by llenore | Mar 20, 2024 | Beauty, Blog, Business, Color, Creativity, Energy, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Feng Shui, Good Life, Home, Interior Design, Intuition, Living Room, My Story, Nature, Reflect You, Self Care, White, Yellow
Have you ever made a poor choice in decorating your home? If you did, was it your choice or someone else’s opinion you followed?
Design Mistakes
Blue, single-cushion, extra-long sofa
It was 1970. The sheer draperies recently were installed in my living room when a ‘friend’ said, “What were you thinking when you chose that color?” I thought the color was fine. Afterall, it was basically white!
The interior designer from the big chain store told me they were a great choice based on the other furnishings. My friend proceeded to tell me they were “too grey” with the other yellow-based colors I had in the room.
I was so embarrassed! I’d spent a huge amount of money on those draperies and knew my husband would be furious if he ever found out “they were wrong for the room!”
That wasn’t my first design mistake. It was one in a series. Buying a 95” sofa was one of the worst since it didn’t fit anyplace. My then husband, who was 6’5” tall, insisted on it in order to stretch out on it.
Design Classes
My friend’s comment was the last straw. I looked for a class to teach me about interior design. I found one through the parks & recreation department being held in a church and taught by a teacher from the prestigious Parsons School of Design. What a learning experience!
I became fascinated with the many guidelines of design. Many were totally impractical since I had a 2-year-old daughter and was going to have another child later that year. I made a new life-long friend who helped me put things into perspective.
She said, “If you want your home to be a showplace, you might want to follow the rules. If you want to have a comfortable home where you can raise a family and not worry about the mishaps that happen with children, use your common sense.”
She was a wise woman who shared lots of sage advice on numerous topics throughout our 40-year friendship. Sometimes the most valuable lessons learned are not from “teachers,” but from friendships.
Design Business
Within a year I had started an interior design business with several neighborhood ladies. We all were taking interior design classes at the local college. Our company was called, It’s About Design.
Each one of us had specific qualities we brought to the company. I was great at teaching classes that brought us clients. My focus was on the PRACTICAL SIDE of design. If you had children, pets, and/or didn’t like to clean house, I was your gal!
Now I do know the difference between yellow-based and grey-based whites. I’ve trained my eye. I also know, life is too short to focus on material things. It’s family, friendships, experiences, and the beauty of nature that means the world to me.
But if you have design questions, I love to share the pros and cons, the practical, and what truly matters in life. I’m glad to share my stories, experiences, wisdom, and sage advice. Just ask me!
by llenore | Feb 28, 2024 | Bedroom/Beds, Bedroom/Beds, Blog, Energy, Energy, Energy, Feng Shui, Feng Shui Schools, Good Life, Health, Home, Interior Design, Self Care, SelfCare
Back in 1999, during a course with the esteemed Karen Kingston, a guru in all things space clearing and energy work, a tale was spun that stuck with me for years. It was a story about a bed, of all things.
Picture this: a client, uneasy in her own bed with her new flame, invites Karen into her home. And where does Karen sense the energy? Yep, you guessed it – the bed. Turns out, that bed had seen more action than a Hollywood blockbuster, with a slew of men leaving their energetic mark, while the lady of the house remained the sole woman. Talk about a story that gives you goosebumps! It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but with a twist – it’s not about the porridge being just right, it’s about how YOU feel in that bed.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the bed? Have you ever stopped to ponder who’s been cozying up in your bed before you? It’s enough to make you think twice about your next hotel stay, right? I mean, what if that bed could talk? The stories it could tell!
Speaking of stories, let me share mine. Back in ’63, I unwittingly stumbled upon the ability to feel the energy of a bed. Trust me, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. It all started with a teenage tantrum and some regrettable words exchanged with my father. Little did I know, those words would be the last he’d hear before a heart attack claimed him. The guilt weighed heavy on me, but what weighed even heavier was the realization that I had been sleeping in that very bed for years, soaking in the residual fear and pain of his final moments. It was like living a nightmare in my sleep.
Fast forward to adulthood, and I found myself using that same sensitivity to help others. Take one client who, post-breakup, was desperate for an energy overhaul. Armed with nothing but a broom and some serious determination, she set out to banish the old vibes from her bed. And wouldn’t you know it, a few months later, she’s walking down the aisle with her high school sweetheart, blissfully married for a decade and counting.
So, dear reader, I pose this question to you – who’s been leaving their mark on YOUR bed? Could it be time for an energy shift? It’s worth considering, don’t you think? After all, a good night’s sleep might just be the sweep of a broom away.
by llenore | Jan 31, 2024 | Beauty, Blog, Energy, Energy, Feng Shui, Health, Linda Lenore, Mind-Body Connection, Mind-Body-Environment, Optimistic, Sacred Space, Self Care, SelfCare, Spiritual, Symbolism
Blessings
Here is another example I wanted to share.
Second example:
In September I reached out on social media for prayers for my brother & husband. (My brother is doing well, and my husband is better.) Within the course of two days my husband was in such poor health he had an emergency blood transfusion.
They told us to head back home after waiting two days to make sure he didn’t have a negative reaction to the transfusion. Also, they made it clear we needed to see specialists within two weeks because they couldn’t find the cause of his anemia.
Over the next couple months numerous doctor’s appointments and tests lead to a medical procedure in December. Within 2 hours of returning home after the procedure, we found water on the laundry floor. Unbeknownst to us a small, non-detected leak within the walls was now a broken plumbing connection to the washer.
According to Feng Shui, our laundry room is the area related to the “oldest male” in the family; hence, the area associated with my husband. Ultimately, the procedure doctors had performed earlier that eventful day had found a “small, non-detected (blood) leak” in his plumbing.
The plumbers had arrived and fixed the washer problem quickly. I felt confident the doctors had found and fixed the leaky blood vessel within my husband. I felt the interactions of the household plumbers was a BLESSING to let me know the doctors had done the equivalent procedure with my husband.
Blessing a Home, Blesses Your Life
Moral of the stories
Calling bad or challenging situations a BLESSING is not easy! FEAR loves to jump in immediately. Yet when I can change my mental state – my mindset – by saying, “This is a blessing,” it changes the energy I put out into the Universe!
These last few months have shown me when life goes sideways, I have choices and opportunities to grow, learn, gain a new perspective, discover my strengths, and make course corrections. They all start with my thoughts and mind! What we think about, we attract! I’m attracting BLESSINGS!
That’s what Feng Shui does also. When we can change any part of our home, we change the energy around us. We can change the “negative” into a “Blessing” just by shifting the mental picture of it.
by llenore | Jan 27, 2024 | Beauty, Blog, Chinese New Year, Color, Color, Feng Shui, Front Door - Entrance, Health, Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, Red, Self Care, SelfCare, Symbolism, Yellow
As the Chinese New Year approaches, which is an important time to re-evaluate your home through Feng Shui eyes,
Nine Yellow Chrysanthemums in a Red container bring Good Luck, Abundance, and Power for the New Year
households across the world are adorned with vibrant decorations to usher in prosperity, good fortune, and happiness for the coming year. Among the various symbols and traditions, yellow chrysanthemums stand out as a significant and auspicious floral choice for this festive occasion.
Yellow, being a symbol of wealth and good luck in Chinese culture, makes chrysanthemums of this color particularly auspicious during the New Year celebrations. These radiant blooms are believed to bring positive energy and attract good fortune into homes and businesses. Their sunny hue not only adds a touch of warmth to the surroundings but also aligns with the vibrant spirit of the Chinese New Year festivities.
Chrysanthemums, in general, are highly esteemed in Chinese culture for their symbolic meanings. They are associated with longevity, resilience, and even immortality. The use of yellow chrysanthemums during the New Year celebration reflects a desire for a prosperous and enduring life, making them a popular choice for decorations and gifts.
Moreover, the intricate layers of chrysanthemum petals are likened to the layers of success and prosperity that individuals aspire to achieve in the coming year. The flower’s resilient nature, often blooming in the autumn, also serves as a reminder of overcoming challenges and embracing change—a fitting sentiment as families bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.
In addition to their positive symbolism, the aesthetic appeal of yellow chrysanthemums contributes to their popularity. Their bright and cheerful appearance complements the festive atmosphere, creating a visually pleasing environment that resonates with the joyous spirit of the occasion.
Plants of yellow chrysanthemums play a crucial role in enhancing the overall ambiance of the Chinese New Year celebrations. As families gather to usher in the Lunar New Year, these radiant blooms not only symbolize good fortune and longevity, they also serve as a beautiful representation of hope, prosperity, and the endless possibilities that the new year holds.
by llenore | Jan 14, 2024 | Balance, Beauty, Blog, Calm, Chinese New Year, Color, Dreams, Feng Shui, Health, Interior Design, Mindfulness, Sacred Space, Self Care, Spiritual, Visions - visioning - Vision Boards
Step 6: Aromatherapy and Positive Energy Infusion (10 minutes)
Aromatherapy image & products by West Elm
As our transformative journey continues, immerse your home with the soothing scents of aromatherapy, one that is carefully orchestrated blending Western wellness trends and traditional purification practices.
In just 10 minutes, infuse your living space with the refreshing aroma of citrus or the calming essence of lavender. As these fragrances delicately permeate your home, negative energy dissipates, leaving behind a profound sense of clarity and renewal.
This intentional act ensures that your home transcends the realms of the physical and becomes a sanctuary of positive energy, aligning seamlessly with the very essence of the Chinese New Year. The fragrances linger not only in the air, but also become an integral part of the very essence of your living space.
A vase filled with roses in all their glorious colors brings fragrance and the Five Elements of CTM to create balance. Also, it adds the personal touch to make your home uniquely yours!
Bringing in natures’ natural scents, like a vase of roses or boughs of pine, connects you and your space to the elements of Mother Earth. They create an environment that not only promotes well-being; it exudes an aura of balance since it encompasses the Five Elements of Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM); the elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This step continues our journey, contributing to the ongoing positive transformation of your living space.
#AromaHarmony #SacredScents
Next Stop: Invoking Prosperity with Part 7
Step 7: Invoking Prosperity with Personal Touches (20 minutes)
Our journey unfolds as we delve into the realm of personal touches to invoke prosperity.
In just 20 minutes, infuse your living space with elements that hold personal significance and meaning. It could be a cherished piece of artwork, a family heirloom, flowers from your garden or the Farmer’s Market, or items that resonate with your aspirations for the dreams you hold in your heart. These personal touches add a layer of uniqueness to your home, deepening the connection between your space and your personal journey.
As you strategically place these items, visualize them as anchors for the prosperity you seek. This final segment is a culmination of our efforts. It allows you to personalize your space in a way that aligns your head, heart, and hands with your goals and dreams – a powerful tool to start the Chinese New Year.
Dreams you hold in a jar called your heart!
#PersonalizedProsperity #HomeAsAnAltar
In embracing the rich tapestry of Chinese New Year traditions with a Western twist, these Feng Shui tips are thoughtfully curated for the dynamic, busy woman seeking a harmonious home. In just a few hours, you can successfully transform your living space into a sanctuary of joy, balance, and prosperity. May your home beautifully reflect the intricacies of your unique journey in the Year of the Wood Dragon!
#HomeHarmony #ChineseNewYearDecor #YearOfTheWoodDragon #WoodDragon #ChineseNewYear2024
by llenore | Jan 13, 2024 | Balance, Blog, Calm, Chinese New Year, Clutter, Color, Feng Shui, Front Door - Entrance, Interior Design, Linda Lenore
Continuing our awareness of our homes as we prepare for the Chinese New Year, we’ve discovered clutter can cause negative energy. We’ve discussed the power of different colors and what they represent. Now we are going to move to other furnishings, more specifically the larger pieces and how they affect the flow of energy.
Living Room with room to move around the furniture and open pathways
Step 4: Furniture Arrangement for Harmony (40 minutes)
As our transformative journey gracefully pauses for reflection, the focus turns towards the arrangement of your living space.
In the realm of Feng Shui, the unimpeded flow of energy is of utmost importance for creating an environment of true harmony. Take this moment to ensure that your furniture placement not only adheres to the principles of design, but also encourages a smooth flow of positive chi.
Visualize this as orchestrating a choreographed dance of energy, where each piece of furniture plays a pivotal role in creating an atmosphere of balance and serenity. The intentional rearrangement that transpires in this segment is not solely for the visual appeal of your home. It’s a deliberate act in setting the stage for daily tranquility.
Can you walk around and through your home easily? Or are you having to squeeze by large or small pieces of furniture? What about plants – are you having to duck under a branch or push one aside?
The human body likes a 3′ wide pathway for the shoulders to feel safe walking through a space. If you have to turn sideways to get through an area, you feel restricted. That’s a sure sign the energy doesn’t flow easily there either; it’s restricted as well. The lower part of the body can sometimes feel okay walking through a space that’s only 2 feet wide, but still that is rather tight for the energy to flow nicely.
In just 40 minutes, you have skillfully crafted a living space that not only invites a sense of harmony; it exudes an aura of elegance. This strategic alignment fosters an environment where you can navigate your daily tasks with ease and grace, creating a haven of balance within the heart of your home.
#HarmoniousLiving #ElegantFlow
Wreath from Wayfair images
Next Stop: Front Door Elegance
Step 5: Front Door Elegance (15 minutes)
Our journey actually should start at the Front Door because it is the main “Mouth of Chi”! It is the pivotal gateway to your home where first impressions are indelibly etched. If it isn’t inviting, you won’t be attracting all the good that’s available out in the world.
Front Door image from Rejuvenation images
In just15 minutes you can elevate your front door with a touch of elegance. A simple wreath, adorned with fresh or silk flowers or greenery, which symbolizes renewal, can extend a heartfelt welcome to positive energy. Opt for a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly complements your home’s aesthetic.
Add a new, decorative “Welcome” mat in red or black for a pop of boldness.
What transpires in this segment transforms your entrance into more than just a physical doorway; it becomes a statement of beauty and balance. With minimal effort, you have not only created an elegant gateway that warmly welcomes you home, but you also have set the tone for a living space filled with positivity and style.
#ElegantEntrance #ModernWelcoming
Next Stop: Aromatherapy and Energy Purification
