Postcards from Rachel: Ubud, Bali

Bali is a magical island that needs no introduction. They call it the 'island of Gods' which can only be felt and understood once you travel there and experience it on your own. If you want to dive deeper into the culture and spirituality of Bali, Ubud would be a good destination to start with. Famous from the movie 'Eat, Pray, Love', there's something really mystical about this little town. Maybe the fact that it's located at 200m above sea level that brings this natural sense of relaxation. I have once read somewhere that mountains are attributed to a high vibratory frequency which is why a lot of sacred temples and monasteries of the world can be found on higher altitudes. I am not sure if it's a proven theory but I can validate that theory by how I feel when I am high up on the mountains. 

If you ever get a chance to travel to Ubud, you must take time to discover the beautiful houses and villas tucked away in an oasis of greenery. Recently I packed my bikini, sarong and a good book for a weekend retreat to indulge in tranquility by the pool at Ubud Mana, located in a quaint village called Penestanan. With the sound of nature, swimming in a natural salt pool, it was all so serene and peaceful. With a beautiful weekend spent revitalizing for the week ahead, I am reminded about the simplest things in life we take for granted - gratitude. I believe it's important to make time for the Self to reflect and observe your thoughts and emotions after a week of productivity. If you need suggestions on where to go in Ubud town, just get in touch and I'll point you to the right directions. Namaste!

Cool Ways to Wear a Scarf

Whether you're wearing scarves or half sarongs, check out our collection of sarong scarves for your next holiday getaway. Scarves are like the sisters to sarongs, where both play a versatile role of fashion and function throughout the seasons.

Sheer sarongs are perfect for those warm summer days because they're cooling, lightweight and feels great on your sun kissed skin. Half smoked sheer sarong in pink

Long gone are the days when scarves are only used during winter times, these days you can learn to wear your scarves in so many different styles and even in summer time! Here's a tip: The best scarves to wear for summer are the ones that are made with rayon fabric or sheer sarongs.

For those windy & chilly nights by the beach. Dark Green Leaf Gauze Scarf and White Sundress

You can throw a colorful scarf over a dress or wear it as a shawl for a night stroll at the beach or tie your scarf as a tube or halter top and pair it up with denim shorts or tie it as a short beach skirt. What's your favorite way to make use of your scarves?

Cover up your swimsuit while you go and get ice cream at a store. Dragonfly mini sarong.

If you're the type of woman who never leaves the house without a scarf in your handbag or who never travels without a sarong in your backpack, check out these different ways to style up your outfits. If you have more fashion ideas that you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you! Just leave us a comment below and we'll get in touch with you.

With peace and love,

1 World Family

6 Ways to Wear a Sarong as a Beach Cover Up

Since it's bikini and swimwear season, it's time to share a few quick ideas on how to cover up at the beach. As much as I like to flaunt my body, there are days when I'd like to stay modest and fashionable at the same time.

It's also common to be in situations where you want to feel comfortable by covering up. Maybe I ate too much pasta for lunch, call it post-holiday dips but we're all a little guilty of those extra snacks we'd sneak in while on vacation. You may even find yourself having to cover up when you're traveling on an island or resort within a conservative society where bikinis aren't really a norm. Maybe you took too much sun and protecting your skin from getting burnt calls for a much needed cover up around your shoulders or back. Or if you're a beach nudist fan then you'd know that you'd have to cover up until you get to a safe nude beach zone.

Whatever your reasons may be, here are my top 6 favorite ways cover up while I'm basking under the sun at the beach:

1)

An all time favorite classic Hawaiian look, it's become the most natural and easiest way for me to wrap up after a day at the beach. Just grab the two corner ends and tie them both into a double knot just below your navel. It's the best look on the days that I decide to get daring and wear a Brazilian style bikini!

2)

I like to cover up with a short skirt especially on a hot day out or when I spontaneously decide to go for a beach walk after lazing about on sand. The trick to get this look with a full sarong is by folding your cloth to half. Then grab both corner ends and tie it the same way as you do with a long wrap skirt. 

3)

Another easy and practical way to cover up especially when I want to show off my golden shoulders! Take both corner ends and tie a double knot in between your breasts or at either side. Make sure you fasten the knot tightly or you'll end up with a loose dress that falls off every time you move. Depending on the sarong design, I would accessorize (Sarong tie, necklace, earrings & wedges) and wear this for a casual outing.

4) 

Another classic favorite, I like this style because it stays on properly and drapes beautifully at the center and could almost pass off as a real dress. Take both corner ends, twist it at the front and then tie a double knot at the back of your neck.

5) 

Bringing sexy back - a new style that I recently discovered and adore because it's unique, flattering and fashionable! Hold out your sarong in a vertical position, take both ends of the top side and tie a double knot behind your neck so that it drapes around your chest. Then take both sides at waist level and tie a double knot just above your butt. This look is great because it could even pass off as a formal dress if you wore an inner piece like shorts.

6)

Another cool new look that works well for both normal or plus size sarongs. After all, the more material you have the more space you have to get creative. Wrap the sarong around your body horizontally like a towel, make sure both corner ends are positioned to the side of your body. Take both ends, cross over below your armpits. Bring the ends above your shoulders, fasten, twist it around and tie a double knot at the top of your shoulders.

These styles are a few ideas in a nutshell while there are actually so many more different ways to cover up at the beach. I think I'm about to hit the peak of my career as a sarong model with these pictures, haha. Wrapping up in a sarong is as fun as making home made tortillas! 

So.. what's your favorite way to wear a sarong?

xx

- Sandy B