What Are The Benefits Of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil can be used for the creation of delicious dishes but have you ever thought about the numerous benefits related to its usage? Coconut oil contains amazing ingredients that can make your skin more beautiful, improve digestion, strengthen the immune system and help fight infections. Seriously- so wonderful!

What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of coconuts and it has been used for centuries in certain parts of the world. Due to the high amounts of lipids, coconut oil was always an important source of energy for indigenous people in Tropical regions. And…The fruit of the coconut palm has been used for the past 4000 years!

Main Benefits of Coconut Oil- For Health & Beauty

There are many benefits of coconut oil. The lipids in coconut oil are essential for beautiful skin, hair and nails. A number of DIY masks can be prepared at home from coconut oil and other beneficial ingredients like honey, fruit paste, yogurt and milk.

The natural oil delivers much better results that the moisturizers, lotions, conditioners and hair masks that can be purchased from a beauty shop. On top of that, it can be 100...

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25 Ways To Use Orange Essential Oil

1. Acne treatment – if you have acne or blemishes on the face or back the orange oil helps to soothe and disinfect acne prone skin.

2. Air freshener – add a few drops of the oil to water and place in a spritz bottle. Spray around for instant natural air freshener.

3. Anti-Depressant – if you suffer from mild depression smelling the orange essential oil will help to alleviate it. Apply topically near the nose for best results. We call orange essential oil our happy oil in our house, and when we diffuse orange oils into the air, it lifts our moods.

4. Anti-inflammatory – If you suffer from digestive issues such as gastric upset, heartburn or nausea, orange essential oil helps.

5. Anti-oxidant – oranges are naturally high in anti-oxidants, which are nutrients that help to fight free radicals (or bad cells like cancer cells). The orange essential oil contains D-limonene, which studies have shown helps to stop the growth of cancer tumor cells and mutations.

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I would find no relief except to take Claritin or Zyrtec with a decongestant in it. I have had my fair share of itchy watery eyes, sneezing and being plain miserable with symptoms.  The worst part was the side effects that came along with the allergy medications as well. No fun! If you are reading this, I am sure you can relate!

I am thrilled to share with you a natural solution that has been working so well for me! (and my kids too)

How To Treat Seasonal Allergies Naturally With Essential Oils

I use doTERRA essential oils that are not only effective, but they work quickly and without nasty side effects. When I started using essential oils a couple months ago, the first thing I did was to see if they would work effectively for my allergies.

I was skeptical at first, but I have been amazed at the results and getting to say goodbye to my Claritin was a happy day indeed!

To treat hay fever and seasonal allergies with essential oils, you will need lavender, lemon and peppermint.

We call this the magical trio, as there are so many awesome uses for these oils.
-Lavender is a natural antihistamine.
-Lemon helps to make you feel better and is antibacterial.
-Peppermint clears the sinuses and nasal passages.
The combination works perfectly...

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Summer vacation for the kids is upon us again and it is likely you are already hearing your kids complain about being bored. Rather than staying inside all summer watching television or playing video games, there are many fresh air summer ideas for kids to enjoy free of charge or at a very affordable price.

Maybe you are like me, as I find myself wanting to hang onto some of the simple activities that have been around for years and are still as amazing and awesome as they always were.

Check out some of theses fresh air summer ideas for kids, so they can get soaking up some sunshine breathing fresh air, and maybe they will forget about being bored!

1. Camp out in the backyard – This can be an adventure. A tent, a grill and story-telling will entertain the kids all evening. Pitch a tent, get the sleeping bags and fix hotdogs on the grill. With supervision, a fire can be built for roasting marshmallows after dinner when it just getting dark. This is the perfect time to enjoy stories. Your kids might like it so much they want to do this several times during the summer!

2. Plant a Garden – Your kids will enjoy and tending to it throughout the summer. My kids love getting involved in planting and choosing vegetables.  Digging in the dirt is really healthy and they learn to like vegetables when they have had a hand in the process. When the vegetables are ready for harvesting, cooking them can also be a joint venture. Plant corn,...

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Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Recipe

1 cup of fresh strawberry puree* ( you could use thawed out frozen strawberries as well)
3 cups of yogurt (I used a raw milk yogurt, but you can use whatever kind you like)
1/2-3/4 cup of coconut raw nectar or liquid raw honey (you can adjust this to taste depending on the tartness of your yogurt)
1/2 cup of coconut milk
1 Tbsp of vanilla
pinch of salt
Mixing Instructions For Frozen Yogurt
1. *Puree fresh strawberries with 1 tbsp of water in a blender first. (If using thawed frozen strawberries, there is no need for the water)
2. In a large mixing bowl combine all above ingredients including the puree, and whisk together until well blended.
3. Pour strawberry yogurt mixture into ice cream maker according to manufacturers instructions and mix until frozen to a soft serve.

OR…pour mixture right into a flat glass pan and freeze 4 hours  or until frozen and firm enough to scoop.
Scoop out and eat!
This makes a generous 1.5 quarts. I had a little extra mixture after pouring...

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Although it has been in existence for a long time, only within the past few years has the oil from this plant become popular due to its healing properties. I have put together a list of 25 ways melaleuca essential oil can be used. Take a look at this versatile, all natural oil and the many uses it provides.

25 Ways To Use Melaleuca Oil

1. Sunburn – Melaleuca essential oil helps to heal sunburn and it soothes the burning sensation.

2. Rashes – If you suffer from rashes, this oil can relieve the itch and decreases the burning sensation. Simply put it on the rash with a cotton swab.

3. Lice – This oil can help to prevent lice when a few drops are added to your shampoo.

4. Treat your Feet – Melaleuca oil can be used to cure Athlete’s Foot and it also gets rid of toe nail fungus. Put the oil on the affected area with a cotton swab.

5. Acne – Apply melaleuca essential-oil to acne with a swab. Leave it overnight and rinse the next morning.

6. Skin Tags – Apply tea tree oil on the skin tag with a cotton swab. Place the cotton swab over the skin tag and secure it with...

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This is proof that you can have the best of ingredients and indulge in a sweet treat at the same time!

You will find  all natural homemade ice cream recipes here that are made with coconut milk, kefir, and whole raw milk. You will find recipes sweetened naturally with honey and unrefined sugars. There are gluten free, and dairy free ice cream recipes in this amazing line up as well.

This post will give you a nice variety of flavors, textures, and tastes to suit everyone in your household. There’s plenty of chocolate, vanilla, and everything in between!  The best part is that the ingredients are top notch without all the junk found in the store-bought ice creams. Have fun finding new all natural homemade ice cream recipes.

*You will find the blog source for each recipe below it’s photo.  Be sure to click over to read the recipe.

27 All Natural Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

1. Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream from Cheeseslave

2. Beet Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from Homemade Mommy

3. Chocolate Orange Ice Cream from Whole Natural Life

4. Cultured Vanilla Ice Cream from The Coconut Mama

5. Coconut Blueberry Frozen Yogurt from Homegrown and Healthy...

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The Cuisinart Ice Cream and Sorbet Machine ran neck and neck to the Roku Popsicle Maker! I am not surprised, since they are both fun awesome prizes for creating sweet frozen treats for the family!

And…There’s More!

Since the votes were almost tied, I am going to giveaway the Roku Popsicle Maker as well, later in June!

This current giveaway for the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Sorbet Machine will run from June 2nd to June 15th. Then Look for the Roku Popsicle Maker giveaway to make it’s appearance in the last couple weeks of June!

More about the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Sorbet Machine!

• New mixing paddle makes frozen desserts in 20 minutes or less
• Large capacity makes up to 1-1/2-quarts
• Double insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice
• Easy lock transparent lid with large spout makes adding ingredients simple and mess free
• Fully automatic with large ingredient spout for adding ingredients
• Eight fun colors to choose from!
• $55.00 Value!

How To Enter To Win!

1. Click over HERE and read about this amazing ice cream machine.
2. Click HERE to Subscribe to Denise In Bloom blog updates.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Just know that you must be subscribed in order to be eligible to win the prize. I...

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Even though I mentioned summer, I make these ribs year around here at the farmhouse. They work for all seasons.

Crockpot Country Style BBQ Ribs 

• 2-3 pkgs Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs- depending on mouths to feed, and size of your Crockpot.
  *Tip: Choose ribs with a nice amount of fat. If you choose country style ribs that are really lean they end up dry. The fat helps them be really moist.
• 1-2 onions sliced
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• water
• 1-2 bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce
• Our personal favorite is Baby Ray BBQ sauce (its gluten free)

How To Cook Crockpot Country Style BBQ Ribs

1. Layer pork ribs in Crockpot and as you layer them, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onions.
2. Pour water over the ribs, enough to almost cover them completely. (leave room for the juices and fat that will come to the surface from the ribs.)
3. Cook ribs on high in Crockpot for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 until very tender when poked with a fork. They should be falling apart. Check periodically and...

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Cauliflower pizza? Yes you heard that right! This cauliflower pizza recipe has become one of my favorite low carb, gluten free, healthy versions of pizza.  I can eat this without guilt and be very satisfied. You will find other versions of this pizza recipe like Dr Oz’s version, which is really close to mine, the only real difference is in the seasonings and toppings. The method is almost the same.

The beauty of this recipe is it can easily be made gluten free, vegetarian and varying low-fat versions depending on the toppings and ingredients you use. 

Ingredients for one 10 inch individual cauliflower pizza

• 1 cup of steamed & grated cauliflower
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2-3 Tbsp pizza sauce (for GF I use Muir Glen brand)
• Favorite pizza toppings

How To Make Cauliflower Pizza

Steam cauliflower till just fork tender (do not overcook)  I steam about a half of the head of cauliflower at a time.  Then what I don’t use I store in a ziploc in the fridge to make another pizza for the next day. Or to make additional pizzas for the family.

Grate cauliflower till you have one measured cup. Don’t pack it down too much.

In a small bowl stir together grated cauliflower, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1 egg, italian seasoning blend, and garlic powder.

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