Buddha Babe

Obsessed!
I am completely obsessed with Buddha Babe bags and mats!
Toting your yoga mat around town has never looked so hip, stylish and fashionable!

Made from "kind" polyvinyl, the totes have a leather look, with the signature Buddha Babe flower motif impression for texture. The bags are weather proof and wipe clean.

They come in three crazy cool colors - black for the yoganista who prefers to be on the down low, pewter for the active gal who chooses stealth neutrals and orange for the statement making gym/yoga/pilates rat!

The Buddha Babe bag will hold everything you need for your entire day between its zippered compartments, including a spot for your laptop and a cozy bottom opening to house your yoga mat!

Shop Buddha Bag totes and more here: http://buddhababeinc.com/index.php

(image from: buddhababeinc.com)

Speed Acceleration Spin Ride

I had to share this KILLER spin ride I taught yesterday.
This is 45 minutes of relentless acceleration intervals.
Get ready to sweat!!

5:00 min Warm Up: Flat road 80 - 110rpm
3:45 Accelerations begin! Flat road: :30 accelerate (do not go above 110rpm - if you do - add resistance!), :30 recover (do not fall below 80 rpm)
3:30 Establish a seated climb 60 - 80 rpm :30 accelerate : 30 recover
4:45 Standing Flat Road 80 - 110 rpm :30 accelerate :45 recover (stand whole time!)
4:00 TABATA Intervals Seated Flat 80 - 100 :20 accelerate :10 recovery (do not go above 110 rpm on acceleration, if you do - add resistance! Try not to fall below 80 rpm on recovery)
3:00 RECOVERY Flat Road ... flush legs, no resistance.
1:00 establish BIG Hill
3:15 Standing Climb :30 acceleration :30 recovery 60 - 80 rpm
5:00 JUMPS Seated flat, Standing Flat 1:00 4 count jumps up and down, then 1:00 acceleration jumps - quicken cadence and jump speed 80 - 110 rpm
5:00 Seated Flat 1:00 acceleration 1:00 recovery 60 - 80 rpm
2:00 RECOVERY fast and flat 100 -110 rpm no resistance
5:00 cool down/stretch

(image from: shutterstock.com)

FAB First Aid Beauty

I realized I'd better post about FAB - First Aid Beauty, after I have now told a million people that they must try this line exclusive to Sephora.

FAB or First Aid Beauty (totally clever and cute, no?) was created to remedy even the most challenging skin. Issues like dermatitis, eczema and rosacea are tricky to find products that don't irritate and don't contain chemicals and common allergens. Even dermatologists seem to recommend products for these conditions that contain SLS, Parabens and Petroleum.

Enter FAB!!

FAB products are allergy tested, fragrance free and contain no Parabens, SLS, Petroleum or other icky stuff!! Plus - the price point is FAB too!!

The superstar standout of the line is their Face Cleanser. Gentle, creamy, yet foamy - this cleanser is suitable for all skin types and will please even the most finicky gel cleanser devotee without stripping the skin. LOVES it!

FAB products are available exclusively at Sephora.

Learn more here: http://firstaidbeauty.com

(image from: firstaidbeauty.com)

The Dukan Diet

Apparently, on May 13, 2010 the next big diet craze will be released in an English version.

Previously only available in France, The Dukan Diet promises forever slimness, if you commit to a strict protein only induction phase and a "protein only" Thursday for the rest of your existence.

According to my "internet research," the French have kept this diet "secret" for years, with only stars like Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez being privy to it's power.

An article from The Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1267106/The-ultimate-diet-The-French-kept-secret-years-Now-protein-rich-Dukan-Diet-coming-Britain.html)
shows this daily meal plan:

Breakfast: Coffee or tea (with skimmed milk and sweetener if desired), two small non-fat yoghurts or 225g non-fat cottage cheese, and one slice turkey, chicken or low-fat ham, or one boiled egg. snack: one small non-fat yogurt or 115g of non-fat cottage cheese.

Lunch: Crab sticks, chicken leg, poached salmon fillets or pepper steak with egg custard* for pudding. snack: one non-fat yoghurt and a slice of turkey.

Dinner: Prawns sauteed in herbs* and tandoori chicken escalopes* or moules mariniere and boiled beef and no-sugar vanilla creme*. Plus an oatbran pancake

So, is The Dukan Diet just another version of The Atkins Diet??

We won't know until the English version is released on May 13, 2010.

(image from:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dukan-Diet-Dr-Pierre/dp/144471032X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271946897&sr=8-1)

Eden Foods Genmai Miso

I've recently been delving into the Yin/Yang world of Macrobiotics.

A staple of the diet are soups; most commonly homemade miso soups.

Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and rice, or soybeans and barley, or just soybeans.

Miso was a superfood before the term was even coined. Filled with enzymes and microorganisms that act as "probiotics" to the gut, miso is considered a "live" food. Flourinating your gut with good bacteria like that found in miso, aids digestion and helps encourage an overall more healthy internal environment in your body.

I reached out to Eden Foods (http://edenfoods.com), the premier provider of not only the most high quality organic foods, but a supplier of many food items for the macrobiotic lifestyle. You must browse their website for healthy, cullinary inspiration!

Eden Foods graciously sent me their Genmai Miso to try.

Genmai Miso is made from soybeans and brown rice, aged in cedar kegs for eighteen months. The result is a coppery, deep brown, flavorful paste perfect for salad dressings and miso soup.

I dove right in, making a batch of carrot, ginger, miso salad dressing. Please see the recipe below ... it is divine!

Then, I made my first pot of miso soup. I used the recipe at Edenfoods.com and tweaked it a bit. http://www.edenfoods.com/recipes/view.php?recipes_id=247
(Be sure to delve into the extensive recipe section on their site - there is an entire section devoted to macrobiotics!)


The soup was so easy to make, turned out superbly delicious and was one of my most rewarding cooking experiences ever. There is something really special about using fresh ingredients, lovingly washing and cutting veggies, smelling the miso meld into the simmering soup and serving such a lovely dish. There is a simplicity and sophistocation to colorful veggies floating in a cloudy, bronzy miso broth. I snapped a picture that doesn't quite capture my soup's beauty, but you get the drift!

Try incorporating miso into your current diet and reap the tasty and biological benefits!

Be sure to shop Edenfoods.com for an amazing array of organic, ethnic and specialty foods.


Miso Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing:
1- large organic carrot
1/2 cup filtered water
juice of 1/2 fresh lime
1 tbsp Eden Toasted Sesame Oil (http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=109420)
1 tbsp Flax Oil
2 tbsp Eden Genamai Miso (http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=107780
1 - 2 inch chunk of fresh organic ginger with or without peel
1 tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos

Cut carrot into blendable chunks.
Place all ingredients in Vitamix or powerful blender and blend.

Refrigerate unused dressing for up to one week.

Oldie Sunday - MSM

Springtime means hitting the pavement to work out outside.
Which also means, pounding on joints and connective tissue.
Reread this old post and consider MSM supplementation:
http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/msm-sulfur.html

Week in Review April 19-23, 2010

High Intensity Intervals for any modality: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/tabata-brutality.html

Crunching raw veggies to ground energy: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/yoga-of-raw-veggies.html

Vegan Weight Loss Challenge: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/gobble-green-weight-loss-challenge.html

Ways to celebrate Earth Day all year long: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day.html

Meditate to Manifest: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/beastie-zen.html

Beastie Zen

The Beastie Boys have always been on the cutting edge of music, but now MCA (also know as Adam Yauch) is taking finding a cure for cancer to a new level.

Yauch was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary glands and as a proclaimed Buddhist, has made meditation a part of his treatment.

Last Tuesday, Yauch rallied Beastie fans to join him in meditating to destroy cancer:

"a few friends and i are meditating at the same time twice a day. 9:30am and 6:30pm eastern standard time, for about an hour and half.

we are picturing smashing apart all of the cancer cells in the world.

we are visualizing taking the energy away from the cancer, and then sending it back at the cancer as lightening bolts that will break apart the DNA and RNA of the cells. if you have the time, please join us in whipping up this lightening storm. mind over matter..."

I love this idea and wholeheartedly believe in the power of manifesting our deepest desires through the power of thought and meditation.

Whether you want to join Yauch in meditating to fight cancer, or you have your own cause to materialize, try directing your thoughts and energy for a dedicated period of time each day towards your goal.


(image from: shutterstock.com)

Earth Day

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day!

Hard to believe this celebration of the planet we live on has been around that long!!

Amazing it took four decades for being "green" to catch on!

Better late than never - especially in this case!

Here are some ways for you to celebrate Earth Day ... while looking and feeling damn good!

1. Eat a predominantly plant based diet.

2. Compost the trimmings and waste from your mostly plant based diet.

3. Start using a reusable water bottle already!

4. Carpool, walk, bike or take public transport to work - even once a week!

5. Use organic, natural body products.

6. Use natural household cleaners.

7. Support your local co-op, farmer's markets and CSA.

8. Make a conscious effort to conserve water and energy.

9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!

10. Frequent thrift stores, resale stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army and garage sales for groovy clothing, household items, books and more to reduce your consumption and carbon footprint.

(image from: wallpaperstock.net)

Gobble Green Weight Loss Challenge

In support of Earth Day, eating responsibily, looking and feeling damn good - I had to let you know about this great program from Gobble Green, the gourmet Vegan Meal delivery service I told you about last week. If you missed my review of their awesome meals ... click here: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/gobble-green.html


The owners of Gobble Green, Jennifer Clary & Kevin Haberer emailed me to let me know about this amazing program, for an unbelievable price!

The press release is quoted below:


"The Gobble Green Challenge is the amazing new 12 week weight loss program that will slim your waistline and save lives! Sign up for The Gobble Green Challenge at www.gobblegreen.com/challenge today to get on The Custom Green Plan, featuring personalized menu preparation and exercise instruction from Gobble Green’s fitness and nutrition expert, Erin Gerlitzki. The Custom Green Plan retails for $850.00, but for participants of The Gobble Green Challenge, there are packages starting at only $495.00 per month for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert every day plus access to Gobble Green’s nutrition and fitness advisor. That’s just $16.50 per day to eat delicious gourmet cuisine, get in shape with your own personal nutritionist/fitness trainer, and win amazing prizes like sponsorship of animals and hungry children by Gobble Green…you can’t afford NOT to take this challenge!

Call 1-800-684-7618 or go to www.gobblegreen.com/challenge today to sign up for The Gobble Green Challenge, the weight loss program that will change your life and the lives of others!"

Less than $20 bucks a day for all your food and a fitness plan, plus you are in it for charity!!

If you've been looking for a way to implement a plant based diet, to get in shape or you just want to look and feel damn good ... check out The Gobble Green Challenge!

(image from: gobblegreen.com)

The Yoga of Raw Veggies

Local Co-ops, grocers and farmer's markets are starting to buzz with early crops and lately I've been craving the satisfying crunch of raw veggies.

I've been washing and chopping my earthly treasures and packing them for all day snacking.

I've also been trying to overcome my habit of absent mindedly shoveling food into my mouth, as so many of us in my industry unfortunately do - as we cram fuel in between clients.

I'm making a conscious effort to sit quietly, without distraction and focus on my meals.

This is especially important with raw veggies. You need to masticate those suckers! A lot. Like until they are liquefied to get the full benefit of the enzymes, vitamins, fiber and nutrients - without upsetting your stomach.

The cool side effect is that I am experiencing this major calming, grounding quality from consuming food that has been grown responsibly in the earth in as close to it's most natural state as possible.

It's an undeniable, cooling, mellowing sensation. Plus, I feel all glowy from all the raw goodness!

Prep some crudities for yourself this week and take the time to truly chew, in a peaceful setting. Experience the veggie chill out several times during the day.

Ahhhhh ... the garden of bliss! It's like yoga with veggies! A meditation cornucopia. The produce section with benefits.

(image from: stockvault.net)

Tabata Brutality

How about a workout that takes just four minutes?

But, these four minutes are the toughest bouts of :20 seconds of intense work followed by only :10 seconds of recovery repeated eight times.

Let me spell that out:
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery

Now ... apply these intervals to whatever exercise modality you like ...

Spinning
Jogging
Strength Training
Plyometrics
Yoga
Stepmill

And voila! You have four minutes of intense activity that translates to cardiovascular and strength gains!

I challenge you to repeat your tabata intervals up to four times for a twenty minute killer workout!

Be sure to follow with a long, deep stretch, lots of water, an ice bath, epsom salts or whatever else you need to recover from TABATA BRUTALITY!!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

Oldie Sunday

The produce is getting sooooo good! Such a reminder that summer is getting closer!

A reminder to eat your grapes - with seeds:
http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/seeded-grapes.html

Week in Review April 12 to 16, 2010

Gourmet Vegan Meal Delivery Service: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/gobble-green.html

Three in one all natural cleanser: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/benedetta.html

Wake up already! http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/benedetta.html

Handmade loungy gorgeousness: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/plum-pretty-sugar.html

Happy Yogic Hips: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/pursuit-of-happy-hips.html

The Pursuit of Happy Hips

I never win contests. There are people who always win contests. I am not one of them.

Well, I used to not be! That all changed when I won Eoin Finn's "The Pursuit of Happy Hips" yoga DVD from http://fitceleb.com!

I was super excited not only from the thrill of winning, but from the prize itself!

Eoin Finn was one of my first VHS Yoga Teachers. His "Power Yoga" (2002) tape (yes, I typed tape - because that's what it was) was on heavy rotation because it was a wonderful riff on the Ashtanga Primary Series. Plus, Eoin is this groovy Canadian Surfer Yogi - and I totally dig that.

Eoin's newest offering was released in December 2009 and is a stunningly filmed collection of four practices designed to open the hips.

From a short and sweet 43 minute sequence, to a 51 minute more chill practice... all the way to a movin' and groovin' 80 minute flow, there is a practice for every yogi on this dvd.

Eoin's instruction is detailed, filled with wonderful yogic and Asian wisdom tidbits and totally laid back with a beachy, "hang loose" vibe.
You will feel transported to the gorgeous Candadian locales Eoin and his athletic co-yogis are practicing in.

There are great DVD features such as a preview of each practice and an anatomy tutorial from Eoin (in which he wears a "Bliss Army" tee-shirt that I must have!)

This DVD has a ton of bang for your yogic buck and is sure to become one of your juicy, tasty, flowy favorites.

Learn more about Eoin Finn and purchase his DVD's here: http://blissology.com

(image from: amazon.com)

Plum Pretty Sugar

The name of this handmade clothing company available on Etsy befits this feminine, soft line of "loungerie."

The prints on the simple, chic, loungey garments are simply stunning. A mix of soft pastels and vibrant hues the line has an ethnic, bohemian feel perfect for throwing on to go to and from yoga class or the gym.

I am obsessed with the Darling Jardin Fitted Caftan pictured above. I am considering it as my dress for my sister's wedding. The fabric is from India, so this garment would have more than just fashion meaning for me, as I hope to journey there in 2011!

The line also includes bedding and accessories.

Check out the entire Plum Pretty Sugar line and shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumprettysugar
(image from: http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumprettysugar)

Rise and Shine

There is nothing like getting a head start on the day.

Regardless of whether my schedule necessitates it, I make it a point to wake up between 4:30 and 5:00am each day to get my yoga practice and internetting done.

I have a ritual of setting the coffee maker (prepped with water and yerba mate bags) the night before so I wake up to a pot of hot yerba mate. I enjoy the steaming brew while I email and surf the web. Then I hit the yoga mat for "me" time.

On days I sleep in, I make sure I still allot enough time for this sacred, meditative time. If I get tired during the day, ideally I take a 10 - 20 minute rest or power through it and go to bed a bit earlier.

Ultimately, I fall asleep faster and my sleep is more restful and solid.

Getting up early allows me to work a full day and still enjoy time with my family, knowing that I took care of my needs first thing of the day.

Try waking up early to get tasks, workouts and whatever else you need to center yourself and motivate yourself for the day in. It will take 21 - 28 days for your body to get used to the new schedule, but your sanity will thank you for it.

(image from: shutterpoint.com)

Benedetta

Certified Organic Botanicals?
Check.
Holistic Skin Care Philosophy?
Check.
Amazing aroma?
Check.
Multi use product?
Check.
Formulated without the use of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Propylene Glycol or synthetic fragrances?
Check.
Results?
Check.

I discovered Benedetta "Fresh" Aromatherapeutics on a recent jaunt to San Francisco, CA.

Crafted in small batches in Sonoma County, CA, Benedetta has been around since 1996. Benedetta uses "recyclable glass packaging, recycled shipping materials, non-toxic natural cleaners in production and our minimalist business practices, have insured the ethical and practical support of the environment. Our products never have been and never will be tested on animals." (benedetta.com)

Benedetta generously sent me a sampling of their products that included the Facial Sampler, The Deoderant Spray, Sacred Soap, Vibrant Body Lotion, Seaweed Mask and Seaweed Bath.

The most revolutionary and unique product I sampled was their Rosemary and Geranium Creme Cleanser. This creamy product is applied to dry skin and massaged into the skin using the Benedetta technique explained in the accompanying instructions. The cleanser is a triple whammy cleanser, exfoliant and toner all in one step. The cleanser can be left on the skin for an extended period of time for more intense results and used overnight as a spot treatment.
I used the cleanser as detailed for everyday use, massaging it into my skin for 1 - 2minutes and then rinsing with a warm washcloth.
My extremely sensitive skin was left hydrated and much softer and smoother than usual.
I followed the cleanser with the rest of the regimen included in the Facial Sampler and was extremely impressed by the unique, effective products that left a delicious aroma that lingered throughout the day.

Benedetta offers trial sizes of all their products on their website. I highly suggest the extremely well price facial sampler along with a seaweed mask to give the line a try.

Purchase and learn more about Benedetta here: http://benedetta.com

(image from: benedetta.com)

Gobble Green

Earth Day is approaching and it's a great reminder to inventory your habits and how they affect our planet.

Using the products mentioned in this blog is one way to minimize your impact on the environment while helping you to look damn good.

Another truly powerful way you can also "go green" is by eating a diet that is mostly plant based.

Gobble Green is a company that has taken this idea and created a gourmet vegan food delivery service, making it more convenient than ever to eat in an environmentally responsible and healthful way.

Gobble Green sent me a days worth of food that best represented their service, so I dug in for a day of vegan eats! Gobble Green recommends supplementing the packaged food with fruits, veggies and a B12 supplement. Plus, they have plenty of gluten and sugar free choices for those on a limited diet.

The frozen food arrived in a large, environmentally friendly cardboard box lined with plastic and dry ice.

Each entree is minimally packaged in a vacuum sealed bag that you open and reheat.

I started the day with their "Sausage and Cheese" Biscuit. The texture unfortunately did not translate after reheating in the microwave, but the flavor was dense and reminiscent of the real thing. It was also surprisingly filling. It was also a total treat for someone who usually starts the day with a kale juice, yogurt and flax.

Next I had the Macaroni and "Cheese." This was a very satisfying vegan version of the quintessential comfort food. I mixed in frozen peas and broccoli to get some veggies in. Again - a total indulgence for me ... as macaroni definitely isn't on my everyday menu!

Now, stay with me ... because the superstars of the Gobble Green Menu are about to make their appearance in my culinary schedule ...

Still full from my first two entrees ... I heated the Portabella and Asparagus Rice Pilaf. A fragrantly, enticing aroma began to fill the kitchen from this simple, yet sophisticated dish made from organic asparagus, organic garlic, organic portabella mushrooms, organic walnuts, organic grape seed oil and organic brown rice.
The moment the first bite hit my palette, I became a Gobble Green devotee. Now this is what healthy, tasty vegan fare is all about. This entree is a standout option both in flavor and nutrition. I could live on it.

For my final meal I sampled the Kung Pao "Chicken." I was a bit skeptical, since again - this was nothing I would ever even order at a restaurant, but THANK YOU Gobble Green for sending this wheat meat with an asian spin! Perfectly spiced, filled with huge chunks of red pepper and textured with whole peanuts, this entree was a hit! If I didn't know it was vegan - I would have never guessed.

Dessert was a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie. The Gobble Green cookies are huge, yet not overly sweet - the perfect treat to complement their superb fare.

The days calorie total without the addition of my fruits and veggies was 1583 ... a perfect amount for most active folks of my size (a woman 5'2 ish and 120lbs) to actually sustain and possibly lose weight on. The fat count comes in at about 42% of daily calories, the carbs at 45% and the protein at 14%. Ideally, I like the protein ratio a bit higher, the fat and carbs a bit lower, but these ratios would change based on the days food fare. There was a total of 21 grams of fiber - which is pretty excellent, since with the addition of fruits and veggies, the daily total would surely come in higher.

Even though this was a tasty day that fulfilled any cravings a person may have, make sure to chose some of their meals that contain less processed meat alternatives and more whole food protein sources like from beans and quinoa to make this a truly healthy eating experience.

Gobble Green has done an amazing job of creating delicious entrees that prove that vegan food can be scrumptious. I will be referring Gobble Green to my clients looking for a way to make plant based options a part of their eating regime and to anyone interested in a portion controlled, healthy, gourmet food delivery service.

If you are looking for a way to start eating a plant based diet, learn portion control and have convenient delicious meals delivered to your front door - Gobble Green is the way to go!

With the addition of an exercise program and making wise menu choices you could impact the earth and your waistline!

Learn more and purchase Gobble Green here: http://gobblegreen.com

(image from gobblegreen.com)

Oldie Sunday

Farmers Markets are starting to thrive with Spring produce popping up!
Adjust this vegetable soup recipe with seasonal goodies local to your area.

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/12/recipe-get-back-on-track-verggie-soup.html

Week in Review April 5 to 9, 2010

Be "green" while doing laundry: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/method-squeaky-green-baby-dryer-cloths.html

Sprouted Brown Rice Protein in "green" packaging: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/jay-robb-rice-protein.html

A recipe that is literally green: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/nutless-pesto.html

Organic for your lips: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/sheer-organic-shine.html

No guilt treat: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/kashi-tlc-dark-chocolate-coconut-bar.html

Kashi TLC Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar

Sustaining a clean, whole foods lifestyle can be challenging amidst a tantalizing array of packaged yum yum.

Sometimes, the convenience and gratification of tearing open a snazzily packaged treat just can't be matched by a piece of fruit.

Eat the fruit 90% or more of the time, but in moments of need - reach no further than a box of Kashi TLC Fruit and Grain bars in Dark Chocolate Coconut.

These delectable, sensibly portioned treats are a hearty rectangle of the Kashi Seven Whole Grain blend, with a thick, indulgent layer of dark chocolate and coconut holding the naturally sweetened goodness together. No icky high fructose corn syrup here!

In fact, coming in with 7 grams of sugar, 4 grams fiber, 4 grams protein and just 120calories ... these Kashi bars are a stand out choice for a snack or dessert when you crave something delish. But, try to eat only one!!

Learn more and get a coupon here: http://www.kashi.com/products/tlc_fruit_grain_bars_dark_chocolate_coconut

(image from kashi.com)

Sheer Organic Shine

I love me a shiny, shimmery lip with a hint of color!

Whether lip gloss is the only make up you wear or the crowning touch on a full face beat down, a great deal of the sparkly goodness is ingested throughout the day.

Which makes me ONLY want to use lip products that are natural, organic and made with ingredients safe for human consumption.

Kiss My Face makes a fabulously, unsticky, moderately shiny, surprisingly long wearing natural mineral lip color call Sheer Organic Shine.

My favorite is the Amethyst, which looks a deep purple in the tube, but on the lips imparts a sheer, soft plum.

See all the colors and shop here: http://www.kissmyface.com/sospages/sospage.html

(image from:kissmyface.com)

Nutless Pesto

Decadent, flavorful ... a feast for the eyes, the nose and mouth ...

Pesto is a rich concentration of flavors that compliments almost all veggies, grains, pastas and proteins.

There are lots of vegan versions out there for those who shun dairy, but for those with nut sensitivities, a meal laden with the bright green saucy wonder can be tough to find.

I have been playing around with creating my own nutless pesto. I have a gorgeous fresh basil plant I have been nurturing just for this purpose! I actually used the sauce on my "C" salad the other night!

Moderation on this one guys ... pesto is a concentrated dose of calories due to the high oil content ...

Nutless Pesto Recipe: Makes about 4 tbsp

10 - 20 fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp Parmesan/Romano blend
1/2 to 1 clove fresh garlic (to your taste)
2 tbsp organic, unfiltered flax oil
2 - 4 tbsp water

Blend all ingredients ... starting with two tablespoons of water and adding more to desired consistency.

Enjoy!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

Jay Robb Rice Protein

Sometimes it's just not convenient to eat whole food protein sources ... you need to get protein into your body on the go!

That's where protein powders are so convenient.

But, so many of them are highly processed, full of artificial sweeteners and taste awful.

Vegans, vegetarians and omnivores looking for a whey protein alternative have the additional challenge of finding a product that is minimally processed, with great quality protein.

Jay Robb to the rescue!

Jay Robb's nutritional company is probably best known for their superb hormone free egg white and whey protein.

The company also offers a spectacular Sprouted Brown Rice Protein that is gluten free, smooth and low heat processed.

This is great to try for a change of protein pace, for those who have allergies to dairy or who just want another delicious smoothie option.

Available in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry - I am particular to the vanilla so I can mix in whatever flavor add ins I fancy that day.

Jay Robb's company is also now offering "green" packaging - eco friendly bags that create less waste than traditional protein tubs.

Find out more and shop the entire Jay Robb line here: http://jayrobb.com

(image from: jayrobb.com)

Method Squeaky Green Baby Dryer Cloths

Switching to non toxic,irritant free products includes the laundry!

What goes in the washer and dryer gets into your clothes and of course, onto your skin. Many people have sensitivities to additives in laundry products that manifest themselves in skin issues.

But, who knew that most conventional dryer sheets are made with animal fat?
Ewwwww. That is just nasty. I'll take static cling over animal lard residue any day.

Method has created a unique, wet technology dryer cloth that is derived from vegetable sources.

Squeaky Green Baby Dryer Cloths come in a chic little resealable package. They are slightly damp and infuse your laundry with static free softness that you can feel good about. The vegetable sources are totally renewable, safe for sensitive skin and actually may prolong the wear of your clothing.

Learn more and purchase here: http://www.methodhome.com/product.aspx?page=608\

(image from: methodhome.com)

Oldie Sunday - 3 bites

Happy Easter!
Enjoy the holiday ... but, remember moderation today ...
Read this oldie, but look damn goodie for a portion control technique:
http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/12/victoria-beckhams-three-bite-rule.html

Week in Review Mar 29 to April 2, 2010

Fiberlicious, organic, all natural cereal: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/03/smart-bran-cereal.html

Natural, organic, high end, high performance hair care: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/03/john-masters-organics.html

Versatile garments with a twist: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/03/angelrox.html

April Foolin' ya: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/grey-lipstick.html

Lift your own bootie for strong shoulders and core: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/bootie-lift.html

Bootie Lift

This exercise is not really for the rear end as the name suggests.

Instead, it is an exercise where clearing your bum from the ground is essential to develop upper body and core strength.

Do this exercise progressively in combination with a clean diet and you will have more sculpted shoulders, flatter abs and a stronger core.

1. Sit on the floor with legs together, extended out in front of you with feet flexed. Place your hands next to your hips with fingers pointing towards toes. This is called "dandasana" or staff pose in yoga.

2. From here pull your belly button into your spine. Depress your shoulders and make firm contact into the ground with your hands. Using your upper body and lower abs - lift your seat ONLY off the floor. Lower with control. This is progression one. Build to repeating up to 10 reps for as many as 3 sets.

3. When lifting your bottom is easy ... progress to lifting the entire lower body off the floor. To do this, depress your shoulders and make firm contact into the ground with your hands. Using your upper body and lower abs lift your seat and then bring your chest slightly forward toward the floor. Continue tightening the core to lift the legs. Lower with control. Don't worry if nothing happens at first. Just keep working with the movement, strengthening the muscles and eventually you will be able to press your lower body up off the floor. Build to 10 reps for up to 3 sets.

(image from a2zyoga.com)

Grey Lipstick

First, Goth had a resurgence with the second coming of black lipstick.

Now, lips all over the runway are sporting dreary shades of grey.

Soon to be seen across the nation on Midwestern moms, collegiate ladies and Wal-Mart shoppers, grey lips are sure to catch on as the new "it" color for Spring and Summer 2010.

Universally flattering, grey lipstick peps up your whole look.

Be the first on your block to rock the shade that's not black and not white ... just somewhere in between. What a great way to express your fashion apathy.

(Ha Ha! ... April Fools!! Seriously, I couldn't even believe it when I found an image to go with this post. Hopefully, this will not come to fruition any time soon!)