Feng Shui Spring Spruce Up

Here is SOME information from FENG SHUI RESOURCE's latest newsletter.

Spring Spruce Up ~ April 2008

Greetings,

Most people associate this time of year with cleaning, organizing/uncluttering and updating. In the spirit of the season, here are a few ideas to assist you with your Spring spruce up . . .

It's really not surprising that a living space that is crowded, cramped or cluttered will stifle your creativity and ideas, as well as your productivity. Clutter is also not good for your ongoing health and vitality. In fact, physical clutter can cause you to feel depressed, unmotivated and stuck in life because it attracts low-level (stagnant) energy.

Interestingly, research studies show that people who "hoard" items can have an especially difficult time advancing forward in life and releasing the past. There are two common types of hoarding: emotional hoarding and intellectual hoarding. Emotional hoarders hold on to items because they fear they will lose the memories associated with a person or event. Intellectual hoarders hold on to items and, in particular, information, because they fear they might need that information one day. While hoarders make up a relatively small percentage of the general public, on average most of us hold on to far more "stuff" than we need to . . . Creating a healthy home is about living more simplistically and surrounding you and your family with only those belongings that bring you joy and/or provide a useful purpose in your life.

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HERE ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN SETTING UP THEIR SURROUNDINGS (by the way you may want to check out the series I hosted with guest Blogger Kathi Burns on Getting Organized to Move...even if you are not moving)

The failure to pare-down as you progress forward: Most people only wear 20-percent of the clothing that hangs in their closet. If you haven't worn (or used) something in the past year-chances are you never will, so it's safe to let it go.

Accessibility: Available space (in file cabinets, drawers, shelves, and cabinets) is a lot like real estate . . . it's all about location. The items that you use most often need to be placed in the most convenient locations. Store "like" items together.

Wasted Space: Invest in a closet or garage storage unit to take advantage of every inch of space available to you.

Repeat Performance: This usually occurs when there isn't an inventory system in place within a household so you continue to purchase duplicate supplies, or you continue to run out of items. Keep a master list, and stick to it, this will also help you to avoid impulse buying.

Home Base: Have designated areas for incoming/outgoing mail, keys, and other personal items you need quick and easy access to. Open your mail every day, and do not let it accumulate. Also, rethink your magazine and newspaper subscriptions, particularly if periodicals are going unread. Request to be taken off the junk mail and catalog distribution lists. For mail contact: Do Not Mail List: www.directmail.com, for catalogs: Opt Out: www.catalogchoice.org

For More information on Feng Shui, classes, and consultations from an expert,
contact KATHRYN HOLT at 858-492-8506
or by email: Info@fengshuiresource.com.

Happy New Year 2008 - Feng Shui Updates: A Great Year Ahead

Here's a Feng Shui Resource update from Kathryn Holt on 2008. Sounds like a great year ahead, especially for the home.

I hope that you and your family had a joyous holiday season. Many people I've spoken with have been anxiously awaiting the new year, and with good reason . . . 2008 promises to be an especially auspicious (favorable) time for new beginnings and fresh starts.

For starters, this is the Year of the Rat. The Rat represents the first in the long line of zodiac animals (see side bar). So as the Boar was wrapping up the previous 12-year cycle in 2007, the Rat will be ushering in a brand-new 12-year cycle. But that's not all . . . The Earth Rat has special significance because it also represents the onset of a new 60-year cycle (12 animal signs x 5 elements = 60 years). The Bottom line: 2008 will be one of the best years there is to commence new projects and endeavors, such as: buying a house, starting up a new business, getting married (or entering into a new relationship), having a baby, or whatever hopes and ambitions you may have been pondering. The trick is, do your homework. That is, be sure to take the time to plan and prepare rather than blindly rushing in. This is a year that is strongly symbolic of change. Change/transition can be seen as a challenge or an opportunity, so do your best to embrace a positive outlook wherever your path leads you . . . Winter is the season of renewal and re-emergence, so it can be a good time to reinvent some aspect of your home or lifestyle (which also ties in with the upcoming Rat year). The start of a new year is a great time to make updates to your home, such as: Rearranging your bed/desk/furniture to accommodate the two unfavorable stars (see side bar) Space Clear and unclutter your living and working spaces so you kick off 2008 with a "clean slate" Turn up the color: The addition of color can instantly shift the mood of an environment and how you perceive and interact with that environment, by softening what is too harsh, cooling down what is too hot, or warming up what is too cold and lifeless. Even splashes of color can be effective, such as painting your ceiling a color and leaving the surrounding walls white, or painting the trim around door and window frames to accentuate views and create flow between rooms, or paint an accent wall for a little extra pizzazz.

Upcoming Classes: Next Class---Tuesday, January 8th (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.). "Celebrate the New Year." This class offers tips for setting up your home for 2008 and offers you a sneak preview of your personal forecast for the year. This class is only offered twice a year. . . Once in North County through San Dieguito Adult School and again in Coronado on Monday, February 25th. To register, contact: Doreen at San Dieguito Doreen.Walsh@sduhsd.net or Aida at Coronado Aida.Diaz@coronado.k12.ca.usi. Wishing you a year that is abundant in happiness & good fortune~ Warmly, Kathryn Feng Shui Resource We cannot control the uncertainity of the world, but we can control how we respond to it ~ positively, peacefully & with faith.

For more information, or to speak with Kathryn directly, please contact her at 858.492.8506, or visit her website, Feng Shui Resource.

Feng Shui Holiday Update

A Season of Good Fortune
Greetings!

December can be a tricky time as we try to simultaneously wrap up the year-end while we gear up for holiday festivities, gift giving and the new year ahead. With regards to the tradition of gift giving, my philosophy (and heart-felt intention) has always been to give gifts that are meaningful and purposeful. Of course, in some cases this is easier said than done which is why in recent years I've chosen to do my holiday shopping throughout the year (less pressure). In the spirit of the season I would like to offer you some uniquely different gift ideas for all the important people in your life . . .

Gift Option One:

Onward Ho (Ho Ho) ~ What could be better than an organizing & uncluttering session to get the new year off on the right foot? This makes a great (group) gift for your child's favorite hardworking teacher and their classroom. Likewise, it can provide a gentle nudge and incentive for your spouse (or colleague's) office, home office or garage space. A lot of people are beginning to find the value in downsizing and keeping things simple, but they're not sure where to start . . . With 15 years of experience, we keep our uncluttering and organizing strategies easy, plus it usually takes a fraction of the time it would take your loved ones to tackle their projects themselves. $85 per hour/$160 for two hours

Gift Option Two:

The Gift of a Healthy Home ~ Occasionally a house can feel stale or "off" with or without any physical clutter. Known as, "sick building syndrome" this condition is the result of subtle energies like electromagnetic fields, geopathic stress, and residual energy (an unfavorable past history), which creates a heavy feeling and can affect a person's health and well-being (i. e., illness and depression). The gift of an Environmental/Space Clearing is that it lifts and refreshes the energy within an environment . . . think of it as an energetic and spiritual renovation for the home. (This can be especially beneficial for those who are moving into or out of a living/working space, nurseries, and for those who need to shift their current relationship with their surroundings.) $180

Gift Option Three:

The Classic Red Envelope ~ A personalized Gift Certificate that entitles your loved one to select a design consultation of their choosing . . . whether it focuses on Feng Shui, color analysis, interior design or green design, our mission is to create a soulful environment that blends beauty and flow while stimulating mind, body and spirit . . . (A consultation can involve a home or a specific room. We also provide creative and healthy solutions for kids rooms and college dorms.) Minimum one hour/$160., special rates for packages.

Other Opportunities ~ Gift Certificates (starting at $25) can also be applied towards upcoming classes, workshops, products and advice. Gift Certificates for all of the services (Options One ~ Three) are attractively and auspiciously presented for added good luck.

As our Gift of Good Fortune to you, you will receive a 2008 Almanac of your favorable days with your purchase of a Feng Shui Resource Gift Certificate. For more information, please contact FSR at: 858.492.8506 or info@fengshuiresource.com.

Warm wishes for a joyous holiday season,

Kathryn

Feng Shui Resource

Feng Shui Fall Update: Autumn The Season of Decline

Greetings!

I have received numerous calls and emails from clients and real estate agents regarding the recent San Diego fires. I wanted to devote this Update to providing you with some insight on the symbolism and significance of Fire as seen from the perspective of Feng Shui.

Most people associate the element of Fire with destruction. However, Fire actually pertains to purification, which is why it is frequently used in blessing ceremonies and consecrations. There is a widely held belief that when Mother Nature becomes sick or out-of-balance (due to either natural or man-made conditions), she will find a way to heal herself---in this case, purifying the Earth through Fire, with the assistance of Wood. Sadly, it is an unfortunate and, often, unavoidable consequence that humans have become a part of the equation as we have encroached upon nature through development.
As some of you may know, I live in the Del Dios area of Rancho Santa Fe, so we were in the direct path of the Fire. Like many residents, we were evacuated for the week, waiting to hear if our house would still be standing upon our return. One question in particular kept entering my mind during that time period, "Does creating and maintaining a healthy (high vibration) energy environment within your home/land, assist in preventing Mother Nature's purification process?"

For years I have been conducting environmental clearings on my home and land, you might recognize these techniques as "Space Clearings" and "Geopathic Stress detection." I have cleared several lines of GS from my home . . . The lines were running Northwest to Southeast (or, from one side of the house to the other), rather than from the front of the house to the back, or the back of the house to the front. Upon returning home, we noticed that our house, and the houses to both sides of us, had all survived the fire, several houses/structures in front of us and behind us had not been so lucky. Is this coincidence? Are fires really that random, or is there more to energy clearings/environmental healings than meets the eye?

Following the Cedar Fires in 2003 I contacted several of my clients who live in the Scripps Ranch area. A recurring pattern I noticed while working in that area of San Diego was the presence of multiple lines of Geopathic Stress in many of the homes . . . Not one or two lines, but upwards to six or eight lines per household. I'm happy to report that my clients/students (who had done the energy work themselves or who hired me to do it for them), also had homes that survived the fires. While I realize that this is limited in terms of field research, I continue to be intrigued, and I would be interested to know your related experiences, if any.

Most of the Feng Shui Masters I know would say, "There are no coincidences . . ." but I'll leave that up to you. During the week that followed the fires, firefighters continued to patrol our neighborhood. I had the opportunity to speak to several of them regarding the events that had taken place. The response I received was simple, "We were due." Like the ancient Shamans, Geomancers and FS Masters from thousands of years ago who studied nature and the patterns of the Universe, I was informed that fires are also cyclical . . . Depending upon the region, climate and terrain, it is predicted that most areas will encounter a fire every twenty to fifty years. These fires are seen as nature's way of "clearing out" areas, and this decline makes the needed renewal and rebirth possible. I wasn't surprised that this theory echos the larger Universal cycle of energy: Winter = renewal, Spring = rebirth/growth, Summer = peak, early Autumn = fluctuation, late Fall = decline, back to renewal. Understanding this pattern (even if it's in a non-Feng Shui manner) is what enables safety officials to monitor which areas are most vulnerable in the unforeseen future (or, "who's due"). Unfortunately, Santa Ana winds can be less predictable.

Here are some things you can do to honor your home, property and listings:

1. Look for symptoms of Geopathic Stress. (I can send you an article if you're unfamiliar with GS.)

2. Eliminate clutter and debris inside and outside of your home. (Just because you can't see stagnant energy doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Stagnant energy suffocates health, flowing Ch'i and ripples out and infects other areas.)

3. Be respectful of nature when you dispose of items such as pool chemicals, paints, solvents, cleaning and car washing solutions.

4. Consider the benefits of an organic garden as opposed to adding more pesticides and fertilizers to the earth.

5. Invite nature into your home by incorporating bird baths, bird feeders, humming bird feeders, or plants and flowers that attract butterflies, dragon flies, lady bugs, etc. (Note: if there is an absence of wildlife in your area, this could be telling you something. Animals are innately attracted to healthy energy, and will often avoid areas with unhealthy energy.)

6. No matter what condition your home is currently in, love and appreciate it for what it is. Thank your home verbally and energetically---through space clearings. Take heated or intense conversations outside (i.e., a long walk on the beach), as a way of keeping the energy within your home at a higher vibration.

Crisis As Opportunity: The Chinese symbol (calligraphy) for the word "crisis" is the same as the symbol for "opportunity." It is seen as an invitation to create something favorable out of an unfavorable occurrence. A fire (whether you are directly or indirectly affected) can be seen as an opportunity for a spiritual and structural renovation of your home.

If you or any of your clients were directly affected by the fires and are in need of organizing, blessing/environmental clearings, color, design or Feng Shui services, please contact me. I know that rebuilding, regrouping, and reemerging can be an overwhelming process and I would be happy to extend you a special rate.

Wishing you many blessings,

Kathryn
Feng Shui Resource

Next Class: Feng Shui & Symbolism
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
San Dieguito Adult School: 760.753.7073

Upcoming Feng Shui Classes

Here is some information on Feng Shui classes from my friend and Feng Shui expert, Kathryn Holt.

Upcoming Feng Shui Classes

Greetings!
There are several Feng Shui classes coming up that I wanted to let you know about:

* * *
For the Coronado, Mission Valley and downtown San Diego crowd, I'll be holding a Feng Shui Q & A class next Monday evening, October 1st, in Coronado. This is a great opportunity to have your Feng Shui questions answered, bring your floor plan, or gain additional information on the aspects of Feng Shui that you may feel a little fuzzy on . . .

I'll also be offering an Introduxtory Feng Shui Class through San Dieguito (held at Torrey Pines HS), for anyone who wants to learn the basics of FS, or that would like a refresher on how to Feng Shui your own home/office. Dates: Monday evenings, October 15 - 29, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

In November, I'll be teaching another class through San Dieguito, Feng Shui & Symbolism. This is a fun and revealing class. I hope you can join us on Tuesday, November 13th, 6:00 - 9:00.

Note: It's important to register through the schools (so that the class minimum is met), otherwise the class may be cancelled.

Coronado: 619.522.8911
San Dieguito: 760.753.7073
New Classes

In early 2008 I'll be offering the following classes:

Celebrate the New Year with Feng Shui
(A forecast for your home/life)

Feng Shui & Color

How to Stage/Feng Shui your home for the real estate market


* * *

I'm always open to your ideas for class topics. If you're interested in hosting an upcoming "Hands On" Feng Shui class, let me know.


Wishing you happiness & good fortune,

Kathryn Holt

Feng Shui Resource
www.fengshuiresource.com
858.492.8506

Feng Shui: Love and the Blissful Bedroom

Your Master Bedroom is considered to be the most important room within your house, namely because it supports such things as health, wealth, love and partnership. Whether your married or single, you can create a bedroom that will support you in long-term love by keeping in mind the following:

1. The function of the space:

Think of your bedroom as a happy haven and a romantic retreat. For starters, the room should not double as a home office or a workout room/gym. (Too distracting.) Move photographs of family & friends to a less private area, such as the East area of your home (or consider creating a photo gallery in one of your hallways for added visual interest). Did you know that the smaller the bedroom, the better? It’s true. A smaller bedroom suggests more intimacy and closeness between a couple.

2. The position of the bed within the bedroom:

Make sure that your bed is not positioned under anything heavy, such as a large ceiling fan or lighting feature. (Heavy = weight & stress which leads to arguments.) Along these same lines, do not site your bed directly below a structural beam, particularly one that runs the length of the ceiling and down the center of the bed, "dividing" a couple. It’s also not favorable (for love or health) to have your bed-head share a wall in which a bathroom or commode resides on the opposite side.

3. The use of symbolism within the bedroom:

The bedroom is the best place to display happy photos of you and your partner. Or select other "romantic" artwork—such as pieces that depict love and partnership rather than, say, a lone individual. (Even a neutral image like two palm trees, side-by-side, would work.) If you do have a larger Master Bedroom, create an intimate seating area for two, or bring in a love seat. (At the very least, move the single chair because it’s sending out the wrong message.) The objective is to create an energetic "pattern" that suggests couplehood & partnership and that will nurture you now and in the future. Enjoy!

Feng Shui Resource ~ http://www.fengshuiresource.com/ ~ 858.492.8506

Feng Shui For Real Estate: How to put the appeal back in Curb Appeal

As many real estate agents know, most potential buyers decide within the first 30 seconds whether a house is right for them or not—nothing like a little pressure, right?

Interestingly, in Feng Shui the most important area of a house isn’t located indoors but, rather, it’s the front walkway that leads up to the main entrance and front door. This area is used to "capture interest" and intrigue guests to the point of wanting to see more. Ideally visitors should connect with this area on all levels—and through all senses—sight, scent and sound. When you combine the common denominators of curb appeal with Feng Shui you’ve got a valuable focal point when it comes to staging (and enhancing) the outer expression of your listing, and creating an experience that potential buyers will remember.

Feng Shui uses techniques such as subtle symbolism to direct opportunities (—offers—) into a house, rather than away. Everything (including your real estate signage and flyers) has its place which helps to create a sense of balance and convey a story. To discover how Feng Shui can be an asset to your business, have your office manager schedule a "Feng Shui for Real Estate" lecture, or contact Feng Shui Resource to schedule a consultation.

Wishing you happiness and success,

Kathryn
Feng Shui Resource

Feng Shui Basics: Quick Tips for Spring

Greetings!

If you've been waiting for new opportunities to come your way, but things have been slow-moving, you might appreciate the Feng Shui tips below.

1. Remember, your doors and windows feed healthy energy (known as Ch'i) into your home. Make sure that ALL of the entrances into your house are uncluttered and inviting and that the (surrounding) symbolism is a reflection of what you would like to attract. This applies to the inside, too . . . Avoid having furniture that blocks doors or sliders, or items that are stored behind doors. It blocks opportunities from entering your life.
2. Position outside seating, statuary and water features so they are directing energy into, rather than away from, your home. We want your good luck coming in, not going out.
3. This is a great time of year to wash the interior/exterior of your windows (for more clarity and vision in life), and to check all of your light bulbs to see what needs replacing. This will bring extra illumination and exposure to your hard work and endeavors.

And, as I always say, the best way to attract good fortune in, is to put good energy out there . . . So give a compliment, offer a donation, or surprise someone with a random act of kindness to keep the Ch'i flowing.

Kathryn

Feng Shui Resource

If you've been feeling stuck when it comes to uncluttering . . . ask us about our organizing services and rates. Afterall, it's the perfect time to create space for new opportunities to come in.

Feng Shui Basics

Feng Shui Basics

Feng Shui centers around three core issues in life: family, health and good fortune. It’s about making subtle changes within your environment that will offer you long-term benefits. Since small details can make a big difference, it’s useful to keep in mind the following:

1. Take comfort:

• Monitor for fluctuations or extremes in temperatures, or the lack of proper circulation.
• Toss any item that doesn’t function, that isn’t reliable, or that is physically falling apart
  (The Law of Attraction contends, "broken" energy attracts things that don’t work.)
• Be mindful of furniture and other items that can sabotage you and your efforts. This would include such things as: rugs, runners, or mats that trip you; corners of tables that bruise you; chairs that don’t offer adequate support; improper lighting, or cramped quarters that don’t offer freedom or comfort of mobility. (A cramped work area also symbolizes the "limited growth" of a business.)
• Physical clutter can also cause you to feel unmotivated and stuck in life. If you feel like you’ve been in a "holding pattern"—waiting for new clients, income, or opportunities to come in—chances are the energy that surrounds and supports you is blocked and not flowing. There’s a saying in Feng Shui, "If you continue to do what you’ve done in the past, you’ll continue to get the same (results) in the future." So shake things up!
  

2. Health & well-being:

Check for sources of (high levels of) electromagnetic radiation which can have an adverse effect on your immune system and sleep patterns. Sitting behind a computer for extended periods of time can cause you to feel fatigued and mentally depleted. Take short breaks to stretch and enjoy the outdoors which will instantly replenish your inner Ch’i (energy). At home, be mindful of how close your bed is to walls that contain internal wiring, wall outlets, or electronic equipment such as electric blankets, heating pads, water beds, even clock radios. Avoid positioning your bed (head) against a wall where a bathroom/commode or meter box shares the opposite side of the same wall. At work, check your proximity to computer wires and cables under your desk and do not use your CPU as a foot rest. To reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation, simply create a safe distance of 18 inches to 3 feet between you and the source of the electromagnetic fields.

3. Create cohesion and balance:

Your home and office should offer you the ability to effortlessly juggle privacy and social-ability, productivity (work) and creativity (play), renewal and activity. You can accomplish this by having designated areas designed to suit your specific needs. It’s okay to have rooms serve dual-roles, just make sure that they are similar in nature. For instance, a master bedroom can also serve as a quiet retreat to read, write or contemplate since bedrooms are intended for rest and renewal. (Yin) They should not, however, double as a home office or work out room. Home offices are best sited in the East, Southeast, South, or Southwest sectors of the house since these areas contain a more vital, active (Yang) energy based on the cycle of nature and the seasons.

Kathryn Holt, Feng Shui Resource, 858.492.8506

Feng Shui Resource

Upcoming Feng Shui Class at Mira Costa College

Fine Tune Your Feng Shui
Greetings from Kathryn Holt!

Just a quick reminder that the "Fine Tune Your Feng Shui" class begins next week. This is a great class for refreshing the energy within your home. It's also a useful class for Real Estate professionals who may be in need of some helpful tips for their slow-moving listings. The class will be held at MiraCosta College (Cardiff Campus), for three consecutive Monday evenings: March 12, 19 & 26th. (6:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.) I only teach this class a couple of times a year, so this could be a good opportunity . . .

CLASS OVERVIEW
Most people associate the practice of Feng Shui with "placement" . . . the placement of cures and enhancements (plants, mirrors, crystals, and wind chimes), furniture, and so on. What many don't realize is, Feng Shui is also about the removal of items within an environment. Afterall, it doesn't make sense to activate or enhance energy that isn't healthy. Removing unhealthy energy from your home provides an excellent starting point and it will assist you in getting the best overall results.

Energy awareness and clearing work is essential to creating a truly supportive and healthy home/listing. (A house that not only looks beautiful, but that also feels beautiful.) Topics will include the detection and removal of:

• Blocked or stagnant energy
• Any residual energy (known as "predecessor chi") and basic space clearing techniques
• Geopathic stress and electromagnetic fields

I'll also be sharing some advanced Feng Shui tips for the year ahead (the 2007 L'o Sh'o)

Price: $43

This is a fun, informative and very empowering class. Space is limited, so please register now by calling MiraCosta at: 760.795.6820

Wishing you abundant good fortune, Kathryn

Feng Shui Basics (Part 1)

The value of Feng Shui centers around health and well-being and the opportunities that arise as a result of living within a supportive environment. In truth, some houses are just naturally better and more beneficial than others. The good news is, however, there are easy things that you can do to create a more supportive home (or listing) for the months/year ahead.

• Keep it real: Open up your home every day and let the fresh air cleanse and revitalize the indoor energy. Studies show that the air contained within our homes can be more polluted than the outdoor air. Many houses rely on forced air/heating systems which don’t allow for proper ventilation. Consequently, these closed up environments suffer from humidity relating to climate, cooking, and even breathing, which can attract mold and mildew and lead to illness. Another solution (and selling point) is to have operable windows that enable you to manage air flow and circulation. You can also monitor your indoor air quality by purchasing an inexpensive test kit available through companies such as Envirologix.
  
  Feng Shui Staging Tip: Open up all the windows/doors within a listing prior to an Open House. (Keep the house open for a minimum of 30 minutes, ideally longer.) This will reinvigorate the energy within the house giving it a fresh, vital feeling.

• Let there be light: Natural, unfiltered daylight and sunlight are healthy additions to any environment for a variety of reasons. First, natural exposure enables a person’s internal clock to monitor the variation of light and color throughout a given day (and throughout the seasons) which provides a direct connection to nature. Sunlight has also been proven to be good for the human psyche.
  
  Avoid harsh indoor lighting, whenever possible, because it can be depleting on your system. I’m a huge advocate of dimmer-switches which enable you to change and enhance lighting easily, depending upon the room and the function of the space, to go with the flow and cycle of nature. Have ample illumination indoors and outdoors—along stairways, hallways and around the perimeter of your home/property. If you have to go with florescent or incandescent lighting, choose a compact florescent light (CFL) bulb which uses 60-75% less energy and saves 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
  
  Feng Shui Staging Tip: While you’re opening up all those windows and doors also open up the curtains and blinds to take advantage of natural sunlight. Windows, particularly those with views of lush landscaping and open space, are excellent selling features and serve as “living art work.” (More on this topic below.) Surprisingly, most of the listings I’ve seen while on a Caravan/preliminary walk-through have kept window treatments closed.

• Keep the connection: Bring the outdoors in simply and naturally through windows and doors that feature beautiful views and colorful landscaping; open atriums; indoor/outdoor courtyards, even comfy window seats that allow you to read, watch nature and relax. Skylights offer natural light and help to cut down on energy use. Roof tops, balconies and high loft areas can serve as observation decks to view the phases of the moon, planets and stars.
  

Feng Shui Staging Tip: Stage your listings to suggest and reflect nature.


Other ways to create visual harmony includes the use of natural materials, colors, and organic shapes in your interior design. (Use “soft, curved, and flowing” as your inspiration rather than “straight, cramped or sharp.”) Flooring such as bamboo, cork, or natural fibers like sea grass or sisal is superior to and healthier than traditional carpeting. There exists a universal attraction to and appreciation for the beauty of nature—it connects all cultures. In terms of resale value, homes that incorporate natural elements throughout it are consistently more desirable and sought after and usually receive a higher asking price.

Stay tuned for more Feng Shui Basics.

Kathryn Holt, Feng Shui Resource, 858.492.8506
http://www.fengshuiresource.com/

Please feel free to email me with any questions.

A New Guest Blogger

I mentioned a short time ago that I was going to be having some guests on my blogs. So I wanted to let you know that Kathryn Holt, a highly regarded Feng Shui expert, will be spending some time here and on my others blogs sharing her knowledge with you.

Many people don't know much about Feng Shui, or have misconceptions about it - myself included - and since it interests me I wanted to share. If it's new to you, keep an open mind. And if you already are familiar with Feng Shui, perhaps you will learn some new things.

I hope you will enjoy her writing, and I know she welcomes any and all questions.

Jeff

Something to Do This Weekend

I heard about the Chinese New Year Celebrations at Mira Costa College from a friend of mine, Kathryn Holt (who, BTW, is a Feng Shui expert and will be contributing some aticles to my blogs - this one, as well as my blog on Relocation and the other for First Time Home Buyers).

It might be a fun thing to do this weekend. The celebration, however, runs from Feb. 2 through the 17th.

Enjoy.

Jeff