Exercise and Exhaust: A Bad Combination


Updated 05/18/09 8:20 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Exercise and Exhaust: A Bad Combination

One of my favorite bike paths parallels the freeway, which is quite unfortunate because air pollution doesn't play well with exercising lungs. Air pollutants, like car exhaust, can irritate the lungs and respiratory system, making breathing difficult. If you run, bike, or skate outdoors, you shouldn't let pollution deter you from your exercise goals, but there are few tips to keep in mind — Read more

Bring a Plant to Work Day


Updated 10/14/11 11:49 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 14 comments

Potted Plants to Fight Indoor Allergies

If you find yourself sneezing excessively at work, it is not that you're allergic to your job. More than likely you're experiencing chemical sensitivities to some common office items like adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, copy machine chemicals, and cleaning agents. Ordinary things found in offices often emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like formaldehyde, found in pressed wood, and Read more

Green Thumb: Household Plants Clean Your Air


Updated 02/13/08 10:45 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 14 comments

Green Thumb: Household Plants Clean Your Air

I love gardening, but when it comes to keeping house plants my thumb isn't very green. After learning that common houseplants can help remove toxins from the air, I am going to try my hand at growing houseplants again. While this might not seem like rocket science, NASA performed some research on plants and their ability to absorb toxins, like formaldehyde, found in pressed wood, and benzene, Read more

Avery Island, Part Deux: Boils, Bottles, Bloodies & Boudin


Updated 05/03/12 7:00 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Avery Island Food

If you're itching for a culinary adventure, there's no need to leave your home! Escape to Avery Island for a crawfish feast with Food Orleans. This was my lunch. I ate it all. Avery Island is a gorgeous place; it's surrounded by a long lace of bayous, has plenty of wildlife roaming around freely (deer, bears, raccoons, alligators), and houses the beautiful Jungle Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. Read more

How to Get Glowing Skin Now, Even During Spring's Moody Weather


Updated 04/23/12 12:20 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Skin Care Transition From Winter to Spring

While the weather has been in a state of moodiness across the country, there's no need for your skin to misbehave as a result. "The transition from Winter to Spring is probably one of the most remarkable in nature, and that's true for people, too," explains Suki Kramer, founder and president of Suki skin care. And as the dryness in the air starts to dissipate, making way for Spring's welcoming Read more

Julie Andrews on the Importance of Princess Culture, Princess Kate, and Her Favorite Roles


Updated 04/19/12 1:59 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Julie Andrews Interview About Princesses

It's hard not to become giddy when talking about Julie Andrews. The legendary actress's career spans more than 50 years, with multiple generations of families still enjoying her library of work together — from Mary Poppins to The Princess Diaries. What many people don't know is that the 76-year-old Academy Award winner is also the coauthor — with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton — of more Read more

4 Pranayama Techniques to Help You Breathe Easy


Updated 05/20/12 4:27 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

4 Styles of Yoga Breathing Explained

In yoga, pranayama is considered the art of breathing, and knowing different pranyama techniques will help support a strong practice and get you feeling all kinds of awesome. Because the Sanskrit can be a little confusing, here are explanations of four pranayama techniques to help you on your way to better breathing. Ujjayi pranayama: Integral to Ashtanga and many a Vinyasa class, ujjayi Read more

Embarrassing Yoga Moments: Don't Let Them Happen to You


Updated 03/24/12 8:56 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

Embarrassing Yoga Class Moments and How to Prevent Them

Yoga class is supposed to be all serene and spiritual, but it's hard to feel enlightened when you break the silence by loudly breaking wind. We're all adults, so we shouldn't feel embarrassed, but it's hard to bounce back into bliss after such an awkward distraction. Plenty can happen during a yoga class to make you want to crawl under your mat and hide, and although you can't prevent everything, Read more

5 Things to Do With Leftover Paint


Updated 03/28/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Get Rid of Leftover Paint

We're excited to present a post from guest writer, eco lifestyle expert, and all-around awesome guy Danny Seo. Today, he's here to offer some smart tips on how to use up the leftover housepaint you may be hoarding! Of all the homes I've renovated, redecorated, and organized, if there is one thing that I see hoarded over and over again are cans of old paint. Stashed away in the hall closet, Read more

31 Days of Spring Cleaning: Replace Surge Protectors


Updated 03/14/12 2:50 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

How Often to Replace Surge Protector and Power Bricks

Let's give it up for the unsung hero of your electronics arsenal, the surge protector. Relegated to dark, dusty confines under a desk or behind a home theater, this tangle of cords and outlets actually protects your valuable gear from circuit-busting electricity surges and requires periodic maintenance like any other tech piece. Learn how to keep your electronics running smoothly with these tips. Read more