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Olive oil, argan oil, avocado oil, sesame oil… The options and choices for oils these days are endless. Plus, vegetable oil, and canola oil are so passé.

But, once in a while we get introduced to products that capture our attention and change our lives — oh, the endless ways to use coconut oil.

It’s no secret that coconut oil is all the rage, but what’s the big deal, really? And what can you actually use it for?

This household item is incredibly versatile and can actually do some pretty amazing things. The best part is that it is affordable (I get mine from Trader Joe’s for $5.99) and can easily become an all-in-one staple product in any home.

Here are 10 easy ways to use coconut oil:

  1. Cooking. Known for being a great medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) coconut oil is perfect for cooking and frying at high-heats. Although high in saturated fat, coconut oil can withstand higher temperatures, allowing it to also keep its nutritional value.
  2. Moisturizing. Coconut oil is safe for all skin types, and easily penetrates the skin. Apply a thin layer to your skin for an anti-aging moisturizer filled with Vitamin E & antibacterial/antioxidant goodness.
  3. Coffee Creamer. Replace half and half, milk and creamers for a tablespoon of coconut oil. You’ll get just the right amount of flavor plus an extra boost of energy.
  4. Oil Pulling is a natural and traditional teeth whitening method. Place 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth, swish it around for 15-20 minutes, spit (into a trash can to avoid clogging), rinse and brush. Repeat daily, for about a month and over time, this will whiten your teeth, cleanse your gums and boost your oral health!
  5. Body Scrub. If you’re into DIY projects, coconut oil will be your new best friend. Mix 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 1/4 cup of granulated brown sugar, and you’ve got yourself the perfect homemade body scrub. For an added hint of scent, feel free to add some citrus zest or a few drops of essential oil.
  6. Deodorant. Let’s get real… Nobody wants body odor. But like many products and antipersiporants, the deodorant you buy at your local drug store is most likely filled with aluminum, parabens and a bunch of other junk that’s not good for you. But fear not, coconut oil, can satisfy all your armpit needs as it also kills off bacteria and yeast. All you need to make your own deaodorant is baking soda, root powder, and of course coconut oil. Here’s a great recipe you can follow.
  7. Hair Conditioning. Coconut oil also works as a great deep-conditioning treatment on either wet or dry hair, it’s 100% natural and free of silicones and other harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.  Just massage a few tablespoons to dry or damp hair, comb through hair from roots to ends, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes with a shower cap. For dry damaged hair, you may also sit under a dryer and apply low-heat.
  8. Lip balm and lip scrub. Dry chapped lips? You guessed it, dab a little coconut oil overnight and it does the trick. Flaky lips? Mix it with some sea salt for the perfect lip scrub.
  9. Shaving. Toss that shaving cream that leaves you all itchy and is overly scented, replace it with some good ol’ coconut oil. Rub a generous amount on your legs, shave and rinse. Once you’re done, you won’t even need to apply lotion.
  10. Eye make-up remover.  No rubbing or tugging required, coconut oil gently glides through your skin removing all the unwanted eye-makeup, all while moisturizing your skin.

Do you know of any other uses that I haven’t mentioned? Share them with us and let us know…

Last week, I did a little Spring cleaning… I browsed through my closet for a few hours trying to decide what I actually wear vs. what just sits there collecting dust, and taking up precious closet-space.  Though I normally find things like sorting, and cleaning quite therapeutic — after completing my purging process, I came to the sad realization that I’m a little too Zara obsessed. Womp, womp, womp!

I mean, it wasn’t a total surprise. Zara has always had a special place in my heart. In fact, if I truly confess, there have been countless times that I’ve wanted to shoot an outfit post, but I hold back because I’m dressed in Zara from head-to-toe.

“How boring, people are going to think I’m Zara obsessed,” I often tell my husband.

Well, I kind of am… (Can you blame me? Zara clothes fits so well!)

Anyway, there you have it, a head-to-toe Zara look…

In the meantime, I’ll try to expand my horizons and shop in different places, do you have any suggestions?

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ZARA top
ZARA skirt
ZARA sandals
ZARA clutch
FOREVER 21 sunnies


We all need to try at least one good taco in our lives, and no, I’m not talking about drive-thru tacos. Porque, let’s be real, yo no quiero Taco Bell. But, a fresh authentic Mexican spot, that’s a total win in my book.

And, let’s face it, finding a Cuban sandwich and pastelito in the 305 is a total breeze, but a fresh authentic Mexican taco? Those are a little hard to come by. (I guess we can somewhat envy our Texas and Cali friends after all.)

So, where are the best tacos in Miami you ask? I’ve done a fair share of taco hunting and rounded up 5 of the best tacos spots in Miami. Some are quaint mom-and-pop-shops that have been around for years, while others are new and trendy locations.

5. Huahua’s Taqueria
 • 1211 Lincoln Road – Miami Beach
This taqueria has a playful take on traditional tacos. They are mostly known for their fried chicken tacos. Even Food Network Magazine and Zaggat named them one of the best tacos in US. Located on the west side of Lincoln Road, this casual taco shop offers delicious food and a welcoming fun environment.

4. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
• 1220 16th Street, Miami Beach
1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, floor! (Shhhh, there’s a cool secret bar in the back.) Pero, 1 taco, 2 taco, 3 taco, more! This hip taqueria/lounge offers affordable late-night delicious eats, straight out of an Airsteam truck. The Tacos Al Pastor are my absolute favorite, filled with broiled pork, charred pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and salsa rosada. I bet you can’t have just one!

3. Coyo Taco
• 2300 NW 2nd Ave. #3 – Wynwood
Coyo Taco may technically still be considered a newbie in the taco community, but their delicious and fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine has definitely taken them to the top — quick. Their homemade tortillas, locally and naturally sourced veggies, meats, and seafood has been drawing crowds at all hours of the day. From a happening lunch spot, to a late night bite with drinks. Coyo is the spot to be, and with these hot summer days ahead, the pulpo (charred octopus) taco is one of my faves.

2. Taqueria Morelia
• 961 W Palm Drive – Florida City & 1875 NE 8th St – Homestead
This spot isn’t located in the heart of “Miami'” per se. They actually have two locations, one in Florida City and another in Homestead. I visited their Homestead location. (I pulled-up to the restaurant which is literally part of a gas station. The location definitely made me a little skeptic, I mean, I’m all about small mom-and-pops, but the gas station made me think twice.) After doing a little research on the internet, I realized that Morelia’s Taqueria was actually very well-rated and in fact they were known for having “the best tacos in South Florida.” With an authentic Mexican assortment of meats: al pastor, tongue, tripe, suadero (rib meat), steak, chicken, carnitas, chorizo, barbacoa beef – the options are endless. I went all in and tasted their lengua (tongue) and pastor tacos and they definitely did not disappoint. Mmmmm!

1. Viva Mexico
•  542 SW 12th Ave – Little Havana
Last but not least, this spot is for the taco purists. Their menu is quite simple, only tacos. No burritos or chimichangas found here. Their most popular item — the tacos surtidos.  This tiny restaurant offers the traditional cuts of meats: chicken, pork, carnitas, along with their untraditonal (to you and me) but very popular Mexican cuts: ear, stomach, tongue, shoulder, and rind. If you’re the adventurous type, I highly recommend the tripe. After all, carne asada is for amateurs. Viva Mexico for the win, they definitely live up to their slogan “Las únicas y las mejores” — the best and the only ones.

 

Image Banner: Huahua’s Tacos

 

Working out isn’t always fun. But what if I told you that you can kick-start your fitness goals with a little fashionable ensemble? And, that it’s also a frugal find! Yep, I found (well, my dear friend Georgia told me about…) the perfect way to be both fashionable and fit, introducing, Fabletics an online retailer for affordable and chic workout apparel!

The company has been around for a little over a year, Fabletics is an online subscription retailer that offers men’s and women’s (fashionable and quality material) active-wear.

“With Fabletics, we want to create a community, a movement to help you live fit and achieve your passions…” says Hudson.

The rom-com celebrity is now also a savvy and empowering business owner and brand ambassador. Plus, when it comes to being fabulously fit, Kate Hudson sure does set the tone. As co-founder of the company, she is definitely a “fitspiration” to many.

With brands like Lululemon, Mondetta, and Athleta, regular athletic gear has now taken a turn from good ol’ tees and shorts — toward a more quality-fashion fitness apparel.

But, my favorite part of Fabletics is its flawless true-to-size fit. (You know, I have short-girl problems… And finding workout pants I don’t have to hem is a huge win!) The brand offers an array of size options and is comprised of the most high-performance, quality materials. Their prices are affordable and every month, members receive a brand-new personalized outfit curated by their stylists.

Oh, and did I mention it’s free to join? Check it out today!

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SWITCH BACK tee
LIMA capri
VAASA sports bra
BROOKS running shoes

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Grocery home delivery is finally here! Thank you, Instacart Miami!!

This San Francisco-based company officially launched their 16th location on May 19th, and of course, they chose Miami as their next place to conquer. Locals around the area can now purchase their groceries with just a few clicks.

Customers can order from Costo Wholesale, BJ’s Wholesale Club, (no need to have a membership) Whole Foods, Winn Dixie and even Petco! The company currently offers delivery services in the metro Miami area. Neighborhoods include Brickell, Downtown, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and Wynwood area.

Now, you too can say goodbye to sitting in traffic, looking for parking, and waiting long lines just to buy groceries! All you have to do is download the app (or go online) and create your desired grocery list. Within hours, a shopper will do all the shopping for you and deliver at your door!

How much does it cost? Depends on how much you order and how soon you want it. Prices range from $3.99 to $9.99.

If this isn’t a game changer to simplify life for all the busy moms and working professionals, I don’t know what is!

In fact, I had to try it for myself. I made a pretty large order from BJ’s (on opening day).  I’m not a big fan of grocery shopping. Therefore, quantity is key, and did I mention there is no Costco or BJ’s in the Miami Beach area?

Final verdict? I loved it. I got just what I wanted, and the customer service was great. Not only did I avoid a long drive, but I  also got an extra hour of work done! Woot woot!

Want to give it a try? Use the promotion code FLAIRMIA and get a $10 credit toward your first order, and a MONTH of free deliveries.

Happy shopping!

 

 

Let’s face it! We all have bad days. You know, days that you simply want to stay in bed and do nothing. Slowly but surely, reality sets in… The alarm goes off and it’s time to get up and get back to the daily grind. Though we are all entitled to a bad day, or two, there are a few healthy habits that can prevent these bad days from taking over our lives.

Lately, I’ve had some time to reflect/observe women that I admire and respect. I’ve come to realize that happiness doesn’t just happen, it’s a choice you make… A daily choice, you wake up and choose joy! Each and every day…

There are a few ways to choose happiness and prevent you from feeling like you’re in the dumps, here are 5 habits of a happy woman:

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  • Happy women deal with their emotions.
    Dealing with your emotions doesn’t mean sulking nor suppressing. Though setbacks come your way, happy healthy women know how to feel, deal and then let it be. Certain situations call for damage control, while others simple are what they are. Happy women don’t run away from feeling, instead, they deal with their pain, sorrow, or stress. And, it is because they’ve dealt and coped with their feelings (in a healthy manner, or with a counselor) that they are able to bounce back.

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  • Happy women count their blessings, not their burdens.
    Be thankful for what you have and you’ll find yourself complaining less and appreciating more. Negativity drains, while positivity and a grateful spirit fills the heart with joy.
    “…When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
    Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
    And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” – Johnson Oatman Jr.

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  • Happy women thrive in community with other women.
    As women, we are genetically-hard wired for relationships and friendships. According to a UCLA study on friendships, in a time of despair, women deal with stress differently than men, due to the oxytocyn levels that are released in our bloodstream. Men, tend to retrieve or fight back, while women, often seek comfort and affection. Kaplan’s study suggests that, “Friendships between women are special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are.”

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  • Happy women make time for a creative outlet.
    We’re all creative in some way, shape or form. Whether it’s drawing, crafting, cooking, writing, knitting, song-writing, you name it. The opportunities are endless, find your niche and set time for it. Not sure you’re creatively gifted? What do you enjoy doing? Just do more of that! Make time for yourself and thrive in it. Who says you have to be good at it? Just do it and have fun, I promise you’ll reap the emotional rewards anyway.

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  • Happy women give.
    You’ve heard it said, “it is better to give than to receive.” And, as much as I enjoy getting a good gift, I love even more the pleasure of giving and witnessing the reaction of the person receiving. The path to a happy life is regularly giving of your time, energy, love and resources. By giving and caring for one another we not only help humanity but it also helps our well being.

    Because after all, life isn’t just about surviving, it’s about THRIVING!

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    BETSEY JOHNSON sunnies
    THEORY jacket
    ZARA dress
    TORY BURCH sandals
    3.1 PHILLIP LIM x TARGET bag
    NECKLACE from a boutique in Spain

Last but not least, happiness often comes from treasuring great memories, and in honor of Flair Miami’s anniversary month,  we have yet another giveaway! Your very own styled and photographed session with Then-Gea Photography and FlairMiami. To enter the drawing, be sure to follow @Then-GeaPhotography and @VanniaEnriquez on Instagram and enter your information on the widget below, winners will be announced May 22!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One of the reasons I love fashion is because it allows individuals to express their own unique style and personality. What begins as just a vision, slowly becomes a work of art you can wear. All you have to do is pair the right pieces together — because after all, it is all in the details.

As a fashion blogger, it’s no surprise that I find the process so fun. Searching for the right fit, style, and color — there’s a sense of gratification when it all comes together. Some may call it vanity or trivial, but I strongly believe that fashion has the ability to accentuate a person’s inner beauty and boost their self-esteem.

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ve probably noticed that I try not to spend a ton of money on clothes. For the most part, I shop at Zara (Actually, I shop way too much at Zara. I need to stop), Nordstrom Rack, even H&M and Forever 21. However, sometimes, I make exceptions and splurge on a few pieces. Don’t get me wrong, by splurge I mean a few hundreds. Not thousands!

Plus, I’m an avid believer that the right accessories can make, or break an outfit. Don’t you agree?

Lately, I’ve had an itch for a nice bag, or a good pair of shoes. So, instead of splurging I made a Mother’s Day gift guide with some very chic handbags and shoes ranging from $50-$500.

Think of them like the perfect finishing touch — because remember,  it is all in the details.

Be sure to click on the side arrows to see all my selections. Trust me, you’ll have one happy mom!

You’re sitting across the room with a few friends or sometimes strangers… Catching up on life and hearing how time has flown since you last saw each other… Then the subject slowly and not so subtly changes to children. Hello pressure to become a mother and start having babies.

“Oh wow, you’ve been married for such a long time and you still don’t have kids?”
“Do you even want kids?”
“You do know that it gets risky after 30, right?”

Oh, the pressure to become a mother… It comes from friends, family, in-laws. strangers, and even co-workers. So, let’s start off this questionnaire game by returning the favor and asking you a few questions…

  1. Why do you feel the need to remind me that I don’t have kids?
    Yes, I’m married. Yes, it’s been almost 6 1/2 years. Are you implying that I am not fully a woman unless I bare children? Or, did I miss the rules to a happy marriage book? Did it say that in order for me to be thriving, fulfilled and happy I HAVE to have kids? What about women who haven’t been as “lucky” as you have and are still searching for “the one”? Are they doomed to failure? How do you think hearing you voice your thoughts makes them feel?
  2. If I tell you that I don’t want kids, will you think less of me?
    To answer your question, yes, I do want kids, yes, maybe sooner than later. But what if I didn’t? What if I wanted to focus on my career and not have additional responsibilities? Just because I have a womb, does that mean every woman is called to be a mom? Personally, I’ve met some pretty crappy moms, did someone force them into parenting with these kind of silly questions? I don’t care to be a mom because it fulfills a social expectation. I want to have children to be able to shower them with love and cherish every minute with them. Not because you advise it, but because it is a decision that my husband and I have made together.
  3. When did talking about my uterus become a dinner-appropriate conversation?
    Ah yes, the biological clock conversation… Sorry to burst your bubble, stranger. But you are not the first person to “clue me in on this.” You are however, one of the many individuals who doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Let’s talk facts. According to the Center of Disease Control, pregnancy rates are falling to a 12-year low among women in their 20’s, but not because of infertility, but by choice! In fact, figures from the Office of National Statistics show that in 2010 nearly half (48%) of all babies were born to mothers who were 30 and older. That’s over 318,298 births from women over the age of 30.  In addition, the percentage of women dealing with infertility in 2011 was a 10.9% – ages ranged from 15-44 year-olds. (Way past the 29 drop. Ahem.) But how would you feel if I answered your question and told you I was barren? That I’ve been trying for years and it just never happened for me? I have friends who have gone through multiple miscarriages and your imprudent questions are only hurtful reminders of past pains.

Now that I’ve made my point, allow me to say that I truly do admire all mothers. I have an amazing mom who has been an exemplary single mother and I am forever grateful for her love and care. The sleepless nights filled with loud cries, poopie diapers, toddler tantrums and smart-mouth remarks she endured, that’s the not-so-cute side of parenting. Right? But it’s the real-side. I know the hard work it took for her to raise my sister and I — and I am thankful she opened my eyes to reality.

In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying my sleep, my alone time with my husband. The fact that we can pick up and travel as we like. But I am also reeaaaaalllly enjoying my niece, my little cousins and my new-born godson. I get to be the “cool fun aunt” and they get to go home afterward. ;)

I love that I have friends who are thriving in parenting. Learning each lesson as it comes along. I love seeing the difference in parenting and taking notes from each.

I look forward to someday having my own little one, but I also would be perfectly okay if it isn’t part of God’s plan for Miguel and I. We haven’t officially started trying, but we’ve started talking about it. So thats a start… Right?

Now that you’ve read my rant. I want to introduce to you Santiago Pacheco, my godson.

Santiago Pacheco
Santi Pacheco

My best friend Christie is a new mom whom I love oh so dearly. She’s a hardworking woman who is determined to cover her little one in prayer and be the best mom she can be. She is a talented interior designer who wanted to create the perfect nursery for her little biscuit.

A space with a clean and modern vibe. Her hope is that Santiago would eventually grow into the design. Every piece she selected works not only aesthetically in the space, but can also accommodate Santiago’s future needs and daddy’s office.

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STOKKE sleepi crib
GENIUS JONES blah blah mobile
IKEA drawers 
IKEA Kallax storage unit & bookcase
MONTE glider
RUGS USA rug
55 DOWNING STREET desk chair

Now that you’ve made it to the end of this long post. In honor of Mother’s Day, Christie Ramos Pacheco and Flair Miami have teamed up to give you soon-to-be-moms the best gift yet! The chance to have your nursery personally decorated by none other than, Mrs. Pacheco herself.

Here’s how it works… You sign up using the Rafflecopter below. Follow me on Instagram @VanniaEnriquez and wait for the winner to be announced on Mother’s Day!

We will then set a budget and shop accordingly to make your nursery dreams come true! Enjoy and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I love dresses, in fact I am so excited that spring is here – because all I want are dresses and more dresses!

The great part of wearing a dress is that with one simple piece, you are dressed and ready to go! My go-to look for this season are all things dresses… Maxi dresses, fun little mini/midi dresses – did I mention dresses and more dresses!?!

Okay, okay, I may also incorporate fun shorts into the mix, but I love the fact that you can wear a cute dress just about anywhere, from a lunch date with the girls, or a date night with the Mr.

On this specific occasion, I happen to wear this cheery maxi for a girl’s lunch at Morton’s The Steakhouse. But now that I think of it, I’ve actually also worn this dress to a morning wedding. See what I mean, you can never go wrong with a cute dress!

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FOREVER 21 maxi dress (similar)
KENDRA SCOTT necklace
H&M arm candy
bag c/o KATE SPADE at Sawgrass Mills
name plate c/o TADREY

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Shopping for dresses under $40? Here are a few options you may like:

I have a confession to make, in the last 3 weeks I have probably consumed an entire (large) cow all by myself… No seriously, for someone who doesn’t eat red meat all that often, this month, I’ve had my fair share of beef experiences.

You name it, I ate it: Prime rib, churrasco, filet mignon, NY strip, top sirloin… I may have even had a few lamb chops and veal shanks, here and there.

Don’t worry, I didn’t eat all of this in one sitting. Some meals were from local restaurants, others while I was out of town, and some were home cooked meals.

However, one experience in particular left me wanting more. The surf and turf at Morton’s The Steakhouse.

Last Saturday, Giselle and I after a Flair meeting in the North Miami Beach/Aventura area, we decided to take a breather and have a nice lunch. We stopped by Morton’s and we were actually surprised that they were open for lunch.

Apparently, Morton’s in N. Miami Beach is now regularly open during lunch hours. (Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30am – 3pm.) And for only $29.50 you have the option of ordering from their Three Course Prime Lunch Selections, including pairing options like lobster bisque, prime sirloin, and many more — pretty great deal, no?
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We were starving and the wide variety of items on the menu it made it hard for us to make a decision – so many delicious options!

I must say, I was even tempted to order a burger. After all, that’s how Morton’s got started, founder Arnie Morton, was known for his “million-dollar hamburger.”

Needless to say, I ditched the burger idea and went for some filet instead… It is called Morton’s THE Steakhouse, so of course, I went all in and ordered surf and turf!

From beginning to end, our experience was completely fabulous! In fact, I was so excited to get my hands on my entree, that I forgot to take a picture of it.

I got a shot of my deliciously fresh ahi tuna appetizer.

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But as soon as they set down my plate, like an overly-enthused cave woman, I chomped away at the perfectly cooked medium-rare filet mignon. Only to then realize, I had forgotten to take a picture of the main dish. (Whoops! Good thing Morton’s had one to share with us.)

Steak and Lobster

The perfect meal was topped-off with their legendary and perfectly-warm chocolate cake. It was superb!

Great service paired with great food, made for a delightful lunch experience.

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The staff was extremely hospitable. Food was superb and the chic restaurant updates made us feel like we were in a fancy VIP lounge.

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I will definitely be coming back. Decades later, it is definitely a tried and true favorite. I may even consider bringing mom here for Mother’s Day.

 

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