Coocoo for Coconuts

Coocoo for Coconuts by eegrego160 featuring Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier body moisturizer
belk.com




 Yep, I'll admit it - I am coo coo for coconuts. Anything coconut.  

  Every morning, I enjoy a big cup of coffee from my Nespresso machine along with Coffeemate Coconut Cream creamer and a sprinkle of cinnamon. At one point, I decided to only have this sweet treat on the weekend (trying to watch my sugar intake).  That quickly changed as I missed my morning fix.  Now, I just make sure to use a smaller amount of the cream and I can enjoy it everyday!

 I am not really a sweet drink adult beverage kind of girl, but if it has coconut in it, I am!  I had THE best coconut drink at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a few weeks ago. It was the Ginger Coconut Lemon Drop. Vodka, coconut vodka, ginger liquor, ginger-infused syrup, fresh lemon juice and candied ginger make for a simply refreshing drink. I am going to start making this drink at home. It's just that incredible. The lemon juice and ginger tone down the sweetness and you still get the flavor of coconut coming through. Incredible. 

 Ok - so, I won't limit my love of coconut to drinks.  My morning routine also includes coconut.  My morning shower starts with a coconut scrub. I've been using this incredible scrub from TreeHut . I have used all of the fragrances, but tend to favor the Coconut Lime scrub. You can find this online or at Meijer and Walgreens. It's 7 bucks, but lasts a long time.

 I then use some sort of coconut scented body scrub. I don't really have a favorite. So, if you do, please leave a note below. I'd love to try it!

 I finish my routine with this wonderful Laura Mercier  almond Coconut Milk body butter.  This has to be the creamiest body butter ever. It's pricey, but again a little will go a long way. My skin is super dry and I don't use a lot of it. It's amazing.

I could go on and on about my love of coconut, but I'll stop here.

 What is your go to fragrance/flavor? Drop a not below - I'd love to know.

Enjoy your day!


*All products listed were purchased by me.

Travel

Travel by eegrego160 featuring a travel wallet

Travel wallet
$79 - fjallraven.se

Mytagalongs Passport Wallet And Luggage Tag Set
ebags.com

Ebags Connected Luggage Tag
ebags.com

Tech accessory
bestbuy.com

I'm not gonna lie, I start the process EARLY. My husband and i usually start planning our trips pretty far out. We both love it that way. It gives us time to really delve into a location and find out as much as we can. 

I am a huge fan of the travel countdown apps for your phone.   There are a ton of free ones if you don't want to purchase one.   I usually go for the free ones because the  ads don't bother me. I just need to know how long before I go!

I am a huge fan of the travel wallet. They hold your boarding passes (if you still like to print your tickets) , passport, cash, credit cards, etc.  .  You can find them in all prices - from Louis Vuitton to Kate Spade and many even less expensive than that.  If you travel a lot, I would say it is worth the investment to get a nice one that will last.  I even use mine as a clutch in the evening as most will even fit a lipstick and small mirror.

On to the luggage tags - you can find some super cute ones at T J Maxx.  I just found some there for $2.99 - yes $2.99. They are bigger than most and the hot pink is sure to catch your attention.  Check out my Instagram page for a picture of those.  If you have a business card, I would use that instead of putting your home address on the tag. Safety, ya know? 

IPad Love

IPad Love by eegrego160 featuring a comic book

If you have an iPad, what type of case do you use?  I have lately been using one like the red one above. My iPad slides in , but that is all the protection it has. I'm not too crazy about this option. I prefer the ones  That hold your iPad like a book.  

Which one is your favorite?

Fourth of July 2013

Fourth of July 2013 by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Bag Love

Bag Love by eegrego160 featuring a zip top bag

Happy Father's Day

A Happy Father's Day to all of the  Father's out there. Please cherish the times you spend with you dad. I miss my Daddy, Clarence Dale Broadus, who has been gone for almost 18 years now - seems just like yesterday.

White Style

White Style by eegrego160 featuring leather handbags

I am a huge fan of the color white. I LOVE wearing white linen pants in the summer. They are just about the best thing since .............. I must say I am a bit scared to carry a white bag. I would be a nervous wreck worrying that it would get an ink stain on it! But this TB bag is cute!

DO you wear a lot of white? 

Sunday Scripture

Sunday Scripture by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Favorite Foods

Favorite Foods by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Succulents

Succulents by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Distinctive Designs Faux Hen And Chick Succulents In A Bronze Square... / Succulent Arrangement in Small Stone Bowl / Pier One Artificial Potted Succulent / Laura Ashley Lifestyles Succulent

I am an outdoor plant girl. I typically have pretty good success with outdoor plants. 

Inside plants? Not so much. 

In fact, I haven't had a live plant in our home for years! Well, minus the fresh flowers we have weekly.

My mom has a super green thumb for household and outdoor plants. She has tons of live plants all over her home. She can start a plant from just a small piece.  I'm not sure why I never picked up the indoor green thumb. 

I have been noticing a lot of succulents lately. Something about them intrigues me. I'm not sure what. They just do. 

What is a succulent? Sometimes called fat plants because certain parts of the plant hold water. What? They hold water. This should be good for me. 

You may know of cacti and aloe. These are succulents. You can find many other varieties at your local gardening center or home store - Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.

I purchased a few smaller ones for the window ledges in my family room. I still have to purchase the containers for them.

 If you click on the links above, you will find that the pricing is high. Mine for sure did not cost this much. I spent $15 on 4 plants at Lowe's. You can also find some great pots on sale or at reasonable prices. 

Please say a prayer for my new plants!

Sunday Scripture

Sunday Scripture by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Sunday Scripture

Untitled #14 by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Arrow / Asterisk

Cheat Day...

Food by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Franchise Business Opportunities | Five Guys Burgers To Open Two More... / Pizza Hut Canada / The Cheesecake Factory Victim of Its Own Success? / tiramisu cheesecake « cheesecake factory « meal advisor / Pizzas - Menu - Pizza Hut of Maryland / Steak and Fried Shrimp Double Cheeseburger with Onion Straws and...

So, my husband and I are planning a cheat day. No, not what you think! We both have been trying to watch what we eat. Me - just over the last few months. Him - always. He does a great job of making sure he eats fresh fruits and veggies. He also makes sure to work out regularly. I am getting there. 

We decided a few months ago that we would have a FOOD cheat day. We could eat whatever we wanted. His first choice was pizza. The Pizza Hut sliders were calling his name. I wanted Five Guys Burgers. Probably because they just opened one in the same strip mall as my gym!

Then, we started discussing doing the Cheesecake Factory. Then, it was Red Robin......and the list goes on. 

Well, one day last week we had a bet on something. The winner will be the one to choose our food cheat. Guess who won? Not me. So, now I am just waiting to hear what we will be indulging in. 

What would you choose as your FOOD cheat?

Stay Tuned to hear what we chose....................

Please note - that is not an actual Five Guys Burger.

Coffee

Coffee by eegrego160 featuring topshop

I have not had a cup of coffee in over three months. I gave it up when I started shredding.  I gave it up because I didn't just drink black coffee (which is allowed in SHRED). No, I drank coffee with sugar and COCONUT CREAM. Lots of coconut cream. Too many calories to even think about counting. 

I don't really miss the coffee. What I do miss is the smell of coffee in my kitchen. Enter Bath and Bodyworks. While I was shopping for my favorite spring/summer home scent, Coconut Lime Verbena, I found this great Espresso scent. 

Scared to order more than one - I ordered just one. Oh, my word - my kitchen smells like Starbucks!

Our home is very open and my fear was that the scent wouldn't make a statement. You know being covered up by the CLV. Well, was I ever wrong. The espresso scent greats to warmly as soon as you enter our banquet kitchen area. 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!

Kitchen Faves

Kitchen Faves by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Williams-Sonoma Essential Oils Collection, Meyer Lemon / Crate & Barrel Heritage Hill 64 oz. Glass Jar with Lid / Crate & Barrel "Coffee" Mug / Crate & Barrel Rub Away Bar


I was just unloading the dishwasher at 5AM this morning. Yep, I said 5AM on a Saturday morning. I have actually been up for a while. Here is the thing - I wake up EARLY on Saturdays. Always - never fails. I really like getting up early (when I don't have to go to work).
I tend to get a lot done in the quiet hours.

Coco is usually right under my feet as usual. I am sure she wishes I would go back to bed. Maxi visits occasionally, but typically ends up back in bed with his dad.

Anyway, this morning as I was cleaning out the dishwasher, I started thinking of some of my favorite kitchen items.

 You may remember this post from a few weeks ago listing some of my favorite items for the kitchen. The above items made the cut this time.

1. Rub Away Bar - This is my second one. The first one got ground up in the disposal - thanks hubs. This little guy is not only a topic of conversation when people use my kitchen sink, but it actually works! It is designed to take all the gross smells from your hands. You know - the gross garlic and onion smells that STICK to your hands. Well, no more with this little bar. Just rub it as you would a bar of soap under water. Presto - smells are gone!

2. I just adore this letter pressed set. The original group that I ordered actually look better than the second set. The first set resembled an old typewriter type. Some letters were darker than others and other little imperfections in the lettering. The second set is still cute. It's just that the type is very dark and not old typewriter looking. The cup is HUGE and that I like. Sometimes I even eat my oatmeal from one!

3.Heritage Jars - great jars to use as canisters. I use one of the bigger ones for my cashew packs, KIND bars and other healthy goodies. This would be a great cookie jar.

4. Meyer Lemon - Smells great in this hand soap/lotion caddy. Smells even better with the real thing. I had my first Meyer Lemon a few weeks ago. I am a huge fan now. They are a bit sweeter than normal lemons. Be careful how many you buy though. They don't last long.

Enjoy your day!

Garden Love

Gaden Love by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Spring has to be my favorite season. Everything is brand new again. Time for fresh starts and things are budding with possibilities. 

I planted a lot of bulbs and perennials when we first built our house. This was definitely by design. SO, I wouldn't have to plant fresh every year. Mind you, I still like a few annuals  - I like the initial phase of planting. Just not a lot every year. I also like that bulbs and perennials multiple over the years. 

Since bulbs and perennials multiply, it's a good idea to plant them in a place where they can expand. Don't worry if you don't have a large enough area. You can also dig up the extras and gift to friends. 

The photos above are several flowers that I have in my garden (front and back):

1. Daffodils - I am thrilled when I see there little heads popping from the ground. In my yard, they are the first to appear and a sure sign that spring is here. 

2. Tulips - I love tulips. Each week, I buy a bunch from Trader Joe's for the family room. There is nothing like fresh flowers in the house. Hopefully soon, my tulips will multiply enough that I can use them as cut flowers in my house.

3.  Lilac Bush - This has to be my favorite. I had this planted by the front door to greet our guests as they arrived with a wonderful fragrance. It just gets bigger and better every year!  I love the scent so much, that I purchased one for the backyard last year. It still has a little ways to go. In fact, some days it looks like it may not make it - lol. 

4. Roses - I have two different ones in my gardens. Two regular ones and three knockout rose bushes. 

The knockouts are very easy to care for.  By my experience, so are the other two. Honestly, I haven't done anything to them and they grow and bloom like crazy. One is right by the wall at our front door. It greets our guests to it's beauty and fragrance as they arrive as well. Thankfully, we have a trellis to keep it in line so they aren't greeted with a thorn as well. 

What does your garden grow?  

Sunday Scripture

Sunday Scripture by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Stylin' Saturday - Black and White

Black and White by eegrego160 featuring a silk blouse

Alice + Olivia black white striped dress / River Island , $185 / R k original / Equipment silk blouse / Jimmy Choo / Lulu Guinness handbag / Blade Rubber Stamps Blade Rubber Stamps Blade Rubber - Corners Scroll..., $4.85


Before you know it, May will be here. Not only is this the month of my hubby's birthday, Memorial Day and warm weather. It is also one of the biggest months here in Indy because it is Indy 500 Race month.  

Believe it or not, I have never, ever attended the race. I have attended the parade on many occasions and have had a blast. 

So, black and white are the traditional colors for Indy Race month. Isn't it great that these colors are also one of the fashion statements to make this spring/summer? 

I have A LOT of black and white in my closet. I plan to add a POP of color to my combinations. This in keeping to my pledge not to dress so drabbily (white, tan, black) all the time. 

Happy Saturday!

My Kitchen Must Haves

Kitchen Must haves by eegrego160 on Polyvore

KitchenAid 27" Built-In Double Electric Convection Wall Oven... / Keurig K75 Brewer With Ice Tea Function / Staub Grill Pan / Pottery Barn Glass Drink Dispenser / Glass Prep Bowls, Set of 8 / OXO Cherry & Olive Pitter / Labeled Kitchen Juicer / Natural Parchment Paper Roll

I bet you thought this post was going to be about food- huh? Well, it sort of is about food. Items that I use in preparing our foods. These are a few of the things that I can not live without in my kitchen. Ok - I am being a bit dramatic, but they are some things that make my kitchen life easier. 

• Staub Grill Pan - This baby has been a wonderful addition to my kitchen. I use it several times a week to prepare beast that taste as if they are straight from the outdoor grill.  The more you use it, the better it gets. Sort of like a cast iron skillet. I spray a bit of Pam olive oil on it. You must let this pan warm up. Set at low and then increase the heat from there. I season up my food and plop it on the hot grill. You may want to open a few windows because it can get smoky if you a grilling quite a bit. I purchased mine from Williams Sonoma a few years ago. It's pricey, but so worth it. 
• Juicer - the old fashion kind. This little guy is my new favorite. I actually have one that holds the juice in once you have finished juicing. It has a lid and you can dispense straight from the container. Since I have been living a Shredding lifestyle, one of the things I do is drink lemon water in the morning. This helps with your digestion for the day. I squeeze one lemon and I am good for about three days. I'm not a huge lemonade fan, but plan to make a jug for my sisters baby shower this summer. This juicer will get some good use!
• Speaking of baby showers, I'll be using mine at the baby shower.  The drink dispenser is a must if you have family or friends over. I would suggest having two. You can put cold water in one and tea or lemon in the other. Beats having a million 2 litre pop bottles all over. 
• Double oven! Omgoodness....we had this option when we built our second home. I am not sure how I made it thru a holiday or family gathering without them. Now we have more than enough room to cook and warm things for holidays and get togethers. 
• Parchment Paper - Love, love, love parchment paper. Just line your cookie sheet and bake. No need to clean cookie crumbs off your pan - just remove the sheet. Love!
• Cherry pitter - HUGE fresh cherry fan. I don't mind the pit if I am eating a bowl of cherries. I don't like the pit if I am eating a fruit salad with cherries in it. It odes take a bit of time to do. Yet, it is so worth it. 
• Prep bowls. I used to just measure out the items in a recipe as I got to it in the list. Now, I prep before starting the recipe. These little bowls are just the right size for holding most of the smaller ingredients. 
• Keurig Platinum coffee machine. Again, great for gatherings. Most of my guests know how to operate it and have fun making their own drinks. We have all sorts of selections - yes, coffees, flavored coffees, hot chocolate, cider. 

What are your favorite kitchen items? 

Sunday

Sunday by eegrego160 on Polyvore

Heart shape / Asterisk shape