Reality TV to Reality, the Power of Crystals Endures

From "The Hills" vapid duo Spencer and Heidi Pratt (Speidi to those who love to hate the toxic couple) to Dina Manzo from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," reality TV "stars" are crazy for crystals. So I felt a little like I was costarring in an episode of my own reality show when I visited East West Living book store in New York City.

My bracelet from East West Living.

My friend Simone and I stopped by one Saturday afternoon so she could get recommendations to soothe her eczema. I hadn't been inside East West in years and was along for the ride. Sky, a sales clerk and apparently the store's resident spiritual guru, recommended Simone mix a quality-grade of lavender oil and Shea butter for her eczema.

Meanwhile, I spotted an aromatherapy oil used to boost fertility. The store was out of the oil, but Sky said he had something better. A fertility bracelet.

For nearly an hour, I pondered purchasing the handmade bracelet ($30) -- made with rose quartz (enhances sexual well-being and confidence); moonstone (helps balance menstrual hormones and soothe anxiety); and green aventurine (promotes fertility, prosperity, and good luck) -- while Sky scanned my energy.

Sky concluded I need more calm and surrender to the intuitive, so I should incorporate pastel shades into my wardrobe and home. He also instructed me to switch sides of the bed with my husband -- something hubby's been trying to do for years. Conversely, he told Simone she needs more fire and grounding. So she should do squats, wear red, and surround herself with pink.

Who knows whether crystals or new age practices really work. But I'm open to alternative methods of health and healing, and emerged from East West Living with profound insight into myself, a few self-help homework assignments, and best of all my new fertility bracelet.

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