CasaSugar

Jonathan Adler Shares His Tips For Beginner Art Collectors

Julia Walsh — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:00:45 PDT

Yesterday, I shared my interview with Jonathan Adler about his new curated collection of New York Times archive photos. As an interior designer, Jonathan Adler obviously has a lot of experience with curating collections of artwork. That's what designers do, right? Curate things? So I asked him to share his tips for beginning art collectors. I'm sure many of you don't really know where to start when it comes to buying and displaying artwork, so why not learn from the best? Check out my conversation with Jonathan Adler below!

CasaSugar: What tips can you offer for beginner art collectors who just don't know where to start?

Jonathan Adler: God, it's so hard! Actually, I do have tips. The amazing thing is we live in an unbelievably fabulous time for beginning art collectors because you no longer have to do the enslaved-by-gallerists thing. With the web you can go to Etsy, your site, and so many other design blogs profile up-and-coming artists, so I think that my main tip is to get tangled in the web and just hunt and you will find.

CS: So you were able to choose special mats and frames for your collection of New York Times archive photos. Do you have any tips for readers for when it comes to matting and framing photographs or artwork?

JA: Yeah, I do actually! I like to frame photographs sort of importantly. I think that often when people are framing photographs, they default to just a minimal black frame, and I like to put a more bold mat and sort of a more ornate frame, and I think it just makes photographs, and especially black and white ones, feel a little more important.

CS: And in terms of the matting, would you say a larger mat is more important?

JA: Yeah! When in doubt, beef up the mat!

Be sure to also check out my series on How to Collect Art for more information on this topic!

Gear Review: Lotuspad Eco-Friendly Mat and Strap

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:30:00 PDT

If you're an avid yoga or Pilates girl, and you want a quality mat that's good for the earth and light on your purse then check out Lotuspad mats ($40). They're made of 100-percent biodegradable TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), and even though this mat is 5 millimeters thick, when it's all rolled up, it feels really lightweight so it's easy to carry. It resists bacterial and fungal growth and is reversible, so you can use both sides. They come in three colors: earth brown/forest green, fuchsia/lotus pink, and deep ocean blue/soft blue.

If that wasn't enough, they also make these adorable and unique mat straps. The part that wraps around your mat is made with adjustable velcro, so you'll get a snug fit to keep your mat from unraveling. Lotuspad is running a deal right now where you can get a mat and strap for $49. I have the turquoise and brown-dot strap, but click on the pictures below to see the other cheery choices.

To see the other straps read more.

View 12 Photos ›

Love It or Hate It? Flax Manhole Cover Floor Mats

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:30:38 PDT

These Manhole Cover Floor Mats at Flax Art and Design ($27.95) cleverly echo the designs of city sewer covers, with versions available for London, Paris, and New York. I don't think I'd want one in my house, but the indoor/outdoor rugs would look cute on a porch. What do you think?

7 Things That Annoy Your Yoga Instructor

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:59:40 PST

Yoga instructors are some of the kindest, most caring, most forgiving people on the planet, but that doesn't mean they can't get bothered by a student's behavior in class. Here are seven things you don't want to do in front of your yoga instructor.

Talking during class: It's disruptive and inconsiderate to the other students in class trying to focus and relax, but it also means you're not giving your own practice the attention it deserves. If you feel the need to catch up with a friend, make plans to do something after class ends.
Ringing cell phone, or worse - answering it: Everyone is quietly moving through Sun Salutations and all of a sudden a phone rings and shatters the serenity. Always remember to turn your ringer off. If you're expecting an important phone call that can't be missed, place your phone on vibrate next to your mat and be sure to take the call outside.
Coming to class sick to sweat out your germs: No one wants to breathe in your germs. The teacher especially doesn't want to assist you if you're sick and absolutely can't stand when you leave your snotty tissues on the floor next to your mat. Take this opportunity to explore your home practice; return to the studio when you're healthy.

Keep reading to find out what else annoys your yoga instructor.

5 Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Bring Good Intention to Your Practice

Michele Foley — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:43:26 PDT

After yoga class it's common practice to clean up after yourself - whether that means picking up your own belongings or putting away props, none of us want to leave behind a mess. But if we buy a standard yoga mat made with PVC, that's exactly what we're doing. Long after our own practice had ended, our yoga mats will be clogging up landfills. I doubt this was anyone's intention with their practice.

Luckily, more mats are being made with eco-friendly materials like natural or recycled rubber, cotton, and jute. Admittedly, an eco-friendly mat may not be as sticky as a PVC mat, but they will recycle and are better for the planet. And don't worry about slipping during Downward Dog, these mats are made using techniques and materials that will ensure you stay put!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Yoga Mat

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:36:43 PST

Buying a yoga mat is like buying a new pair of running sneakers. It takes careful consideration and research to find the right fit. Since there are hundreds to ~~confuse you~~ choose from, narrow down your search by asking these important questions.

How Much Do I Want to Spend?
Your budget is a huge factor in the mat you end up with. Do you have the dough to lay down for the priciest one on the market or are you happy buying a cheaper mat? The upside of buying a more expensive mat, like the Manduka PRO Black Magic ($104), is durability, which will actually save you money over time.

How Thick Do I Want It?
If you're new to the mat-buying scene, you might not realize that mats come in different thicknesses. A quarter-inch is the standard mat thickness, probably like the one you've borrowed from your studio. Think about how your body feels on this mat in certain poses where your bones are pressing into the floor. If you've felt discomfort, splurge on a thicker mat, but make sure it's also dense. A thick squishy mat makes balancing postures more difficult.

Keep reading for more things to consider when purchasing a new yoga mat.

Yoga Secrets From Jennifer Aniston's Guru

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:02:49 PST

Jennifer Aniston may be making her debut as a horrible boss, but she does have one hot body. Her secret? Yoga with Mandy Ingber.

Mandy recently schooled us on how to get legs like Jen and the philosophy behind Yogalosophy - DVDs of the yoga workout are available for $15. Watch this video to learn Jen's fave yoga pose, tips for relaxing with your mat, and poses Mandy's celebs try to avoid. What's your favorite yoga pose?

Get in Gear: Eco-Friendly Mats

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:30:00 PDT

Who wants to do their Downward Facing Dog on PVC (polyvinyl chloride)? It's a toxic plastic that's used to make many sticky mats. According to Greenpeace, PVC products that are being disposed of within a few years of use, are causing serious waste problems since these and other plastics don't biodegrade quickly. In response to this growing PVC crisis, many manufacturers are beginning to make environmentally friendly mats using natural fibers like jute, cotton, and rubber.

Not only are these mats biodegradable, and free of hazardous chemicals, but their makers say they provide more traction. Other mats made of plastic take a few washings and hours of practice to get rid of the chemical sheen, not to mention the stinky smell.

Since practicing yoga and Pilates is doing good for you, why not use a mat that does good for the environment as well? By choosing environmentally friendly products, you are doing your part to support the movement toward a healthier, sustainable planet. Here are some of my favorites:

Saka Studio Eco Yoga Mat	Cotton Rug
The Original Eco Yoga Mat	Jute Yoga Mat
prAna E.C.O. Sticky Mat	Natural Jute and PER Yoga Mat

4 Moves to Say Goodbye to Saddlebags

Self — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:54:13 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

If you're saddled with saddlebags, you probably think you got the short end of the family gene pool stick. But, lucky for you, those pesky fat deposits surrounding your hips, thighs, and butt are far easier to banish than, say, Great Aunt Hilda or your bossy big sister. "Saddlebags are largely determined by genetics, hormones, and age, but women can still affect the shape of their bodies through nutrition and exercise," says Rebekah Rotstein, a New York-based Pilates instructor who recently released the Pilates For Buff Bones DVD.

Not sure where to begin? Rotstein recommends utilizing large muscle groups rather than relying on spot training for fast results. "Pilates get results because it's a whole-body exercise program and works your muscles synergistically," she says. "Muscles aren't meant to function independently but as a team!"

Just remember to keep your expectations realistic. No workout in the world can turn you into Cameron Diaz overnight. "All women have padding at their hips, no matter how thin we are (even Diaz!)," says Rotstein. "It's what differentiates us from men and accentuates the curves you've got!"

To tone up those saddlebags fast, add these four moves to your regular workout routine. Check out the moves after the break.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Flat Belly Secrets

Susi May — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:26:14 PST

The secret to a flat belly according to doc Travis Stork: never diet - Prevention
Holding that Warrior 1 helps build willpower off the mat - Yoga Journal
Borrow these seven habits of highly successful snackers - Real Simple
Get the skinny on finding (and using) your fat burning zone - HuffPost Healthy Living
When is the perfect time to work out? - Shape
Donkey kicks truly are a kick in the pants - Peanut Butter Fingers
Fat burning lunches! All under 400 calories a pop - Fitness
Was yoga the secret weapon behind the Giants' Super Bowl win? - Mind Body Green
Hit it! Boxing boosts self-confidence - Health
Stock options for all your wintry soups - Vegetarian Times