Are you planning any romantic getaways this holiday season? Even if your plans are keeping you close to home, don’t forget to take the time to slow down and reconnect with your partner. One sure-fire reconnection idea is to give a massage. 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... [Read more]

The November 2009 issue of Real Simple features Pencil Skirts in the “Fit Lab.” I wear skirts or dresses all the time (even when I go camping).  Pencil skirts are a favorite of mine. They cut a confident, sexy silhouette that is easily worn by many different figure types. 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.... [Read more]

John Masters Organics carries a full line of organic products for hair, skin, body, and pets. Yes, pets. His Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Dogpoo is endorsed by PETA and contains natural ingredients that help your dog to have a beautiful, healthy, shiny coat, without irritating dog’s sensitive skin.  It naturally wards off both fleas and ticks with fragrant Citronella and Eucaplytus. 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... [Read more]

Popmomo. I love that name. I can’t read it or say it without it bringing a smile to my face. The name stands for post-postmodern movement. Here are a couple of men’s tees from Popomomo. 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.... [Read more]

Golden Path Alchemy puts a lot of thought, planning, and work into making a quality natural skin care product. All products are made with pure ingredients, “food for the skin.” These ingredients are local, organic, and all products are handmade into small batches, so that they remain fresh. They are vegan and only tested on humans, never animals. 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... [Read more]