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 Feng Shui For Real Life E-zine June 2013Volume 13, Issue 6 |
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 Welcome to the Feng Shui For Real Life E-zine, a monthly e-magazine with tips, success stories, and clutter-clearing advice to help you rearrange spaces and transform your life. Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA |
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New This Month
Feng Shui For Weddings and Parties
From choosing the venue, to colors, cake, and dress, read how Feng Shui helps brides and party planners. --Feng Shui To The Rescue section
What to Do With Kids Art Summer break means going through your collection of kids art and deciding which are keepers, and where to put them.
--Clutter Clinic section Eileen and Steve's Career Success
Carving out two spaces so a couple can work from home with two flourishing careers.
--Success Story section
More About Mirrors How to use mirrors to attract, move, or redirect energy and light. --Q&A section
There's a Carp in the Tub Read my latest blog post about why I hung the painting of nine goldfish over my tub.
--Feng Shui Blog section
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Feng Shui Articles
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Read the latest articles and tips on Carol Olmstead's website.
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Feng Shui 360
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Become part of our international
online Feng Shui Community.
Advice * Inspiration * Community
Join Feng Shui 360
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Feng Shui To The Rescue
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Feng Shui For Weddings and Parties
Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding day, and every host wants to make sure that all guests have a great time. Whenever you're planning a party - whether it's a grand wedding, an intimate home dinner party, or anything in between - incorporating a bit of Feng Shui can help assure harmony. From finding the right wedding dress, to selecting the colors for the table linens, when you follow these simple Feng Shui guidelines you can help take the stress out of wedding planning or party prep.
Choose Complementary Colors. Certain color combinations are more auspicious than others in Feng Shui, so choose the colors for the bridal party dresses, flowers, table linens, and cake decorations accordingly. The combination that is considered most harmonious for a bride and groom is the traditional black and white, because it relates to the balance of yin (female) and yang (male) energies. Some positive Feng Shui combinations for a party include yellow and red, green and blue, purple and green, red and pink, and metallics with yellow or blue. Avoid paring red with metallics because this is considered unlucky in Feng Shui. Choose table linen colors representing the Earth Element, like honey, olive, or cocoa to ground everyone and reduce any stress.
Pick the Right Flowers. Select flowers for the bridal bouquet or party centerpiece according to their meaning. For example, peonies represent longevity, chrysanthemums mean happiness, orange flowers symbolize prosperity, tulips bring sensuality, and roses symbolize love. For wedding centerpieces, include a branch or something representing the Wood Element to symbolize growth of your union.
Pick the Right Venue. If possible, choose a location for your wedding celebration or catered party where you can see beautiful gardens, flowing water, or rolling hills. Holding your wedding ceremony outside will attract lots of positive chi, especially if the location is near gently moving water. If your reception is inside, make sure the venue has a high ceiling and that there are no heavy beams, which would symbolically weigh down on the occasion.
Round Out Your Table Shape. The best Feng Shui shape for a table is round or oval, which encourages harmony among the guests and makes conversation flow easily and your guests feel more relaxed. It's best to avoid square or rectangular tables because their sharp corners could create conflict. If you have to use these shapes, be sure to cover them with tablecloths or drape the sharp edges with garlands.
Shine On. Make sure your venue is well lit, and decorate with crystal glasses and candlesticks to reflect even more light. If your location has crystal chandeliers the reflected light will double the positive chi for the occasion. Add crystals to your dress, shoes, or wedding veil, and the extra sparkle will chase away any negative chi.
Say Yes to the Off-White Dress. Feng Shui principles suggest that a wedding gown in ivory, cream, ecru, and off-white is luckier than pure white because these are natural colors that represent the Earth Element energy. In Asia, the most auspicious color for wedding dresses is red because this is the color of happiness. A Western bride can add a pop of red somewhere, like in the wedding bouquet or hair ornament. If you choose a gown that has been worn before, avoid one if you know the marriage ended in divorce.
Remember Something Old, Something New. Many Western brides follow the tradition of wearing "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." If you follow this tradition, be sure you receive these items from a friend or relative who is happily married so they will transfer their positive energy to you.
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Clutter Clinic
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What to Do With Kids Art
 School is out for the summer in most US communities, and that can leave parents with the dilemma of what to do with all of their kids art they've been accumulating over the school year. You love it all, but sometimes the refrigerator door just can't display one more thing. Unclutterer.com offers this three-step process for editing, displaying, and swapping these treasures.
Step One: Edit
While each piece of art tells a story about your child, the tale does need some editing. You can separate the "keepers" from the rest by dividing them into these categories:
- The first time our child does something.
- A beautiful piece of art.
- A holiday themed masterpiece.
- A representation of a meaningful family event or trip.
Step Two: Display
Once you have identified the keepers, give these winners the respect and prominence they deserve with these options:
- Frame them, and change what the frame displays seasonally.
- Make a digital photo book to keep on the coffee table.
- Create a home gallery in one area of the house, like the wall or stairway leading to the bedrooms.
- Re-use art as greeting cards, wrapping paper, or placemats.
Step Three: Give Away
In additional to sending your child's art to grandparents and other family members, consider donating them to a group like Kids Art for the Cure, which takes donated artwork, puts them on greeting cards, and sells the cards with the proceeds go to recognized cancer research organizations.
Read more at Unclutterer.com.
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Success Story
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Success Story: Eileen and Steve's Career Success
When I showed up for my appointment at Eileen and Steve's house, the first thing I noticed was that the home had no real foyer, so when I stepped into the home I was standing right in the middle of where the couple had located Steve's office. No wonder he was struggling to finish writing his first screenplay; he was too distracted by everyone and everything coming and going around him. Eileen, an artist, had set up her studio in the basement, which she shared with the washer and dryer, old paint cans, and lots of clutter. They both talked about feeling stuck in their careers, and it was obvious that neither one was working in a space conducive to career success. I recommended a few strategic changes that paid off in big results for the couple.
Here's what Eileen wrote:
I have to admit that I was more skeptical than Steve about whether the changes you recommended would really help our careers, but I figured why not. First, we bought the three standing floor plants, area rug, and small table that you recommended to create an actual foyer. Boy, I didn't realize how much of a difference that would make. Everyone has commented that the house feels more welcoming. Next, we used more plants as a living screen to create a space in the living room where Steve could work. He feels like he finally has privacy now. Downstairs in my space, I screened off the laundry area with a pretty bamboo floor screen. You were so right, that's much more attractive then watching the laundry go round and round. We painted the area a sunny yellow, and as you suggested, I hung a few of my favorite creations on the wall for motivation. We both feel more positive and more creative. And can you believe, now Steve has an option on his screenplay and I was offered the opportunity to exhibit at a local gallery that previously didn't have any interest. More clutter clearing this weekend!
I would love to share YOUR success story.
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Ask the Feng Shui Maven
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Q: I love jigsaw puzzles. I'm almost finished with a puzzle that shows a mountain and I would like to frame it and hang it in my living room. Is that a good idea?
A: You raise two conflicting Feng Shui issues. Mountains are Feng Shui symbols for support and it's good to display them in your home. But an image that appears broken, chipped, or cracked is considered negative in Feng Shui, so because jigsaw puzzles have so many "hidden" cracks it's not a good idea to display them.
Q: In one of your newsletters you said that "when you hang a mirror on the wall you no longer see the wall, but rather, you see what the mirror reflects." For some reason I thought it bounced back what it was reflecting. We have a mirror on one of our bedroom dressers and I've always been afraid to put anything like a picture of us or a tray of coins on it for fear it would reflect against that and would be harmful. Do you mind clarifying?
A: Mirrors do a lot of different things in Feng Shui and, in fact, they've been called the "aspirin" of Feng Shui. But like aspirin, they should be used sparingly and only as needed. It all depends on where you place the mirror and your intention. Mirrors are used to attract, move, or redirect energy and/or light. In the situation I was writing about a mirror would be used to symbolically move out a wall and correct a missing bagua area. Mirrors are not recommended across from a door or at the end of a long hallway because they redirect the energy right back out the door or back up the hall. In a bedroom, mirrors are limited to no more than one, and it should be placed so you don't see yourself in it while in bed, or first thing in the morning. That's because mirrors activate the chi in a room, and we want the chi in a bedroom to be less active so it supports rest and romance. A mirror on your dresser that reflects a photo would symbolically double whatever energy you are experiencing in your relationship, while a mirror reflecting money would symbolically double it. Make sure the photo is current, and think about keeping at least one high value bill in the tray. If the mirror is reflecting the bed it's best to move the dresser to another location if possible.
Do you have Feng Shui questions for the Feng Shui Maven?
Click here to submit them.
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Feng Shui For Real Life Blog
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Here's a sample of the latest posts on my blog:
"There's a Carp in the Tub"
Feng Shui magic happens when hanging the classic wealth image of nine goldfish, eight gold and one black. But is it OK to hang it in a bathroom, where water images aren't usually the best choice?
"Why is the Sky Feng Shui Blue?"
Feng Shui practitioners love using the color blue because it represents the Water Element that brings the attributes of relaxation and calmness. But beyond water and sky, it seems that the appearance of blue in nature is actually quite rare and prized.
Click here to read.
Sign up to receive my posts directly.
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Feng Shui Workshops
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Custom Workshops
 Bring one of my workshops to your city. I will create a custom presentation for your business or group to help you make simple changes to attract wealth, harmony, love, and much more. From keynote speeches, to "munch and learn" workshops, to half-day or full-day seminars, my interactive sessions are full of practical advice, tips, and fun. Feng Shui workshops make great fundraisers because they always sell out.
Here's the "Feng Shui, Fine Art, and Food" workshop I created for a group of designers and artists:
Part 1: "Feng Shui For Real Life Basics"
Learn the basics of Feng Shui, including the Five Power Principles (chi, the five elements, the bagua, yin/yang, continuity and connectedness).
Part 2: "The Feng Shui Clutter Clinic"
Learn the meaning of clutter in Feng Shui, and why what you keep and where you keep it affects what you attract into your life.
Lunch
Learn the Feng Shui meaning of the colors, spices, and flavoring while you enjoy gourmet cuisine.
Part 3: "You Are What You See"
Guided art tour to learn how art, decoration, landscaping, and building design can all be used to represent the five power principles of Feng Shui.
Part 4: "Putting Feng Shui into Practice"
Hands-on session that includes marking up floor plans and arranging rooms according to the Feng Shui principles you have learned.
Conclusion: "Questions and Resources"
Contact Carol to bring this workshop to your location.
People Are Talking
About Carol's Feng Shui workshops
Carol rocked it with her powerful workshop, and how great to have the entire day to soak it as she covered so much. Everyone really LOVED it! Carol's fresh take on Feng Shui is invigorating yet light enough to actually make changes and see immediate results in a space. Her book is additional reinforcement to her live trainings. Carol makes the process fun and yes, anyone can do this!
--Jennifer Ashton, Jennifer Ashton Interiors
I have enjoyed Carol's lively and informative Feng Shui presentations, and I always leave with new insights and tips that I can immediately put to good use in both my home and office. I am excited to have Carol create a custom workshop to present to my group.
--Lainie Grimmer, CPCC, ACC, Creating Clarity Coaching
Thank you for a great presentation! Really great stuff...you are a whiz.
--Val Romero, Women Make a Difference
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On-Site Feng Shui Consulting
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 I will visit your home, office, or business and help you rearrange your space, shift energy, and transform your life. On a regular basis, I work with clients in the Northeast (DC Metro Area and Maryland Suburbs, Baltimore, Annapolis, Northern Virginia, New York City, and New Jersey) and the Southwest (Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Denver). Nationwide, I consult on request throughout the US.
During the consultation I will teach you Feng Shui basics, then we'll go through your space and I'll make suggestions for changing the placement of furniture and objects and dealing with color. We will move what we can at that time and I will leave behind a written step-by-step Feng Shui Makeover Plan of recommendations for you to follow, a ToolKit of information to help you make the remaining changes, and a copy of my award-winning book, the Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office: Secrets For Attracting Wealth, Harmony, and Love. All sessions include 30 days of free Feng Shui coaching to help you continue to make changes and move forward. Click here for details.
Where is the Feng Shui Maven This Month?
Washington, DC, Maryland, Baltimore: June 5-9
Santa Fe, Albuquerque: June 10-28
Here's what clients are saying about Carol's On-Site Feng Shui Consulting:
You stood here in my family room and said, "Now that the renovations are done and no more fixes are needed, there are no more excuses, it's time to write." And that's what I'm doing. Your consultation was a big factor behind this exciting time for me, and you can tell everyone that I said so.
--M.B., Author
I am love, love, loving my Feng Shui'd home. I have added red to many of the rooms, like you talked about, and what a difference. Thank you again for coming and doing your magic.
J.P., Executive Coach
I welcome your referrals nationwide.
E-mail Carol Olmstead or call 1.800.652.9038.
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Off-Site Feng Shui Consulting
| When an on-site consultation isn't possible, I offer off-site and remote Feng Shui Consulting in the US and
internationally for homes, offices, and businesses. Click the link below each description for registration information and pricing. Special Discounts Click on the link after each package for details.  Room Rescue Package - One Room or Individual Office * Review of photos or video of your room or office * 30-minute phone or Skype consultation * Personalized Feng Shui Room Rescue plan * Maintenance check-in at 30 days to make sure you stay on track * Carol's book, the Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office Click here to schedule.  Feng Shui Hotline - Answers to All of Your Questions * Priority access to Carol for your questions by e-mail * Carol's e-book, 365 Feng Shui Secrets Click here to register.  Home Consultation -- House, Apartment, Condo, Office * Review of your questionnaire, floor plan, site map, and photos/video * 1-hour phone or Skype consultation * Personalized Feng Shui Action Plan for rearranging your space * 30 days of follow-up Feng Shui Hotline Coaching to make sure you stay on track * Carol's book, the Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office Click here to schedule. Here's what clients are saying about Carol's off-site Feng Shui consultations: Thank you for the advice you provided during our Room Rescue consultation. You are the instrument to help me achieve tranquility and peace of mind. --M.J., Retired Administrator The floor plan analysis told me everything I need to know. I especially appreciate the Hotline Coaching Package so I can continue to check in with you and ask questions as I move things around and before I make purchases. Loved your suggestion for art in my bedroom. --C.M., Attorney |
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From the Feng Shui Store
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NEW. "Nine Goldfish" by Morgan C. Leshinsky for the Feng Shui Menagerie Collection
The first print in the Feng Shui Menagerie Collection is now available for order. This original series of highly quality giclée prints was created to use as Feng Shui cures for specific bagua areas in your home. "Nine Goldfish," is a Feng Shui Wealth Cure.
Click here to see a larger image of "Nine Goldfish."
Purse Hangers I  n Feng Shui we say "your purse on the floor means wealth out the door." Plus scientific studies show that a purse can pick up bacteria when it sits on the floor. The Feng Shui remedy is a Purse Hanger that lets you hang your purse safely from a table or desk.
The 2" disk fits neatly in your purse, and then opens to a sturdy hanger.
Available in elegant black and silver tone. Click here to order your purse hangers.
Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office:Secrets For Attracting Wealth, Harmony, and Love
Carol's award-winning book includes Feng Shui basics, success stories, and tip-a-day calendar of 366 Feng Shui secrets. Click here to order your books.
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Beyond Feng Shui
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Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi
 Even though free Wi-Fi hotspots are popping up everywhere, I have to admit I avoid using them despite the convenience. I just don't trust that my identity will stay safe when I'm being so public. But for those who want to take advantage of this free service that seems to be available everywhere from coffee shops to airports, here are a few tips for staying safe:
- Choose Secure Hotspots. Look for hotspots that use WPA encryption and require a password to log in. If you aren't using a secure hotspot, know that your information may be at risk and be selective about the information you share. Watching a video on YouTube will put you at less of a risk for ID theft than logging into your bank account over an unsecured connection.
- Choose Https Over Http. If the site you're viewing has the 's' tacked onto the end it means extra security for you. If you're using public Wi-Fi, https is always the safest choice for sending sensitive information or logging into sites that contain your info.
- Get a One-Time Login. Some accounts may offer a one-time password.
- Log Out of Accounts. Log out when you finish using an account because staying logged in when using unsecured Wi-Fi could potentially allow hackers or id thieves to access the information inside.
- Consider a VPN. A VPN, or a virtual private network, turns an unsecured Internet connection into your own private oasis. It automatically encrypts information coming in and out of your computer, providing you with identity theft protection even when you aren't using a secure Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Stay Updated. Malware, viruses, and other dangers to your computer can be waiting when you use public Wi-Fi, so anti-virus software and the latest updates on your computer and firewall are essential. If you're prompted to install an update over a Wi-Fi connection, make sure you trust the source.
For more ways to stay safe on public Wi-Fi, click here to watch a video from the FTC.
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FYI
Share Articles From This E-zine.
Articles in the Feng Shui For Real Life E-zine are copyrighted, but I encourage you to share them. I ask only that you credit Carol M. Olmstead as author and link to www.FengShuiForRealLife.com when you share the article.
Make Sure Your Receive Your Copy.
Sometimes spam catchers block the words "feng shui." To ensure that your copy of the Feng Shui For Real Life E-zine doesn't get caught in your junk mail or spam filters, please add the e-mail address carol@FengShuiForRealLife.com and the domains www.constantcontact.com and ui.constantcontact.com to your address book, approved senders list, and/or white list.
Read Back Issues
If you missed any previous issues of the Feng Shui For Real Life E-zine, you can download back issues from the Newsletter Archives.
Schedule a Space Clearing or House Blessing.
Carol Olmstead is an Ordained Minister specializing in Feng Shui house blessing ceremonies and space clearing. E-mail Carol or call 1.800.652.9038 for details.
Schedule a Consultation or Workshop.
If you would like to set up a home, office, or business consultation, or schedule a customized workshop, contact:
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA
Feng Shui Master Practitioner
Call 1.800.652.9038 or e-mail Carol Olmstead
Carol M.  Olmstead, FSIA, was certified by
the Feng Shui Institute of America, and earned
Red Ribbon Professional Status from the International Feng Shui Guild.
Feng Shui For Real Life, LLC, and the Feng Shui For Real Life E-zine serve as a reference and guide for the principles of Feng Shui and as such bear no responsibility for results a client or reader experiences. Individual results may vary based on the client's participation and intent.
©2013, Carol M. Olmstead
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