Making your own beauty products like a face mask or body scrub can be such a fun and affordable alternative to a store bought version. Plus, the ingredients are often more simple and better for you; I'd say that's a win-win.

I first made this coconut oil and coffee body scrub last year and it works so well. The coffee is a great exfoliant that washes away dead skin, while the coconut oil leaves your skin moisturized and very soft. Plus, both ingredients are full of antioxidants which are very beneficial to your skin.

                         

When I recently ran out of my scrub I was using before, I knew I had to make this one again. My favorite part? It's extremely easy to make! All you will need is a jar of coconut oil, coffee grounds and a container to mix/store your scrub in. I picked up this organic extra virgin coconut oil  from Trader Joe's and this coffee from. 

Step 1: Microwave your jar of coconut oil for 40 seconds.

Step 2: Once oil is melted, mix with coffee grounds in your jar. You can adjust the coffee to coconut oil ratio based on how much exfoliation vs. moisture you want. I eyeballed the ratio, and then added more oil and coffee as needed. 

Step 3: Allow coconut oil to solidify again, then your scrub is ready to use!

As a side note, if your scrub separates after is solidifies, just mix it up before using and then you're good to go! 

I recommend using this scrub twice a week. However, if you're like me and have acne-prone skin, I wouldn't recommend using this on your face. I tried it one time and unfortunately it did make me breakout, but hey, I had super soft skin! The coconut oil will keep your skin moisturized for 24 hours after use--that's without applying lotion after your shower. Amazing, right?

I'd love to hear if you try out this scrub! Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @CaitlinRedd13 if you do. 

Have a beautiful day! 

My Go-To Smoothie Bowl

If you follow me on Instagram, then I'm sure it's no surprise that smoothie bowls have been my latest breakfast obsession. Creating these yummy bowls is such an easy yet healthy way to start your morning.

When it comes to smoothie bowls, the possibilities are endless, which is one of the  main reasons I love them so  much. Oh, and it's a fantastic way to add extra greens into your meal! Scroll down to check out the recipe for my go-to smoothie bowl I have been making almost every day!

What you'll need:
- 1 Cup of frozen mixed berries
- 1/3 Cup almond milk (or any nut milk)
- 1-2 Handfuls of spinach
- 1 Tablespoon of natural peanut butter
- 1 Banana

To start, place all ingredients into a blender and blend until it's all mixed and smooth. Yes, it's really that easy, and this is the hardest step. Hey, who doesn't love an easy recipe anyway? Next comes my favorite part: Toppings!

This is the "make your smoothie bowl look pretty and insta-worthy" part. My favorite toppings include strawberries, granola, and coconut flakes. Before I pour the smoothie into my bowl, I always add some granola to the  bottom of the bowl. This is a great way to add in a little extra crunch.

After the smoothie is poured over the granola, I cut four to five strawberries into fourths and arrange them on top. Next, I sprinkle a little more granola and some coconut flakes on top. And then that brings us to the photo opp. I  mean, after you spend time making it look pretty, you have to get that perfect picture.

There you have it, your easy and healthy smoothie bowl is ready to eat!

Let me know if you try out the recipe, I'd love to hear if you do!