The Radiant Symbolism of Yellow Chrysanthemums in Chinese New Year Celebrations

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

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.

Infusing Western Style with Eastern Traditions: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Feng Shui for Chinese New Year (Part 4)

Step 6: Aromatherapy and Positive Energy Infusion (10 minutes)

Aromatherapy image & products by West Elm

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!

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!

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

Infusing Western Style with Eastern Traditions: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Feng Shui for Chinese New Year (Part 3)

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

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

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

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

Infusing Western Style with Eastern Traditions: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Feng Shui for Chinese New Year (Part 2)

To have a clean slate to work with when setting your goals, we need to get rid of last year’s energy. Clutter is a good example of things from the past holding us back. That’s why the first step is to declutter, thus creating an organized environment in which to set our intentions. It raises the vitality.

Next we are going to locate an area we deal the “wealth area” of our homes.

Ba-Gua

The Ba-Gua

Step 2: Create a Westernized Wealth Corner (45 minutes)

Guided by the ancient wisdom of the Ba-Gua map, our journey gracefully leads us to the wealth corner of your home, a pivotal point associated with the beckoning of financial prosperity in Feng Shui.

In this segment, we introduce a touch of Western luxury by embracing the opulent gleam of gold accents. Gold, synonymous with opulence and abundance in Western design, is now strategically incorporated as a potent symbol for prosperity. Elevate this space with the warm glow of carefully chosen gold-framed mirrors, metallic decor, or a chic vase adorned with fresh flowers.

A couple other colors associated with wealth are green and purple. If gold isn’t your style, find items in either or both of these colors. It could be you include a green houseplant or an orchid with a purple flower. Then you’d have both green and purple. A Lucky Bamboo is also a possibility, especially if you find yourself challenged keeping plants alive. Lucky Bamboo can live in areas of low light and do not like direct light, so it’s perfect for those interior bathrooms.

These additions not only enhance the visual aesthetics of your wealth corner but also act as beacons attracting positive financial energy. In a mere 45 minutes, you have transformed this area into a stylish haven radiating prosperity and elegance – a tangible reflection of your aspirations for the Chinese New Year.

#WealthCornerGlamour #LuxuryWithPurpose

Next Stop: Red and Gold Accents in Modern Style

Red Envelopes, Ingots, Firecrackers, & Peach Blossoms for Health, Wealth, Love, Joy, & Good Luck!

Red Envelopes, Ingots, Firecrackers, & Peach Blossoms for Health, Wealth, Love, Joy, & Good Luck!

Step 3: Red and Gold Accents in Modern Style (20 minutes)

As our journey unfolds, we shift our focus to infusing the vibrant hues of red and gold into your decor, but with a contemporary and modern twist.

Instead of traditional lanterns, you might consider sleek red and gold throw pillows, table runners, or candles. Red is considered the most auspicious color, that is why it is used in as many ways as possible throughout the Lunar New Year, whether it’s in clothing, decor for the home, or the symbolic Red Envelopes given this time of year.

These accents seamlessly integrate with the existing framework of contemporary Western design, infusing your living space with an aura of auspicious energy. The fusion of tradition and modern style achieved in this segment results in a unique, stylish, and meaningful ambiance. In just 20 minutes, you have not only created a visual harmony that resonates with the spirit of the Chinese New Year, but you have also successfully blended elements that complement your Western design sensibilities.

This intentional blending ensures that your home becomes a testament to the seamless integration of diverse cultures, adding depth and character to your living space.

#ModernAuspiciousness #StylishHarmony

Next Stop: Furniture Arrangement for Harmony

Infusing Western Style with Eastern Traditions: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Feng Shui for Chinese New Year (Part 1)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

How’s your New Year going? Have you accomplished the goals you set or stuck to your resolutions? If not, you have another opportunity to make headway by preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, there is a profound opportunity to seamlessly weave together the tapestry of cultural richness and modern elegance within the sanctuaries of our homes. This transformative series, carefully curated by me, a Feng Shui master, is designed specifically for the dynamic and busy professional women of today.

Together, let’s embark on a journey that skillfully merges Western interior design ideas with timeless Asian customs, introducing not only a sense of calm and beauty but also infusing a touch of the sacred into every corner of your home.

What makes this guide particularly appealing is that each tip is meticulously crafted to be effortlessly incorporated into your routine – whether you do a little each day or take a half day here and there to implement them – each suggestion can be allocated to an hour or less, depending on how much time you have, how much needs to be done, or how much focus into the details you want to spend time wise.

Marie Kondo's Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Marie Kondo’s Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Step 1: Declutter Your Space with a Purposeful Twist (30 minutes – maybe a couple times a week if you have several areas of focus)

Our journey commences with a deep dive into the transformative power of mindful decluttering, drawing inspiration from the minimalist philosophy of the renowned Marie Kondo. Beyond the mere act of tidying, this process is an intentional and purposeful endeavor.

As you delicately sift through your possessions, envision not only the reclamation of physical space but also the dispelling of any lingering negative energy. By consciously parting ways with items that no longer serve you, you are engaging in more than a decluttering exercise; you are creating room for the infusion of positive vibes.

This intentional approach serves as the foundational step toward crafting a serene and sacred home where each corner resonates with the vibrant energy of joy and purpose. Imagine a space that not only looks tidy but feels revitalized – a perfect initiation into the auspicious Chinese New Year.

#DeclutterForCalm #SacredSpaceRevival

Next Stop: Create a Westernized Wealth Corner

What Works Wednesday – Body and Home Connections


What Works Wednesday –

Towels soaking up the water on the floor

Towels soaking up the water on the floor

Well, I can tell you what doesn’t work – the cold-water faucet of my washing machine! Out-of-the-blue, without any warning, it broke yesterday!

Why am I writing about this? What does this broken pipe and plumbing have to do with a post where I usually have a photo of a room?

Because there is a deeper connection between our health, our homes, our bodies, and our lives than you may know.

The short explanation is:

Every part of our home represents a part of our body. If something breaks or needs repair in the home, there is a good chance an occupant of the home may be experiencing a health issue related to the corresponding part of the home.

One reason I often share about fixing up the front door to attract “good chi” is because that area of the house represents the mouth, nose, and face of the humans living there. (Actually, animals can also be affected). If you aren’t getting enough good energy to the front door, it’s as though you aren’t able to speak, breath, face people, communicate with them, or even the simple gesture of a smile might be missing in your life.

Here’s the story of the current situation around health issues and the symbolism of our home. I’m going to keep this as simple as I can while making the point.

Many of you know I asked for prayers for my husband and brother a couple of months ago. Both are doing better. Thank you for your prayers.

My husband was having problems breathing while on our vacation. Tests showed he was severely anemic. But what the underlying cause creating this health problem is still unknown. Yesterday he had some medical procedures done pertaining to the gastrointestinal tract.

The cracked/broken cold-water pipe

The cracked/broken cold-water pipe

That part of the body equates to plumbing in the house. Part of the procedure for my husband was the insertion of a pill-sized camera into the intestinal tract. We got home and he took a nap. When he woke up, he checked the monitor of the camera. It was working perfectly. About 20 minutes later he looked and saw it wasn’t working.

Within a 15-minute timeframe the monitor of the camera stopped working and we heard water dripping. The threaded part of the cold-water faucet of the washing machine cracked, allowing water to start dripping. (Sidenote – the washer was not running and was last used 3 days ago.)

A plumber arrived within 40 minutes. He turned off the water to the house. When he TOUCHED the faucet, it snapped off. If the water hadn’t been turned off – or worse still, the washing machine was running – water would have burst all over the laundry! It was that close to bursting on its own.

Now I don’t know exactly what the final outcome of any of this will be, but I do know they are related if only by time. If this were the first story, or only story, like this it would be one thing.

BUT…

This is one of dozens of stories where the house and an occupant’s health show up at the same time.

The broken cold-water faucet removed and sheetrock cut open to reveal the extent of the situation. Water mitigation, drying the walls, and assessing the situation are the next steps.

The broken cold-water faucet removed and sheetrock cut open to reveal the extent of the situation. Water mitigation, drying the walls, and assessing the situation are the next steps.

I have an eBook I will be making available to you for free very soon. I had planned to have it available 2 months ago, but “life happens.”  Maybe this whole intestinal camera, monitor, dripping faucet, and snapped pipe to the washer needed to happen simultaneously so I would write this blog, you would read it, and realize you want the eBook with more details on the symbolism of your built environment and your body. Who knows?

One thing I know, I’m calling this a BLESSING.

Why you might ask?

Because if any of this had happened differently, we might not have been home, the washing machine could have been running, I might have been outside or running errands and not been around for hours!

Worse still, we might have been on a 2-week vacation. The water could have gone through the whole house wreaking all floors, walls, cabinets, etc. If that had happened, our well pump would have been running constantly and possibly burned out. I could go on-and-on.

With that said, I’m not saying I’m happy it happened during the holidays. It’s a blessing it happened the way it did. Now I just need to see where this takes us and how it fits into the Feng Shui health of body, mind, spirit, and environment.

“Stay turned” as this situation unveils itself.