COCONUT OIL FOR $5 with this coupon code...

Coconut oil is hands down one of my favorite products of all time. It has so many uses! You can find coconut oil at lots of places now, but liquid coconut oil is still a bit hard to find. They have it Whole Foods and online. I have a special offer to share with you gals! You can get COCONUT OIL FOR $5 online with the code below.

If you don't already know, Coconut Oil is naturally AMAZING! Here are my top 10 favorite every day uses (and the most common ones) for coconut oil around our house...


1. Oil for cooking- gives food a subtle, but great flavor! Very good for you! A nice, flavorful change from EVOO...

2. Skin moisturizer - Works just as well as any moisturizing product out there, and only has ONE ingredient. Smells great too!

3. Base for essential oil dilution - Into aromatherapy or natural, medicinal uses for essential oils? Try using coconut oil as your carrier oil! I diffuse coconut oil and lavender oil in my daughter's room (and our room) frequently. It is also my base for diluting other oils and using them for various things around the house.

4. "Mouthwash" and for oil pulling - It has natural antiseptic and disinfecting properties. This stuff kills mouth bacteria and naturally whitens teeth. I did my own month long story on it along with my dentist. I saw big time results. My teeth turned 2 shades whiter in 30 days and my mouth bacteria improved by 20%!

5. Shave gel - Why buy shave gel? It contains a bunch of toxic chemicals...I can just use coconut oil and my legs are nice and smooth afterwards.

6. Bath and shower gel - I LOVE BATHS. I really don't use bubble bath anymore. I pour liquid coconut oil into the tub with hot water, and my skin feels amazing afterwards! Sometimes I drop some lavender oil in there too....(I guess I really love lavender oil too!)

7. Coffee "creamer" -  I don't use milk or half and half, or butter...I just put 1 tsp of this in my coffee or tea, and it becomes silky and smooth, It also adds flavor. It sweetens it a bit too. You don't even need sweetener!

8. Hair conditioner - Coconut oil treatment on my ends for 10 minutes works just as well as the $25 power dose of conditioner from the hair salon!

9. Eye Makeup remover - No need to buy anything else. It really takes off mascara - even waterproof mascara!

10. Formula Additive - I make homemade formula for my little one, because I am supplementing in addition to breastfeeding and pumping. Most commercial formulas contain rancid vegetable oils, but my homemade baby formula contains coconut oil! OF COURSE!

You can spray coconut oil out into your pan on the stove or onto your skin. I keep some on a little glass spray bottle like this...

Coconut Oil is a quality product, but it's not cheap. I have paid $14 for coconut oil before in stores. But I have a better deal for you! Keep reading...

I am an Ambassador for Radha Beauty and they have a fabulous product that I use all the time. It is the 100 % Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil - available for only $5 on Amazon! This is a special deal for my readers. Go to the link below and type in the promo code RCOCONUT at checkout to get 16 oz. for just $5! What a steal! 

Go here- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TKPGHDK

If you ever have questions, you can always email me! kellygers@gmail.com

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER!

It's Tea Time!

I have been drinking more hot tea lately. I have been essentially caffeine free for 4 years now, and I only have a cup of decaf coffee 3 x a week, (which contains 2-9 mg of caffeine) vs. a regular cup of coffee's (90-129 mg of caffeine.) Many teas are naturally caffeine free. I am drinking Mother's Milk tea to boost my milk supply, and also dandelion root tea lately.

Dandelion Root Tea has countless benefits and tastes delicious too. Here are some of them:

Benefits:

Dandelion acts as a digestive aid in that it is a mild laxative. It is also a diuretic in that it helps the kidneys flush out excess water, salt and waste. Dandelion also improves liver function by removing toxins. It increases urination, which then lowers blood pressure. This amazing plant also contains fatty acids that reduces inflammation all over the body.

Right now, I have wrist injury, so I am drinking dandelion root tea to help reduce the inflammation. It also helps my bowels stay regular.

Dandelion isn't a pesky weed. It is a beautiful flower and food with lots of healing properties!

My preferred Dandelion Root Tea brand is Kiss Me Organics. This tea contains zero calories, is naturally caffeine free, Vegan and Non-GMO.  It also contains Hibiscus and Cinnamon. It tastes great and calms the soul. It does the body good.  You should really try it!

You can order the Dandelion Root Tea here...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFYLN18

Shedding for their wedding...and summer!

Today I decided to pull out all my size 4 cool racer back work out tops from lululemon athletica. I said to myself, "Oh what the heck. I'm wearing this!" I probably should not have gone with the stripes, but oh well, the print is just too cute! 

I'm 12 weeks post partum and I have 8 lbs left to lose. I'm working out and eating pretty good. I'm feeling pretty good-like I'm getting there, but naturally not totally confident about this post-baby body.  Kale salad is my new go-to daily favorite. You can of course, make them yourself or for you Texas Ladies, grab one to go at Snap Kitchen locations or other fresh food stores selling to go meals. I just add shredded carrots, grape tomatoes and sliced almonds to a big bowl of kale. Then I add my own homemade healthy dressing: EVOO, lemon juice, chopped garlic and black pepper. 

My friends keep saying be patient with the weight loss, but the weather is going to warm up and stay that way, and I'm ready to get my former body back. My goal was to look good by our friends Vic and Katie's wedding. That's April 18th! These are our friends pictured below...

Slowly but surely, I've lost pounds and inches. I'm really not doing many ab exercises like crunches or sit ups, but every CrossFit workout is pretty much a full body workout, so my abs get passively worked.  

Starting this week, I'm really going to work on abdominal exercises though, because I've lost strength in that area, and my tummy looks like hell too! After all, it really really stretched a lot and housed a human for the greater part of last year. 

Also, my husband and I started a 60 day clean eating challenge last week on Wednesday. I've been eating lean meats like chicken and fish for protein, and TONS of raw and cooked greens and veggies, (like my poop is green!) Anytime I crave something sweet, I grab a Lara bar. Those are made with nuts, dates and fruits and they are Paleo! Every other day, in addition to my 4 egg/2 bacon breakfast, I have oatmeal to boost my milk supply.  

I'm going mostly grain free (aside from the oatmeal) and dairy free too. I'm drinking tons of water and breastfeeding and pumping  my tail off. A mother's breast milk content is directly related to her diet, so I'm really trying to give little girl the best! 

I'm still terrified to get into a bathingsuit, but that moment is coming. It's right around the corner and I'm going to work HARD for it! 

Radha Intensive Youth Eye Gel Review

The hard work of new motherhood is really catching up to me lately! The first 8 weeks, I had new baby adrenaline flowing through my body every day. I would pop up out of bed at night, excited to feed my daughter. Now she is sleeping through the night, but I still have to wake up in the middle of the night to pump. All the effort I have put into trying to be Supermom: Caring for Grace, Working, Working Out, Blogging, Being a Wife/Aunt/Sister/Friend, Blogging, etc. has sure left me feeling and looking old and tired.

Recently, I have been using Radha Intensive Youth Eye Gel.  This product has been really fantastic! It minimizes the bags under my eyes. I love putting it on at night because it feels substantial and velvety, and it makes me feel like I am coating my old baggy eyes with rich, plant-based goodness! It's almost Spring, and Allergy Season is here, so my eyes are also puffy from allergic reactions and flareups from outdoor pollens and other irritants. This product also helps with swelling reduction. Then of course there's wrinkles and crows feet...I feel better about the decreased appearance of those having used this product for over a month now.

The ingredients that make up the eye gel include: Vitamin E (a must have vitamin for the skin,) Plant stem cells, Matrixyl 3000 (for firming,) Hyaluronic Acid (love this because it hydrates and plumps) and Peptide Complex. I can't think of a better combination of things that the skin truly needs!
The product is packaged in a white container and arrived in fine condition. It smells fresh and clean, much like the Aloe Plant. The eye gel is a thick, rich and creamy clearish/whiteish color. I put it under my eyes at night. It says to use it twice a day. I have only been using it once a day. I don;t like the feeling of products under my makeup so I just do the night regimen. So, the truth is, I haven't even been using it as often as it recommends, and I am still seeing results.

I love all Radha's Skin Care Products actually, and they are all available on Amazon.com.  I have been shopping on Amazon alot lately, because now that I am a Mom, I don't have as much time to go out to the stores and shop like I once did. Having a newborn in tow also makes shopping challenging...

Here is the link to purchase this eye gel. It is $16.89, so not a ton of money. It's a great value!

http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Cream-Circles-Puffiness-Wrinkles/dp/B00NBAKXIA

Before Photo: 

After 1 month photo:

Give it a try! Good luck!


Written By: Kelly  Gerszewski, Fit Thrift Mom
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Why use a Dead Sea mud mask?

Dead Sea mud mask:  It smell like dead things; fish, shells, etc. It also burns when it's on your skin. But I love that feeling. That's how I know it's working! It's REALLY a great product! 

I LOVE the oils found in this mud mask. Every ingredient found in the product is natural. I really love that...No burning from harsh chemicals.  The salt found in Dead Sea mud is probably what caused the tingling.  After all, the Dead Sea is just one giant salt lake. 

There's also magnesium, potassium and calcium found in Dead Sea mud. Since Ancient Greek times, Cleopatra and her clan have known about and used the benefits of Dead Sea Mud, and I'm happy to share more of them with you.  It can restore hydration to the skin and reduce inflammation as well.  It fights off acne-causing bacteria. Is that a great quality or what? Heck Yeh! Can't think of a better one! With over 26 vitamins and minerals, Dead Sea mud is rich in so many ways. 

I loved using this mask. I applied it to my clean face, then sat back and enjoyed a warm bath while it worked its magic. Afterwards, my skin looked and felt amazing. It was tightened, yet moisturizer from the oils. I felt clean and was proud of myself for doing something special for my poor face, who I've feared had grown to look old and tired lately.  It was a quick little spa like treatment just got me here at home.  

When I woke up the next morning, my skin looked hydrated and refreshed; I swear I looked 5 years younger too. 

You can purchase the mask here:

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Facial-Mask-BONUS-EBOOK/dp/B00C8YCFU4/ref=keywords=facial+cleanser

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Nature's Most Powerful Multi-Vitamin- Spirulina

Recently, I sampled 3 different products, all of them by Sari Foods.(http://sarifoods.co/)  

They all arrived well packaged and have all been great, healthy additions to my diet. This is my review of Product number three of the Superfood Bundle, The Spirulina Powder. The poweder was shipped with a protective plastic around the bag, because it is a bit messy.

Product 2: 100% Pure Organic Spirulina Powder

Benefits:

Spirulina really is a Superfood. It is an algae that is high in protein and rich in chlorophyll.  It is loaded with B-12 and Iron and is quite possibly the most potent natural nutrient sources around. It’s basically Mother Nature’s natural multi-vitamin! There are over 100 vitamins and minerals in this amazing product…far too many to list.

It contains Omega 3’s, 6’s and 9’s

This highly nutritious product is Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, Halal, as well as Herbicide and Pesticide Free.  It's ONLY ingredient is 100%Organic Spirulina Powder.

This powder will boost your immune system and your metabolism. It also helps to stabilize your blood sugar. It will remove toxins from your blood and your digestive tract, too.   

 My Personal Experience With This Product:

I have a newborn so I have quite the laundry list of new issues to mention. I am tired, frustrated, at times overwhelmed, and my body systems have really been through the ringer. This product has helped regulate my bowel movements and digestive tract. It has boosted my metabolism, given me energy, and I believe helped protect and boost my immune system. (I haven’t been sick amongst the constant crud.) I am nearly 11 weeks post partum and have been feeling better since I started using this product recently. I am also nearly done shedding my baby weight.

However, it tastes like pond scum. But if you can stomach, it, it is SO worth it.

My suggestion is put it in with a smoothie or blended juice. That’s what I have been doing. The recommended daily dose is 1 heaping tablespoon.  This 16 oz bag comes with 45 servings in it. Be sure to bag it up in a gallon ziplock bag, because the powder is dark green and goes everywhere!

For more information about this cool health conscious company, check out their website…http://sarifoods.co/

To order the Spirulina Packet for only $23.95 a bag, or the Power Packed Trio of Sari Foods products, click on the Amazon link below…
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hpc?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Sari+Foods+Co&node=3760901

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My Choice for Vitamin C Serum For the Face

It's harder for me to get out and shop now that I have a child, so I have been ordering lots of stuff on Amazon.com.  I've found a Vitamin C serum for the face that I really like. It's by Amara Organics. 

It is a 20% strength serum contains Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. 98% of the ingredients in this serum are natural and 72% of them are also organic like aloe, dandelion extract, geranium extract, etc. Here is a whole list of the ingredients in the serum. 

The fragrance of this product is clean and fresh, and also slightly sweet.  The consistency is watery, and you can apply it with the dropper that it comes with as part of the bottle. 

I've tried lots of C serums over the years. This one is one of my favorites. I apply it at night and it tightens my skin.  

Aging skin loses vitamin c over time. Using Vitamin C on your face helps produce collagen, and will combat wrinkle formation. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, so age spots and sun damage will be out the door when using a topical Vitamin C. 

If you start using this product daily, you may see results in just 2 weeks, like I did. My friend noticed changes after about 4 weeks of use. Everyone's bodies are different, so results will vary from person to person.  You'll see maximum results and benefits after 6 months of use. 

Taking Vitamin C orally is important too, but research shows that applying it topically to the face is 20x more effective. Because it's so strong and potent, the use of a Vitamin C on the face may cause some dryness or flaking. I didn't notice any from issuing this product, but that's just my skin. Be sure to combine with a moisturizer containing Vitamin E. These two make a real Power duo! It looks like Amara Organics does have a moisturizer in their product line, but I haven't tried it. I'm sure it's great! 

When I ordered it, the package arrived nicely, in a dark glass bottle, keeping it protected and strong. I really am impressed with the quality and integrity of this product. I'd recommend it to everyone! It's an excellent value at $17.95 for 1 oz. with all those amazing, organic ingredients. 

Here is the link to order it...

http://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Face-20-Hyaluronic/dp/B00G2TQNZ4

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Best 'Non-Cheese' Cheese

Recently, I sampled 3 different products, all of them by Sari Foods. (http://sarifoods.co/)  

They all arrived well packaged and have all been great, healthy additions to my diet. This is my review of Product number two, Nutritional Yeast Flakes.

Product 2: Nutritional Yeast Flakes

The second of these products is The Nutritional Yeast Flakes.

Benefits:

This highly nutritious product is Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Dairy Free and MSG-free.  It's ONLY ingredient is ____. It is naturally occurring and is non-synthetic.  This Ancient Egyptian Superfood is derived from Molasses. The nutritional yeast grows on sugar cane and on beet molasses. It then undergoes a heat treatment, and becomes deactivated, meaning it will not continue to grow in your stomach. This bag is 8 0z and has 14 servings. 

It contains 18 amino acids, 15 minerals, Vitamin B complex, Beta-Glucans and 20% fiber. It is pretty high in protein too, containing over 8 grams in one serving, and 4 grams of fiber in one serving. A serving size is a recommended 2 heaping tablespoons.

My Personal Experience With This Product:

Lately I am a yeast beast! I have tried several items containing brewer's yeast to boost my milk supply. I have also added this yeast to salads every day recently. It tasted just like cheese! It's not though, which works for me, since I am eating dairy-free and paleo. I am still trying lose my last 2 pounds of baby weight.

The product is naturally occurring and has really helped boost my immune system. Lots of crap has been going around and I have not been sick yet! 

I remember searching Trader Joe's for an adequate cheese tasting cheese substitute a few years back and was unsuccessful.  The yeast is somewhat like a grainy powder (similar to Parmesan cheese) and has a distinct, cheesy flavor...definitely satisfies my cheese cravings! I have been eating it on top of salads daily for weeks now.  Think about what you typically add cheese to...try these flakes on top of your meals and snacks instead! I highly recommend you give this product a try. Love it!

For more information about this cool health conscious company, check out their website…http://sarifoods.co/http://sarifoods.co/

To order this Vitamin C or the Power Packed Trio of Sari Foods products, click on the Amazon link below…
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hpc?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Sari+Foods+Co&node=3760901http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hpc?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Sari+Foods+Co&node=3760901

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The Best Vitamin C product EVER!

Recently, I sampled 3 different products, all of them by Sari Foods. (http://sarifoods.co/)  

They all arrived well packaged and have all been great, healthy additions to my diet.

Product 1: Food Based Vitamin C:

The first of the products is a powerful Vitamin C...a 2 month supply of a 100% food based Amazonian Superfood Vitamin C powder derived from Acerola Cherries, found deep in the jungles of Brazil.  Yes, it sounds exotic and IS AMAZING!

Benefits:

The amount of Vitamin C found in just ONE Acerola Cherry equates to 65 oranges! Crazy, right?! Just 1 teaspoon of this powder is packed with 500 mg of Vitamin C.

This product is Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, and Paleo.  It's ONLY ingredient is Organic Acerola Powder.  This Super Powder lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, reduces nasal allergy symptoms as well as the severity and duration of colds, promotes cell recovery and regeneration. The bag of a 58-day supply of powerful Vitamin C is only $29.95!

My Personal Experience With This Product:

The product is naturally occurring and has really helped boost my immune system. During a time where colds, flu and other viruses are rampantly contagious, I have yet to get sick, now that I have been using this product! I also have a newborn and she has Mom’s immunity. She hasn’t been sick either! Once I suspected she was getting a cold, but turns out she was just a bit hoarse from crying and was better even the next day.

I now believe that food based Vitamin C beats synthetic Vitamin C (supplements) because food based Vitamin C is more easily absorbed by the body and is also bioavailable for 24 times longer than capsules of synthetic Vitamin C.

The powder has a distinct, fresh taste (neither delicious nor disgusting) when mixed with just water. I have drank it many times with just water. But you can add it to juices and smoothies and it is then mostly masked. I highly recommend you give this Vitamin C a try!

For more information about this cool health conscious company, check out their website…
http://sarifoods.co/

To order this Vitamin C or the Power Packed Trio of Sari Foods products, click on the Amazon link below…
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_hpc?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Sari+Foods+Co&node=3760901

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Wavy Hair in 7 Simple Steps

I love wearing my hair wavy. This is completely free way to get the look. It doesn't require styling tools either. 

All you need is a towel, a little styling mousse and a claw clip. 

1) Dry: After you shower, towel dry your hair. 

2) Mousse: When it's damp, put some volumizing mousse at your roots and work in throughout your hair. 

3) Scrunch: Use a scrunching motion, from the bottom up, to activate curls or waves to start forming. 

4) Wrap: Next, wrap your hair into a bun then secure at the top of your head with a claw clip or pony tail holder. Avoid the back of your head, or it will be uncomfortable while you sleep. 

5) Sleep: Sleep with your hair damp like this overnight. 

6) Undo: The next morning, take your hair down. It should be slightly damp still and wavy. 

7) Dry: You can let your hair finish air drying once it's down, or you can use a blow dryer to finish it off. 

Personal Pitty Party...My Workouts Suck.

Getting back into working out has been tough. In my case, getting there isn't the hard part. I show up everyday but unfortunately, I suck at everything. It's really great to receive encouragement from people, but I've lost all strength and am completely starting over. There's no denying that. 

I'm 8 weeks post partum, and I've been working out for 2 weeks, since I got cleared by my OBgyn. 

I wonder daily if I'll ever return to same level that I was once at. I've been doing CrossFit for going on 6 years now, and over time, I'd built up strength and skills. While pregnant, I managed to maintain ability to do most movements without discomfort or fear until I was about 7 months pregnant. I did however, then reduce the amount of weight I used. I also reduced the frequency of my workouts in my 3rd trimester. Instead of working out 5 or 6 days a week, I'd only work out 3 days a week on average. I tried to brisk walk everyday as well. 

I CrossFitted throughout my whole pregnancy, literally up until the last week.  However, I couldn't do much at that point. I'd just show up and walk, do lunges, modified push ups, air squats, and used free weights. I just need to pass the time and keep moving. 

After I had the baby, I was off for 6 weeks. When I started back, I can tell you this:

I can hardly do a sit up. My abdomen is so weak! 

A 45 lb. bar now feels really heavy, where as 95 lbs. used to feel about right. 

A hand stand push up is just not happening. Ever again. How was I ever even able to do those? I can't remember...

Running really takes it out of me. Talk about winded! 

Swinging a 35 lb. Kettle bell literally feels like my life's greatest accomplishment, where as I used to could swing a 53 lb. kettlebell if a Wod called for it. 

Forget ever deadlifting 225 lbs or more ever again. I don't think it will happen. With 95 lbs. now, the struggle is real. 

Real push-ups are super hard. Knee push ups are even somewhat of a challenge. I dream of nice arms. 

I used to be able to do nearly 100 double-unders unbroken. Now I'm lucky if I can get 15 without having to stop and take a breath, and I might as well pee while I'm at it. That really makes me sad. Because that was my thing. I was really good at jump roping! : ( 

Rapid fire box jumps too! Not now. I'm scurrrred! 

I know what you're thinking... "Give it a chance. You just had a baby!" I know. I know. But it doesn't change the fact that it's a bit frustrating to be completely starting over after I worked really hard for a long time to become the average CrossFit athlete that I was. Now I'm like a newbie, scaling everything!  Let's not forget the pesky 10 lbs that I currently feel will never fall off. I'm also thinking, at what point will I say, "I now hate salad..." because you can only eat it so many times before you are sick of it! That happened to me with sweet potatoes years ago. I can barely touch them because I ate them too much for several years, in attempts to avoid white potatoes. 

And will my stomach ever look like it once did? That seems impossible too.  I need to have patience and give it some time. But it's hard when you have a crazy sense of urgency like I do and want things done yesterday. 

Oh well. Hopefully it will happen. Strength will return and I'll bounce back. But it the meantime, it sucks and I'm allowed to say it. Poor me. This is my one pitty party in print. Then I'll get over it.