Tropical Favorites for the Summer

I have been loving the tropical trend for this summer and I can't get enough of the fun prints, bright colors, and yummy scents. Anything that reminds me of Maui or makes me feel like I am living near the ocean - count me in! 

James and I have been opening up our windows and doors during the day and it has been such an enjoyable experience. From our house you can hear the waves crashing and the birds chirping outside and you can even feel an occasional cool lake breeze. I just close my eyes and pretend I am somewhere exotic. 

I think that is my favorite thing about our home - that it feels like I am staying at a retreat. My home really is my getaway and I think that's how it should be.

Since the tropics have been on my mind, I thought it would be fun to share list of my tropical favorites for this summer (or year-round). Enjoy.

Pineapple Hat from Forever 21 //

I got this hat from Forever 21 and I am loving it so much! I think every girl should have a pink hat and pineapples are all the rage right now. :)

Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo/Conditioner by OGX //

This shampoo smells like you are washing your hair on a tropical island. I love the sulfate-free formula. It gently cleanses and hydrates for silky smooth hair.

Hawaiian Pineapple Facial Cleanser by Alba //

Okay, this is one of my favorite face washes right now. The pineapple scent is to die for and I love the way it makes my skin feel - nice and clean and doesn't dry me out. 

Coconut Body Lotion from Love & Beauty //

I got this lotion from Forever 21 and it is the perfect tropical lotion - it smells just like pina colada! I have repurchased it a couple of times because I use it so much.

Coconut Lime Shrimp Soup

Holy Cow! I made Coconut Lime Shrimp Soup last night for dinner, and it was delicious and so easy to make! I don't know why, but I have always been intimidated at the thought of making homemade soup. The ingredient list for soups tend to go on and on and I fear that 5 hours later (if I'm lucky) I might have a finished product. 

James and I are a week into the Whole 30 Program. Even though it has been only 7 days, James and I are already feeling the positive effects of eating healthy. Actually James has been eating like a king! Every night he tells me that the dish I prepared was the best meal he has ever tasted. You can also hear him saying, "I never knew you could cook so good!". 

I never knew I could too. 

It has actually been a lot of fun planning meals, prepping food, and experimenting in the kitchen. I feel like within a week I already feel more comfortable shopping for fresh produce and meat. It is amazing what delicious meals you can come up with by simply using the right ingredients. 

I was so happy with the outcome of this yummy soup, I had to share it with more than just one person. And according to James, this was the best soup he has ever had. :)

So if you are intimidated by homemade soup, don't be. If I can do it, you can do it. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil 
• 1 medium cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapenos, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies (10 oz)
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 1 Tbsp Tabasco 
• 1 medium lime, juiced (2 Tbsp)
• 1 diced avocado

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot.
2. Saute onions and peppers for 3 minutes, until onions are translucent.
3. Then add garlic, tomatoes, shrimp and cilantro and simmer until shrimp turns opaque (5 minutes).
4. Pour in the coconut milk and Tabasco sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
5. Finish with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy the yumminess with diced avocado on top.

Sunny Days Ahead

You know your ready for summer when your skin starts blending in with your white t-shirt! The sun came out last week and I was pretty happy about it. Since it has been warming up James and I have been taking walks around our neighborhood when I get home from work and it has been something I look forward to every evening. It feels so nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors and wind down after a busy day. I have been trying to enjoy the quite moments I get with James and appreciate the time we get to spend together. It is amazing how life continues to get busier and busier and it is easy to fall into daily routines. I always have to remind myself to stop what I am doing and let James know how lucky I am to have him in my life. He is my best bud and my partner in crime. Boy I sure do love him.