Homemade Vanilla Extract

I started making my own vanilla extract about two years ago. It's SUPER easy! 

You will need:

•Small bottle (I used an old Stumptown Coffee bottle)

•Cork or top to the bottle

•1-2 Vanilla beans (depending on how big your bottle is. I used 1)

•Vodka 

1. Make sure the bottle in rinsed clean. 

2. Cut vanilla bean lengthwise to expose inside. 

3. With a knife, scrape vanilla out and place in bottle. 

4. Once most of the inside is removed place bean inside bottle also. 

5. Fill with vodka. 

6. Put lid on, and shake. 

You will want to give your bottle a good shake a couple times a week. 

In about 2 1/2 months your vanilla extract will be ready to use!

Has anybody made their own vanilla extract before? What about other things like this? If so, please share. I love easy recipes like this! 

XO Nichole

Dry Brushing

So the other week while I was back visiting friends and family in my hometown, the subject of dry brushing came up and I told my girlfriends how amazing it is for your skin and overall health. 

How it works:
Your skin is the largest organ. 1/3 of the body's toxins are excreted through the skin. Dry brushing helps unclog pores and remove those toxins.

Health benefits:
Dry brushing stimulates the body's lymphatic system, promotes circulation, increased energy and blood flow, smoother and softer skin, exfoliation, and reduces cellulite.

How to do it:
Start at your ankles and brush upward using light but firm strokes in long sweeping motions, brushing several times in each area.
(Always brush toward your heart because that is how the lymph flows naturally)
Repeat the process with your arms. With your arms above your head, start with the back of the hands and brush down the arms towards the heart.
Lastly, your midsection. Brush from your back toward your stomach, then rub clockwise on your stomach.
Your skin will probably light pink after but it should never be red or sting.

Brushes:
You can find a brush at most stores, but make sure to get a brush with NATURAL bristles, not synthetic, that are fairly stiff. (Synthetic bristles would be like brushing away toxins, with toxins)

After dry brushing, take a shower. Then moisturize with Cetaphil lotion or coconut oil. (I use this coconut oil). 
You can also drink a cup of hot water and lemon to help jumpstart your digestive system!

You will want to clean your brush about once a week with soap and water to remove dead skin and let air dry.

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