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!

Bose MIE2i Headphones

A year or so ago I bought these headphones for my husband: Bose MIE2i Mobile Headsets. He is a runner and is always going through new headphones to find some that he likes. (This is also the case for running shoes, sunglasses, and watches.) Anyway, he discovered these Bose Headphones and seemed to like them so I ordered him some for Father's Day.

I hadn't really thought of them much until the other day when I was pulling laundry out of the washing machine to transfer them to the dryer. Then to my surprise I pulled these headphones out of the washer. Needless to say, I was slightly annoyed.  These aren't the cheapest headphones. I set right out to make my husband feel guilty about it, because it's what I do. Then just for fun I thought I'd check to see if they still work...and what do you know?! They do! So, I am recommending them to all of you, just in case you are looking for good headphones to run with, that have a microphone and will survive a run through the washing machine! Now I must go apologize to my husband for the guilt trip. Darn.

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!