FitSugar

What's the Deal With: Pins and Needles

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:30:00 PDT

Occasionally I'll wake up from a deep sleep and realize my arm has also fallen asleep. When it "wakes up," I do everything I can to keep still and control the almost unbearable sensation of "pins and needles."

There's actually a medical term for this called Transient Paresthesia. Usually, you feel this temporary yet bizarre sensation after you've been putting pressure on part of your body, like when you're sitting on a foot or sleeping on your arm. When you apply this pressure for a prolonged period of time, you actually cut off communication from your brain to parts of your body. This pressure squeezes nerve pathways so that the nerves can't transmit electrochemical impulses properly.

Nerve impulses carry sensation information from nerve endings in the body to the brain, as well as instructions from the brain to the rest of your body. The information transmitted from the "sleeping" body part becomes somewhat jumbled, and the brain receives strange messages. Some nerve cells don't transmit any information and others start sending impulses erratically. This causes you to feel a strange numbing, burning, prickly, or tingling sensation, which actually serves an important function. Your foot falling asleep for 10 minutes doesn't pose any health threat, but if you were to cut off circulation for an extended period of time -- several hours -- you could suffer serious nerve damage. The initial tingling sensation tells you that you might want to readjust your position.

Just thought you might want to know...

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Mara Hoffman Fall 2012

Hannah Weil — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:48:22 PST

Mara Hoffman has made her name in the industry with her own brand of bohemian-cool separates perfect for the easy, low-key girl on the go. The designer's Fall '12 collection showcased her signature free-spirited, breezy silhouettes in floaty silks and sleek geometric prints with a decidedly Southwest feel. The jury's still out on the designer's headscarves (ones that flowed dramatically from the fronts and backs of her dresses), but ultimately nearly every piece feels entirely wearable - a cool mix of slouchy trousers and the most gorgeous maxi dresses covered in standout print. Every look is executed with both easy proportions and the perfect add-ons - wide-brimmed toppers and gold-tinged statement jewels were the natural finishers for Mara's West-meets-tribal fare.

Trends: Bohemian, prints, cutouts.
Colors: Vibrant, multihued prints, red, black, white, pink.
Key Piece: We love Mara's bold print on wearable knits; we're dying to slip into the gorgeous print maxis.
Accessories: Wide-brim hats, headscarves, gold jewels, knee-high and ankle boots.
Who Would Wear It: Mara's fans; the bohemian femme.

What We're Sweet On: A Cooling Cleanser That Decongests

Jaime Richards — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:05:50 PST

It's an oldie, but a goodie: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser ($25). Besides, it's actually kind of fun to use. The two-step treatment begins by washing the face with the creamy, cooling cleanser, rubbing it in with circular motions to release dirt and makeup. The second step involves polishing the skin with a muslin cloth that's included as part of the kit. Once you rinse off the cloth and check out your mug in the mirror, skin feels smoothed and softened, and looks clearer and brighter.

This rich cleanser contains cocoa butter to hydrate, hops extract to tone, and rosemary essential oil to invigorate. Eucalyptus helps to decongest clogged skin, and gives that cooling, tingly sensation. But the best part? The oddly exciting and strangely addictive moment when you see makeup melting into the cloth - including the stubborn kind of mascara that almost requires grabbing a chisel to remove.

The Wide World of Wings: Soy-Ginger

Sara Yoo — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:38:56 PST

Fried chicken wings are an international phenomenon, and while we Americans perhaps can lay claim to wings as a central component of our national cuisine, more countries than you'd imagine are churning out crisp-fried poultry goodness and adding their own local flair. At izakayas (casual drinking establishments), Japan's working weary relax over sake, cold beer, and comforting late night nibbles, including sashimi, edamame, and yakitori (grilled chicken). More recently, they have added fried chicken wings to the mix, dressing them in light but delectable sauces made from Japanese kitchen staples.This recipe blends soy sauce, sake, mirin (sweet cooking wine), garlic, and ginger with a splash of tangy vinegar to finish. Just before serving, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and - if you can find it - a blend of Japanese spices containing tingly sansho pepper, ground red pepper flakes, and dried orange peel. It pairs just as nicely with Sapporo as it does with an all-American ice-cold Bud. Read on for the recipe.

Celeb Style: Jessica Alba's Bright Blazer and Flares

Hannah Weil — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:58:52 PST

With a smile to match her candy-colored brights, Jessica Alba gave us a glimpse into Spring fashion. She played with palatable pops of color on a sophisticated Lisa Ho blazer and Tibi blouse, then added a '70s vibe with perfect-fit high-waist denim. To finish, it's all about a cool crop of arm candy and a pair of gold-tinged platforms - though you can make this work right now with a seasonal pair of ankle boots. Feeling inspired? Shop our picks to channel Jessica's pulled-together style.

Alice + Olivia Elysee Blazer - $367.00	Bb Dakota Auburn Striped Tank - Sold Out
Marc By Marc Jacobs Standard Supply '70s Flare Jeans - $228.00	Alice + Olivia Savannah Platform Wedge Sandals - $295.00
Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Spike Tennis Bracelet With Cubic Zirconia - $650.00	jen's pirate booty Peace Word Cuff - Sold Out
Helene Jewelry White Turquoise 18mm Skull Bracelet - $38.00	Ariel Gordon H Initial Pendant Necklace - $115.00
Large Polished Hoops by Lori's Shoes - $18.00

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Accentuate With Yellows

Marisa Tom — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:30:18 PST

Brighten up your style outlook with a little help from your tried-and-true wardrobe (read: no shopping sprees necessary). By digging into the back of your closet and breathing new life into old favorites, we think you can turn a new styling leaf. And what better way to kick the Winter blues than reinvigorating your sunniest pieces and accessories. Today's 60-second revamp? Go vibrant with yellow accents.

Don't just stick to yellow clothing - this pop of color applies to all spectrums of the styling wheel. Whether it be saffron-tinged fringe or a neon lemon-hued saddlebag, these yellow details are unexpectedly cool.
With brighter colors, you can experiment with wilder color-complementary pairings. Try a canary yellow skinny jean with a purple cable-knit sweater or an amber pastel silk blouse against a navy blue cardigan for starters.
Find the texture in your yellows. From printed honey-colored earrings to funkier, puckered citrine-wash sweaters, this vibrant hue looks great with most skin tones and is super versatile in its styling capabilities.

Photos courtesy of Sealedwithglitter, The Fancy Teacup, and MimisMuneca

Pretty, Purse-Perfect Solid Perfumes

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:13 PST

Solid perfume has been popular since at least ancient Egyptian times, and for good reason. It's eminently portable, won't leak, and the base makes for soft, skin-flattering scents that don't give bystanders a headache. Solid scents get a bad rap as literal one-note affairs, but the five following fragrances are as beautiful as the tins they come in. To see which scent you should be carrying around in your purse, learn more below.

Golden Globes Trend: Mad For Mauve

Jaime Richards — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:10:32 PST

Back in the late '80s and early '90s, the word mauve conjured up a dusty rose shade that was more drab than fab. But these days, mauve has gotten a whole lot brighter, richer, and wearable, and the women of the 2012 Golden Globes red carpet know it. A pretty mix of pink with a tinge of purple, the color stands out in a sea of expected red lipsticks and pale pink glosses. Take, for instance, Evan Rachel Wood, who paired her hot hue with a golden shadow. And then there's Viola Davis, who went for a classic look with a dramatic, darkly lined eye, and Sofia Vergara, who spiced things up with a bronzed shadow and flirty lashes. So dust off that theory that mauve can't work. It's actually a shade that's as versatile as it is flattering.

Golden Globes: Salma Hayek

FabSugar — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:56:52 PST

Salma Hayek channeled an ultra-sexy glow on the red carpet tonight. Her Art Deco-inspired black and gold strapless Gucci Premiere gown looked amazing against her bronzed skin. She chose gold vintage drop earrings and a black satin clutch as her go-to chic accessories. Salma rocked big, gorgeous ombre-tinged waves, a sultry brown smoky eye, and a light pink lip - a perfect finish to a stunning getup. How do you think she did?

Vote on all of our Golden Globe Awards polls here!

Golden Globes: Kelly Osbourne

FabSugar — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:38:16 PST

Kelly Osbourne went for Old Hollywood glamour at the Golden Globes with a floor-length sapphire blue Zac Posen dress, complete with structured shoulders and a pin-tucked waist. Her new purple-tinged hair was pulled back into a simple, chic bun; similarly, she kept her makeup super neutral with a pretty pink lip. She finished the ensemble with a gorgeous diamond cocktail ring, metallic nails, and a sparkly black clutch. Are you a fan of Kelly's look?

Vote on all of our Golden Globe Awards polls here!