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Have you fell for coconut oil yet? I went back and forth for a couple years, but I’ve been a big, big fan for a year or so now. I guess the reason I went back and forth with coconut oil is because there are so many uses for it, and I don’t like all of them. The turn offs became bigger than the benefits. Hard to imagine, since so many people are so in love with it. The main reason I wasn’t always so hot on coconut oil was convenience. Then I found the everyday item that totally changed my mind about using coconut oil.
If you haven’t had any experience with coconut oil, one of its most unique qualities is the texture. When cold, it feels like lard, but it melts at a very low temperature, so you can literally melt it to a liquid in your hand. Because of this, you really can’t put it in a bottle and expect to pour it out without warming it first. Once it’s warm, think about how pouring oil can sometimes be messy. One day I had an idea that would solve all my coconut oil dispensing problems. I used a silicone travel tube, and it worked! I first warmed the coconut oil in the jar and then poured it into my silicone travel tube. Once the oil firms up, you can still squeeze it through the opening, or put it in a warm spot for a minute or two to soften (like your pocket, hand, or steamy bathroom). Because it squeezes out mostly solid, there aren’t any rogue drips. And, because it melts so quickly, just start rubbing that little coconut blob into your skin, hair, lips, wherever you need a little shot of oil, and your hand melts it immediately. The hole in the silicone tube keeps the product in when you aren’t squeezing, and because these tubes are specifically made for traveling without leaks, I’ve never had a coconut oil disaster. This little tube has changed my coconut oil game. Let me tell you now what I use coconut oil for.
Moisturizing my skin – Pretty self-explanatory…
Moisturizing my face – Yes, I actually use it on my face, either under my normal moisturizer for an extra boost, or alone to switch things up.
Moisturizing my lips – This kind of just happens when you’re using it on your face, or you can put a little dollop in a small container and use as needed.
Moisturizing cuticles – Pretty self-explanatory…
Moisturizing my baby – Coconut oil is one of the go-to natural items to use on your children right now.
Windy Boat Hair Savior – OK, now we’re getting into something interesting. This is actually something I learned about from my best friend. Her daughter has really long hair and they go boating A. LOT. Before a fun day on the river, my bestie French braids her daughter’s hair and then wipes a thin layer of coconut oil over the whole thing… like you would do if putting pomade on your hair for frizz. The coconut oil helps keep the hair moisturized and in the braid, which prevents damage and TANGLES! Six year-olds don’t like tangles. I don’t think any of us do really.
Removing Labels – Coconut oil definitely doesn’t work as well as the more “chemically” adhesive remover, but it does work if you are looking for a more natural alternative (or just out of the other chemical stuff). Give it a good soak and then a good scrub. I like scrubbing with my Scrub Daddy sponge.
POPCORN! – Popcorn popped in coconut oil is so good! Turn your stove on high heat and add a tablespoon or two of coconut oil and ¼ – ½ cup popcorn kernels to a covered pot (start with less, until you know how much popped corn your pot can handle). Heat and shake the covered pot continuously until your corn starts poppin’. Keep shaking until the popping slows to 2-4 second breaks between pops. Dump the popped corn into a bowl and top with salt. You can also add a tiny bit of melted butter (you don’t need a lot with the coconut oil). Adding the butter makes it almost too good (but a lot richer, if you’re into that sort of thing).
Side Note – I first came across the idea of making popcorn in coconut oil from a post I found at gimmesomeoven.com. Their recipe for NOOCH Popcorn is amazing! Find it here: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/best-butter-free-popcorn-nooch-popcorn/
Makeup Remover – You know, for the days you say, “I’m so going to rock this bright red lipstick today!”, and then you put it on and realize that maybe tomorrow is more of a bright red lipstick day. Put a little coconut oil on a tissue and wipe away your daring lip statement (even though you probably looked fabulous). Works on all kinds of make-up, just like any other oil make-up remover.
Find the silicone travel tube I use here: http://amzn.to/2oFbVGy
Once you find your own love for coconut oil, search online and you will probably find more. There are tons of ideas out there!