Coconut oil

In the blogging world, one cannot help but hear the countless virtues of virgin coconut oil for health, beauty, and everything in between. Everyone is talking about how many amazing ways coconut oil can be used so I have decided to give it a shot to see what all the fuss is about. 

Already I can tell you that it smells amazing.

I bought this jar at Trader Joe’s for $6. Based on some suggestions, I am going to try to use it as:

Lip balm

Nipple cream for breastfeeding {when the time comes}

Conditioning hair mask

Cooking

Hand moisturizer

Add sugar to make a scrub

Digestive aid and energy booster

I cannot wait to see how this goes. If you use coconut oil, what are your favorite ways to use it?

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Scrapbooking with Project Life / 2

Okay, I’m officially OBSESSED with Project Life. Last week, I shared my new scrapbook album, photo pocket pages, and paper core kit. These are probably the prettiest scrapbooking items I’ve ever used. I ordered a bunch of prints from Shutterfly last week and when they came I was so excited to get started on my album!

I promised I would share an update when I started my scrapbook. I had so much fun making these pages. I definitely spent several hours working on these pages and it only felt like a few minutes. I spread out all over my living room floor and had a blast. I started with some photos of our engagement, wedding, and honeymoon. I also devoted many pages to my growing bump! Enjoy!

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I cannot wait to keep making more pages. I plan to order prints more regularly {instead of just once a year} and make pages dedicated to the big milestones in our lives as well as the little every day moments that are so special to me.

If you have started a scrapbook album, I’d love to see it! What are your favorite scrapbooking items?

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Scrapbooking with Project Life

I love to scrapbook so when I heard about Project Life on A Beautiful Mess, I just had to check it out {nerd alert!}.

This scrapbooking method has a simple design and provides various layouts which really allows you to get back to the basics. All you need is a 12x12 scrapbooking album, a pack of photo pocket pages, and a core kit of {adorable} pre-cut paper. So I hit up Michael’s on Monday and they were having a sale on their scrapbooking supplies…swoon. 

I also discovered this amazing scrapbooking supplies online store and creative community. Studio Calico has everything from traditional scrapbooking supplies to creative odds and ends which really makes it feel special and boutiquey. Every month, they put together scrapbooking kits with a different theme. The kits contain paper, stamps, stickers, and other bits and pieces that you wouldn’t even think of putting in a scrapbook. {So creative - check this month's kits out!}

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How adorable is this system?!

I’m really looking forward to starting my new album. I need to order a bunch of prints from Shutterfly ASAP. I will update you when I put my first few pages together.

Happy scrapbooking!

Currently coveting / 1

Back in my college days, you could usually find me strolling the mall on a free afternoon. I have always found window shopping and browsing Nordstrom {my favorite department store} to be very calming and a good place to do some thinking {anyone else?}. Since moving to San Francisco, I haven’t had as much time to do my long afternoon mall strolls. Plus, the atmosphere in downtown SF is not conducive to leisurely strolls with a pastry and a coffee.

I’ve had to resort to a lot more online shopping, which isn’t my favorite, but it still works. I’ve put together a little wish list in this new series. These will make you say, oo la la. 

1 :: I’m pretty sure this purse needs me. This color is delicious and it’s a perfect sized handbag.

2 :: I love earrings - they are definitely my signature statement item. I want these in every single color. Oh Kate, you are perfection. 

3 :: I love my iPad mini and I still can’t decide on the perfect case for it…until I saw this beauty. Yes please! 

4 :: These need to be in my closet. I LOVE ballet flats and these Tory Burch flats are a forever classic. 

Sigh. A girl can dream. 

Recipe for relaxation

I am a huge fan of baths. I don’t actually take baths to get clean {that’s what showers are for in my opinion} but I take them to soothe aches, unwind, and relax. Lately, my back has been killing me. That’s one of the toughest pregnancy aches I’m dealing with. Baths have really been helping with easing some of the pain.

Here is my recipe for relaxation.

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I turn off the lights, light some candles, and allow the water to soothe my aches and pains. 

1 :: I love to scrub down my dry and itchy skin with this amazing sugar-salt scrub I found at Target. It has a delicious vanilla scent and it leaves my skin moisturized even after I get out of the tub.

2 :: Wood wicks are my favorite type of candle. This one smells heavenly and the crackling sound of the wick is so soothing. 

3 :: I pamper my hair with this Wen cleansing conditioner. It’s pretty pricy so I save it for special occasions. I leave it in for my entire bath and it makes my hair feel incredibly soft.

4 :: I always take my iPad mini with me. It allows me to still read my books with just the candlelight in the bathroom. I just make sure not to drop it. 

My dream house definitely has a huge claw-foot tub. What is your recipe for relaxation?