Blog, News, and Updates | Cariloha

Now that we’re well into the New Year, you may or may not be going strong with your goals and resolutions. If your 2015 resolutions are long gone or if you’re looking to make some adjustments, here are six realistic New Year’s resolutions ideas to consider from one of our favorite product reviewers. Who knows, they may just carry you through an entire year…

6 Realistic New Year’s Resolution Ideas
By Having Fun Saving

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I did for years, then one of two things would happen:
• I would forget all about them.
• I would break one by February 1 and get discouraged and stop trying.

I really don’t think that the idea of New Year’s Resolutions was made to make us mad, sad, unhappy, or discouraged. I think the idea was to make you a better YOU, to see where you may be able to change something or add in something that makes you HAPPIER.

That being said, I thought I would share some realistic New Year’s resolution ideas. Because, if you’re like me, you haven’t committed to yours yet, or you just haven’t made them at all.

Enjoy Today

We all worry about what tomorrow will bring, what will happen in 5 years, 10 years, etc. But, do you ever actually stop and enjoy THIS VERY MOMENT? It’s great to plan for the future, but if you are not careful, you are going to miss some of the most magical moments that are happening RIGHT NOW. How many times have you been playing on your phone or watching TV when your friend or child said “Did you see that?” or “Didn’t hear what I said?” And yes, sometimes they are just telling us that they burped, but other times they are telling you that they love you, or that they hit the ball at baseball for the 1st time, or that they weren’t scared when they rode the bus home that day, or that they really need you to listen right now. Don’t miss today worrying about tomorrow. Enjoy now, enjoy this moment, enjoy TODAY.

Smile More

Did you know that it takes more muscles to frown than smile? Not to mention, your smile is beautiful!

Make Some Time for You

I know, I know, this is definitely easier said than done. I am not telling you that you have to schedule an hour a day, or even a week for just YOU right now. It just may not be possible. But, you need some time…even if it’s just a moment…that is just for YOU. Years ago when I felt like I lost ME – after I quit my job to say home with our son, and I was adjusting to all the changes in my life, I went to see a counselor. I needed someone to talk to that was outside of my circle. I explained how I felt and I will NEVER forget this analogy he told me…in fact, if you ask any of my friends, they will tell you I have told them it on several occasions.

When you’re on an airplane, the flight attendants tell you that you have to put on your air mask first before helping others. The reason they tell you that is, if you stop breathing, you can’t help ANYONE. You can’t always help others without stopping to allow yourself to breathe. If you aren’t “breathing,” you aren’t helping anyone. Not your kids, not your spouse, not your friends, not your family…and most importantly…NOT YOU. Learn to breathe.

Commit to Eating Better

Are you rolling your eyes? Doesn’t everyone make this goal? Yes, probably. But, I am asking you to keep your goal realistic so that YOU CAN DO IT! I can’t give up chocolate, I just can’t, that’s me being honest. So, that won’t be on my “eating better” list. I am a snacker. I love to snack, it’s also something I can’t give up. So, that won’t be on my “eating better” list. BUT, snacking BETTER is. Instead of potato chips or nachos by my computer or on my plate or in the kids’ lunchboxes, you will find snacks like Pretzel Crisps or Simply7 Snacks. Just because something is better for you doesn’t mean that there is no taste!

Exercise

More? Less? Better? Longer? Well, that’s up to you. I strive to work out 4-5 times a week, so I don’t want to add in any additional days really. But, I do want to exercise more. Run a bit longer, go to Jazzercise then go for a walk or bike ride with the kids later in the day. Wear my Bamboo Fit Performance Apparel from Cariloha more – not only because I love the look and feel, but because it means I am making a better ME by exercising. Again, the key here is to be realistic with your goals. Don’t say that you want to run 5 miles a day 5 days a week when you have never done that before. Just strive for something that will make you a better you. Not a different you, just a better you.

Do Something for You That You Usually Don’t Do

This can be something really simple. For me, it’s simply putting on mascara a few times a week. I work at home, so I never really think about make-up, but I think it takes me less than 30 seconds to swipe on mascara, and I can definitely tell you that it makes me feel a bit better. Put on lip gloss for no particular reason. Wear your hair down. Wear your favorite boots on a Monday instead of a date night. Wear a dress to the bus stop. Shower before lunch. Go to bed early one night. Stay up late watching movies one night.

And one last suggestion, once you come up with your New Year’s resolutions, write them down or put them in your phone. That way you can glance at them from time to time.

Cariloha this week launched its spring 2015 bamboo sock collection for men and women – all socks are made from eco-friendly bamboo-fabric blends and designed by Cariloha’s Product Team. Available exclusively at Cariloha stores and online, this season’s sock line showcases bold, new colors and designs that feature even more bamboo benefits and comforts than any previous sock line.

“Fans of comfortable, stylish socks who are also looking for all-natural sock alternatives instead of exclusively synthetic socks will find a pleasing variety of options in Cariloha’s bamboo sock collection,” said Scott Brady, Cariloha AVP of Communications. “They’re knit together with odor-resistant bamboo-fabric blends and have an equal measure of cozy and stylish.”

All bamboo sock styles feature hand-linked toe seams for a seamless bulk-free toe, reinforced plush foot bed and toe for added durability and plush comfort, and compression-knit band on the sock arch for even more support and comfort.

This line includes new colors and styles in the following sock options:
• Women’s Boot Socks: Striped Teal/Lime, Lattice Brown/Red, Lattice Aqua/Blue, Striped Aqua/Blue, Striped Brown/Red and Lattice Teal/Lime (Retail Price: $15)
• Women’s Trouser Socks: Black, Navy and Ivory (Retail Price: $12)
• Women’s Athletic Socks: White/Orchid and White/Caribbean Breeze (Retail Price: $15)
• Women’s Ankle Socks: White/Green, White/Gray, and Black/Gray (Retail Price: $12)
• Men’s Designer Trouser Socks: Block Slate, Block Green, Stripes Slate, Stripes Green, and Stripes Brown (Retail Price: $15)
• Men’s Solid Trouser Socks: Black, Navy and Tan (Retail Price: $12)
• Men’s Athletic Socks: White/Cadet Blue and Black/Carbon (Retail Price: $15)
• Men’s Ankle Socks: White/Green, Carbon/Black, and Black/Gray (Retail Price: $12)
• Men’s Crew Socks: Black/Gray, Carbon/Black, and White/Green (Retail Price: $12)

All new socks are offered in two sizes – Women’s (S/M 5-8), Women’s (L/XL 8-12), Men’s (S/M 7-10) and Men’s (L/XL 10-13).

“Bamboo breathes easier than exclusively cotton-based socks,” said Brady. “Your feet stay cooler when exercising or just walking around. The bamboo naturally fights odor-causing bacteria and wicks away moisture, so your feet sweat and stink less when wearing bamboo socks.”

Cariloha’s bamboo socks have carried Cariloha-sponsored Miles 2 Give runners for 3,000+ miles across the USA and 10,000+ miles around the USA in 2013 and 2014. “Of all the socks I’ve ever worn for running or otherwise, nothing compares to the comfort, breathability, and softness of Cariloha’s bamboo socks – they’ve been on my feet for thousands of miles and never failed me once,” said, Landon Cooper, Miles 2 Give Founder and Runner.

“Ultra-soft, refreshingly cool fabrics like Cariloha’s are typically found in most high-end socks, but these proprietary Cariloha blends are unlike any other in today’s market because they’re made from bamboo,” said Brady. “Unlike exclusively synthetic fabrics, our bamboo-blended fabrics wick moisture away from the body and helps prevent odors naturally, without using chemicals or pesticides to do so, and still remains softer and 3 degrees cooler than other non-eco-friendly fabrics.”

Cariloha Bamboo socks come with a 90-day quality guarantee. If the socks don’t live up to the customers’ expectations, Cariloha will replace them without reservation. Socks are machine washable and tumble dried low, so maintenance is easy and worry-free.

You can see Cariloha’s entire women’s bamboo sock collection here, and the men’s sock collection here.

Cariloha this week launched its winter 2015 bamboo scarf line, which is made from eco-friendly bamboo fabric and designed and inspired by Cariloha’s product designers.

Available exclusively at Cariloha stores and online, this year’s bamboo scarf collection features six modern scarf styles, which are all offered on various color, texture and design combinations.
“Our new bamboo scarves boast beautifully bold colors and irresistibly soft fabrics,” said Scott Brady, Cariloha AVP of Communications. They provide textural contrast to any of our Cariloha Bamboo tees or meld seamlessly with a bamboo hoodie or dress.”

Cariloha Bamboo Scarves Features:
NEW – Lightweight-style scarf fabric that’s ideal for warmer and cooler weather.
NEW – Geo Infinity Scarves geometric print design complements and coordinates perfectly with Cariloha’s Bamboo Style shirts.
NEW – Nautical Stripe Scarves are open ended and also coordinate well with our Bamboo Style shirts.
NEW – Dip-dyed Pashmina Scarves feature a soft color gradation from end to end. With this popular design being wider than other scarves, it has the versatility to wear as a scarf or a shawl. Essential for cool nights on the beach or boat.

“A Cariloha Bamboo scarf is a great accessory for summer nights when a jacket is too much but a tank or sleeveless top is too little,” said Brady. “Scarves can completely change the look and feel of an outfit. For customers who travel often, scarves become very useful because they can pack light and still pull off a variety of outfits for multiple occasions.”

Color Combinations: Geo Infinity Caribbean Coral Scarf, Geo Infinity Jade Scarf, Pashmina Jade Scarf, Pashmina Charcoal Scarf, Nautical Stripe Sea Glass Scarf, Nautical Stripe Caribbean Coral Scarf.

Four of the six bamboo scarves are made of 100% viscose from bamboo, while the other two consist of 57% cotton and 43% rayon from bamboo to provide a unique structure, texture and drape.

Retail price is $36.

“If customers are from a warm, humid climate, the hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking properties of the bamboo keep customers cooler and help prevent skin irritation, unlike non-bamboo fabrics,” said Brady. “Allergies, odors and heat are repelled easier because of the naturally occurring bamboo properties, which make the scarves ideal for a hot or cool day away from home.”

Cariloha Bamboo scarves come with a 90-day quality guarantee. If the scarves don’t live up to the customers’ expectations, Cariloha will replace them free. The bamboo scarves are machine washable and tumble dried low, so maintenance is easy and worry-free. They get even softer after washing.

Cariloha this week introduced the latest addition to its bamboo bedding line, the bamboo knit throw blanket, which is made entirely of ultra-soft, eco-friendly bamboo viscose.

Designed by Cariloha’s Product Team, the knit throw blankets come in the same color story as Cariloha’s plush throw blanket and are available exclusively at Cariloha stores and online next month.

A great blanket is essential for cozying up by the fire for a good read on a cold winter’s night, and this blanket is the one. Soft, sustainable, and just the right size for wrapping you up in cloud-like comfort, it’s an attractive gift for the natural-luxury comfort seeker.

It exceeds the softness of cashmere and offers even more warmth, odor resistance and durability. With its popular Herringbone pattern and compact size, it also makes for a welcome travel companion.

KNIT THROW BLANKET:
• Available under Cariloha’s Free Drop-Shipping Program
• Dimensions: 50” x 70”
• Retail Price: $89
• Made from 100% Viscose from Bamboo
• Machine Wash and Tumble Dry Low
• Three Modern Colors – Sand, Harbor Gray, Ocean Blue

This knit blanket is lighter than the plush bamboo blanket, which makes traveling with it much easier. It provides much-desired comfort on a long flight, especially on a red-eye flight when you want to get some sleep.

“Although adults have (mostly) done away with their “blankie,” this luxuriously soft throw blanket bridges their social need to be an adult with their inner desire to still be a child at heart,” said Brian Ciccotelli, Cariloha HQ Sales Training Manager. “The knit throw will encourage couples to do more things together (movie night at home, picnics, etc.) To them, it’s more than a blanket, it’s a key to more time spent together, to a happier life.

Here are the Top 5 Ideas for using the Bamboo Knit Blanket (voted on by Cariloha HQ employees):
1. Cuddle up to watch a movie at home.
2. Lay out under the night sky to watch for (and wish on) shooting stars.
3. Lay it on the floor and let your baby crawl around on the softness.
4. Take it on a picnic in the park.
5. Take it with you on road trips and flights for extra comfort while you sleep.

“It’s hard to take your bamboo sheets out of the bedroom, but the throw blanket can go everywhere,” said Ciccotelli.

With winter weather upon us, you don’t want to be left out in the cold without a knit throw blanket. Cariloha bamboo knit blankets are hypoallergenic and softer than wool, cotton or cashmere throws, making them a must have for any household.

On your next getaway, start and finish your journey in bamboo comfort with Cariloha’s ultra-soft bamboo neck pillow.

Now you can give your neck and head the rest and relaxation they deserve.

Our new bamboo neck pillow is available in charcoal jacquard color in select Cariloha stores, for the time being, and is priced at $30 retail. Customers can also get a free bamboo neck pillow with the purchase of two apparel items, no dollar minimum. Excludes sale items and accessories.

Bamboo Neck Pillow

While these bamboo neck pillows have been thoroughly field tested and are incredibly soft and comfortable, I’m personally looking forward to testing one out on my long flight to and from India next week for a wedding of a fellow Cariloha co-worker. I’m confident that this neck pillow is going to make the flight a lot more enjoyable. When I get back, I’ll let you know how the neck pillow helped via our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook sites.

Happy, comfortable travels!

Cariloha this week launched its fall and winter Bamboo Fit line for men and women – all fitness wear items are made from eco-friendly bamboo-fabric blends and designed by Cariloha’s Product Team. Available exclusively at Cariloha stores and online, this season’s fitness wear includes several base layer and exterior layer options, along with a full selection of tops and bottoms that give customers more choices for their various fitness needs.

Fitness and active lifestyle fans alike who are looking for all-natural active wear instead of exclusively synthetic active wear will find it in the Cariloha Bamboo Fit line, which features naturally odor resistant, moisture-wicking bamboo-blended fabrics.

This newest line includes new colors and styles for the following clothing options: Women’s Racerback Cross Tanks, Women’s Athletic V-Neck, Women’s Yoga Tank, Women’s Fitted Yoga Pants, Women’s Athletic Legging, Women’s Athletic Cropped Pant, Women’s Headband, Men’s Athletic Crew, Men’s Core Sleeveless, Men’s Performance Jersey Polo, Men’s Training Shorts, Men’s Fitted Long Sleeve, Men’s Track Pants, Men’s Training Shorts, Men’s Training Pants, and Men’s Compression Shorts

“We’ve purposely created fabric blends that maximize Cariloha’s comfort and bamboo-benefit standards without compromising the structure, durability and elasticity that you expect in outstanding fitness wear,” said Scott Brady, Cariloha AVP of Communications. “The new styles are also meant to pair together and feature the same color story that works throughout the entire fitness line.”

“Ultra-soft, refreshingly cool fabrics like Cariloha’s are typically found in most active wear clothing styles, but the Bamboo Fit line is unlike any other in today’s market because it’s made from bamboo,” said Brady. “Unlike exclusively synthetic fabrics, our bamboo-blended clothing wicks moisture away from the body and helps prevent odors naturally, without using chemicals or pesticides to do so, and still remains softer and 3 degrees cooler than other non-eco-friendly fabrics.”

Customers looking to enhance their bamboo clothing wardrobe and lifestyle will appreciate having a broader selection of all-natural clothing styles to work out in. “Careful consideration has gone into the line,” said Brady. “We market tested these fitness styles in select Cariloha stores, and the results indicated a high demand for soft, natural alternatives to fitness wear, which we’re now proud to provide in all Cariloha stores worldwide.”

Fans of the bamboo active wear can expect new additions to Cariloha’s Bamboo Fit line approximately twice per year. Currently, the clothing line makes up about 15 percent of Cariloha’s bamboo product mix and takes up about the same retail space in a typical 1,000-square-foot Cariloha store.

Bamboo Fit Features:
• Performance-weight fabric
• Naturally odor resistant for extended wear
• Athletic sewing details with reinforced seams that offer durability and style
• Versatile garments that can be worn for first-layer comfort or as a top layer for more protection
• 4-way stretch for comfort and mobility; lightweight, wicks moisture and regulates body temps keeping you dry and comfortable in all weather conditions

Cariloha Bamboo Fit products come with a 90-day quality guarantee. If the fitness wear doesn’t live up to the customers’ expectations, Cariloha will replace them without reservation. The tops and bottoms are machine washable and tumble dried low, so maintenance is easy and worry-free. They get even softer after washing.

You can see Cariloha’s entire Bamboo Fit line here.

Cariloha Bamboo sheets continue to attract customers seeking the best in naturally luxurious linens. Not only are they softer than other natural and synthetic fabrics, but they also keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to bamboo’s inherent thermal-regulating properties. They’re extremely helpful for people who suffer from night sweats, skin irritations or sensitivities. If that wasn’t enough, bamboo sheets and towels are odor resistant and good for the environment, too. But, don’t take our word for it…

Read the helpful insights from this media product reviewer who shares her personal, unbiased experiences with Cariloha Bamboo Bed Sheets…

Cariloha Bamboo Sheets
By Adventures of Mommyhood

While it’s not MY job to tell you what should be included in your bedroom or nighttime routine, I do feel compelled to let you know what goes on between MY sheets these days….

Such. Amazing. Sleep. Wow.

I thought I was going to have to make a continuation of my series that was “Flippin’ in Flakes” or something. I felt like we’d never be sleeping in our own, new bed in our own new house. Let alone sleeping so well! We’re there now. It all started.

While we were strolling down the street in Juneau, Alaska this summer and my son was on a “scavenger hunt for treasures,” one of the ways we found FREE fun in cruise towns. All those coupons for trinkets that get you in to stores make fantastic treasures for kids and a great afternoon of family fun wandering around town! Well, during one of our stops, the task was to “feel the difference” between your run-of-the-mill cotton sheets, nicer Egyptian cotton sheets, and Bamboo sheets. WOW.

The moment that my fingertips grazed the bamboo sheets I knew I needed one day to roll around and dream sweet dreams on this textile. It was cool to the touch, soft as the best “lovies” and cuddle blankets, but also light and I wanted to experience more! Where were we? We were exiting the Cariloha store in the downtown area of Franklin Street.

Caribbean style + Hawaiian aloha = pure bliss!

So naturally, a few months later while planning my Flippin’ for Fall Series, I wanted to find a few unique embellishments, if you will, that can take a ho-hum room to the next level and make it a special, cozy, amazing space in your home. I don’t have a budget like the HGTV shows, so I had to be creative and write realistically, since most of us do not have that kind of monetary freedom! That meant cozy as it might be, I wouldn’t be including a jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom plans.

This goal could however be accomplished with some pieces that were plush, lux accessories but were also functional items that one would use and could afford to implement into a room design. Those perfect few items included bamboo sheets, a luxurious towel set, and even a little extra bonus for mom and all her hard work: cozy socks!

I washed the sheets that had a bit of a vinegar-esque smell from in the new package and they were incredibly quick drying. They do wrinkle easily, but for me being really pregnant wrestling with king-size anything could do just as much damage as a dryer! So, pardon a few wrinkles, I ironed the set once, very carefully with a slightly damp towel barrier – you do have to treat these nicely, low heat, wash on cold or cool, etc. But they come out feeling wonderful and are easy to care for. I love that they are cool to the touch, since I’m always warm. I am constantly flipping my pillow to take advantage of the “cool side.” Even in the dead of winter. So the combination of bamboo sheets and a down comforter make the ultimate pairing!

The bamboo sheets are smooth and soft, silky against your legs and arms. I was hesitant to use them on our “family bed” — but with pull ups and the mattress protector, I guess there is only so much we can do! We’re taking the chance since these linens are too good to pass up! The colors are zen, calming. We chose Sage, but there is also a light blue and a neutral color. They are a tad slippery — which I love! I was able to get a nice, snug fit on the mattress and they are true to size.

Cariloha is a one-stop shop for all things soft, sustainable and stunning for home, bath, and even your own body! We have a king-size bed now that acts as our family bed for now, though the kids room does have bunk beds that are occasionally used, and we have a full-size bed in our guest/dad room. Yes, my husband gets the boot sometimes (usually self-imposed) so that he can get more sleep before work!

We can now feel like we are treating our guests to an experience akin to a Hilton or Sandals (at least with the offering of our linens and bathroom textiles!) That is where the resort experience usually ends, with the appearance of crazy tots and park playdates…but…for a few glimmering moments, they might be expecting that instead of a drooling kiddo coming through the door, it could be housekeeping or a spa attendant!

Read Adventures of Mommyhood’s entire review of bamboo sheets here.

There’s a chill in the air and Cariloha wants to make sure you’re cozy and comfortable! Enjoy the softest bedding on the planet made from naturally luxurious bamboo. These odor-resistant sheets are softer than 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton, making them a must-have favorite for the entire household. I can vouch for these soft Bamboo Sheets from Cariloha because I have a set! They are so soft and they launder very well. Did you know that Cariloha isn’t just known for their Bamboo Sheets, they also make Blankets, Towels and Bath Mats in their home line.

Cariloha also has a clothing line for men and women with a special section called Bamboo Fit for Women! The Bamboo Fit is flexible, breathable and versatile. You can choose from an assortment of styles and colors. Each piece of clothing is made of viscose from bamboo, is hypoallergenic, and keeps you 3 degrees cooler than cotton. Cariloha’s men’s and women’s wear also keeps you cooler than cotton. The accessories Cariloha carries are unbelievable! Here’s just some of what that line carries: Handbags, Scarves, Headbands, Belts, Sandals and more! I want to try so many of their products and their flip-flops are just so cute and cozy looking.

About Cariloha:

“Driven by a comfort, health and eco-conscious lifestyle, Cariloha joins the Style of the Caribbean with the Spirit of Aloha to provide the best in natural luxury. Since 2007, the brand has grown to become the only multi-store retailer in the world to provide an entire store experience that’s completely merchandised with products made from eco-friendly bamboo.

By turning self-replenishing bamboo fields into crazy-soft bamboo fabrics, Cariloha offers an exclusive collection of bedding, apparel, active wear, bath goods, and accessories made from soft, cool, clean and green bamboo. Inspired by the essence and energy of the islands, Cariloha blends style and self-expression into every piece of clothing and bedding it makes. Special care is taken to drape customers in soft, comfortable, naturally breathable bamboo fabrics that leave them experiencing tranquil days in paradise time and time again.

Thanks to an ever-growing, rich supply of bamboo, Cariloha has a growing fleet of stores in 14 countries offering its proprietary bamboo apparel, bedding and bath goods and enjoying the quality, soft touch, and green ‘footprint’ of this renewable resource.”

$100 Cariloha Bamboo Sheet Set Giveaway:

One reader will receive their choice of size and color for a complete Bamboo Bed Sheets Set provided by Cariloha.
This Giveaway is open to U.S. only and ends October 27, 2014 at 11:59 PM EST

Enter on the Rafflecopter here for your chance to win!