The Skinny on Coconut Oil

I've always been a fan of coconut oil. Before Dr. Oz and other big hitters were touting it's ability to help us lean up, I was a fan. Raised by parents who took me, as a kid, to our local health food store, Jandi's Nature Way (now Jandi's Natural Market), for a treat, natural peanut butter, sesame seed sticks and Tiger's Milk Bars were my version of normal. It's because of them that I gravitate toward health food stores.

I started using coconut oil as a moisturizer. For years, I used it every time I got out of the shower, used it while out in the sun (never burned, btw), and as lip balm. I sometimes used it to cook with, but I was more attached to using it for body care.

While browsing OpenSky, I saw coconut oil in a cool package and wanted to try it. Skinny Coconut Oil looks luxurious.

Skinny Coconut Oil. It's as good as it looks.

Well, in this case, looks are NOT deceiving. This stuff is incredible. It's solid, but the minute it hits your skin, it melts to a smooth liquid. It is not greasy, but is very moisturizing. I used it on my body after the shower and my skin immediately felt nourished. I used it on my lips which is great because it's totally edible and makes kisses taste good, too.

Just a few days ago, while adhering wicks into my empty candle glass, a bit of hot glue dripped from the glue gun and landed on my right hand. As I attempted to pull it off with my other hand, it attached to my finger and began to burn. Within seconds, the pain became excruciating and I ended up with a second degree burn.

Ouch. Burns hurt.

I know that you aren't supposed to put certain things on a burn (like butter), so as I was crying in pain (seriously, those burns hurt), my called for my boyfriend to search our house for burn cream. We didn't have any (who does?). I said no to Neosporin, no to similar options. I didn't want something to prevent infection. I wanted something to make the pain go away. And then it hit me. The coconut oil. To me, coconut oil is like magic (as is coconut water). I asked him to please get the coconut oil to put on the burn. Now, I did have my finger soaking in water for quite a while, but every time I'd take it out, it would sting. I applied the coconut oil to the burn and, boom, just like that it felt much better. Given that coconut oil is anti-bacterial, I've continued to apply it to the burn daily.

I've shared the coconut oil with my dogs, whose coats already seem shinier. I've applied it to my frown lines, my cuticles, and to my lips after brushing my teeth. Being a former smoker (I know, gross, right?), I worry about lines forming above my lips, but I cannot imagine the idea of using Botox to make them disappear (that immobile upper lip on Courtney Cox is disturbingly distracting).  Instead, I'm slathering the coconut oil there, as well. The options are endless.

Skinny Coconut Oil uses a process that, the company info explains, is "not duplicated by any other coconut oil manufacturer in the world." It's a process that "extracts the 100% RAW coconut meat by cooling and dehumidifying" their hand picked, virgin coconuts. They go on to teach that heated coconut oil makes is "less effective and more difficult for the body to absorb. Unfortunately, the majority of oils on the market claim to be "cold pressed" when it is only the final step... that uses a cold pressed system."

I am happily becoming dependent on the jar of Skinny Coconut Oil that's sitting on my bathroom shelf.  Just $24.99 for 16.7 oz., it's easily beats out the price of good face creams, is far more effective... and all natural.

Croissant Class Confessional

I've always had a love of baking. I used to make weekly banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and a fabulous pumpkin bread recipe my mother got from her neighbor, Peggy Chang. In summer, along with my decked out, red white and blue patriotic home decor, I make low-fat blueberry muffins. I can make a mean egg less chocolate cake, and a cream cheese pound cake that starts in a cold oven,  requires tending to every 20 minutes bringing up the heat, in timed increments, until it's done. Outside of that, I have little skill.

My boyfriend and I decided to take a croissant baking class at Chocolate Ciel, a baking studio that recently opened in Cedar Grove (just minutes from Montclair). The owner, Colleen Klabin, is a pastry chef who trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City.

We begin with a recipe & instruction packet, a rolling pin, and dough.

We arrived ten minutes late because, try as I might, I have no concept of time. Walking in quietly (as the class had already begun), Klabin came to us to catch us up to speed. We learned how to make dough, roll it out, envelope the butter, then fold it into layers to create the flaky goodness that makes a croissant. Music played softly in the background. We were all new to croissant making; some came out of a love of baking, others (like me) with a desire to learn new techniques.

Jeff Burrowes gave his girlfriend, Sandy Morales, this croissant making class for her
birthday, which happened to be on the exact same day that the class was held.

Klabin taught to our level and spoke in a way that helped us understand what we were and why, explained where room for error was allowed (rolling it out too big or imperfectly), and what techniques required being precise.

My boyfriend rolled out his dough perfectly. Mine was so
poorly shaped that I chose not to photograph it :)

Measuring and marking where to cut for a perfect
croissant, his execution was unmatchable.

She provided an instruction booklet, complete with drawings and the croissant recipe. Additionally, we got to make a second batch of dough to take home with us. I learned that you should roll/knead the dough with just one hand, to get it into a ball quicker, but that I can also do it with my KitchenAid mixer. Guess who's making more croissants today?

Here, Dave Oscar puts egg wash on the croissants while his wife,
Diane Esty, watches intently as Klabin roll chocolate into croissants.

Chocolate Ciel does have specific classes for children, and also offers Mommy and Me classes, but mature children are welcome to take these sorts of baking classes. 

Dana Oscar, 9, attended class with her parents. She has a love of baking that
her mother, Diane, said "she gets from her father."

While the croissants were baking, we were treated to cheese and nuts. We snacked and talked, and got to know the other people in the class. The mood was relaxed and inviting. We each left with a box full of croissants that we'd baked, freshly made dough to continue our baking at home, and the recipe so that we could do it again.

One of the many croissants that I made yesterday.

This morning, for breakfast, I had one of yesterday's croissants. Absolute heaven. And knowing that I made it myself is that much better.

Chocolate Ciel's instructor and owner, Colleen Klabin.

Chocolate Ciel is located at 9 Sand Park Road in Cedar Grove. Class listings and other information can be found on their website www.chocolateciel.com. Be sure to check them out on facebook, as well.

Tiffany Palisi is the owner of Domestic Goddess Ltd., a company that specializes in hand poured, scented candles. On the side, she searches for products/recipes/ideas/shops that she loves, then shares them with her friends on this blog. She resides in New Jersey with her boyfriend, their four children and two rescued dogs. She can be reached at domesticgoddessltd@aol.com. 

Please follow her on
twitter: @DmstcGoddessLtd
Instagram: DomesticGoddessCandles

Must-Haves for Valentine's Day (vintage, handmade and local)

Valentine's Day has always been my favorite holiday. Nestled in the middle of a month whose temperature trends chilly, hearts hanging from windows warm the spirit while people talk about love, and generously gift chocolate. Always looking for ways to up the ante without depleting my savings account, I've put together a list of fabulous handmade and vintage items, all made (and in the case of vintage, sold) right here in New Jersey. Not in the area? No problem! Everyone listed will ship, so go ahead and feel good about supporting small businesses and the U.S. economy! Many of those listed have generously offered readers 10% off Friday through Sunday by using coupon code: ILOVEDG so go ahead and get your credit card out. Don't worry. I promise that you won't break the bank.

A little Valentine with heart.

Let's begin with chocolate. As a kid, I coveted the box of chocolates that my parents got me each year. Get chocolate that's taken to an artisan level with Amsterdam Chocolates. Mary Amsterdam makes the most decadent, hand decorated chocolates from her shop's kitchen in Mountain Lakes. They are sold at her brick and mortar at 5 Romaine Road in Mountain Lakes, but you can also buy them on etsy. Lots to try, including her salted caramels (starting at just $3), her to die for coconut bark (starting at just $5), and so much more.  Amsterdam Chocolates has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

Amsterdam Chocolates taste as good as they look. This box of 12 truffles is
perfect for anyone on your list, and is only $18. Valentine boxes are also available.
Visit their etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/AmsterdamChocolates

Paired perfectly with a box of chocolate is this amazing limited edition Chocolate Truffle soap three pack! These heart shaped soaps are beautifully gift boxed and come in three chocolate styles: luxury, cocoa and Valentine's. Handcrafted in small batches in Boonton, Pam Saldutti makes small batches of her cold-process soaps, and they take a minimum of 7 weeks to cure. These are exceptional, moisturizing, and long lasting. Not to mention fun! Order yours before they sell out. Her etsy shop is located at www.etsy.com/shop/PSILoveSoapCo.  P.S. I Love Soap Co. has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

One of the three choco-tastic soaps in the gift set offered by P.S. I Love Soap Co.
Visit their etsy shop to see the gorgeous gift boxed set (complete with sweet pink ribbon).

Fresh flowers are beautiful (believe me, I love them) but they don't last long. There's changing the water, keeping them out of sunlight, and before you know it, they are losing their petals. Well, here's a bouquet that lasts, and doesn't require any water. This dozen paper flower bunch is a blend of light and bright pink by Posh Studios, and is sure to brighten any one's day. I'd love to get flowers like this as a gift (hint, hint). Made right in Morris Plains by Cassie, these are sure to impress your Valentine. Go check this (and many other bouquets, banners, corsages, boutonnieres) on their etsy shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/PoshStudios. Posh Studios has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

This gorgeous bouquet is packed with 12 handmade paper carnations and is just $50.
To buy, visit the Posh Studios etsy shop.

Since home is where the heart is, reflect that love with this fabulous vintage metal heart mirror, sold by {verdigreen}. It even has two candle holders for your taper candles to light up your life two times, baby! You can walk into their wonderful brick and mortar at 182 Glenridge Avenue, in the GLAM section of Montclair, or shop online. Remember, this is found vintage so there is only one available! Hurry up and grab this gem. Visit their etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/verdigreen {verdigreen} has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

This vintage metal heart+mirror+candelabra is fabulously shabby chic and so very romantic.
Only $22 and only one available. Make it yours. {verdigreen} is on etsy.

In keeping with the home theme, why not deck the walls with some heart garland. Montclair Made offers all sorts of garland in different paper designs. Both delicate and decorative, the garland is made with vintage field guides and the hearts are doubled up so they can be folded back to become 3D. Made by Clare Cohen in Montclair, you will use these year after year. For just $8 per garland, you can get a bunch and hang them in all the windows of your home. Montclair Made has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

This garland is made from a vintage field guide to seashores.
You can find it on her etsy page: www.etsy.com/shop/MontclairMade

Wear your heART on your wall with this rustic, handmade nail heart. 100 year old wood hosts red yarn and nails to create a heart to remember. Made by Culture Cabin's own Erika Domanico and selling for only $25. Convo her to purchase by visiting her facebook page, or shop live at her brick and mortar at 1017 Main Street, in the Arts section of Boonton.

 

Old wood is good wood, especially when it's got a heart on it!
100 year old wood gets wall play when you hang it in your home.

Feeling like a little lovebird? Make love on your 'fridge with this hand burned lovebirds on a wood slice magnet by Forage Workshop. Amy DiPalma of Boonton hand burns everything freehand, making for a unique one of a kind piece. I have her personalized heart and initials magnet, the lovebirds, and even her wood sliced personalized ornament (and more... too much to list). It's a small obsession, but at such affordable prices, why not? Forage Workshop has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

Give your lover a lovebird magnet. Stick it anywhere a magnet works.
Always remember that love beats all. Forage magnet, only $8 on etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ForageWorkshop

As the mama of two rescues, I am always looking for ways to make my dogs feel special. This Valentine's Day I am loving Bubba Rose Biscuit Company's heart box of cookies! It's a 6.5" velvet box with a satin bow, and even has a gift tag for you to write the name of your furry recipient! Priced at just $19.99, I might have to buy them for all of Rocco's lady friends. They also have adorable love cake bites, Valentine's Day bon bons, and a box of peanut butter cinnamon heart shaped cookies with "good dog", "I woof you" and "puppy love" handwritten on them. For everyday, my dogs love their CRACK! bars. Shop live at 421 Main Street in Boonton or online at www.bubbarose.com. Bubba Rose has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG (and they will honor the code for shoppers who walk in, as well)

It's all about puppy love over at Bubba Rose Biscuit Company.

And finally, the most personal of all (for me, at least) is a product that I make :)  I created this personalized candle because I am a die hard romantic. On the candle label, you can specialize names and a date (be it the year you met, the year you married, the year you gift this, or even how many years together). Let me help you celebrate your love. Hey, if you want to propose, I'll even ask the question (on the candle) for you. Only $24 on etsy! Domestic Goddess is honoring the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

Make this your own. Your name, your message, you name it.
Available in our etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/DomesticGoddessLine

Oh, and I must hop across the Hudson to share the best product for kissable lips. You Da Balm is a lip balm made in Brooklyn. Hand made and organic, it tastes as divine as it's labeled. Get your kiss on in luxurious style. Check 'em out at www.youdabalm.com. Mwwwwwah!

Tiffany Palisi is the owner of Domestic Goddess Ltd., a company that specializes in hand poured, scented candles. On the side, she searches for products/recipes/ideas/shops that she loves, then shares them with her friends on this blog. She resides in New Jersey with her boyfriend, their four children and two rescued dogs. She can be reached at domesticgoddessltd@aol.com. 

Please follow her on
twitter: @DmstcGoddessLtd
Instagram: DomesticGoddessCandles

Obsessed! with You Da Balm

Scrolling through my OpenSky feed, I happened upon a lip balm with cool graphics and an even cooler name. You Da Balm, a company based out of Brooklyn, NY makes organic lip balms. They were offering three flavors: coconut, tea tree, and grapefruit.

I decided to try the three pack, to see which I liked best. When the package arrived, there was a sweet hand written note inside. I tried each of the three amazing flavors, all good, but I will say that I could have called my favorite (even before purchasing). I am mad about anything coconut, so I was not surprised that I loved it best. 

I love You Da Balm. Necklace available on etsy (click here).

This lip balm goes on smooth, is moisturizing without being greasy, and tastes fabulous. And the company has a good heart. You Da Balm's officially partnered with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center; an organization devoted to educating school faculty, students and parents on how to intervene during (and in hopes of preventing) instances of bullying. Proceeds from each sale of YDB will go towards PACER's efforts.  

I love the product so much that I chose to buy a case and give it as a free gift to any of my shoppers that posted a photo of our products on social media.  I mean, I am Obsessed! with You Da Balm.

Visit them on the web at www.youdabalm.com.
Find them on facebook by clicking here; OpenSky by clicking here.

It's a No Heat Competition with Fabulous Guest Blogger, Molly Clark

After hearing that my sweet friend, Molly Clark, hasn't put her heat on yet (and lives in Michigan, whaaaat?), I had to ask why. When she told me that it was a competition she and one of her besties had going, I begged her to guest blog. So please, enjoy, and perhaps find a little motivation to save on oil/gas/electric, and turn those burners down. If only for nothing more than the challenge. xoxTiffany


When big storms rolled through the midwest on Sunday night, hundreds of thousands of homes were left without power, including my own.  Most of the folks without electricity were in for a rude awakening when their furnaces stopped pumping out the warm air -- but not me, I've been training for this day.  My good friend Gwynneth and I are in our second winter season of a "No Heat Competition" and we're still going strong, with or without electricity to run our furnaces. 

No heat competition?  What's that, you ask?  Just like what it sounds, the two of us compete all winter long to see who can go the longest before caving in and turning on the heat.  We both live in Michigan, which is fondly referred to as "the mitten state" because of the shape of this fine peninsula, and also an all-but-required winter accessory, especially if you're planning to visit either myself or Gwynneth between the months of November and April.

These stylish mittens might be worth picking up before visiting Molly. Check them out on etsy by clicking here. xoxT

The no heat competition began last year, at first as a way to save on the heating bill, and continued on out of pure competitive drive.  The rules are pretty simple:  the first person to turn on her heat loses.  But because temperatures here in metro Detroit can fall well below freezing, we've added a safety precaution to ensure our money-saving strategy doesn't end up costing us more in the end.  On nights when it looks like the temperature will be below about 28 degrees for an extended period of time, we generally send one another a text message to agree upon "truce heat" which we claim is merely for the pipes, but in reality, it's probably for our own safety as much as the plumbing. 

We also set up a few loop holes that allow us to turn on the heat for visitors, specifically "Little Effers" (listeners of Cosmo's Wake Up With Taylor -- tune in week days 7 a.m.-10 a.m. East on Sirius XM Stars Channel 106) and this year we added a small children exception, allowing the heat to go on if either of us have visitors over under the age of 10.  We decided that once your age hits double digits, we can expect you to bundle up.  And bundle up we do!  When I get home from the gym in the evening, you'll find me in more layers than I'd put on to go play in the snow with my almost-4-year-old nephew.  I generally wear wool socks, warm slippers, a pair of leggings, at least 1 pair of sweatpants, 2 long sleeve t-shirts, a hoodie, and a giant fluffy bathrobe... all topped off with gloves, a scarf and a black and purple hat with spikes that looks like it belongs on a joker. 

I realize all of this sounds a little crazy, and I'm sure I look like an absolute fool to anyone who drives by when my curtains are open, but the energy conserved seems like a pretty good pay off to me.  Even more than the dollars saved, at this point to be honest, I'd really hate to lose two years in a row.  That's right, Gwynneth won last year.  I was forced to turn on my heat the week before Christmas because I was having a dinner party (with no Little Effers on the guest list) and I decided it would be really rude to make them freeze, or ask everyone to show up in 17 layers of clothing.  We'll see if I learned my lesson and can make it through this holiday season without doing any entertaining -- until then, I'm slipping my gloves back on and curling up under a few blankets with a nice warm cup of tea! 

Molly Clark is a 31-year-old unclaimed treasure (sounds better than old maid, right?) who lives by herself in suburban metro Detroit, doing what she can to pinch pennies and save whenever possible to keep affording her champagne taste on a keg beer budget.  You can follow Molly on Twitter and Instagram @clarkm0lly (with a zero as the "o") and look for her wherever winter hats or warm beverages are sold. 

Woman Crush Wednesday, Pam Saldutti

I'm kind of obsessed with smelling good. Having been raised by a perfumer, scent has always been a big thing for me. For me, a good scent has to be based in essential oils, strong but smooth, and cannot overwhelm.

When I first got to try a soap from P.S. I Love Soap Co., owned by soap maker Pam Saldutti (thus the P.S.), I really, really liked it. Enough to try another one, and I was super loyal to another soap company, so this was a big deal for me. I loved that soap, too. Then I got one that had a loofah built in. Incredible! It was hogged by others and, eventually, snapped up, so I had to buy more.

It's been over a year since I found her soaps, and now this is the only soap I use (my family is obsessed with her soaps). In fact, I was gifted some store bought-factory made soap, and not only did I not use it, but I didn't want to regift it either. It just doesn't feel right to give someone mass produced soap when I know how good handmade soap is.

Saldutti, a resident of Boonton, makes her soaps right in her home. They are artisanal. She also makes body scrubs (I am addicted to her Love Scrub -- I use it every single day and my skin is so soft now). She just began making liquid soaps, which I am excited to try (but haven't yet).

Recently, I bought Pumpkin Crunch and just about fell over. I messaged Pam to reserve her remaining stock. My plan was to share them with family for Thanksgiving but since she only had a few bars left, I am hoarding them all.

This Pumpkin Crunch is the best soap I've ever smelled.

I have a list of soaps that I want, including one that is wrapped in boiled wool so it's essentially soap and a wash cloth in one.  I also ordered some Christmas gifts (can't share what they are for fear that a recipient will read this and the surprise will be spoiled).

These soaps are so fabulous; do yourself a favor and try at least one. Check Pam out on her facebook page for upcoming events, sales, and more. She sells on etsy, but you can also pick through a huge selection of photos on her facebook page. Plus, her status updates are a pile of fun!

The One Pot Wonder

Kayla DiGirolamo

It's Mommy Monday here at the Domestic Goddess Files. Enjoy this recipe by Kayla DiGirolamo. I recently found her on Instagram, where she posted Pancake Dippers (cooked bacon placed into a strip of pancake batter - yum). What beats that? 

xoxDG

 

 

Hello moms, wives, and amateur chefs! My name is Kayla DiGirolamo, and I own an Instagram page called mommyknowseverything, where I post recipes, homemaking advice, parenting advice, DIY crafts, beauty & fitness help, and info for our kids. One of my favorite things to share are quick, easy, but always hearty meal ideas for busy (and exhausted) moms. 

 

One of my favorite recipes is called "The One Pot Wonder", which I came across on Pinterest. This is a house favorite for my family and I love making it. This recipe can be altered however you wish, adding different ingredients and/or sauces. Whatever suits your family!

 

The One Pot Wonder 

Prep time: under 10 minutes

Cook time: 8-12 minutes

1. Bring pot of salted water to a boil 

2. Prepare vegetables & herbs. Chop fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, garlic, broccoli, cilantro, basil... Whatever you choose! 

3. Once water is boiling, toss in your ingredients including pasta noodles. 

 

 

 

4. With medium heat, let the ingredients cook while occasionally stirring for 8-12 minutes. 

5. Strain, season with salt and pepper and add any sauce (or no sauce!) My family loves a couple table spoons of olive oil & butter, or a half cup of Alfredo sauce. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

Xo Kayla 

Follow me on Instagram @mommyknowseverything