Everyone knows that the term ‘organic’ means something is better for the environment, but often the specifics are unclear or just how much ‘better’ something is for the environment isn’t known. With organic fashion however, the statistics speak for themselves and its impact on the environment is obvious.
In the fashion industry, many third world farmers use pesticides to treat their cotton. So much so, that according to figures released from the World Health Organisation (WHO), 20,000 people die every year from pesticide poisoning in third world countries. Organic fashion is made without the use of these pesticides, so if everyone wore organic fashion, 20,000 fewer people would die each year. That alone should be enough reason to wear organic fashion items.
Eco fashion also applies to the way that animals are treated on farms in the production of materials, such as the sheep that provide wool for clothing. In ethical fashion, the sheep are treated well and are raised organically, without the barbaric processes often used on non organic farms. The same applies to leather, where the animals are raised organically – although organic leather is in much shorter supply than organic wool.
Eco fashion isn’t just a label; it means that no chemicals have been used in the creation of ethical fashion items. It means that animals have been treated fairly and have led a good life. It means that the risk of farmers contracting pesticide poisoning is nullified, reducing the death rate among third world workers.
Things were always better in the old days. That’s the sentiment that most of us believe, and usually find ourselves telling younger people at some point in our lives, no matter how much we tried to convince ourselves when were younger that we wouldn’t.
Music was better, TV was better; films were better and generally everything was better when we were younger. Of course, that’s not something that is exclusive to people living in this day and age. People have always harked back to seemingly better times, even in ancient Roman literature, references can be found to people yearning for the ‘good old days’.
It’s not the old days that were better, it’s that we were younger and things from those times remind us of how we were. This is why retro gifts are such a great idea. When you give a retro gift to someone, such as an old game that they would have played with when they were a child, or an old fashioned item that they would have had in their home, you’re giving the gift of memories. Nostalgic gifts such as these remind people of simpler times, happy times, and times when they were young and care free and had a lot to look forward to.
We love retro gifts because they remind us of our youth. They remind us of how we used to be and of friends and family members who may no longer be around. Nostalgic gifts offer so much more than just the gifts themselves; they trigger the emotion of nostalgia.
We all love a little retro fashion from time to time, and when it comes to nostalgic gifts from days gone by, what could be better than items of clothing, or clothing accessories from a more extravagant and stylish time?
For example, even in nightwear, yesteryear’s fashion was more tasteful and luxurious than it is today. For women, there are dressing gowns from the Victorian era, with their elaborate flowing trains and their lines, or perhaps an even more elaborate Art Nouveau satin kimono. Retro gifts such as these make you realise just how luxurious fashion used to be, as opposed to the styles we see today.
The same can be applied to men’s nightwear, as stylish nightshirts that flow down to the knees can be bought as nostalgic gifts. They can be purchased in tartan or stripes, depending on the inclination of your man.
One of the most extravagant fashion styles of the 20th century was inspired by Art Deco, and as such there are many Art Deco items available that make excellent retro gifts. For example, what woman’s handbag collection would be complete without a 1920’s inspired Art Deco handbag? The twenties decade was known for its style, and 80 years on the fashion is still just as stylish today.
One of the fashion accessories of days gone by that we rarely see today is the handkerchief. Handkerchiefs make excellent retro gifts, and they can be bought to match any outfit – perfect for when a gentlemen needs to offer a lady a clean handkerchief.
Christmas 2009 gave us one of the worst winters we’ve ever had in the UK, with seemingly endless snowfall and icy conditions on the roads. The weather meant it was better for many of us to stay indoors, with the fire on and firmly hold on to a nice warm drink, while other people went outside to work or to build snowmen.
So what are the best drinks to enjoy during the winter, while you sit by the fire and look at the thick blanket of white snow on the ground?
In Britain we’re known as a nation of tea drinkers, and that is one stereotype that we’re comfortable with. A good hot cup of tea certainly serves the purpose of keeping your toes warm when it’s too cold to go outside. There are also a wide range of teas available to drink, rather than just the usual brands that you see advertised on TV by monkeys and men with flat caps.
If tea isn’t to your liking, you could always stay indoors with a good, strong coffee. Many people find that a cup (or usually mug) of coffee is the best way to start the day, whether it’s snowing or not.
Perhaps the best drink for staying warm in winter is hot chocolate. A tall mug of hot chocolate, filled with marshmallows and sprinkled with chocolate flakes, is the ideal way to sit out the cold weather. There’s no need to venture outside, so long as you have an ample supply of marshmallows on hand.
Looking good is not always the top priority on our mind whilst we are working out. We work out in order to look better and to feel stronger and healthier, so whilst exercising, our lingerie is important but not for the same reasons.
In recent years, there has been much research publicised about how underwear needs to support our bodies whilst working out, particularly when it comes to bras.
Exercising without the proper bra support can actually damage the tissue supporting a woman’s breasts and lead to early sagging in the breast area. As a result, lingerie manufacturers have gone a long way to make supportive sports bras, and even alter ladies knickers, specifically for sports use.
Sports bras support the breasts whilst at the same time helping to prevent chafing and absorbing moisture thanks to moisture-wicking material so ensure your skin does not suffer. Modern sports bras keep your body cooler, helping to avoid unpleasant stains and odours as much as possible, and the material is softer to help avoid digging in or chafing during even the most energetic and strenuous workout. Quality lingerie manufacturers have also realised that women are not all standard sizes and there are half sizes to ensure you get the perfect fit.
Ranges of knickers made especially with sport in mind are also available with moisture-wicking fabrics and multiple sizes to ensure you can feel comfortable and dry during exercise.
There are so many choices when it comes to lingerie for working out that there is no excuse not to pick the perfect sports lingerie for your workout.
Tea may have been invented by the Chinese, but it is the British that have truly adopted tea as their national drink. In the UK we tend to stick to a select few brands of tea, but there are so many more loose teas that we can buy from further afield, such as China.
Here are some of the more unique and quality examples of tea for sale in the world:
Dragonwell, also known as West Lake (Xi Hu)
This tea is a favourite among those who know their tea. This tea has a pale yellow colour and a nutty aroma. It also tastes slightly nutty and is made from flattened leaves.
Yellow Mountian Maofeng
This is another yellow tea with a very delicate flavour and aroma. The leaves for this tea come from China’s An Hui Province, high up in the mountains.
Donting Biluochun
This is one of the more common teas and suitable for drinking every day. The tea has a sweet fragrance and feels quite thick when you drink it.
Xinyang Maojian
This tea is also known as the Feather Tip because of the leaves that it is made from. The leaves appear to be hairy when they are dried. This tea comes from the He Nan Province and has an aroma reminiscent of asparagus. The tea also has an aftertaste that is likened to chestnuts.
Lu An Guapian
This tea is golden in colour and has been dubbed ‘pumpkin seed tea’, not because of its taste, but because of the similarities of the tea leaves to pumpkin seeds.
Same old Christmassy concerns!
You have found the perfect presents for the whole family. Mum and Dad have a gift for two anyway so that really isn’t complicated. Plus, your mother will always try to let you know what she wants!
It’s the same story each year, Mum opens her gift and can’t think of anything else to say then: “Oooh, you shouldn’t have…” Yeah, we’ve heard it all before.
One of the most difficult gifts to find is definitely for the grandparents. Think about it, you’re never too sure of what they already have, of what they really want and especially which “20th Century” contraption they know how to use! Tough choice! You obviously don’t want to get them each year the same kind of present.
Here are some good ideas you should really consider when buying a gift to your grandma or grandpa.
Remember to always personalize it as much as you can! Granny doesn’t care about an expensive gift. She prefers sentimental and simple things which will remind her of her grandchildren!
One of the best gifts is pictures! You could maybe compile them into an album or if you really wish to bring your grandpa or grandma up-to-date you could go for a digital frame!
One other very traditional gift is the “I love my nanny” mug. Perfect for her morning tea or coffee. Or if again you want to cross boundaries: go for the “My Grandma rocks” one! You will sure earn some brownie points and be on the top of her “best grandchild” list!
The very special touch would be to add some great tea or coffee.
Whittard of Chelsea offers a great selection of tea gifts including gorgeous tea pots and china!
Hope Santa will bring you some great presents this year!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Like every year, you have been once again designated to cook the Christmas lunch for everyone! Lucky you! Unfortunately, you can’t impress them with your traditional turkey and cranberry sauce as you have been cooking this for the past three years!! Your mother-in-law, as usual can’t stop complaining about your lack of creativity and your husband doesn’t want to be in the middle of the fights!
As a matter of fact, cooking can be really stressful and painful! You are always thrilled to discover new and funky recipes but they are always too long and too complicated to prepare!
To help our desperate housewives, we have combined a list of delicious and easy recipes to help you impress even the most sceptical ones!
Let’s start with the dessert. Yes, ladies! Even if it is the last course, it is generally the first one you prepare!
If you want to show some master chef gifts of yours without putting too much effort in it, go for the Baklava. (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baklava/Detail.aspx) To add your own touch, you can sprinkle some delicious hot chocolate powder.
If you are more into traditional dishes, here is a delicious recipe for a pumpkin pie. (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Libbys-Famous-Pumpkin-Pie/Detail.aspx)
Let’s look at the first course now. How about Bacon and cheese tartlets with a nice tomato coulis and a side salad?(http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Crescent-Bacon-Cheese-Tartlet/Detail.aspx)Really mouth-watering isn’t it?
Finally, (we’ve saved the best for the end) the main course which needs to be your master piece if you want to earn extra points with your Old and Bitter!
If you are sick and tired of making turkey every year, go for something different. Why not try the Lamb with Balsamic Fig and Basil sauce? (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Stuffed-Leg-of-Lamb-with-Balsamic-Fig-Basil-Sauce/Detail.aspx)! Seems very fancy right? Don’t worry, all the instructions are there to help you make it easier!
Or, if you are a Turkey lover and can’t imagine your Christmas without it, here is a recipe to shaken up the traditions: the Sherry’s German Turkey (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sherrys-German-Turkey/Detail.aspx)
This will make you without a doubt the Queen of the Kitchen for 2010!
Bon Appetit and Merry Christmas!
Men’s aftershaves and women’s fragrances are extremely popular gifts at Christmas, and all throughout the year. It may be surprising to note that fragrances for both men and women have been used for a lot longer than the last few decades. In fact, women’s fragrances have been used as far back as the ancient Romans and Egyptians.
The Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, was known for using flower based perfumes when she bathed (in her famous bath of milk).
The Arabians, in East Asia, also used women’s fragrances thousands of years ago when they created perfumes from incense. Different herbs and spices would be blended together to create new women’s fragrances.
It wasn’t until 1370 when the first perfume as we would know it today was created and bottled. This perfume was called ‘Hungary Water’ and was created at the request of the queen of Hungary, Queen Elizabeth. This first bottled perfume used oils and alcohol, blended together to create the very first bottled women’s fragrance.
Modern perfumes are far more complex than the very first attempts, and rather than just using a blend of oils and alcohol, women’s fragrances today can contain anything from 10 different ingredients to over 250. These ingredients are all expertly blended together by someone known as a ‘perfumer’ – a professional perfume maker.
Perfume ingredients are classified by the ‘Fragrance Wheel’, which was invented as recently as 1983. The Fragrance Wheel contains five classifications of ingredients for fragrances, they are:
1. Floral
2. Oriental
3. Woody
4. Fougere
5. Fresh
The 70s may be known as the decade that taste forgot, but when it comes to toys and nostalgic gifts, it’s a decade that you can never forget. Some of the toys from the 1970s were so groundbreaking that they are still sold today, either as retro gifts or on general sale in toyshops for today’s children to enjoy.
One of the most successful toys of all time, and one of many nostalgic gifts from the 1970s, is the Slinky. The Slinky was actually invented in the 1940s, but it topped Christmas lists throughout the 60s and 70s as well. The Slinky was basically a giant swirl of metal that would open and close as it descended stairs on its own, creating its own motion.
One toy that summed up the 70s perfectly was the Evel Knievel stunt motorcycle. Evel Knievel was a famous stuntman in the 70s, and every child marvelled at his daredevil antics as he jumped his motorcycle over cars and busses. The Evel Knievel toy featured a white clad doll of Evel Knievel, together with his motorbike and a red launch pad with which to fire him onto his next stunt.
This toy made a comeback some years ago as one of many retro gifts, and is great fun for staging your own stunts in your back garden or office.
Towards the end of the 1970s the most popular toys at Christmas were the original Star Wars figures. Star Wars became the first film to successfully merchandise toys aimed at children, how things have changed now.
