Inspiration: Alexa Chung

Love this. In this month's Vogue, via.

Silk Radiance Balm

New product just in! Fable Natural Silk Radiance Balm. I developed this product to utilize the healing benefits of Silk Powder. Silk Powder was used by the ancient Chinese to dress wounds, mostly likely because of its anti-bacterial properties, and its amino acids that help rebuild skin cells. Silk Powder contains 18 different amino acids, which are essential to regenerating skin cells. It also reflects UV light radiation.

I love the way this balm feels on my skin. I could literally sit here all day putting this stiff on-- it is a little bit addictive! It feels so smooth and silky on the skin. I use it all over. One thing I discovered is that it can be used as a natural deodorant! Silk Powder is anti-bacterial and regulates moisture. With all the stories in the media preaching the dangers of conventional deodorants and anti-antiperspirants, I am glad to have created a product that functions in so many ways. This product is not greasy at all. It absorbs readily and leaves a light powder finish. It is scented with Lavender essential oil.

Head over to my online shop to get yours! I'm offering 10% off all orders until August 31st, 2010. Use the coupon code: MAKE. As usual, there is Free Shipping on orders that reach $45 plus.

Inside a designer's studio

Check out these photos from Elle.comLauren Manoogian. An inside look into the studio of jewelry and knitwear designer, Lauren Manoogian, based in Brooklyn, New York.

If you've ever wanted to train in knitwear design on a domestic machine like Lauren's (shown in the photo), check out my experience at the Knit-1 studio. Feel free to email me if you want to get in touch with them about their courses.

How To Beat The Heat

A heat wave has hit in Toronto and the surrounding area. The heat can be pretty unbearable at times, so here are some tips on staying cool in the heat.

Wear natural fibers
While I'm sure most of us would like to go around wearing nothing at all, but if you need to go out in public, try wearing natural fibers that will keep you cool. Try silks, linens, and cotton. Not only do they absorb the sweeat away from the body, they allow the body to breathe. Synthetic fibers tend to leave one feeling sticky and sweaty because they don't wick the moisture away from the body. Also try looser fitting clothing.

Drink lots of water
This is really obvious, but sometimes you can forget to pack enough water for the day. Keeping hydrated will keep you cool. Eat lots of juicy fruits like grapefruit and watermelon.

Refresh the skin with flower water
If you are using natural skin care that includes flower water toner (such as Fable Natural Rose or Lavender Water), put it in the fridge and spritz it on throughout the day to cool the skin. Wipe away sweat to prevent clogged pores. Alternatively, you could fill a spritzing bottle with water and put it in the fridge.

Freeze it
If you feel like stepping into a freezer, the next best thing you can do is put a pillow or blanket in the freezer for ten minutes and hug it to let the coolness transfer to you This works best with natural fibers and feather pillows.

Eat (frozen) dessert first.
Eating dessert first is not what I would normally recommend, but when it's this hot out, there isn't much appetite anyways.  In New York, Tasti D Lite is having a special deal for today only, check them out here.

Cold water compress
Fill a basin with cold water, soak a cotton flannel and apply it to the skin. Add a few drops of bath oil from Dr. Hauschka to make it a real treat. Try Lemon or Lavender for a truly refreshing feel. 

1 kg cones of Baby Alpaca

Due to the popular demand of the Fable Handknit Pure Baby Alpaca yarns, I decided to add the 1 kg cones to the shop. These yarns are ideal for machine knitting, or very large projects and you want to knit continuously on one strand of yarn. This yarn is DK weight, which will work on a mid-gauge machine (it can work on a standard gauge, but you must use the lowest tension).

For more info, check it out here.