Sun Hats and Sheer Floral

Thrifted: long white design-knit vest $2.00, sheer black printed pants $3.00

What's better than a flowing maxi? Flowing pants! These pants will forever be one of my favorite thrift finds. They're sheer, black with a mini floral print. They are very easy to wear and match, super comfortable, and pants! It's not everyday you come across a pair like these. The vest is another favorite since it is very versatile and easy to wear as well. Together these pieces create a very chill, bohemian-style outfit. I put on my sunhat (a gift from the lovely Sophia) and I was ready to both attend a festival and garden! Great summer outfit, all of the pieces are very lightweight. On a hanger pieces of clothing like these may look odd or intimidating, but you will never know until you try on. Always give it a chance!

keep on thriftn',
Sarah

Little Rose

This summer has been extremely hot. I am taking a science class this summer so I don't have to take it during the upcoming school year as this will be my most busy year (I start teaching in classrooms this year!) Anyway, I have found that the easiest (and breeziest) way to dress for class this summer is to throw on a dress and call it a day. I found this dress for only $12 at the beginning of summer at Rainbow, which really has some goodies from time to time. I mean, they are known for having 2 for $20 shoes, sandals, and flats in all colors, where else can you find a deal like that? I've had this thrifted clutch since high school and I always find myself grabbing it in the summer. This particular day I had a lovely dinner with my friend Linda as well.

So what's thrifted? Clutch $1.99 

Have a lovely weekend,
Sophia

Summertime Chic

Thrifted: small black shoulder bag, LOFT shorts

When I encountered these shorts I could not have been happier! Cute, black, professional-looking shorts, that fit perfectly and had pockets? What more could I ask for! To make a more summery outfit  I chose a salmon top to pair it with. The top is from Rainbow and it is very light and airy with an interesting semi-open back. To tie it all together I chose this black necklace that I got while I was taking a class in Ecuador, and threw on my thrifted black purse. Super cute, comfy, and cool for a hot summer's day!

xo,
Sarah

Coconut Oil And Why We Love It

Hello! One of our favorite beauty "secrets" is coconut oil. After using coconut oil for the past two years, we feel pretty safe in recommending this to readers. There are a variety of uses for each part of your body so we are breaking up this post into sections. We also want to say that depending on your brand of coconut oil, the smell varies. Some are very fragrant and some people may not like that. The one from the Whole Foods brand is an example of one that possesses a strong coconut smell. Another brand that I have tried is Trader Joe's which has a more subtle smell. The best part of coconut oil? No harmful chemicals.

BODY

• Moisturizer: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, meaning it will soften your skin in general, including your arms and legs. However, coconut oil is really good for those rough patches on your skin that need some extra lovin', like your elbows. While you may feel oily for a minute or two, coconut oil quickly absorbs into your skin and does not leave any residue behind.
• Sunburn Relief: Coconut oil places a cooling sensation on your skin in general. If you don't have any aloe or aloe gel around, coconut oil will also soothe burning skin.
• Diminishes Scars and Stretchmarks: Because of the way coconut oil tightens the skin, using coconut oil over a long term period can reduce the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. 
• Massage Oil: Coconut oil is a great (and cheaper) alternative to massage oils! The best thing about it is that it will absorb into the skin afterwards and won't make whoever you are massaging feel sticky.
• Body Scrub: To get the best of both worlds for your body, mixing coconut oil with sugar(white or brown) can soften, moisturizer and exfoliate your body. I mix coconut oil and sugar in a small container for one time use, but there are many recipes online to make a whole container of it. 

FACE

• Eye Makeup Remover: Coconut oil washes away makeup instantly around the eyes. Using a cotton ball and dipping it in some coconut oil is the easiest way for me personally. Please be careful to not get the oil directly in your eyes. (Some people believe that using coconut oil under your eyes can tighten the skin and remove dark circles, but I have personally not recorded a difference).
• Oil Pulling: Oil Pulling is known for "pulling" toxins out of your body through swishing oil in your mouth. Coconut oil is safe to eat(actually it is known to possess a variety of benefits) so there is no risk if you eat some. People use it as butter and to cook a variety of foods. However, the oil that you use to swish should be spit out afterward and not ingested! People swish it from 5 to 20 minutes. The process may feel really weird when you are starting. However, it is believed to reduce the amount of toxins in your mouth and lessens gum diseases.

HANDS AND FEET

• Softens feet: As coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, it is really good for your feet (especially in the summer!) After a shower, I like to put it on my feet, let it dry a bit and then put on socks. This locks the moisture in. Honestly, after a day of walking, especially if you are wearing sandals or heels all day, this is a really easy way to soften your feet back up. 
• Cuticles: Once again, coconut oil moisturizes. After a diy manicure, moisturizing with some coconut oil can really treat your cuticles.

HAIR

• Defrizzer: Using a tiny bit of coconut oil in your hair will instantly defrizz and tame any flyaways. But when I say a tiny bit, I mean a TINY bit because this stuff can really grease your hair up if you are not careful with it...which brings me to my last use of coconut oil.....
• Hair Treatment: This might just be the most popular use of coconut oil. Many natural hair products actually contain coconut oil because it literally releases moisture into your hair. I do this maybe once every two months, but especially in the winter when the air is dry. I take about a handful of coconut oil and run it from my roots to about the middle of my hair. Then I pin it up and let it sit for around 30 minutes. Don't do this if you plan on going outside. You will look like a greaseball. However, after your 30 minutes, when you wash out the coconut oil, your scalp will be completely moisturized and you shouldn't have any dandruff or dry hair. Your hair should feel softer. 

Buying one jar of coconut oil can potentially save you from buying a variety of other products. No chemicals and it is safer for the environment. One jar varies from around $6-14 depending on the brand and if it is USDA organic or not. Mine is $10 and lasts me almost 5 months. There is also a little bit of controversy over what kind is best for your skin and for cooking, depending on how it is made. For example, mine is expeller pressed. However, I really like mine and I like how it moisturizes. It is not grainy.

 These are all of the uses that I have tried and used with coconut oil. There are even more uses of coconut oil out there but I didn't want to include anything that Sarah or I have not tried. Feel free to comment or post below if you decide to use it!

xo

Sophia

PS. Sarah and I are not being paid to write about coconut oil. (Even though that would be cool, who doesn't want free coconut oil?) 

Printable Spring and Summer To Do List

Hello!
I personally really love to do lists, and I use them for everything including tasks, events, and movie lists. Upon receiving a drawing tablet for my birthday by one of my best friends, Linda, I decided, why not create my own? This is one of my beginning projects to get the feel of my drawing tablet before I use it for slightly more advanced endeavors. After creating it, I decided I would like to share this on here because maybe someone else may find it useful as well. Very simple but that is how I like it.
You can download the pdf file of my to do list here.
Please do not remove my credit, and I would love to hear if you do use it.
I plan on laminating mine, which makes it easier to reuse over and over again! When using the pdf version, you are also able to print more than one per sheet.

Have a lovely weekend,
Sophia