My Amazing Blow Dry Secret

It's hard for me to find a hair product that actually works miracles. Through a lot of trial and error, I finally found a product that I am amazed with. I was using the Organix products for a while, don't get me wrong, they are very good, especially the Keratin shampoo. But one product made me throw out all my other shampoos and totally switch over. I finally switched over to My Amazing Blow Dry Secret for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is because this shampoo and conditioner is sulfate and paraben free. The importance in this is that studies have shown that both sulfate and paraben can cause cancer. Other reasons for using this is that my hair has never felt softer because one of the ingredients is coconut oil (which by now you should know, I love). It's also color safe for your hair and repairs it! After using this, your hair dries quickly and it's easy to style. You can find it on Amazon for a pretty good deal (shampoo $20, conditioner $13). Try it out and enjoy your shiny, soft hair.

Important Vitamins for a Healthy You

It's hard enough to remember brushing your teeth in the morning, let alone taking vitamins. Well to make it a bit easier, put your daily vitamins next to your toothbrush. Problem solved! You will be amazed at how beneficial taking vitamins really is. Does reducing wrinkles, boosting energy, hair growth, and better skin sound good to you? Well these are just a few things the doctor ordered.

1. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a great source of healthy omega-3. It's a great way to loose weight because they reduce cravings and helps you feel fuller faster. Also, they are rich in protein and boosts energy. It's super easy to add to your food, you can even add it to just water. Talk about easy.

2. Magnesium 

Magnesium is a great way to help the mind and body. The main thing I like about this is that it helps with anxiety and depression. Magnesium helps keep adrenal hormones under control. It's also a detoxifier and pushes out toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals in the environment.

3. Vitamin D

This might be the most obvious one, but a lot of people have no idea they have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is so important to our bodies and if your stuck in an office all day, you might be needing a little pick-me-up. It helps boost our immune systems, prevents cancer, treats depression, and improves your hair.

4. Zinc

Zinc is great for multiple beauty improvements. If you're worried about acne, then this is the supplement you should take. Many people who have acne have a zinc deficiency and once they start taking zinc, their skin visibly improves. Other symptoms zinc treats are, dry skin, hair loss, low sex drive, hangnails, and more!

5. Miracle 2000

                                            

This is one that I take everyday. It is rich with vitamins and minerals. It is a liquid form, which is great compared to pill form because liquid vitamins absorb 98% more than when it's in pill form. The downside is that, yes it has most the vitamins you need, but does not have the amount you should be taking daily. That's why I still take the pills. But besides that it's a great thing to add to your daily routine.

What are your favorite vitamins?

How to NOT Loose Yourself in a Relationship

Lets face it, when you're in a new (or even long term) relationship, everything is wonderful and surprising. But before you know it, you get so sucked into the relationship that you start to forget about the most important thing, YOU! I'm guilty of this as well and I'm sure many other people are too. If you haven't experienced this then you're supernatural. My boyfriend is in a band so he is out of town a lot. When he left, I found myself going crazy about what he's doing, who he is with, etc. The first step is to realize the problem (which I have just discovered) and then fix it! Not only will you benefit from time for yourself, but your relationship will as well. It's good to miss each other.

1. You have Girlfriends, So Use Them!
This is probably the best idea. Surrounding yourself with other people will help you keep you're mind on other things. You're girlfriends are there to make you smile and laugh, so let them! Whether it's staying home and watching The Notebook or going out to the local dive bar to grab a beer, you will end up having a great time. Do a girls weekend away. I just spent the weekend with my girlfriends going wine tasting, sitting by the river playing music, and enjoying great meals. It was so refreshing going to a new town and just spending time with them. I had never laughed so hard and felt more free.

2. Take A Class
Whether it's a cooking class, art class, yoga class, give it a chance. I started taking an Arial Yoga class, which gives you a great workout and makes you feel sexy at the same time (DISCLAIMER: you will be incredibly sore the next few days, but totally worth it). Also, try checking out your local community college. They have a bunch of awesome classes you can take for fun.

3. Geocaching 
I know many of you might be thinking, what the heck is that? But its a wonderful adventure. Think of it as a worldwide outdoor scavenger hunt. There are hidden treasures all around the world and most likely even in your neighborhood. You can download the app for FREE on iTunes. You search specific GPS coordinates and then try to find the hidden container.

4. Visit Family
Nothing is better than spending the day with your family. Since I live with my boyfriend and all my family lives hours away, it's sometimes difficult to do so. But recently, I had the day off work, so I drove a couple hours to visit my grandmother in Monterey. We spent the day at the beach and walking around Fisherman's Wharf (also eating some of the best clam chowder you will ever have!). And of course, nothing beats grandma's homemade cookies.

5. Pick Up Extra Shifts at Work
I know, I know. This doesn't seem like the BEST time, but it does keep you busy. But for those of you who love your jobs, this is perfect for you. Look at it this way, while it keeps you occupied and can also be making some extra cash. That's what I call a double win!

6. Read
When you get consumed in a good book, you don't always notice the world around you. This is perfect for YOU time. Spend the morning outside reading a great book and dive into a different world. I just finished The Fault in Our Stars. I got so wrapped up in the booked that I read it in day. You can even go to your local coffee shop, grab your favorite drink, and get lost in a good book.

7. Start a Blog
I've always loved blogging and spending hours on Tumblr. There's nothing better than getting your thought out. For me, making myself feel exposed is really freeing and soothing. Blog about whatever comes to mind! You can make it your personal diary or write about something you feel passionate about. You might be surprised how much fun it is and how many people might feel the same way as you.

It may be easier to do baby steps, but take your time! You will be amazed with the difference it does make.

Nuts For Coconuts

I've recently been introduced to coconut oil and after using it just ONE time, I will never go back to regular lotion again. The benifits of using coconut oil are endless. Regular lotions are water based, so once it dries up, it no longer moisturizes. Oil continues the moisturize. And let's face it, with summer just around the corner, the last thing you want is dry, flaky skin. I've made my own concoction and mixed the coconut oil with a product called Miracle Oil and use that for my face. Then for my body, I mixed the oil with a nice essence (which you can find at whole foods around $13) to make it smell yummy. Read on for awesome ways to use coconut oil!

1. Acne Treatment

After using coconut oil for about a month, my skin is so clear! I may not have had horrible acne, but the bumps all over my face were defiantly noticeable. The oil pushes up the dirt to remove it from pours. And believe it or not, it can be used on dry AND oily skin!!

2. Prevents Stretch Marks

Any ladies that are preggers out there and are worried about the marks your bundle of joy will leave on your body? Worry no more! Rub some coconut oil on your tummy everyday and you'll be dying to show that baby bump off! 

3. Promotes Hair Growth

Want long mermaid hair? Coconut oil helps hair growth too! About twice a week, before I go to bed, I rub some coconut oil all over my locks. Then the next morning wash it out and see how soft you're hair gets. Not to mention shiny! Another tip, rub some oil on your eyelashes and watch them grow. 

4. Teeth Cleaning

If you are like me and hate the dentist, this is a great alternative. Not only will your mouth not be filled with fluoride (like at the dentists office) but you will have a fresh, clean feeling. This process is called oil pulling. Just swish the oil in your mouth for 20 minutes (EXACTLY 20 min) each morning. DO NOT swallow. The oil gets into your gums and around your teeth to pull out the germs and bacteria. It also leaves you with better breath and whiter teeth.

5. Split Ends

Us girls know all about this problem. No matter how many haircuts or trims we get, there is no escaping split ends! Until now! Try a hair mask with coconut oil for about 1-2 hours. Coconut oil is proven to reduce split ends. It is also can be used as a great de-frizzer! 

6. Anti-aging 

Coconut oil is a great night cream and helps you look younger over night. It also helps dark spots. Before you go to bed, dab a little under and around your eyes and see the difference in the morning.

7. Anxiety and Depression

Studies have shown the coconut oil actually helps anxiety and depression. Also boosts your energy! And who doesn't need more energy? 

It seems like coconut oil can be used for everything, and it just about can be. The benefits are endless. What's your favorite way to use coconut oil?