MYOM: Anti-Cellulite Coffee Scrub Cubes

You read that right coffee scrub cubes. We are turning this scrub into a solid for easy dosing, easy handling, less mess, less waste,  and because this way they look hella fresh and make for really nice gifts! 

Coffee is the main ingredient in these amazing scrub cubes that will have you daisy duke ready in no time. The caffeine promotes circulation, which aids in the treatment of the dreaded dimpling known as cellulite. The coffee combined with two powerful exfoliators: sugar and salt, and the nourishing properties of coconut oil, make this scrub a win-win-win-win! 

I recommend you use this scrub at least twice a week, and take care to massage the area thoroughly for best results. Cellulite is caused by bloated fat cells in the body that are starved of blood flow, the coffee temporarily dehydrates these cells resulting in a smoother appearance.  

You will need: 

• 1 cup of coconut oil (This oil is amazing for your body. If you want more information about it, read this article to learn more)
• 1 cup of freshly ground coffee
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sea salt 
• an ice cube tray, muffin tin, or other mold

Here's what to do:

First you need to melt your coconut oil.  I don't like to use the microwave, so I just place the jar in hot water for a few minutes. Next, combine the coffee, sugar, and salt. I like to use my hands in order to break up any clumps in the brown sugar. Add the coconut oil to the coffee mix. Then transfer the mix to your mold of your choice. Pop them in the freezer until the coconut oil hardens, about 30 minutes. Then put them in a plastic bag or jar and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. 




How to use:

Massage into clean skin in a circular motion focusing on your trouble spots. Massage for at least 5 minutes remembering the key is increasing circulation. 

One last thing! Oil + Water = A Hella Slippery Shower Floor. Be careful! 

Happy Scrubbing!

XOXO, 
Riss

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Do Share! 

Hella White Teeth: Oil Pulling the Hella Natural Way

It seems that the ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling has gone viral. I was excited to see that many people are now interested in this wonderful practice. I have been doing it for many years now, and while I can't say it does all the things some of these posts have promised, I will say it leaves my mouth feeling good and helps whiten my teeth. 

So, Riss, What is Exactly is Oil Pulling?

Sometimes called yoga's little sister, Ayurveda is the traditional natural healing system of India. It focuses on healing the causes of imbalance, not the symptoms.  Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you basically swish oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes. Then spit it out, brush your teeth, and go on your merry way with your clean white teeth, and healthy mouth. 

The oil is supposed to pull toxins out of your body through your mouth, hence the "pulling" in the name. I personally don't know about this part, but many people swear it works. Don't believe me, google "oil pulling benefits", and see what pops up. 

When I started oil pulling I used sesame oil, which is traditionally used in Ayurveda for a multitude of functions. It was okay, but once that bottle was done I moved on to coconut oil, and haven't looked back. 

I make my own blend with tumeric and peppermint essential oil. These two things just add to the freshness of my oil, and my breath. Tumeric is a wonder root, that contains curcumin that is said to potentially be able to treat many diseases including: cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and allergies. Peppermint essential oil, also touts an impressive resume, but honestly I am just using her for her smell-good properties. Again, I am unsure of any of these things are true, but I say adding wonderful ingredients like this to something already as awesome as coconut oil can't hurt. Don’t know how awesome coconut oil is? Read this. 

Things to Be Aware Of:

1. Having a blob of coconut oil in your mouth will make you want to gag. Let it melt before you start swishing. I use about 2 teaspoons.
2. Many people say don't spit it in the sink, either because the swished oil is so full of toxins it can contaminate your life, or because it will stop up your septic tank. I don't believe either of these are true, and hate to spit in general, so I just spit it in the sink. You do, you!
3. Tumeric stains EVERYTHING, except teeth (go figure). Be careful and be prepared for a neon yellow toothbrush. 
4. You may receive a miracle like some people you might have read about, or you may just end up with great teeth and a happy dentist. 

My Recipe for Tumeric Peppermint Coconut Pulling Oil 

1/2 cup unrefined organic coconut oil

1 Tablespoon tumeric (you can buy this anywhere they sell spices. I got mine at Trader Joe's)

10 drops peppermint essential oil 

All you need to do it blend it all up. I used a blender, but you could melt the coconut oil and mix it all together. Once it's cooled it will solidify. Like the picture at the top.

That's all. Now, commence swishing! 

That's me, and my hella fresh mouth!
No filter, just natural light from the window

XOXO, 

Riss

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Share them below!

Make Your Own Monday (MYOM): Four Ingredient Shave Cream

It's that time of the year; the weather is warming up, shorts are coming out, and you don't want to be stuck looking as hairy as Punxutaney Phil. You know, the groundhog, who predicted the coming of the season. No, you want to be smooth and silky. 

I have the solution for you in this simple, yet effective shave cream, and the best part? You probably have all these things in your home already.

You will need:

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil (This oil is amazing for your body. If you want more information about it, read this article to learn more)
• 1/2 Tablespoon  of olive oil 
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (optional, but adds to the silky feeling you seek) 
• Essential oils (optional, but highly recommended) I used 10 drops of grapefruit!

Here's what to do:
This is best if your coconut oil is solid. Coconut oil starts to melt at 76 degrees F.  If it's melted pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.  Next, you will need to mix the coconut oil and the olive oil together until smooth. I used a fork because my blender would have turned this into soup. Anyway, once the oils are combined add the cornstarch, it will stiffen it up a little and add some silkiness. Lastly, add the essential oil. That's it you're done!

For clarity's sake, this is not going to be a fluffy cream like you would buy in the store. Once you touch it, it will begin to melt. Remember 76 degrees? That being said, it is awesome, and will leave you silky, smooth, and best of all toxin-free! Your store brand will, likely, not be able to promise the last one. 

One last thing! Oil + Water = A Hella Slippery Shower Floor. Be careful! 

Keep it Smooth and Silky, 
Riss

P.S. This is also great for man-scaping! If you're a man, and you read this far. Kudos! Give this a try! If you're a woman, share it with the men in your life they (even if it's secretly) want to be smooth and silky too!



Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Do Share! 

Natural Healing: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Last Thanksgiving my good friend came for a visit, and she looked amazing. She had lost an astonishing amount of weight, and looked radiant and healthy. I had to know what she was doing. She advised me to start taking a tablespoon a day of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. It seemed funny to use oil to lose weight, so I researched it, and found out that coconut oil is truly a miracle oil. One of my references,  Eating For Beauty by David Wolfe, has a wealth of information on coconuts and coconut oil.

Once all the research was done, I went to the health food store and picked some up. The next morning, I stuck my spoon in it took out a huge glob, and swallowed it. I almost threw up! It was like swallowing a spoonful of butter. But not wanting to waste my money, and still curious about it I kept experimenting, and found more inventive ways to consume it.

Now, I cook with it instead of other oils, and it fills my home with mouth-watering aromas. Seriously, it smells so good and gives your food really good flavor. I use it on toast or other things in place of butter. I put it in my oatmeal and smoothies. I even bake with it.

How it works:
Coconut oil is a medium-chain-fatty acid, which makes it easy for the body to absorb. Quick absorption means your body can use the energy right away, thus you feel immediately more energized. 

Aside from eating it you can use it as a skin moisturizer, put it in your hair for shine, and oh did I mention it cleared up my son's thrush (a common yeast infection nursing babies get) in two days. This is because coconut oil contains lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Lauric acid is a potent antiviral and the amount in coconut oil is second only to the amount found in breast milk, which is one of the most perfect foods on the planet.
  

The recommended daily amount is 1-4 tablespoons, using at least 3 will give you a therapeutic dose. When buying coconut oil,  make sure it is organic raw extra virgin and that it is cold pressed. Cold pressed means they did not use chemicals in the processing of the oil. 

*I just dropped by the site I get my coconut oil from, and saw that you can get a trial size, and if you don't like it, you can send it back for 100% of your money back. I am not endorsing any specific product. I just saw it and wanted to share.

~Riss

Coconut oil has thousands of uses. If you love it as I do, please share what you've used it for.