The Wonders of Conconut Oil

I'm a sucker for the latest health trends. Lately, it's been coconut oil that I'm using for anything and everything. The question is, how great is it, really? After a few months I can honestly say it is GREAT! I don't have any statistics or hard facts to back up my claims, only my personal experience.

First, it is important that you buy ORGANIC coconut oil. I made the mistake of getting a "non processed""natural" jar but it didn't smell like coconut and just felt greasy. So I finally got it right and found an organic jar that has the lovely tropical a aroma. Second, don't be freaked out that it is a solid. At first I was thinking, what is this stuff and how am I supposed to use it? It is a solid at room temperature, but rub it in your hands for a second or throw it in the microwave and it will turn into it's true oil form. Maybe that's a given, but it threw me off!

Now, you can find lists of hundreds of uses for this stuff on pinterest, gooogle, and probably other blogs. Or purposes of practicality I will share my top 5 favorite uses.

1. Eye makeup remover- massage a small glob in circular motion over eye makeup, morph into a raccoon, then wipe off with cottonball to return to your human state. I may be imagining things but I also feel like it's made my eyelashes thicker and stronger! I am no longer afraid of my waterproof and heavy duty 'waxy' mascaras that otherwise leave annoying residue on my eyes.
2. Moisturizer- I use this stuff on my face, dry elbows, and rough heels, it locks in moisture, smooths skin, and even smells good! *Disclaimer: I was very nervous to use an oil on my face in fear of breakouts but I think it has actually helped my complexion and skin clarity*
3. Cooking- I am an olive oil addict in the kitchen, so I was hesitant to switch it up. Turns out the taste isn't overwhelming and you can use it as a butter substitute or simply use it to grease a pan.
4. Body scrub base- add your grit of choice (salt, sugar, coffee grounds, etc.) and Tah Dah! You have an amazing body scrub. I love using mine in the shower because it helps heat the oil and leaves me feeling smooth and moisturized.
5. Daily "vitamin"- Yes folks, it is ok and even recommend to ingest a spoon or two of this stuff straight from the jar every day. It doesn't taste bad! Plus it's supposed to be great for your hair and skin and rev up your metabolism. Sign me up!

What are your favorite uses for coconut oil? What have you heard about this trend?

xoxo,
Mrs. Trend Tester

getaway.

What a lovely but busy past couple of weeks it has been! Just the way I like life. Last weekend my Mom, sister and I took a little getaway and girls weekend to Washington D.C. to see the sights and the Cherry Blossoms!

xoxo,

Mrs. Tourist

10 months

How has it already been 10 months since our big day?! Well be celebrating a year of marriage SO soon! Time really does fly when you're having fun. Marriage is such a learning and growing experience, and just so FUN! 10 things I've learned in these 10 months...

1. The funniest moments of marriage involve sleep or sleep talking and dreams - Just last night Mr. fell asleep watching 'River Monsters' and exclaimed "What the heck is that?" twice in his sleep. I died.
2. Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea-Mr. is a bacon and eggaholic and I love all things bread and syrup.
3. It doesn't have to be a big adventure to be a fun adventure- Park trips and grocery dates can be just as fun as weekend getaways
4. It's amazing how much laundry and dishes 2 people can create.
5. Family truly is the best of friends- so blessed to live close to all of our immediate and extended families
6. However adorable they may be, puppies and nieces are the best birth control- well want that someday :)
7. Watching every kind of sporting event can be interesting, depending on the company- snuggles makes everything better
8. Teamwork, communication, selflessness, and laughter are necessities in everyday interaction
9. You can train an old dog new tricks- putting the seat down, hanging up towels, and dishes to name a few
10. Nicknames don't have to be serious to be cute- booger, cricket, snickerdoodle, ooba, aaand I'm going to stop before I embarass myself even more.

"I have found the one whom my soul loves" Song of Solomon 3:4

Spring Wishlist

[Pave link bracelet. lace toms. floral pants. bumble and bumble surf spray. Prada Candy.]

spring has sprung! [almost.]

The sun is showing itself when it chooses, and for now that's enough for me. I am 110% over winter. I'm 120% ready for flip flops, driving with the windows down (without having to simultaneously blast the heat), and spend evenings at the park with Mr. and the pup. Because I'm a to-do list kind of person, I'm making a 'bucket list' for our first married spring!

[ Disclaimer: As much as I get overly eager for season changes I wouldn't have it any other way to live in a place where I can enjoy the beauty of 4 seasons! Thank you PA! ]

To Do this Spring:

- Lots of picnics and patio dinners
- Less time inside more time outside
- Run consistently (so many hilly but beautiful backroads to explore)
- Host cookouts/bonfires
- Plant a mini garden (I'm trying to be realistic and start small with my green thumb development)
- Weekend camping and hiking trips
- Read books (preferably outside on my imaginary hammock...still trying to convince the Mr. to buy me one :))
- Landscape our house out the wazoo.
- Scope out all the roadside produce stands in the area. Sorry Wal-mart, were going local with our produce now.
- Go fishing with Mr. and grill our catches for dinner

So far I've broken out the bug eyed shades, played frisbee and run barefoot in the backyard, went fishing on Easter morning, made funfetti cupcakes, bought pastel pink and mint jeans, and took the first chance I got to visit one of the many frozen yogurt establishments that are infesting the country. I love spring!

Mr. and Mrs.

One of my best friends became a married woman yesterday! She snagged herself a farmer and man of God who is going to give her a lifetime of love and happiness. What more could a girl want for a friend? (The fact that they will be living mere minutes from my husband and I is a nice perk too)

The day was perfect. This snowy frigid weather we've been having lately surprised us with a sunny borderline warm day and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. She was stunning. Tears of happiness were shed. Then we danced the night away in an incredibly decorated barn on their soon to be home farm.

Weekends like this slap me in the face with how blessed I am. As a newly married woman (how has it been close to 10 months?!) I can't get over how much better life is with someone by my side to love me unconditionally, understand and share in my quirkiness, and ultimately share the ups and downs of life with.

Since Our wedding in June, two of my three best friends have tied the knot, one in November now one in March. Transitioning to this new phase of life together has been the best experience and makes me so thankful for the amazing relationships I've been blessed with. My husband and best friend, and the best girlfriends and their spouses to be by my side while establishing what "grown up life" looks like.

Okay enough sentimental thoughts for one day, take a look at the beauty of the Beam wedding! I just can't be thankful enough lately for the blessings and people in my life. I am one lucky girl.

xoxo,
Mrs. Blessed

Costa Rica

After a few days of readjusting to 'normal' (and colder) life I'm finally getting around to sharing the highlights of our week of paradise in Guanacaste Costa Rica! Mr. and I were invited on the trip by his parents along with his younger brother. The entire week was a 'Thank You' business owners (like my in laws) for selling the products of larger companies and representing a brand. We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort but also got to see the countryside. The country was beautiful and a perfect getaway to destress and give us enough vitamin D to hold us over until summer vacations.

Top 10 highlights:
1. Ziplining at 120ft with speeds of 30mph in the jungle [and once upside down!]
2. Daily gifts waiting on my bed at night including a canvas beach bag, Costa Rican cookbook and sauces, a bag of coffee, CD of a local mucician, and $50 of monoploly money to be used as real money at a local market
3. Endless hours by the pool and on the beach with my Mr. [umbrella drinks in hand]
4. Riding ATV's through the countryside and creeks and ending up covered in dirt
5. Breakfast buffet every morning including bottomless Costa Rican coffee, fresh squeezed juice of the day and delicious food [I probably ate a pound of their homemade granola over the course of the week]
6. My first Brazilian buffet experience [10 types of all you can eat meat cut straight off of a large skewer onto your plate]
7. Morning hikes and walks on the beach to work off all the buffet food
8. A river cruise where I saw more crocodiles and lizards more close up than I am comfortable with
9. Seeing and hearing Howler monkeys in almost every tree
10. The feeling of coming home from a vacation back to OUR home for the first time [we decided our honeymoon didn't count because we were moving in for the first time]

The travel bug is in me to the nth degree these days. As much as it is fun to dream of the next thing, I am loving the stage of life we are in. Even with Harley, we have the luxury of picking up and getting away just the two of us. Even if its just trying out a new restaurant down the street, new experiences and adventures with my Mr. are my favorite. Time to dream up our next adventure!