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Destress On Your Big Day: Yoga for Weddings

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

For all you bride-to be's out there, I just came upon this great website called Yoga For Weddings. Basically, it's a service that offers private yoga classes for brides, grooms, and their families, focusing on de-stressing and making strong connections.

Real teachers will come to you, and give classes for the months leading up to your wedding, such as a Bride Class, Groom Class, Bride & Groom Class, Parent Class, In-Law Class, Bachelorette/Bachelor Party Class (definitely not your traditional party), Bridal Party Class, Sibling Class, Groom & Dad Class, Bride & Mom Class, Bride & Sibling Class, Groom & Mom Class, or Family Combo Class.

They offer private classes for the day or week of your wedding, and classes for after the wedding, like for your Anniversary (aww).

I love this idea. Currently, they have teachers based in New York, London, Seattle, and Miami, but they'll work with you through their network of yoga instructors, depending on where you need them. Just e-mail or call Yoga For Weddings - schedule one class or a class package, and they'll come to you, offering you peace and relaxation on your special day.

Gear Review: Modern Union Yoga Bag

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:03 -0700

Dealing with my yoga mat when I ride to the gym can be a pretty tricky feat. I have a bike basket that I can tie it to but it always throws me off balance. That's why I was really excited to find these messenger bags from Modern Union ($68). The bags were designed by yoga studio owners Stephanie Ofanankis and Belinda Osborne because the partners couldn't find a yoga bag that met their lifestyle needs - lucky me!

First off, I love the textiles they chose - simple, colorful, and modern. Beyond that it's a great bag to take to the gym or use on your days off. The straps on the bottom of the bag keep a yoga mat secure, and I like that there are outside pockets for a water bottle and cell phone. The inside of the bag is roomy enough to carry gym essentials or even a laptop. Inside are a bunch of smaller pockets so things don't get lost, including a key ring holder.

Most importantly these Modern Union bags make commuting on a bike so easy. There's a padded shoulder strap for comfort and a magnetic closure, which is great in case you need to get in and out of your bag quickly if you're stopped at a light. An added bonus is each bag is made out of durable cordura, meaning it won't be ripping, scuffing, or tearing on you anytime soon and it's water resistant.

Trend Alert: Union Jacks

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:00:29 -0700

The Union Jack flag is the official flag of the United Kingdom, and it's also an officially hot decorating must have. Here's a little history, since most of us Yanks don't know the background on the flag. By the early 1700s the flag was called "The Union," and since it was flown from a jackstaff on Navy ships, popular legend has it that the flag got its full name, the Union Jack, from the jackstaff. When Northern Ireland became part of the United Kingdom in 1801, the St. Patrick's flag, a red diagonal cross on a white background, was added to the Union Jack, giving us the flag we have today. Check out some of my favorite uses of this fab flag, as well as some of my favorite Union Jack home accessories.
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Which Good Hair Premiere Attendee Is Most Fab?

FabSugar — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:44:22 -0700

Gabrielle Union, Eve, Tracie Thoms, and Nia Long attended the Good Hair premiere in LA looking flirty and fresh. As the lights flashed, Gabrielle smiled pretty in a black and white abstract-printed dress; Eve posed in a silky brown sequin-embellished frock; Tracie kept it slick in a gray jersey dress and draped leather jacket; and Nia Long shimmered away in a low-cut sequin top and silk shorts. Four stylin' ladies, four sensational looks - which do you prefer?

Trend Alert: Union Jack Beauty Products

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Londoners have always been akin to supporting their Union Jack. There are countless amounts of handbags, fashion items, home accessories and celebrities that adore patriotic baubles and now the beauty world is jumping on the bandwagon too!

Nails Inc. has developed ten collectible charms that attach to their nail varnishes to celebrate Summer. In particular, the pale pink shade Elizabeth Street (£15) comes with a Union Jack charm for a limited time. Additionally, one of the chicest new face illuminators that was created to honour Selfridges 100th birthday is Chanel's London Madness Pearly Banner Palette (£52). The powder highlighter contains a golden, silvery and shimmery cream Union Jack - but don't let it scare you off, it's actually quite wearable. The compact is one of the items in the three part collection that also includes a bright red lipstick and a matching nail polish.

For more about the Esteè Lauder Union Jack crystal-embossed compact, Dunhill's Eau de Toilette for men and close up images of each of these four patriotic products, just read more.

Although quite pricey, this Esteè Lauder Jewelled Flag of Britain Perfume Compact (£200) is something that you can pass down to loved ones for generations. It makes a fabulous gift for someone special and can be purchased online or in-store at Harrods.

Last but certainly not least is the too cool for school Union Jack packaging on Dunhill's
London Eau de Toilette (£31.32). Technically, the scent is for men, however considering the main ingredients are apple, rose, vanilla and patchouli, it's unmistakably suitable for both sexes. Which is your favourite Union Jack beauty product?

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Bank vs. Credit Union: What's the Difference?

SavvySugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:51:04 -0700

Whether or not you know the difference between a bank and a credit union most likely stems from where your parents held their money. Those who grew up taking trips in the minivan to their bank's local branch with Mom probably aren't familiar with how it differs from a credit union. Now that you're in control of your own money it's up to you to know your options and what type of institution will best fit your personal banking needs. Learn how to tell the two apart when you read more.

The biggest difference between the two is that credit unions are nonprofits owned by the people who belong to them. Because its customers are partial owners, it tends to produce a high level of customer satisfaction. Unlike banks that will often push their products despite possibly better available options, credit unions aren't focused on profits and recommend what they think is best for the customer and not for the institution. Credit unions are exempt from paying most state and federal taxes and are therefore usually able to offer higher savings account rates and lower rates on loans.

While you may be ready to join a credit union after reading about these advantages, don't act just yet. The biggest deterrent from joining a credit union is their relative inconvenience compared to banks, as they typically have less ATMs and branches and usually lack variety in investment products and services. Banks also tend to have larger variety of products and services that may allow you to centralize your banking needs versus having to keep track of accounts at several institutions.

If you've been searching for a more personal experience then a credit union could be what you need, and you can find one by using the Find a Credit Union website. Choosing a bank or credit union is all about what's suitable for your own personal needs, and not necessarily about where your neighbor holds her cash and can't believe you don't follow suit.

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Trend Alert: Union Jack Bag

FabSugarUK — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:00:02 -0700

The cool Britannia trend just keeps on going this Spring as the British flag adorns everything, including handbags. It's a great fun style and can be done very cheaply.

Union Jack bags are available in all shapes and sizes, from an Accessorize shopper (£18) to a sparkly clutch (£30). It's an easy way to add a shot of colour to an evening ensemble like an LBD. Last Summer, Agyness Deyn was rarely seen without her Chanel Union Jack clutch (£930) – Topshop offer a great alternative at a much more affordable price (£18).

My favourite of these accessories is Topshop's canvas satchel (£30) which would be great if you're traveling around this Summer.

Flag Print Canvas Despatch Bag - £30.00	Harrods Made In England Shopper (Red) - £19.95
Blighty Bag - £29.50	Flag Print Bag - £6.00
Union Jack Clutch - £30.00	Straw Union Jack Cross Body - £18.00
Funky Union Jack Multi Shopper - £18.00

Tame Tension Headache With Acupressure

FitSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:00:00 -0700

When you're stressed and feel the tension mounting you can fight the inevitable headache with a little acupressure. The point at the base of your thumb, known as Union Valley, helps redirect blocked energy known as chi in Chinese medicine.

To find this tension taming spot, open your palm wide stretching all five fingers. The little mound of flesh where your thumb meets your palm is the Union Valley. Take the index finder and thumb from your opposite hand and give that spot a moderate squeeze. Hold for about 30 seconds wile breathing slowly and deeply. Repeat two to three more times, then switch hands. File this tip away for the next time you feel the beginnings of a tension headache.

Mediterranean Union Agrees to Rid the Middle East of WMDs

CitizenSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:55:13 -0700

Nicolas Sarkozy, seen below with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, relished his role as host of 43 nations from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, launching his new Mediterranean Union. At the culmination of the meeting held in Paris yesterday, the nations' leaders condemned "terrorism in all forms" and agreed to "pursue a mutually and effectively verifiable Middle East Zone free of weapons of mass destruction."

Sarkozy's brainstorm has achieved the bold initiative of bringing together warring and impoverished nations alongside wealthy and industrialized nations to form the Mediterranean Union. He said at the closing of the summit yesterday, "we dreamed about a Union for the Mediterranean, and now it is a reality."

Leaders from the nations around the Mediterranean discussed a litany of problems including poverty, immigration, global warming and dwindling resources. To see how the Mediterranean Union plans to tackle peace in the Middle East, read more.

Though traditionally the gathering of nations like France, Italy, and Spain with Syria, Lebanon, and Israel might have yielded little in the way of substance, this might be the right summit at the right time. Instead of discussing abstract economic theories on disparity between Europe and the Middle East, they focused on practical projects like a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. “We will build peace in the Mediterranean together, like yesterday we built peace in Europe,” Sarkozy said to his guests.

Among the goals agreed upon are “objectives of achieving peace, stability and security” in the region, a region-wide solar energy project, a Mediterranean student exchange program, a pollution eradication plan, as well as "practical steps to prevent the proliferation" of nuclear weapons, signed by all - including Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - though stops short of planning enforcement.

Is this a good move toward solving conflict - or another photo-op and handshake-meeting with no clear plan for results?

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Obama and Biden Welcome Labor Unions Back to White House

CitizenSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:30:02 -0800

This morning President Obama signed three executive orders intended to "reverse many of the policies towards organized labor that we’ve seen these last eight years, policies with which I’ve sharply disagreed.” The president maintained that a strong labor union is key to America's economic recovery.

The orders make it harder for federal contractors to discourage union activity, require federal contractors to inform employees of their rights, and ensure that qualified workers already on the job keep their positions when contracts change hands.

While hosting labor leaders at the White House ceremony, Obama and Vice President Biden also discussed the first meeting held by the administrations special task force set up to discuss middle class issues, like healthcare and education. The middle class task force has its own website, where the public is invited to discuss the issues and government action.

Do you agree that labor is part of the solution, and not part of the problem?

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