Wednesday, May 11, 2011

New Pet Portraits

One of the reasons I've been absent lately, is that I received a commission to paint three pet portraits.  These are smaller than I've ever done before at 6"x6".  They were a birthday present for my friend's husband, whose dog's are the two Great Danes.  They were both very happy to get them!


Tego (Great Dane)


Asia (Great Dane)


Desi 

If you would like to see more of my pet portraits, click here.

If you would like to purchase a portrait of your pet, contact me at lifesgristle@cox.net.  
The portraits are painted from a picture, and are acrylic on canvas.


Monday, May 9, 2011

Nutty Over Coconut


For me, one of the first signs of warmer weather is when I start seeing coconut everywhere.  In lotions, perfumes, and food.  It brings back memories going to the beach and slopping Panama Jack Coconut Oil on.  It didn't do much for sun prevention, but it sure smelled good!

As soon as pool weather hits, I look for everything coconut. 
One of my favorite discoveries this year is:


Desert Essence Organics Coconut Hand and Body Lotion
A little REALLY goes a looooong way!


As far as eating coconut, I don’t like the texture much, but lately I’m seeing a lot of different varieties in health food stores.  For instance in Whole Foods the other day, I saw coconut flour and coconut pudding.


Coconut Flour is a delicious, healthy alternative to wheat and other grain flours. It is very high in fiber, low in digestible carbohydrates, a good source of protein and gluten free. It lends baked goods an incomparably rich texture and a unique, natural flavor. I personally have not tried it, but I'm thinking I may try.

I have been cooking with coconut oil for some time now.

"The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc." (source)


One of my favorite finds this year is Archer Farms Coconut Macaroon coffee from Target.


Now, some of you may already know what's coming next, but this is not on my No-Fun Diet, but I may partake in a drop in my wonderful coffee!


What are some of your favorite signs of Summer?



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...