Welcome to the second edition of Stuff I'm Loving Lately. Click here to read the first edition, chock full of lovely links and fantastical recipes.
The Terrible Tragedy of the Healthy Eater is hands down one of the most genius food articles I've ever read. You can ignore everything else in this post if you must, but definitely read that article in it's entirety. We all need a good laugh. And I quote: "Some people see Jesus in their toast but you know the only faces in that mix of frankenfood grains and commercial preservatives are Insulin Sensitivity Man and his sidekick, Hormonal Disruption Boy."
You should all go to Knead for brunch. Yes.
I'm still washing my face with coconut oil and I'm still obsessed. I wet my face, massage about a teaspoon all over my face, and then gently wash it off with a washcloth. My face is as soft as a baby's bottom and I smell like Aruba. I know what you're thinking....why would you ever rub oil all over your face?! Coconut oil is a miracle product. It has antimicrobial properties. It has plant-based saturated fat that is actually beneficial to cholesterol levels. It pops the perfect popcorn. It takes off my eyeliner like a pro. And it makes my face soft and breakout-free. Hallelujah. Buy the organic, unrefined kind from Trader Joe's or the huge tub from Costco for the best deal.
When I'm not using coconut oil (like a fourth of the time), I use this Neutrogena naturals fresh cleanser and makeup remover. I think it's the best drugstore face wash you can find because it's gentle and free of yucky additives.
I'm all over this fab list of DIY natural skin care products. Sorry to be all hippie on you today, but this stuff actually works. I put half a cup of organic apple cider vinegar and ½ cup of filtered water in a spray bottle and sprayed it all over my hair after I shampooed. I didn't use any conditioner like I usually do. Then I rinsed it out for a while. Then I may have sprayed some all over my face because of course it's good for acne, too. The result? Super shiny and soft hair. Would I lie to you?
I've finally figured out the perfect ratio of oil to popcorn kernels for when I'm in the mood to measure (which I'm usually not). Put a heaping two tablespoons of coconut oil in a big pot over medium-high heat. Add ½ cup kernels. Put the lid on and shake until all the kernels are popped. Sprinkle liberally with salt. Duh. This should probably serve about three, but good luck sharing.
These carrot cake breakfast bars from paleOMG. OMG is right. Totally flourless and totally made with almond butter . I used coconut flour instead of protein powder, too). These have been my go-to snack when I want to bite my arm off at 3pm. I had to instagram 'em.
This blackberry and mint salad with honey lime dressing. I always like keeping homemade dressing in the fridge in one of those cute little mason jars to force myself to eat salads throughout the week. I used fresh mint from the garden and it was so summery and delightful. You could easily make this without the mint, too. I enjoyed the dressing over mixed greens with chopped avocado when I was too lazy to get out the blackberries (which are 10 for $10 at Kroger right now heyyyyyyy).
Speaking of Kroger, they have some fabulous deals on organic produce. I got organic peaches for way cheaper there than at Whole Foods (no surprise there), and they were just as sweet and juicy. But the best thing going on there right now is the giant tubs of Simple Truth organic mixed greens on sale for a mere $3.99! CRAZINESSSSS. They're usually double that, and the tub is freaking humongous. Like, you'll have to try hard to eat it in time. I've had it for over a week and it's still perfectly crisp. Since it comes with so much, you'll be forced to eat salad everyday and your bod will surely thank you.
These Greek yogurt pancakes are so gosh darn fluffy. It gets me every time. You really really really should make them this weekend.
Speaking of being so fluffy you're gonna dieeeeeee, Despicable Me 2 is probably my favorite kids movie ever, second only to Despicable Me the first.
Sooooo I actually just ate two hard boiled eggs, some applesauce, some dark chocolate, a cup of tea, aaaaaand a big bowl of popcorn....all like an hour after dinner. Still not full. #HUNGERPROBS
Jenny says
Hi Alexis,
I also have #hungerprobs 😀 . One thing I also like is using coconut oil but not as a face wash, I am using it when making DIY skincare recipes and as a moisturizer.
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Sanna says
You should definitely keep doing this post! It's really good! I want to try the coconut oil facial cleanser thing. And also the apple cider vinegar-water mixture for hair, even though mine is already super soft. 🙂
Today we went to Trader Joe's and stocked up on yumminess!!! They had a HUMONGOUS thing of blueberries for $7.... I predict it'll be gone pretty soon.
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says
The Terrible Tragedy of the Healthy Eater is absolutely hilarious! Thanks so much for sharing. That carrot breakfast cake looks fabulous and I love the ingredient list.
Alexis says
Isn't it the funniest thing ever?? Make those carrot bars--you won't regret it!
Angela @ Health's Angel says
I love all these natural beauty tips. Thanks for reminding me that I've been meaning to buy apple cider vinegar! I love how versatile it is. Coconut oil is THE BEST.
Alexis says
Glad you're likin the tips!
Khushboo Thadani says
Great idea about using coconut oil on face- I'm all about being as natural as possible with beauty products! Have you ever tried adding coconut oil on your hair? It's a great DIY conditioner!
Alexis says
I used coconut oil in my hair once and I liked it a lot! Is there anything that stuff ISN'T good for?! I think not.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I would have never thought to clean my face with coconut oil! Ima hafta try me soma dat.
And I love your hippie tips! Thanks for the great links and have a good weekend! 🙂
Alexis says
It sounds bizarre to smear oil all over your face...but I'm telling you, my skin has NEVER looked better. Have a fab weekend my dear!