Monday, May 31, 2010

Foam Roller


I have fallen back in love with my foam roller.

My oblong friend had been sitting in the corner of my home workout space for quite some time, collecting dust and memories of IT bands once rolled.

Then, I read an article ... in a magazine or on a blog, about a female athlete who said foam rolling was the "poor woman's massage."

I immediately identified.

I threw down that foam roller so fast and rolled the heck out of my legs, back and any body part remotely rollable.

Ahhhhhhh. Sweet relief.

Taking five to ten minutes to foam roll your muscles will make a huge difference in your recovery, flexibility, injury prevention, treatment and overall wellness.

Check out this YouTube video for the top five foam roller exercises:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJLxruO3su0

Purchase a foam roller here and check out all the other fitness goodies:
http://www.power-systems.com/s-67-foam-rollers.aspx?gclid=CMLF1NG25KECFQtSgwodTzA8IA

(image from http://powersystems.com)

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Oldie Sunday - beachy hair

Even if you didn't escape for a warm weather getaway this holiday weekend ...

Achieve beachy texture with Sidlab Pacifica Sea Salt Spray:

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/sidlab-pacifica-salt-water-spray_08.html

Friday, May 28, 2010

Kiss My Face Sun Protection


Kiss My Face sent me a few products from their sun care line and have rocked it with this line!

They have created an awesome smelling, paraben free, water resistant spray sunscreen in a totally portable 4oz bottle!

SunSWAT even retains it's SPF after 40 minutes of water play!

I've been spritzing this on my chest, arms and legs before my outdoor workouts and my fair skin has been totally protected.

On my face and neck I've been using the Face Factor SPF 30. Also paraben and fragrance free, as well as water resistant, this product is a MUST for application before you go outdoors this summer! Using sunscreen is one of the most important steps you can take in preventing sun damage and the signs of aging and Kiss My Face makes it easy to do so in a natural way!

After you come in from a day in the sun, give their After Sun Aloe Soother a try! This fragrance free, paraben free dreamy lotion contains jewelweed, yucca and 95% aloe to hydrate and soothe sun exposed skin.

Learn more and shop for Kiss My Face Sun Protection Products here:
http://kissmyface.com

(image from: kissmyface.com)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

ONE workout song


If you could only have ONE song on your playlist for your workouts ... what would it be?

I pondered this as I jammed to Slash featuring Fergie and Cypress Hill's new version of "Paradise City" this morning ...

But, I've also recently considered:
Kevin Rudolph "I made it"
Madonna "Celebration"
Glee Cast "Physical"

Come to think of it ... maybe it's:
Fergie and David Guetta "Gettin over You"

I challenge YOU to pick just ONE!!

(image from: dreamstime.com)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Trader Joe's Essential Greens Veggie Juice


I've been a little lazy about my green smoothies lately.

Between running to the coop for organic veggies and actually throwing everything together in the vitamix every morning, life has gotten in the way of me drinking my greens.

Trader Joe's to the rescue. Isn't that always the case?? Thank healthy heavens for Trader Joe's and their myriad of healthy, convenient food choices.

I picked up a few 15.2 oz bottles of their Essential Greens Veggie Juice this week to down after workouts.

Essential Greens Veggie Juice is a Flash Pasteurized, Cold Pressed 100% juice blend of celery, spinach, parsley, cucumber, kale, romaine and sprouts. Each 8 oz serving contains just 30 calories and 3 grams of protein!

I wish this juice came in a gallon size - it would be on my list every week!

Enjoy Essential Greens straight from the bottle, or use as a base for your customized smoothies - adding protein powder and fruit.

Learn more and purchase Essential Greens at: http://traderjoes.com

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Japonesque Brow Kit


I was so excited when I was sent the Japonesque Brow Kit.

Adorably packaged in a pink clutch case, the kit includes a tiny compact with brow wax, 2 neutral brow powders, a mini spoolie (a dry "mascara" brush to groom brows) and an angled brow brush.

Also tucked inside are 3 brow stencils, clear brow gel and a slant tip tweezers.

This kit has everything you would ever need for gorgeously groomed brows and is a great tool for make up artists to keep as an emergency touch up kit to keep on hand.

If you have never experienced the wonders of brow wax or are intimidated by the concept, don't be! Japonesque's formula is sheer and light, keeping every hair in place.

The brow powders are soft and neutral, blendable for every shade imaginable.

The tweezers come in handy for strays interfering with the "perfect" eye.

There's even room in the super cute pink compact that houses all these goodies for extras you throw in. The hard case is great to throw in your bag and easy to find in a deep purse.

Learn more about the Japonesque Brow Kit here: http://www.japonesque.com/catalogue.cfm?fla=productsSplash

(image from: japonesque.com)

Monday, May 24, 2010

Deceptive Sizing


Is it just me, or has sizing changed in the last year or so??

Have manufacturers tweaked the way sizes run in favor of consumers to make us feel better??

Maybe it's all the stretch lycra and denim, but I feel like sizes run much bigger than they used to - to my ego's delight of course.

I mean, who wouldn't rather be able to squeeze into a smaller size, even if the size does not run true?

But, what are the ramifications of this?

We are a nation that just keeps getting bigger and at the same time retailers are playing into this by making us feel smaller. Wierd. Isn't there anyone to regulate this?

In the meantime, I guess I'll embrace my new "size."

(image from: istockphoto.com)

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Oldie Sunday

I've been slow roasting chicken breasts, frozen veggies and spices in a base of my lite coconut milk. Here's the recipe:

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/recipe-make-your-own-lite-coconut-milk.html

Friday, May 21, 2010

Pin Up Girl Clothing


I am bananas about EVERY item on http://pinupgirlclothing.com!!

I finally found my dress for my sister's wedding on this site. See the above pic of me ... pre-alterations. (I'm a midget - everything needs to be altered!)

Regardless if you are curvy, skinny, athletic, retro, classic, tattooed or even conservative, Pin Up Girl Clothing has a special item for you no matter what your taste.

Most of the items have a retro, classic feel recalling the golden age of movies and fashion. But, whether you choose a dress or a hand bag, the styles are still really relevant, fresh and current.

The website customer is fabulous as well. I ordered a size too big at first and the company credited my return shipping and quickly sent out the correct size.

Shop all of Pin Up Girl Clothing here: http://pinupgirlclothing.com

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Citrus Crunch Salad


Another refreshing, raw salad recipe!!

Throw a huge batch of this together and enjoy plain or topped with your favorite protein. This salad goes well with EVERYTHING ... from fish, to beans, tofu or grilled skirt steak!!

Citrus Crunch Salad

(Use organic whenever possible)
1 - head of purple cabbage
1 - bunch green onions
2 - ripe avocados
2 - ears fresh, raw corn
1 - red bell pepper
1 - green bell pepper
1 - lemon
1 - lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Chop cabbage, green onions, red and green pepper and place into large bowl.
Remove corn kernels from ears of corn by using a knife. Just run the knife down the entire length of the corn cob. Add corn to bowl.
Squeeze the juice of lemon and lime over veggies and toss.
Halve avocados, score into squares and scoop with a spoon into veggies.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss lightly and enjoy!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Teally Cool


A pop of electric turquoise or teal is a great way to infuse Spring/Summer fun into your make up and fashion wardrobe.

Try wearing all white with a piece of chunky turquoise jewelery. Or combine "corally" shades of orange with sparks of turquoise for an "islandy" feel.

Experiment with teal eye make up.

My current fave is a new shade of a product that is one of my daily eye addictions - Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner, now available in teal.

Using the #21 Arced Liner Brush ... either draw a dramatic cat eye on top of the lid or go more Mod/Punk by using the bright shade in a thickly angled shape lining the lower eye.

Shop all of Smashbox and purchase here: http://www.smashbox.com/JET-SET-WATERPROOF-EYE-LINER

(image from: smashbox.com)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Balletone


Part of maintaining an ACE Personal Training Certification is completing 2.0 Continuing Education Credits every two years.

I always try to take workshops that interest me and that I can actually apply to my client's training sessions, instead of just knocking the credits out to get 'em over with.

This weekend I traveled to San Francisco to attend a Balletone Sole Synthesis workshop lead by Shannon Fable.

Balletone interested in me on many levels.

Balletone Sole Synthesis incorporates multi directional/multi planar movements from fitness, ballet and yoga and is done barefoot. This workout basically covers everything in a one hour workout; cardio, strength, flexibility, stability, vertical core and balance training.

There is absolutely no equipment necessary for this workout - just your barefoot self ready to rock some new movements with no ego attached.

The workout begins with a warm up starting at the feet. Emphasis is placed on learning to distribute weight and move the toes independently. From there the first "segment" begins. Each "segment" includes a fitness piece, a ballet piece and a yoga piece tied together by a theme - like a forward lunge. The theme is performed within each of piece of the segment specific to the discipline.

For example, a front lunge in fitness - is well, a front lunge. In ballet, it transforms into a turned out "fall front" and in yoga it becomes a crescent lunge. Sole Synthesis really ties together the big picture of exercise, exemplifying how all movement disciplines are ultimately related.

In addition, each lower body movement has a complimentary (and sometimes opposing) upper body movement, creating a neuromuscular challenge.

The hour long group fitness class moves quickly, can adapt to every fitness level, is an amazing, original way to work functional movements and produces a ton of sweat.

To find a Balletone and Sole Synthesis class near you or purchase a DVD click here:
http://www.balletone.com/

(image from: balletone.com)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Workout Phases


Ever feel like your yoga practice is getting stale?
Or maybe your gym routine is just not producing results anymore?
Perhaps you are not motivated to go to your spin class anymore.

That's a signal to change it up!

Going through workout phases is a natural part of being committed to a fitness plan, especially if you find yourself focusing on one modality for too long.

If you are done with yoga, try pilates or a Ruah DVD.

Tired of running? Give the stepmill or a boxing gym a go!

Treat yourself to a new fitness dvd or piece of equipment to reinspire your desire to workout.

Better yet, always mix up your routine to prevent boredom and your body from acclimating to one movement.

A great schedule would be as follows:

Monday: Gym - cycle class and 15 min flexibility training afterwards
Tuesday: Yin Yoga Class
Wednesday: Boxing Gym Conditioning Class
Thursday: Ruah Mind Body Movement or Pilates DVD (http:ruahmovement.com)
Friday: Incline Treadmill walk, Cable Functional Training
Saturday: Outdoor Sporting Activity
Sunday: Off

(image from: shutterstock.com)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Oldie - Avatar workout

I was getting my nails done today and they were playing Avatar on the flat screen. What a gorgeous film!
Try my Avatar Inspired Workout and bring back the memories from the film!

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/avatar-inspired-workout_20.html

Friday, May 14, 2010

Ilike Skin Care


Organic skin care from Hungary, Ilike combines fruit, vegetable and herbal ingredients into their extensive skin care line.

With a regime and product for every skin care concern, Ilike has the skin care solution for anyone looking for natural, organic products.

Ilike sent me small samples of several products in the line.

I was impressed by how the products retained the look, texture, feel and aromas of many of the ingredients used to create the products.

My favorite of the samples was the Sulphuric Whipped Moisturizer. I had a few hormonal erruptions and after one evening application of this treatment, I woke up with smoother, clearer skin.

Learn more and shop Ilike here: http://szepelet.com

(image from: szepelet.com)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tub Stretch


**Disclaimer: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com takes no responsibility for injuries incurred while attempting this activity **

Take advantage of warm muscles by stretching in the tub.

Move slowly and carefully while attempting these movements, as tubs are, as Bon Jovi so eloquently titled an album, "Slippery when Wet."

Fill a tub with the hottest water you can withstand and add 2 cups of Epsom Salts.

Soak for 15 minutes.

Spend the next ten minutes holding the following stretches:

1: Hamstring: Bend one leg. Extend the other leg straight up and grasp the back of your thigh, hamstring, calf, ankle or foot. Pull extended leg into body. Repeat on other side.

2. Low back, glute: Bring one knee into chest. Cross knee over opposite side of body so that you are in a twist. Try to get knee to bottom of tub. Repeat other side.

3. Quads: Kneel in tub. Place hands behind your rear end and lean back to stretch quads.

4. Upper Body. Face away from edge of tub. Clasp hands behind you and press palms together. Hook wrists on edge of tub and stretch through chest and upper body.

Relax and soak for another 5 minutes when finished.

(image from: shutterstock.com)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Salmon Pouches


Tired of the same old tuna?
Can't stand another post workout shake?

Try canned or "pouched" salmon.

I like Chicken of the Sea Premium Wild Caught Boneless, Skinless Pink Salmon Pouches. They cost less than a buck each for the single serving size, are dolphin safe and super convenient! You could even eat it right from the pouch in a protein pinch!

A 2oz. serving has 60 calories and 10 grams of protein. Plus you get the Omega 3 fatty acids and DHA benefits of fish oil!

Try this yummy dish:
2oz "Pouched Salmon"
1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
1oz fresh avocado

Mix ingredients together and serve on a whole grain cracker like GG Crackers(http://brancrispbread.com) or Mary's Gone Crackers (http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/ns/intro2.php)

Learn more about Chicken of the Sea Salmon here: http://chickenofthesea.com/product_line_detail.aspx?did=4800009043

(image from: chickenofthesea.com)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Energy Generating Cycles


I joke about it all the time when I teach indoor cycling, "Imagine if all this peddaling could generate electricty?"

Riders giggle and then a lightbulb goes off and they think, "Wow, what IF all this peddaling really could generate power?"

Leave it to New York Sports Club to take the inniative and make it happen.

An entry on one of my favorite blogs "Social Workout" (http://socialworkout.com) tells all about it:
http://www.socialworkout.com/2010/05/05/electricity-generating-bikes-hit-new-york-sports-club

The bikes generate about 300 kw, which isn't much - but, at least it's something.

If being green is important to you or you want to help solve the energy crisis, what a cool way to REALLY make your workout count!

(photo from: istockphoto.com)

Monday, May 10, 2010

Damn, They ALL look good! Iron Man 2


Dayuuuuuuum, the Iron Man 2 cast looks good!

I knew seeing the highly anticipated action flick would be fitness inspiration!

There is something for everyone in this film, whether you like slim, beefy, sinewy or sturvy (strong and curvy.)

Robert Downey, Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwenyth Paltrow and Scarlett Johansson have created physiques for this film reflective of the training modality they are into.

Starting with Gwenyth, because she shouts from rooftops her love of her sometimes controversial trainer, Tracy Anderson. The two are business partners with gyms and dvd's, so I always have a smidge of a grain of salt when Gwenyth expounds on how she created her body.
If you are into the slim, skinny look try Tracy Anderson's sculpting and dance based workouts. Tracy and Gwenyth are enthusiastic about low calorie diets to achieve this look, so if you are into food - this probably isn't for you.
(http://tracyandersonmethod.com)

Then, there the body antithesis of Ms. Paltrow in the bodacious Scarlet Johansson. Johansson trained with her husband's fitness guru, Bobby Strom - a master of resistance, functional and lifestyle training. Her body looks better than ever - lean, yet still soft exactly where a woman should be. She created a tiny, compact, sexy body for her character.
(http://bobbystrom.com)

For those of you into beefy thugs, look no further than the totally menacing Mickey Rourke. Barrel chested with a ton of muscle, Rourke is still sporting his "Wrestler" physique. Obviously chiseled from a diet of pumping iron, training with Mike Ryan and consuming a ton protein, Rourke has become an intimidating physical force.
(http://www.mikeryantraining.com/index.html)

And then, there is the sinewy, flexible, graceful, physique of Robert Downey Jr. My trainer's eye tells me this is not a natural body type for RDJ ... he has to work hard to etch those lean, long muscles into his physique. Training with Brad Bose once again, RDJ incorporates multi directional strenth training, lots of cardio and martial arts to create that ninja bod!
(http://www.bosemanagement.com/)

These actors are a great reminder that regardless of genetics, you get what you put into your fitness routine. Decide what you want your final product to look like, then train and eat for that goal.

(image from: entertainmentweekly.com)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Oldie Sunday - Green Soup

Happy Mother's Day! Soup up my Green Soup recipe with fresh Spring produce for Mom today!

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/green-soup-recipe.html

Friday, May 7, 2010

Zapp! Gum


Aspartame. ASS PAHR TAH MAY. ASSPERTAYME.
However you say it, it is something I try to avoid consuming.
Aspartame is a sugar substitute found in everything from diet sodas, to toothpaste to sugarless gum.
I have succeeded at cutting out all sources of this artificial sweetener, except in the place I probably get it the most.
My pack a day gum habit.

I admit to having an oral fixation. I love to chew. And sugarless gum keeps my breath fresh and teeth sparkling while quelling my need to have a busy mouth.
But, a light bulb finally went off about the nastiness of this habit in terms of the mass quantities of aspartame I am consuming.

What are the options?

Gnaw on a piece of bark as traditionally done? Masticate some other chewy piece of nature?

That's where Zapp! Gum comes in.

Sweetened with Xylitol, Zapp! comes in five amazing flavors and actually helps to prevent cavities. Xylitol is also said to help boost the immune system and help allergy sufferers.

Zapp! is completely free of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. It also contains the most xylitol of any other gum out there. Plus, it's made in the USA!

Zapp! Gum generously sent me samples of their flavors. I highly suggest the Apple Cinnamon as an after meal "dessert," and the Cool Peppermint for a refreshing, burst of minty goodness.

Learn more and purchase Zapp! Gum here: http://zappgum.com

(image from: zappgum.com)

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Zhu Zhu Pets


I'm not really sure where this fits into this blog, but seeing a child's reaction after you gift them a Zhu Zhu Pet is sure to make you feel damn good.

I unknowingly purchased one of this zip zoomy critters for my five year old sister. By unknowingly, I mean I had no idea that every person in the universe under 10 years old knows what these things are.

I had to stop into Walgreens to pick something up while on a visit with the baby sis. She begged me, "Oh Lindsay, please buy me SOMETHING while you are in there."

Feeling generous, and unable to say no to her lispy "s's" and raspy kid voice, I agreed.

But, WHAT to buy ... candy?? No - I'm a health nut. Lipgloss?? Eh ... I don't like to encourage a cosmetics addiction this early ... Oh ... now what is this I spy? A motorized hamster?? Adorable. I'll take one.

I brought the cardboard boxed pet to her anticipatory little hands and she squealed with delight, "Oh, Oh, Oh ... A ZHU ZHU pet!! I always wanted on of these!!"

Who knew??

Well, certainly not me.

The crudely furred faux pet runs on a battery, coos and chirps, spins and scurries all to the joy of rugrats around the globe.

At ten bucks per Zhu Zhu, this a great way to make a little one scream with glee and the big one who gifted it feel amazing.

The glow from giving a good gift ... now that looks damn good.

Learn more about Zhu Zhu pets here:
http://www.zhuzhupets.com/

(image from: zhuzhupets.com)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Cinco de Mayo Workout


In honor of Cinco de Mayo - 05.05.10, try this workout that plays with the numbers in today's date.

1. Perform 5 intervals of :30 intense work/ :30 recovery on the cardiovascular modality of your choice.

2. Perform 5 reps of a bodyweight upper body exercise of your choice like push ups or pull ups.

3. Perform 10 reps of a bodyweight or plyometric lower body move like walking lunges or jump squats.

Repeat this circuit 5 times ... if you can!!

Feel free to alternate what type of cardio you do each circuit and vary the upper and lower body exercises as well.

This workout oughta make up for any weeknight margaritas you indulge in to celebrate!

(image from: hiddenoaksfamilycampground.com)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Brown Rice


Ah, the noble grain of brown rice.
Whether long, or short grain or right in between at a lovely medium, this whole grain is the centerpiece to George Oshawa's Macrobiotic Diet.
As I delve into this beautiful way of eating, brown rice has emerged as a dietary superstar for me.

Once a carb - phobe, I no longer eschew the goodness of whole grains.

I have started to incorporate brown rice or another whole grain into my diet at least once a day. I am particularly enchanted with brown rice for breakfast.

Either fixed plain and served with miso soup or sweetened with a bit of stevia, raisins, goji berries, pumpkin seeds and walnuts, I am feeling lighter, more energized and clear headed starting the day with this fuel.

I never understood how folks could prefer white rice, stripped of all the flavor, goodness, fiber, vitamins and protein of it's original brown form. Brown rice has a hearty, filling, nutty flavor that goes well with any vegetable, fat, protein or even fruit!

Nutritionally, you can't beat this grain's profile. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, brown rice has even recently been linked to heart health.
Check out this article for more on what is in brown rice that may prevent cardiovascular disease: http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100257520

Steam it, boil it, pressure cook it - JUST EAT IT!!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Trend Prediction Fruition - Yellow Eyeshadow



Back when I started this blog in November 2009 ... on November 9, 2009 to be exact ...

I predicted "I foresee gorgeous washes of yellow eyeshadow for Spring and Summer 2010. From soft, daffodil pastels to bright, saturated neons to gold infused shimmers - yellow eyes will be where it's at."
(See the full post here:
http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/girls-on-campus-trend-prediction-yellow.html)

And now, from Christina Aguilera in her controversial "Not Myself Tonight" video to Napoleon Perdis' Spring Cosmetic Collection, yellow eyeshadow is blooming everywhere! (By the way, I don't see what all of the fuss is about with Xtina "copying" all these other artists for the video. Hello people - the song is called, "Not Myself Tonight" - do we not see the irony here? Oye.)

I received a sampling of Napoleon Perdis' Spring Cosmetic Collection and was thrilled to find not one, but two yellows to play with!

In Perdis' Prismatic Eye Shadow Quad #6 there is a bright, matte purely pigmented yellow for those bold enough to rock the shade in it's glory. Try using a wet angle brush for sharp accents as eyeliner.

I also received their Loose Dust in Shiny Gold #1. Worn alone, this creates a sheer, shimmery wash of yellowish, gold. Try blending the color from lashes all the way up to the brow bone for a soft, but bold look.

Learn more about Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics and shop for your Spring Yellows here:
http://napoleonperdis.com

(images from: napoleonperdis.com)

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Oldie Sunday - RDJ

I am soooo excited for Iron Man 2 on May 7!!

Here is a reminder of how damn good Robert Downey Jr. looks!

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/12/damn-he-looks-good-robert-downey-jr.html

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Week in Review April 26 to 30, 2010

Miso happy I found Eden Foods: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/eden-foods-genmai-miso_26.html

Another protein heavy diet promising thinness forever: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/dukan-diet.html

FAB cleanser for every skin condition: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/fab-first-aid-beauty.html

A serious Spin workout: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/speed-acceleration-spin-ride.html

Buddha Babalicious tote: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/buddha-babe.html