Coconut Oil

A little while ago I was looking around on Pinterest and I saw a bunch of pins about Coconut Oil and all of the health benefits. I had never used it before so I thought I should try it. I ordered some off of Amazon: here. I must say that I love it! I use it mostly as a moisturizer and hair conditioner. I use it on my arms and legs and love how smooth it makes my skin feel, without feeling oily. To use it as a hair conditioner I just put some in my hair (a little goes a long way) and let it sit there for 30 minutes or so then shampoo my hair as usual. The nice thing is that you can buy it in a two pack on Amazon, one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen!

I have also cooked with it and love how it melts clear and has a cleaner feel and taste than butter. I have read some articles that say that olive oil is still healthier, but that coconut oil is a better option than butter. I haven't tried baking with it yet, but I've found some recipes I'm excited to try. The Food Network recently put a video on their website about coconut oil that can be found: here. I haven't noticed much of a coconut flavor to the food when I cook with it. I will say though that because it smells like coconut when you are cooking, it makes you feel like it tastes that way. Does that make sense?

I also have a friend who does oil pulling for her teeth and uses coconut oil. I haven't tried it yet, but if you do let me know what you think!

I found this chart on Pinterest. Who knows if it's entirely accurate, but I've seen these claims in several articles. 

You can buy it in regular grocery stores, too. I just found the two pack for $17 to be a pretty good deal!

Aqua Zinger

Since giving up Coke, I've tried really hard to drink more water, which has been kind of hard for me.  I like juice, soda, milk, but water? Not so much. I also don't like the Crystal Light packets as much, because it reminds me of having diabetes while pregnant. So, I was excited when I spotted this awesome water bottle on Pinterest:

Behold! The Zing Anything Aqua Zinger! I ordered mine, in pink, off of Amazon for $29. I think the blue one is $24.

Here's how it works:

First you cut up whatever it is you want to use to flavor your water. I typically use cucumbers, because it's the easiest..and I'm lazy. It also reminds me of going to a spa, which is always nice. I've also done watermelon and basil, which was delicious. My kids also like the cucumbers, so I usually do that since they like to share.  Anyway, you cut up your vegetables, fruits, or berries and place them in a little cup at the bottom of the bottle. Then you place in a little attachment with blades on it. Then you screw it back onto the main part of the bottle and fill it with water and ice and voila! Flavored water. I've been drinking a lot more water since buying this bottle. Now I don't mind it as much! Try it and let me know what you think!

My quest to get fit!

I have had 3 kids and after each of my boys I made a resolve to lose all of the baby weight...and then I'd see a cookie or need a Coke. It's not really that I like to snack or eat desserts A LOT, it's mostly that I do not like to diet and I really dislike exercising. It's just not my thing. Well, about a month ago I decided it had better become my thing, because I don't like being chubby either. So, I turned to Sister #1 who told me about this beautiful app:

I love it! I love that I can set a goal and that it will tell me how many calories I can have in a day. I love that I can input everything I eat and any time that I actually exercise. It's really helped me to change the way I think about eating and snacking and has helped me to want to exercise (occasionally). After a month of using it I am more than halfway to my overall weight loss goal. I have given up Coke, but other than that I am pretty much eating the same things..just a lot less of it.

Try it! You'll love it!