New Miracle...Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

The older I get, the more I realize the importance of hydration and staying moisturized. The more water you drink, the better your entire body functions. Seriously, drink 64oz of water daily for one week and you can't tell me you don't see major differences in your appearance, cognition, energy and overall health!

I also realize that there are so many products and moisturizers that have so many byproducts and chemicals in them. Not to mention the cost! I've been dabbling with DIY lotions and moisturizers, and I was swearing on flax seed oil for a while...UNTIL....Coconut oil came into my life. :)

First of all, flax seed oil is great, and I can go on about the benefits all day long. There was one problem, though. It STINKS. I would soak my hair in it, and the towel I would use would reek for several washes. If I washed it with other clothes, forget it! I still have clothes in my closet that have that weird, earthy smell on it. 

I've found the perfect alternative. Coconut oil. Seriously folks, it smells like the yummy Girl Scout cookies. Samosas, I think? You can use it anywhere, on anything, anytime and it's almost a guarantee that whatever you use it on will be better! Keep in mind, use the unrefined, organic coconut oil. You can get a huge vat of it for about $9 at any health food store or HEB. I've been using it on my hair, both for soaking in it overnight and as a leave in conditioner for the ends. My cuticles and nails have never looked better, and my skin is starting to look radiant! I'm not kidding, it is great for your entire body, inside and out.

A friend of mine recently shared an article from Hybrid Rasta Mama about the many uses of coconut oil. Check out all of these amazing uses!

80 Uses for Coconut Oil

I HAVE UPDATED THIS POST AS OF 01/06/2012. PLEASE SEE 160 USES FOR COCONUT OIL FOR MUCH MORE INFORMATION!

So what's the deal with coconut oil?

Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I have completely fallen in love with coconut oil and use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil including 80 uses for it!

General information about Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Is:

·       Anti-inflammatory
·       Antimicrobial
·       Antifungal
·       Antiviral
·       Improves nutrient absorption

Daily Dosage:

Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready.
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Weight in pounds/kilograms	Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily
175+/79+	4
150+ /68+	3 1/2
125+ / 57+	3
100+/ 45+	2 1/2
75+ / 34+	2
50+ / 23+	1 1/2
25+ / 11+	1

Type to use:

·       Expeller pressed coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell of taste.
·       Virgin coconut oil tastes coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor.
·       Food grade should always be used.

80 Uses for Coconut Oil

Personal Hygiene/Body

1.       Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
2.       Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
3.       Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
4.       Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.
5.       Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
6.       Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment - use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
7.       Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
8.       Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
9.       Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
10.   Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
11.   Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
12.   Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
13.   Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information.
14.   Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
15.   Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
16.   Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
17.   Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
18.   Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
19.   Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20.   Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
21.   Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
22.   Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

General Health and Wellness

23.   Stress Relief - relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.
24.   Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
25.   Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.
26.   Nose bleeds - coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.
27.   For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.  
28.   Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.
29.   Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)

30.   Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don't
31.   Skin problems
32.   Toenail fungus
33.   Hot flashes
34.   Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)
35.   HIV
36.   Head lice
37.   Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
38.   Migraines (with regular use)
39.   Mononucleosis
40.   Parasites
41.   Thrush
42.   Relieve gallbladder pain
43.   Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal
44.   Energy boost
45.   Flaky, dry skin
46.   May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal
47.   Adrenal fatigue
48.   Alzheimers
49.   H. pylori
50.   Candida albicans
51.   Asthma, even in children
52.   Autism
53.   Cholesterol - improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol
54.   Chronic fatigue
55.   Circulation/feeling cold all the time
56.   Stronger immune system
57.   Mental Clarity
58.   Depression
59.   Helps with inflammation in Crohns

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)

60.   Athletes foot
61.   Back pain/sore muscles
62.   Canker sores
63.   Acne
64.   Cellulite
65.   Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)
66.   Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)
67.   Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.

Cooking

68.   Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.
69.   Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
70.   Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.
71.   Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.

Other Uses

72.   Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.
73.   Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
74.   Goo Gone - just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
75.   Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!
76.   Polish Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
77.   Polishing Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
78.   Seasoning animal hide drums
79.   Seasoning cookware
80.   Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

Crazy, isn't it?? Do you know any other uses for coconut oil that aren't listed on here? If so, please leave it in the comments. 

DIY: Distressed Accent Table

I'm truly, madly, and ever so deeply in love with my accent table. It was a table I really didn't like before. I felt that no matter where I put it, it was constantly out of place. It was some sort of very red cherry finish that didn't really match a thing we own.  I really researched how to distress furniture before taking on this project....and let me tell you  IT WAS SO SIMPLE. I'm absolutely thrilled with the way this table turned out! I didn't even have to sand it prior to painting it!

1) Make sure your furniture is completely clean. Don't use anything like Pledge or Old English that will leave a residue. If anything, use Murphy's Oil Soap.

2) You could really use any colors, but for this piece I used black with a turquoise on top. I spray painted the table first. Yes, I used cheap $.96 spray paint from Walmart. It REALLY doesn't matter for the bottom layer. It just needs to be coated well.

3) Take a soft brush and paint your top color once the under layer has dried. I only did one thick coat, because I really liked being able to see some brush strokes. Let dry at least overnight.

4) I took 150 fine grit sandpaper and went to work. It really didn't take much elbow grease at all. I focused on the corners, and the edges of the wood. It's absolutely mind-blowing how simple this is!

5) Then I replaced the drawer pull with something that would go a little better with the new look of the table.

I'm so proud of this one!! :)

Recipe: Extremely Easy Crockpot Roast Beef

You've probably already seen a hundred different recipes very similar to this. I'm fairly certain the repetition is because it's just so darn tasty! I do a couple of different things with mine. You be the judge!

1 4-5lb roast (your choice of meat. I always use a chuck roast because it's inexpensive and a little bit fatty.)
3-4 carrots, roughly sliced in 2 inch pieces
3 russet potatoes, peeled and roughly diced in large pieces
6-7 cloves of garlic
1 can of your favorite beer
SPG (Salt, pepper and garlic salt to taste)
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped


I add the veggies (carrots, potatoes, and onion) to the crockpot first. I like to add the meat on top so the juices get all involved with the veggies. It's delicious.

 Some people like to brown the roast in a saute pan before they add it to the crockpot. I certainly have in the past, but for lack of time, I decided not to the last time I made it. To be perfectly honest, I couldn't really tell a difference. I make sure to season the roast liberally, because that's really the only seasoning the whole dish is getting.

I puncture about 6-7 holes in the roast and hide little garlic cloves inside. When it's done, this will turn into this amazing roasted garlic spread that you can rub on the meaty bites. OMGoodness...talk about good.

Top with a can of beer (you could certainly use beef broth if you didn't want to use alcohol)...and let sit for 6-8 hours on low. Low and slow is key here. The meat just about falls apart on your fork and the veggies and sauce are so flavorful. This is one of my absolute favorite meals, and certainly one of the easiest to make!

Recipes: Super Simple 60 calorie Cappuccino

When I was working outside of the home, I had a very bad habit of going to Starbucks every morning for coffee! That adds up! That's $87.00/month and 4,200 unnecessary calories! (Assuming you get a drink which is 210 calories, which most average out to that.)

Out of sheer panic this morning, I discovered how to make a lovely little cappuccino! I MUST have my coffee every morning, but I just cant drink it black. I usually add a splash of milk, and that is all I need. This particular morning; however, we were out of milk. See, I live with a 2 foot, 7 inch milkaholic. She knows to point and the fridge and lay on the floor if I don't get there soon enough for her liking! It's funny how I've seen other people's kids do this before I was a parent and thought "How OBNOXIOUS!" Of course, with my own, it's absolutely adorable. Not that I'd ever let her know I think her milk tantrums are cute!

During this morning's milk shortage, the only creamy thing I could possibly substitute was nonfat whipped cream. You know, the kind from the can. At 15 calories for two tablespoons, I decided just to fill up the cup. I use a pretty small cup, so I think I probably ended up with about 4 servings in there. That adds up to about 60 calories. I can handle that for my morning coffee! I put the whipped cream in the cup first, and just poured the coffee on top. Stir it up, and you have a very tasty, super simple cappuccino!

Parties: Moms Group Valentines Day Party

Since moving to the Austin area late last year, I have met the most wonderful group of women. These ladies are also stay at home Mommies, and have kids around the same age as my little squirt. Earlier this week, I had a few over for a casual Valentine's Day party for the kiddos. We had such a great time! I so glad to have some adult interaction, and the kids LOVED playing together.

Anyway, I proved that you can throw together a casual get together within literally minutes without cooking a thing!

Store bought cupcakes, to which I added heart shaped candies.

Party favors that cost less than $2!

The Spread...you can buy that frame at www.etsy.com/shop/amourcrudesigns

Cupcakes always look prettier on a stand!

This took all of two seconds to put together!

2 packages of Hostess shortcakes=$1.00, topped with whipped cream =$1.95, Garnished with sliced strawberries= $2.98. Total: $5.93 for a very cute dessert!

Red chips for Valentine's Day!

We all know these came from the freezer!

More fruit...

Little princess setting up her tea party for her little friends!

Guest Blogger: Simple and Delicious Tomato Soup (Just like La Madelaine's!)

My friend Cyndy has an awesome blog, that I am just in love with! She has some really great ideas on there. Check it out at www.thecreativityexchange.com. Cyndy was nice enough to share this entry about LaMadelaine's tomato soup with us!


***On a side note, I made this recipe last night, and it is FANTASTIC. It really does taste just like the tomato soup from LaMadelaine's! Delicious!

If you have ever had the pleasure of eating at a La Madelaine's Restaurant you have probably had a cup (or many) of their famous tomato-basil soup. If you've never been to a La Madelaine's and have never heard anything about the soup,  it is absolutely out of this world and in my opinion one of the best soups I have ever tasted... EVER!

What makes La Madelaine's tomato-basil soup so incredible is the super rich creamy taste. The soup at the restaurant is so rich that I can only handle a small cup.  Of course that amazing rich creamy taste is created by using tons of heavy cream and all that good stuff that's not necessarily so good for my 2012 new diet.   So in honor of 2012 resolutions to eat healthier, I thought I would share this recipe for the healthy lower fat version that was shared with me years ago by my friend Ginny. I have made Ginny's recipe hundreds of times and I still cannot believe how easy and delicious it is knowing that it is made with buttermilk and tomato juice and not heavy cream and fresh tomatoes.  It blows me away how close this recipe is to the original soup and I thought I would share it with you today.

Tomato-Basil Soup (La Madalaine's) Healthy Version

Ingredients; (SERVES 4)

1 Tb. margarine

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 C. chopped green bell pepper

1/2 tsp. dried basil

2 C. tomato juice

1 C. buttermilk

1) In a medium saucepan, saute chopped onion bell peppers in margarine until tender. (Yes, I sneaked and used real butter in the picture above)! It's real important that you are exact on your onion and pepper measurements. A little too much of one or the other can alter the end taste.

2) Stir in remaining ingredients and turn off heat.

3) Transfer to blender (in several batches) and puree until you get it as smooth as you can. I used my nifty new "Smart Stick" hand blender that I am now able to puree right in the soup pan! This thing is incredible and everyone should have one:

4) Return to saucepan and heat until warm. DO NOT LET BOIL.. Buttermilk cannot be boiled and will separate and curdle like if boiled. I have learned this the hard way a couple times by not watching my pot. You only need to warm it up.

I have served this soup with all kinds of different panini sandwiches or toasted french bread. This is also a great recipe to use for a luncheon or a brunch. This last Christmas, I made batches of this soup and poured in mason jars and gave as gifts with a note to refrigerate immediately and to not boil.

Thanks again, Cyndy for this great recipe! Be sure and check out www.thecreativityexchange.com today!

DIY: Valentine's Day Card Ideas

I've found a few adorable Valentine's Day cards on Pinterest that I MUST share. I made some this year, just wish I had thought to take a picture before I put them in the mail! Oh well, here are some ideas for next year.

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all have chocolate-filled days with lots of flowers and fun!

Etsy: Amour Cru Designs

I've "technically" had an Etsy shop for a couple of years now, but never really done anything with it. I've sold one item TOTAL. I've really been toying with the idea of making that, and this blog a major focus. I've decided that there is no time like the present, and I may as well start making this dream of mine a reality!

It's now official: Amour Cru Designs (It means Vintage Love in French <3)  is open for business as of today! I'm mainly going to be working on custom pieces, mostly for home decor. I do actually know how to sew, but not well enough where I feel confident enough to sell my work. Once I get better, I do plan to add some children's clothing into the mix!

Check out what I've got on there so far!

www.etsy.com/shop/amourcrudesigns

Custom Chalkboards for Kid's Rooms $45

Southwestern Style Vintage Bandanna Art $75/ each or $150/ pair

Custom 5x7 Chalkboard Stand $29.95

Be sure to tell all of your friends! :) 

Restaurant Review: Dave's Hamburgers

There we were, three days before Christmas, beaten down by the hustle and bustle of the mall, when my husband and I decided to grab something to eat from the food court at Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park. Not expecting much, being that this is food court cuisine, we decided on Dave's Hamburgers.

It took nearly ten minutes for them to complete our order, because they cooked it right there! As in, fresh patties, fresh veggies, the works! I was glad to wait, especially once I ate it.

We had no idea that we were about the eat the best burger EVER.  Seriously, we were shocked. It was absolutely delicious. Perfectly juicy, crisp veggies, and fresh buttered bun.

                                                              She clearly enjoyed it! :)

My little squirt and I were out and about today, and I decided to try it again, just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. Exactly the same as before, it was out of this world! Once again, cooked fresh on the spot, and it did not disappoint! They have a pretty small menu, which is about what you would expect from a small burger joint. However, their sweet tea is amazing. You can also get a VERY large drink for $1. I'm all about that! This is their only location, and the same sweet lady is there each time cooking up those delicious burgers. I have a feeling she must be the owner!

If you are ever out at Lakeline Mall, be sure and stop by Dave's Hamburgers! You won't be disappointed!

DIY Chalkboard Frame

I love football...I really do. That being said, I'm a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, and there's really no changing that. The New York Giants and the New England Patriots are probably two of my least favorite teams. If it weren't for the commercials, I'm pretty sure I'd be watching E!

Anyway, during the "football breaks" from the commercials, I decided to work on some craft projects I've been meaning to start. I have a new obsession...chalkboard paint. This stuff ROCKS. I took an old black picture frame, and painted the glass part with chalkboard paint. While letting it dry, I thought to myself, "Self...this needs something else." I went to my craft drawer and found a silver ink pad. I used it to rub along the edges of the frame for a shiny, yet distressed look. Then, I thought to myself again, "Self...this needs some bling." Back to the craft drawer, I searched and I searched, and found nothing suitable. THEN, I peered from the corner of my eye a strand of a broken necklace I'd decided to save for just such an occasion. I wasn't really sure how to incorporate it, so I just glued it into a little circle. Turned out pretty cute if you ask me!

I added this little frame to a cute little iron scroll stand, and now I have the perfect What's For Dinner Tonight board!