Dahlia's Winter

For many people, there is an air of romance with certain age-old traditions that continue to endure the test of time. A perfect example is the copper still . Comprised of an oversized pot and long neck, the machine's antique-yet-futuristic aesthetic is greatly appealing to those who share an appreciation for its inherited secrets. The copper still is a contraption of elegant whimsy in which various organic plants, roots, leaves, and blossoms are gently steamed, their essential oils and waters slowly coaxed into waiting containers. As the aromatic botanicals give so freely of their healing and regenerative powers, artisan distillers give thanks and pay it forward to their buyers. Copper (Cu) is a fundamental element naturally existing in usable metallic form, displaying that distinctive reddish-orange color. Humans have been using this highly malleable metal since around 8,000 BCE. 4,000 years later, copper was first cast into molds in Mesopotamia, during the birth of m...

Image: Duo Rêves Every artist is likely to tell you that the creative life is the only one for them. It is a life that comes with great rewards and challenges, and it's naturally the envy of the corporate world. Although the lifestyle can be grueling and demanding in its own right, it sure beats sitting at a desk all day. But trying to pay the rent with your art is another story. In order to make a true success of yourself as an artist, what's the magic formula? Why is it considered impossible to be successful at something you really love, save for the lucky ones? The great irony of the arts is that talent is no rare thing. Art galleries, music venues and play houses all over the world are overflowing with incredible, unique and innovative work. After all, making art is what creatives do best. So what is it that sets apart the successful creators from those who get stuck on dreaming? On a certain level, it all boils down to a little thing called work ethic. H...

For many people, the word  exercise  conjures unpleasant images of long, dull hours spent in a loud and sweaty gym, mindlessly running on a treadmill. But have you ever considered running away to join the circus as an excuse to complete your cardio workout?  Aerial and circus arts are now at an all time high in popularity, with introductory classes available all across the world. From aerial silks to aerial yoga, and so much more in between, the possibilities are endless. Whether your aim is to maintain a certain athletic physique or to entertain the masses with your inner performer, aerial arts are fun and challenging. The notion may seem intimidating at first, but here are the top three reasons to try an aerial arts class near you: You can do it! A good introductory aerial arts instructor will give everyone in class a sense of welcome and inclusiveness. New students can be successful at some type of movement in the air, even if only to take their feet off the groun...

For aspiring ballerinas, pointe shoes and tutus are things of absolute legend. As her dancing develops, these tools reveal themselves as avenues to greatness. But once she is onstage, she should be able to forget them in the singular moment of the dance. Blending time honored tradition with modern technology, many pointe shoe makers are heeding the call for less discomfort in dance wear, without sacrificing excellence or aesthetics. The revolutionized pointe shoes are akin to pure magic. With their comfortable interior, elastomeric box and shank, and highly customizable features, dancing en pointe has never felt more supported. With new, advanced fitting processes, the shoe becomes part of the dance itself as the ballerina pirouettes her way to glory. Modernized pointe shoes are constructed with exacting craftsmanship from the finest materials, and they gleam with a kind of scintillating beauty reserved only for a ballerina in the spotlight. But don't let the shoes...