Author: James Fishman

James Fishman has been involved in the world of online magazines for more than 15 years. He helped launch Sunstone Online and continues to improve the magazine as site editor and administrator. His writing focuses primarily business and technology. To be in touch with James, feel free to contact him at james[at]sunstoneonline.com.

14 Ways to Battle Insomnia

While most of us think that it’s natural to get a good night sleep and to sleep straight through the night, for many people this is not the cause. Insomnia can be a once-in-awhile situation or it can turn into a truly terrible recurring situation. Whether you are battling with these issues all the time, or just once in a while, there really is help out there. Here are 14 suggestions for battling your insomnia and getting yourself back to bed.

  1. Identify the Cause: Understand the root of your insomnia, whether it’s stress, life changes, or a medical condition.
  2. Stick to a Routine: Even if not sleepy, get into bed at your usual time to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
  3. Engage in Relaxing Activities: Listen to classical music or read under soft lighting to encourage sleepiness.
  4. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep and your pre-bedtime activities are calming.
  5. Limit Bed Activities: Keep your bed for sleep only, avoiding activities like watching TV or browsing your phone.
  6. Use Medication Wisely: Consult a doctor about using over-the-counter or prescription medications for tough nights.
  7. Avoid Staying in Bed: If sleep evades you, leave your bed to prevent associating it with stress.
  8. Seek Professional Help: If sleep issues persist, consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
  9. Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to promote better sleep.
  10. Evaluate Your Diet: Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
  11. Address Restless Leg Syndrome: If symptoms appear, get up and stretch or walk to alleviate discomfort.
  12. Monitor Daytime Naps: Limit or avoid naps to ensure you’re tired at bedtime.
  13. Consider Environmental Factors: Adjust your bedroom environment to be dark, quiet, and cool.
  14. Limit Clock-Watching: Avoid looking at the clock if you wake up in the middle of the night to reduce anxiety.

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Make Fashion Week Your Own

Watching runway models parade the latest styles in Paris each year, it’s difficult not to eye the outlandish ensembles and wonder, “are these meant for real life?” To the uninitiated, these creations might seem less like wearable attire and more like artifacts from a journey through “Doctor Who’s” Tardis to a fantastical realm.

Fashion designers are artists, and runway shows are their blank canvas. Designers leverage the runway as a singular platform to unleash creativity, unfiltered by external influences like magazine edits or retail constraints. With just 10 minutes to captivate an audience, exaggeration becomes a strategic tool for conveying their vision, a tactic now amplified by the digital age’s demand for instant understanding.

Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons explained in 2014, the thought behind her show was “not making clothes.” This exemplifies the fashion industry’s conceptual side, intended to compel us to explore our own creativity within our wardrobes. Other brands, like Max Mara and Dries Van Noten, are more driven to market their designs directly to consumers.

Whether you prefer to merely be an observer of runway shows or draw inspiration from the outrageous outfits, feel free to take set your inhibitions aside and take a cue from the designers to incorporate the styles into your closet! As the fabulous Iris Apfel said, “When you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everybody else.” Embrace the boldness of fashion week and have fun!    

The Unique Legacy of Iris Apfel

If you’ve never heard of Iris Apfel, she is certainly worth spending a few minutes to know. In a world often swayed by fleeting trends and cookie-cutter fashion, Iris Apfel definitely stood out. With her oversized black-rimmed glasses and her slender frame, she was a force of fashion. At the age of 102, the fashion iconoclast recently died in her Palm Beach home, leaving behind a legacy as colorful and layered as her signature chunky accessories.

Iris was an influential interior designer and so much more. From art exhibitions to magazine covers, a cosmetic line, a documentary, a modeling contract, and even a Barbie doll in her likeness, Iris did it all with the fervor of someone who lived for the thrill of the next creative conquest.

Born in Queens, New York, Iris started shopping at 11. As a married woman, Iris and Carl founded Old World Weavers, jet-setting across continents in pursuit of exquisite fabrics. Their client list boasted names like Estée Lauder, Greta Garbo, and a who’s who of US presidents. Even Jackie Kennedy couldn’t resist their flair, enlisting their expertise for the White House’s aesthetic overhaul.

As she sauntered into her 90s, Iris became the muse for Kate Spade, collaborated with MAC Cosmetics, and launched her own line of everything fabulous on the Home Shopping Network. Despite rubbing shoulders with the fashion elite, Iris remained grounded, equally at home scouring flea markets for unique finds as she was in high-end boutiques.

When asked to encapsulate her philosophy on life, Iris simply said, “Only one trip.” Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she’d add, “Might as well live it up.”

Iris Apfel was more than just a style icon; she was a rare bird who taught us that fashion is about more than clothes—it’s about expressing who you are with unapologetic bravado. Her legacy is a vibrant tapestry of bold choices, fearless living, and a reminder to embrace every moment with passion and panache.

Solo Traveling: The Easy Way

Here is an interesting idea. Some people are intimidated by the idea of doing things alone, but others find it liberating. One of the least intimidating ways to travel by yourself is to do so on a cruise. This allows you to see interesting places and to have a built-in way to meet other people along the way and to have guided tours. Recently, USA Today categorized the best cruises for solo travel, and it’s worth taking a look at the list is this is something that has ever been of interest. Here’s a list of the top 10 cruise lines for solo travelers, highlighting their unique offerings:

  • No. 10: Seabourn Cruise Line
    • Offers small-ship intimacy facilitating easy interactions among passengers.
    • Dinner tables hosted by officers to include solo travelers.
    • Single supplement starts at 10%.
  • No. 9: Cunard
    • Features staterooms designed for solo cruisers, with ocean-view and interior options.
    • Organized activities and dining options cater to solo travelers.
  • No. 8: Norwegian Cruise Line
    • Pioneered studio cabins for solo travelers.
    • Exclusive access to Studio Lounge for socializing.
  • No. 7: Princess Cruises
    • Variety of onboard experiences suitable for solo travelers.
    • Offers singles-only parties and other inclusive activities.
  • No. 6: Holland America Line
    • Provides inclusive programming and solo staterooms on some ships.
    • No single supplement required for certain accommodations.
  • No. 5: Azamara
    • Intimate atmosphere with single supplements as low as 25%.
    • Inclusive of alcohol, gratuities, and special events.
  • No. 4: Viking Cruises
    • Offers promotions on single supplements and reduced airfare.
    • No assigned seating at meals encourages mingling.
  • No. 3: Crystal Cruises
    • Single guest rooms with ocean views and inclusive fares.
    • Amenities include butler service and free Wi-Fi.
  • No. 2: Carnival Cruise Line
    • Waives single supplements on a promotional basis.
    • A plethora of entertainment options for solo travelers.
  • No. 1: Grand Circle Cruise Line
    • Leader in solo travel with small-group shore excursions.
    • Offers free or low-cost single supplements and a roommate matching program.

Each of these cruise lines provides unique benefits for solo travelers, from reduced single supplements to social gatherings and activities designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for individuals exploring the world on their own. This is certainly a great way to get your feet wet (see what we did there?) as a solo traveler and to see if you enjoy it!

Adaptive Intimates…It’s About Time

While there is certainly room to applaud Victoria’s Secret with this news, we can also say it’s about time. Victoria’s Secret is collaborating with Runway of Dreams for an adaptive intimates collection. This initiative, highlighted in the “2024 State of Accessible Marketing” (SOAM) Report by dozanü innovations, represents a pioneering move in making fashion more inclusive.

The launch of the adaptive fashion line in collaboration with Runway of Dreams underscores a transformative period in the fashion world, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity. Rachel Burton, Director of Operations and Strategy at dozanü innovations, praised the initiative for its innovative approach and the positive impact it has on redefining industry norms. The campaign is celebrated for its inclusivity, featuring models with disabilities and employing clear, accessible communication, which promotes fashion as a form of self-expression for everyone.

Victoria’s Secret’s venture into adaptive fashion, as documented in the 2024 SOAM Report, marks the beginning of what will, hopefully, be far more recognition of the many ways that women (and men) can be sexy. For decades Victoria’s Secret has only shown one type of women on the runway, and it is exciting to watch and to see if this new initiative opens up the runway for many more expressions of beauty.