Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Enhancing Your Knowledge Gua

Marrying two things that I love - books and jewelry
photos: www. littlefly.co.uk

Jewelry designer Jeremy Mays is my hero. In a time where most people are downloading ebooks to their ipads or Kindle, because of Jeremy I no longer have to fret over what will happen to the overabundance of printed books. He reincarnates books into beautiful objects that can continue to enhance our lives with his literary jewelry.

This shows how this ring was literally extracted from this book!
 
On the Feng Shui bagua, there is a section dedicated to skill, knowledge and wisdom (bottom left hand corner). Wearing one of these beautiful pieces of jewelry can help you enhance your knowledge gua where ever you may be.

Combining symbols of love, beauty, and wisdom

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Bedbugs go to the Theatre

Ballerinas are not the only ones dancing at Lincoln Center
photo: ap photo/matt moyer

It was on the news today that bedbugs were found in the dressing rooms of Lincoln Center. You're probably wondering, "What do bedbugs have to do with Feng Shui?" I knew you'd ask. Feng Shui relates to many things but especially to mindfulness, your environment and your community. In my opinion, that easily applies to this morning's news flash.

I am a resident of NYC where inhabitants groan but simultaneously relish the idea of living in such close proximity to one another. Living in such tight quarters makes the meaning of community even more so important and it's inevitable that issues will arise.

Although not a bedbug expert, I offer you a few tips to get started on right away that will help the NYC environment overall, your local community and your own home:
  • Mindfulness - Buy a mattress and boxspring protector especially made to protect against bedbugs. Instead of worrying that you'll be the next victim, you can separate from that anxiety and take action. You can purchase these protectors on amazon.com or at your local Bed Bath & Beyond. Just make sure that they have a zipper protector. Also, think before you toss your bags or clothes on the floor, on your bed or on fabric chairs or couches. This helps transport bedbugs. Hang them up on a hook if you can. Not only will you prevent bedbugs from spreading, your home will be more organized!

  • Environment - Start decluttering. Decluttering is one branch of Feng Shui. Bedbugs love to hide not only in your mattress and boxspring but in other things such as books, bags and other dark places. So while you are decluttering, also know that you are letting go of things that will help your qi (life force) better flow! One thing that's very important to point out is that bedbugs are not a matter of cleanliness. Anyone can get them. Just ask the residents of Park Avenue.

  • Community - Share your knowledge. Inform your friends and neighbors that bedbugs instances are on the rise if they don't know already. Without panicking them, suggest that the tips you have read here. Not only will you be helping your neighbors but also strengthening the community of your building or neighborhood by reaching out.
If you'd like more information about bedbugs, I would suggest websites such as this one that I found. I believe the MOST important thing with this bedbugs situation is to remain calm while taking action. Indeed it's a growing problem but with some precautions and communication, hopefully we can help bring awareness and slow it down.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Lightbulb LOVE


Organically beautiful lightbulbs that are ALSO energy efficient!
image: Plumen

Why oh why is it so hard to find nice-looking light bulbs these days? Let me correct myself - Why oh why is it so hard to find nice-looking, energy-efficient light bulbs these days? As a Feng Shui Consultant and overall tree-hugger, I am thrilled beyond belief that almost everywhere you look, people are using the CFL spiral light bulbs to save energy and hopefully, the planet. But as a designer, it is depressing that we are all using the same sad-looking spiral light bulbs that are well, aesthetically depressing. And for those hard-core design junkies, they may even be reverting back to energy sucking versions in the name of style. Dilemma. 

Hark! Until I happened upon this ingenious design from English company Plumens. As their website states,
The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to purchase an ecological product with style. It works just like any low energy bulb but it has a lot more presence.

I'm so in love with these bulbs, I may have to travel to England to get some. Hmm, but I guess that would be negating by my carbon footprint. Darn.

See them in beautiful 3D here: