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!)