Coconut Oil Bandwagon

I've read so much about the benefits and uses of coconut oil on the interwebs, and I'd been meaning to try it for a while now, but this semi-recent post by Stacy on Squirrel Chatter spurred me to action. I poked around at my grocery store until I found what I was looking for, a 12 oz tub of Carrington Farms organic coconut oil.

I was surprised to see what appeared to be a solid, white substance that almost resembled Crisco. I was expecting an OIL. What I didn't realize was that coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees, so as soon as it hits the skin it becomes the oil I was expecting.

I've only been using it for about a week now, but thus far I've used it as a lip balm, on a scar that I'm hoping it will help minimize the appearance of, as moisturizer on my hands, on acne, and on a cold sore.

This list of 50 of the Best Uses for Coconut Oil has many other interesting suggestion, some of which I'm sure I will try.

(This post is not sponsored by Carrington Farms in any way.)

Green Toothbrushes

I was well past needing a new toothbrush (I never replace them on the recommended every three month schedule) when I read on another blog about Preserve Toothbrushes. They are made from recycled plastic (including yogurt cups!) and after use can be returned to the company to be made into plastic lumber. How cool is that?!

So while my car was being inspected on Saturday, I walked over to Target. The toothbrush cost me $2.04 plus tax, which you can't beat. I've used it for a couple days now and can say that I absolutely like it. It has a nice small head and super soft bristles. I would definitely recommend it.

Going into Target for even my one small item was disturbing. All of the acres of unnecessary crap and pushy people. At the checkout aisles I was shoved aside by someone with a cart full of merchandise when all I was holding was one item. Had I known for sure I would like the toothbrushes I would've bought several to avoid having to return to that store in three months. I need another soapdish now that I'm switching to bar soap, but there was no way I was buying one there. If I can't find the one that is MIA in my own house, I'll pay a visit to the thrift store. I'm going to do my best to avoid buying new whenever possible.

Sponge

Warning: If you tend towards the squeamish (or if you're male), proceed with caution.

After reading about using sea sponges instead of tampons on one of my favorite blogs, I decided it was worth a shot. I had my reservations, of course, but so far they have all turned out to be warrantless.

I purchased Sea Sponge Tampons from GladRags, where I had previously purchased reusable cotton pads that I would also highly recommend. They are extremely comfortable, and there's no annoying string to irritate me. They couldn't be simpler to use; you merely rinse it out and put it back in. No garbage and no concerns over Toxic Shock Syndrome. Plus, they don't dry out the girl parts like regular tampons do.

As of right now, I can see no downside to them at all. I suppose for women like one of my former co-workers who was horrified and disgusted with me when I offered her an OB (it boggles my mind that you could be an adult with two children and be afraid of touching your private parts but whatever), then this product is not for you. But if you are someone that is concerned with lessening your impact on the environment or if you are economically motivated, then I would suggest replacing the tampons you normally use with the uber-comfy sponges.

Thanks for the inspiration, Riana!