FitSugar

Know your A, B, Cs: Riboflavin

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:00:00 PST

How many times have you seen Riboflavin listed as an ingredient and thought "another food additive." Well it is not. Riboflavin is the scientific name for vitamin B2.

Like other B vitamins, Riboflavin aids in the production of metabolizing food by converting carbs into sugar which is burned to produce energy. B2 joins forces with the other B vitamins to break down fats and protein. It also promotes healthy skin, hair and nails and general good health.

Riboflavin is also used as food coloring because of its bright yellow-orange hue. It is the culprit for turning your pee that intense yellow if you take a multi-vitamin, which you should consider since the body does not store riboflavin.

Spinach and asparagus are both high in B2s as are milk, cheese, almonds, yeast and liver – does any one out there eat liver anymore? I am truly curious.

Wondering how much of Riboflavin you need - the RDA for adult women is 1.2 mg and a cup of spinach contains about 25% of your daily need. Worried that you are not getting enough of it? Signs of deficiency include cracked and red lips, inflammation of the lining of mouth and tongue, mouth ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and bloodshot or itchy eyes.

Udacity and 14 Other Free Sites For Online Learning

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:51:42 PST

After seeing the success of a personal experiment offering a free Stanford University-certified artificial intelligence course (23,000 people completed the class!), Sebastian Thrun left his prestigious professor position to dedicate himself to teaching on a much larger scale. His new program, Udacity will offer free university-level computer science classes to anyone interested in advancing their tech knowledge.

The two courses currently up for the taking are "CS 101: Building a Search Engine" and "CS 373: Programming a Robotic Car." But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free online classes. Here, a list of places to point your web browser for free classes online, so you can soak up all the knowledge your brain can handle.

Yale Open Courses - Named one of Time magazine's top 50 websites of 2011, Yale's classes allow anyone to browse through lectures and course materials in subjects including engineering, chemistry, astronomy, sociology, Spanish, history, and more.
MIT OpenCourseWare - With over 2,000 courses available at your fingertips, MIT OpenCourseWare should be your first (and maybe your only) stop in online learning.
Online Education Database - This website offers up a list of 200 free classes you can take online. Take some physics classes and learn about the phenomenon of superconductivity, or retake that algebra class you struggled with in high school.
OpenCulture - This website offers up a list of free classes from top universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley, and even some video lectures you can find on YouTube.
Harvard Open Learning - Watch videos of lectures on computer science and abstract algebra, among others
Princeton Web Media - Browse through and take in archived lectures from Princeton's math, science, and engineering departments, and lots, lots more.

See more websites to get your online learning on after the break.

Jonathan Adler Transforms Taboo Topics Into Groovy Style Statements

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:16:48 PST

Interior designer, potter, and color-enthusiast Jonathan Adler takes happy chic to uncharted territory this month with the launch of his new toilet paper roll covers for Cottonelle's Spring collection. The three limited-edition roll cover designs are available online, and at just $2 per cover, practically everyone can afford to stash their spare rolls in Adler's signature style.

We caught up with Adler to chat about his Cottonelle collaboration and so much more! Keep reading to get the skinny on his bathroom must haves, bucket-list mantra, squeaky-clean lifestyle, and why he'll never use the male form in his designs.

Tour the White House's Holiday Decor and Get Tips on Creating the Look From White House Florist Laura Dowling

Elka Karl — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:31:57 PST

This year, the White House's holiday theme of "Shine, Give, Share," celebrates the holiday spirit through decor ranging from tabletop trees made from recycled aluminum to a 400-pound White House Gingerbread House. I recently chatted with White House florist Laura Dowling about the inspiration for the theme and tips on getting the look at your own home.

CasaSugar: What was the inspiration for this year’s decor?
Laura Dowling: This year’s theme is inspired by the First Lady’s message of giving to others and community service. Additionally, a very important element of this year’s holiday theme is the recognition and support of America’s military families. Visitors will see special decorations in the East Entrance and in the Blue Room that are designed to honor our nation’s service men and women and their families.

CasaSugar: What are some of the ideas that homeowners can use this holiday season, inspired by the White House decor?
Laura Dowling: Some of the most interesting ideas are on display at the White House use materials that are inexpensive or free – and would be easy for people to try at home.

Keep reading to learn Laura Dowling's tips for creating the White House's holiday look at your home.

To Give and to Receive: Top Gift Choices From House Beautiful's Editor-in-Chief, Newell Turner

Elka Karl — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:28:46 PST

With decades of experience covering design and architecture, House Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Newell Turner is a leading authority in the world of home design. With an excellent eye for style, Newell was a perfect person to ask about holiday gifting.

CasaSugar: What are your top gifts to give this year?
Newell Turner: I have a lot of nephews and nieces, so I try to find one thing that I can tweak with color or design for each person. It makes shopping less confusing and hectic. I've used ideas like electronic toys, camping hammocks, and (affordable) cashmere in the past. They're all growing up, so I'm thinking about having some fun with monograms this year. Have you been to Chris Burch's new concept shop C. Wonder on Spring Street in New York? Great things. Fantastic colors. Amazing prices. And, they have a monogramming program!

CS: What's on your personal holiday wish list? 
NT: I always love a pair of cuff links (with special meaning) - really anything with a personal thought behind it.   

Products, clockwise, starting at top right: Patterned Cashmere Scarf ($70), V-Neck Cashmere Sweater ($100), Byer Travel Hammock ($40), C. Wonder Ikat Coffee Mug ($8), C. Wonder Monogram Cheese Board With Spreader ($18), and Vintage 18K Gold Tiffany Cufflinks ($1,500).

Learning More About Tangerine Tango, Pantone's Color of the Year: An Interview With Leatrice Eiseman

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:01:15 PST

Each year Pantone, the global authority on color, reveals its choice for the color of the year, signaling the color direction for interior design, fashion, cosmetics, and graphic design. This year, the color is Tangerine Tango, a vibrant shade that will breathe new life into 2012's color palettes. I recently chatted with Pantone's resident color guru, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, about what the color means for the new year. Let's learn more about Tangerine Tango!

CasaSugar: Were there any major influences that contributed to Pantone's decision on Tangerine Tango for 2012?
Leatrice Eiseman: The Color of the Year selection process is very thoughtful and time consuming. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations, and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

CS: What colors do you suggest pairing Tangerine Tango with?
LE: It goes well with many colors that make for unexpected combinations. For example, pair it with an elegant wine color, such as Syrah or a Rhubarb Red. It's great with a slightly greenish blue, like Vallarta, or a hot pink called Cabaret for a retro look. Of course, it's always great with warm taupey tans like Tiger's Eye, and a special favorite of mine is a deep yellow green called Winter Moss. And there is the summertime staple of White Alyssum and Tangerine Tango.

Keep reading for more tips on decorating with Tangerine Tango and more gorgeous photos!

Watch the Doctor Who Christmas Episode Prequel

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:01:24 PST

The traditional Doctor Who Christmas episode is set to air Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at 9 p.m./8 p.m. Central on BBC America. As the episode's name - "The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe" - suggests, it has a plot reminiscent of the C.S. Lewis novel, with the Doctor leading a family away from their normal lives and on a Winter adventure.

The BBC released a tense prequel to the special episode, showing a desperate Doctor calling on the help of an old friend. Check out the short below and let us know if you'll tune in on Christmas to watch the return of Doctor Who.

Flux Productions Creates a Brilliant Version of the Classic American Quilt

Elka Karl — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:00:44 PST

Ever since I first ran into Ryan Greer's stand, Flux Productions, at the Brooklyn Flea Market this past May, I've been a little obsessed with his line of handcrafted leather and cork bags, bracelets, and bicycle packs. I'm far from his only admirer, either - Ryan has collaborated with Thakoon and Osborn Design - and he's also dressed Justin Bieber's backup dancers. His work has also been featured everywhere from J. Crew's blog to GQ

Flux Production's latest offering are these very cool leather and cork wall art pieces, which remind me of a classic quilt. I talked to Ryan about his inspiration for this new offering from Flux Productions, which are available in numbers of 12, 15, and 20 and will cost $120, $150, or $190, respectively, for the sets. Currently, there's one listing for a set of 15 availble.

CasaSugar: What was your inspiration for this new project?

Ryan Greer: I'm very interested in old textiles and woven rugs and the new project seemed like a good opportunity to create something that referenced traditional quilt and rug patterns while using materials that have a more masculine, industrial feel (leather and cork).

Keep reading for the rest of the interview and a closer look at the new project from Flux productions.

American Quilts, "Smalls," and The Perfectly Imperfect Home: Continuing Our Chat With Deborah Needleman

Elka Karl — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:00:54 PDT

Yesterday, I posted the first half of my interview with Deborah Needleman. The former editor of Domino magazine and the current editor of WSJ. Magazine, Deborah's new book The Perfectly Imperfect Home explores the concept of a comfortable, stylish home that's uniquely your own. Keep reading for the second half of my interview with Deborah Needleman!
CasaSugar: I love how you include American quilts in your list of ethnic fabrics. I feel like they’re underappreciated in the world of high design. How do you suggest highlighting them to their most stylish advantage?
Deborah Needleman: American quilts can be amazing. You can use them obviously on your bed as a coverlet, or just folded at the end of the bed for some color, or draped over the back of a sofa, or covering a round table or over a console against a wall. I don’t love them hung like art on a wall, but that doesn’t mean that someone else shouldn’t hang them like that if they do.

CS: What are three lessons from your book you wish all people would try?
DN: Well, to relax, have fun, and keep in mind the point of it all - which is to create a nice setting for the life you want to lead not to impress others. But, also for people to hang pictures lower, move furniture away from the walls, and kill the overhead lights as much as possible.

Keep reading to learn more about the book, and to find out how Deborah Needleman's home is perfectly imperfect.

Talking Imperfect Perfection With Deborah Needleman

Elka Karl — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:00:51 PDT

This year at High Point Market I was thrilled to finally meet Deborah Needleman, one of my all-time design heroines. The lovely Ms. Needleman led a design luncheon at High Point where she talked about her new book, The Perfectly Imperfect Home. It has risen to the rank of my favorite home decor book of the past year, and it sits atop my slant-top desk next to a small box filled with antique German coins, one of the "smalls" that Deborah talks about that make my home personal, happy, and perfectly imperfect.

The former editor of Domino magazine and the current editor of WSJ. Magazine, Deborah recently answered some of my questions about her book, decorating philosophy, and personal favorite decorating ideas and quirky pieces. Keep reading for the first half of my interview with Deborah Needleman!
CasaSugar: What inspired The Perfectly Imperfect Home?
Deborah Needleman: It was inspired by how uncomfortable I feel in overly decorated, everything-just-so houses, and how inspired and comfortable and happy I feel in houses that are stylish and real. I love houses that are portraits of their owners.

CS: How do you think the concept of designing imperfectly can spark creativity and growth in decorating?
DN: You can’t be creative if you are constantly just trying to keep everything neat and perfect. If the evolution of your life is reflected in your decorating, that means your decoration will not remain static. It changes as you change; it grows and morphs with you. I’ve never liked or believed in the idea of decorating as something that can be finished. Like life, it is a work in progress.

CS: Can you describe one of the stylish, welcoming, and imperfect homes you’ve visited and found particularly inspiring?
DN: The decorator and design writer Rita Konig is my patron saint(ess) of stylish imperfection. She was raised by a fancy decorator (Nina Campbell), has lived in and visited beautiful houses her whole life, and knows all the rules of decorating, but she is never hampered by rules or fussiness. She is inspired by the kind of life she wants to go on inside her house. It is always inspiring, exciting, and completely comforting to be in her home. Her home always smells fantastic. It has a lot of personality, quirk, and color. There are soft pillows on the sofas and chairs, lots of books you want to read, and interesting things on the walls. Plus, she’s a doting host, always ready to make you something nice to drink and eat.

All the top editors at Domino had homes like you describe - stylish, welcoming, and imperfect - and they inspired me enormously. I hired them so they could inspire others like they did me. The brilliant Sara Ruffin Costello (who now writes the best and cheekiest decorating column out there for the Off Duty section of the Wall Street Journal), Tom Delavan (who is now editorial director of the recently launched GiltHome), Dara Caponigro (editor in chief of Veranda magazine), and the aforementioned Rita Konig (who is European editor of WSJ. Magazine magazine)

Keep reading for more of our conversation with Deborah Needleman!