DIY body butter

Remember my post about eliminating?  I'm talking toxins here :)

Beauty products are at the top of the list as far as toxic exposure to your body.  I used to think of my skin as armor essentially.  But no, anything that goes on your skin get absorbed directly into your blood stream and bypasses your liver altogether!  Which is why your toxin exposure from beauty products is even more concerning than the ones from the foods you eat. 

Hey beauty products,, you've been warned!  You are first on my list to attack and reclaim health for my body.  Today I thought I'd share a great DIY and all natural (organic even) alternative to body lotion.

Behold the body butter.

It could not be easier and only consists of two ingredients...

 * 1 cup coconut oil (organic if you can)
 * 10-12 drops essential oil of your choice

That's it.  Easy right?  Put the coconut oil in a bowl, add your drops of essential oil (I used eucalyptus for a little pick me up), and mix on high for 6-7 minutes.  Whipping the coconut oil helps to give it a much smoother buttery texture.  The essential oil adds some lovely fragrance and depending on the one you pick can have additional health benefits as well!  Win-win.  Then get yourself a pretty little air-tight jar to keep it in.  I think this sweet mason jar works well don't you? 

Let me know if you give it a try, I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

finish this | link up week 6

This is my first link-up with Nicole {Three 31}, Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, Becky {The Java Mama}, and Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for the weekly series called Finish This.  And with this being Valentine's week, the prompts are all about love-y dove-y stuff :)

via

 1. I celebrate Valentine's Day by...

making some sort of love notes or something handmade.  Usually Valentine's Day, while important, does not get any room in the budget for gifts, so my instincts are to go to something handmade or service-y to show my love.  This year I made coupon books for my boys with little coupons for one-on-one time, extra video game time, and even a mandatory family dance party :)  Hubsy is getting little love notes hidden around the house, in his car, etc.  It will be fun to see how long it takes him to find them all :)

2. My heart goes pitter-patter for...

eyes that express adoration.  You know...."that" look.  The one Hubsy gives that says "you are awesome, I'm so hooked on you".  Yep...that one.

3. When looking for romance, my best advice is...

initiate.  Since I've been with Hubsy for almost 20 years, my advise is more for those already in a relationship.  Hold hands, even if your just running errands.  Be sure to hug him and take a moment to re-connect when he gets home from work.  Even just for those few seconds.  Give his bum back a little rub when you pass by ;)

4.  My favorite love story (real or fiction) is...

The Notebook...enough said.

5. The best relationship/love/dating advice I ever received was...

Hmm....this one is a toughie.  I don't think I've really been given much in the way of relationship advice but here are a few things I find to be true and inspiring.

Wishing you all a love-filled (in all its various forms) Valentine's day!

industrial farmhouse | lighting

When I first got married, I wanted everything in my home to be "just so" and look very "adult".  I think I was trying to convince myself that I truly was all grown-up ;)

Now I find myself gravitating to decor pieces that are constructed from substantial materials and perhaps a bit worn looking.  A reflection of how I view myself now ten years into marriage?  Maybe so!

I'm sure moving to the country has a wee bit of something to do with it as well.  Open fields, old barns, and run down bridges can be very inspirational!

One thing our sweet new abode needed was some new lighting.  And let me tell you, when it comes to industrial farmhouse style...the lighting is where its at!

Just look at these drool-worthy fixtures....such texture, such character!

1. chicken wire lantern
2. wrought iron sphere
3. classic bell pendant
4. harlowe wire and glass pendant
5. nautical lantern
6. whitney pendant


A unique light can make a huge impact on the feel of a room.  If you follow me on IG you'll know I went to my favorite source, Pottery Barn and chose this Rustic Glass Pendant.  Ain't she a beauty?!

Rustic Glass Pendant

I had so much fun picking out new lighting. 
Are you in the market for some new lighting? I hope these provide some inspiration for you as well!