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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Daisy Lowe

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Daisy Lowe for i-D Fall 2010.
Always a great inspiration!
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Daily Inspiration

Vinyasa Yoga For Better Health

Vinyasa yoga is a flowing style of yoga, and is characterized more by variation than consistency. Anna Oklinuora, a certified Yoga teacher conducts classes in Hatha Yoga, with flowing Vinyasa style at Mother Tree in Indiranagar.

Vinyasa yoga is a flowing style of yoga. Photograph: Google
Vinyasa Yoga is characterized by a focus on vinyasa, or a dynamic connecting posture, that creates a flow between the more static traditional yoga postures. Vinyasa translates as linking and the system also implies the linking of the movement to the breath. Essentially the breath dictates the movement and the length of time held in the postures. Unlike some Hatha yoga styles, attention is also placed on the journey between the postures not just the postures themselves.

In other words, the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This technique is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance. A Cat-Cow Stretch is an example of a very simple Vinyasa, because the spine is arched on an inhale and rounded on an exhale. (MORE)

Source: mybangalore.com

Friday, September 17, 2010

Daily Inspiration

Real Men Do Yoga: The Growing Trend for Guys

When 77-year-old Casper Henselmann took his first yoga class 10 years ago, he was one of only two men of a certain age. "I remember the instructor telling me not to compare myself to the 20-year-old pretzel standing next to me," he recalled. But over the years the class, held at Chelsea Piers Sportscenter in New York City, has grown to attract at least a dozen regulars over 50. "I guess yoga is no longer associated with old ladies and sissies," said Henselmann.

That's for sure. Yoga studios all over the country are experiencing an influx of men who are past their prime. "Yoga's become so mainstream that a lot of older men know about its mind-body benefits, and they think, 'I should try that,'" said Andrea Marcum, owner of U Studio Yoga in Los Angeles. Just five years ago, she had a couple of guys over 40. Now her classes average 15 or more. "Many baby boomers know they're at a point when they can't take their health for granted anymore. Then they observe these incredibly fit contemporaries in a class and think: I'll have what they're having," she said. (MORE)

Source: thatsfit.com

Tao Te Ching - Chapter 8

The highest good is like water.
Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.

In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.

No fight: No blame.



Lao Tsu, an older contemporary of Confucius, was keeper of the imperial archives at Loyang in the province of Honan in the sixth centruy B.C. All his life he taught that "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao"; but, according to ancient legend, as he was riding off into the desert to die - sick at heart at the ways of men - he was persuaded by a gatekeeper in northwestern China to write down his teaching for posterity.

Tao = "the way" or "the pathway"

Another bow...

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Image and video hosting by TinyPic
pullover: vintage. bracelet: monki as a gift.
headband: H&M.
necklace: vintage via portobello road market. wedges: asos.
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Thursday, September 16, 2010

j-319



Marc, I like you.

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Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Normally, I don't like orange. Not at all!
But... there's always a but! Mine is Marc Jacobs.
In his Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Collection,
which he presented on New York Fashion Week,
he combines orange with olive and I really like it.
Even if I'm not sure yet,
if I'll really buy any orange piece for next spring ;)
This one is only for inspiration. Once...
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Daily Inspiration

Alternative Wellness Approaches

The cold and flu season is on its way. There are natural, safe alternative treatments and activities available that can strengthen the immune system, relieve stress and provide protection from illness or insure milder symptoms.

Alternative and complementary treatments have increasingly entered the mainstream. More and more doctors refer their patients to alternative therapies that complement the traditional medical care they provide. Many hospitals have staff members, a few whole departments that provide services or make referrals related to alternative treatments. Services might include herbal therapy, vitamin and nutritional education, Reiki or other types of healing touch, yoga, tai chi, massage and various meditation techniques.

Anyone with a serious medical condition should, of course, consult with their doctor before participating in alternative treatments, especially if taking prescription drugs that might interact with some herbs and vitamins.

There are a number of reputable resources to be found locally. The examples in this story are only a few of those available, and their suggestions for flu and cold season are brief summaries. For more information contact them.

Source: Gaylord Hearld Times

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Black and White Stripes

Striped rug in Hotel Sigtuna, Sweden.
Informal striped headboard.
Photograph by Martin Lof.
Cushions by Tine K.
I am loving stripes right now - I always have but it is especially prominent at the moment. It is clearly obvious, both in my work and in my clothing purchases of late, that stripes is catching my attention. It's a good thing that stripes never date both in interiors and fashion - they are an absolute classic.
Photographs via Remodelista.

Outfits: Addicted to Polka-Dots

I just can't help myself. I bought this dress from Goodwill a couple days ago. I couldn't resist the combination of navy, pearlized buttons and of course, polka-dots.
All I could think today while I wore it was "Just add Doc Martens, remove the belt and Hello 1994!!" haha!

I do love to wear a summer dress layered for fall and winter though. I love to stretch my wardrobe like that. I feel like it's a super power of mine.









White Trench: Joe
Rhinestone Necklace: Thrifted
Grey Blazer: Jolt
Navy Polka-Dotted Dress: Thrifted
White Long Sleeve Tee: Ricki's
White Skinny Belt: Thrifted
Grey Tights: Joe
Grey Mary Janes: Aldo
Recycled Seat Belt Shoulder Bag: U.S.E.D

I think Mad Men is officially invading my life. My hair feels like it's got a bit of a 60's vibe today. Happy Wednesday!


Lisa.xo

Bow, Bow, Bow...

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I'm totally in love with my new bow-headband from H&M.
What do you think?
My top and jeans are H&M too and my boots are Asos!
Location: Camden, the place in London where I feel home...
Good night my friends, see you tomorrow!
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Daily Inspiration

Exercise, Meditation Merged to Ease Pain

An ancient form of Chinese exercise mixed with meditation is helping people deal with chronic pain and improving their energy levels and moods, its disciples say.

Kevin Thoren of Ankeny, a certified Spring Forest Qigong teacher, said his disposition has brightened since he began practicing the discipline (pronounced chee gong) more than a year ago.

"My general mood has improved. I am happier, more calm since I have been doing qigong," he said. "Before I started this I never would have described myself as unhappy, but I guess I was more angry and stressed than I realized."

Qigong is an ancient Chinese form of energy healing, which includes breathing exercises, gentle movements and guided imagery. The Spring Forest technique focuses on positive energy flowing through the body and clearing blockages, Thoren said. He likened it to straightening out a kink in a garden hose. Once the blockage is removed, water can flow freely. It's the same with energy in the body, he said. (MORE)

Source: Des Moines Register

Lifedrawing - The Complex, Smithfield

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Leopard Legs

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bag, leggings, necklace: primark.
top: h&m. boots: deichmann.
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Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
London: LOVE
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Daily Inspiration

It's Yoga Month: Give Yourself a Break and Stretch Your Mind

September is National Yoga Month, the brainchild of Los Angeles resident and yoga enthusiast Johannes Fisslinger, who calls it an awareness campaign "to educate about the many benefits of yoga and inspire our fellow citizens to live healthier, happier lives." It's a good opportunity for anyone unfamiliar with the ancient system to find out what all the fuss is about. If you've been wondering what the 16 million Americans who go to yoga classes are up to, the official website, www.yogamonth.org, will guide you to nearby studios that are offering free classes, free weekly passes or special events this month. And if you have sampled some yoga, this might be a good time to take it deeper.

There are any number of excellent reasons to take a yoga class. Motivations range along a continuum from looking fabulous and meeting hotties, on one end, to attaining spiritual enlightenment on the other, with a host of mental and physical benefits in between. My advice to yogic neophytes is: any potential reward can serve as your starting point, but don't ignore the depth of meaning in the yogic tradition. (MORE)

Source: Huffington Post

Monday, September 13, 2010

Miss Ellie May

Miracle and Wonder in blue and white.
Also available printed on a tote bag.
Found on Endemic World is this sweet print called Miracle and Wonder by Miss Ellie May.
The print is inspired by Paul Simon's lyrics and I like that it is printed in blue ink. It is also available printed in black.
Miss Ellie May is based in Auckland and also has an Etsy store for international orders.
Photographs via Endemic World.

Outfits: New Velvet Blazer

I hope I don't dissapoint with this outfit, it's a little more trendy/modern than most of the outfits Iusually wear. Sometimes Fall weather makes me want to try out trends.

The jeggings really make the whole thing very modern. It would be a totally different outfit with a skirt or a slim legged trouser. I bought them at Ricki's and haven't worn them until now. I'm still not sure I'm a jeggings kinda gal. You definately wouldn't catch me in a pair of leggings, but somehow the denim made it ok for me to give them a go. What do you think?

At any rate, this is my new blazer from Jacob! Isn't it the best?!?! It was a total impulse purchase! I saw it and HAD TO HAVE IT! I should have taken a pic of the back. It's cut high to the waist in the back and comes down to the points in the front. I just love it! It's kindof got a Circus Ringmaster vibe to it (if a Circus Ringmaster wore pink velvet...)

Anyway, this is what I wore to work today.









50's Pearl and Rhinestone Bow Necklace: Ragpickers
Leopard Print Scarf: Ricki's
Black Lace Cami: Thrifted
Black V-Neck Tunic: Smart Set
Jeggings: Ricki's
Brogues: Aldo
Black Patent Purse: Thrifted

I'm not used to taking photos with the new furniture. I feel like my photos are all over the place today. It will take some getting used to I guess. That being said, I wouldn't trade the new for the old (although we still have the old couch and chair on the basement.)



Lisa.xo

Herbed Monkey Bread

This recipe came from my Taste of Home magazine. I've had it for probably 7-8 months or so but haven't ever tried it until recently. It sounded too scary to attempt, but it's really very easy and was super good!

This is a good one to make for holidays or when you've got company. It looks very impressive!

Ingredients:
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon each dried parsley flakes, thyme, and rosemary, crushed

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, oil, and 2 tablespoons butter to 120*-130*. Add to dry ingredients. Beat just until moistened. Add egg, and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

In a small bowl, combine the cheese, sesame seeds, garlic salt, paprika, and herbs. Punch down dough. Divide into 32 pieces, and roll each into a ball. Drizzle 2 teaspoons butter into a 10 inch tube pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with a third of the cheese mixture. Top with 16 balls. Repeat layers. Drizzle with remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 350* for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.


Slather with some extra butter, and enjoy!

Have you made something that impressed your family/guests?
Tell us about it!