10 Super Easy Halloween Costumes

Pumpkin, check!

Candy, check!

Costume, ???

If these words feel all to familiar to you, you're in luck.  Although Halloween can be lots of fun, it can also be very costly.  For those last minute frugal shoppers, we have a few ideas for home made costumes.

1) Risky Business:

This costume couldn't be any easier.  Throw on a white dress shirt, socks, black  Ray bands, some tighty-whities and you've got a costume. This costume can be worn by both men and women.

2) Greek Goddess/God:

A classic, the Greek toga is probably the simplest and least inexpensive costume out there.  Find an old sheet and wrap around your body like a mummy, leaving the end to wrap over your shoulder.  Secure the shoulder strap by tucking it into the wrapped fabric.  For added security use safety pins or, for a glammed up look, tie a gold rope (found in any craft store) around your waist and secure the fabric.

3) Guitar Hero:

This popular game can easily become a costume.  If you have the game or know someone that has it, simply pair the guitar-shaped game controller with a rocker outfit.  It can include: old band t-shirt, ripped jeans, leather jacket, etc.  In the market for a leather jacket? Check out Roots Mark Leather Jacket.

4) Babe Magnet:

Items needed to complete this costume: black shirt, black pants, barbie dolls/ken dolls.  Buy, or borrow from your little sister 10-20 dolls.  Sew dolls onto black shirt and pants (sew around the dolls neck and other limbs) and Voila! You are now a Babe Magnet. An excellent black shirt, is the Roots Helena V-neck.  Simple design and low cost make it perfect for this look.

5) The Lumber Jack:

Combine a plaid shirt, denim bottoms, trapper hat and suspenders to create your lumber jack costume. For the full effect, draw (with brown eyeliner) a beard and carry a plastic toy axe.

6) Amy Winehouse:

This unique celeb makes it easy to copy her style.  Simply pair a white tank top and jeans, throw your hair into a bee-hive and there you go!  Add thick black eyeliner winged out at the edges, and add a fake tattoo on your arm for added effect.  For tips on Amy's hair and makeup visit youtube.

7) Zombie

For those Zombieland fans, this is the perfect time to show your love.  This costume is all about the makeup, which is what makes it so easy and inexpensive.  A white face, deep circles under your eyes and some blood around your mouth is all it takes.  Wear some old ripped up clothes to complete the look.

8) Johnny Depp:

Always a crowd pleaser, this hunky celeb will get any guy noticed.  Items needed: fedora, long grey scarf, white t-shirt and jeans.  Add his signature facial hair with dark eyeliner, and suddenly you've transformed into Johnny Depp!  Roots Plaid Fedora is a great item to achieve this look.

9) Vampire:

These days vampires seem to be the myth of choice.  From shows such as True Blood and the Vampire Diaries, and movies like Twilight, they're seemingly everywhere.  However vampires have been granted a new look.  The days of Dracula are no more, and we are left with a modern vampire.  To complete the look, simply wear you're hottest outfit and purchase fake vampire teeth.

10) The Ultimate Roots Fan:

For all you Roots fans, simply dress head-to-toe in Roots!

Happy Halloween!

What to Wear to... Yoga

The key to starting any exercise off on the right foot is making sure you are properly attired and equipped with workout clothes. Clothes should be comfortable, breathable, stretchy and have good air flow. You don't want them to be too thick or you will sweat a lot, and if the garment isn't breathable you will likely be very uncomfortable. Try a moisture wicking tank or light tee, capris or long pants. Roots has a great selection of tanks and workout bottoms, and we've suggested a few items that will get you started.  

The Energy Wrap Tank Top is a bargain at $14.98 (on sale). It's made of premium supplex nylon/spandex jersey in a comfortable light weight material. We love that is has a built-in sports bra that wicks away sweat and keeps you cool and dry.

 

The Mantra Pant ($50) is one of our most sought after items! Slim fitting and snug, these pants give you a super comfortable, flattering fit, with versatility that will take you from yoga class out to dinner. Made from premium supplex nylon and a flat waistband that stays in place with chafe free seams. Perfect for your first (and many more to come) yoga class.   Shopaholic83 from Toronto agrees that these are the perfect pants for yoga. "I can't get enough of these pants! They are the best yoga pants I've purchased and well worth the money. I find that these pants hug and shape the body to accentuate your curves. They also help hold in your tummy to make it nice and flat.

The Tracy Tote ($19.98 on sale, regular price $48.00) is a perfect tote to carry all your essentials to and from yoga class. Made from 100% Organic Cotton, the Tracy Tote has clips on the front to hold your yoga mat. Has versatile handles for shoulder wear or hand carry and interior pockets for a cell phone, MP3 player and camera. Stash your water bottle, gym membership, and towel and you're good to go!

Yoga 101

It seems like every gym, fitness centre, neighbourhood, and even retail stores are offering yoga classes, yoga memberships and yoga apparel. For those of you who haven't tried yoga, do you ever wonder what exactly yoga entails, or why so many people have professed their love for it? The truth is, yoga is a great way to maintain your health in all sorts of ways: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There are tons of beginner, intermediate and advanced classes available at a variety of fitness establishments (including Roots Yoga Studio in Toronto, Canada).

Definition: What IS Yoga?

The origin of the word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning union. It is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Yoga is defined as a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, and positive thinking aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind, and environment. The practice entails low-impact physical activity, postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, and meditation.

Benefits: Why Should I do Yoga?

The benefits of various yoga techniques range from improving body flexibility and performance, to stress reduction, attainment of inner peace, and self-realization. Yoga has been advocated as complementary treatment to aid healing of ailments like coronary heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, and substance abuse.

If you practice yoga, you may receive these benefits:

Physical

• Improved body flexibility and balance
• Improved cardiovascular endurance (stronger heart)
• Improved digestion and abdominal strength
• Enhanced overall muscular strength
• Weight control
• Increased energy levels
• Enhanced immune system

Mental

• Relief of stress resulting from the control of emotions
• Prevention and relief from stress-related disorders
• Intellectual enhancement, leading to improved decision-making skills

Spiritual

• Life with meaning, purpose, and direction
• Inner peace and tranquility
  
• Contentment
  

How to Get Started

Because there are many different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle to vigorous, you will want to find a teacher and style that suit your needs, abilities, limitations, current physical condition, and class schedule.

• Shop around for gyms and studios that offer yoga classes. Make sure to choose one for beginners.
• Wear comfortable stretchable or slightly loose clothing and expect to take off your shoes.
• Don't attempt yoga on a full stomach, and remember to bring water.
• Use a nonslip mat that is long enough for you to lie fully stretched on your back.
• Make sure the teacher knows about any limited health conditions and your level of fitness.
• Don't force any movements or poses. Mastery will come with practice.
• Have fun! Enjoy the breathing and relaxation techniques and newfound flexibility and peace you will achieve.

Sources

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/yoga/article_em.htm

 

How to... prepare for Back to School

Summer vacation is coming to an end, but that does not mean that the fun has to be over. Although those long summer days and spontaneous road trips are memorable, going back to school is also a very exciting experience. Meeting new people, re-connecting with friends, sporting new clothes and accessories, and just having that hard-to describe feeling the very first day of school are some of the cool perks of starting a new school year.

To make this transition a smooth one for both children and parents, we have put together a guide on how to prepare for back to school.

                      

1. Set & Adhere to a Bedtime schedule. This was the number one priority highlighted by the experts. During summer it's very common to stay up late and not follow a strict schedule. This may be one of the hardest steps to follow, but it's also very critical. Experts recommend figuring out and following the bedtime situation at least 2 weeks prior to school starting. Some parents even suggest gradually changing the bedtime per night. Children should be well-rested and ready to go for school.

2. Follow eating schedules. Summertime is a busy time for families, and eating habits may have changed somewhat from the regular school schedule. Parenting experts recommend to start going back to the regular eating schedules before returning to school. This will also help parents to get into the habit of making breakfast on time whenever the little ones go back to school. And eating a balanced breakfast ensures a good level of energy and enhances learning throughout the day.

3. Begin the transition of doing homework. Experts suggest encouraging children to read books over the summer, but with all those outdoor activities during summer, some children don't even pick up a book. However, having children read a book in August will prepare them for the homework and assignments for when they get back to school. Choose a fun and interesting novel for your child to read and read it together so it doesn't feel like homework. 

4. Shop for school supplies. The key to saving time and money for school supplies shopping is to make a list of everything you will need. Having a list cuts down the trips to the store and ensures buying only what is really necessary.

                                   

5. Back to school clothing. New school year means new clothing. This may be one of the most exciting steps while preparing for back to school. When financially possible, provide at least two weeks worth of new clothing including shoes. To help you choose cool and durable clothes for the little fashionistas, we have put together some back-to-school essentials. We like these items because they are versatile, fashionable, and durable.

 

  

Last piece of advice from the experts?  Enjoy the experience!

Click here to check out the newest styles for Kids. 

Sources:

http://www.essortment.com/all/backtoschool_rcjv.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4475760_prepare-back-school.html

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How to...Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is a wonderful activity and has many benefits. It's a great way to make a difference in your community, help others in need, meet new people, and learn new skills. Those who haven't volunteered before might be overwhelmed with how to begin the process, after all, there are numerous worthy organizations, charities, and events that require volunteers year round. We're here to help! We've put together a guide of tips and information that will help you get started with your new "life" as a volunteer!

1) Consider WHY you want to volunteer

• Do you want to build your own skills and gain hands on experience? (ex. an event planning student volunteering at the Olympics to learn new skills).
• Do you want to make new friends and meet new people?
• Do you want to share your gifts with others, or are you passionate about supporting a cause or organization? (ex. Supporting the Cancer Society).

Examining these questions can help point you in the right direction for volunteering.

2) Choose an organization that is meaningful to you

• Think of a list of causes you feel most strongly about. Are you passionate about the environment? Are you an animal-rights activist? Are children and hospitals dear to your heart? Chances are, a lot of causes will tweak at your heart, but focusing on one or two of your most passionate choices will help you narrow down the list of possible organizations you would like to volunteer at.
• Once you've decided what causes you would like to support, spend a little time researching organizations within that field to get a good idea of what they do, and what their role will be.
• Search online to find  list of volunteer opportunities available in your area, read the paper for local organizations that need help, or enquire at your closest community centre or church.
• Click here for a list of organizations that Roots supports.

3) Match your skills and interests

• Seek out an organization and tasks within it that suit your skills and interests. Of course, you can develop new skills and learn many things by volunteering, but your volunteer work can still be compatible with your interests.
• If you're an outgoing people person, you might not have much fun in the back office stuffing envelopes or filing papers. Others, by contrast, might find it uncomfortable to solicit funds by going door to door.
• Organizations need all sorts of skills. If you're not sure what sort of work you like or dislike, a volunteer organization may be a great opportunity to dabble a bit and try different things.

 4) Start small and be engaged

• If you already have a busy schedule, volunteer your time for an hour or two per week or perhaps one day per month. You might be surprised how much you can accomplish in even a little bit of time. Then, if you find you enjoy the work and have more time to pursue it, gradually take on more.
• Get to know others in the organization and how the group supports volunteers. Attend a training or orientation session, if one is available; if not, talk to local group leaders and other volunteers in the community about their experiences. You'll learn what to expect of an organization and your work with it, and you'll pick up some good tips to make your work there more productive and more meaningful

5) Have fun!

• You will accomplish more if you love what you do, and chances are good that your enthusiasm will infect others.
• Helping others is a great feeling, and in addition you will acquire new skills, meet new people, and make friends

Sources:

How to Volunteer

Related Links

Volunteer Canada

How to Volunteer Overseas

Volunteer Programs in Canada and Abroad

Roots is on Twitter! Come Follow Us!

Twitter. This relatively new medium for communication is being used by everyone from celebrities to news anchors, to companies and industry experts. Twitter has taken off in a very big way and it has turned into a way for us to communicate with you about products, promotions, sales and topics that interest both you and us.

If you ask the Twitter pros, they will tell you that engaging with people is the secret to success on Twitter, so that is what we are trying to do. We love to talk about our business but we also want to engage in conversations with you about things that you are interested in such as: the environment, lifestyle, indoor and outdoor activities, Canadian music, events, Canada and anything else that interests you!

Our overall goal with Twitter is to use it as one more way to communicate with the people who matter most: OUR CUSTOMERS! We're there everyday and we respond to all of the tweets that come our way, so if you're using it, follow us. If you're not then sign up and try it out! We can even help you learn how to use it and suggest people to follow that have helped us along the way.

To get started, all you need to do is sign up for an account and then use the "Find People" tool to start finding friends, family, Hollywood stars and great brands like Roots. If you need help, send us a tweet and we'll do everything we can to answer your questions. Let's enter the age of Twitter together!

How to...Care for your Roots Jewellery

Ever wondered how to keep your jewellery looking its best and brightest? We've put together a list of do's and don'ts to ensure your precious jewellery will continue to sparkle.

Roots jewellery is a lead free program made of base metal. Most styles have been plated in shiny gold/silver or Roots signature burnished silver or burnished gold. Extra plating has been added to preserve the finish and keep the jewellery looking new longer. 

Do

• Wipe jewellery with a damp cloth immersed in sudsy water (use a gentle soap) and rinse well.
• Dry all the pieces with a soft, absorbent cloth.
• Leave pieces lying on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.

Don't

• Expose jewellery to harsh chemicals (e.g. put on hairspray before jewellery)
• Wear jewellery in the shower, pool, or salt water
• Expose jewellery to extreme heat
• Clean jewellery with an ultrasonic cleaner or a professional jewellery cleaner.

Shop Roots Jewellery

How to... Start Your Own Organic Garden

Summer is the perfect opportunity to give your lawn a little makeover. Starting your own garden is a good way to revamp your house. At Roots we're always thinking how to do things the eco-friendly way. That's why we have put together this guide on how to start your own organic garden.

Choose a site for your organic garden

We all like lots of beautiful plants and flowers, but experts suggest starting a small garden at first, as it is easier to maintain. Once you get the hang of it, then you can expand your garden. Also, when deciding where to plant your garden, you also have to consider sunlight exposure. It is recommended that the designated area get at least half a day of sunshine. Lastly, make sure the lawn you choose drains well.

Make a compost pile

Compost is the main ingredient for developing rich organic soil. It also provides a continuous supply of organic fertilizer. Wondering how to get organic fertilizer? Recycled leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds, eggshells and kitchen waste are all excellent organic fertilizer ingredients.

Add the right soil

The key factor to any organic garden is great soil. Experts recommend layering as much organic material as possible. Soil that has been built up will not only nourish your plants without using any chemicals, but it will also keep them more natural .

Control weeds

Use a hoe or hand weed the roots of invasive plants; there is no other way around it. Another piece of advice is to plant thickly. Planting thickly discourages weeds from growing between the plants you want. Finally, when hand weeding established plants, make sure you do it carefully to avoid uprooting the plants you want to keep.

Water your plants

It sounds like a no-brainer, but this step can really make the difference between having a blooming, healthy organic garden vs. a garden becoming history. Experts suggest getting educated and figuring out the watering needs for different types of plants. Being consistent is also a key factor for keeping up your beautiful garden.

Don't give up

Just like the good things in life, you have to put in the time and the effort. Growing an organic garden is not easy, but it sure is rewarding! Imagine being able to grow your own organic veggies or gorgeous plants and flowers. So start now and test out your green thumb!

Read more How to...Guides

Sources:

http://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Organic-Garden

http://organichealthadviser.com/archives/how-to-start-an-organic-garden

 

How to... Get Stains out of Fabric

Spilling on yourself, a couch, or the carpet is something that happens to everyone! But don't worry - there is a cure for just about any stain you can create! Here are some quick tips on how to get out the most common stains you can make. We'd suggest always checking the care label for directions and if you're unsure, testing your solution on a small portion of unseen fabric first.

Stains on Clothing

• Oily Stains: Make a paste of sugar and water which you rub into the stain. Let it set and then wash.
• Ink: Cover the back of the stain with a clean cloth to stop the ink from bleeding out the back. Soak the stain with hair spray. Once the ink starts separating from the fabric take a second cloth and soak up excess hair spray and ink. Repeat as needed until ink is removed and launder as normal. 
• Hair Dye: Use detergent and white vinegar, then bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
• Lipstick: First dab the stain using a cloth with denatured alcohol, then rub a small amount of dish washing detergent into the stain. Follow with a stain removing stick then launder as normal. Hang dry so the lipstick does not set it. Repeat if necessary. 
• Wine and Fruit Juice: Make a paste of lemon juice and salt to put on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. 

Now you'll be prepared for any spills or stains!

Sources:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4535225_ink-stain-out-fabric.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_1556_remove-lipstick-stains.html

http://www.essortment.com/all/stainsclothes_ryij.htm

What to Wear To... Golf Lessons

Fore! Golf lessons are a fun way to stay active and get some sun this summer, but golf newbies might wonder what outfit to wear out on the green! We've put together a look for both men and women so you will both be putting in style in no time.

Women

We love the City Polo Shirt Fitted in Capri Pink because it adds a nice shot of colour to any outfit. Plus, it's slim fitting with lots of stretch for movement when you're practicing your swing. Another added bonus? The polo is made of organic cotton and comes in 5 other colours. Ali from Eastern Ontario agrees that it's great for golf:

"This is a great shirt for the course. It's light and airy, and a beautiful addition to the golfers wide array of Golf shirts. I have the Pink and it looks great with the Cleo shorts. Comfortable and affordable. Dresses up or down easily."

We would pair the polo with the Summerside Short to really make a statement on the golf course. Made of 100% cotton, these shorts will keep you cool and looking sharp throughout your lesson.

To top off the look, we've included the Athletic Mai Tai Watch in White to keep you on time. Stylish and made for athletic activity, the watch displays the digital time and date, comes with a two year warranty, and is water resistant.

Men

To make sure the ladies don't get all the attention during the golf lesson, we've picked out the Patterson Organic Polo Shirt in Orange. This classic polo shirt is made of organic cotton, and never goes out of style.

We decided to pair it with the Arrowhead Short and the Drake Che Cap for a complete golf lesson look. We picked the shorts because they have a fun print, and are a great casual piece for any man's closet. They also have a buttoned back pocket for storage (like extra golf balls). 

The Drake Che Cap is made of Organic Twill Cotton, and provides great protection from the sun while also making men look stylish. Now you're set for your golf lesson! All you have to worry about now is your form, and your score!