London-based home furnishings and accessories label Eva Sonaike was first launched by Eva Sonaike in 2007. Specialising in traditional African and African-inspired textiles combined with the finest velvets and leathers Eva Sonaike’s collection of cushions, bags and notebooks can now be found in London’s most prestigious stores including Liberty and Selfridges, as well as in a selection of exclusive boutiques and websites. Her interest in African fashion and design was triggered through the elegant and beautiful attire, mixing traditional African clothing with continental European styles and homes that combined antique and retro furniture with traditional African textiles, she came across during her upbringing in the South of Germany and Lagos. We love it!!!

For more information please visit: www.evasonaike.com

Yesterday I have seen an interesting show on BBC – “Grow your own drugs”. I really loved it and thought it was very interesting. I especially liked the self-made sleep inducing hops/lavender pillow. I have found the recipe on the website of BBC:

For a pillow about 32 x 23 cm:

4 handfuls dried hops flowers

4 handfuls dried lavender flowers

1. To dry the hops and lavender yourself, tie them in bunches and hang upside down in a well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight for 2 weeks. Alternatively, place in a low oven (about 100C) for 30 minutes or so until dry and crispy. Strip the flowers off the larger or harder stalks.
2. Put equal handfuls of dried hops and lavender flowers into a cotton pillowcase, and seal the end.
3. Place the pillow under or beside your head to induce sleep.

For more interesting recipes of “Grow your own drugs”: www.bbc.co.uk

On my last trip to China I was amazed when I looked out of my hotel room window early in the morning. I saw graceful images of people gliding through dance-like poses as they practiced Tai Chi. Simply watching them is relaxing. Tai Chi, in fact, is often described as “meditation in motion” because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body. Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, tai chi is a graceful form of exercise that has existed for over 2,000 years.

To do tai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing. Tai chi has more than 100 possible movements and positions. You can find several that you like and stick with those, or explore the full range. The intensity of tai chi varies somewhat depending on the form or style practiced. Some forms of tai chi are more fast-paced than others, for instance. However, most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone. And they all include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing.

Tai Chi is excellent to:

- Reduce Stress
- Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Improve Balance
- Exercise
- Increase Emotional Well-Being

I will try it out, as it is a nice change to my yoga and cardio exercise:-).