Category Archives: Things We Like

RecyBags: The Perfect Summer Accessory

13139298_10154127761658582_1587404838591381347_n

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Beach time is just around the corner, and every chic beachgoer needs a stylish bag to stash the sunblock, water bottle, cover-up, and a great summer read. At Charles P. Rogers, we happened to discover these colorful totes made from rice sacks and animal feed sacks in Cebu, Philippines. Can you believe that any item this lovely would be constructed of sacks? We think the bags make for an ideal beach tote, but beyond their aesthetic, RecyBags have a terrific, heartwarming story too.

Screen Shot 2016-05-10 at 6.27.07 PM

The bags are made by a group of Filipino women in partnership with the Rise Above Foundation, a team of volunteers working to improve the lives of the poor and underprivileged in Cebu. Launched in 2009, the RecyBag program gives these struggling women a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency that they wouldn’t have otherwise, enabling them to provide for their families.

“The RecyBags program has helped me a lot. Now my son’s education will be sponsored….And we also have wonderful people who always encourage us.” – Imelda S. Comon, 45 years old, RecyBag Artisan

Unsurprisingly, the making of these beautiful bags is a bit of a process. Each woman has been trained to cut and fold each strip carefully, weaving one by one until they’ve created the perfect bag. A handwoven tote takes about 10 to 12 hours to cut and weave.

971709_538002919599455_832023053_n

Even if you’re not a beach lover, RecyBags make an excellent travel bag, carryall, or even a warm-weather handbag. As a stylish gal myself, I can imagine strutting around New York City with a fashionable RecyBag on my shoulder!

Sold locally in the Philippines and spotted in other countries like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, and Japan, RecyBags are becoming popular the world over. And now, the bags are available in New York and New Jersey too. Charles P. Rogers will be giving away bags (while supplies last) in our showrooms from May 20th through 30th. Anyone who purchases a sheet set at our Flatiron or New Jersey showroom during the promotion will automatically go home with one of these fabulous RecyBags, just in time for the summer season.

“Ever since I started in the RecyBags program, I don’t worry about our daily needs anymore, unlike before, I didn’t have a source of income yet.” – Juanita Baclay, 52 years old, RecyBags Artisan

Charles P. Rogers
26 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
(212) 675-4400

300 NJ-17
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 933-8300

For more info on RecyBags, visit the Facebook page.

 

Posted in Styles Promotions & New Products, Things We Like | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why You Should Make Your Bed Every Day

Post by Tracy Kaler.

Making your bed might seem insignificant, but actually, this simple task can start things off on the right foot and positively affect the rest of your day. Not sure how to properly dress a bed? Head over to this previous blog post I wrote for a little help. For now, though, read on for five reasons why your bed should never go unmade.

You’ll get motivated.
Starting your day with a positive action will put you in the mood to work and accomplish other tasks. Getting motivated in the a.m. is a surefire way to have a successful workday.

One good habit leads to another.
Daily bed-making is an excellent habit to get into, and will undoubtedly lead to other good habits, such as eating a healthy breakfast, keeping to a schedule, and staying focused throughout the day.

Your bedroom will feel less cluttered.
Who would have thought? Taking five or ten minutes each morning to make your bed will leave your room with a more organized feel. That’s a pretty simple fix, if you ask me.

You can have visitors at any time.
Surprise visitor? If you’ve made the bed, you won’t feel embarrassed when your best friend pops in unannounced. You’ll look like you have everything under control (even if you don’t).

You’ll feel happier as you get into bed at the end of a long day.
Looking at a perfectly made bed is satisfying at any time, but particularly when it’s time for bed. Pull down your comforter and sheets, fluff your pillows, and crawl into your nest until tomorrow. Sweet dreams!

Posted in Things We Like | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tips & Tricks: 6 Suggestions to Stay Cool When You Sleep

Post by Tracy Kaler.

When it comes to sleeping, a comfortable temperature in the bedroom is almost as important as a comfortable mattress on the bed. If you find that you’re often waking during the night, you could be too warm.

Body temperature shouldn’t rise when you get in the sack. In fact, to fall asleep and stay asleep, your overall temperature should remain cool. So if you feel warm in bed, heed these six suggestions so you can chill out when it’s time to snooze.

Angel Sleeps

1. Stick your sheets and pillowcases into a plastic bag and place in the freezer for a few minutes just before you hit the hay.

2. Wear cotton or silk bedclothes. Both fibers are breathable and more likely to keep you cooler than polyester.

3. Take a cool shower before you crawl in bed. Even a quick rinse might be enough to lower your body temperature.

4. Avoid spicy food too close to bedtime. For medical reasons, it’s also not a good idea to eat too late in the evening, but hot and spicy dishes could leave you feeling a tad warmer than you should.

5. Try a cooling pillow, which can help regulate your head and face temperature so you don’t get overheated and wake up before the alarm sounds.

6. Purchase a tabletop fan. Although many bedrooms come with ceiling fans, an additional fan on a nightstand or table can circulate enough air to keep you cool as a cucumber until morning.

Posted in Things We Like | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tips and Tricks: Drink Any of These 5 Beverages For a Good Night’s Sleep

Post by Tracy Kaler.

cherries

Insomnia affects approximately 60 million Americans each year. What gives? Hectic work schedules, stress, and even diet can have an impact on overall quality of sleep. Before turning to prescription medication, give any or all of these natural beverages a try and put your insomnia to bed once and for all.

Valerian tea
It’s no secret that Valerian encourages relaxation and even drowsiness for some, so a cup of this herbal tea before bedtime could send you off into a sound sleep until the alarm sounds in the a.m.

Tea

Banana smoothie
Loaded with potassium, bananas might be all you need to drift off to a peaceful slumber. Try combining a half a cup of low-fat milk or unsweetened soymilk with a small banana. It’s tasty too.

Coconut water
Many people love the flavor and drink it on a regular basis, but coconut water is also jam-packed with potassium and magnesium. The healthy drink contains B vitamins too, which have been known to reduce stress. If you’re not already sipping coconut water, you might want to start.
Coconut Water

Almond milk and honey
Almond milk is high in tryptophan and magnesium, both key components for good sleep. Raw honey is known to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can keep you asleep through the night. The two together could be the winning combination your body needs to get a full night’s rest.

Tart cherry juice
Cherries contain melatonin, which could be the reason the tart fruit juice will put you into a sound sleep. An eight-ounce serving twice per day is recommended for optimal benefits.

Posted in Things We Like | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Eat Right and Sleep Well: Foods to Help You Sleep

Post by Tracy Kaler.

We all have those nights when we can barely keep our eyes open, but we’re also familiar with those evenings when we can’t seem to get to sleep no matter how many sheep we count. Few people realize that diet can play a significant role in our ability to fall and stay asleep until the alarm buzzer sounds in the a.m. Avoiding caffeine-filled foods, alcohol, and heavy meals too close to bedtime can make dozing off less troublesome.

Above and beyond these things we shouldn’t eat, try eating those foods that help promote a healthy night’s sleep. Read on to see if any of your favorites made the list.

Salmon
Known for its share of vitamin B6, which is needed for our bodies to produce melatonin, salmon encourages a good night’s rest, as does halibut and tuna.

Salmon Dinner-2

Yogurt
Did you know that calcium deficiency can keep you from sleeping? Yogurt and milk are rich in calcium, so regularly including dairy products in our diet could make a difference in our sleep habits.

Yogurt

Whole grains
Foods like barley, millet, and bulgur are rich in magnesium, which has been known to keep us fast asleep through the night.

Toasted-Bulgur Pilaf

Chickpeas
Those cute little beans that we often eat in salads and use to make hummus are jam-packed with tryptophan, a natural sleep inducer. In a nutshell, keep dipping those veggies.

Hummus

Bananas
Usually considered a breakfast food, bananas release natural chemicals needed to relax before falling fast asleep. Rather than drinking a cup of warm milk –– the classic bedtime remedy –– try a half banana instead.

going bananas : san francisco (2012)

Posted in Things We Like | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment