Whatever you love, you are

장도 안 본 상태, 오랜만의 solitude를 만끽하기 위해 집에서 조용한 하루를 보내기로 마음 먹었다.

그러다 지쳐, 마루 가구를 재배치: 식탁 테이블과 컴퓨터 테이블을 바꾸고 (그럼 부모님이 불평하시던 그릇과 유리 테이블탑의 부딪히는 소리는 피할 수 있음) 20불짜리 커피 테이블 처치를 고민하다, 그냥 두 테이블 사이의 벤치로 사용하기로 마음 먹음. (문제는 유리테이블 탑에선 광마우스가 작동을 하지 않아 할 수 없이 마우스패드가 필요하다는 것.)

그리고 1월 중순, 부모님께서 사 두고 가신 오렌지 반박스를 결국엔 버리려 하다가 잼으로라도 먹어버리자 하여 그냥 설탕과 함께 끓여 버렸다. 보스턴 친구 집에서 바나나잼을 요거트 위에 얹어 줬던 걸 생각하며 나도 요거트 위에 아주 듬뿍 부어 먹어 버림. (대신 저녁 대신으로 먹었음...^^;)

여기서 만난 친구의 얘기를 듣고 오가닉 코코넛오일 한병을 샀는데 (핫요가를 시작한지 2-3일 째부터 피부가 간지럽기 시작) 정말 가려움증 해결은 물론 피부가 부드러워지는 느낌이 든다. 실온에서 고체인 코코넛 오일의 일정량을 손에 퍼서 비비기 시작하면 녹아 부드러워지는데, 코코넛향이 꼭 스파를 연상케 해 럭져리한 느낌. 으흐흐.

Coconut oil's been getting a lot of press lately for its amazing health benefits. It's great to cook with, adding a subtle richness to foods and doesn't break down at high temperatures meaning that it's perfect for frying. And, it's also great outside the kitchen! Here are some of the ways you can use it around the house.

• As a body lotion and moisturizer: Smooth on the room temperature oil and watch it melt into your skin! As a "dry" oil, it won't leave a film of grease on your skin.
  
• Stop the itch: Mosquitos been feasting on you? Dab on a bit of coconut oil to quell the itch (and next time, tuck a dryer sheet into your pocket to keep the bugs away). Plus, it may help the bite heal without leaving a scar and it's antibacterial properties will help it from getting infected.
  
• Insect repellent: Mix coconut oil with a few drops of peppermint oil to keep bugs away!
  
• Aftershave: Slather it on your face or legs after shaving to prevent rashes.
  
• Sunscreen: It sounds counter-intuitive but apparently it works.
  
• Deodorant: Use a small amount alone or combine with equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. Work into a solid paste until it's the same consistency as the stick kind.
  
• Hair Conditioner: lightly coat your palms and smooth it into your hair before styling. It's especially great in the winter, smoothing flyaways and taming frizzy hair.
  
• Toothpaste: Try this recipe!
  
• Furniture Polish: Mix it with a little lemon juice and use it on wood furniture.
  
• Bronze Polish: Rub a little into bronze items to clean and deepen the color.
  
• Leather cleaner: Using a clean cloth, work a small amount into leather shoes to moisturize them and make them shine.
  
• Remove rust: Before you toss those rusty knives or scissors, try this: slick coconut oil on the blades and let it sit for an hour then rinse with warm water.
  
• Remove labels and their sticky residue: Cover the label with a film of coconut oil and let it soak in for a moment. The label should wipe off. Use a bit of oil on a towel to remove whatever's left.
  
• Remove gum from hair: Peanut butter was the go to remedy for this when I was a kid. Coconut oil's a lot more pleasant to work with. Apply the oil directly to the gum, let it sit for a moment before slowly sliding the gum out.
  
• Stain remover: Click here for details on how to make a spotting stick to remove clothing stains. The undiluted oil can be used to clean ink off of plastic and vinyl furniture.

(Source: apartmenttherapy)