I wasn't planning on making a monthly favorites post this was just something that happened without me even noticing. Aparently I have a coconut obsession because all of the sudden a bunch of coconut products began to appear on my cabinets. So without further ado, here are my favorite products from the month of september!
I'm going to start with the OGX Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner. It is sulfate-free which is always a plus for me because I have processed hair and I need products that are not harsh and filled with chemicals. I found this to be very gentle and hydrating, my hair feels very silky and smooth. However, OGX claims that it is enriched with organic coconut milk and coconut oils and according to many reviewers it isn't as "organic" as it claims to be, I didn't find this to be a problem for me though because I'm not entirely crazy over the "everything needs to be organic" trend (this is just something to keep in mind when buying).
So moving on... I've always been a fan of St. Ives, I don't know what it is about their products that really seems to work with my skin. I don't find their scents to be overpowering which is always a plus for me because I really hate it when people smell like thousands of things (perfume, shower gel, hand cream, etc), it's just not my cup of tea.
The Not your mother's Smooth Moves is a product that has stuck with me for a while now, I included it because it also contains coconut extract! It is a frizz control cream, I've found that it works great with both air and blow drying. The scent is obviously my favorite thing about it!
This is going to take me a while to explain.. I really recommend you reading the entire thing though because the reseults are really amazing. Lately it seems coconut oil is being touted as a miracle cure for everything from bad breath to infections to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, I wasn't convinced but I had to try it for myself. I started doing "Oil Pulling" which is actually an ancient Ayurvedic technique that involves essentially using oil as mouthwash by swishing it in your mouth for several minutes and then spitting it out. Google “oil pulling” and you’ll find touted benefits that range from specific oral health improvements like whiter teeth and fresher breath to general cleansing of bodily toxins. In my experience I did found some benefits like: I don't get tired as easily but I've been sleeping better. I also feel like my teeth are a little bit whiter or brighter. Oh! and the other day I drank a little too much wine and woke up with a major headache after I did the oil pulling I felt a lot better as if it were witchcraft lol
So if you're interested in doing it yourself there are just a few simple instructions to folllow (found at fashionista.com):
First, pick an oil (I used the Spectrum Naturals Organic Virgin Coconut OIl). Most people use coconut oil as it also has strong antibacterial properties, but you can use any other vegetable-based oil. Then, take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes.
(Note: Be gentle here -- no need to be as aggressive as you are with mouthwash, as you will be doing it for 20 minutes and don’t want to get a stiff jaw! The oil will almost double in size as it draws in saliva as well as the toxins. Be sure not to swallow as you will be taking these toxins into your body -- the complete opposite of what you are trying to do.)
Once the 20 minutes are up, spit the oil out into the trash (not your sink, where the oil may solidify and block up the drain) and swish your mouth with warm salt water. Finally, brush and floss as you normally would.
Let it know if it works for you and which benefits you found!
Lastly the only milk I will ever drink intentionally is this Almond coconut from Blue Diamond, they also have a coconut-vanilla flavor that is also very delicious but I found this to be my favorite. If you're into the healthy stuff then this one is for you, it is only 45 calories per serving. Plus, almond milk has more vitamins and minerals compared to soy and rice milks. It is also free of saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in heart healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Coconut milk is also nutrient rich, offering antioxidants, and key vitamins and minerals, such as: Vitamins C & E (help boost your immune system, B Vitamins (provides your cells with energy),: magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus and Iron. Plus, did I mention how tasty it is!
Join the conversation!