Enter coconut oil.
![Coconut oil - a solution to dry, cracked hands](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6843103155_3bccbe71c5.jpg)
A few months ago, my incredibly sweet cousin shared a jar of this magic elixir with me to try out in the kitchen. She works as a sales person for Garden of Life products and swears by their coconut oil. We've used it occasionally and it really does add a little something special to baked chicken or sautéed green beans. And it is the PERFECT oil to use to toast your quinoa before you cook it.
![Coconut oil - at home remedy](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6843102439_418364a97f_m.jpg)
But today's post is all about coconut oil as a moisturizer. In the past few weeks, I've discovered that it really works. My hands and face have gone from cracked and flaky to soft and supple. I use it very sparingly on my face. By sparingly I mean use it like Elmer's glue, "a little dab will do ya." But when it comes to my hands, I lather it on with abandon. Not only is the oil nourishing, it smells delicious. I mean like, tummy grumbling delicious. Plus, my Garden of Life oil has teeny tiny bits of coconut in it that work as a gentle exfoliator. Which is super convenient. So now, this new Chicagoan's dry cracked skin is nothing but a memory!
What are you using to protect your skin when the temperatures drop?
![](http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/293/AEF120054337A4A224690141B35593B5.png)
I've been pretty excited to share this little tip. Just ask @SmartSavvyStyle, I told her last week! I thought I was pretty brilliant and innovative until I opened Pinterest last night and came across this pin. Waa wohh. Turns out my discovery isn't as ground breaking as I thought. But check out The Nourished Life for lots of other great uses for coconut oil!