Hey MisterSadister,
Glad you asked before raiding the kitchen cupboards.

Short answer: no, don’t use kitchen ingredients. Vanilla essence, food flavorings, or that bottle of caramel syrup for your coffee might sound tempting, but they’re not made to be inhaled. Some can even be downright dangerous when vaped. Stick to concentrates that are specifically designed for DIY e-liquid — it’s the only safe way to go.
As for one-shots, yeah, they can be pricey, but they’re also the easiest way to get started since they’re already balanced recipes. If budget’s tight, you can absolutely start with single concentrates and build from there. Something simple like Strawberry (Ripe) or Vanilla Custard will let you learn the ropes without draining your wallet.
Have a look at this thread too: Beginner’s Guide to Mixing
. It’ll give you the lowdown on what’s essential and what’s goat fluff.
Remember — this DIY game isn’t about kitchen shortcuts, it’s about patience, experimenting, and finding the flavors that make you say “yep, that’s my juice.” Stick with it, and soon you’ll be saving money and blowing clouds you actually enjoy.