

If you've seen Leonardo's recent flick, The Blood Diamond, I'm sure you've been second-guessing your affinity for shiny jewels. But don't worry. New jewelry designers are coming on the scene making the decision much easier because you don't have to choose between beautiful jewels and environmental and global consciousness. One such designer, Moonrise Jewelry, is leading the way by selling fair trade semi-precious gemstones that are produced in accordance with environmental protection standards, including minimizing the disruption of natural land areas, and protecting the local vegetation, habitat, streams, and groundwater from pollutants and over-mining. However, taking care of the earth isn't enough. Frequently, laborers in mines are treated horribly, not only receiving unfair compensation but some mines also employ child laborers. Moonrise Jewelry also certifies that their gems are produced under fair labor conditions (no child workers and all workers receiving fair pay), and that they are designed in Virginia by local artisans. Featuring such exquisite stones as Brazilian Citrine, Wyoming Green Jade, and Mexican Fire Opal, this collection is sure to spark the jewelry-lover in you to reconsider forgoing her gems. For more information visit www.moonrisejewelry.com

Ayurveda, the ancient healing science from India, has definitely gone mainstream. Many health-conscious individuals not only know their "dosha" but also are aware of how what they eat effects the balance of their doshas. But it goes beyond diet. For instance, the time of day that you rise is effected by your dosha, as are the activities that will ground you the most, so why not take it a step further and create your home to bring you and your loved ones into balance? AFM Safecoat will be launching this fall their Ayurveda Essence line designed to do just that. Created by New York color therapist, the line consists of 108 colors divided into three sets of 36, for each dosha. So for an airy, prone-to-worry vata like myself, colors like Leaf & Sun are designed to ground my somewhat fidgety temperament, while a hot and fiery pitta would want soothing colors like Spirit and a slower-moving kapha would want to harmonize their dosha with energizing colors like Elevate. The company even suggests some color combinations to balance those with two primary doshas, or those that are tridoshic. My only question is this- does everyone in the house get to have one room that harmonizes? Or do my husband and I somehow combine his fiery sign and my airy sign into a room that still feels soothing for both?
For more information visit www.afmsafecoat.com
This fall, Rancho la Puerta, the renowned destination spa located in Tecate, Mexico, is offering a specialty week for lovers, with speakers on both sleep and sex. Robert deStefano, of SleepGarden and ZYoga will be leading the discussions on sleep, specifically, creating a sleep sanctuary that is conducive to sleep for both partners. “When one partner's sleep is not in harmony with the other’s, the romantic, spiritual, energetic and practical glue of the relationship is compromised,” he says. deStefano's lectures are meant to inspire couples to find not only the romantic, but the sleepy back in their bedroom. As he points out in a study by the National Sleep Foundation, 25 percent of adults have had sex less often or are not interested in sex because their sleepy. It's time to get a good night's rest! After you've figured out the in's and out's of sleeping, researcher Beverly Whipple, Ph.D., author of The G Spot and Other Discoveries about Human Sexuality, will help put the sexy back into the bedroom. This week promises to be enriching for couples; in between lectures, take part in daily hikes, yoga classes, cooking classes at the new La Cocina Que Canta, and of course save time for "practice" in the bedroom. The week is from October 13-20. For more information, visit www.rancholapuerta.com

Taking the spa treatment to new depths, Huvafen Fushi recently unveiled their redesigned underwater treatment rooms. Set in the picturesque waters of the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi's new concept is to create the mood of the ocean for the visitors to the spa. From the chromotherapy in the relaxation area to the views of the sea life, the experience is meant to lull the visitor into a new state of relaxation. If that isn't enough to entice you, their signature treatment, Unite Me- Crystal Ritual includes a Maldivian sand and lime exfoliation and a coconut oil massage. Afterward guests are led to the relaxation area to watch the marine landscape while snacking on local fruit. Can you say Ahhh? www.huvafenfushi.com
It might be near impossible to detox while touring wine country, but the new package at Calistoga Ranch promises to keep you healthy while you indulge in the best of the Napa valley. Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort, is located in a quiet and private canyon just outside Calistoga, California, a region known for both its delicious grapes and hot springs. The property boasts only 46 guest lodges, with modern decor that emphasizes the natural landscape. Their new "detoxicate" package takes their wellness offerings a step beyond the norm, and includes accommodations, such spa treatments as the Cabernet Classic, fitness equipment in-room, and a bike tour to the nearby Bennett Lane Winery. In addition, guests receive an in-room bar stocked with healthy goodies and recipes to take home. I'm not sure if this is really the meaning of "detox", but regardless the package sounds absolutely divine. Why not combine a weekend of spa and health with wine tasting? Afterall, experts do say that wine is good for the heart!

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