FitSugar

DIY Holiday Gift: Scented Eye Pillows

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:47:05 PST

I love an eye pillow during savasana. The added prop makes the end of yoga class even more relaxing. You can give the gift of relaxation and make your friends and loved ones eye pillows for the holidays. DIY gifts add a more personal touch to the giving season, and you'll save yourself some dough. Since you don't need a large amounts of fabric for this project, you can probably use old scraps, making your gift eco friendly too.

Here's what you'll need:

fabric, something soft and luxurious - flannel is great
flax seed
dried herbs of your choice: roses, chamomile, peppermint, lavender
sewing machine or thread and needle
straight pins
bowl
measuring cup and tablespoon

Learn how to whip up an eye pillow.

Etsy Find: Lavender Relaxation Eye Pillow

CasaSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:30:33 PDT

If the botanical patterns of this Lavender Relaxation Eye Pillow ($9) weren't enough to have you reaching for your wallet, let me tell you that it's filled with flaxseed and lavender buds to send you into deep relaxation mode. It's the perfect way to soothe the tired eyes of blushing brides who are stressed from all the wedding planning they've been doing, or just those lovely hard-working single gals! Whoever wears it will look super-cute as they're snoozing away; it's available in a variety of patterns, including Amy Butler fabrics, if you're a fan of hers. But, watch out soon-to-be weds, don't sleep through your ceremony!

Relax and Unwind With an Eye Pillow

DearSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:00:00 PDT

Sometimes when your body and mind need to relax, you need to help coax it along a little. If you don't have the time for a salt soak or massage, and you aren't in the mood for a cup of tea, you've got to try using an eye pillow!

They're filled with flaxseeds, and often contain dried calming herbs like lavender and chamomile. Just place one over your eyes, and breathe in the peaceful aromas. The gentle pressure of the flaxseeds and soothing darkness can relieve tension headaches, eye strain, or stress.

Here are some of my favorites:

Jaisalmer Eye Pillow	Hugger Mugger Silk Eye Bag with Neck Pillow
Moss Green Eye Pillow	Microwavable Warm Whiskers Eye Pillows
Kovalam Eye Pillow	Silk Eye Pillow

Relax Already: Bring an Eye Pillow to Work

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:15:00 PST

If you stare at a computer all day long, you've probably found yourself squinting, which can cause major head and neck pain.

To relieve eye and head strain, keep an eye pillow at work. You can place it in the fridge for a few minutes, and then go someplace where you won't be disturbed (go to the bathroom or your car if necessary). Place the pillow over your closed eyes and allow yourself to just take in the cooling relief.

Try to find an eye pillow that's made with natural ingredients like flax seed, dried lavender, peppermint, and chamomile.

I found these made by Barefoot Yoga. They're $15.50/17.00, which is more expensive than most, but they're made out of silk, and they come with a zippered storage pouch to keep your eye pillow clean.

Fit's Tips: Feeling crafty? You can also make your own really easily. Just buy fabric, flax seeds, and dried flowers and herbs. You can even make them for your co-workers and have designated eye relaxation breaks.

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Designer Suki Cheema Thinks Spring With His Indonesia Collection

Elka Karl — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:34:27 PDT

Designer Suki Cheema is renowned for his intuitive, in-depth understanding of pattern, textiles, and printmaking, which has landed him positions with Calvin Kelin, Ralph Lauren, and Diane von Furstenberg. In fact, it was Diane von Furstenberg who inspired Suki to follow his dreams of launching his own line. With SUKI CHEEMA, an exclusive collection of home and personal accessories, Suki marries his love of art, textiles, and travel. The line includes throw pillows, quilts, rugs, tabletop items, handbags, and more, all featuring hand silk-screened prints and embroidery techniques that are centuries old.

I recently caught up with Suki to discuss his latest collection, Indonesia and found out his thoughts on printmaking and pattern, Spring decorating, and inspirations.
CasaSugar: What inspired the Indonesia collection specifically?

Suki Cheema: A trip to Indonesia some time ago. I was most inspired by the Batik designs from Java. Batik is unique to Indonesia and is one of its most traditional art forms. It has a special place in the culture and history of the people. My color choices for the collection were also influenced by Indonesia. You will see lots of indigo and shades of blue throughout the collection with pops of scarlet and other bright colors.
CS: How did you develop the patterns for this collection?

SC: During my trip I collected lots of batik fabrics and took photographs of everything that caught my eye. I like to take inspiration from traditional things and give them a modern twist, which is exactly what I did for this collection. I play with the scales and dimensions of patterns and reform things so that the inspiration is just that and not a literal interpretation.

Keep reading to find out more about the SUKI CHEEMA collection and to see more of the line

6 Ways to Look Better Without Spending a Cent

Annie Tomlin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:56:40 PDT

Looking good doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn't have to cost a thing. There are plenty of ways to look better without spending a single penny. We talked with top dermatologists, hair stylists, makeup artists, and estheticians to score their secrets for looking your best for the best price of all: free. Read their tips here.

11 Signs You're Not Over Your Ex

Laura Marie Given — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:35:20 PDT

An occasional stroll down memory lane is only natural, but if those "Remember when?" moments turn into an everyday, all-consuming affair, it's time to reevaluate your feelings. The difference between wistful and hopelessly devoted can be a confusing gray area, but if you relate to these signs, you're probably not over your ex:

His Twitter page is one of your bookmarks. If you're still following your ex on Twitter, FourSquare, Instagram, Tumblr, etc., moving on is going to prove more than a little difficult. Keeping tabs on him isn't healthy if you're hoping to get over the relationship, so do yourself a favor and defriend or unfollow if his updates bum you out.
You can't watch baseball anymore because it reminds you of him. Looking back every once in a while is fine, but if you have to give up something you love just because it triggers a memory, there's more to the story. Try creating new memories with different pals so that you associate the hobby with them instead.
He's in your bed. A good rule of thumb: if you're still sleeping with him, chances are you still have feelings for him. There are certainly a few exceptions, but moving on just isn't going to happen if he's still your regular cuddle buddy.
In your phone, his name is "Seriously, Do Not Call." Drunk dials are a real thing, and so are late-night meltdown calls. Can't seem to stop yourself from picking up the phone? There's an app for that. Download the Don't Dial! app, which allows you to block certain numbers for up to 24 hours.

Read on for more signs you're not over your ex.

Crewel to Be Kind: Modern Takes on This Old-School Embroidery Technique

Elka Karl — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:05:20 PDT

From home decor to fashion, needlework is all the rage. This daringly dressed model was seen today on the catwalk during the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Graduates Show 2012 at China Fashion Week. Her sculptural dress is created from loops of thread stitched using a crewel technique.

Crewel embroidery, also known as crewelwork, is at least 1,000 years old. Traditionally, it's used wool thread to create patterns and decorations on fabric, either following a drawn design or using a freehand technique. The traditional version of crewelwork, known as Jacobean embroidery, features stylized flora and fauna designs, though modern motifs are also becoming much more common in design. And while crewelwork was once treasured for decorating homes in the form of bed hangings and curtains, it's now more commonly seen in pillows and rugs. In particular, Jonathan Adler has championed the technique in recent years, but he's far from alone in his admiration of this type of needlework.

Currently, I'm coveting the Plumage Lampshade ($108, top right corner), which features silk-embroidered birds against a navy background. While the birds stand out strongly when the lamp is shut off, they blend into the background when the lamp is switched on.

To enjoy this look on a budget, pick up one of the Crewel Pillow Covers ($34, bottom row, middle) from West Elm. Inspired by '70s minimalist art, these pillow covers are embellished with embroidered geometric patterns.

Did another item catch your eye? Just click on its image to start shopping!

Decorating With: Kelly Green

Elka Karl — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:00:55 PDT

While kelly green is a great color to decorate with year-round, it's particularly appropriate to celebrate the shamrock shade right now. Any St. Patrick's Day reveler would be happy to add one of these pretty green pieces to their home.

One of my absolute favorite pieces is the Hang On Honey Pendant Lamp ($350, top row, middle). From Danish designer Niels Bak Rasmussen, the lamp rocks a retro vibe, while the bright green varnished shade makes it pop against a white ceiling. The minimalist designed shade hangs directly on a bulb, which is held in place with silicon knobs.

For a fun way to showcase your fruits or fresh berries, pick up the Farmer's Market Basket ($14, bottom row, middle). It may look like your typical cardboard berry basket, but this version is made from stoneware, which has been cast from real containers.

If the shade is too much for you, add just a hint to it with the Eskayel Festival Feast Wallpaper ($475, top row, left). Mixing shades of green, white, yellow, and black, the wallpaper is based on imagery from designer and Eskayel founder Shanan Capanaro's paintings. The wallpaper is also sourced and fabricated in the Northeastern United States.

If you have your eyes on the chevron clothespins, kelly green mirror, trellis pillow, or another item, just click on it to start shopping!

No Mat Needed: Relaxing Yoga Poses You Can Do in Bed

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:16:00 PST

Yoga is a natural way to settle your mind and body, while reducing stress and muscular tension, all of which inspire a more restful night's sleep. So leave your mat rolled up in your yoga bag and hop in bed instead! Follow this 10-pose sequence from start to finish, or pick and choose the poses your body needs.

Be sure to move pillows and bulky comforters out of the way so you have a flat, safe, and comfy surface to stretch on. Then in the morning when you open your eyes all refreshed and full of energy, repeat this sequence before hopping out of bed, to warm up your muscles and gently wake up your mind.