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Bar Method Dancer's Body

The Bar Method delivers again with a super sweaty, upper body sculpting, thigh shaking, butt squeezing, ab carving, muscle elongating workout led by super ripped instructor, Marnie Alton.

I was sent The Bar Method Dancer's Body Advanced Workout along with the Beginner's Workout I reviewed last week.

This DVD takes it to the next level.

Marnie Alton is a fantastically inspiring instructor who obviously walks the walk and displays the results. I always find instructors with an enviable physique really push me to do more working out at home. Plus, the rest of class looks amazing and shows modifications throughout.

Constructed of the typical Bar Method series working from the warmup all the way to the stretch, this workout is sure to challenge even the most advanced barre practitioners.

No fancy music or set, just 62 minutes of detailed instruction and non-stop shaky burn!

Learn more and purchase The Bar Method DVD's here: http://thebarmethod.com/

(image from: barmethod.com)

F Factor Cereal

Always on the hunt for high fiber cereal to munch on and especially ones without artificial sweeteners, I was thrilled to find F Factor Cereals at my local food co-op.

Created by F-Factor Diet guru, Tanya Becker, these cereals are loaded with fiber and none of the nasty fake stuff found in some brands.

I purchased all three varieties - High Fiber SKinnys, Skinnys n' Fruit and Mini Cinnamon O's with Raisins and Almonds.

All three are really great!

The Skinny's are just that - skinny strips of fiber filled cereal. I eat mine with unsweetened almond milk. They get soggy fast, but they are almost better that way!

The O's are crunchy, lightly sweetened yumminess that I've been slamming with cottage cheese for a filling, satisfying breakfast.

Do they taste like Cheerios or Honey Bunches of Oats? Um, hell no. But, the nutritional punch of a load of fiber makes them worth adding into your diet.

Learn more here: http://www.ffactorfoods.com/cereals.php

(Image from: http://ffactorfoods.com)

Do Something Damn Good

Sometimes to look damn good, you need to do something that is damn good.

Blogger, writer and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Tim Ferris has some great ideas for quickie internet do-good activities.

Check out his post here: Four Hour Work Week Blog

(image of Tim Ferris from : http://fourhourworkweek.com)

The Bar Method Beginner's Workout

As a huge fan of "barre" workouts, I was very excited to hear about The Bar Method's new DVD releases.

I was sent a copy of The Bar Method Beginner's Workout and was excited to give it a go!

Even as an experienced exerciser and advanced barre workout practitioner, sometimes going back to the basics can be a really effective way to hone technique and really focus on muscle activation.

And by the soreness in my muscles the day after doing this DVD - I can tell you that barre fans of any level with benefit from this video.

At 37 minutes, this DVD is the perfect length for a quickie workout, or to add some interval cardio afterward to.

Led my Burbank Bar Method Studio owner, Joey Decker, the workout covers the entire body with a quick warmup, an arm series, a thigh series, seat series, abs and bridging with stretching interspersed throughout the workout - a Bar Method Trademark.

As originators in the group barre class trend, The Bar Method videos - especially those led by founder, Burr Leonard are a must for any collection. The DVD's are the most technical of any I tried and are deceptively effective.

Learn more and purchase Barre Method DVD's here: http://barmethod.com

Mother's Stackable Rings

Check out this great idea for a Mother's Day gift from A Trio Jewelry!

Give your mom a set of these "Mother's Stackable Rings" with birthstones representing each of her children.

The rings can be done in sterling silver, gold or platinum and set with whatever combination of stones stacks to create a "family" on her finger.

Call (414) 431-7112 or email: atrio@atriojewelry.com to order.

Victoria Beckham Aviators

Combing two of my favorite things - Victoria Beckham and Rose Gold, these aviator sunglasses are my fantasy item right now!

Available on Net-a-porter.com in18K rose gold, these Victoria Beckham designed shades are a little out of my price range, but a girl can dream!

Check 'em out and the rest of Victoria Beckham's collection here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/111606

(image from net-a-porter.com)

Target Makeup Spring 2011

Lucky me ... and now lucky you for getting the lowdown on affordable cosmetics from Target that deliver professional payoff!

I was sent a sampler of some of Target's Spring 2011 makeup from Napoleon Perdis, Jemma Kidd and Pixi.

I am going to post several looks created with these pieces.

Today I was inspired by the prospect of summer that comes with Spring! So, I chose bronzy shades mixed with a bright lip that is right on color trend for Spring.

I started with NP Set "It Takes Two" Concealer and Foundation pot in Medium. This genius product packages a creamy, sheer to medium coverage concealer on top of a whipped foundation. I applied the concealer with a natural hair brush under my eyes, around the nose and chin. The foundation has a spatula that dispenses the perfect amount of product. I used my fingers to blend it seamlessly into my skin. It absorbed quickly and set to a natural finish. (http://www.target.com/NP-Set-Beauty/b?ie=UTF8&node=699028011)

I then contoured and bronzed my face using JK Jemma Kidd In Vogue Perfect Blush in South Beach. Comprised of several shades packaged together in one block, you can use the colors separately, or blend them together. I used a contour brush to blend the palette and then applied under the cheekbones, along the jaw and hairline and on the temples. The blush is matte and gives an excellent color payoff that easily blends to melt into the skin. (http://www.target.com/JK-Jemma-Kidd-Beauty/b?ie=UTF8&node=699030011)

I filled in my brows and then moved to the eye.

As a base, I used JK Jemma Kidd Glitterati Shadow Dust Duo in Papparazi. I applied the liquid shadow first to the entire lid up through the crease; a silky liquid shadow with sponge applicator tip. I then rolled the glitter dust straight from the roller ball on top of the liquid and blended upward with a flat, stiff brush. The glitter is super fine, so it has a sophistocated, very JLO shimmery eye, quality look to it.

I then popped open the Pixi Week of Makeup Makeup Palette. This is a must have for anyone looking to update their makeup palette, a makeup junkie who travels a ton or a gal just starting out. It has eyeshadows, blushes and lip colors, packaged in one case organized by day. The shades are coordinated by day to take all the guesswork out! Since it was Monday when I did this look, I used the Monday eyeshadows to highlight under my browbone and contour my crease. The shadows are highly pigmented, smooth and shimmery. (http://www.target.com/Pixi-Beauty/b?ie=UTF8&node=699029011)

I finished the eye with black liquid liner and and mascara.

Using the same Monday colors from the Pixi palette, I brushed the shimmery blush onto the apples of my cheeks and blended into the bronzer.

For the lip, I used the bright coral Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Coral Cammellia. A silky, moisturizing product, the Lip Twin is comprised of 100% natural lip balm in the tube and lipstick bullet in the cap! I used the lipstick bullet first to load on the nourishing color and then swiped the balm on top.

I couldn't help but top it all of with a bit of the Monday gloss from the Pixi Wakeup Makeup Palette.

The result ... a glowing, bronzy, shimmery look with a bright lip that pops!

YAY! Spring is here!

The complements poured in on the day I rocked this look.

Learn more and purchase all products at Target or online at: http://target.com

Beautisol

As a mobile airbrush tanner, I am always looking for products to help my clients maintain, maximize and extend the life of their sunless tan!

I was sent a bottle of Beautisol "Need I Glow More" Face Self Tanner for sensitive skin. Beautisol was founded and developed by licensed esthetician and self-tan queen, Sinead Norenius. http://selftanningqueen.com

I had a five day old airbrush tan I was already rocking, so I decided to see how "Need I Glow More" would work with it.

I applied a pea size amount per the instructions at night before bed to my face and decollete.

The product has a dark tint as a color guide and bronzer. I prefer to use these tinted products at night, so when I wake up the color is fully developed, I can rinse the bronzer off and see the result.

Much to my delight, I woke the next morning moisturized, darker, bronzed, totally even and glowing!

Totally "tan-tastic!"

Beautisol face self-tanner is an amazing way to really extend the life of your self tan. I don't know about you, but my face and decollete are always the first to lose color and "Need I Glow More" instantly remedied that.

I am willing to say it would extend a full body self tan by at least 3 - 5 days, by keeping the areas that start to fade first just as bronze as the rest of your body!

The most incredible feature of this product though, was the absence of the tell-tale self-tan odor than inevitably develops as the product reacts with your skin.

Beautisol is completely odor free once developed! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

To learn more and purchase: http://beautisol.com

(image from: beautisol.com)

MAC Packed to Go

They've finally done it.

MAC Cosmetics sampler packs.

For $38.00 to $43.50 you try samplers of MAC's best selling items grouped by category or look.

From stylish to rocker, these kits are a great way to add some MUST HAVE, high quality items to your cosmetics collection!

Check it out: http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/5070/index.tmpl

Vixibar

I hear it all the time from my clients.

"I was out running errands/traveling/whatever and I got hungry and the only thing to eat was fast food."

Bologna. Literally. Ewwww for such a lame excuse NOT to eat healthfully!

Eating healthy on the go takes a little preparation to ensure you don't blow your diet by becoming ravenous on the road.

I always give my clients a run down of healthy snacks to stash in the car and their purse to prevent bingeing on junk.

I have a new item to add to the list! Vixibars - "a bar without compromise." I am always searching for a bar that doesn't have a list of unpronounceable mystery ingredients and Vixibar more than passes the test.

Vixibar is an all natural, gluten free, no sugar added, soy free, dairy free portable bar created by athlete, nutritional coach and certified personal trainer, Kate Criswell. My kind of girl!

So, if there's no bad stuff, what's in Vixibars? Just natural whey protein, fruits, nuts and natural flavors. I'm in.

I was sent an assortment of flavors to try by Vixibar: Peanut Butter and Jelly, Cherry Biscotti, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Macaroon and Apple Crisp.

Sampled them all while on a whirlwind trip ... Vixibars were my healthy snack stash!

Just when I thought a flavor couldn't be beat ... I'd try the next one and be all about it! But, Cherry Biscotti was a true stand out for me! YUM!

Learn more and purchase Vixibars here: http://vixibar.com

Stay tuned!

I'll be back in the next couple days!

Meantime ... enjoy a post from the past on exercises you should be doing ...

http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2010/06/exercises-you-should-be-doing.html

Yoga Paparazzi

It's nice to see gossip with great intentions!

Found a super positive alternative to celebrity drama in my Inbox the other day from Yoga Paparazzi, an e-newsletter with the tagline, "Good News about Good People doing Good Things." Pictured are the founders, Moses, Zeina and Bella.

YES! I love it!! Spread the love energy ... our world sure needs it right now.

Crammed with a recipe, a joke, plenty of spotlights on yoga happenings and profiles of well, good people doing good things, Yoga Paparazzi is a great way to get a dose of good mojo.

Read the latest issue here:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Yoga-Paparazzi-Magazine--Issue-1.html?soid=1101048613584&aid=6alYRwtBDH8

(image from: yoga paparazzi issue 1)

Stockn'Go

I love a deal!! Especially a deal on beauty products!!

I was just made aware of Stockn'Go, an online personal/beauty products retailer that offers rock bottom prices on brand name beauty items!

Yes, it kind of sounds like the sister of Circle K, but there are no slurpees, slushees, or foil wrapped junk food here!

Stockn'Go carries hair care, skin care, personal care, health care and household items from brands like, Tigi, Clarins, MD Skincare and more!

Plus get 20% off your first order of $25 or more! That'll be easy to do when you see the beauty bootie they've got!''

Check out their daily deals and clearance items for even more gorgeous savings!

See if your favorites are carried by Stockn'Go here: http://stockngo.com

(image from: stockngo.com)

Curry Coconut Shrimp Stir Fry

Sometimes a girl has gotta scrape together a healthy meal with what's layin' around.
I was looking for something yummy that would taste "damn good" while helping to keep me looking damn good.
So, I came up with this delish dish. Enjoy!

Curry Coconut Stir Fry
Ingredients:
1 package uncooked frozen shrimp (I use Trader Joe's) THAWED
1/4 cup water
1/2 can Trader Joe's Light Coconut Milk
1/2 onion
1/2 package baby carrots - chopped
1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
1 cup peapods
1 cup sugar snap peas
1 tbsp coconut oil
4 tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric

In a large stir fry pan or wok, heat coconut oil until it melts. Add onions and cook until they start to turn clear.
Add water, coconut milk, Bragg's and all spices and bring to simmer.
Add rest of veggies and cook for 3 minutes.
Add thawed, rinsed shrimp.
Cover and "steam" for two minutes.
Uncover and stir fry for one - two minutes until shrimp is cooked.

Spoon with sauce into bowl and enjoy! May serve over quinoa or brown rice or just eat alone.

False Lashes

It's amazing what a little lash'll do ya!

Even the most meticulously applied shadows or widest eyes can use the extra "pop" a false lash can lend.

Think false lashes are too hard to apply?

Nonsense! Here are some tricks to make applying lashes a quick, easy step in your makeup routine!

(These instructions are for AFTER you've already applied all eye makeup, including mascara and a bold, dark line near your natural lash line.)

1. Use a forgiving design like those labeled "Demi Wispies." These lashes don't need extra mascara and their lush, fanned out appearance blend seamlessly into the lashline. I like Salon Perfect lashes available at Walmart - they are inexpensive and reusable.

2. Remove the lashes from the case using your thumb to gently drag the lash from the plastic. Save the case to store your lashes. Then, using a black creme liner like Smashbox Jet Set, blacken the lash band by pressing the band onto the back of your hand and applying the liner with a brush.

3. Trim the lashes. The easiest lash to apply is 3/4 or 1/2 of the full lash on the outside of your eye. So, play with the length you like by snipping from the OUTSIDE lashes - these are the longest ones. You want the short lashes - so don't clip those!

4. Apply a thin line of DUO lash adhesive to the lash band and let set for 15 seconds.

5. The longest lashes should line up with the edge of the OUTSIDE of your eye. Lay the lash as close to your natural lash line as possible. The shortest lashes will fall towards the middle to inside corner of your eye.

5. Fan the lashes upwards to get a bright, flirty look.

6. Once adhesive is dry, touch up eyeliner using a dark liquid or creme.

7. To remove - gently peel the lash from the outside corner in. Remove adhesive by catching a loose edge and peeling off. Store lashes in case they came in!

Voila! LASHES!!

Learn more and purchase lashes here: http://salonperfect.com

Paleo

Perhaps no diet concept is as entrenched in history as The Paleo Diet.

Based on the principle that we should eat a diet of unprocessed foods just like Hunter/Gatherers did, The Paleo Diet consists of eating protein, nuts, fruits and veggies. Foods like corn, wheat, dairy and beans that were developed as agriculture developed, are forbidden.

The "bible" for this diet is Robb Wolf's "The Paleo Solution," which was provided for me by the publisher. An engaging, fast read, Wolf's research and logic makes a lot of sense. Basically a "lower" carb diet of unprocessed foods, most people will respond positively and with weight/fat loss by making the changes Wolf suggests.

Wolf also includes a workout plan consisting of mult-joint, functional movements that amp up the effectiveness of the food.

I often prescribe a modified Paleo Diet to clients who tell me they work out and eat a certain way, but aren't getting results. After a week of Paleo-like eating, they are thrilled.

The book also includes some really delicious, easy recipes.

And like all diets, The Paleo Solution has inspired a cook book!

Tuttle Publishing also sent me a copy of "Everyday Paleo" by Sarah Fragoso, a trainer at Robb Wolf's gym.

This large, full color book is more than a cook book, it's a fantastic "how to" for those who want to really embrace the Paleo lifestyle. This book has quickly become my favorite, inspiring new meals and reinvigorating my passion to eat healthfully.

While Wolf's book is filled with tons of research and science, "Everyday Paleo" is an easy read that really gets to the heart of how to eat and live a Paleo lifestyle, even extending it to your entire family.

This book is more than just a cookbook filled with delicious recipes that even a kitchen novice could execute, "Everyday Paleo" also includes a workout schedule with illustrated exercises, shopping list and meal calendars. It's really everything you need to kick start a Paleo lifestyle eating and fitness plan.

I highly recommend this book - especially to those who need to cook for more than just themselves. The recipes and strategies Fragoso details make Paleo palatable for everyone!

Learn more here:
http://everydaypaleo.com
http://robbwolf.com/

(image from: everydaypaleo.com)

Acai Smoothie

My smoothies have gotten exotic lately, with the addition of Acai!

Acai has gotten a lot of hype and some criticism especially when packaged as a multi-level marketing juice. Always a purist, I use pure, unsweetened frozen acai that comes in individual "smoothie" packets.

Acai is bursting with antioxidants, omegas, fiber and protein. Acai had me at the antioxidants, the other stuff is a major bonus!

With a hat that size, you will have no trouble

Here is a great smoothie recipe to try using Sambazon Organic Acai Berry Puree packets:

In a blender combine:

1 cup - Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 packet Stevia in the Raw
1 scoop Vanilla or plain flavored protein with no added sugar: I use Egg White Protein or Hemp Protein
1/2 frozen banana
1 packet - Sambazon Acai
1 - 2 cups spinach or a scoop of green food powder

Blend and enjoy!

Learn more and purchase Sambazon Acai here: http://sambazon.com

(image from: sambazon.com)

LaloFit

I had to remind you of this great workout DVD from Lalo Fuentes that I reviewed back in June 2010:
http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2010/06/lalofit.html

I just did this DVD for the first time in a while and it kicked my butt!

A thorough warm up (that will feel like a workout itself) is followed by supersets of compound exercises that will leave you swimming in sweat. This challenging routine is followed by an almost nine minute stretch that truly cools you down.

I'll be adding back into my DVD rotation regularly!

Learn more and purchase LaloFit DVD's here:
http://lalofitness.com/

(image from lalofitness.com)

Spring Cleaning

I don't know about your "neck of the woods" ... but, Spring is definitely here where I am!
Light rains mixed with milder temperatures ... Daylight savings time ...

What a great reminder to do some inner Spring Cleaning!

This is the time to start kicking your goals into high gear!

A great way to do that is to do a little "digestive" cleaning ... get things moving a bit, eh?

Be sure you are chewing your food well, taking your time to eat undistracted and drinking at least your bodyweight in ounces of plain water per day. Yes - plain water.

Water is IMO the BEST cleansing, detoxing agent out there!! It naturally flushes out your system, while hydrating you!

Adding in a cup or two of green tea is helpful too!

As far as food goes ... GREEN is the color for spring! Eat unlimited cooked/raw, plain green veggies. Add these into your current nutritional plan!!

Add spinach to your egg whites, a big salad to your lunch and steamed broccoli/asparagus to dinner!

You may also want to add some cleansing yoga twists into your workout warm up/cool down.

Here is a five minute twist series to try:
http://life.gaiam.com/video/energize-am-quick-yoga-twist-sequence-how

Have fun with your clean out!

(image from istockphoto.com)

Cle De Peau Concealer and Eye Cream

Some beauty items have such cult status that I literally kick myself in my aerobicised butt sometimes for not adding them to my kit sooner!

Case in point, Cle de Peau concealer.

Year after year this creamy, flawless formula wins beauty awards and is mentioned as a make up artist must have.

I visited the Cle de Peau counter at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas to discover whether the hype was true.

The make up artist at the counter not only gave me the best customer service I've had in recent history, but she also perfectly matched my skin and applied the product gorgeously.

So yes, the this concealer really is all that. It's the only formulation I've found that doesn't accentuate texture around the eye. It blends smoothly and actually diffuses and reflects light, created a "lit from within" effect.

Combined with Cle de Peau's fabulously rich and creamy, yet not greasy Eye Contour Balm, you have a concealer that looks fabulous while treating the delicate skin around your eyes to an eye cream that delivers results.

Shop Cle de Peau online: http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Image from http://www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Peace Candles

Valentine's Day is around the corner!
Don't all your sweeties deserve a little sumthin' sumthin'?
Check out these Peace Candles from Kiss My Face.
I already love most of Kiss My Face's products, so when they introduced Peace Soap, it was no surprise that I adored this all natural lather with a conscience.
Well, they've done it again with Peace Candles. Every purchase of the deliciously scented soy candles (Grassy Mint, Lavender Mandarin, Lemongrass Clary Sage and Pomegranate Acai) supports Seeds of Peace, an organization dedicated to "empowering young leaders from areas of conflict all over the world, giving them the opportunity to build leadership skills and friendships that will last a lifetime."
Show your love and your conscience with this great gift!
Purchase online at http://kissmyface.com
(image courtesy of LaForce-Stevens)

RuPaul's Drag Race

Monday Night Guilty Pleasure: RuPaul's Drag Race on the Logo Network.

I'm not sure if there is any show out there right now that is more about looking and feeling Damn Good, then the Drag Race.

The hour long reality show searches to find the "next drag superstar" with the most clever, witty challenges. The writing and unscripted banter is clearly where "Glee" gets most of it's inspiration.

RuPaul's show may be filled with camp, glitter, glitz and glamour, but at the heart is a message.

At the end of every episode, Ru reminds the Queens and the viewers, "If you don't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an Amen?"

Amen, RuPaul!

Loving yourself and making the best of what you've got is what looking damn good is all about. Self acceptance is the key to happiness and successful relationships. And damn, that sure feels good!

(image from: logotv.com)

Super Bowl Workout

Put on your favorite Black Eyed Peas CD and turn out this interval cardio workout inspired by the Super Bowl! GO PACK!

Perform each exercise for one minute. Complete one to three sets, depending on how tough you are.

1. Field Goal Kicks: Kick your right leg across your body toward the extended left arm. Then kick your left leg across your body toward the extended right arm. Repeat, alternating sides for the minute.

2. High Knees

3. Freestyle touch down dance: work it your own way, as if you scored a TD for the minute.

4. Butt Kicks - yup - one minute.

5. Three Point Stance. Start standing straight up, legs together, arms by your sides. Jump legs apart, push hips and glutes back to bend knees and touch ground with your right hand. Jump legs back together to come back to standing. Repeat touching ground with left hand. Alternate for the minute. (See picture for correct body position.)

6. Wide Football runs: Stand with legs wider than hips, squat down a bit and moving feet as quickly as possible, run in place. Keep going for a minute.

7. Burpee: any style of burpee you like for one minute

8. Narrow Football runs: Same as wide football runs, but keep feet close together for one minute.

9. Tackle drop downs: Run in place for four counts, then drop to the ground flat on your belly, immediately use hands and feet to push yourself back up to standing. Repeat for the whole minute.

10. Sprint in place to finish off for one minute.

Be sure to drink a big glass of water and stretch when you're finished!

(image from: posters.ws)

Oldie, but look damn goodie Sunday

Need some motivation to not let your eating get out of control during the Super Bowl Game?
(Go Packers!!)
Then heed the advice of the always disciplined, Victoria Beckham:
http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2009/12/victoria-beckhams-three-bite-rule.html
(photo from: ppshop.co.uk)

Week in Review Jan 31 to Feb 4, 2010

It's great to be back! Here's what you missed this week!

A skin care product that delivers: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence.html

Start the day with quinoa: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/yummo-huevos-rancheros.html

Blingtastic ideas for Valentine's Day: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/trio-jewelry.html

A dose of inner beauty for the weekend in the new On the Inside Friday: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/Look Damn Good - On the Inside Friday


(image from: atriojewelry.com)

Look Damn Good - On the Inside Friday

This blog is dedicated to looking and feeling damn good, but sometimes with all the products, books, fads, foods, fashion and physical stuff, it's easy to just focus on what you see, rather than what's skin deep.

So, from now on, Friday's will be dedicated to inner beauty, to spirituality, to what truly makes you look and feel damn good!

Today's inspiration is a quote from the Kabbalah Center's daily email from June 3, 2010. As we near Valentine's Day, we focus on those we love ... so here is a reminder to do just that:


"Thursday June 3
Love is a weapon of Light, and it has the power to eradicate all forms of darkness. That is the key. When you offer love even to your enemies, you destroy their darkness and hatred - which is the reason they became your enemies in the first place.

Today, awaken love for your spouse, friends, family, colleagues and self.
Dissolve any animosity and bitterness that may have arisen after an argument with a loved one or co-worker."

To sign up for Daily Kabbalah "Tune Ups" click here: http://www.kabbalah.com/blogs/yehuda

(Image from: http://kabbalah.com)

A Trio Jewelry

Need a great gift idea for Valentine's Day?

Look no further than A Trio Jewelry Design Studio in Milwaukee, WI. (Disclaimer - this is my brother, soon-to-be sister in law and her father's business, so I am a bit biased, but everyone seems to agree with me that A Trio Jewelry ROCKS!)

The heart and soul of this Historic Third Ward studio with an onsite manufacturing shop, is custom made jewelry created by the client in collaboration with designer, Amy Shallow.

Amy uses computer aided design to make any jewelry dream a reality.

Custom design consults are available online or over the phone ... but, if you are in a pinch, be sure to check out the A Trio "Ready to Wear - Valentine's Collection."

Pictures of the pieces are available on their web site (http://atriojewelry.com or Facebook page (http://facebook.com/atriojewelrydesignstudio). Be sure to check out the gallery of custom jewelry they've created as well!

Pictured here is the very fabulous "LOVE" ring in Sterling Silver, but is also customizable in gold or platinum and very precious stones set in the flowers!

Blingtastic!!

Find out more, set up a design consult or order: atrio@atriojewelry.com

Yummo Huevos Rancheros

This is an uber-healthy, great start to any day!
I use quinoa instead of tortillas for a fiber and protein packed meal!
This meal works for lunch and dinner too!
Enjoy!

Yummo Huevos Rancheros

Ingredients:
Cooking spray
2 - eggs
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (I make a one cup dry batch and use throughout the week)
1/4 cup rinsed, canned black beans
Your favorite salsa (no sugar added)
2 tbsp guacamole (I use Trader Joe's prepared Fresh and Spicy)
Franks Red Hot Sauce (to taste)

1. Reheat quinoa and black beans in microwave
2. Cook eggs over medium in frying pan using cooking spray.
3. Layer ingredients starting with quinoa on bottom as follows:
quinoa, black beans, eggs, salsa, guacamole, hot sauce
4. Enjoy!

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence is the product that made me miss writing "Look Damn Good." I couldn't wait to share my experience using this product with you!

Completely lured by the SK-II ads featuring the luminous Cate Blanchett, I buckled and purchased a bottle of the "Holy Water" that so many rave about.

Keep in mind as you read this, that I started using SK-II while I was in the Midwest, "enjoying" the effects of one of the harshest winters I've ever experienced.

The very first evening I used this liquid, as instructed - by placing a small amount directly into the hands and pressing onto the face - I noticed an immediate effect. My skin felt instantly tighter, but not in a "Sea Breeze" way, almost in muscular way. It looked and felt as if my skin had actually been made snugger.

The next morning, my skin looked more clear and pores less noticeable.

After a week - others started noticing. When you start hearing unsolicited "You've got great skin" comments, you know something must be working.

A month, my visage, is dare I say ... more radiant and even toned? I am confident enough to go out without make up now - not saying that I ever would - I love a full beat down too much. Plus, make up looks even better on my new, smoother canvas! This product is an aesthetician/make up artist's dream.

The bottom line is that SK-II Facial Treatment Essence totally works for me.

It is the only new product I have added into my skincare regiment and the results are stunning enough to make me a believer.

The secret? Pitera, an ingredient discovered in Japan in a Sake Factory. According to the SK-II website, "Pitera, the seemingly magical ingredient found in all SK-II products, helps restore vital balance by promoting the skin's natural 28-day surface renewal process. This single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids produces a seemingly miraculous rebirth of appearance."

Be sure to hydrate your skin while using this product, as it does exfoliate quite aggressively.

Learn more and purchase SK-II here: http://www.sk-ii.com

(image from: sk-ii.com)

Boxing/Kickboxing

Sore does not even begin to describe the muscles that I never even knew existed before I entered a boxing gym last Thursday.
My man and I toughed out three days in a row of Kickboxing and boxing classes at a real deal boxing gym. Needless to say, we took much needed rest on Sunday, but still are feeling as though we were run over by a semi and then backed up and rolled over again!
I'm not talking Turbo Kick or Tae Bo - which are awesome in their own right.
I mean sweaty, tough as nails, no frills boxing and kickboxing conditioning like jump roping, shadow boxing, plyometrics, agility drills, heavy bag, punching drills with a coach, major core work and even having a partner punch me in the gut while doing sit ups. My glutes and shoulders are screaming from deep within! My abs hurt when I laugh.
I love it.
As sore as we are, the exhilaration of these workouts is incomparable. The empowerment of punching and kicking, finding balance and strength, having to listen and make kinesthetic connections ... keeps us coming back for more.
Don't worry about equipment, most gyms have wraps and gloves you can borrow your first couple times, but from there - to minimize the yuck factor of sticking your hands into someone else's sweat, you'll want to invest in at least wraps.
Find a boxing/kickboxing near you: http://boxinggyms.com/
(photo from: illustrationsof.com)

The Blog is Back!

Start looking damn good again, cuz the blog with a polished finger on the pulse of beauty, fashion, fitness and nutrition trends is back!

Please note the new URL:: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com

FitOrbit!

Now you personal train with me no matter where YOU are!

Check out: http://fitorbit.com/trainers/LindsayB