So this new adventure with F+F has taken things in a new direction. I’ll probably post once or twice a week, max. And then other weeks it’ll be mostly silent.

I’d categorize most of what I’m currently writing as reflective pieces. They’re deeper than the here’s what we did this week posts of Fashion + Feathers, round 1. Or the here’s an outfit you can try. I’m really enjoying getting back into writing, but it is a little bit of an adjustment. I find that I have 834093284098 topics running through my mind at any given time, and about 17 (actually more like 3 or 4) posts are always in the works. Finishing them up and hitting the publish button is a different story. For some reason I tend to finalize several posts all at the same time and then I’m starting over again from scratch — almost like I write in rounds.

Back to this post… I often listen to the Jamie Ivey podcasts and she asks her guests about 3 things they’re loving. I thought it would be fun to incorporate that into blog posts.

1. Activated charcoal as toothpaste. I’ve used Crest WhiteStrips to whiten my teeth several times. I wanted to do it while I was pregnant but I read that there are harmful side effects. I can’t remember exactly how I came across this idea of brushing my teeth with activated charcoal to whiten them but I feel like it works. They’re not Hollywood white but it’s a natural way to keep them looking good. I order mine from Organic Skin Shop on Etsy. This jar ($4.75) lasts me a couple months.Process: use a separate tooth brush, wet it, dip it in the activated charcoal, brush as normal. Rinse your mouth out (and your lips!). Then brush with your normal toothbrush and toothpaste. I do this several times a week. The first few times I used it, my teeth had that really clean feeling, kind of like when you leave a dentist appointment. Since those first few times, I haven’t noticed the difference being as severe but maybe that’s just because I’m used to it.
2. Peppermint scrub. Seriously, this stuff is like my favorite thing ever. Ever ever. It makes my skin feel so soft and fresh. I also use this one several times each week. You can use it on any part of your body but my favorite place to scrub is my face. It’s like you can feel the difference once the dead skin, makeup, grime, and everything else is gone. My mom made me the first batch (which lasted months) and then I’ve made more since then.
   Ingredients:
   1/4 cup coconut oil (softened in microwave if necessary)
   3/4 granulated sugar
   4-5 drops peppermint essential oilInstructions:
   Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix together until evenly distributed
   Place into a small jar

   Literally, it’s that easy. I almost feel like that’s a joke. I had been meaning to make it for a week or two when I finally got around to it. I looked up the process as soon as I laid Ari down for a nap and I was shocked to see that I did everything in less than 5 minutes. And that included washing the bowl I stirred the ingredients in.

3. Wand. Not a magic wand but it kind of has the same effect. F+F, round 1 produced a few fun products. My favorite by far has been the wand I received from Irresistible Me. Mainly because I can fix my hair on day 1 and it still looks good on days 2, 3, and 4. (You can see my original post here.) Literally my favorite mom win of all time. There are many days that I workout, shower (without washing my hair), and use the peppermint scrub on my face before Ariana wakes up. Then it literally takes me 5-10 minutes to put a little make up on, comb through my hair, and get dressed.

Those are three things I’m loving right now. Keep the conversation going and tell me some things you’re loving right now 😍

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