FitSugar

Sneak Peek! Forever 21's Twist Debut Collection

FabSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:08 PDT

Forever 21 has so many collections, it's hard to keep up! But I wasn't going to let Twist go unnoticed. As the retailer says, it's fashion with a twist of punk. I like it. Starting today, you can get your hands on a plethora of fun and funky pieces: sweaters with oversized safety-pin graphics on them, argyle cardigans, frilly skirts, oversized bows, ruffle frocks, and more. As you can see, Forever 21's styling is majorly done up - pair these affordable pieces with simpler items for a more realistic approach. Twist away.

To see way more looks by Twist,

View 20 Photos ›

Forever 21's New Twist Collection

FabSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:50:11 PDT

Forever 21 is bringing a new twist to fast fashion with its exclusive Twist Collection. Starting Wednesday, July 29, you'll be introduced to a whole new whimsical, circus-inspired world of sassy frocks, tulle skirts, cropped jackets, and fancy tees. Lighthearted prints include oversized polka dots, houndstooth, stripes, and checkers, while silhouettes are entirely poufy. So fun. Until then, check out the convivial Look Book.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Seated Spinal Twist

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:30:00 PST

Twists are not only great at improving digestion, but they also help increase flexibility in your spine. This Seated Spinal Twist will also stretch your chest and shoulders. It's similar to the 1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist, but a little more advanced.

Sanskrit Name: Ardha Matsyendrasana
English Translation: Half Lord of the Fishes
Also Called: Seated Spinal Twist

To learn how to do this relaxing pose

Begin seated on your mat with your legs extended in front of you.
Bend your right knee and place your right heel as close to your right sit-bone as you can. Then bend your left knee and cross your left foot over your right knee. Plant it on the floor so your left ankle is next to your right knee.
Reach your left arm behind you and place your palm on the floor. Then bend your right elbow and cross it over the outer side of your left knee. Keep your elbow bent, or if you can, hold onto your left toes.
Keep your left hand on the floor for stability, or bring your left arm around your lower back. Reach for your shirt, or if you can, hook your fingers on the top of your right thigh. Gaze behind you and over your left shoulder. Continue pressing your right arm into your left knee, and use each inhale to lengthen the spine and each exhale to rotate further to the left.
Stay here for five or more breaths. Then release the twist, straighten your legs out in front of you, and do this pose with your right knee pointing up.

I love doing this pose after a long bike ride. Twisting feels wonderful for my spine after hunching over handlebars for hours.

Casa Beta: Twist Euro Sponge #10

CasaSugar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:15:00 PST

These days, stylish, eco-friendly cleaning products like Method abound, and I've even armed you with recipes for healthy cleaning solutions. In our refrigerators, organic food is becoming commonplace. But, there's one thing in the kitchen that hasn't undergone some sort of eco-conscious evolution, and that's the sponge.
So, I was delighted to try the Twist Euro Sponge #10 ($4), which is made from sustainable pine trees, is antibacterial, 100-percent biodegradable, and dishwasher safe. I didn't think that the sponge could compete with my go-to grocery store variety, but I was wrong. The sponge absorbs spills as well as any paper towel, and easily cleans the grit off a messy frying pan. It's also already outlasted my standard sponges, within only a couple weeks. No, it doesn't have the toughness of steel wool, but what does? Aside from functionality, it's also the most beautiful sponge I've used. My favorite thing, though, is that it's packaging can be transformed into a bird feeder once it's opened - bird feed not included.

Stretch It: Eagle Spinal Twist

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:00:00 PST

Spinal twists are one of those stretches I love to do just about whenever. Twisting is great in the morning, after a workout, after eating, at your desk, or even right before bed. I'd like to share a twist variation with you known as the eagle spinal twist; it deepens the twisting motion of the spine and stretches the back more than a regular twist.

Looks inviting, no? You can find out how to get into this stretch when you

Lie on your back and cross your left knee in front of your right knee. If you can, wrap your left toes around the back of your right ankle, just like in Eagle pose.
Now extend your arms out in T-position, palms facing down.
Slowly lower both knees to the left. Rest them on the ground and turn your head to the right.
Stay like this for 30 seconds or more, feeling your spine lengthen and twist. You may even hear some "cracks."
Then use your abs to lift your knees back to center. Untwist your legs and cross them the opposite way, with your right knee in front now. Slowly lower both knees to the right, and look over your left shoulder.
Stay here for at least 30 seconds and then lift your knees back up. Untwist your legs and hug both knees into your chest to release your lower back.

Buzz News Roundup, 11/26

BuzzSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:00:49 PST

The CW will likely renew America's Next Top Model for a 13th "cycle." Reuters
CBS is developing a spinoff of NCIS. Entertainment Weekly
CBS is also developing a single-camera comedy from executive producer/director Barry Sonnenfeld called Things a Man Should Never Do Past 30. The Hollywood Reporter
Beyonce scores her third straight No. 1 debut on The Billboard 200 this week with her double-disc I Am. . . Sasha Fierce. Billboard
Talkshow with Spike Feresten will get a tryout in the MadTV timeslot in January. The Futon Critic
Madonna's brother Christopher Ciccone will make his feature film directorial debut with the teen thriller Twist. Reuters
Negotiations to get the Beatles catalog on iTunes are stalled again. Billboard

Photo courtesy of the CW

Get Physical: Dance Your Way Into 2008

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:30:00 PST

New Year's Eve is on Monday and what better chance is there to burn calories while having fun by dancing the night away? Starting this weekend and moving into early next week, there will be a lot of dancing going on. So grab a partner and hit the dance floor - you're bound to burn a ton of calories and have a blast while doing it.

Activity	Calories Burned Per Hour
Ballroom (slow)	207
Ballroom (fast)	378
Disco	394
Twist	326
Swing	306
Hip Hop	465
General	306

Source

Belly Aching? Try Some Yoga

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:30:00 PST

So how are you feeling after that enormous Thanksgiving meal? Not so good? If your belly is feeling less than perfect, try some of these "wind releasing" stretches (that's really what they're called).

Nothing gets things moving along like a great spinal twist. This one is called 1-Legged Seated Spinal Twist or Marichyasana.

Want to see the other stretches? Then

If you're bloated or constipated, bend both knees into your chest and give yourself a big hug. It'll help to massage your abdominal organs.

You can also do this pose by alternately hugging one knee into the chest, holding for five breaths, and then switching sides.

Does your body need a little bit more stretching? Why not bring along a gentle yoga DVD and pop it in. Get your family members to do it along with you. It'll help you relax from the stress of traveling and also help with digestion.

Let Pilates Move You: The Twist

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 09:15:00 PST

The Pilates Twist is a great antidote to any weight gain you might be experiencing in your middle, post holiday season. The Twist will definitely whittle your waist since it targets the abdominals, especially your internal and external obliques.

Watch it, then try it.

You should do The Twist 8 - 10 times on each side.

Twists For Your Thanksgiving Tummy

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 13:33:06 PST

After a big meal, it's great to plop yourself right down on the couch and let yourself digest. But here's a gentle twist you can do to ease your digestion and keep your tummy happy.

1. Start seated in Hero pose, sitting on your heels.

2. Bend your right knee and plant your foot on the ground beside your left knee. Pull your left foot in towards your right hip. If that hurts your knee, just straighten out your leg.

3. Press your left elbow against the outside edge of your right knee, lengthening your spine, and opening through your chest. Hold here for 5 deep breaths then do the other side.

Yoga poses help increase blood flow and stimulate the intestinal action known as peristalsis so digestion is more efficient. Yoga also helps to calm you which relaxes your digestive tract and helps pass things along, which makes you feel a lot better. Then you'll have more room for extra dessert.