I am all for fun home remedies that actually work! This one was given to me from my coworker and I love it! I make it once a week and apply it in the shower.

1 teaspoon organic ground coffee
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon organic virgin coconut oil

Mix sugar and coffee w/ coconut oil to make a thick, grainy paste.  Gently rub/massage it onto skin and face.
Rinse off w/warm water, ending with a splash of cold (to shrink pores). Pat skin dry. 

**Tub will be slippery due to the coconut oil; wash shower out right away so coffee doesn't stain it.

I did a little research on the health effects of coffee on the skin:

• Reduces inflammation
• Helps get rid of under-eye circles or darkness
• Helps get rid of cellulite
• Tones & smoothes skin

And of course coconut oil:

• Prevents premature aging
• Repairs damaged tissue
• Natural moisturizer
• Helps treat skin problems
• Proven antiseptic & antimicrobial
• Delays, prevents wrinkles

And that is just a few....... !!!!!!!

Just thought I would post a couple quick healthy breakfast tips that I have been thinking about lately! A few ideas to help steer clear of sugary cereals, donuts, muffins, etc. You know what I'm talking about!  For some reason, breakfast is the hardest meal for me to eat healthy. I don't like mornings, I don't have a lot of time, and I want to "grab and go." SO.....here's what I have been eating lately in the AM and it has been giving me an extra energy boost throughout the day:

• Organic old fashioned oats w/ unsweetened coconut milk, agave or maple syrup, bananas, & a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. (Picture posted above) or organic instant oatmeal w/ fresh blueberries & sliced bananas.
• Low-fat Greek yogurt or cultured coconut milk (now available at Trader Joe's!) with 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, unsweetened coconut, & a sliced banana. Sometimes I will throw in sliced raw almonds.
• Smoothie w/ frozen fruit, too ripe banana, chia seeds, unsweetened coconut milk, orange juice, & a handful of fresh baby spinach OR kale. (You can't even taste the spinach!)
• Organic or farm fresh eggs scrambled w/ onion & bell pepper w/ sliced avocado on the side.
• Blueberry muffins w/ coconut milk instead of regular, coconut oil or applesauce instead of vegetable oil, and honey instead of granulated sugar. 
• On extra busy days: Lara Bar (Fred Meyer has the best selection and flavors and are often on sale 10/$10) and a fresh orange, banana or apple.
• Start your day with a glass of water. Did you know you are supposed to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water each day???
• Coconut milk  is your friend!!!!  I hardly ever drink regular milk anymore and I feel so much better. Your body will thank you!  
• I should be the Trader Joe's Pin up girl. :)

Sometimes silence is much louder than the words we speak out loud. I can hear resentment, bitterness, anger, and confusion so loudly in a room where issues are festering I feel like my heart will burst.  I don't understand why the thick cloud can't be broken with words....words saying what is already in the air...words getting out what is being thought and getting it over with. I don't understand why it can't be brought out in the open and dealt with. I don't understand why the fact that healing will come after isn't taken into consideration.  Instead it just hovers over the room like a poison slowly soaking in. I hate it. It makes me angry. It makes me feel sick to my stomach. 
It is in my past. With my blood relatives. With old friends who aren't truly friends. My past that often times tries to sneak into the present and bring me down, even make me feel inadequate as a human being.  But I must remember I have overcome this disease myself, although I am frequently caught in the midst of it taking root in others.  I refuse to let it sink into my heart. I will not let it win. 
I am free. Freedom is my choice. It is life to my soul.  My freedom cannot be taken away from others.  I will wear it forever.  If anyone tries to come in and take it, I will shut them down.  There is no room in my life for negative people who don't have my back. I fight not only for myself, but for my future children, for my family.  I will not let the past dictate my life, my future, or my happiness.  I have grown thick skin that has weathered numerous storms, chaos, confusion, anger, lies, manipulation, control.....I have conquered the ugliness and come forth stronger, wiser, more beautiful, determined, and unwavering.  I am free.

gabrielle abby