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)