2-minute read Archives - suki collective

Digital Detox – Reclaim Your Time and Your Mind

Written by admin on December 17, 2024. Posted in 2-minute read, How to, Wellness.

Are you completely absorbed by or overwhelmed by the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates? Does your device constantly ping letting you know that something or someone is trying to get your attention?

Have you had family and friends tell you that you’re not present even when in the same room?

If you answered yes to those questions, this article might be for you.

It’s common knowledge that excessive screen time can potentially, negatively impact our ability to communicate with others, our relationships and our mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

A digital detox can be a great way to take a break from technology and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Before you start perspiring and hyperventilating at the thought, here are some strategies that might help you reduce screen time, improving the quality of your communication with others and improve your mental health.

Try adapting mindfulness when it comes to tech use

Notification control
Turn off unnecessary notifications to minimise distractions.

Do you really need to know at all times about absolutely everything that is coming into your email, messages and social media apps?

Focus Mode

Use your device’s focus mode to block distracting apps and websites.

Who doesn’t love a little retreat?

Make it a digital detox retreat…

Weekend getaways

Plan a weekend trip to a place with limited or no internet access – scary but you can do!

Tech-free days

Dedicate specific days while away to unplug completely.

Engage in off-line activities

Simple things can bring a fresh perspective that you may not get with your head bent down looking at a device screen. Try these and if you find you’re not making the time to do them spontaneously, schedule them into your day/week.

Hobbies
Rediscover old hobbies or pick up new ones.

Socialise

Spend quality time with friends and family – talk or don’t talk but be together without looking down at a device, it’s good for the soul.

Outdoor Activities
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.

Read a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book – it’s probably been a while.

Practice Mindfulness
Meditate or practice yoga to reduce stress and improve focus.

Create a calming bedtime routine

Screen-free bedroom (easier said than done!)
Bit tricky when you use your device as your wake-up alarm so, make a commitment to yourself (just as you do to others about deliverables at work or partners/children at home) – minimise electronic devices in the bedroom to an alarm only – try it!

Engage in relaxing activities
Engage in calming activities like reading or taking a warm shower before bed.

Try & set a consistent sleep schedule
Also easier said than done, however, experts do say that a consistent sleep schedule does wonders for physical and mental wellbeing.

Try going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each day.

Being present physically and emotionally is super important for our overall well-being and can be important for those around us as well.

A digital detox is not about completely eliminating technology from your life, it’s about finding a healthy balance and prioritising your mental health and well-being.

You can do it!

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The Ultimate Guide

Written by admin on November 28, 2024. Posted in 2-minute read, Design, How to, Wellness.

Choosing the right linen sheet sets doesn’t need to be a daunting experience – this ultimate guide might help.

100% French flax Linen sheets are known for their breathable comfort, durability, and timeless appeal. However, with a variety of options available, choosing the right linen sheet sets can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your needs, preferences, and style.

1. The first step is understanding why the choice of linen is a good one

Before diving into the specifics on how to choose the right linen sheet set for you, it can help your decision by knowing why linen is such a popular choice for bedding.

No more night sweats – that’s a big one
Linen naturally adjusts to body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and cosy in winter. This is a huge bonus all year round for those who tend to run hot when sleeping.

Additionally – linen is moisture-wicking
It can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp – another tick for hot sleepers.

Invest in 100% French flax linen – invest in the environment
Flax, the source of linen, is a sustainable crop that requires less water, fertiliser and pesticides compared to cotton making it a great sustainable choice.

The whole flax plant is used

the fibre is used to make linen fabric, and the flax seeds are used to make flax seed oil and other natural nutritional supplements
There is very little waste.

Very durable
You should expect your linen bedding to arrive soft & cosy to you and with proper care, it becomes even softer over time and can last for years.

Hypoallergenic
Linen’s natural fibres resist dust mites and allergens which is good for everyone and especially great for people with sensitivities.

2. Next – consider linen quality

Not all linen is created equal. The quality of linen sheets depends on factors like the weight of the fabric and where the flax is sourced.

Fabric weight
Linen weight is typically measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Higher GSM (over 165 GSM) tends to be more durable. A GSM of around 170 offers an ideal weight for linen bedding.

Flax origin
High-quality flax, the plant linen is made from, is grown in areas like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Linen from these regions is often stronger and softer due to optimal growing conditions. 100% French flax linen is one of the most popular and sought after linens.

3. Do I need to think about weave and thread count for linen sheets?

Unlike cotton, thread count isn’t as important for linen since it has a looser weave. A plain weave is the most common for 100% linen bedding as it is breathable and durable and gives linen sheets their distinctive texture.

Ensure you are buying 100% pure linen rather than a linen blend.

Choosing pre-washed linen bedding means it will arrive soft and cosy to you.

4. Look for certification and eco-friendly practices

If sustainability is a priority, look for certifications like OEKO-TEX. This certification ensures that the linen was produced without harmful chemicals, which is beneficial for both the environment and your skin.

5. Select the right fit and size

When purchasing linen sheets to fit your mattress size, look for a fitted sheet depth of 40cm to accommodate differing mattress depths.

A generous top hem on the flat sheet also ensures a stylish finished look and envelope opening pillowcases ensure that you don’t ever have pesky pillows escaping – nobody wants that!

6. Decide on colour – the fun part!

Simplifying the colour choice of your sheet sets will mean that your selections will last for many years, you will always use them, and their stylish tones will look amazing in any bedroom décor year after year.

Buying faddish patterns and colours in linen bedding can be expensive – you potentially end up with colours and patterns that you have fallen out of love with and no longer use.

Simplifying to neutral hues and earthy tones for your sheet sets is very stylish.

Neutral hue sheet sets
Consider soft almost white and gentle light grey colours to pair well with any other colour to bring calm and style to your sleep space.

Earthy tone sheet sets
Think dark grey and charcoal for a more contemporary, cosy look that brings warmth and style to the space.

7. Maintenance and Care

100% French flax linen bedding is relatively low maintenance, but some tips can help you extend its lifespan.

Washing
Wash linen in warm water with a gentle cycle and avoid harsh detergents and bleaches that can weaken fibres.

Drying
We suggest a low warm gentle heat setting (a hot setting may cause shrinkage) on your tumble dryer. If you prefer to dry your linen bedding naturally, as for any natural fabric, be sure to hang it out in the shade to prolong use and avoid sun damage.

Ironing
Linen has a relaxed look that doesn’t require ironing; however, you can choose to iron for a smoother finish if desired.

Click here to read full linen bedding care guidelines.

In summary

Investing in a 100% French flax linen sheet set is a choice that adds comfort, style, and sustainability to your bedroom.

By considering quality, style, and practicality, you’ll be able to select the perfect linen bedding that suits your aesthetic.

Embrace 100% French flax linen’s natural texture and breathability and enjoy your best sleep ever!

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Are You Summer-Entertaining Ready?

Written by admin on November 14, 2024. Posted in 2-minute read, Design, How to.

It isn’t just about the table setting & delicious food.

With the warm weather rolling in, are you summer-entertaining ready? Here are some tips to create an inviting space that is comfortable and stylish for entertaining all summer season.

When entertaining at home over summer, we, quite rightly, invest lots of time focusing on how the table will look and planning the wonderous food that will sit on it. But there’s more to the story – ensuring your garden spaces are looking fresh and full, is also an important part of summer home entertaining and your guests will admire your efforts!

Here are some tips & tricks to help set up your perfect home outdoor entertaining garden spaces.

Prep and Prune for a Fresh Start

Invest some time to tidy up your garden beds. Remove weeds, dead plants, and overgrowth, and give shrubs and hedges a trim to create a clean backdrop for your space.

If your garden is looking a little sparse, add a few more plants for a fuller, lusher look. There are many low maintenance plants available that look great and don’t need as much attention – we love that!

Adding a layer of mulch to your garden bed will help retain moisture in the heat and will give your garden beds a polished look. If your soil is looking tired, consider adding compost or nutrient-rich fertilisers designed for plants in an Australian summer. Talk to an expert to get the right one – your plants will love you for it.

Don’t forget, plants love a little bit of water!

Add Shade for Comfort

Australia’s summer sun can be intense, so creating shaded areas is key for daytime entertaining. A pergola or shade sail is great for larger gardens and as a more permanent solution, while umbrellas provide a more economical solution and flexible shade that you can move as needed.

If you have trees, consider setting up seating or a hammock underneath for a natural, shaded spot.

Create Multiple Seating Zones

Having distinct areas for dining, lounging, and mingling can make your garden feel more spacious and functional. Consider modular outdoor furniture that’s durable and weather-resistant to withstand the Australian climate.

Adding outdoor cushions and throws can add comfort and style while standing up to the outdoor elements. For a more economical solution, floor cushions and picnic blankets are great for setting up a casual, relaxed vibe.

Add Some Evening Light

These days there are lots of great options for creating ambience with lighting in gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces.

You don’t need to invest a lot of money to add a touch of style and ambience to evening entertaining outdoors. Solar-powered lights are particularly suited to Australia’s sunny climate, providing soft illumination at night.

Candles in lanterns or LED candles are perfect for tabletops and for scattering safely in the garden. Be creative, add soft light, your space will look and feel special.

Add Extra Touches for Ambiance

Consider adding decor items like cushions, woven rugs, or unique table settings. Add an outdoor speaker for some background music to set the vibe, and don’t forget citronella candles or bug repellent to keep pesky insects at bay.

With that in mind, did you know that scented oils such as lemon eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, peppermint and lemongrass are said to be offensive to flies and mosquitoes? That might be helpful!

Having a couple of scent diffusers around while in your outdoor space with your favourite scent (or one that flies and mosquitoes don’t like) is another way to create ambience, especially when the breeze carries the scent throughout your gathering.

In summary

With a few of these tips, you can transform your garden and outdoor entertaining space and not only will you wow your guests with your fabulous table setting and delicious food, you will impress them with your thoughtfully styled space and fresh looking garden.

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