Masks

Though we may have grown accustomed to regular mask-wearing, it seems our skin still has something to say about 2020’s accessory of choice. As face coverings continue to play a part in everyday life, Dermatologists have warned that the link between mask-wearing and increased cases of acne, dermatitis and other skin conditions is only becoming more apparent. 

What’s the deal with maskne?

Trapping warmth and moisture inside, masks create a breeding ground for bacteria, allowing breakouts to flourish around the mouth, nose, cheeks and jawline. As the friction created by face coverings has the ability to cause tiny tears on the surface of the skin and break down its natural barrier, even those with the most resilient complexions have fallen foul of the dreaded ‘maskne’. 

And it’s not just our skin that’s suffering as a result of the rise of the face mask. Containing microplastics that pollute our oceans and infiltrate our ecosystem, disposable masks pose a devastating threat to our planet. With an estimated 129 billion face masks now being used every month, each with a lifespan of 450 years, the disposal of single-use masks is leaving a lasting stain on our environment. 

Could bamboo be the ultimate eco alternative?

A sustainable resource that yields a super soft yarn, bamboo is rich in both environmental and skin-saving benefits. Made from organically grown, naturally-sourced bamboo, our new SoftTouch masks offer to solve all of our mask-wearing woes…  

Hypoallergenic and highly breathable, Tanya maria’s signature fabric provides sufficient protection while crucially still allowing skin to breathe. Moisture-wicking properties mean sweat is drawn to the outside of the fabric, preventing the build-up of bacteria on the surface of the skin.

Naturally rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, Tanya maria’s bamboo fibres are also free from any form of chemical treatment, helping to keep irritation at bay. Soft and smooth, there are no sharp spurs to aggravate skin, ensuring complexions stay calm all day long.

As sustainable as it is soft, bamboo is a plentiful natural resource that can be harvested with minimal environmental impact. Washable and reusable, Tanya maria’s SoftTouch face masks retain their impressive properties with multiple washes, extending their lifespan and minimising the output of waste.

Get yours here.

Physical activity, as we all know, has a myriad of health and psychological benefits. But what’s less talked about is the protection it offers not only against developing breast cancer, but also in the healing process following a diagnosis. It’s not known exactly why it plays such a large part, but it’s thought to do with reducing levels of circulating hormones within the body that are associated with increased breast cancer risk, while also reducing inflammation, which helps prevent cancer development and progression.

You may be surprised to hear that regular physical activity can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer by around 20%. And women already diagnosed with breast cancer who do a high amount of physical activity have a 40%²  lower risk of death from any cause, a 30%² lower risk of death from breast cancer and around a 25%^2,3 lower risk of recurrence of the disease, compared to those who do little or none.

You’ve got to admit, for those of us umming and ahhing about whether to go for that run, workout, or walk, those percentages really do show that getting yourself off the sofa and into your gym gear might be a worthy trade-off.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer UK has teamed up with Tanya maria to get that valuable message out. The 25 Saves Lives campaign is all about encouraging people to acknowledge that 20%¹ less risk really is worth the bother of a run around the park; a cycle ride; or even a vigorous hoover!

Why 25? Because at least 25% of breast cancer cases could be prevented if people modified their lifestyles by being more physically active, eating better food and avoiding harmful chemicals.

And that’s where Tanya maria come in – Breast Cancer UK are proud to stand with them on their exercise wear which is produced without using harmful chemicals. If you want to look good and be active at the same time, Tanya maria is the whole package!

So why not join the 25 Saves Lives campaign to get physical. And if you can raise funds for breast cancer research at the same time you can feel doubly good about your workout.

We’ve got some fantastic ideas about how you can use the number 25 in your exercise routines – and we would love to showcase all your hard-won achievements on our social media pages. So why not get that vacuum cleaner out for 25 laps of the most thorough winter clean your home has yet to experience – we’re looking forward to seeing the pictures!

Tanya maria are also offering 25% off their Active Wear during October to all readers who sign up to the mailing list – voucher code and instructions will be sent via email.

Click HERE to sign up.

References

1. Guo et al (2020). Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Risk: Results from the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort. British Journal of Cancer 122: 726-732. https://romeriadecuatrovitas.com/articles/s41416-019-0700-6​
2. Spei, et al (2019). Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on overall and Breast Cancer Survival. The Breast (2019): 144-152. https://romeriadecuatrovitas.com/10.1016/j.breast.2019.02.001​
3. Lahart et al (2019). Physical activity, risk of death and recurrence in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Acta Oncologica 54 2015 5. https://romeriadecuatrovitas.com/doi/full/10.3109/0284186X.2014.998275

If you are keen to adopt a new approach to fitness, looking for a way to enhance your self-care, or simply want a new hobby, walking is the perfect place to start. There are numerous rewards that come from taking as little as 30 minutes from your day to get walking -- a better night’s sleep, a better mindset, to increased fitness level.

Walking also offers numerous health benefits to people of all ages and fitness levels, having been shown to improve everything from heart and lung health, to brain power and memory. Another awe-inspiring fact is if done regularly, walking or the equivalent 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week, could save 37,000 lives each year.

Still need convincing that the humble walk is more like a superhero in disguise, check out our top 5 benefits of walking below.

Reduces your risk of health conditions

Walking can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke.

It’s great for your mental health

Physical activity and mental health are often linked, and an increase in exercise can significantly boost your wellbeing. Regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood.

Walking can help you reconnect with nature and the world around you

With so much of our lives now spend online, we’re all guilty of having our head stuck in our phones and laptops. Spending as little as 20 minutes as day outside, at a local park, or simple in the garden makes people happier than those who don’t. Walking also gives you the chance to explore the world around you, which you might otherwise miss when driving or cycling.

It can be a solo activity or a chance to spend time with loved ones

If meditation is something you enjoy, but find sitting in total silence too difficult, why not think of a morning walk as your daily dose of mindfulness? Equally, walking can be a chance to connect with family and friends, the perfect pursuit for any day of the week -- we recommend a picnic or afternoon tea afterwards!

It’s better for the environment

Walking instead of driving means you’re reducing the amount of pollution released into the air, which helps to improve the air quality -- that’s got to be a win, win!

In need of some inspiration for your next outing, the National Trust discovered the nations favourite walks from all over the country.

The UK also boasts some beautiful landscapes and hidden paths that are begging to be explored. So if it’s a scenic view that will get you to grab your walking boots, then check out the top 10 most beautiful walks here.

When it comes to walking, from mountain hikes, to afternoon perambulations along the river, we always make sure we’re wearing cooling comfortable Tanya maria. Here are some of our top Tanya maria picks for your next outing.

Longer, mountainous walks on uneven ground call for a sturdy pair of walking boots, pair with our Work Boot Socks to ensure feet stay comfortable all day long. And on colder hiking days when there’s a chill in the air, our Tanya maria Leggings and Long Sleeve act as an ideal base layer to keep the cold at bay.

When all you have time for is a lunchtime stroll, our Active Socks and V-Neck T-shirt are perfect teamed with your favourite jeans or office trousers.

Time to put your best foot forward and get in those steps!

Here at Tanya maria, we’re big supporters of reducing your carbon footprint by shopping locally. Because of this, we’re excited to be kicking off our new Shop Local series this month where we will be profiling Tanya maria stores around the United States and taking a look at their unique stories.

But before that, we thought we’d take a closer look at why it’s so important to shop local. From lowering your environmental impact to investing in your local community, here’s why we fly the “Shop Local” flag with pride.

1. It reduces your carbon footprint

One of the key reasons it’s worth shopping locally is that it reduces your environmental impact. Locally-owned businesses make generally more local purchases, requiring less transportation. They also tend to set up shop in town or city centres, meaning there’s generally less sprawl, congestion, and habitat loss.

2. It supports your local community

By shopping locally, you are directly contributing to your local community. Your money is going straight into your village, town or city – helping it to thrive. Otherwise, you will most probably be supporting a giant chain or conglomerate, meaning your local businesses could suffer.

3. It creates local jobs

By supporting local businesses, you are in turn helping your local economy by creating more jobs. Even a small business needs enough hands to help it sell its products and services, which is why the more we support them, the more jobs will be created and the better off our local communities will be.

4. It’s more personal

Another of the great things about independent businesses is that they’re run by people, not boards or stockholders, and you will likely get to know them. Quite often these people, such as family-run shop owners, will have interesting stories as to how their stores came to be and about the area you’re living in. This personal touch cannot be matched by a chain.

5. You get great customer service

Leading on from the previous point, you’ll generally find you’ll experience much better customer service in smaller, local businesses. Particularly when dealing directly with store owners or their families, you’ll notice that customer service is everything to them – this is what will keep their customers coming back for more. Generally speaking, those working in larger chains won’t be as invested in the business and therefore won’t give the same quality of customer experience.

6. You’re supporting local not-for-profits

Many local businesses support local not for profit and charities that are relevant to that area, so by shopping locally you are helping to increase the number of local donations. It goes without saying that bigger companies and chains do also support charities, but if your preference is to support local not-for-profits and charities, your best bet is to shop from your local store.

7. You’re encouraging innovation

Local businesses are usually hubs of creativity and innovation. After all, the very fact they exist is down to the idea from an individual or multiple people. Just look at the cafe and coffee business. There’s constantly a new local hotspot popping up trying to do something different and these ideas are not to be underestimated.

You never know, your local store might be run by an entrepreneur who is close to inventing the Next Big Thing. Support them and you’re supporting their creativity and innovation.

8. They’re often in walking distance

Another way you’re lowering your carbon footprint by shopping locally is that these sorts of stores are quite often within walking distance. Leave the car at home and hop on your bike or take a casual stroll to your local shop to minimise the pollution your vehicle would be contributing.

9. It promotes individuality

With giant chains homogenizing communities, independent businesses bring some much-needed originality. Shopping locally promotes individuality and breathes new life into communities that are dominated by generic and commodified companies.

10. It helps create the identity of your community

Finally, one of the top reasons to shop locally is that it helps to create the identity of your community. A town, village or city street filled with unique and vibrant shops will create a more appealing aesthetic that is not only great for the locals but for tourists, too. Just have a think about your favourite towns and cities, either here in the UK or overseas, and we’re sure they’re made up of unique independent stores that give them their soul and character.

In the meantime, find your local Tanya maria store with the Tanya maria Store Locator

We’ve all heard it before – we should be meditating. It might be on our daily to-do lists, another priority we hope we’ll get around to, but we just never manage to cross it off. How can something as simple as sitting without thinking be so hard?!

Well, the great thing about meditation is there’s no barrier to entry. Anyone can do it. There’s no grading system to determine whether you’re doing it correctly. If you get off track today, you can try again tomorrow. And, once you make it a habit, the benefits are endless.

Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, helps you focus, and gives you control over creating a moment of intention in the chaos of a busy day. When you’re staring at a never-ending inbox of unread emails and a growing pile of laundry, meditation is the anchor that will help you infuse calm back into your mindset.

So, how do you go about building a meditation practice as a beginner? First of all, don’t get frustrated. Meditation sounds easy, but it takes commitment. Clearing your mind can be intimidating. Don’t go too hard on yourself if you find your mind wandering to this evening’s grocery list. Simply let the thoughts pass. If it’s not happening today, move on and get back to it the next day.

Look into the many meditation apps that are available. Headspace and Calm are two that have huge followings. You can pick guided meditations ranging from someone walking you through a body scan to a voice leading you through a serene visualization. Others get you started and then leave you in silence until the meditation begins to wrap up. Try a few different options and see what works for you.

Start small. That might be 10 minutes... or it might be 3. Do what will fit into your schedule on a daily basis. A 30-minute meditation may sound blissful, but if all you have is 5 minutes between conference calls, do it.

Make meditation into a routine. Think of it like brushing your teeth or making your morning coffee. Find your spot, maybe it’s in bed or sitting in front of a big window, light a designated candle that puts you in the right mindspace, and choose a calming soundtrack. These cues will remind your mind and body that it’s time to slow down and find a moment of mindfulness.

Sit comfortably. Perhaps you’ll sit propped up on a blanket to help straighten your spine or find a yoga position such as lotus. You want to be comfortable, but you should also be aware of your body and your posture. Your body is what allows you to find this practice, so make sure it is aligned from head to toe.

Focus on your breath. When you focus on your breath, you don’t allow room for thoughts to wander in and out. Of course, it’s not always possible to stop thinking about dinner plans or overdue thank you notes, but, whenever those nagging thoughts creep in, just return to your breath. In and out. This is where a guided app can be an awesome help!

Whatever you do, make it consistent. The best way to build a practice is to just do it. You’ve probably heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Think about meditation as a habit. Every day, just do it. 21 days later, it will be as important a part of your daily routine as putting on your shoes. Is it going to be perfect every day? No! But, that’s fine. It’s the intention around creating mindfulness that will leave you feeling calm, focused, and thankful that you’ve made the time and space for meditation.

Find your moment of calm with Tanya maria.

The new year is just around the corner and with it comes the season of resolutions: resolutions to eat healthier, work out more, search for a new job, or start that side hustle. But we want to shift the conversation around resolutions to do something that’s not just good for ourselves, but for the environment and the world around us. 

In 2020, we want to make a commitment to making eco-friendly resolutions in the new year. Here at Tanya maria, we are passionate about creating high-quality products made from sustainable materials. We look to minimise our footprint and do our part for the planet. But, beyond our clothing, accessories, and other products, here’s what we’re doing to make eco-friendly new year’s resolutions.

Buy an Intentional Wardrobe

Of course, we had to start with our wardrobe! Purchasing intentional clothing items helps to build up a capsule wardrobe and limits the environmental impact of fast fashion. By investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces, you’re contributing to more sustainable buying practices. 

Want to go the extra mile? Wash capsule wardrobe clothing in cold water and line-dry whenever possible. It will help them last longer!

Take a Look at the Products You Use in Your Home

Whether it’s cleaning products, makeup, or skincare, take a look at the ingredient list for all items that you’re bringing into your home. Look for products with non-toxic ingredients and ethical business practices. 

And, while it may not be realistic to go 100% clean or organic, you can make an effort to move towards buying products that lower your risk of exposure to chemicals, that do not test on animals, and that use naturally-derived ingredients.

Keep Track of Water Usage

For me, it was a plumbing issue in my building that forced residents to limit water usage for a weekend that drove home just how much water I had been wasting. Sure, I turn off the water when I brush my teeth, but there’s so much more we can do. 

When you’re washing pots and pans, turn off the water while you scrub. Use water from rinsing fruits and veggies to water your garden. Only run full loads of dishes or laundry. Small shifts may not make a significant change in your day-to-day routine, but they can make a big impact on your overall water usage.

Drive Less

If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with robust public transportation, take advantage of it! Use the subway, bus, walk, or ride your bike whenever possible. Need to travel by car? Try to build in enough time to take the rideshare option rather than calling your own car. 

Live in the suburbs or in a rural area? Consolidate errands to avoid making multiple trips. When you live somewhere where driving is the status quo, it can be easy to get in the routine of driving, even if you’re only going a few blocks away. Consider bucking the driving habit and taking a stroll or riding your bike when headed somewhere nearby.

Focus on Shopping Seasonally When it Comes to Produce

Our first thought when it comes to making eco-friendly decisions in regards to food may be to buy organic, but that’s not the only thing we can do! Focus on shopping in-season produce from local farmers to limit the environmental impact made by shipping out-of-season produce from other regions. 

Also, if it’s realistic for you and your family, consider going meatless one or two nights a week. You may be surprised at how many delicious vegetarian meals you can make!

Always Have a Tote Bag, a Water Bottle, and a Stainless Steel Straw on Hand

We know we should bring along reusable grocery bags. We try to avoid buying plastic disposable water bottles. And, we’ve noticed that more and more restaurants are moving towards paper straws. 

So, let’s make a resolution to make sure we’re prepared each time we’re out and about. Always have a reusable tote bag stashed in your purse or car (seriously, keep them everywhere!). Store a water bottle in the fridge, one in the car, one by the door –– make it impossible to forget! Invest in stainless steel straws that come in their own carrying case so that you can easily toss them in a jacket pocket and always have one on hand. The best way to make a move towards more sustainable practices is to make it so easy you can’t forget.

What Are Your Eco-Friendly Resolutions?

These are the eco-friendly resolutions we’re putting into practice in the new year, but we know there are so many more ways you can reduce your environmental impact and live more sustainably! We encourage you to explore what works for your lifestyle. It’s a long-term process, not an overnight change, and we’re all on this planet together!

We’ve taken all your feedback on board and we're so excited to finally be unveiling Tanya maria Lounge! A capsule collection of women’s loungewear and sleepwear with softness, comfort and sustainability at its core, our first-ever lounge range is made up of downtime staples made from our signature viscose derived from fabric.

From daywear perfect to relax in, to nightwear that slips on like a dream, prepare for a stylish, soft and sustainable collection of downtime wear that you won’t ever want to take off. And, don't forget to find out more about the inspiration behind the range in our interview with our Lead Product Designer, Karen Azizi.

A natural evolution

The Tanya maria Lounge range was born as a result of so many people falling in love with the soft hand-feel of our fabric. With such an overwhelming request for women’s sleepwear, it was a natural evolution for us to create this range of lounge clothes and pajamas.

All of the components our customers love about Tanya maria have been incorporated into this gorgeous collection of bamboo sleepwear:

• Signature bamboo viscose fabric blend
• Softer than a cloud wash after wash
• A neutral and gentle colour palette
• A timeless design
• Comfort like no other

Fabric that breathes

High-quality, long-lasting and easy-care fabrics were developed specifically for Tanya maria Lounge. Featuring a premium, luxuriously-soft feel, our beloved bamboo-viscose fabric provides beautiful drape and stays wrinkle-free.

Naturally antistatic, thermo-regulating and breathable, the endless benefits of bamboo viscose fabric make this range of pajamas for women as practical as it is comfy and stylish.

Soft shades

We’ve drawn on gentle, calming tones inspired by softness and nature to create a relaxing colour palette: perfect to make you feel comfortable.

Natural White

An awakening and warm shade of white that brings a sense of wholeness and completion.

Dove

A soothing shade of grey with a hint of blue that evokes a feeling of peace and quiet.

Dusty Pink

A muted rose shade for contrast and an understated colour pop.

Storm

A calming, dark shade of purplish navy that creates a sense of relaxation and adds depth to the range.

The Collection 

It’s time to introduce you to the must-have styles that make up Tanya maria Lounge. From loose tees and lounge pants to a minimal nightdress and chunky knit, this capsule collection will help you #FindYourDowntime in style and comfort. Build your downtime set today.

Goodnight Raglan Sleep Top

You’ll sleep tight in this super-soft, long-sleeved raglan sleep top. Featuring a softly-curved neckline, wide neckband and raglan sleeve seam detailing, this pajama top is lightweight and breathable. Available in a calming Dove shade, this top pairs perfectly with our Goodnight Sleep Pants.

Goodnight Sleep Pants

Slip into these wide-legged sweatpants for women for ultimate comfort. Featuring a draped fit and supple, flowing silhouette, these women’s sweatpants are what the sweetest dreams are made of. With their minimalist design and muted colour palette, these soft and simple women’s lounge pants have nothing that will irritate you when you’re catching some Zzz’s.

Goodnight Sleep Cami

Your dreams will always be sweet in this soft, breathable and comfy cami top. With its curved hemline, comfy arm opening and loose-casual fit, the Goodnight Sleep Cami is a style you'll be just as happy wearing as you lounge around the house as you do when you climb into bed. After cute pajama sets? Team this camisole top with the Goodnight Sleep Short to complete the look.

Goodnight Sleep Shorts

Dreaming of getting a great night’s sleep? Look no further than this ultra-soft pair of sleep shorts that will have you feeling like you're wearing a cloud. Featuring a relaxed fit in a simple and minimalist design, there's nothing about these pajama shorts that will annoy you when you're trying to sleep. Pair yours with the Goodnight Sleep Cami and you'll be ready to head to bed.

Goodnight Nightdress

We spend half our time sleeping. Why not do it in comfort? The Goodnight Nightdress is a silky-soft and cozy bedtime staple you'll wear night after night. With its wide arm opening, loose fit and soft jersey fabric, this night dress is a dream come true. Women’s nighties are at their best when soft and breathable, which is what makes this style so essential. Just add slippers.

Downtime Lounge Top

Downtime Lounge Pants

Stretchy, stylish and sustainable, our Downtime Lounge Pants are your new weekend companion and will take you from your couch to your favourite cafe in comfort. In a gently-snug, draped fit, these gorgeous pajama pants feature a tapered leg with comfortable, fitted ankle cuffs and pleating below the waistband. PJ pants should be comfy and breathable with a touch slouch – these sleep pants tick all the above boxes. It's time to unwind in style...

Cozy Knit Wrap

Wrap up in luxury with the Cozy Knit Wrap. Crafted from pure viscose derived from bamboo, this knitted shawl comes in a premium, heavyweight true knit. With its two-tone effect and soft drape, this knit wrap is ideal for snuggling on the couch or when stepping out cooler mornings. Bonus: the generous dimensions (71in x 31in) turn it into a beautiful throw for your lazy Sunday couch sessions.

Find your downtime now.