If You're Not Aware...

     For the last few months, I have been 100% obsessed with coconut oil. I'm pretty sure that it's the most versatile and wonderful thing that has ever come into my life. I love it and use it so much that I'm currently figuring out how to order gallons of it. Also trying to figure out where I would store gallons of coconut oil. Maybe that isn't a good idea.

 

 

     It seems like every day I find a new way to use my coconut oil, whether it be in food, homemade beauty items, or just general medical fixes. I'm going to highlight a few of my favourite ways to use this amazing product. 

1. Eye Makeup Remover

     Ladies (and gentlemen), we all know how tough it is to get off eyeliner and mascara. It's also scary to think about all the chemicals in normal makeup remover. Coconut oil offers a natural solution to break down all the water-resistant substances used in mascara/eyeliner/eye shadow so it comes off of your eyelashes and skin. Since coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, scoop out a little and rub it in your fingers for a few seconds until it becomes liquid, and then gently massage onto your eyelids. Then just wipe off with a clean cotton ball!  It also leaves your skin softer and smoother because it is a ...

2. Moisturizer!

     I have completely given up using actual moisturizers. Coconut oil soaks into my skin so quickly and effectively, and for a relatively cheap price, too! No more spending $20 (or more!?) on moisturizer when I can get this in my grocery store for under $5. 

3. Sun Protection/Healing

      Coconut oil has SPF 16, it is an excellent tanner and if you happen to forget to use some sunscreen and get a burn, coconut oil can help speed up the healing of your skin. 

4. Cooking/Baking

     Coconut oil has a very high smoking point, making it ideal for stir fry's and baking (I use it instead of Crisco in my Yorkshire puddings). It's also a non-dairy substitute for butter, and can be used as a coffee creamer when emulsified.   

5. DIY Beauty Products

     Whether it be toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, or probably any other beauty product you can think of, there is a DIY recipe for it, and almost every one will include coconut oil. Stay tuned for my favourite recipes coming in the next few weeks! 

5 Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy This Summer!

If you're like me, taking care of your skin seems like a chore that you just don't want to deal with. So I am always looking for easy and fast ways to take care of my skin.

Here are some of the tips that I use daily (or try to, anyway!)

1. Drink lots and lots and looooots of water. 

I feel like since I started drinking more water my life has improved in so many ways. My acne is almost non-existent, my stress levels are down and I have that cool glow that I thought only movie stars could get. I'm pretty sure water is the key to happiness.

2. Wear sunscreen!!!

This is so hard for me, because my whole life I have been absolutely terrrrible at remembering or basically just wanting to put on sunscreen. It is so important though so I'm trying to make it a priority. You should put it on 30 minutes before going into the sun and should definitely reapply it every two hours!

3. Use coconut oil

I'm going to make a whole post about how much I adore coconut oil, but for now I'm just going to say that it is a great sunscreen and tanner! It also is a great moisturizer if you forget to use your sunscreen and get burned. I just love love love this stuff, and you can buy a jar of it in the grocery store for under $5.

4. Buy make-up with built in SPF

I feel like you can never have too much protection from the sun, so why not take that into consideration when buying your makeup?

5. Sweat, sweat, sweat!

Sure, sweating is uncomfortable and sticky, but it helps get toxins out of your body. So go for a run, bike ride, or hike! Just remember to wear your sunscreen and bring your water!

Watermelon Lemonade Recipe

Okay, so first of all, I suck at keeping up with this blog. Quick update - I turned 18 (finally!) and I've finished with school for the next couple months. Other than that, not much has changed.

 Now on to the good stuff! I HAVE FOUND THE MOST WONDERFUL LEMONADE EVER.

Not even kidding. If you love watermelon and lemonade, this is the drink for you.

Ingredients

• Pink Watermelon Lemonade
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5-6 cups cold water
• 8 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Slushies
• 4 cups ice
• 1 1/2 cups pink watermelon lemonade
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint or basil (optional)

Instructions

!Pink Watermelon Lemonade

Combine the sugar with 1 cup water in a small sauce pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a heat safe glass. Place in the fridge to cool.

Add half the watermelon and 1 cup of water to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Discard the watermelon pulp. Again, add the remaining watermelon and another cup water to the blender, puree until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Discard the watermelon pulp.

To the large bowl add the remaining 2 cups water, lemon juice and the sugar water from the fridge. Whisk to combine. Taste. Add more water if it is too sweet for your liking. Pour into glass jugs and store in the fridge. Before drinking make sure to shake the lemonade up.

!Slushies

Add the ice and pink lemonade to a blender and blend until chunky smooth. Add the mint or basil if using, taste and add more lemonade if desired. DRINK!

Hope you guys enjoy! 

Sore To The Core Review

 

      I'm 19 days into my 30 day Sore To The Core Challenge, and I have to say I LOVE IT! I usually hate working out (I'm a super lazy person), but I've been sticking to it and I feel so great. 

     For those of you that don't know, Sore To The Core is a high intensity workout program designed by Alexa Jean Brown, aka my WCW everyday.  It's an Ebook that contains four weeks of HIIT training as well as some healthy recipes!

     If you're like me and have no idea what "mountain climbers" or "glute bridges" are, this is definitely the program for you! It has picture explanations for every exercise! 

     Here are my results! I've been feeling so good and positive lately and doing Sore To The Core is definitely a huge reason why!

     You can click here to purchase Sore To The Core and start your transformation today! 

*all opinions are my own and I purchased all of these products myself.* 

     

..I should introduce myself, right?

Hi!

     My name is Delaney. I'm 18 and on a journey to healthy living. I love fitness, fashion and baking. I live in northern Ontario with my mom, sister and nephew. I'm starting this blog to journal my transition to living a healthy lifestyle. I'm about three weeks in, and I must say, it's pretty tough.

     I'm currently doing a thirty day ab challenge, called Sore To The Core* by Alexa Jean Brown (@Alexajeanfitness on most social media), while eating healthy and encouraging myself and others to have a more positive look on life. I have actually noticed a bit of a change in myself, like having more energy and smiling much more than before.

     I hope to inspire and be inspired along this journey and I can't wait to hopefully connect to you all. <3


* I'm going to be doing a review of Sore To The Core in the next few days!