My father contacted us the other day with a very interesting proposal concerning Patek Philippe watches. Though we all live in the U.S. now, he was born in Switzerland. He is soon going to retire and wants to get himself a fine watch. The reason he contacted us is because he wants to make this into an heirloom that will pass down to me and then my son. Since he has always been a truly thoughtful father, I perhaps shouldn't have found it surprising that he wanted my input on the style of the watch. However, I was in fact surprised and touched. It was a truly lovely bonding experience to make the selection of a watch model together with him. He is so proud, knowing that after he's had the chance to fully enjoy his retirement gift to himself, that not only I, but also his grandson, will also be able to enjoy it. Naturally, I can't say I'm looking forward to the day it passes down to me. However, the fact that this item represents my father's culture of origin and that he took so much care in making sure that I would like it too makes this watch a meaningful heirloom that I, and then my son, will deeply treasure.

It's no secret that modern life is often hectic and requires a lot of go-go-go, with not enough down time or enjoyment of things. Last week I got jewelry at goldsea24 and I really made it a point to appreciate it. I brought it home, and put it out on my coffee table and poured a glass of wine, with some nice music in the background. As I read a good book, I glanced every once in a while at the beautiful pieces on my table, earrings and a bracelet and really appreciated them. I realized that sometimes it's hard to slow ourselves down enough to really pay attention in a relaxed manner to what is valuable to us, in any way, whether things, or events, or people in our lives. Paying attention is a part of really appreciating. In thinking this over, I also came to realize that, in fact, there has almost been a stigma against slowing down, taking time for ourselves, but this is really counter to good health and can prevent us from actually enjoying life as much as we could. Keeping up with the hectic pace seems to be what people are pressured into accepting as how we should be. The thing is, it isn't really possible to keep performing at our utmost without proper rest. Pushing ourselves can also have consequences on our health and emotional well being, as well as mental function. Down time is absolutely essential to good health. So exploring things like yoga, are a great way to get some regenerative, restful time in our lives.

A recent study conducted by Organic Monitor indicates that the global sales of natural and organic beauty products will probably reach about $9 billion this year. The report also states that there is a high consumer demand for natural and organic beauty products but the economic slowdown is causing the growth rate to slow down. The upcoming report on the 'Global Market for Natural and Organic Personal Care Products' predicts that revenues from organic and natural beauty products should climb to $14 billion by 2015. Additionally, the report indicates that the demand for such beauty products is spread over a cross-section of regions but sales remain concentrated in Europe and North America. The study also reveals that natural and organic beauty products have 2% of global personal care product sales, while countries such as the United States, Germany and Austria have seen these beauty products market shares reaching 10%. A common issue that most consumers face is when it comes to discerning whether their beauty products are actually organic. When it comes to a beauty product, natural ingredients are those that have been sourced from the land or sea. But, this does not necessarily mean that they are herbicide-, pesticide- and fertilizer-free. This comes to an important fact, not all natural beauty products are organic!