I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts!

Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head!! Hahaha. I had to throw that in there. Love me some Lion King. Anyway, don't y'all just love coconut??? The smell and taste bring me straight to the tropics! Not only is it delicious but it's also very healthy!! Coconuts are rich in specific fats that have great health benefits.

Coconut water has been known to re-hydrate the body, raise your metabolism, boost your immune system, cleanse your digestive tract, break up kidney stones, fight viruses, cure hangovers, boost thyroid health, eliminate swelling, reduce wrinkles and balance your ph among many other things!! And if you're into Ayurveda, I've read that drinking coconut water can have a calming, stress relieving effect. I came up with 10 different ways for us to use coconut water so we can all benefit from this wonderful fruit!

I know you can find coconut water in health food stores or on the internet but I'm not sure if you will find it at your local grocery store or not. Make sure you get natural coconut water with no added sugars. It's pretty sweet all by itself!

1. Make tea with coconut water instead of plain! I made my decaf Earl Grey with coconut water and it was DELICIOUS!

2. Pour yourself a glass of coconut water with a few drops of lemon juice. A cool, refreshing drink for the summer!

3. Make your regular rice with coconut water instead for a delicious side dish!

4. Freeze the coconut water in an ice cube tray and add to any drink for a taste of yummy coconut.

5. Add a cup of coconut water to your favorite smoothie recipe. I love to add it to strawberries and bananas. The coconut water helps to replenish your body after a workout!

6. Add it to your shampoo and/or conditioner for oily hair. (I haven't tried this yet but I'm definitely going to!)

7. Smooth coconut water over your face and leave on for about 15 minutes before rinsing. It helps to clean, tone and hydrate your skin. I've read about it helping with acne and acne scars too!

8. Mix coconut water and your favorite fruits, freeze and you have yourself a delicious popsicle. :)

9. Soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and coconut water. It hydrates the skin and makes them nice and soft.

10. Soak your fingernails in coconut water before a manicure to soften your cuticles and hydrate any dry skin around them.

There are tons of ways to utilize coconut water! It seems like a miracle liquid! Even celebrities are taking notice of it.

Do you need any more reasons to get yourself some coconut water ASAP?!

Beach Checklist

Not to rub it in for those of you not taking a trip to the beach anytime soon...but I am super excited about my beach trip this weekend!!! I have been excited for a couple of weeks now actually. As with all trips I take I have to start planning way in advance, buy new outfits, tan, get a pedicure...etc. I have gotten most of these things done already but there are few little last minute things I just learned about that I'd like to do before I leave!!

1. Purchase thickening foam for my hair. It's always good to give your hair a break from blow-drying but it's even better to let your hair air dry when you're at the beach! Since my hair is stick straight, I never usually like to let it air dry because it ends up looking flat. Well I just recently learned a great tip! Let it air dry, then apply some thickening foam. Divide hair into 4 sections and twist into knots on top of head. Before going out, unpin and voila! Instant volume. I can't wait to try it out!

Jonathan Product Infinite Volume Thickening Foam - $24








2. Stock up on black tea. Yesterday I received a great tip from E l l e S e e s on how to soothe sunburn. She says "You'll need a bathtub, pitcher, water, rag, and three bags of black tea. Fill the pitcher with warm water and soak the tea bags in it until the water is almost pitch black.


After stripping down and exposing the affected area, soak the rag into the water and apply it on your skin without wiping it off. It's recommended to do this treatment as soon as possible, or before going to bed so your body can heal itself more effectively. A combination of the cool water and components of the tea (like tannin) help soothe the skin and speed recovery."

Thanks Elle!!! :)

P.S. This isn't the only great way to use black tea! Check out my post Black Tea for Sugar Cravings.

3. Shave with baby oil instead of shaving cream. The baby oil creates a barrier between the razor and your skin that won't rinse off plus it seals in moisture! No razor burn AND smooth, silky legs!

4. Scrub my lips with brown sugar. Using about a teaspoon of brown sugar on a damp cloth to rub on lips will soften them and create a sexy pinkness!

5. Paint my toes purple. According to Self Magazine, astrology can tell you what your perfect summer shade is. My sign is Libra and it says "Libras are the arbiters of taste; they love to spot the next new thing...demonstrate your fearless fashion prowess with a double coat of grapy purple polish." While I don't necessarily believe in horoscopes, I think purple would be a pretty change from my usual bright pinks! If you want to find out what your horoscope's summer shade is, click here!

6. Perfect the messy rope braid hairstyle. I found this cute hairstyle on ...love Maegan and I think it's perfect for the beach!!

 What are some of y'alls favorite beach trip essentials??

Spring is in the air!

I have found a great creamy pink nail polish just in time for Spring!! I got it last week at Charlotte Russe while I was shopping for a cute sundress. Every time I go shopping I end up having a theme. This shopping trip's theme turned out to be bright and floral. Here's the sundress I chose.





Here's me wearing it this weekend on my trip to New Orleans!! This is me and my husband in Jackson Square. P.S. New Orleans was one of the BEST places I've ever been!! The music, the food, the excitement! I just couldn't get enough of it!!! If you've never been, I definitely recommend it! I'll share some more pictures from my trip soon!




Okay on to the nail polish! Unfortunately it doesn't have a name!! Who ever heard of such??? I guess I'll have to make one up. How about Strawberries 'n' Cream? Not very original I know...but it fits nonetheless!







What nail polish are you digging this Spring??