It is no secret that I love scarves. I am so done with summer (it has been so unbearably hot this year) and I'm now just patiently waiting for things to cool off a bit more, so I can pull out my scarf collection once again. So, being scarf-obsessed, I thought it was pretty cool when I received an email about the new resource on scarves.net on how to tie a scarf.

scarves.net has put together a truly comprehensive resource of 37 (!) different ways to tie a scarf, all with video demos in case you are like me and a little clumsy at trying to follow written instructions.

What I love about this site is how well it fits in with the idea of consuming less—and shopping your closet. Suddenly you've got one accessory that you can wear 37 different ways. That sheds a whole new light on some of the things I've tucked away for colder days, and gives me some new ideas for warmer weather as well. Obviously you can't wear the same scarves in every way—a skinny scarf probably won't cut it as a shawl or sarong—but it certainly opens up a whole realm of new possibilities for old accessories.

So shop your closet as you get ready for fall, and tell me what your favorite way to wear a scarf is.

Can I introduce you to my new favorite jewelry shop? Ever since I stumble across the agate slice necklace above, I have been smitten with Raw Elements Jewelry.

Not only are her designs lovely and the settings dramatic, but jeweler Rachel Dropp has created her line to be socially responsible, getting all resources from well-respected metal and mineral suppliers who practice business in an environmentally responsible way.

Rachel's designs comine gorgeous stones (don't you love the druzy above?) with reclaimed metals and a whole lot of natural inspiration, crafting some truly beautiful wearable art.

The nights are already getting cooler, and summer is slinking away. I'm debating braving the New Jersey traffic for one last trip to the shore—what are your end of summer plans?

organic cotton knickers (so cute!) from consciousclothing; reusable market bag from missindie; recycled 6-pack carrier from CRAP; handpainted recycled cardboard bracelet set from butternutsquash

I always find it so neat to see how many different kinds of naturally occurring materials—and materials that are byproducts, and don't come out of mines—there are out there to turn into gorgeous embellishments. Which is why I was thrilled to come across Nature Beads's Etsy shop. David and Lilian are suppliers of all sorts of natural beads, mainly from rainforest plant byproducts like acai seeds and tagua nuts. Their website offers up an even wider selection, with some unusual offerings like tagua nut buttons or these gorgeous babacu seed slices.

Whenever we tell people on this coast that we're moving to Oregon, their immediate response is almost always, "Doesn't it always rain there?" Well, even if it does (it doesn't), after this summer of heat, heat, and more heat until all the green in sight has been bleached blond by the sun, yeah, I'm ready for some rain.

recycled paper raindrop garland from kategreiner

handcut recycled silver necklace from melfannin

handmade recycled silver cloud hoops from Epheriell

upcycled cement board raindrop earrings from KathleenMarieKelly

upcycled found metal earrings from villagebaby

In this online world, where we put our successes (and sometimes failures), our networking, and very much of our lives out there for all to see, it is so easy to compare yourself to others. Why don’t I make as many sales as this shop, why don’t I have as many Twitter followers as that guy, why did she get mentioned on that blog and not me?

Those are not productive questions. I truly believe—because I do it all the time—that the worst thing you can do to move your business forward is to start asking yourself why you are not as successful as someone else.

Because, let’s face it: the only way you can measure your success is against your own goals and hopes and dreams. Do I wish I were as successful as Grace from Design*Sponge? Sure. Do I have any idea how she defines success? No. Do I really want the same kind of success and career that she has? Probably not. Actually, I have very little interest in doing what she does, but when I’m feeling a bit glum and banging my head against the desk, the easy answer is to wish for someone else’s success.

The better answer is to determine how you define success for yourself, and then push yourself to reach that. Get a pencil and paper. Write it down on a little slip of paper you keep in your desk. Take it out and read it when you start comparing yourself to others.

And start small. You’re going to be disappointed if your goals are to become a power seller within the first six months of opening your shop, or gaining 20,000 twitter followers this year. Instead, boil your thoughts down to what it is that you really, truly want on the simplest level, and reach for that. I bet reaching that simple goal will wind up making you happier than all the followers in the world.

How do I define success? Right now it is being able to support ourselves doing things that we enjoy. Not working too hard, but hard enough that we hopefully don’t have to dip into our savings, and can still take some time to travel. And that’s it. Happiness is my success. So if measuring my accomplishments against others’ makes me unhappy, well, then that’s not a productive path toward meeting my goals, now is it?

There is something a little magical in Crafts2Cherish's shop photography, isn't there? Or maybe it's just the fact that the wool accessories they craft are just so beautiful. I'll be honest: I am by no means a flower person. I steer clear of flowers in most respects, particularly accessory-wise. But these... these make me reconsider my personal vendetta against the pink and feminine.

Susanna and Lily of Crafts2Cherish create these stunning accessories using only the highest quality natural and sustainable materials. Raw wools are selected specially for each piece and dyed with low impact, environmentally-friendly dyes in their Ireland studio. The wool is then hand-carded and hand-felted to create uniquely beautiful jewelry designs.

I adore the red rose pin above—not only is it just a great statement-making piece, but how wonderfully perfect would something like that be as an alternative to the traditional prom corsage? Or for your bridesmaids or mother of the bride? Not only would they be stylin', but they would have a flower that will last a lifetime—not just a day—to remind them of that special occasion.

I miss the Perseids every summer. I don't know how I manage it, but I have never seen the famous shooting stars that come each August.

soy and organic cotton kimono cardigan dress from RiordanRoache, hand-loomed, unrefined, unbleached cotton scarf dyed with natural indigo dye and wildcrafted in Northeast Thailand by HattaKrama; recycled metal constellation earrings by chingchinjewellery