DIY is all over the internet. It's on articles, blogs, pintrest, etc. Why not some DIY on DVO? Do it Yourself.

Do it Yourself is actually quite the amazing concept if you think about it. For one, it empowers you and develops your talents. You become better when you try new things for yourself. You become a better, stronger, more independent person. Second, it allows for creativity and preference to come into play. You're not stuck with the two or three options that you find at the department store. You have an endless possibility before you. Finally (or at least third), it's usually cheaper, but not always cheaper in quality. You can make it just as good or better for a price that's far less.

For example, I was just looking at an article of clothing someone had made for themselves, very cheap and in only 20 minutes. It was darling. She got the idea from a popular catalog, but that item was showing an 80 dollar price tag. So, she tried to go a little cheaper and went DIY. People commenting said they liked hers better and took their's back, the ones they had purchased from the catalog, because it just wasn't worth it.

DIY works.

So, here is a DIY that can hopefully be applicable to anyone. Male or female, college student or empty nest, you've got this one in the bag.

Laundry Detergent.

Yes, laundry detergent. Powerful stuff that works and lasts. It goes far. I think I heard 500 loads. My sister-in-law makes it all the time, and has not switched back to store-bought yet. With powerful cleansers, it does its job. And as it's a DIY, you get that sense of accomplishment thinking, "Yeah, I made that." You'll be sharing it with friends and strangers in no time.

According to one woman, it lasts about 9 months to a year (probably depends how many loads you have to do) and only cost 21 dollars. Woah.

Laundry Detergent

4 lb box Borax
4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
4 lb box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
3 bars of Fels-neptha soap (almost looks like cheese)
2 small containers of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean

1. Grate the Fels-neptha bars. You can use a cheese grater and wash it off very well, it won't get ruined (so far is the case with my sister-in-law).
2. Dump all ingredients into a garbage sack. If the garbage sack is placed in a large pail it makes it easier to stir.
3. Mix well. Prepare for a house that smells amazing. It freshens up the whole house. A great day to invite a friend over!

KEEP THE GARBAGE SACK OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN! You can always keep a smaller pail on your laundry room shelf or on top of the washing machine for convenience. But please be careful, these ingredients are powerful.

Enjoy the DIY projects, enjoy life, be creative, be frugal, have fun.