Day 3: Kitchen ~ Associated with your wealth, health and nourishment
1. Clear out your refrigerator of all expired items and all the things you haven’t used in 6 months.
2. Wipe the shelves and the drawers and the tops and bottoms of the jars you replace into the fridge.
3. If you have time, or want to make time, do the freezer. Don't be afraid tothrow things away. It's also wasted if it makes you sick and drains your health.
Day 4: Bathroom ~ Related to your Wealth. Clutter in here will diminish your ability to access your abundance.
1. Last week you cleared the bottles from the shower/tub. This week let's tackle the area under the sink.
2. Throw away anything that you haven't used or that is in disrepair. Wipe thebottom of the vanity if you have one and replace only what you use. If you bought shampoo 3 years ago and were holding on to it in case you ran out, move it on or throw it away...it's draining you.
3. Make sure that your plumbing and fixtures work perfectly. If you notice a leak or rust, put it on a list for a repair person and clean it up.
Day 5: Bathroom again ~
1. Take a look at your shower curtain if you have one...put it in the washer with a little bleach (check the tag to make certain that it's okay to do this without harming the curtain). After it's washed, you can put a vinyl shower curtain in the dryer on low heat and then re-hang it. If there is mildew or mold, replace it with a new one.
2. Towels ~ take a good look at your towels. Are they in good repair? Do you have a matching set of towels? Do your towels make you feel spa-like when you use them? If they are frayed, cut the fringes off and put this on your list of things to treat yourself with: new and matching towels. You'll feel so good!
Day 6: Dining Room ~ Possibly another big job.
You might think this will be easy and it may, but chances are that you have many more dishes than you actually use, or many more knick-knacks or photos than is actually contributing to your health. This is where we get lost in our memories and sometimes stopped in our tracks because we can't seem to find a 'good home' for the things we loved…place those things in a “decide later” bin and keep moving so you can enjoy the rest of the day.
Try these tips to clear your dining spaces:
1. Photos and artwork should be happy, uplifting and easy on the digestion. Feng Shui recommends against abstract artwork as it is unsettling to our systems and makes food harder to digest. Our good digestion is imperative to receiving nourishment for our health.
2. Family photos of happy times are usually good here but make sure that you don't have too many as it will be confusing. Rotate your photos for the best Feng Shui energy and display only 3 or 4 at a time. (Where do you put the rest? Store them in a place of honor, well-marked and nearby so you can access them often) Also, make sure that all the family members are represented in the photos. Often if you are the photo taker, you won’t be in the picture and remember: everything matters so get someone else to hold the camera and put yourself squarely in your family’s life.
3. Linens: move out any that are tattered or stained. This is important in feng shui because you want to increase your sense of wealth and nourishment while you are eating.
4. Collections are sometimes displayed in the dining room. Too much is disruptive so treat these same as photos and rotate your collections as the Museums do. It keeps the energy fresh and alive. Store the rest neatly and well marked so you can use and love them too.
5. Are the chairs comfortable? Although this isn't a 'clutter' issue, if they are not comfortable, think about moving them on and replacing them. It will be so much better for your health and digestion and relationships. If they are comfortable, do you love them? Are they clean?
6. Clean the draperies, the sheers, and especially the windows! Windows are the eyes of your home. Make sure you are able to see clearly.
7. Clean the chandelier. Change the light bulbs or at least, when they are cool, wipe them completely. They gather dust and look so much nicer when they are clear.
8. Mirror in your dining room (or anywhere). Is it clean and clear? Smokey mirrors, antique but splotchy mirrors, mirrored tiles are all negatives in Feng Shui. You need to be able to clearly and the bigger the mirror the better. Make sure you can see your entire head. What is the mirror reflecting? If it’s not wealth, health and happiness, replace it with a beautiful piece of art or a framed print (remember: not a sharp abstract).
9. Clean the carpet…or at least spot clean it and use baking soda (without the scent…just plain old baking soda) to absorb the smells. Vacuum it up and voila, a fresh carpet until you can do a better job. (Have extra vac bags on hand, what you put down will be as heavy as what it picks up.)
Day 7: Getting rid of Mental Clutter
Get this: It has been calculated that we each think between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts per DAY! And that 75-95% of those are the same ones we thought yesterday and the day before and the day before. Your thoughts are creating your life. What's around you is creating your thoughts. Listen to the thoughts your mind is thinking: is it what you want to be living with? Peace? Harmony? Acceptance? Trust? Allowing? When you notice that you are thinking a self-limiting, self-deprecating, or negative thought: Change your Mind. Have a ready thought that is happy and uplifting to replace it with such as: "Every day in every way I am getting better and better" or try this: "People Love to Give me Money" or"I flow smoothly and lovingly through my day; everything lines up to support me to be my best." When in traffic, just saying ”smooth easy flow" over a few times with a smile in your heart calms your mind and really does loosen up the lines!
REST! You have earned it!
This evening, plan your week, and get ramped up for MORE life affirming clearing next week!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Week 2 Transform your Spaces: Transform Your Life!
Day 2: Behind your doors. Doors open you up to life’s bounty and opportunities. Your Front door is the home's Mouth of Ch'i. Use this door daily and you're house will breathe fresh life into you and your lifestyle. This should open completely and onto a beautiful scene that says, "(your name here) lives here".
1. Remove all the stuff behind the doors and all the things hanging on the hooks. Force yourself to remove things each night before you go to sleep or each morning before you leave the room.
2. Bathroom doors are best kept closed.
1. Remove all the stuff behind the doors and all the things hanging on the hooks. Force yourself to remove things each night before you go to sleep or each morning before you leave the room.
2. Bathroom doors are best kept closed.
Week 2 Transform your Spaces: Transform Your Life!
Day 1: Stairs and Hallways ~ Feng Shui sees these areas as the arteries of your home and they should be empty and clear…clutter here will affect your health and quickly deplete your energy.1. Remove everything from the stair treads. (If you think you must have something there, just move it away for this week and see if you feel any different).
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
AAADD!!
Here is a joke that was sent to me by one of my best friends-Natalee!!!
Joke of the Day – A.A.A.D.D. – Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how is manifests itself:
I decide to wash my car. As I start toward to the garage, I notice
that there is mail on the hall table. I decide to go through the
mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the trash
can under the table, and notice that the trash can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the
trash first, but then I think that since I’m going to be near the
mailbox when I take out the trash anyway, I may as well pay the bills
first.
I take my checkbook off the table and see that there is only one check
left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, o I go to my
desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking. I’m going
to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I
don’t accidentally knock it over.
I see that the Coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the
refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the
counter catches my eye–they need to be watered.
I set the Coke down on the counter and I discover my reading
glasses that I’ve been searching for all morning.
I decide I’d better put them back on my desk, but first I’m going to
water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water,
and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight, when we go to watch TV, we will be looking for
the remote, but nobody will remember that it’s on the kitchen table, so
I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I’ll
water the flowers.
I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up
the spill.
Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day; the car isn’t washed, the bills aren’t paid,
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers aren’t
watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook,
I can’t find the remote, I can’t find my glasses, and I don’t remember
what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I’m really
baffled because I know I was busy all day long and I’m really tired. I
realize this is a serious problem, and I’ll try to get some help for it,
but first I’ll check my e-mail.
Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message to close friends you
know, because I don’t remember to whom it has been sent.
Don’t laugh – if this isn’t you yet, your day is coming! And if I have
sent this to you before….well, now you know why you’re getting it again.
Joke of the Day – A.A.A.D.D. – Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how is manifests itself:
I decide to wash my car. As I start toward to the garage, I notice
that there is mail on the hall table. I decide to go through the
mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the trash
can under the table, and notice that the trash can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the
trash first, but then I think that since I’m going to be near the
mailbox when I take out the trash anyway, I may as well pay the bills
first.
I take my checkbook off the table and see that there is only one check
left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, o I go to my
desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking. I’m going
to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I
don’t accidentally knock it over.
I see that the Coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the
refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the
counter catches my eye–they need to be watered.
I set the Coke down on the counter and I discover my reading
glasses that I’ve been searching for all morning.
I decide I’d better put them back on my desk, but first I’m going to
water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water,
and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight, when we go to watch TV, we will be looking for
the remote, but nobody will remember that it’s on the kitchen table, so
I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I’ll
water the flowers.
I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up
the spill.
Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day; the car isn’t washed, the bills aren’t paid,
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers aren’t
watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook,
I can’t find the remote, I can’t find my glasses, and I don’t remember
what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I’m really
baffled because I know I was busy all day long and I’m really tired. I
realize this is a serious problem, and I’ll try to get some help for it,
but first I’ll check my e-mail.
Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message to close friends you
know, because I don’t remember to whom it has been sent.
Don’t laugh – if this isn’t you yet, your day is coming! And if I have
sent this to you before….well, now you know why you’re getting it again.
Last post of the week!
We have made it through week 1!!! Way To Go!! I want to thank all who have joined this challenge! We are going to have loads of fun and get our houses the way that we want them!!
The next post that I will show you will be of my daughter's 3 year old birthday party. We will be having it on Saturday Nov. 6th!
The next post that I will show you will be of my daughter's 3 year old birthday party. We will be having it on Saturday Nov. 6th!
Day 7
Day 7: Rest, rejuvenate, have a cup of tea! REST! You have earned it! Treat yourself to something tangible...take a candle-lit bubble bath, read a book, pet your dog, show off your room to your kids or just sprawl on the bed and rest.Take an AFTER! Photo. You’ll be amazed. This evening, plan your week, and get ramped up for MORE life affirming clearing next week!
Day 6: Your Bedroom
Your Bedroom! This area most affects your ability to be a success in your life. It also dramatically influences your relationships. Before we Feng Shui, you’ll need to clear the clutter and clean it up.
1. The BEST thing to do is to remove everything from the room, the dressers and the closet that is not 'furniture'. Remove it all to the bins, sort it and trust yourself that you are making GREAT decisions for your life.
2. Now you can clean it. Clean each surface, lamps, overheads, windows, sills, light switches, phone cords...this is a NEW start for you, make it your best. What are you saying in your head? Fresh new start, love, life, happiness, health, wealth, freedom, security…you name it!
3. Now: what to return to the room?
4. Make the bed with freshly laundered linens (mattress pad and pillows if you can). (Feng Shui recommends a new mattress and box springs if you want a fresh new relationship or just a good night's sleep free from the past! We'll visit other feng shui tips for bedrooms alittle later...we're staying focused now.)
5. Night tables: only what you need. Do not fill the drawers, leave 25% of the space empty...this will allow the life force to flow and revitalize your life.
6. Books: only 1 or 2 books per person. You'll sleep or connect better where there are less "people" in the room with you.
7. TV/Electronics: a feng shui bedroom "don't". But if you MUST, cover it when you sleep and keep it as far from the bed as possible.
8. Clothing and Shoes ISSUE 1: only what you wear. If you have 4 different sizes, box and label or purchase a hanging wardrobe and remove the extras to 'storage' elsewhere.
9. Clothing ISSUE 2: how much do you need? We don't need 15 pairs of hose, 450 pairs of
unmatched socks, 12 pairs of size 6 jeans and the Pepto-Bismal Pink suit. BeBRAVE: move it on: the local theatre group, the GoodWill or Salvation Army or a local Church Yard Sale. You'll ultimately be better put together!
10: Photos and Artwork: a feng shui issue.Artwork: display only what is beautiful, sensuous,
loving and restful. As for photos, only a few (we don't want a party in the room every night) and be
selective about with whom you are sleeping!
1. The BEST thing to do is to remove everything from the room, the dressers and the closet that is not 'furniture'. Remove it all to the bins, sort it and trust yourself that you are making GREAT decisions for your life.
2. Now you can clean it. Clean each surface, lamps, overheads, windows, sills, light switches, phone cords...this is a NEW start for you, make it your best. What are you saying in your head? Fresh new start, love, life, happiness, health, wealth, freedom, security…you name it!
3. Now: what to return to the room?
4. Make the bed with freshly laundered linens (mattress pad and pillows if you can). (Feng Shui recommends a new mattress and box springs if you want a fresh new relationship or just a good night's sleep free from the past! We'll visit other feng shui tips for bedrooms alittle later...we're staying focused now.)
5. Night tables: only what you need. Do not fill the drawers, leave 25% of the space empty...this will allow the life force to flow and revitalize your life.
6. Books: only 1 or 2 books per person. You'll sleep or connect better where there are less "people" in the room with you.
7. TV/Electronics: a feng shui bedroom "don't". But if you MUST, cover it when you sleep and keep it as far from the bed as possible.
8. Clothing and Shoes ISSUE 1: only what you wear. If you have 4 different sizes, box and label or purchase a hanging wardrobe and remove the extras to 'storage' elsewhere.
9. Clothing ISSUE 2: how much do you need? We don't need 15 pairs of hose, 450 pairs of
unmatched socks, 12 pairs of size 6 jeans and the Pepto-Bismal Pink suit. BeBRAVE: move it on: the local theatre group, the GoodWill or Salvation Army or a local Church Yard Sale. You'll ultimately be better put together!
10: Photos and Artwork: a feng shui issue.Artwork: display only what is beautiful, sensuous,
loving and restful. As for photos, only a few (we don't want a party in the room every night) and be
selective about with whom you are sleeping!
Day 5: Necessary Items
Clear out your medicine cabinet and toiletries. Discard expired medications and anything that you haven’t used in the past 3 months. Wipe out the cabinet and the bottles, jars that you put back. Keep going: clear out the hair care items. I regularly put brushes and combs in the dishwasher…toothbrushes too. It keeps them clean! Replace your toothbrush every 2 months.
Day 4: Shower/Tub
Empty your shower/tub area of everything
but one bottle of shampoo, one
conditioner, one body soap, one razor…one of
everything you need…not two, one. Throw
away the rest (empty and recycle if possible).
but one bottle of shampoo, one
conditioner, one body soap, one razor…one of
everything you need…not two, one. Throw
away the rest (empty and recycle if possible).
Day 3: Your Car!
Day 3: Your car
Clean out your car…your glove compartment, under the seats, the door cubbies, cup holders. If you can have your car detailed and the oil changed: do it! You will feel so much better!
Clean out your car…your glove compartment, under the seats, the door cubbies, cup holders. If you can have your car detailed and the oil changed: do it! You will feel so much better!
Clearing your Clutter-Day 2!!!!
Day 2: Foundations, your personal drawers
Getting personal: Clear out your undergarment drawer. Discard everything that
isn’t beautiful; keep only what is fresh, not worn or damaged. You won’t believe
how good this makes you feel!
Socks: only put back matched and
comfortable socks. Discard the rest
as well as the growing bin of
unmatched socks…anyone know
how we can turn it into insulation?
Getting personal: Clear out your undergarment drawer. Discard everything that
isn’t beautiful; keep only what is fresh, not worn or damaged. You won’t believe
how good this makes you feel!
Socks: only put back matched and
comfortable socks. Discard the rest
as well as the growing bin of
unmatched socks…anyone know
how we can turn it into insulation?
Clearing your clutter-4 week challenge!!!
The first thing to do is to take pictures of the state that your house in right now! My husband almost died when I took our pictures. But, that's okay!
Day 1: Your handbag, briefcase, wallet.
This week, as you are moving through your day, notice your thoughts. Just notice
them. Be gentle with yourself.
As you are cleaning, remember that clutter is a sign of a life being lived and richly
(or you wouldn’t have been able to accumulate so much stuff!) Saying ‘Thank you’
as you touch, clean, sort and move on your items, will begin to clean the energy of
your spaces too, which is another vitally important Feng Shui issue!
1. Clean out your handbag, wallet and/or briefcase.
Wipe the bottom or any pockets or decide if you
need to just get a new one. If it is in disrepair in
any way, decide how quickly you can move it
on…
2. Staging Area: Begin to look around your home to
determine where you could use as a ‘staging’
area. This is an area that will hold the stuff that
you are moving on. This could be the garage or
a part of your basement. This will only stay in
organized disarray for a limited time but it is a necessary area.
3. Plan to gather items to help make this clutter clearing easy:
a. Boxes or baskets ~ at LEAST 4
b. You’ll need at least 4 and add one for each member of your family. As you are
clearing, you’ll save time when you place their items in here and later you’ll teach
them the system you developed for keeping your home organized
4. Mark Boxes or Baskets Clearly:
a. “Donate” These you will either give away or have someone take away
b. “Trash” This will go to the trash collection
c. “Decide Later” ~ this is to keep you ‘on task’ which is vital for your success
d. “Return” either to give back or take back
Monday, November 1, 2010
Our entry way from the front door
 |
| This is the freezer part that slides out. I can't rotate the picture. |
 |
| The kitchen with the dishwasher |
 |
| Sliding drawers with one cabinet! |
 | |
| Cabinet drawer pulled out |
 |
| Cabinets above the drawers |
 |
| My double ovens |
 |
| Glass cook top stove |
 |
| One half of the kitchen |
 |
| The microwave fits in to the left of the stove |
 |
| Our spice cabinets |
 |
| The entryway area from the garage |
 |
| Shelves inside the closet in the office/study area |
 |
| The hallway from the kitchen |
 |
| This will be the Sponge Bob bathroom! |
 |
| More of the Sponge Bob bathroom |
 |
| The laundry room |
 |
| The entry way from the garage |
 |
| Laynie's bedroom |
 |
| Laynie's bedroom from behind her desk |
 |
| Laynie's bedroom from her bed |
 |
| Laynie's closet |
 |
| More of Laynie's closet |
 |
| Laynie's bed |
 |
| Laynie's room from her toybox |
 |
| Cabinets from the entryway of the garage |
 |
| My computer desk |
 |
| View from the fireplace |
 |
| The view from the living room |
 |
| Chad's desk |
 |
| His little set-up that he has going on! |
 |
| The living room from the entryway |
 |
| The living room view from the dining room |
 |
| The dining room table |
 |
| The entryway view from the dining room |
 |
| The hallway cabinets and drawers |
 |
| Hallway drawers pulled out |
 |
| The medicine cabinet which the glass opens up |
 |
| The master bathroom |
 |
| The master bathroom |
 |
| The bathtub |
 |
| The picture window in our bedroom |
 |
| More of our bedroom, taken by the picture window |
 |
| Taken from Chad's work clothes closet in our bedroom |
 |
| Chad's work clothes closet-which is in our bedroom |
 |
| The floor of Chad's work clothes closet |
 |
| The other side of Chad's work clothes closet |
 |
| Our walk in closet |
 |
| The back of our walk in closet |
 |
| More of our walk in closet |
 |
| More of our walk in closet |
 |
| The other side of our walk in closet |
 |
| The floor of our walk in closet-that cabinet is built into the closet |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)