108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces GIVEAWAY

featured on two classy chics, by Chris

In our busy lives, it is nice to have some peace and clam when we are at home. Many of us have heard that reducing the clutter and streamlining our offices and homes can open up the mind to more opportunities and free thinking. By allowing the clutter to erase from our space, we also remove the clutter from our minds.

Feng shui is the Chinese practice of harmonizing your space with your environment. I wrote a piece last year that helps explain the process more. Called 3 Tips to Feng Shui Your Office For Prosperity, you can check it out for more info and tips on how to Feng Shui your office!

I was sent a book to review and check out for help with my spaces. I am excited to share it with you.

108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces

Feng Shui and Green Design for Healing and Organic Homes

New York, NY – FENG SHUI can change your life — but learning how to use feng shui can be overwhelming to some. In her new book, “108 WAYS TO CREATE HOLISTIC SPACES: FENG SHUI AND GREEN DESIGN FOR HEALING AND ORGANIC HOMES” (168 pages, $22.95, ISBN-13-978-1502995643) www.holisticspaces.com) architect, interior designer, and feng shui practitioner Anjie Cho clears the clutter and shows how to apply feng shui and green design principles to support and enhance one’s life. From the bedroom to the home office, with furniture placement and the use of color, Anjie describes simple, straightforward tips that will transform a home and workplace and improve the flow of energy throughout life.

We are excited to be able to offer a few items for giveaway here on the blog, courtesy of Anjie Cho.

Enter to Win

One lucky winner is going to receive a copy of the book and a 2015 keychain, like the one here. Cool! Here is how to enter!

Giveaway Details: This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or over. You must complete the Mandatory Entry to be eligible. Follow the directions in the Giveaway Tool below. This giveaway will close on March 1st 2015 at 11:59pm EST Time.

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It’s Time to Get Romantic

February is often the month that reminds us we want to feel more romantic in our bedrooms. But don’t worry – this isn’t a Love Advice column. You can actually create feelings of intimacy by following design philosophies.

Here are some easy design and feng shui tips you can use to add the mood of romance to any room in your home:

Colors

When people are asked to describe the color of love and passion, most think of red. Red does stimulate the libido by increasing heart rate and breathing, but a lot of red may make you too passionate. A red room can make you feel angry and agitated – not great feelings for igniting romance. So use red sparingly – as accents – in the bedroom.

The most physically soothing color is pink; however, pink is the least preferred color among men. Shades close to pink, like mauve and lavender, are nice compromises that evoke romantic feelings in both women and men. In feng shui, pink also attracts new romantic partners.

Soft blues are very soothing, and because they slow your heart rate, they can help you get a great night’s sleep. Feng shui wise, it is not the most passionate -- rather it's relaxing and healing. Sweet dreams!

Fabrics

Combine luxurious, sensual fabrics in varying, rich textures. Silk, chenille, and linen are romantic choices. Make your bed with high thread-count cotton sheets; a full, down-filled comforter; and loads of fluffy, soft pillows. Cover your windows with full, neutral-colored, sheer fabric panels that appear to be blowing in the breeze.  

Lighting

Soft lighting is essential for a romantic mood. During the day, your sheer window panels filter the sunlight, creating a warm, intimate glow. In the evenings, use light sources from all directions (remember to add lamps and up-lights, so your room is not only lit from overhead). Turn on side table lamps softened by lampshades, use up-lights near plants or fabrics to create shadows, and put your overhead lights on dimmers. Candles are, of course, great for romance, but be extra careful near your flowing fabric. 

Entice all your senses

Set the perfect romantic mood by taking all of your senses into account. Soft music, sachets of potpourri, fresh flowers, and a large bowl of plump strawberries will all add to a romantic ambience. 

This Valentine’s Day, skip the self-help advice columns. Inject more romance into your bedroom through decorating your environment!

by Anjie Cho

14 Easy Tips That Will Help You Be Happier In Your Home

featured this month on BuzzFeed, by Mackenzie Kruvant

What is feng shui and why is it important?

Feng shui looks at how energy (also called chi) moves through your home. If there is an area where the chi is moving too quickly or is stuck then that can represent either an area where you’re stuck in your life or things that you need to improve on.

There are two ways to look at your apartment. You can think, "This is just my apartment" — or you can look at it as an ecosystem, an environment that affects you. If you choose to look at it the second way, then feng shui can help you achieve good energy and a space that will get you over your energy funk — and it’s easier than you’d think. We asked feng shui expert Anjie Cho to show us how.

1. Make sure your entranceway reflects who you are — it’s how energy comes into your home.

“Your door represents how opportunities come to you. It’s where energy comes into your home,” Cho tells BuzzFeed Life. “That’s why it’s so important that it reflects you.” It’s also important that you have a clear number or name written somewhere. “If you don’t have anything on your door it may stop people from being able to find you,” Cho says. If possible, try not to crowd the door. “Make your entry look nice, because it’s your face to the world. Have a clean and positive doormat for clean and positive energy.”

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by Anjie Cho