PopSugar

Roundup: Polka Dots

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:30:24 -0800

Since you adored the polka dot credenza I shared with you a while back, I figured that circles might still be on your must-have list. Polka dots experienced a huge surge in popularity in the '50s and '60s, and they're back on the home design map. Whether in a subtle pattern or a big and bold circular explosion, polka dots can rule your roost without overstaying their welcome. Check out my favorites below.

Crave Worthy: Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp

CasaSugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:00:36 -0700

OK, OK. My attention to monochrome design may have gotten a little out of hand lately, but I promise you it will eventually fade. And, even if you don't subscribe to monochrome living, you should still appreciate the beauty of a black and white lamp like the Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp ($1,700). The vintage ceramic lamps have little bubbles with matching finials that remind me of candy buttons; who can argue with that? They also seem really adaptable. You can use them in a stiff, sophisticated interior, perhaps set on matching nightstands. Or, you can play them up a bit in a room full of circles. What do you think?

How-To: Coordinate Beyond Color

CasaSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:45:00 -0700

An easy way to dress a room is by coordinating it in complementary colors. However, color is only one way to add style to a room. Take a look at this room, which was styled by interior stylist Tara Larkin.
Notice anything in particular? Maybe a distinctive shape on the walls? Wait - aren't those circles on the throw pillows? And in the pottery and bowls? Before you know it, you're seeing spheres everywhere. The great thing about using shapes as a coordinating element in a room is that it's an unexpected accent, and one that doesn't scream "matchy-matchy." Do you coordinate with shapes in your home?
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Trend Alert: Circles

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:17:44 -0700

Crop circles. Social circles. Coming full circle. Circle of life. Circle of friends. Circles are certainly not a new concept to anyone, but there are some exceptional new designs which incorporate them in the world of interiors. The circle is represented in both shapes and patterns. It is flat or textured. It is light and airy, or heavy and imposing. It comes in all sizes and colors, and often in metallics. It's on your wall, your floor, your table, your bed, and maybe you're even sitting on it. Regardless of where it is, it's certainly a trend in home decor, so get your hands on one—don't be a square.

Source, Source, Source, Source, and Source.

The Magic of the Magic Circle: Pilates Prop Explained

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

When you hear the words magic circle do you think fairies and goddesses? Well I am here to expand your horizons - the magic circle is also a great Pilates prop.

This versatile prop is also known as an: exercise circle, magic ring, or fitness circle. And as all those names accurately describe, it is a circle about 12 inches in diameter made of flexible metal or rubber with pads on either sides of the circle. You can squeeze it and it will bounce back into a circle. That's the magic.

The magic circle provides some moderate resistance for strength training as well as feedback as to where the body is in space. I like to use the magic circle to strengthen the inner thighs. Place the ring between your knees or ankles in a variety of exercises and positions and squeeze.

It is versatile and can be used to work just about anything and since it is so small you can store it just about anywhere. It is great for a home gym.

Want to see some magic circle exercises? Then read more

View 6 Photos ›

Buy an Ultra Fit Magic Circle from Ellie Herman Studios online store for $35. It comes with a 15 minute instructional DVD too.

What's the Deal With: Dark Circles Under My Eyes

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 10:45:00 -0800

I have always blamed the dark circles under my eyes on my children, since my dear ones wake me up during the night and very early in the morning. Thanks to the Mayo Clinic, my girls are off the hook.

It seems that those dark circles are most commonly caused by nasal congestion - who knew? When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose become widened (dilated) and therefore darker.

Dark circles can also be caused by sleep - how ironic. Eyelids can swell while sleeping, since you are lying down, gravity can cause fluid to collect in your lower eyelids. This swelling may add to the appearance of shadows below your eyes. Unfortunately, there also seems to be a genetic component since they run in families.

So I guess using a neti pot might help more than my sinuses. It might also help with those darn dark circles.

So You Want to Get Rid of Dark Circles. . .

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:11 -0700

Everyone thinks they have dark circles, just like everyone wants shinier hair and stronger nails. As any makeup artist or dermatologist will tell you, we all have a certain amount of darkness under the eyes, but I still hear people insist that theirs are the worst. Here are some tips to prevent them:

Relax. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water (and not alcohol), and visit an allergist if you suspect the problem isn't purely cosmetic. And if your under eye area is more important to you than snacks (I'm sort of on the fence about this one), try giving up salt.
Use cold cucumber slices, ice or a treatment like Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask ($54) to bring down puffiness.
Dab a skin firming concealer under your eyes, like Clinique All About Eyes Concealer ($15.50). Beware of choosing a color that's too light, thinking it will brighten up the area. Concealer is meant to cover – match the shade to your forehead.
Curl your lashes and try a blue mascara, like Benefit Bad Gal Blue, which make the whites of the eyes appear whiter.
Draw attention away from your eyes with a sparkly lip gloss. Distraction!

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I Don't Buy It: Ab Circle

FitSugar — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Why yes, of course, I want a flat washboard belly in just weeks. Who doesn't? The problem is this $15 Ab Circle is not the way to make it happen. This foldable ab machine promises to target your entire core with its fun, swiveling, circular motion. It combines cardio and core work, and all it takes is three minutes a day, and "in just a few weeks - not months - you'll firm and flatten your stomach. We guarantee it."

Well I'm happy they got the part right that you need cardio in order to get rid of the layer of fat covering your abs, but what they got wrong is how much cardio a person will need in order to make it happen. Three minutes a day isn't going to do much. The Ab Circle is a total scam, and hopefully those looking to whittle their middle won't fall for it.

If you want a flat and toned stomach, work on getting at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. You can also follow an ab routine like this one to tone up, so when the pounds of fat start to melt away, it'll reveal your toned abs.

Quick Fixes For Under-Eye Circles

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 08:05:54 -0800

Help fight dark and dreary under-eye circles while wearing your makeup - these amazing products are two in one! They act as a concealer but do double duty as an eye cream with prevention power. So after a long night of studying, partying or working, give your eyes the break they deserve. Here are three new revolutionary products.

Circle Rx Circle Control Concealer by Physician's Formula, $8.95, is part of a group of products that help combat under-eye circles in just a month. It contains Haloxyl, an ingredient proven to reduce the dark shadowing beneath your eyes.

You will start to see results within two weeks, when about 70% of your visible dark circles with vanish. By week four, they will be 90% gone! This medium to high coverage concealer helps nourish and soothe the delicate area around your eyes. It is available in four shades.

For two more quick fixes for under-eye circles, read more

TimeBalm Concealer by TheBalm, $16, is an extremely smooth concealer that helps combat ghastly under-eye circles. It is great for daytime but you can also use it at nighttime so when you wake up your eyes look great!

It contains: beeswax, vitamins A, E, C, soybean oil, panthenol, linoleic acid and phospholipids to help soothe and correct wrinkles, circles and sagging skin. Just dot it on gently with your fingertips or the sponge that is included with purchase and blend. Available in four shades.

All About Eyes by Clinique, $15.50, is both a concealer and a treatment that helps reduce the look of puffy eyes and dark circles. The formula is oil free, long wearing and it won't crease or feather. Available in seven shades.

Dealing With Allergies' Side Effects: Dark Circles Under the Eyes

FitSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, sneezing and a stuffy nose might not be the only side effects you have to suffer through. For some people, nasal congestion can cause blood flow to back up under the eyes, and this causes an allergy shiner. The skin under the eyes is thin and the congested veins in the area can give the appearance of dark circles. Some sufferers may also notice puffiness, because allergies are nature's gift that keep on giving.

To decrease the appearance of the circles, you need get your allergies under control as much as possible. If you know what you're allergic to, avoid it. If that's not a possibility, try allergy medication, which should prevent congestion in your nose and sinuses. If you still notice a dark shadow or swelling under your eyes, I will share my favorite natural remedy when you read more.

Dip a washcloth in cold water, and then ring it out. Hold this cold compress over your closed eyes for about five minutes. You can also use sliced cucumbers instead. Repeat this a few times a day. The cold temperature will help constrict your blood vessels, minimizing darkness, and it will also help minimize tissue swelling.

Also be sure to apply facial sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 30 under the eyes every day since sun exposure can darken skin even more.

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Zooey Mini Chandelier by Perch! - $480.00	CLOSEOUT! Montreal Accent Chair - $749.00
Ditsy Dot Bowls - $48.00	Crewel Dot Pillow - $49.00
DwellStudio Dots Wall Art in Lemon - $84.00	Barrymore Deco Dot Sheeting - $99.99
Radius Pillow - $49.95	"Circles" Chandelier - $1,880.00
Polka Dot Rug - Red - $599.00	Missoni Home - farfalle & pois cushions by missoni home - $138.00
Circles Cabinet - $2,159.00	Cirque Table - $129.00