Posts filed under ‘Inspiring Reads’
DODOcase Brings Traditional Bookbinding to the Kindle
Image Courtesy of www.daemonsbooks.com
When I was six years old, my favorite outing was a trip to the library. Each week, I would convince my mother to let me check out the maximum number of books allowed. Then, I would quickly turn around and assemble a second stash that my sister (who, fortunately for me, did not share the same passion for books) checked out on my behalf. Fast forward 20 years, and I have books coming out of the woodwork. However, when a five-foot-high tower of tomes came crashing down on my boyfriend last summer, it was only a matter of time before I was gifted with the Amazon Kindle.
A lot of speculation has naturally focused on the environmental footprint of e-book readers and how they stack up against traditional paperbacks. However, one widely shared study found that the Kindle is a great option for the voracious, not the occasional, reader. After 22.5 electronic book purchases are made, the eco-friendliness of the Kindle surpasses traditional books, despite other factors. I’ve had the Kindle for four months and have already made six purchases.
Yet, even though I love the free space on my shelves and don’t feel guilty buying novels I only read once, I’ve mourned the changing tides of the book publishing industry. Luckily, an innovative San Francisco-based business has taken the traditions of bookbinding and applied it to the future of reading devices and tablets.
Keeping the skill of craftsmanship alive, DODOcase makes Kindle and iPad covers by hand, using sustainable bamboo for the inner e-book holder. A classic black faux leather cover, reminiscent of old cloth hardbacks, is lined with the fabric of your choice (as you can see above, I chose the lovely pink shade). The company’s mission statement – “Protects from Extinction” – is both cheeky and serious. Preserving the art of bookbinding, and doing so in a way that promotes a local economy, is increasingly important as mass production and globalization take over markets.
Without a doubt, my DODOcase really does “make [my] Kindle feel like the book it wants to be.” The unique, quality and handmade touches of the case make it an item to treasure. Now if only it could have that old book smell…
I believe that supporting local businesses is extremely important. Go to www.dodocase.com to purchase a great, SF-made case for your Kindle, which retails at $49.95. And take a moment to watch the interesting video below on the company’s engaging story.
Find Balance with Yoga Superstar Tara Stiles
Image Courtesy of TaraStiles.com
If you think yoga means turning yourself into a human pretzel, it’s time to get enlightened. Model-turned-yogi Tara Stiles - who also happens to be Deepak Chopra’s personal trainer and Women’s Health Yoga expert– has taken the ancient mind-body practice and made it accessible, relevant and fun.
Dubbing her philosophy “yoga for everyone,” Tara founded Strala Yoga Studio last year in New York and recently authored the book Slim. Calm. Sexy. I first came across Tara in ELLE magazine’s “Make Better” DVD series (yes – I do exercise videos at 6am) and immediately felt energized after her routine. Fast forward to the launch of her book in late August, and I haven’t been able to put it down since. Slim. Calm. Sexy. offers up routines that slim down your body, promote relaxation and, when needed, rev up your engines – all in 15 minutes a day.
Image Courtesy of TaraStiles.com
In the mornings, I grab the book and my Manduka mat and start the day with a mix of the A.M. Metabolism Kickoff and Fat Burning routines. To de-stress after a busy workday, the Insomina poses help me nod off quickly. I highly recommend Tara’s book if you’re looking for a way to balance your life and emotions in a natural way – and with more than 200 poses, mix-and-match routines, and life-changing sections on meditation and breathing techniques, there will always be room to grow. Plus a vigorous home routine saves on gym costs and doesn’t require energy-intensive equipment to stay fit.
And I’m excited to announce that Tara is going to be the latest guest in the Tom’s of Maine* “Wicked Fresh! Wednesdays” video chat series! Come ask her questions live TODAY on Facebook or UStream.tv at 5pm PST. She’ll share her tips on creating a stress-free holiday through fitness and demonstrate some energizing and relaxing poses. Can I get an “Om?”
If I’m on the road, Tara’s “Authentic Yoga” joint iPhone app with Deepak Chopra is always a good fitness traveling buddy. Or I check out her free videos on the Tara Stiles YouTube Channel.
*FULL DISCLOSURE: Tom’s of Maine is a client of my firm.
