coconut vanilla body butter

If you've been here before, then you know that I love my coconut oil - especially making things with said coconut oil (see 1 & 2 for starters). Something you might not know is that I also have a sweet spot for vanilla (get it? ha!). So when I found this recipe for coconut vanilla body butter I had to share.

Coconut Vanilla Body Butter
via my life at playtime

• You only need a jar coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a container (or containers if you're making this for gifts or party favors)
• Scoop the full jar of coconut oil into a stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Mix on high (in a stand mixer or via a handheld) for 2-4 minutes, then add a capful of vanilla extract, be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl every now and then
• Mix on high for another 2-4 minutes, scraping the sides as needed
• The mix will be nice and fluffy when you're done, like a rich lotion 
• Transfer to container(s)
• You can even print cute little labels if you're so inclined
• Enjoy!

NOTE: This will work with any extract or essential oil of your choice, peppermint or lavender maybe? Also, if you're making a large batch, use one capful of extract for every jar of coconut oil used. 

Image via.

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly. 

Current Beauty Indulgences

Since becoming a mama, I've really started to hold my daily (fingers crossed) shower as sacred. It's basically the only "me" time I get these days. So I decided to invest in some indulgent products to make the whole thang that much more of an escape.

I've always been careful to choose healthy products with safe ingredients, but I've definitely stepped it up since my pregnancy. Even now, while I'm breast feeding, everything I consume or put on my body gets passed to my baby girl so I want to take extra care to make healthful choices for the both of us.

So I went on a search for indulgent and healthy products, and I've made a few discoveries.

Nourish Organics Almond Vanilla Body Wash: this smells so divine, the blend of aloe, coconut milk, vitamin e, and essential oils is truly soothing, and yes, nourishing.

Pacifica Kona Coffee Body Scrub: I'm still a fan of making my own scrubs, but every now and then it's nice to buy a special one. This scrub exfoliates and stimulates to really improve the texture of your skin, leaving you almost as soft and smooth as your baby.

Aveda Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner: let's face it, this stuff works. My hair is soft and bouncy, plus you can't beat the herbaceous lingering smell.

Baby Bee Nourishing Lotion: I use plain old straight up coconut oil on my baby (it moisturizes and makes her smell so yummy), but I was gifted some of this lotion so ... I'm using it. :-) It's silky, highly moisturizing, leaves a nice light sent, and I know it's completely safe for my baby cakes. It's nice not to have to worry about holding her after applying it.

In terms of facial skin care - I'm still faithful to the basic outline of the AM and PM routines, but am really digging the Korres products, especially the Wild Rose Serum, these days.

Are there any indulgent products you're enjoying at the moment? Also, if you ever want to check on the safety of your products you can do a search on the Skin Deep Data Base - it's a great resource.

Image via.

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tips & Tricks

The weather is finally heating up, which means ... it's iced coffee time!

This is one of those genius-so-simple-why-didn't-I-think-of-it ideas. Freeze coffee to make ice cubes for iced coffee. Chill your coffee for a warm day treat with out watering it down-- so smart, right?

Image via.
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Now that we are solidly in the midst of spring, with summer rapidly approaching, I love the idea of piling on the slivery jewelry. Throw in a few semi-precious stones ... perfection.

Image via.
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Hopefully the weather is warming up where you are dolls. If so, we are getting into prime iced coffee territory. I love using cold brewed coffee for the coffee portion, but what about the ice cubes? The ice cubes are a crucial component here.

Regular ice cubes just dilute the coffee unless you gulp it down right away, but that defeats the relaxing and savoring part of an iced beverage. So, why not freeze coffee and use that for your iced coffee? Genius! So simple, so obvious, so brilliant.

You could simply freeze plain (cooled) brewed coffee, or you could jazz it up a bit by adding vanilla or cinnamon, perhaps a little sweetener or cream if your feeling frisky. The possibilities are endless.

Image via.

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Planning any sort of Easter gathering? If so, I love this idea for Bunny Peeps place card holders. This lovely DIY is for beautiful clay peeps you can use year after year (see the tutorial here). However, I don't see why you couldn't use the real thing if you're being lazy short on time - just make little slits in the ears with a knife for the place card, and maybe use honey to affix them to the plates if you have a hard time getting them to stand up on their own. You could even use the chick peeps for that matter.

Boom - place setting and dessert in one. I love multitasking.

Image via.

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Do any of you do this? Save corks from wine and champagne bottles opened on special occasions? I don't do it as often as I think I should. I've saved a few key bottles with the date and occasion written on them - the sparkling wine we opened when we got engaged for instance. But what about the special bottle we opened on a girls-night-in last year? That would have been a fun one to keep. Plus, how cool do all these corks look stored in an interesting jar or vase? A conversation starter at the very least.

Is there anything else you collect to preserve memories? I used to collect shells, and the hubs collects rocks.

Image via.

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly. 

Tuesdays Tips & Tricks

Just a step up from "no make-up make-up," this whisper of a cat eye adds a tiny pop to your everyday look. Paired with a fresh face, a groomed brow, and maybe a bright cheek or lip, boom, your work day make-up just kicked it up a notch. It's a great way to look a little more polished without looking too "done." Don't cha think?

Image via.

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

As much as I love a big piece of statement jewelry, sometimes I really prefer the subtle sexiness of a dainty gem. Something to add just a hint of sparkle against just a hint of bare skin.

Image via. 
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Do any of you follow your horoscope? I must admit that I do. I'm not crazy or obsessive about it by any means, but I find it really fascinating and, often, eerily spot on. Usually the day to day or weekly horoscopes are a little less meaningful (to me) than say having your chart read (which is pretty awesome if you ever have the chance to do it). But there are a few astrological events I pay attention to - Mercury, I'm looking at you. If you pay attention to astrology too, you probably already know that we have two eclipses coming up in April, which can be rather significant. 


Astrologer Susan Miller - via Refinary29 - describes the up coming event: Eclipses always fall on a new moon or full moon, and they always come in pairs, two weeks apart. In April, these are monster moons — full of difficult aspects. So, while either of these new and full moons would have been important in their own right, the fact that these are eclipses — the nodal points of any year, where all events seem to revolve around the strong messages of the eclipses — means they have the strength of three new moons and full moons rolled into one. The first eclipse, on April 15, will be a full moon, ending or culminating a situation or relationship; and the second eclipse is a new moon, setting up a long-term trend ... The mission of an eclipse will be to uncover truth, and to sweep away unproductive and outworn elements — although at the time, you may feel that what is being taken away or changed is still relevant to you, not outworn at all. But, have faith, as the universe will be working on your behalf, even if you don’t yet see this to be true. 

Read more about the eclipses, how your sign will be affected, and tips on how to cope here. 

Image via.
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Sleep has been a big discussion topic in our home lately. Not because I've been sleeping poorly (thank you pregnancy), but because the hubs hasn't been sleeping well. It's a funny role reversal, usually the hubs hits the hay and is out like a light while I toss and turn, so I've learned my fair share of fall-asleep-techniques. But I hadn't heard of this one (hint - it involves breathing):

1. Get comfortable 
2. Breathe in through your nose on a count of three seconds
3. Breathe out through your nose on a count of six seconds 
4. Repeat until you fall asleep

So simple, no? This works for two reasons. First, you must consciously pay attention to counting your breath — it's like a more effective version of counting sheep. Second, your physical self will instantly feel the effect that comes with this shorter-inhalation, longer-exhalation. The physiological impact is immediate as your autonomic nervous system shifts, signaling muscles to relax, heart rate to slow, and your brain to downshift.

Fingers crossed for some good sleep in our home tonight.

Image via. 
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

I don't often get my hair blown-out, but recently I splurged and made a trip to Dry Bar ahead of my maternity photos (treat yo self!). It's definitely a fun little something extra for a special occasion, and if you can make it last through the weekend - all the better.

Here are a few ways to make a salon blowout last 2-3 days:

1. Sleep on a satin pillow case (also great for preventing wrinkles)
2. Shower with a coated fabric shower cap
3. Adjust your part to boost volume
4. On later days you can mist the front sections and restyle
5. Make friends with dry shampoo

Image via.
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Next time you curl you hair, try this tip to save your ends and still get long lasting waves. Start out curling from halfway up the strands for 10 seconds (leaving the ends out), then loosen clamp and curl from end of hair for another 5 seconds - saving yourself from frying your ends without sacrificing style. 

Image etc via. 
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

One of my biggest pregnancy cravings these days has been ... smoothies! They satisfy that itch for some tangy goodness, plus are a great way to get several of your fruits and veggies in for the day in a single setting. Here's one of my go-to concoctions.

Mango, Spinach, Banana Smoothie 

Ingredients

• Handful frozen mangos
• 1/2 banana
• Generous handful of baby spinach
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup tangerine juice
• Optional: vanilla greek yogurt - if you want a creamier smoothie
• Optional: agave nectar - if you want a sweeter smoothie 

Method
Throw everything into a blender and blend until all ingredients are evenly combined into one smooth mixture. Pour into a tall glass and, if you're feeling frisky, top with some whipped cream.

You can also substitute frozen berries for the frozen mangos, add fresh berries to the ingredients above, or change out the type of juice - coconut water is really good as is blueberry juice. You really can't go wrong with a smoothie. Do you like it? Then that's a successful smoothie in my book. What are your favorite smoothie combos?

Images via yours truly.
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips and Tricks

It's no secret that I love a hydrangea, a controversial statement I know. But I do not love a droopy hydrangea, especially if they start to droop within a day of being purchased. Champagne problems, yes, but still annoying. However, all is not lost, you have options.

Well you have one option, but it's a good one. Soak the hydrangeas in ice water (either in a large pot or in the sink) for several hours or overnight if you can. The water will refresh the blooms and perk up your flowers. So simple!

Images via come on ilene - but I've tried this myself and it totally works, I just didn't think to get photos!
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Want to extend your blowout quickly cheaply, and without questionable chemicals? Yeah, me too.

Just dab a lemon juice soaked cotton ball on your scalp to soak up excess oil and leave your hair smelling fresh and clean. Who'd have thought?

Image via and via.
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips and Tricks

Few things are more alluring than Kate Moss' signature smolder. It's the embodiment of that effortless, unattainable, I'm-so-sexy-but-I-couldn't-care-less, cool factor. But it's doesn't have to be soo unattainable thanks to this makeup tutorial by none other than Kate's makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury. I'm not saying this tutorial will make you look like just Kate, but it will help you increase your sexy-smolder level. 

Image via. 
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Looking for a customized facial you can do at home? Why not give Muji Compressed Facial Mask Sheets a go? These sheet masks can be used on any skin type, customized to fit your specific concern(s). You'll just need a Muji sheet and a toner or DIY mixture of your choosing. Simply soak one of the compressed sheet tablets with your toner, wring slightly, apply to a cleansed face, and remove after a few minutes. BOOM - easy peasy. Sheet masks are great, because they allow for a liquid to have prolonged contact with your skin so you can really soak up the benefits. 

But what toning mixtures should you try? Refinery29 has you covered:

For dry skin, try a mixture of coconut water, five drops of coconut oil, and half a teaspoon of honey. According to Elena Arboleda, head aesthetician at Mario Badescu, coconut oil and water are naturally hydrating, while honey helps to lock moisture into the skin. 

For sensitive skin, a cool cup of chamomile tea mixed with one tablespoon of aloe vera gel and three drops of olive oil will calm any redness or irritation. The aloe vera gel in combination with the olive oil is a surefire way to combat any dryness as well. 

For an acne-prone complexion, try a mixture of 1/4 cup of witch hazel, 3/4 cup of water, and one teaspoon of aloe vera gel. “Witch hazel has been used for centuries to aid troubled skin, and since acne is often accompanied with irritation, a bit of aloe vera gel will help to soothe that irritation and redness,” explains Arboleda. 

There you go - a DIY facial you can handle with ease. 

Image etc via and via. 
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

January may as well be national detox month. After the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year's revelry I'm sure all of our systems could use a break, and maybe a little pampering as well. You can go the juice cleanse route, or the complete 12 hour spa day route (dare to dream), or you can simply start in the tub with a nice detoxifying scrub down. 

GINGER DETOX BODY SCRUB
via Henry Happened 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• ½ cup of Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine roughly chopped ginger and ½ cup Epsom salt in a food processor. Pulse a few times until the ginger is ground and combined.
2. Remove to a small bowl and add lemon juice.
3. Put down a towel and apply scrub before your bath or shower, start at your feet and work your way up. 

To really milk the detoxifying benefits, start a hot shower or bath before you start scrubbing. The heat from the shower plus the ginger will really make you sweat, so you can eliminate even more toxins and relax sore muscles to boot! Who said detoxing was difficult?   

Image via and via. 
Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

This is a neat one. If you want to make sure your eyeshadow really pops, or if you want to add depth to a lighter hue, just use white eyeliner to color in the lid before applying your shadow. You'll be amazed with the difference this little step can make. Easy peasey, no?

Image via. 

Want more? Never miss a post, follow me on Bloglovin or Feedly.