1 O.A.K. by Sara is handcrafted jewelry inspired by the people, places and objects that embody every day.  Every piece is created by mixing fine quality beads or crystals with base metals or 14 kt gold-filled elements.  Vintage pieces are also added for just the right sparkle and shape resulting in a variety of unique and pretty accessories – truly defining you as 1 Of A Kind.

Take a look a this picture of Jaime Pressley wearing  the Coco necklace cute and casual sweater and knit cap…..

Isn’t it beautiful?  It’s made with Swarovski glass pearls, Swarovski crystals, 14K gold filled beads, and hung on a 14K gold filled chain. It measures 31.5 inches and it’s adjustable. The Coco necklace is $300 and it’s part of the Hollywood & Vine Collection.

Here’s a close up of the necklace…

Image credit: 1 O.A.K. by Sara

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I’m a certified massage therapist, but you don’t need to go to school to learn how to give your partner a loving massage. Keep the following tips in mind…..

*Gather your supplies before you get started. Once you begin the massage, it’s jarring to the person you are massaging if you have to step away. A massage therapist tries to keep one hand on their client at all times.

*Turn the TV down low or better yet, turn it off. Play soft music or go with the quiet. Use lamplight or candle light, rather than overhead lighting.

*Always pour the massage oil into your hand first, warm it by rubbing hands together, then apply it to your partner’s skin with your hands.

*Use long strokes with firm pressure. Try to make your hand cover as much skin surface as possible – hand flattened to the skin. This is the most comforting, reassuring touch. (Really, it doesn’t matter what type of stroke you use, this type of touch is all you need). 

*Take your time. In the case of a good massage, it’s almost as good to give as it is to receive. Slowing down and tuning into your partner’s breathing is very relaxing.

*Take turns. There’s no getting around it – the person who goes last gets the best deal. Switch who goes first each time.

A good massage oil  has a subtle scent and allows the hands to slide along the skin smoothly. The Scandle candle is a soy candle that burns at low heat. As the candle melts it turns into a fragrant massage oil.

I tried the Uplifting Blend  in the Scandle Essentials line. These candles are scented with a blend of pure essential oils. A 10 ounce candle burns for 30-50 hours and runs $21.95.  It’s packaged in a ceramic container that features a little spout for ease of use. Refills are available for $9.99.  Scandle Essentials are also available in a 4 ounce Travel Tin (this is the size I sampled).

The Scandle is easy to use. Light the candle, allow it to melt, then when enough soy oil has accumulated, blow the candle out, pour the oil into your hand, then apply it to the skin for massage.

The Scandle candle works well as a massage oil – smooth, slippery, smells great – and the skin feels very soft after the oil is absorbed. When you figure that it’s a candle and a massage oil, it’s also a very economical choice.

Ceramic Scandle image credit: A Body Candle.com
Traveler size Scandle image credit: Michelle Smith

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Real Simpleaddressed the hourglass figure, the slim or straight figure, full thighs and hips, or a tummy.  Keep the folowing ideas in mind when shopping for a skirt:

*For an hourglass, chose a skirt that skims your figure, but is not tight. Pick a skirt that hits below the belly button. A higher waist makes the torso and bust appear unbalanced.

*Add curves to a slim figure by choosing a patterned skirt in a heavier fabric, that is cut tapered or close to the body. A high waistline is a good choice for this type of figure.

*To camouflage fuller thighs and hips, chose a skirt that is gently tapered. Too straight and Real Simple says you run the risk of looking like a “square,” too tapered and you are a “light bulb.” (Light bulb. Funny, but a great visual example.) Chose a lightweight material in a dark, solid color.

*A wide, simple, un-embellished waistband works best with a tummy.

Organic Merino Wool Skirt  available at Gaia Conceptions.

Image credit: Gaia Conceptions at Etsy.com

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The dog shampoo is cruelty-free and  John Masters will donate a $1 from the sale of each bottle to the Animal Haven  no-kill sanctuary in New York City.

Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Dogpoo
$20 for 16 ounces

Below is a list of some of the good-for-dog ingredients and the reason each was included in the formula. Each is Certified Organic.

*Neem – contains fatty acids to soothe and nourish dog’s coat & skin
*Citronella – natural insect and tick repellent
*Tea tree – great scalp regulator; helps to reduce flaking & itching
*Eucalyptus – wards off fleas & ticks
*Milk Thistle – conditions coat

John Masters recommends using the Lavendar Hydrating Mist  to impart even more shine on your pet’s coat.

Image credit: John Masters.com

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Redwood Temple Tee
$57

Redwood tree as eco-warrior? Interesting, whatever it is. This natural-colored, organic cotton tee is available in a men’s size small to extra-large.

The productof an artful collaboration between Popomomo and Isis Aquarian of The Source (a Hollywood-based spiritual “family” that began in the late Sixties). Peace-promoting and thought-provoking….

Okay, so maybe not warrior-ish. Do you have any ideas?

Ring of Fire Tee
$57

Interesting art work again. Star. Third Eye. Some sort of wizard. Fire at the top. Tears at the bottom or maybe rain. What does this mean? Interesting.

I’m simple, I like the color and that it’s made out of soft, organic cotton. This shirt is sized in a men’s small to extra-large.

Image credit: Green With Glamour.com

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Golden Path Alchemy says…

We are the only company that synergistically combines gem and flower essences, therapeutic grade essential oils, Chinese and Western medicinals and botanicals uniting Eastern, Western, modern and ancient techniques to transform the skin.

Golden Path Alchemy sent me a variety of products to try for review. These included masks like the Bright Mask, Goji Glow Mask, Silk Herbal Mask, the Renew Toner, and the Renew Serum. I liked all the masks. They left my skin feeling smooth and the Goji Glow smelled like a Fig Newton cookie (yum).

My favorite product was the Renew Serum. I have some lines near my eyes and I noticed that after a week of using the serum, these lines were less noticeable. I was shocked (and excited). I would recommend this serum over all the other serums I have tried.

In addition to liking the products, I also respect what the ladies at Golden Path Alchemy stand for. They are committed to producing a quality, green product.

Image credit: Golden Path Alchemy

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Peasant-Sleeved Shrug
$70

Do you dread leaving your favorite Summer favorites behind? How about extending the life of those sleeveless tops with this shrug made in an organic cotton/bamboo lycra jersey.  It features a 4-way stretch that grows softer with each and every wash. It’s shown here in a charcoal-gray and black. It also comes in an ivory and lavender, but the ad says you can chose “anything your heart desires,” so convo the seller for additional color choices?

I love the sleeves, the way they hang. It reminds me of playing dress-up as a kid. It appeals to my inner princess. I enjoy clothing that is fun, as well as useful. 

Long Sleeve Hoodie with Thumbholes
$90

I forsee many comfy weekends spent in this adorable organic bamboo/cotton jersey hoodie. It’s shown here in a pink and raspberry stripe, but you can get it in a two-tone red, as well. Convo the seller for additional color choices. The hoodie has a “kanga” pocket and thumbholes at the end of the sleeves. The hood is “roomy” and the edges are serged off all around.

It’s designed with a waist-whittling secret – the hem is slightly longer at the ends, which gives the effect of a smaller waist.

Men’s Baseball Tee
$75

Here’s something for your guy. How about treating him to a handmade, sized to his measurements, tee. It  features an “athletic cut and distressed details.”  It’s made with an organic cotton/bamboo jersey fabric. It’s shown in a white with dusty gray sleeves, but it’s available in “any color combo.” 

The graphic is hand-drawn and you can skip it or use your own illustration idea for your tee.

For more eco-friendly beauty via Etsy, take a look at Chloe’s post on organic fabric lingerie.

Image credit: Ella Phante at Etsy.com

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I read some advice in a magazine the other day that said something along the lines of scrub your hair in a circular motion, not up and down, or you’ll suffer permanent hair loss. I thought that sounded crazy (unless you are scrubbing like a mad man) and I’m going to call a dermatologist to get to the bottom of that claim, but in the meantime, here are a few hair tips that I use on a regular basis.

*Styling products and even some conditioners can build-up on hair and dim your natural shine. Once a month I do a vinegar rinse. I mix a 1/4 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider) with water in a 32 ounce cup or a small pitcher. I shampoo normally, then pour the vinegar mixture through my hair (close your eyes, tilt your head back, do this in the shower!). I rinse well, then shampoo again and condition to get the vinegar smell out.

*If you have wavy or curly hair, then mix together equal parts of a leave-in conditioner and hair gel – a small amount, about the size of a quarter. Style as usual. This mixture is great for taming frizzies. It gives you a little more control, but not stiff control.

*I have long hair and I use this simple trick to put beachy, bed-heady, natural-looking waves in it. Wash your hair, let it dry naturally. At bed time, pull it into a low ponytail (don’t fasten it). Twist the tail, then loop around into a circle bun. Fasten with a couple of bobby pins, then go to sleep. In the morning, pull the pins out and finger comb. For waves that begin higher up the head, do the same thing, but make the ponytail and bun at the top of your head.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

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Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20
$35

Smooth Operator is an oil-free foundation that gives a light to medium coverage. It has a light feel on your skin, “…”water-in-silicone” formula blends into your skin as easily as a moisturizer…”  It’s formulated without Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates.  It is made with antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin A, C, or E.

Korres Wild Rose Foundation
$28

This is a brightening foundation, so it’s a good choice for someone whose skin is beginning to show some signs of aging. The coverage is long-lasting and it has an SPF of 20. It’s made with Vitamin C and Wild Rose extract. Wild Rose extract has been proven to brighten skin tone, repair fine lines and wrinkles. It’s moisturizing, but oil-free. It’s made without Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oils, Petro-Chemicals, Propylene Glycols, Ethanolomines, or GMOs. This foundation is also helpful for post-acne problems.

NVEY Organic Moisturizing Fluid Foundation
$45

This foundation is both moisturizing and “aromatic.”  It’s been certified organic by OFC Australia and the Australian government.  It’s lightweight and the coverage is sheer. It’s breathable, so it’s a great choice for someone who has oily or acne-prone skin. Some of the ingredients include chamomile, cucumber, calendula, and rose absolute.

Image credit: Sephora

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Alana Dress – Black
On sale for $74, was $148

This dress by Kelly B is right on trend with it’s single shoulder construction. A ruffle runs from under one arm and across the chest to the shoulder.

It’s made of a combination of hemp with a little spandex to hold it’s shape. It’s machine washable, too.

Here’s a peek at the back of the dress……..

Honeysuckle Dress – Black
$192

I love the way this dress is designed. The hemline hits at the knee, it has a flattering v-neck, and fluttery sleeves. The close-to-the-body shape can be pulled off easily because of the way the dress is wrapped at the wasit. Genius. It’s made by Eco-Skin.

Tea Party Dress – Black
On sale for $104, regularly $208

This dress is cut in an easy body-skimming shape, with mid-length bell sleeves. It’s made with a crocheted fabric, so you can go two ways with it. Wear it with a neutral colored slip for a simple look, or pair it with something colorful for a bolder look. This dress is made by Stewart Brown.

Image credit: Shop Envi.com

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