An Organic Chi Boost

An unexpected chi enhancer

Looking for a holiday gift for that special someone? Me too. Luckily, my friend Pamela has created a new luxury organic beauty product called The Vanity Pillow. These beautiful pillows are for those who want to look and feel fabulous. It's a simple organic way to prevent wrinkles and relieve pressure on existing wrinkles, by gently supporting your head while you sleep, eliminating facial compression. Sign me up!

You know the scenario, you curl up on your side or on your face (egads!) and in the morning you end up looking like you aged another 20 years. I'm a light sleeper and I think this pillow will help me sleep more comfortably on my back. Not only will that do wonders for my face but also for my chi since I'll sleep better and feel more rested in the am. Yay!

Most people think that Feng Shui is just about moving furniture which affects the energy of the space and eventually you. That is true. But it can also work in reverse - if you have good, strong chi or energy, your space will be infused with your good energy and you'll get more work done, have happier relationships and more energy to do all the things you want to do.

It's that easy to look and feel rested! Your chi will thank you!
photos: Beth Schneck Photography

Best thing of all is that The Vanity Pillow team is generously offering iheartfengshui readers a 15% discount! Thanks Pamela! Just go to www.vanitypillow.com. and use coupon Code: vpholidayheart at check out. Happy shopping and happy sleeping!!

Quality time with my Lonnymag

I love Lonnymag and I love this dressing room!

all photos: lonnymag.com

I had a wonderfully long Thanksgiving weekend filled with food, friends and family. I worked on my metal element energy and throat chakra by singing some karaoke (believe it or not, I am an amateur!) and I even had some relaxing time to thumb through some of my favorite magazines. A perfect weekend. One magazine that I absolutely love is Lonnymag. It's an online magazine but believe me, the absence of the pages under your fingers will be quickly forgotten once you view all the beautiful interiors and products they feature. 

In the Oct/Nov issue, interior designer Celerie Kemble invites us into her home and it is a dream. Her black and white dressing room shouts luxury, relaxation and command. Celerie will never be startled while she is primping since she has a beautiful mirror that allows her to see behind her so that she stays rested and calm. The rest of her home is equally beautiful and elegant and you can see from the photos.

In complete command of the living room

This photo and view speak for themselves

If you haven't checked Lonnymag.com yet, do so today. Yes, I do miss the tactile feel of my now "old-school" design magazines, but I will just have to imagine now that my magazine is tucked under my arm...in my laptop. Definitely worth the trade off!

Adventurous Advent Calendars

The calendar that sparked the idea!

photo: pottery barn

Ahh, the Advent Calendar. Regardless of religion, the concept of the advent calendar is thrilling for every child. Who wouldn't want to have a little surprise or chocolate for each of the 25 days until Christmas? I saw this calendar at Pottery Barn and was completely inspired. Why not integrate the idea of it into Feng Shui? And have some childlike fun while we're at it?

A whimsical calendar that can be made to match any decor

http://roomenvy.wordpress.com

In Feng Shui, we recommend if you perform a task for a specific result, that you do it for 27 days. The number 9 and multiples of it are most auspicious in Feng Shui as 9 is the number of completion. I realize that advent calendars are only for 25 days. So here is my inspired suggestion. Buy an advent calendar that you love – or better yet, make one. When you are buying or making it, keep the intention in your mind of why you are buying it – More money is coming to me or I am powerful and inspired or a healthy, loving relationship is forming. Depending on your intention, fill each pouch or container with a saying, a poem, or an actual object that supports your main intention. For example, if you want a new relationship, in each pouch put two matching objects such as two movie tickets that would signify a fun activity that you and your partner will share. Do that each day until you get to day 26. On days 26 and 27, put these last things on your desk or nightstand so that you will be able to see them everyday and remind you of your intention.

 

 Two easy to make advent calendars

Top: www.activityvillage.co.uk, bottom: www.thriftyfun.com

The purpose of this calendar is to not only beautify your space but to actively shift your qi around your issue and to remind yourself of the wonderful changes that are already happening around you. Most importantly have fun with this calendar!

Presto Wallpaper

Wallpaper that you can actually put up in no time!

Who doesn't love the look of modern wallpaper? It's an easy way to transform a room that needs a little TLC and a shift of qi and style.

One of my favorite motifs!

photos: Lolly Props

Enter Lolli Props. They created Tempaper which offers us the beauty of wall paper but without the headache of application and the fumes of dangerous chemicals. Their fun idea uses the ease of sticker technology for that instant gratification whether you are putting the paper up or changing it out. This is dangerous territory for me since I can see myself changing the paper every other week since it's so easy to do! See the video tutorial here and check out how simple it is to do: www.tempaperdesigns.com/video.nxg

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

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.

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:

Plumen Bulb Loop from Plumen on Vimeo.