HOMEMADE LOTION

Winter is killing me right now, I have Spring fever like you can't imagine. John made fun of me the other day for taking a nap in the sun spot on the floor like a cat, its that bad. I have been trying to find simple ways to help combat the cold-month blues. One was getting my skin ready for spring! I love this simple DIY lotion recipe it only has 2 ingredients and its just about as natural as you can get. Coconut butter is an great moisturizer and promotes elasticity in skin, and extra virgin olive oil is filled with vitamin E. If you can't find coconut butter at your local market here is a great one.

All you have to do is mix two teaspoons of coconut butter and about 8-10 drops of extra virgin olive oil together in a bowl. Just apply a nice even layer anywhere your skin needs that added boost of moisture. I like to give my knees, elbows, and feet just a bit more attention. I like to make it in small amounts so that there isn't a lot left over. If you do have some extra, cover it and pop it in the fridge. (Be sure to label it, I have a whole shelf designated to beauty products in the fridge so John doesn't  accidentally eat my face masque or hair conditioner.)

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CHALKBOARD PAINT

I was at the craft store yesterday and saw a little bottle of chalkboard paint that cost $13.00 --excuse me-- that's more than we pay for Hulu and Netflix each month (aka how I get my Downton Abbey and Bachelor fix) So here I am to share my top secret chalkboard paint recipe with you. I love it because its so easy a child could make it, and you can use ANY color you can contrive! If I can convince John I might just paint an entire wall in my office to be my new chalk board inspiration wall.

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas,  mix 1 cup at a time. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.  Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

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BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF (PALEO)

I thought I should share this recipe because I make it nearly every weekend as a great protein boost for the days we workout. We don't eat a lot of meat in our diet, but we aren't vegetarians by any means. Sometimes I make it with diced up chicken breasts and sometimes I make it with ground chicken. I almost prefer the diced whole breasts because I can get hormone free, free range, farm raised, etc. Sometimes with the ground meat you don't know what goes in there. This recipe is 100% paleo for those of you sticking to that lifestyle.

Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf
Serves: 2-4

Ingredients
1.5 lbs. ground chicken
2 egg
6 tablespoons coconut flour or ½ cup almond flour/meal (I used coconut flour because it is cheaper)
3-4 tablespoons hot sauce
3 stalks of celery, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon celery salt
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Put mixture into one large loaf pan.

Bake for 35 or until chicken is completely cooked.