Artisana Organics (Review and Giveaway)

The first time I teamed up with Artisana Organics I was still living in the dorm rooms in college and cooking was almost nonexistent. The only appliances I had were a mini fridge, a microwave, and a Keurig which didn't leave me a whole lot of room for experimenting in the kitchen. Heck, I didn't even have a kitchen!

Since then I've been a huge fan of Artisana and their products! If you've been following the blog for awhile you have probably noticed a trend in most of my smoothie recipes - almost every single one of them includes an Artisana nut or coconut butter of some kind.

Lately my favorite has been the Raw Coconut Butter. It's dense, melts in your mouth, and adds a delicious flavor to my smoothie - or spoon because it tastes amazing that way too ;)

All of their products are fresh, high quality, organic, and nutritious. I also love the convenience of their squeeze packs. Taking nut/coconut butters on the go has never been easier!

Here are my favorite smoothie recipes using the raw coconut butter:

• Double Chocolate Chip Paleo Protein Shake
• Not-Your-Average-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
• PB&J Smoothie (Peanut Free)

Artisana also has other products including chocolate bars! I am dying to try these but have yet to find them in stores. Hey Artisana, if a huge box of these randomly arrived at my door I wouldn't be mad at all, haha!

Now it's time for the fun stuff - a giveaway just for you! 

Artisana is offering to give one lucky reader 2 8oz jars and a variety of squeeze packs! Talk about a delicious giveaway. All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below and a winner will be notified via e-mail.

 There a ton of different ways to enter, just be sure to follow all the directions for the different ways to entry - also, some entries can be done every day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coconut Oil Uses: Health & Beauty

One thing that I am obsessed with is coconut oil. While it is great for cooking and adding to smoothies, it has a ton of amazing beauty benefits as well.

I use it daily as a night cream, body moisturizer, shave cream, and lip balm. I also use it for oil pulling a few times a week! Since I began using coconut oil as a part of my normal routine I have noticed a tremendous improvement in the way my skin looks and feels.

Below I have listed 20 different ways to use it as a part of your beauty routine. Soon I will also share some of the other ways coconut oil can be used for cooking, around the house, and with your pets! And incase you were wondering, this brand of coconut oil is my favorite!

Facial Moisturizer/Night Cream: Apply coconut oil after washing your face in place of lotion. If you have acne prone skin you may only be able to do this once a day or every few days.

Hair Conditioner: Rub a small amount of coconut oil into the hair and comb it through. Let is sit for several hours (best if left overnight, just wear a shower cap) and then shampoo as normal.

Fly Away Tamer: Rub a small amount of coconut oil between the palms of your hands and then run your hands through your hair to tame fly aways and frizz.

Body Moisturizer: Rub coconut oil directly onto skin after showering

Stretch Mark Prevention: Apply several times a day to stretching skin.

Shaving Cream: Rub coconut oil on the area to be shaved to replace shaving cream

Foot Treatment: Combine coconut oil with sea salt and scrub your feet to remove dead skin and moisturize.

Body Scrub: Combine coconut oil with sugar and use in the shower.

Make Up Remover: Rub a small amount of coconut oil on the eye lids to remove stubborn eye makeup. Use a washcloth to wipe off the excess and then wash your face as normal.

Make Up Brush Cleanser: Melt a small amount of coconut oil in the microwave. Dip your brush into the oil and then swirl the brush around on a paper towel until the excess is gone. Rinse with warm water and lay to dry.

Lip Balm: Use on the lips for a natural lip balm

Cheekbone Highlighter: Rub a small amount on your cheekbones over makeup

Deodorant: You can make a natural deodorant using coconut oil and a few other ingredients. Check out this recipe.

Sunburn Remedy: Rub coconut oil on burnt skin to soothe and repair sunburnt skin.

Insect Repellent: Mix coconut oil with a few essential oils and you have an all natural insect repellent. Check out this recipe.

Diaper Rash Cream: Apply regularly to a baby's bottom to improve skin and help heal diaper rash

Age Spot Lightener: Rub directly onto age spots

Nail Cuticle Oil: Rub coconut oil over dry cuticles to moisturize and repair.

Lice Treatment: Combine coconut oil with apple cider vinegar for a lice treatment.

Oil Pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for 5-10 minutes before brushing your teeth. This helps to remove bacteria, prevent cavities and whiten teeth.