As families congregate to feast in celebration, while giving thanks for what they hold dear, the table becomes a focal point of the gathering. Not just the food, but the table dressing itself. Our cover story focuses on the use of cranberries, leaves and vine as décor, which gives any holiday table a natural appeal.

There are many ways to incorporate natural chic into your table’s attire: use small pumpkins, apples or leaves as name cards–write your guest’s name with a metallic pen for an elegant touch. Use some of your house plants as centerpieces–add a few “fall” embellishments to set the theme. Tie each set of silverware with twine–add a sprig of sage, lavender or a cinnamon stick for an aromatic experience. Glass bowls or vases of berries–blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cranberries–add an intense color to your table.

Is there an optimal time to use feng shui? Yes, when you are selecting a home or business site, or choosing land to build on; whether it is a home, business or large scale development. Why? Selecting a property with excellent outside form allows you the greatest opportunity for success.

Outside form refers to the entire outside surrounding environment. Many do not understand the extent of influence that outside form has on people. When purchasing a property with correct outside form, you can alter the energy inside to make the structure even better. On the contrary, negative outside form can rarely be corrected, and nothing done inside can offset that.

For a home, a qualified consultant can help you choose a property that is conducive for positive health and prosperity. For a business, the right location equals long term success, strong management and a productive staff.

Feng shui is about energy and relationships. Just as you feel better when you have positive and healthy relationships with others, you will benefit when your outside form has a positive and enhancing relationship with your home or business.

For more info, contact Rebecca Moore at Feng Shui Classical Consulting at (775) 830-8168.

Stores are abundant with feng shui books containing interesting techniques; however, authentic feng shui is not as straight forward as these authors would lead one to believe.

Every home must be treated individually since each situation is unique–the facing, shape, trees, surrounding environment, neighboring buildings, entry, windows and internal design. All of these characters have a relationship and therefore condition the energy of a home. What may be good for one can be detrimental to another.

The energy of a home interacts with paint colors, decorating and furniture placement, which all influence the occupants regarding money, relationships, personality and personal energy. A home can also influence many health related problems in the bone, blood, back and stomach.

People choose homes that match the energy of their current life situations, whether it is happiness, loneliness, anger, healthy relationships, tumultuous relationships, ample income, financial struggles, reclusive behavior or specific health issues. People then paint and decorate in a way that supports their life situation, and so it continues.

Did any life issues influence your decision on choosing your home?

For more info, contact Rebecca Moore at Feng Shui Classical Consulting at (775) 830-8168.

Start with a plan and achieve the goal of organization

Spring cleaning is a concept that brings with it a ton of good intentions which in short order can weigh down even the most sincere planner with a sense of overwhelm.  The intention to clean up and get organized  is one of the most popular items for the personal and professional to-do list – and one that can easily lead to failure, simply  because many people don’t know how to begin.  Don’t be discouraged, fellow well-intentioned organizers: follow the steps below to help you succeed through the process of de-cluttering, cleaning up and organizing your life.

Organizing and cleaning is the forte of few; if it’s not yours, you still can do it yourself — and you may find it’s not as hard as you thought.  Keep in mind a picture of your desired end result and how great it will it feel and look.  This image will help you push through to accomplish the goals you set.

Below are the essential steps to help you achieve your de-cluttering and organizing goals:

Plan to eliminate the clutter. You likely will have more than one area that needs attention, so create a plan in writing.  On a sheet of paper, write 1-5 in a column, leaving several spaces between each row.  Next to number one, enter the area/room which is your highest priority to clean out and organize, with number two next in importance and so on. Now go back and break each room or area into smaller chunks – and be specific.

For example:

1.            Kitchen

a.            Pantry – Group similar foods together, check expiration dates, toss outdated items.

b.            Cupboards – Clear unused items and set aside for donation, regroup similar items together (baking, pots and pans, cups). Check spices for expiration dates; toss outdated items.

2.            Office

a.            Files – Clean out 2010 files, make new files for 2011, get tax items ready for CPA.

b.            Rearrange furniture – Move desk and bookcase to wall.

By breaking down large areas into more specific targets, you’ll find projects much more manageable and less overwhelming.  The smaller a project, the more likely it can be completed in a shorter amount of time.  You’ll see results more quickly and feel encouraged by what you have accomplished thus far.

Gather the supplies you will need. Assemble a few large boxes or plastic bags.  Label one box/bag “Donate,” one “Keep” and the third “Trash.”  Now begin the purging and de-cluttering process. Don’t be afraid to let go of items that you haven’t used in ages, or that are broken or expired.

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If an item isn’t something that you can say you love AND use, it should be donated or sold if it’s in good condition or trashed if it’s broken and would be more expensive to repair than replace.

Some items have sentimental value to us. Do you need to hang on to that item for the memory it brings back to you?  If you were to dispose of the item, would you still have the memory?  If you are having a hard time parting with an item, keep it, but instead of putting family heirlooms in a box in the garage to gather dust and be forgotten, think of ways you can use or display the items so you may enjoy them now.

It’s important to keep your projects small and manageable. Schedule only a few hours at a time for each, or you may become overwhelmed and discouraged and never complete your list of goals.  Small achievements for which you can see results are essential to keep motivated.  This problem didn’t happen overnight, and you don’t have to fix it overnight. Be realistic about the amount of time you have available to work.  Even if all you have is 15 minutes, you still can work on a project and eliminate some clutter.  Your effort brings you that much closer to your goals of being de-cluttered and organized.

At the end of each session, take the bags/boxes away. Dispose of trash, and take the bags/boxes of donation items to your car so you can drop them at your favorite charitable organization.

Don’t rush out to buy containers before you begin de-cluttering. Wait until you know exactly what you will be keeping and the quantity and size of containers you will need – if any.  You may find that you have no need for new containers because you have done such a great job of de-cluttering. Your current storage may be perfectly adequate to organize what you have kept.

Now start your organizing plan. Take the items in your “Keep” box/bag and sort them by room.  Store things where you use them.  For example, keep scissors, tape, pens and small paper pads in several rooms, not just in the office.  The best system for staying organized is the one that works for you and that you actually use. Make it user friendly, and you’re much more likely to continue to stay organized.

Now that you have de-cluttered and organized what you kept, stay on top of it. This is easy to do by following one very simple rule:  For every one thing you bring into your home, you must assign it a home – and one thing must go out.  Stick to this rule, and you will avoid clutter creep and stay organized forever.

We have so much going on in our lives that we sometimes get off-track in spite of our best efforts.  You have the steps to go through the process of de-cluttering and organizing. Just take it step by step, and before you know it, you’ll be clutter-free and happily organized.  For more tips on getting and staying organized, please visit www.chaosreno.com.

*****

Debbie Cox is founder and owner of CHAOS, Creative Home and Office Solutions, a northern Nevada-based professional organizing service.

For more information, please call 775-560-1656 or visit www.chaosreno.com.

A common Feng Shui misconception is the use of the color red. Many of the new age feng shui books and internet websites instruct people to use the color red to achieve prosperity. From the perspective of traditional feng shui, the use of red in the home can be considered harmful.

How many people have painted their front doors red? Colors are representative of the Five Elements of Earth, Fire, Wood, Water and Metal and red represents fire. What does fire do? It can burn you and burn your money.

Using the color red inside the home is discouraged as it influences the emotions and thinking. A red wall might cause arguments, excessive spending, health problems, agitation and hyper-activity.

This holiday when you are decorating your home with red, pay attention and notice if you have any unusual arguments, accidents or money loss.

For more info, contact Rebecca Moore at Feng Shui Classical Consulting at (775) 830-8168.

During the 1970’s something new emerged in the West; with an easy one-chart-fits-all method. This feng shui, known as Black Sect or New Age, is a blend of the bagua map, symbolism, color therapy, psychology and positive thinking.
The West breaks feng shui into two schools: form and compass. The East has many schools that offer a strong foundation in theory and core principles, which uses the techniques of form and compass. Traditional method is best learned through hands-on training with a Master whose training stems from oral traditions. Since authentic feng shui has always been a closely guarded secret, you will not find it in a book.

Western new age should not be confused for Eastern traditional. New age focuses on the placement of objects such as mirrors, crystals, flutes, toads and cures, and using the color red. Traditional focuses on improving your life by changing the energy around you. Since you can feel and experience the unseen energetic change, authentic feng shui could be considered one of the great mysteries.

To be continued…

For more info, contact Rebecca Moore at Feng Shui Classical Consulting at (775) 830-8168.

The greatest impact of the commercialization of feng shui is the awareness it brought to the West. Sadly, the feng shui taught and practiced here is not the authentic form found in the East.

Feng shui is a science that analyzes unseen environmental energies and the influence it has on people. It evolved over thousands of years, beginning with recorded observations of planetary energy movement and the compilation of formulas. An authentic assessment of feng shui considers form, direction, location, time and people.

Historically, feng shui Masters protected their knowledge while passing some of it to their disciples, retaining the most powerful secrets until they were near death. Early famous Masters safeguarded their lineage by writing classical poems that were encrypted with knowledge. Modern scholars are still attempting to accurately translate and comprehend these classics.

Most ancient cultures had energy workers, but China made feng shui famous. Throughout history, towns were strategically placed and designed to ensure lasting prosperity. In the 20th century, many powerful people around the world secretly used feng shui.

During the 1970’s, something new emerged… to be continued…

For more info, contact Rebecca Moore at Feng Shui Classical Consulting at (775) 830-8168.

According to New Age Feng Shui, there is an eight sector chart used for every house based on the front door location. Is this logical, considering not only are houses different, but also people?

Many Traditional Feng Shui methods are individual to people, the house and the situation. For example, based on year of birth, a person has three auspicious sectors used to enhance health, relationships and money.

Chinese astrology not only considers our animal sign, but also our Four Pillars. A Four Pillars chart can tell us why we act, think and react the way we do. The chart also describes how the seasons influence us and when we can benefit from them. Someone in a bad luck cycle might be over-reactive, make unhealthy decisions, loose a job or get divorced.

Annual energies can also affect us and the sectors of our homes. The energies will begin shifting at the end of January–what influence will they have on you this year?

For more info, contact Rebecca Moore at Feng Shui Classical Consulting at (775) 830-8168.

Written by Jennifer Chang |

The correct Feng Shui flow and occurrence of water often spells extreme good fortune that manifests as wealth and prosperity. Water is another word for wealth – good water brings in money and bad water takes money away. Water is also one of the two components of Feng Shui, the other being wind (Feng = water, Shui = wind). For that reason, when water is placed in harmony with the winds, good fortune comes about.

Water is a very important, auspicious element in Feng Shui, always being slow moving and clean.

Water Do’s

• Rivers that meander gently past in full view of the main door are said to be excellent. Rivers that meander evenly across flat land are more auspicious than those that run fast, possibly running into waterfalls or rapids.

• Water should always “embrace” the home.

• Water inside the dwelling such as a water fountain should always be running.

• It signifies wealth going out and wealth coming back. If it is not running all the time it signifies money that is all dried up!  Please make sure that it is always running and always clean, and then fresh new opportunities will be coming your way.

• Having fish inside a fountain would make it all the more prosperous.

• Sinks inside the home, kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks, should always have plants next to them. Even though sinks supply clean fresh water, they also have drains, and this fact drains the Chi. There needs to be a wood element (a plant) near the drain to stop the Chi from draining and use it for growth.

Water Don’ts

• Rivers that flow past one’s home should never be straight, nor should they appear to be aimed at one’s building – in Feng Shui, nothing should ever be aimed at anything, especially not at you.

• Water should never shoot at the home. When a river seems to flow directly toward the main door of a house, that is not a good sign.

• It is also believed that water should never flow behind a home or a building as this signifies missed opportunities. This configuration signifies that while opportunities for advancement and success may be plentiful, it will be difficult for residents to take advantage of these opportunities.

• Water is that it should not appear to be flowing away from the home. If the water is flowing away, it is a sign of loss.

• Water fountains should never leak and should always work properly. Do not spend too much time trying to fix a broken fountain – just get a new one.

Reference:

1. Too, Lillian. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui. Element Book Limited, 1999.

For more info, contact Jennifer Chang at (775) 530-7100, specializing in happiness, health, wealth and romance.

Health & Quality of Indoor Environment ••• Part 6

Written by Kimberly A. Phipps-Nichols |

The previous five issues were devoted to measures one can take to green a home or lifestyle, and here are some final tips for Greening the Workplace. Most people spend as many hours at work as they do at home, so the workplace is an incredibly important topic. To be “In the Green” in more ways than one, consider the steps below:

1. Turn off computers & printers. Even in sleep mode, they eat electricity. While it may be a small, latent amount, it is still consumption. A good rule of thumb: If you’ll be away from the computer for more than ½ hour, turn it off. Costs nothing and saves money, period.

2. Purchase post-consumer recycled content papers that do not use chlorine bleaches. After printing, return ink and toner cartridges to office supply stores or refill stores for reuse and recycling.

3. Print on both sides of each sheet of paper, and print only what is absolutely necessary. Scan and save documents rather than copying whenever feasible and legal. Send electronic invoices rather than print.

4. Install a water filter system at the kitchen faucet tap and provide employees with reusable cups and glasses. Avoid plastic bottled water – this is not only an environmental issue, plastic water bottles are now a health concern due to leaching of compounds.

5. Initiate a “green team” with various colleagues at work that support recycling, resource conservation and reuse ideals. The team can help remind co-workers and bosses of why these steps are important and ensure that the goals are not compromised.

6. Start car-pooling with coworkers, and ask if your employer offers public transportation or carpooling benefits. Many employers are eligible for tax breaks for providing public transportation and carpooling benefits. It also saves money on gas.

7. Recycle all acceptable containers and paper materials. Make sure there are not only bins in the break room, but that each workstation has a paper-recycling bin.

8. Eliminate “disposables” from office purchases. It saves money and reduces waste. Ask your office manager to consider providing new hires with a refillable pen and pencil set and a company logo thermal mug for their daily coffee.

9. When it’s time to replace the office equipment, purchase or lease Energy Star equipment. In an office environment, approved equipment can save hundreds to thousands of dollars in energy costs. www.energystar.gov

10. If your office is moving or remodeling, be sure to hire a licensed design professional that has documented experience in healthy, high-performance, environmentally responsible projects. The health and welfare of occupants should be their #1 goal.

References:
1. www.energystar.gov

2. www.howstuffworks.com

3. Energy Information Administration www.eia.doe.gov

For more info, contact Kimberly A. Phipps-Nichols, President of Blue Water Studio, at (775) 560-2612.

By Jennifer Chang |

Feng Shui is using the art of placement and intention to harmonize living environments, but it is also often used in working environments. Many offices have used feng shui to make their businesses more profitable. Banks, restaurants, and corporations in Asia and the U.S. consult feng shui experts before building as well as after they begin business.

The Chinese believe that the fortunes of an entire company rests on the good sitting of its manager or president. That being said, a feng shui consultant starts with the manager’s office. The manager’s desk should sit in the most commanding position to enforce and assert authority over his/her employees.  Authority generally stems from the corner office farthest from the entrance.

Ch’i is affected by computers; computers can be good, stimulating to the office, raising both wisdom and knowledge. However, the computer worker should face the door, never having their back to the door. If nothing can be done about this, they need a mirror facing the door, so that they can see who is entering. In a store or restaurant the cash register should be positioned to give the cashier a good view of the door.

When the entry way to an office faces traffic, a mirror should be placed facing the traffic. The mirror repels the negative flow of Ch’i coming towards the building. The flow of

Ch’i is best thought of as meandering down a pathway that easy to walk through; there should be a clear open passageway and no clutter. This should also be kept in mind when arranging furniture. Sharp edges cut through Ch’i. Whether on desks or walls, sharp edges should be covered with plants or material to soften the flow.

All five elements need to be used inside an office space, to harmonize existing Ch’i and bring forward new Ch’i. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, water and metal. When all of these elements are applied, harmony will be felt not only by the employees, but by the customers too. This will make the office softer and more pleasant to be in.

Colors can set the tone in a working environment as well. The use of the correct colors can improve the productivity in a business, the relationships between workers, and attract and inspire clients to frequent an establishment which in turn helps to increase revenues. Certain colors are particularly effective and appropriate for specific businesses.

Feng Shui may sound mystical but think of one of your own experiences. How do you feel when you walk into a day spa? Starbucks? Have you ever walked into a building or office and you immediately feel relaxed, peaceful and welcomed? That is Feng Shui.

Reference:

1. Interior Design with Feng Shui, Sarah Rossbach, 1987   by the Penguin Group

For more infor, contact Jennifer Chang, specializing in Feng Shui for working and living environments, at (775)530-7100 or email her at Jennifer@secretconnection.net.

Question:

What Feng Shui guidelines are suggested for seating guests at a dinner party?

Answer:

The practice of placing guests of different genders next to each other is excellent for ensuring good yin and yang balance. Round tables are always preferred to rectangular tables, but rectangular tables are better than T-shaped or L-shaped arrangements. If the number of guests is higher than the number of chairs you have available, it is better to make it a buffet dinner rather than adding chairs in order to have a sit down dinner.

Some suggestions of what NOT to do:

• Never seat anyone at the corner edge of a square or rectangular table or directly facing a protruding corner.

• Never seat anyone directly facing a toilet door.

• Never seat anyone directly underneath an overhead beam.

When entertaining friends or family, never serve coffee or tea in a cup with a chipped rim or drinks in a chipped glass. Drinking from a cup with even the smallest chip symbolically cuts the mouth and brings bad luck. This also affects one’s speech negatively; what you say may get you in trouble. The Chinese believe that drinking from a chipped cup or glass, or eating from a chipped bowl, causes one’s livelihood to suffer from bad luck.

Question:

In Feng Shui, what is considered an inappropriate gift?

Answer:

Any gift that is sharp, pointed, or may represent aggression (ie, knives, tools, wine bottle opener, or scissors) carries extremely negative energy and causes bad Feng Shui for the recipient of your gift.

Question:

What is Chi and is it really that important?

Answer:

Chi is living energy!

Chi flows through the veins of the earth giving life to land, trees, and streams. It is often interpreted as electromagnetic energy, but magnetic fields only make up a part of this spiritual force that is present everywhere.

Feng Shui operates on the principle that if an individual collects the Chi of their surroundings, it will improve the flow of Chi in their bodies and will enhance their health, wealth, and happiness.

There are various ways to look at man. From the viewpoint of science, man moves by his bones, muscles and nerves. In Feng Shui, man is activated by his Chi. Chi moves the hand and man can write; Chi moves the legs and man can walk; Chi moves the brain and man can think.

You can actually say that Chi is mans essential, original life force.

References:

1. Easy-to-Use Feng Shui, 168 Ways to Success, by Lillian Too,

Sterling Publishing Co., Inc, 1998

2. Feng Shui for the Soul, by Denise Linn,  Hay House, 1999

For more information, contact Jennifer Chang, specializing in Feng Shui for working and living environments, at (775)852-6358.

Afflictions

Inside & Outside the Home

By Jennifer Chang |

• To protect your relationship, keep your bedroom free of mirrors and harsh lighting.

• Many modern homes have “poison arrow” pillars (the sharp corners) that project negative chi and cause tempers to fray. Place round-leaved plants at the foot of these pillars to slow down the energy here and promote a more harmonious atmosphere.

• Balanced furniture placement and minimal clutter allows chi to flow freely throughout the room.

*Clutter is not just garbage or junk that is not cleaned up, it is just too much “stuff.”  And that alone can bring your energy down.*

• Invest in a large water bowl or urn. A water filled urn represents yin energy and is a common cure for afflicted areas outside the home.

• A mirror that directly faces an entrance causes chi energy to dissipate before it can benefit you.

• Overhead beams, particularly over the bed, can cause conflict in relationships. If you cannot move the bed away from the beams, cover them with fine fabric to protect your relationship from this negative influence.

• A circular dining table symbolizes heaven chi and harmonious relationships.

• Decorate long halls with plants, art, and rounded furniture for a harmonious atmosphere.

References:

Too, Lillian. 168 Feng Shui Ways to a Calm & Happy Life. Sterling Publishing Company, 2005

For more info, contact Jennifer Chang at (775) 530-7100 or www.secret-connection.net, specializing in happiness, health, wealth and romance.

Household Energy

Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, light and live in their homes, and this energy bill continues to grow. Houses use about 21 percent of the energy used in the US each year, consume a significant amount of electricity and natural gas, and contribute to 17 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions. While our homes are more efficient today than they were 30 years ago, considerable opportunity remains for greater home energy efficiency and the associated benefits.

When the need to conserve energy in your house is considered, then the focus should be mainly on heating and cooling processes. They are the major uses of energy. Hot water heating is also a sizable use of energy, as is the cooking process with surface unit and oven. Refrigerators and lighting use a significant amount of energy.

The price of power per kilowatt-hour has gone from an average of 2 cents to 10 cents over the past 40 years. Many households could save 20 to 30 percent on their household energy bills through cost-effective household improvements such as buying more energy-efficient products and appliances, sealing air and duct leaks, and adding insulation.

References:

1. http://www.energysavers.gov/phee.html

2. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/thermo/houseenergy.html

For more info, contact Scott W Albrecht, specializing in Indoor Air Quality and Home Energy Consulting at

Preferred Ecosystems, at (775) 626-6800 or 4usa@ecoquestintl.com.

By Jennifer Wallis |

There are basic Feng Shui tools that have been used for millennia as remedies to treat, stabilize, enhance, and balance Chi in the environment. Following are examples of such items that may enhance your home and workplace, bringing about positive change.

Mirrors: Mirrors activate, enhance, and circulate Chi. They correct many problems by enlarging rooms, amplifying existing light, actually rerouting Chi, changing existing windows and views.

Lighting: Lighting is often a quick and easy way to bring additional Chi into an area with its warmth and illumination.

Crystals: Round faceted crystals are used in Feng Shui to balance Chi that’s moving too fast or too slow for human comfort.

Sound makers: Harmonious sound makers, such as wind chimes, wind sculptures, bells, and musical instruments “call in” benevolent Chi. They summon new opportunities with their appealing sounds.

Living things: This category includes all things that require regular maintenance, such as plants, flowers, pets and wildlife.

Objects of nature: Objects of nature are those things that don’t require active maintenance and care, such as rocks, pinecones, driftwood, shells, potpourri, and incense.

Water features: Interior and exterior water features move and stimulate Chi.

Wind dancers: Whether brightly colored and whimsical, or serious art pieces, “wind dancers” such as mobiles, whirligigs, banners, and flags uplift and invigorate Chi.

Art: Art of all kinds, including paintings, sculptures, collages, and textiles, have a powerful effect on people. The general rule of thumb is that to secure Chi, art needs to elicit the positive images and feelings that relate to the area being enhanced. For example, romantic art is best when placed in the Love area: art that is powerful and dynamic belong in the Wealth, Career, and Fame areas.

Reference:

The Western Guide to Feng Shui by Terah Kathryn Collins, Hay House, 1996.

For more info, contact Jennifer Chang at (775) 530-7100 or www.secretconnection.net, specializing in happiness, health, wealth and romance.