Welcome!

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own soap, cook real food from scratch, or dive into creative DIY projects, you’re in the right place.

I’m Tracy Ariza, the hands and heart behind Oh, The Things We’ll Make! (and its Spanish sister blog, Cosas Caseras). From my home in sunny Dénia, Spain, I share recipes, tutorials, and projects that help you create a healthier, more self-sufficient lifestyle.

My Story

Back in 2003, I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in dentistry. But instead of staying in that career, life led me in a different direction; one that fit my passions more closely.

After marrying a Spanish fisherman and moving to the Mediterranean coast, I began experimenting in my kitchen: making my own yogurt, soaps, sauces, leather goods, and more. What started as simple curiosity grew into a lifelong love of creating things myself, and, eventually, this blog.

(If you want to know more about how a dentist from the US ended up blogging in Spain, you can read my story here.)

What You’ll Find Here

On the blog, I share a wide variety of DIY and real food projects.

• Soap & Skincare DIYs – beginner-friendly tutorials and natural recipes you can customize.
• Crafts & Leatherwork – fun, practical projects that are rewarding to make and use.
• Real Food Recipes – homemade, allergy-friendly, and often low-carb or carnivore-friendly.
• Self-Sufficient Living – raising hens, gardening, and making pantry staples like vinegar and soy sauce.

Kid-friendly treats

I’m constantly trying to find healthier versions of recipes that my son will like. I also like to include him in the preparation when possible. My little guy has become an expert at making croutons, and loves playing with our homemade color-changing food coloring.

The fun recipes caught the eye of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition, and they added me to their list of Top 25 Kid-Friendly Blogs.

Reader Favorites:

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Beginner’s Guide to Soapmaking
• Homemade Soy Sauce
• Tomato Paste

It’s important to me to make safe products that will work. That’s why I’ve taken several professional cosmetic formulation courses!

Why I Do This

I believe making things yourself isn’t just about saving money or eating healthier, it’s about empowerment and joy.

When you make your own soaps, sauces, or skincare, you know exactly what’s in them. You reduce waste, skip unnecessary additives, and end up with something that’s uniquely yours. My goal is to make these projects approachable and fun, so you can try them no matter your experience level.

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A Little More About Me

Beyond the blog, here’s a peek behind the scenes:

• When I’m not blogging, you’ll probably find me working out, tinkering with DIY projects, or helping my son with schoolwork.
• I live in Dénia, Spain, with my husband (a fisherman) and our son.
• We raise a small flock of hens — each with their own personality!
• I love experimenting in the kitchen, whether it’s fermenting, curing, or crafting from scratch.

What now?