Brownstoneshopper’s Blog

This posting  is a day late, but it is a great article. Are you familiar with this day in history?

I’ve always been fascinated by lighthouses. To me, they are giant candles that light your way in the darkness. These days, everything is so digital and high-tech that we sometimes can’t imagine how they managed in the good old day. On August 7, however, we honor human ingenuity as we celebrate National Lighthouse Day.

On August 7, 1789, the United States Congress passed the “Act for the Establishment and support of Lighthouse, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers.” It also marked the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse in the United States. On the Act’s 200^th anniversary in 1989, Congress again passed a resolution, this time designating August 7 as National Lighthouse Day!

Lighthouses are part of a heroic and industrious history that helped propel the United States to its status today. Lighthouses have swept their lights through storm, pounding waves, foul weather and fog, protecting our coasts and guiding our sailors, making sure that all were safe and secure for those on their journey as well as those safe in their beds. They’ve been impressive beacons calling our sea-faring loved ones home.

Unfortunately, a lot of our country’s famous lighthouses have fallen into disrepair, neglected over decades of technological development. Honoring them through the National Lighthouse Day encourages continued repair and restoration so that we do not lose their valuable legacy forever. Moreover, this day also shines its light on the many communities that have been built in the vicinity of lighthouses, the men and women who have kept them functioning, and those who make their livelihoods from the sea.

These days, there are still a number of functioning lighthouses around the country. Visiting these lighthouses with our families, students, colleagues, and peers can teach us a lot about their contribution to our society. In addition, local and national interest groups have been calling our attention to the preservation of lighthouses as grand examples of period architecture. Preserving them will provide architects, engineers, tourists, students and hobbyists living models as inspiration and focus of study.

If you are, however, just a simple fan like me (who is actually so fearful of heights that I can’t make it all the way to the top of a lighthouse), just LOOKING at one from the safe lower floors, or reading about a famous lighthouse, drawing or painting a picture of one will be enough to observe National Lighthouse Day. If this article has piqued your interest, think about what you can do on this day. Like me, you can either visit a lighthouse, read a book about them, or, you can find out more about your local lighthouse society and, even, volunteer!

www.brownstoneshopper.com

 I’ve discovered this really cute holiday. It’s called “Take your pants for a walk day” and it’s celebrated every July 27^th. No one really knows who started this holiday and how it even began but it does have a noble, and serious, purpose.

“Take your pants for walk day” is a day to put on your pants, go outside and get some exercise! Goodness knows that we need it!

Medical News Today reports that a poor diet and physical inactivity is the 2^nd leading cause of death in America today. Americans are dying because we eat too much, we eat poorly, and we don’t burn what we eat. Specifically, a poor diet of fatty foods, exacerbated by lack of exercise leads to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, ulcers, and a host of other problems. In short, it’s not healthy to be a couch potato.

To me, “Take your pants for a walk day” makes sense. Any day that reminds us to get up and go is worth observing, in my book. And, it’s so simple and so encouraging you can’t help but follow it!

A lot of us are stubborn, rebellious or we don’t take too kindly to nagging  – the more we are pestered to do something, like exercise, the more we dig in our heels and NOT do anything, if only to assert our control over the situation.

However, “taking your pants for a walk” is directly indirect, sort of like reverse psychology. But, in reality, when you take your pants for a walk, you obviously go with it and it goes with you so there’s really no going around it! While you’re at it, why not take your pet for a walk too, along with your pants. I’m sure they’d love the company!

Make sure, though, that your pants are comfortable. Have you ever tried taking a walk in tight jeans or leather pants? If you have, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, here’s one word: chafing! (and heat – wait, that’s two words!) Light, cotton pants work best for “take your pants for walk day”; so will sports pants, those types that flick away sweat from your body.  I’m sure you can take your pajamas for a walk to, if you want, but I’m not sure how the neighbors are going to react.

Come to think of it, how about popping in your earphones and player for some music to rev you up? Get those arms pumping and legs running! Oh wait, does that mean we’ll have to change the holiday to “Take your pants for a run day”? It just doesn’t sound right. Besides, if you haven’t been exercising for a while, you’ve got to start slow. Don’t push yourself too hard because overly strenuous exercise also has its negative consequences. Also, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine and especially if you’ve recently been sick or have a medical condition.

Whatever you do on July 27^th, remember that it’s a day for exercise. To motivate you further, know that exercise increases oxygen circulation in your body, tones your muscles, expands your lungs, raises your heart rate and clear’s up your skin. Oh, and it can help you fit into those jeans that’s hanging way over at the back of your closet, just because you bought them a size smaller and on sale.

Seriously, inactivity is one of the four major risk factors for coronary artery disease. Exercise helps improve the health of your heart.  Since the heart is a muscle, exercise makes it stronger and larger so it can circulate blood more efficiently and with less effort. People who get at least thirty-minute sessions of moderate to intense exercise most days a week lower their risk for heart disease. Moreover, the risks are lessened even more as exercise increases.

Whoever thought up “Take your pants for a walk day” deserves a pat on the back for a holiday that actually helps all of us get healthy!

www.brownstoneshopper.com

Hello!

When was the last time you hugged someone? Remember the moment?

Doesn’t it feel good to receive and give hugs?

If you are a hugger, or if you feel awkward giving and receiving hugs, there are things you may need to know about hugging that may surprise you!

A few months ago, I visited the newborn intensive care unit at our local hospital to see a friend’s baby. I was just in time to see my friend take her tiny preemie out of the incubator for a little hugging time. According to the attending nurse, the hospital encourages moms and dads to hug their babies because they’ve observed that cuddling, hugging and touching makes babies thrive!

Given this interesting fact, I was even more convinced that the people at the Hugs for Health Foundation are really on to something! Today, June 29, is after all Hugs for Health Day!

Babies who are touched and hugged have been shown to breastfeed longer, stay warmer and calmer and, even, cry less. Hugging one’s baby also makes for better child-parent bonding. In a study of Korean infants in an orphanage, those who were given an extra 15 minutes of talking to, touch and attention gained more weight and length in a specific time period than children without the extra minutes.

According to psychologists, this is because Touch affects the area of the brain called the cerebellum, where emotions such as trust and affection are believed to be centered. Moreover, researchers at University of North Carolina have found that hugging releases the hormone oxytocin, also called the “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin induces feelings of love, contentment, calmness and security.

At the same time, hugging brings down the levels of the hormone cortisol, a hormone stimulated by stress, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing elevated heart rates, which in turn protect us from heart disease.

This means then that having a nourishing and loving relationship works wonders for one’s heart and one’s health! In fact, further research has revealed that male heart patients in happy relationships recover faster and stay healthy longer than those with emotional distress or conflict in their lives.

Because of its benefits, an entire exploratory discipline has been built around touch. Called “touch therapy,” practitioners are discovering that therapeutic touch also lowers pain, helps with anxiety disorders and reduces the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and Asperger’s syndrome. Further exploration into oxytocin’s effects have also uncovered that this hormone decreased certain symptoms of autism in autistic children and adults. Based on the results of a New York University study, therapeutic touch has been known to increase hemoglobin levels in the blood, increasing the delivery of blood to tissues. In addition, mental health care providers have found that hugging can lift depression, strengthen a person’s resolve and improve mood, particularly important for those going through any form of personal crises.  

Now, in spite of all these benefits, there are those who feel uncomfortable or awkward touching or hugging. Perhaps you are one of these people. Maybe you have experienced something in your life that has changed your outlook on relationships, maybe touching was not the practice in your family of origin, maybe you are simply particular about your personal boundaries. Don’t fret too much – choosing to hug someone is always your choice. However, don’t ignore the idea either — perhaps opening yourself to the positive effects of touch can help you become more receptive to it. Think about it, maybe your discomfort is telling you to explore your feelings about this matter, even talk to someone who can help you process them so that you can, once and for all, gain full understanding of your feelings and perspective enough to possibly make some adjustments.

Then again, we suggest that you just go for it! Take a leap of faith, but not before keeping in mind a few guidelines.

First, hug appropriately. Be sensitive to the needs of the other person. More often than not, we hug people we know. Your loved ones will benefit a lot from your hugs so hug often! Then again, you may be compelled to hug someone you don’t really know but that you feel needs a little sympathy. Reach out gently to that person and see whether they are receptive to a hug from you.

Choose an appropriate time and place to hug – which is practically anywhere and anytime. The office during work hours may not be the right time and place to hug unless there is a pressing enough reason to do so! However, it’s the thought that counts and often, a supportive pat is enough to tell a person you are there for him or her.

Second, hug fully. We scenes in movies where two socialites “air kiss” or fake hug. Definitely, this is not the way to hug! A hug is full-bodied, tight, and often done with total regard for the other person. It need not be a frontal hug, a side hug with one arm can also be appropriate. What counts is that you are fully invested in the hug – the other person can tell when you’re faking it!

Third, hug often! American psychologist and educator Virginia Satir (1916-1988) suggests that “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Now, Satir’s quote came way before the touch therapy trend but it couldn’t be truer! The point is that hugging (and touching) often helps a person grown physically, emotionally and mentally.

Fourth, be open to hugging. We need to be open to the idea of reaching out to someone and being there for them. Families grow and are nurtured by affection – make hugging a practice at your home. Relationships are strengthened by touch – hug your partner often. Children thrive on healthy hugs – let your kids know you love them without words. Finally, hugging is not just good for your health, it’s also free!

One last word, there are those who we love who are no longer around to be hugged. Maybe you think you missed the chance to hug them, or maybe you simply miss them. How about lighting a candle in remembrance and imagining that they’re still there hugging you?

References:

1. G.C. Anderson, et al. “Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants.” Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, Vol. 2 (2005).
2. “Hugs and heart health: The side effects of this medicine are all good!” Smart Heart Living. Article on line at http://www.smart-heart-living.com/hugs-and-heart.html

Happy Hugs!!

www.brownstoneshopper.com

Green is a wonderful color. Green is the color of spring. It is both warm and cool at the same time. Happy St. Patrick’s  Day to you and yours.

Karen

brownstoneshopper.com

From our house to yours, have a safe and enjoyable Merry Christmas

brownstoneshopper.com

If you will recall in the July 10th blog entry – Home Decor in Action – we talked about how to keep your environment restful to get a much needed boost, by making subtle changes to your personal space. The concept is as important as good health.

With all the noise and mechanization in the world today, it is sometimes difficult to find that ’sweet spot’  to relax and unwind. Decompressing the mind is an art, and finding the right fix after a day on the job needs to be simple and effective. After the mind has been stimulated and abused during the day, finding a way to pacify and calm it, is challenging. I used to love to come in & turn on the TV. Television is not the best strategy because usually we turn on the news, which is usually upsetting, or some program that feeds the mind with more stimulating visual images.

Even though you want to relax, the mind is often too stimulated to cease the internal chatter long enough so that relaxation can occur. To help turn down the volume of brain clamour and mental oscillations, the private space you return to should have therapeutic elements (colors, textures, sounds, scents) – within it, that promote peace and serenity; inducing the mind and body to unclench and relax. The mind/body connection can be positively affected with soothing sounds, scented air and a reclining position, with or without props. These are just some quick antedotes for a tired body, harried soul and slow an active mind. It is one feel good prescription, so you can get up tomorrow and do it all again.

  Please Note: The information contained in this blog is not meant to treat, cure or diagnose any ailments. Please retain, or seek out  licensed medical guidance if you have a medical condition, or think you may have a medical condition.  All the best.

Karen,

brownstoneshopper.com

Just a few words in support of women and women artisans around the globe. Whether the women are organizing the cooperatives or working in them, there is alot of attention being paid to the plight of women, particularly in developing countries. Women have always been there, participating, and changing the world. Perhaps now the strong and silent force of the SHE has reached critical mass as her voice – that has never been silent, but been subverted – is now a sustained and familiar sound in her efforts as mother, business woman, student, teacher, organizer, rebel and force of life on the planet. Slowly her sound has become audible and her silhoutte more in focus. As we approach the year 2010 with all the social unrest, it is good there is some acknowledgement of women, who must endure the formidable challenge of supporting themselves and keeping their families together. Whether here at home in the US or overseas, women have picked up the economic gaunlet (because we can’t sit around and do nothing), and are using it to build better lives for themselves and their children. Woman is the new workforce. Sometimes necessity is the new choice, which becomes habitual, which becomes a way of life.

Karen,
brownstoneshopper.com

During the last post you will recall I mentioned the term ‘tandem gift-giving’. Don’t know that the term is original on my end, and indeed, it may exist elsewhere however, my reference point is the concept or ideal of Fair trade and how it gives two-fold. What that phrase may mean to consumers, producers, activists, the author (0f this post) and indeed all stake holders on the ‘value chain’ of this social movement, is what this post is about.

I spent some time today looking at some of the challenges of Fair Trade ideology, because although the concept is an ideal, in practice it has its difficult realities. Actually, Fair Trade is more the model of how commerce should function. The resulting fissure of unfair business practices demanded the creation of a more responsible system of trade. As a retailer and a consumer, I enjoyed hearing the different sides of the argument at the LSE conference (links below), and found myself more sympathetic to some ideas than others.  Social systems are never neat and tidy, indeed it is their nature to be un-neat and raggedy around the edges until we refine and clean them up . It always takes extra effort and care to create and maintain the boundaries of beneficial social systems. Ethics concerns which have long been a staple of the movement since its inception, are becoming more complex and sovereign to the elan vital of Fair Trade.

The idealogy can be described as a ‘best practices’ format in trade ideals, worthwhile and humane in its formation.  This social movement has helped the marginalized and disenfranchised populations of producers worldwide, to be partners in a global economy that was historically barred, and often exploitive  to them. It  has also done its part in helping to preserve indigenous handcrafted traditions. On the other hand, no system or concept is without its problems, and this was what my exploration sought out. Always looking for avenues of positive social change and trying to understand things I don’t understand, there are things about Fair Trade that I have not understood.  An example of this would be–what are the social concerns within Fair Trades structural core, what is its structural core, and how can I as a retailer be more-solution-than-problem-focused in my participation? The question of who owns Fair Trade posed at the London School of Economics (LSE) in the UK? was asked as Fair Trade has taken on the life of a brand.  Is Fair Trade a brand? (seems so). How has brand familiarity and economic downturn spurred increased interest in Fair Trade? Is that a good thing and how has the evolution of Fair Trade garnered more of a mainstream focus recently? How does that  test the fidelity of the Fair Trade ideal? These were all questions that were posed in order to try and clarify some of the deeper ethical and structural issues that need more consideration and clarity to protect Fair Trades core values, as a result of increased acceptance. People like Pauline Tiffen helped explain some of the mystique of this business practice and helped me get a better sense of what Fair Trade can offer.  It is not utopia, but it is a macrocosm of core values and ideally (seems to me) striving to mimic the values  of the microcosm (independent producer participants).

As Fair Trade becomes a familiar part of the vernacular, comes off the fringe or periphery and into the mainstream arena, the risk of losing a salient and vital spirit of a social milestone  is before us. Please click the links below to hear Pauline Tiffen, Dyborn Chibonga and Kate Sebag at the LSE conference as well as others, who spoke about the evolving concept of Fair Trade and the current crossroads of this economic movement.

http://fairtrade.change.org/blog/view/pauline_tiffen_on_the_challenges_of_fair_trade

http://vimeo.com/3564543

Karen,

brownstoneshopper.com

Well…I’ve had a challenging week. It’s been challenging because I’ve been late getting home and under the rug tired  e—v—e—r—y    n—i—g—h—t  this week.  What has been helpful has been the decor at home–small accent pieces, little punches of color and aromatic scents. Trying out items, color-watching, and mixing and matching single items or groupings of items, allows me to see how these products might be used to enhance the private spaces of our customers. We only sell things that we really love; things that are well made and represent value, quality and the best in handmade craftsmanship.

People I talk with speak about their idea of comfort in a favorite chair, a favorite throw or pillow, a favorite scent, a wonderful picture on the wall or the use of a favorite place setting when they have their meal. The vernacular of comfort is fairly universal. It is the details (or logistics) of comfort—the complexity (if you will) of our sense of comfort that makes the difference I think. Even though smell-a-vision hasn’t been perfected yet, a description of the simplest things helps you to create and imagine them in your minds eye. Think of a wax potpourri called gingerbread, or vanilla bliss. What comes to mind? You can smell it (or any scent) in your head (especially if you have a history with it) because you know how it smells & makes you feel.  Whether it is a scent, a chair in a small nook of a room, a throw, a pillow or a yummy cotton shawl to wrap yourself in, these items can represent a thimble (& sometimes that’s all you need) of sanity in your own cozy corner of the planet.

So think of the simple things that bring you pleasure. Remember a favorite book or a song that you like. I still have vinyl records and when they play, the sounds are like flying notes in the air. I notice how music provides a layering effect as  sight and sound converge in relation to objects that I place in and around my space. Try it out & you’ll see what I mean.

Here’s a simple exercise to try to keep your environment interesting, cozy, inspired and most of all—-comfy:

Think of textures, colors and scents that help you relax

Try to keep your space free from clutter (clutter defeats relaxation efforts)

Position special items in your special space that you love and soak up the good vibes

Use sound as a primary or secondary way to transform your environment

Scent your place with an aroma that you will enjoy (if you have allergies or cannot use scents, use your other senses such as seeing, taste and touch— visual and tactile aids to transport you, ( i.e. pictures, books, sculpture, even a beverage can work). It’s all about travelling to or being in an alternate place where you can recharge yourself. These are trips where mental clarity and life quality can improve.

The idea is to be creative. Creativity is that spark of inspiration that takes our  interiors from drab and uninspiring to Eden-esque splendor. Home is our own little slice of heaven, our space, our garden, our capsule, a nest in time that we feather, with all the things that are to us —-special, meaningful and divine. Recharging after a long day is serious business. We need the ‘right stuff’  to bring the relaxation home. 

As I am always combing for inspiration and take my own advice (most of the time), I am looking through some wonderful textiles and have come across a large Ethiopian cotton shawl. It is embroidered, the size is very generous, the tone on tone colors are decorative and subtle on a neutral background. The wrap is an elegant piece that would really dress up a casual look. It is a natural, handmade product made the eco-friendly way with love, patience and the fingers of a skilled artisan. We will be offering these for sure.

What home decor items do you love? Print out today’s blog entry and take it with you the next time you go shopping. Sometimes we forget our agendas once we are driven to distraction. Carefully spent dollars, a few wonderful pieces, tandem gift-giving and thoughtful purchasing, will inform your shopping habits.

By the way I’m Karen – the President of brownstoneshopper and the author of all posts up to now with more on the way…….

Karen

brownstoneshopper.com

In this entry we continue to explore the topic of olfaction. Did you know that much of the space in the nasal cavity is used for cleaning up the air we breathe. Well, according to Stoddart & Whitfield (1984) debris, such as dust and bacteria along with other fluid phase chemicals circulating in the air are caught in the nasal fluids and once swallowed, are deactiviated by the acids in the stomach.  

As we move from one season to the next, it is getting warmer. Our nasal cavity is doing its job of cleaning our air, but we also love to inhale the smells of summer. As the solstice approaches, the smells of summer get closer and stronger like the sun, and the memory of what summer means returns just like the memory of smells that we’ve  known before. What does summer mean to you? What do you think of when think of summer? Can you identify some smells of summer?  Here are some olfactory clues…salt air, flowers, grass, sunset, morning,…

brownstoneshopper.com