pink rickshaw

found functions

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."-Native American proverb

 

There's no place like home. And before, we move to Mars, it might be nice to tell our sweet planet how lovely she really is. Today, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, all over the web, you'll read about the need to stop using plastic water bottles, how to reduce your carbon footprint, the terrible things happening to dolphins, and to ride your bike to work. Important reminders indeed. But as corny as it is, (and a big lesson from elementary school), we should take these to heart everyday, because everyday should be Earth Day, right? So today, maybe we should all just tell Mother Earth how hot she still is (despite all the damage we've done, consider them a few wrinkles). Doesn't every gal/hot mom like to be reminded that's she's still pretty? After 4.54 billion years, Earth's still got it goin' on.

Check her out with these breathtaking images from National Geographic. Also, see the planet's beauty and geeky side with the art meets math images above from Found Functions. Photographer and mathematician Nikki Graziano works both sides of her brain with her fascinating images of nature that highlight math is everywhere on the planet, whether we see it or not (If you're a fan of the golden ratio, you'll definitely find her work amazing). Her interesting images of home sweet home are available for purchase on Etsy.

Happy Earth Day!

image source: nikkigraziano.com, nationalgeographic.com

-SD

dawn of dusk

"All of the beauty of the world, 'tis but skin deep."-Ralph Venning

The April issue of Indian Vogue tackles the cultural prejudice of darker skin color in the subcontinent with a cover and article discussing and promoting the skin tone. The editorial states, "Every generation has its share of beauty myths. Perhaps it is time to bust this one. Time to say that as a magazine we love, and have always loved, the gorgeous colour of Indian skin...dark, dusky, bronze, golden-whatever you call it, we love it."

As any South Asian gal in the U.S. or abroad can tell you, the quest to be light has been deeply ingrained in the culture while ironically most of her Caucasian friends are running to the spray-on tanning salon. From aunts subtly suggesting the infamous Fair and Lovely fairness cream (Interestingly, the London Times reports that "the demand for skin-whitening creams from brands including L'Oreal..-grew 18 percent last year and is set to increase a predicted 25 percent this year.") to being told to avoid the sun at all costs, the complex bias against the natural skin tone has somehow managed to endure the test of time. So, it's no surprise the cover is getting much coverage in the blogosphere including mentions in New York magazine, the Huffington Post and Fabsugar. British Vogue mentions that the cover "has been praised by the country's fashion insiders for addressing the issue in a positive way" and quotes fashion insider Nirumpama Singh as saying, "Fairness is a very valuable thing there, looked as desirable. The fashion world can be a big agent for change in this area."
Looks like the issues is getting some much needed light (yes, terrible pun, I know). So, take that Fair and Lovely, I'm headed outside*.
*Remember, always wear sunscreen, regardless of your skin tone.

image source: vogue.in

-SD

april super six

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"-Robin Williams

Spring is officially here and the PR gals are more than ready to shake off that winter baggage and embrace the sunshine. After the long dark (and snowy) winter, here are our top picks for total Spring time rejuvenation.

 

1) Resuscitate
Those cute little toes have been oxygen deprived long enough. Unwilling to give up your boots completely? Boot addicts and sandal fiends alike can indulge in this season's hottest new look--the flat sandal booties. The perfect transitional sandal, we're digging the versatility of the look with both the delicate and tough girl versions.

 

2) Relax
Who needs free health care when there is National Spa Week? (We joke..please don't send us letters about health care reform.) During the week of April 12-18, hundreds of high-end spas around the nation will be offering luxury services for $50. We have our sights set on Pranaa Ayurveda Spa  who is offering a Rose Oil Massage and complimentary yoga class. Find a local participating spa near you and book that wrap, facial or massage that you've been needing all winter.

3) Revive
Bikini time is right around the corner and as luck would have it, now so is the famed frozen yogurt joint (and Pinkberry nemesis) Red Mango. You may recall that the PR gals are yogurt junkies, so it did not go unnoticed when Red Mango locations started popping up all over the nation to provide the perfect diet-friendly dessert. With a delicious array of healthy options, tossing the cupcake has never been so easy.

4) Rekindle
Feel like all your relationships have gone south, and you aren't sure why? Check out Falin.gs, a site that allows your friends, family and (gulp) ex-luvas, to anonymously provide you the honest feedback about your less ideal qualities. Who knew your little habit of humming cereal commercials drives everyone bonkers?

 

5) Refresh
With patio time, comes warm weathered drinks. For a new take on summer time sangria, head over to Dallas famed eatery, Shinsei, previous home to Top Chef finalist Casey Thompson. There, bartenders add an Asian twist to their sangria by stirring in lychees and sake. If you're not headed to Dallas anytime soon, whip up your own batch at home using their famous recipe.

 

6) Revamp
We all seem to have a love/hate relationship with our closet. Love what's inside, hate that you can't find it. Changing seasons are the perfect time to finally get organized. There is no need to have those big woolly sweater, hats and mittens on hand. Sure you could run to the Container Store for the latest, organizational tool but why not embrace your inner Martha by making this uber chic and functional DIY coat rack, inspired by the Herman Miller Eames Hang It All. It's the perfect way to finally love your closet with no strings, shoelaces, or purses attached.

image source: shopbop.com, pranaa.com, foodandwine.com, casasugar.com

-RW 

4 minutes: one day without shoes

"I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty."-Imelda Marcos

Like many gals, shoes are my financial kryptonite. If years from now, anthropologists studied my credit card bill, they may be perplexed at why so much income was spent on mocha frappuccinos, letterpress paper and peep toed pumps. Perhaps the shoe portion will just be written off as another girl living in the Carrie Bradshaw era. So, in 4 minutes to save the world fashion, it's always nice to remember how lucky we truly are to be able to collect fashionable footwear while so many in this world go barefoot and TOMS shoes wants to remind everyone of that, if just for a day.

Today (April 8) is One Day Without Shoes. TOMS Shoes has asked people to go one day, part of the day or even a few minutes barefoot to spread awareness about the impact of shoes in a child's life. So, as you read this, kick off your shoes for a bit (you may want to warn your neighbor first if you're at work) and familiarize yourself with TOMS shoes. It's very likely you've heard about the company by now. A media darling for its popular shoes and unique social entrepreneurialism, the company sells casual chic styles (my personal favorites are the Red Canvas Classic and the Vegan Wrap Boots) for men, women and kids. For every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, a pair of new shoes is given to a child in need. For more about the cause and company, Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes writes about the campaign on the Huffington Post.

So for today, let your toes feel the sunlight, but April 9 pick up a pair of TOMS at Nordstrom, Whole Earth Provisions and Whole Foods Markets, other retailers or online. In the Carrie Bradshaw era, they are Louboutins with none of the guilt and a whole lot of good.

image source: toms.com

-SD