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

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)

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)

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

I Heart Fruit Cart

Living in Los Angeles for a decade, it was hard to miss or marvel at the "Frutas" stands. Metal carts with rainbow umbrellas, melons, cucumber, jicama, mango and pineapple sat on ice, were sliced and diced before your ices and served in a plastic bag or container with lemon, pico/chile and salt on top.

Ahhhh, those were the days.

But, I must say - I used to wonder where the fruit came from, how sanitary these carts were and just how "healthy" these seemingly innocent fruity snack was.

Well, a clever Los Angeles couple have started a "Frutas" alternative, The "I Heart Fruit Cart."

Here, they serve organic fruit, sliced up in a sanitary commissary and served in 100% recyclable containers."

Cool. It's compassionate "Frutas."

I'm totally there next time I'm in LA.

Check out the "I Heart Fruit Cart" here: http://iheartfruitcart.com

(image from: iheartfruitcart.com)

Frozen Yogurt

My cousin emailed me the other day asking for my opinion on Frozen Yogurt. She has been marveling at all of the fro yo shops popping up claiming to offer "healthy" treats.

My response was: the only yogurt that is GOOD for you is plain, non or low fat, organic or at the very least hormone-free, greek style or regular, refrigerated yogurt with active cultures and probiotics.

Most any frozen yogurt is processed and full of added stuff including sugar. Even the sugar-free frozen yogurts are full of processed chemicals without much nutrional value.
They are also often whipped with tons of air so they are not ultimatly satisfying. You end of full of cold, airy, chemicals.

The bottom line is that frozen yogurt is a treat. If it was "good" or "healthy" for you I would have my mouth attached to the spout of one those machines!

If you want to enjoy frozen yogurt, do so in moderation. Always get the smallest size and no toppings except fruit.
Better, in my opinion to have a 1/2 cup serving of all natural real, deal ice cream like Hagen daaz 5.
It's ultimately yummier and more satisfying.

Want my opinion on a beauty, fashion, fitness or nutrition issue? Write me!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

World Blood Donor Day

The first time I gave blood was last year, in conjunction with reading "Eat Right for Your Type."

Neither my mother, nor I had any record of my blood type and after experimenting with a home test, decided to find out for sure by giving blood.

The experience was fast, virtually painless and extremely rewarding. I confirmed my blood type and helped fill the blood bank shelves.

June 14, 2010 is World Blood Donor Day.

I sincerely urge you to find a local Blood Donation Center and give blood. You will be helping someone in the most generous way possible.

Plus, you'll get some of the nifty Nexcare bandages pictured in the photo above.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Oldie Sunday - Cod Liver Oil

As Spring comes into full effect, you are sure to be getting more serious about your fitness regime. Be sure to support you body with Essential Fatty Acids like those in Cod Liver Oil:
http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/12/cod-liver-oil.html

The Law of Impermanence

My dear friend and Ayurvedic Practitioner, Shanalee Gallagher recently completed a ten day Vipassana Meditation course.

It consisted of ten days of silence, meditation, two vegan, gluten free meals a day and a ton of self realization.

One of the huge themes and lessons she took from this retreat was how The Law of Impermanence applies to life.

The Law of Impermanence is one of the three Universal Laws that the Buddha taught and states that all phenomena are subject to constant change, to rise and fall, and no permanent states, either physical or animate, exists.

Heavy.

This law can be applied in so many ways, giving so many lessons, ultimately bringing a peace that definitely influences feeling and looking damn good!

For me, this law is a reminder to not constantly try to manipulate my circumstances and rather to let things be so that things can just change naturally.

It is also thematic of non-attachment whether to the physical or emotional.

So what if you can't do headstand in yoga class yet ... that will eventually change.
Who cares if you are developing crows feet around your eyes, that is a beautiful marker of time passage, wisdom and your body changing.
Why worry if you didn't get that job you thought you really wanted; know that things are constantly changing and something else will come your way.

I am finding great comfort, resolve and perseverance within this Law.

Apply The Law of Impermanence to your life and watch the damn goodness follow.

(image from: dreamstime.com)

Yerba Mate

I have a love affair with java. I luuuuuurrrrvve the smell of fresh joe in the morning. The sound of it percolating. The deep, rich, earthy liquid pouring into my oversized mug. Aaaaahhhhhh....

Fantasy over. Back to reality.

It's easy to OD on coffee in our Starbucks driven society. I was recently to told to cut back on my very minimal 1 - 2 cup a day habit.

So, I've switched to Yerba Mate for the last two weeks and I definitely notice a difference.

The best part of waking up? Yerba Mate in your cup!

Prepared like a tea and often sold in convenient tea bags, Mate is a species of holly native to South America (wikipedia.)

More reminiscent of green tea, Yerba Mate has a substance called Mateine that gives you pep instead of caffeine and therefore none of the jittery, edgy side effects of a strong brew of coffee.

You can drink Yerba Mate hot, iced or in any of the fancy, barista inspired versions you can think of like a Mate Latte!

I buy Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate bags at Trader Joes and am enjoying the "clean" stream of energy from this beverage.

Learn more about Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate here: http://www.guayaki.com/

(image from: guayaki.com)

Foods Alive Flax Oil Dressing and "C" Salad Recipe

Double doozy post coming 'atcha today!

I am trying to incorporate more raw fruits and veggies into my diet, so I created the recipe below for my "C" salad.

It was kismet that Foods Alive (http://foodsalive.com)sent me three varieties of their Flax Oil Dressing. It is the perfect compliment to this crunchy, cruciferous salad!

Foods Alive Organic Gourmet Gold Flax Oil dressing is a great way to get a dose of all the benefits of flax oil in a mega flavorful salad topping, dip, sandwich spread or however you choose to use it.

Foods Alive sent me the Sweet Mustard, Meg's Sweet & Sassy and Mike's Special flavors. Foods Alive dressings are made with 100% organic ingredients.
They are all stand out, yummy compliments to whatever you pour them over.

My favorite is the Mike's Special, a russet colored, richly flavored blend of garlic, paprika, mustard, cider vinegar, raw agave, celtic sea salt and of course, their signature, raw gold flaxseed oil.

Drizzle a tablespoon or two over the "C" salad (recipe below) and you are going to shine with health, vitality and energy!

Purchase Foods Alive products here: http://foodsalive.com

"C" Salad recipe
4 - organic carrots
2 - organic cucumbers
1 - organic purple cabbage
1 bunch - organic "dinosaur" kale
(Ok - so, kale starts with a "k", but it sounds like a "c")

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots into long strips - use the outer peel too!

Dice the cucumbers.
Chop the cabbage.
Remove the hard center of the kale leaves. Slice the leaves into thin strips.

Toss all veggies in a large bowl, top with Foods Alive Flax Dressing or the topping of your choice.

You will CRAVE this COLD, CRUNCHY, CRUCIFEROUS salad!

(dressing image from: foods alive.com)
(salad image from: me)