Our Frugalista is a pro at stretching one product into many applications. She loves keeping a bottle of vegetable glycerin at home because it can be used to make lots of things that will save you trips to the store.

You can find bottles of glycerin at your local pharmacy or health food store.

MOISTURIZING HAIR SPRAY

Mix one part glycerin with five parts distilled water
Drops of essential oil

In a spray bottle combine glycerin with water and shake well. Add a few drops of essential oil and shake again. Use as a moisturizing spritz for hair. Also works as a facial spritz!

BAR SOAP INTO HAND SOAP

1/2 bar of pure soap, grated (about 1 cup)

• must use real soap, nothing with moisturizer already added, try Ivory

5 cups hot water

• no need for it to be boiling, just warm enough so it will melt soap shavings

1 T glycerin

• easy to find at the drugstore in the pharmacy section

1/2 T oil

• you can use coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, the choice is yours

1/2 T dish soap

• this helps to create some lather

Drops of essential oil (tea tree for antibacterial properties)

Grate 1/2 bar of soap and put shavings into a large heat-proof bowl.
Add hot water to bowl and gently whisk until soap has dissolved.
Pour in glycerin, oil, and dish soap.
Whisk gently to incorporate.
Let your soap cool - this will take at least TWO HOURS.
Whisk again and you should notice things have thickened up to a "snot" consistency.
Use a funnel to pour liquid soap into an existing dispenser.
Store leftovers for another day.

Tip: shake the dispenser every so often, it seems to help with lather and keeps things incorporated, and if things get too thick, add a touch of water. Optional: you can add a few drops of essential oil to the mix if you'd like a customized scent.

MOISTURIZING NAIL POLISH REMOVER

Add 1 T glycerin and 1/2 T water, to 300 ml acetone.
Shake well and use as normal.