You can’t buy love. But you sure can surround yourself with beauty that is good for the heart and soul. That notion would seem to be the organizing principle behind the eclectic offerings at Rian Rae Interiors & Gifts, which specializes in unique but comfy home décor pieces that make use of elements found in nature and are, quite simply, beautiful to behold. They’re also so sensually and texturally alluring that you might just long to reach out and touch them, like these geometrically shaped hand-crocheted pendant lamps ($224; pictured) or this French crinkle pendant made of white glass ($379). The Bamboo Cloud chandelier was designed by a Thai artist using traditional bamboo-weaving techniques in a nontraditional way ($690). The roof of this handcrafted lantern ($1,898) is covered with oyster shells. Cuddle up on the couch with this crocheted wool throw ($148), and put a cup of hot tea on this coffee table made from an antique Fench pigeon basket ($1,385). For seating, try a cotton-filled jute flower pouf ($118) or this cast-aluminum Moorish stool ($250). The indoor/outdoor Pascal chair ($424) is made from recycled aluminum and styled after a 1940s Paris flea market find. These silver-plated brass salt and pepper shakers are modeled after dried lotus pods ($58). Protect that tabletop with wood slice coasters of eucalyptus wood ($27) or lacy filigree coasters set in wooden holders (back-ordered but available by pre-order, $53). Check out these whitewashed wood wall hangings: a carved stag head ($324) and angel wings ($42). For gift ideas consider a rustic wall-mounted wire photo holder ($38), vintage-looking Parisian paper globes ($26), or this jewelry tree of harvested Manzanita wood ($98).

Office organizers with style and a green streak should take a look at a new line of goods from design giant Herman Miller: The Teneo storage system was designed by Ayse Birsel and Bibi Seck (Birsel was just honored by the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design) and has earned the Silver “Cradle to Cradle” eco-certification, partly thanks to the recyclability of most of its components. Designed in modules that can be combined to fit the storage needs of workspaces both large and small, Teneo lets users decide how many shelves, drawers and mini-closets they want. It also offers a pleasing array of surface materials — from metal and wood veneer to felt and cork — and encourages customers to mix and match using an online Color Tool to visualize choices. Pricing varies, depending on finishes and options; a thorough price breakdown can be downloaded here. Teneo is availabe through Herman Milller dealers; to find a dealer in your area, enter your state or Zip code here.

There’s nothing quite like bath or body oils to soothe summer skin. Start with Bobbi Brown’s Beach fragrance line, which includes body oil ($28), shower gel ($32) and body lotion ($35) — for a limited time, orders of $50 or more will include a free mini Beach tote. Victoria’s Secret’s Bare Bronze shimmering body oil ($24) hydrates your skin and also gives it a golden goddess glow (how do you think those models at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show had that special shimmer?). Molton Brown’s Blissful Templetree bath and shower gel, an infusion of exotic plants and bioactive extracts from the Indian Ocean with sea silk protein for hydration ($28; pictured). Crabtree & Evelyn’s Jojoba Oil Duo ($18) has both bath gel and lotion of first-pressed jojoba oil scented with lavender, herbs and citrus; pour a capful of the gel into your bathwater, and then apply the lotion afterward for double the moisturizing effect. Jo Wood Organics offers an elegant way to revitalize and awaken your skin with the exotic Amka Organic gift set, with Amka (Swahili for “to wake”) organic body dew, body oil, bath oil and body lotion (on sale for $135 at Saffron Rouge). The Body Shop’s Spa Wisdom Monoi Miracle Oil is a traditional Tahitian emollient renowned for its moisturizing effects ($20); it can be used in the bath, smoothed onto the skin or used as a pre-shampoo hair treatment. To wind down after a long day in the sun (or at the office), try Bath & Body Works’ Aromatherapy stress-relief oil, a fragrant blend of eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils ($16). Or just dab a few drops on those key pressure points in lieu of perfume and relax all day long.

According to a recent study by Yoga Journal, nearly 16 million Americans practice the spiritual-physical art of yoga. That explains all the yoga mats competing for your dollars and why you may need a little help selecting the right one. A good mat adheres to the floor and doesn’t become very slick when you perspire. For most people, from beginners to those who have practiced for years, a basic ¼” sticky mat for $16 (also available in 1/8” thickness) is sufficient, though it may take some breaking in to reduce slipperiness. (Wash with mild soap or mist with a 2-to-1 vinegar-water solution.) Made of latex-free PVC foam, these can last for years. Barefoot Yoga, distributor of the top-rated rubber and jute original eco yoga mat ($67, pictured), has several other earth-friendly mats to choose from. There’s the PER mat ($21, made of Polymer Environmental Resin), which doesn’t contain phthalates or heavy metals, and Earth Elements’ TPE mat, which is $40 and is latex, PVC and rubber-free. The natural jute and PER mat ($40) is similar in texture to the Prana mat ($44). Both are decomposable in a landfill and provide a grippy, cushiony texture. Manduka is another highly praised maker of eco-friendly (but pricy) mats, and I enjoy my Jade Harmony natural rubber yoga mat (from $40 to $76), which is biodegradable and PVC-free. Warning: Don’t leave these mats in the car, as the sun will take a toll on them.

It starts with that first mosquito or flea bite and proceeds like a trail of ants through the rest of your summer. Conquering pests and taking back your yard doesn’t have to mean spewing toxic chemicals that harm the environment and eliminate useful insects. To deal with mosquitos, try New Mountain Sandalwood incense sticks, (pictured) available at Isabella in packs of 12 ($11) and at Ace Hardware for a little less ($9). Made from 100 percent Australian sandalwood, these are safe around children and animals and, the company claims, are 76 percent more effective than citronella candles. Each stick lasts 3-4 hours. Want protection when you leave the incense-protected zone? Check out these mosquito inhibiting/repelling wrist bands ($4.22 each). They’re waterproof and long lasting. The active ingredient is Geraniol and it claims to work up to 120 hours (keep wristband in resealable container between uses for best results, they advise). Your best bet may be with mosquito dunks, a very safe way to control mosquito larvae, which develop in standing water. The active ingredient, Bacillus thuringienses, won’t harm fish or wildlife or you, but those mosquitos won’t ever leave the water and take flight. One of the strongest products used in natural insect control is Pyrethrin. It’s made from chrysanthemums and is fairly non-selective about the insects it controls, so don’t use it as a preventative. Safer Yard & Garden Insect Killer combines insecticidal soap and pyrethrin. It breaks down quickly in the environment and is safe up to the day of harvest on edible plants. Apply only to specific areas needing attention. Effective against aphids, beetles, ants, caterpillars and many others. Planet Natural has a multi-page section devoted to natural pest control information and  products. Read about beneficial nematodes, diatomaceous earth and ladybug lures. Remember: What you put into the earth and air ultimately ends up inside of you.

The Swedes, responsible for the Volvo, have a knack for engineering forms that are as functional as they are fashionable. These days one of the country’s most successful exports is in the shape of the future – the SIGG reusable water bottle. It’s good for you and the planet, and comes in 144 designs with 22 interchangeable lids. Like a fashion house, SIGG rotates or drops designs each year. But if you’re thirsty for one of those Limited Edition Lifestyle SIGGs – its most popular line – you’d better shop around. Due to overwhelming demand, mysigg.com temporarily closed shop in May. In June, several internet retailers, including this one, announced that new inventory would not be available for the next 60 to 90 days. This blogger explains – simply – why SIGGs are hot and worth the price. You can find a SIGG to get you through this summer if you buy one that’s already available – and that’s good for the planet, too. Check out the colorful Maharadsha ($30) which comes in fuchsia, violet, ruby and turquoise, the Sunray ($25) and the Classic Red Traveler ($18). Hurry, because stock is limited and going fast. Go to www.isabellacatalog.com to find Spring Impressions ($25) and www.getngreen.com for Bubble Vision ($20). At rei.com you’ll find several SIGGS in stock and the recommended tool for hand-washing them, another hard to find SIGG item. If you must have one of the latest Lifestyle Limited Edition SIGGS, take a look at what’s selling on eBay, where you can acquire Wisdom Awakens and Flower Power (or others, as offerings on eBay is always changing). If you’re quick, you might get the sure to-be a collectible I Am Not Plastic.