DIY Life

...and make your own deodorant. Yeah, I realize it sounds gross, but it's very do-able and I can vouch for the the antiperspirant powers it holds. With just a few items from your kitchen, you can save serious dough and gain some DIY brownie points:

Here's how:

1. In a reusable/ resealable container, mix one part baking soda with six parts cornstarch.
   
2. Close the container and shake vigorously for a minute.
   
3. Then, test the mix by dusting a small amount to the skin of your armpits with a soft cotton ball,or cosmetic applicator. Apply as if you were lightly applying baby or cosmetic powder.

That's it! The best part? Your new deodorant won't leave white spots or streaks on that little black dress you wear everywhere! You can even store your new deodorant glamorously with an antique or vintage make-up container like Melinda's done.

With this handy recipe, you'll be smelling fresh in no time... minus the harsh toxins of most over-the-counter deodorants. I'll sniff to that!

Join me each week as I explore the naturally aromatic side of DIY. Helpful recipes for your "scentual" pleasure: from essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals, to soap-making, body care products, and other useful blends.

When I first became interested in essential oils and hydrosols, I have to admit I thought of rose as an "old lady" scent. Sure, I suppose it was beautiful, but to me, nothing dramatic or daring enough for the younger sect.

Then I smelled a true rosa damascena; first, a rose otto, then a hydrosol. I realized that my negative association with rose had nothing to do with what actual distilled rose products smelled like, and that fake rose scent and rosewater is not, not, not the same beast.

You need to own something rose; it is that simple. The balancing effect on your mood alone is reason enough. Unfortunately, the price of a rose otto or even a good rose absolute can be prohibitive for many. A rose hydrosol, however, is affordable, versatile, has a long shelf life, and is resplendent with the heady rose scent.

A lot of people sell clothing on eBay, and a few years ago, I was a frequent buyer. But I often found myself disappointed in my purchases. Nothing sticks out in my memory like one particular dress: I searched for it for months and was overjoyed to find it... yet excitement turned to horror when I received it. Why? Because although the dress was machine-washable, the seller sent it to me covered in old deodorant. Disgusting!

The more usual experience with unwelcome deodorant stains isn't quite as off-putting: white marks and goo on dark-colored clothing. Still, we all want to keep our clothes looking nice, right? That's why I was so intrigued by the following deodorant removal tips from CasaSugar.

They suggest two possible ways to deal with this nagging issue: dab the stain with white vinegar, then allow it to soak for 30 minutes before washing the garment in the hottest water it can stand; or soak the garment overnight in a mixture of one part water and one part ammonia with a squirt of dish soap, then wash it. Either process should remove the nasty gunk from any affected areas... making your black tank tops presentable once again.

The summer season if filled with one hot day after another. If you are a beach bum this is, indeed, a very good thing. But if you have to spend those hot months looking and smelling your best in the office or at luncheons, the heat can be a daunting foe. Nobody wants a hug from a person with dark wet circles seeping down their sides, nor do employees want to be locked in a conference room that smells more like a locker room. The following tips are aimed more at women since one of them entails shaving, so if you are a man looking for sweat prevention tips the shaving bit is probably not for you.