to do it in winter.  I had a habit of having 2 extra quick showers a day.  I happen to spend my first summer in a sub tropical area and it was their worst summer on record.  (Laughing here).  If you have been working out in the sun and have been perspiring a lot more than normal – refresh yourself and just have an extra under-arm wash. If you do happen to be going out into a hot climate use a little Essential oil.  Not necessary to put it on your skin. Put it on the inside of your sleeve. Doubles up as a lovely scent!