The Curious Coconut

[thecuriouscoconut]

Happy #gotchaday to my little #munchkincat floof Bubo 😻🦉2010 ➡️2019 She has taught me just as much about the power of food as medicine as I have learned via my own personal experience. As a kitten she developed severe #stomatitis. Her permanent teeth began falling out shortly after they came in, and one vet told me she needed all her teeth surgically extracted(!!) I sought other opinions and options and learned about #rawfeeding and it's profoundly positive impact on the oral health of both cats and dogs. Knowing that cats are #obligatecarnivore animals, that the natural diet of cats involves eating whole prey animals raw, bones included, and with the blessing of a veterinary acupuncturist who trusted me to be responsible enough to do raw feeding the right way, I gave it a shot (after a minor dental procedure to remove several teeth that were beyond saving, including all of her front incisors between her canines). Her recovery was swift and complete! And to date she has never had any other dental problems and has never needed a cleaning, despite her occasionally crunching on potato chips 😂 (which she loses her mind for!) I am grateful every day for the companionship and unconditional love from Bubo and her feline and canine brothers, and for all the lessons they teach me daily. #chantillycat #munchkincats #blackcatlove #rawfedcats #paleocat #foodasmedicine #speciesappropriatediet #adoptdontshop (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5_LThrgnU3/?igshid=16pgxvkp5g6pi

[thecuriouscoconut]

I talk a lot about skin health here (it is our largest organ and thus so important to adequately care for) and one indispensable tool in my skincare toolkit is actually oral collagen supplementation. The only brand I trust is @perfectsupplements because of their stringent sourcing practices and screening to ensure purity and safety. They are the first certified glyphosate-free collagen on the market! For #cybermonday their clean supplements are 45% off with my code CURIOUS. I also use their desiccated liver, fermented kale, chlorella and spirulina, and resveratrol. http://thecuriouscoconut.com/PS-collagen #aippaleo #glyphosatefree #paleolifestyle #glutenfreediet #guthealth #grassfedcollagen #nontoxicskincare #skinhealth (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lYTThgWub/?igshid=exo276jnvx9n

[thecuriouscoconut]

When you choose to #shopsmall you are making a significant positive impact on an individual's life. You might even make them so grateful and happy that tears spill over. That was me last night at the @memphiscollegeofart Holiday Bazaar preview purchase party. When I got there and realized so much of my work had already sold, I couldn't hold back the years of joy. 😭 #sensitivepersonproblems # I've learned from conversations with many artists and creators that we are HARD on ourselves and #impostorsyndrome runs rampant. Even though I've been selling my fine art photography for years via @mobiustheorymemphis , something about last night made me feel like I finally "earned" the title of artist. # The idea of shopping small translates to the blogging and cookbook world, too. Every time you choose to visit an individual's website like mine to cook a recipe instead of going to someplace like Allrecipes, you are putting a little money in that creator's pocket via ad revenue. Every time you pin a recipe or share it with your friends, you are helping support them. This season I encourage you to make a conscious decision to support individuals or families with small businesses. And find your recipes from bloggers. Then carry the habit year round. # I am deeply grateful and humbled by every purchase you choose to make with me, whether that's an eBook, print book, fine art print, or Beautycounter, it all makes a positive difference in my life. Thank you ✨ #memphisblogger #surrealphotography #memphisartist #cookbookauthor #supportsmallbusinessowners #womenownedbusinesses (at Memphis College of Art and Community Education) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Nx10Yg6Xb/?igshid=wz291osb8sfm

[thecuriouscoconut]

2009 - 2019 ✨ There's too much to say about this decade than I can fit in a caption. In fact, it's why I started my website in 2012! The visible outer transformation of 80lbs shed along with #rosacea and #hidradenitissuppurativa in remission is truly just the tip of the iceberg of growth and healing I've experienced since learning how to use food and lifestyle choices as medicine instead of poison. # The tools that have all played a significant role in my transformation inside and out include: #paleo, #AIP, #Chinesemedicine, #acupuncture, #chineseherbs, #meditation, #yoga, #qigong, #nontoxicskincare, #neuroemotionaltechnique, #functionalmedicine, #traumarecovery, and becoming what I call a perfectionist/type A in recovery. # Don't ever let anyone think you are powerless to effect change in your own life. You can always take steps to feel better, there are so many tools available to you beyond the limited offerings Western medicine has. I would most certainly feel and look much *much* worse today had I never looked for answers beyond what all the doctors and dermatologists told me in 2009. Stay curious, stay open to new options, and be your own best health advocate. I'm here to cheer you on along the way. (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Lqd_HA8xO/?igshid=1o3d2ghp5154

[thecuriouscoconut]

My anti-crud protocol is in full swing today because I woke up with that unmistakable feeling of fighting off a virus. I am not surprised, since I've been (over)working outdoors in the cold and been around a LOT of people at the markets I've set up at (and heard a lot of coughing and sniffling). First things first is ZINC LOZENGES every 2 hours, but did you know that most on the market are a waste of money? I wrote a big article that explains the science of effective zinc lozenges and one of the papers I cite says "very few of more than 40 different brands of zinc lozenges on the US market are expected to have any effect on the duration or severity of common colds." Luckily these inexpensive lozenges tick all the marks for a scientifically-backed formulation that works to treat the common cold: right form, right dosage, adequate dissolve time, no masking ingredients that inactivate the zinc ions. # You can swipe to see more of what I'm taking today, including some #chineseherbs in that Wellness Liquid which contains a classical formula called #YinChiao. I also got #guasha on the key areas of my neck and back, and am waiting for a huge pot of #congee to finish cooking. Otherwise, I'm resting and hoping I nip this in the bud today! Read more details about the requirements for an effective zinc lozenge as well more info about the rest of my protocol in my article. # https://thecuriouscoconut.com/blog/effective-zinc-lozenges-cold-flu-chinese-medicine #zinclozenges #naturalremedies #immunesupport #herbalmedicine (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Dokz6gGSf/?igshid=g333oy2b265c

[thecuriouscoconut]

It's cold in #memphis today 🥶 The high today was only 30F, and it sure has me craving warming comfort foods, like my famous #paleo and #AIP chicken pot pie. That crust truly is perfection and worth the work to make! Grab the recipe on my site: https://thecuriouscoconut.com/blog/perfect-paleo-and-aip-chicken-pot-pie This weather also has me working on a new Puerto Rican inspired version of chicken and dumplings which I can't wait to share! #chickenpotpie #glutenfreebaking #autoimmuneprotocol #aippaleo #totesaip #beyondaip #paleobaking #memphisfoodies #thecuriouscoconut #paleorecipes #aiprecipes #paleocomfortfood (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yBa0zA7HR/?igshid=11jmw3d9uz3qs

[thecuriouscoconut]

IT'S BACK! The elusive #TransformingDuo from @beautycounter that has quickly sold out BOTH times it's been available. It's here again for a short time for holiday! It's like a mood ring for your lips, and the transforming lipstick changes color based on YOUR unique chemistry to turn into the most perfect shade of pink just for your complexion. Wear it alone or with the crystal gloss on top. Sometimes I wear it under other gloss colors to make a unique shade for the day! 👄 # Two other new sets also just released and I LOVE both. The Better Balm Duo is what I have been waiting for: #antiaging lip care! I've been using the clear balm for a few weeks and have been so impressed with how smooth and soft my lips are when they are normally chapped AF this time of year (despite religious balm usage). These balms have Bidens pilosa extract (black Jack flower) which is a biomimetic (safe, monfongo) retinol alternative! I'm wearing it in the last photos along with the shade Wink from the new Eye Sparklers Palette. Just press the color into your lid with your ring finger and you are good to go with a 60 second glam eye look! ✨ The best part is that all of these products are obsessively screened using 17 research databases to evaluate 23 endpoints for both human and environmental health and safety, including screening every batch of colorants for heavy metal contamination. No other brand is taking #cleanbeauty standards this seriously! They are as picky about ingredients as I am and yet they still PERFORM unlike some clean brands. If you have questions I'm here to help! Find these sets and more at www.amandasbeautycounter.com Be sure to join my private @cleanbeautycommunity for special details I can't share publicly 😉🎁 #betterbeauty #nontoxicmakeup #safermakeup #giftclean #parabenfreemakeup #paleolifestyle #autoimmuneprotocol #memphisblogger #memphismakeup (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4nLktMAKVT/?igshid=16ehlj78xeth3

[thecuriouscoconut]

How perfect that I got a #screamingpepper for Halloween 😱 I turned it into a quick sofrito that I used to marinate and bake chicken breasts. If you have my first book #latinamericanpaleocooking, I have a killer recipe in there for a big batch of #puertorican #sofrito you can freeze, but here's my quick single meal sofrito plus how I cooked the chicken: 🔹1/2 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper 🔹1/4 yellow onion 🔹3-4 cloves garlic 🔹3-4 leaves culantro or about 1/2 bunch of cilantro (different herbs!) 🔹1 leaf Caribbean oregano or about 1 tsp fresh Italian oregano, or 1/2 tsp dried 🔹1/4 tsp unrefined salt 🔹1 tbsp EVOO 🔹 optional, for marinade: juice of 1/2 lime 🔹6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🇵🇷Preheat oven to 425F. Place all ingredients except chicken in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add sofrito to a bowl with the chicken breasts and let them marinate while the oven heats. Arrange breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet and divide the sofrito marinade equally on top of the breasts. Bake for 22-24 mins or until the internal temp is 165F. Tip: roast some mixed veggies on another sheet pan with the chicken - broccoli, cabbage, and onions work well! # This kind of meal is what you can expect in my NEXT book that comes out in March, #FastAndFlavorfulPaleo. Have you pre-ordered it yet? It locks in the lowest price and you don't pay until release day! Go here: https://thecuriouscoconut.com/fast-and-flavorful-paleo-cooking # #memphisblogger #memphisfoodie #glutenfreememphis #choose901 #bringyoursoul #ediblememphis #paleorecipes #paleolifestyle #justeatrealfood #weeknightcooking (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Uzd7ggmco/?igshid=fs95xd9e2olx

[thecuriouscoconut]

Who else loves using a #konjacsponge? 🙋🏻‍♀️ I received this one as a gift from @healingtreeproducts via @shoptrendship and I am excited to share it with you! # I've been using konjac sponges for years to gently exfoliate my skin without irritation. They are made from the konjac plant, the same one used to make shirataki noodles, and can come infused with things like green tea or bamboo charcoal as you see here! # In my trip to FL this month I forgot to pack one 🤦🏻‍♀️ and my skin has been unhappy with me as a result. I was glad to come home to a fresh sponge! Charcoal helps bind excess oil and is great for acne prone skin. I tend to need more charcoal in my skincare during my luteal phase, when my skin tends to be more congested. # The coolest thing about these sponges is that you do NOT have to use a cleanser with them. 😮 Just wet the sponge, massage your face, and marvel at how it feels like you just used a cleanser. If you do want to use a cleanser with them, a foaming cleanser works best (vs an oil cleanser). # If you want to try this one for 15% off head to www.healingtreeproducts.com and use the code: skincare15 # This one feels well made and like it should hold up well for 3 months like they are supposed to. Remember: boil your sponge for 5 mins once a week to prevent bacterial growth. #skincare #naturalskincare #healingtreeproducts #bamboocharcoal #facialsponge #facesponge #bamboocharcoalsponge #facescrub #exfoliant #makeupremover #cleanbeauty #charcoalsponge #memphisblogger (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Su-47gYbz/?igshid=rnh3ewhm9dc6

[thecuriouscoconut]

I'm home after a long visit to Florida and so much delicious Puerto Rican food eaten 🇵🇷 It was a sad occasion (the passing of my father-in-law) that brought me together with my in-laws, but we made the best of it and formed many new happy memories together. And many involve food 😜 # Due to the circumstances of the trip we did eat takeout for several meals. Every time I visit I LOVE getting to eat at @lelos_restaurants and I always get a monfongo relleno stuffed with pernil 🤤 The video shows me smashing it open (while my MIL shares some of her pollo with me 😂) which is so satisfying to do. The outside is a mix of green plantains and chicharrones and it is seriously my favorite Puerto Rican dish and is luckily easy to make at home, too. # That day they also had guineítos en escabeche (pickled green bananas), yuca, and ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) and it was all AMAZING. # Recipes for all of this food can be found in my first cookbook #LatinAmericanPaleoCooking and some are also on my website! # Have you ever had any of these dishes? Which one is your favorite? 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷 #comidapuertorriqueña #latinpaleo #puertoricanfood #platanos #guineoverde #floridafood #paleoish #justeatrealfood (at Lelo's BBQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4N2VRuAf_t/?igshid=6oy2yyub7e5y

[thecuriouscoconut]

I can't not share this with you, even though I'm trying to stay offline as much as possible right now: there is a 10% off coupon code valid on ALL things at Beautycounter until tomorrow at 11:59pm PDT. This new holiday lip gloss vault that is bringing me so much joy is included! Usually when there is a sale (including Black Friday), discounted sets like Flawless in Five, holiday sets, Regimens and Collections are excluded. This code is working on everything! In 3.5 years I've never seen this! Even starter sets if you enroll as a consultant... # Go to www.amandasbeautycounter.com and at checkout use the code YFT to get your 10% off! Seriously, pick up these glosses. They are deeply pigmented, like a liquid lipstick, have a gorgeous shine, are as moisturizing as a balm, aren't sticky, and are screened six times for heavy metals and use safe ingredients exhaustively researched using current scientific evidence for human and environmental health. They're $8 each with the code! # If you have questions I'll do my best to reply tonight when I have some time. For now, the family is hitting the beach for some therapeutic time in the water 🌊 (at Daytona Beach, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4AmfnUAJMD/?igshid=bmsehlefiatm

[thecuriouscoconut]

Comfort food is part of our food culture for a reason. These are #alcapurrias, a Puerto Rican delicacy that is naturally #glutenfree, and #paleo as long as you use a healthy fat. The lighter colored ones on top are made from yuca, and the darker ones have a dough made of a blend of guineos (green bananas) and green plantains. They are stuffed with carne molida (seasoned ground beef), shaped, then fried. # We said goodbye to my father-in-law last night, who passed away at home surrounded by family, after 13 years with #vasculardementia and #alzheimers. Of course today we are all feeling all the feelings. And we ate those feelings with this giant pile of alcapurrias from a local #puertorican bakery. And it was glorious! It reminded me how important it is to have those true comfort foods that warm your heart and soul and bring a smile to your face no matter what else is going on. # And you better believe we are getting these hopefully daily for the rest of our visit 😜 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷 #puertoricancuisine #latinpaleo #comidapuertorriqueña #yucadough #grainfreeliving #glutenfreeeats (at Mi Casita Bakery Deltona FL) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3-595pgTxG/?igshid=1v39yojtdijx6

[thecuriouscoconut]

What do you do to increase the joy and happiness you feel each day? I have always thought it is more helpful to ask myself that question instead of thinking about "stress reduction" or "stress management". Put the focus on increasing the positive instead of decreasing the negative. Doesn't that make it feel easier to accomplish? And like something you want to do? --- This week I've been in a bad flare triggered by the insane final push I had to do for my 2nd cookbook. I crashed *hard* after mailing the manuscript back with my final edits, and spent most of the week horizontal with massive brain fog, migraines (some with auras that took up my whole field of vision), and deep fatigue. But the way I chose to find joy and happiness in the moments where I could was photographing my cats with my new gear. I upgraded from APS-C to full frame mirrorless with the Sony a7iii and the 90mm f/2.8 macro lens. And snapping these shots made my heart sing. Made me smile and laugh. Helped me find contentment despite dealing with unpleasant physical symptoms. And that's what matters - remembering to do things every day that bring you pleasure. It's life-changing when you're dealing with a difficult health situation, I promise. --- So tell me - what are those things for you? I also found joy this week playing the Switch remake of Link's Awakening 🎮, a perfect activity curled up in bed with at least one cat nurse attending 😸 --- #macrocateye #stressmanagement #stressreduction #findthejoy #createhappiness #chronicillness #autoimmunedisease #authorlife #sonya7iii #macrocat (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kJ6nuA0Q0/?igshid=sg7zisjvgkxl

[thecuriouscoconut]

Facial #guasha can be done effectively with a ceramic soup spoon, how cool is that? 🥄 The first acupuncturist I ever saw many years ago told me to do Gua Sha on my body with a spoon just like this. And it's how I began doing #facialguasha last year. I published two new YouTube videos yesterday to teach you exactly how to do an effective session with a $2 soup spoon. One is longer, fully narrated, and gives an in-depth overview of both how to prep your skin and perform the massage strokes. The second is shorter, no talking, subtitles only, and only shows the massage strokes. I recommend settling in with your favorite beverage to listen to the longer vid first, then use the short one as a guide for when you practice. Swipe to see my results using a spoon! Notice the lid and brow lifting (left side), major reduction in dark circles, and sculpting/de-puffing of my cheeks. What you can't see is the lifted brain fog, headache gone, deep relaxation, eyestrain relieved, and clearer thinking. Go to my website to read the article first - both videos are embedded. Let me know what you think! https://thecuriouscoconut.com/blog/how-to-do-facial-gua-sha-with-ceramic-soup-spoon #betterbeauty #chinesemedicine #saferskincare #aginggracefully #facialmassage (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3HpmcaAE4h/?igshid=170ueuxm30xv7

[thecuriouscoconut]

I am thinking my Plantain Flour Pancakes 🥞 sound just about right for Sunday brunch today! #Paleo and #AIP and all the -frees for you. It is finally starting to feel like Fall here, what better way to welcome the cooler weather than with warm, fluffy pancakes! 🍂 https://thecuriouscoconut.com/blog/paleo-plantain-flour-pancakes #glutenfreelife #plantainflour #sansgluten #glutenfreepancakes #paleopancakes #memphisfoodie (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2t2QHMA3CN/?igshid=bi86hk0dgfg7

[thecuriouscoconut]

I don’t wear makeup every day, or most days, even (thanks, #Countertime). But on those days when I need a pick-me-up to feel like I am ready to face the day and other people, I do what is called Flawless in Five, which is 6 pieces of makeup discounted at 20% that *anyone* can apply in 5 minutes or less for a fresh, clean, natural look. It is a completely customizable set and you can choose: foundation (tint or dew skin), concealer, brow product (gel or pencil), mascara (volumizing or lengthening), blush, and lip gloss. One step and you are done with a non-toxic makeup bag overhaul! Plus, through next Friday 9/27 you will get this FREE retractable foundation brush ($35 value), which is seriously like having a pro makeup artist there to put on your foundation, AND if you aren’t already a Band of Beauty member and join with your Flawless in Five order (or any product order over $50) you will get the Overnight Resurfacing Peel ($63) for free! If you need my help color matching you just DM me. http://thecuriouscoconut.com/flawless-in-five #switchtosafer #cleanbeautythatworks #flawlessinfive #memphisblogger (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2pNR_dgK5U/?igshid=11hs0tjnkh12f

[thecuriouscoconut]

New recipe! My easy tomato galette is finally published for you to enjoy. Tomatoes are still going strong here in Memphis and I just made another one of these with the farmers market bounty 🍅 There are 2 things that make this galette faster and easier: the #cassavaflour crust requires no chilling, and the #vegan #dairyfree cashew ricotta doesn't require hours of soaking! This cashew ricotta is SO good I'm working on other recipes that use a variation of it (meatza coming soon). This recipe fits so many dietary needs: #glutenfree, #grainfree, #veganpaleo, and #paleo. https://thecuriouscoconut.com/blog/san-marzano-tomato-galette-with-cassava-flour-crust-and-no-soak-cashew-garlic-herb-ricotta #paleorecipes #healthyfood #realfoodrevolution #cleaneatingrecipe #paleorecipes #glutenfreegalette #galette #ediblememphis #memphisblogger #memphisfoodie (at Memphis, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2hcTFvACaa/?igshid=8ny8ydlxgg0j