Air pollution is oftentimes invisible, but it can cause a lot of harm. The American Lung Association reports that six in 10 Americans live in places with dangerous levels of air pollution, such as carbon monoxide. This chemical, which comes primarily form cigarette smoke and vehicles, inhibits your body’s ability to transfer oxygen to organs and tissue.

But a T-shirt created by New York University students, Sue Ngo and Nien Liam, could make the point more obvious than a government report. The shirt, which features either a picture of a heart or a set of lungs, uses a sensor built into the fabric to detect carbon monoxide in the surrounding environment. When the molecules are detected, the organ fills with blue veins.

(via 5 Ways Fashion Can Improve the World : Discovery News)

This unique handcrafted jewelry has been cleansed using ancient techniques and energized to amplify the power and healing properties of the stones. Embraced by athletes and celebrities, their pieces are worn by Sting, Bono, Heidi Klum, Britney Spears and many more.

Over the last few years, I have chosen meticulously, for each of my family members, a piece which I felt would benefit them most directly, according to obvious years of personal observation. The Energy Muse Jewelry that I have purchased for myself are listed along with their healing attributes, below:

6th CHAKRA BRACELET

6th CHAKRA BRACELET

The Brow Chakra, also known as the 6th Chakra, is located above and in between the eyes. This chakra is the center of intuition, and is associated with insight, devotion and memory. Clearing this chakra helps to balance discipline and dissolve feelings of inadequacy. Amethyst promotes peace and protection from negativity. Lapis Lazuli expands awareness and encourages a state of serenity. Quartz crystal is a stone of manifestation and enhances clear thinking. Blue Lace Agate works to calm the nervous system, while Charoite awakens intellect and grounds the spiritual self. Wear this Energy Muse piece when you seek guidance from your intuition.

6th Chakra Affirmation: I listen to my intuition and hear divine guidance.

3rd CHAKRA BRACELET

3rd CHAKRA BRACELET

The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as the 3rd Chakra, is located behind the navel. This chakra is connected to ambition, transformation and self-discipline. Opening this energy center clears negative patterning and addictions, as well as stimulates digestion. Carnelian is worn to enhance personal power, balance sexual energy, and encourage creativity and joy. Citrine carries with it the vibration of joy and peace, while Amber is believed to attract strength and success. Sunstone is a healing stone that promotes a positive attitude during times of high stress. Wear this Energy Muse piece when you seek vitality and discipline.

3rd Chakra Affirmation: I am an empowered and vital being.

4th CHAKRA BRACELET

4th CHAKRA BRACELET

The Heart Chakra, also known as the 4th Chakra, is located at the center of the chest. This chakra is connected to forgiveness, compassion and hope. Clearing this energy center restores optimism and dissolves grudges. Rose Quartz is the stone of self-love and works to heal all issues of the heart. Aventurine carries a nurturing vibration that evokes a state of well-being. Malachite is a purifying stone that helps to release energetic blocks, while Peridot emits a warm, soothing energy. Watermelon Tourmaline attracts inspiration and diminishes fear, and Jade, the stone of wisdom, balances the emotions. Wear this Energy Muse piece when you wish to heal and nurture the heart.

4th Chakra Affirmation: I evoke clarity of the heart.

HEALTH NECKLACE

HEALTH NECKLACE

This Energy Muse Health piece has been created to enhance and protect your physical well-being. Turquoise, known as the Stone of Heaven, is considered a master healer. This stone works to protect and align the chakras, which in turn strengthens the overall body. Sodalite, also a healing stone, has been added to still the mind and encourage relaxation. Agate works to remove blockages from within the body, as it promotes balance, which leads to vibrant health. The authentic Chinese Coin, estimated to be 100-500 years old, is an ancient and powerful manifesting tool for attracting wealth, luck and endless opportunity. A symbol of good fortune; with its’ round shape representing Heaven and the interior square symbolizing Earth. Wear this Energy Muse piece when you seek healing for the physical body.

Health Affirmation: I live in vibrant health of mind, body and spirit.

MIRACLES – JUDE

Miracles – Jude

Trust and allow miracles to flow through you. Saint Jude brings peace in times of desperate situations. Call upon him to feel inner peace and divine care and love. As you feel peace within it will emanate to everyone around you.

Affirmation: I AM Peace.

Stone: Amethyst attracts spiritual contentment and gives you faith.

Energy Muse® Jewelry is intended to be a tool for transformation, manifestation and empowerment. It is designed to enhance the wearer’s own energy.

Discover the peice that best suits you @ http://www.energymuse.com

Art is much more than an object of extraordinary beauty. Once invited into your home, it becomes a story to share with others, an inspiration in itself, a part of life. Explore the avenues here to connect with other art lovers, and discover more ways to make yours an artful home.

Artful Home is the leading source of fine art, contemporary art glass, modern furniture, home accents, handcrafted jewelry and unique gift ideas. Discover over 12,000 works of North American artists original artwork, all made by hand and shipped direct from artists’ studios.

Accomplished, celebrated, and rigorously selected by industry experts, Artful Home artists are among today’s proven masters. All 12,000 items available through the Artful Home catalogs and website are handmade by Guild artists and shipped direct from their studios. Learn more about Artful Home artists.

The Aesthetic Movement

The Aesthetic Movement and Its Influence on Home Decor covers the history of a movement that emphasized “art for art’s sake”-and the influence it had on home decor. The Aesthetic Movement in America lasted just a few decades (1870-1900), and served mainly as a bridge between the high Victorian sensibility and the radical shift to the Arts & Crafts style.

The movement germinated among artists who used opulent color, decorative patterning, and lavish materials simply for the aesthetic effects they could evoke. It was commonly held that a home that expressed an artful, harmonious soul would instill high aesthetic and moral merit in its inhabitants.

The Aesthetic Movement in America helped to popularize the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy beautiful, well-made homes and furnishings-not just the very wealthy. Artful homes could be composed from brilliant antique store finds, discriminating department store purchases, and gems hand-made by the ladies of the house. It was the moment when people embraced the idea that only a beautiful home could be a happy home.

The Aesthetic movement left us a legacy of Queen Anne houses and tidy suburbs, and its influence is now felt as Americans embrace the more-is-more philosophy of home furnishings. [visit this site]

Also check out UncommonGoods

Beauty, elegance and heartfelt sentiment are at the root of artist Stephen Kitras’ latest collection of glass globes. Hand blown of 100% recycled glass, this series features Kitras’ signature ability to create a delicate interior trunk within the globe. Vibrant splashes of color add the finishing touch on these one-of-a-kind home accents. Handmade in Canada. Sold individually.

Tree of Family (far left)

Like the roots of a tree, family nourishes and encourages us to grow to limitless possibilities. The Tree of Family reminds us that no matter how far we branch out as individuals, our family is always there for support, for encouragement, and above all for love.

Tree of Peace (middle left)

The beauty and tranquility of nature in essence captures the meaning of peace. Like a tree growing in harmony with the forest that surrounds it, peace brings with it a message of tolerance, acceptance and compassion.

Tree of Joy (middle right)

Delight in vibrant mix of life’s simple pleasures. Like a tree bursting into life after a long winter, spread the joy you feel today with those around you. The Tree of Joy reminds us that performing small acts of kindness can help make the world a more joyful place.

Tree of Love (far right)

There is no greater gift in the world than the gift love. Like a tree, love grows stronger and more beautiful with time. The Tree of Love represents the countless blessings the love brings into our lives.

Learn more