Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient art that has been practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years to improve the layout and flow of energy through their homes.

When I first bought my home I decided to do some research on feng shui with the mind frame "it can only help". Here are some easy tips that helped me and that I used in my home to integrate feng shui into my life. There are plenty of books so you can do your own research and will explain the thought process for some of these tips.

Kitchen

*No mirrors facing stove ( you don't want the heat reflected or doubled)

*Use wood elements including plants to balance all of the water and metal elements in the kitchen

*Do not hang things, this include a pot rack, knives- nothing should be over head or hanging


Dining room

* Make sure you dining room table is not above your washing mashing (if your washing machine is in the basement)

* There should be an even number of seats/chairs/settings

* Decorate with food and garden pictures/artwork


Office

* Place crystal or wind chimes at the door

* Have your desk face the room not a wall or window

* Buy two new fish (one black one for good luck and 1 colorful one)

* Place plants throughout


Living room

* Choose positive, peaceful themes in paintings with good symbolism

* Ideally one should choose pictures of mountains to go behind the sofa and pictures of water/ocean to place in front

* Do not place sofa under a window or mirror

* Place TV in NW corner


Bedroom

* Place bed so you can see the door but not be directly opposite it

* Do not position your bed between two windows or two doors

* Do not face your bed so your feet face the door

* Each side of the bed should be identical (same side table, lamp etc)

* Use sheer curtains so light is allowed in


Bathroom

* Always keep toilet lid closed, toilet should not be seen from the door

* Add earth elements to off set the water elements

* Keep door closed or partially open



Nursery



* Blue, turquoise or violet paint color

* No mobiles, the chi should be able to move freely over and under the crib, place windchimes near the window instead

* Keep a bowl of sea salt on top of dresser to obsorbe an negative energy

* Never put a crib under or near a window, crib should be placed diagonal from door

* Use a wood or wicker rocking chair

* Add orange oil in diaper pail to offset negative smells

* There should be no more than four electronics in the nursery


Exterior

* Paint your front door red for good luck

* First impressions of your home should be warm and welcoming (weed your garden, plant flowers, take out the garbage)

* Make sure your walk way is lit

* House address should be visible during the day and at night

* Declutter, clean and organize

* You should always feel positive and comfortable in your space, if something doesn't feel right it probably isn't.

Small Acts of Kindness

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop

We have all heard the saying "no good dead goes unpunished" and trust me I have been in many situations which has led me to sometimes believe this myself. However, I feel that there are very little random acts of kindness happening everyday. I am assuming this because every time I do something nice, people look at me like I am a crazy person. For example: on a late night run to CVS I was walking down the aisle when I noticed a lady struggling to balance her various products that were stacked on top of one another like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. As she turned the corner I saw her eyeball the stack of baskets near me. I immediately saw the sense of relief confusion in her eyes. She was trying to figure out how she could continue her balancing act while also getting a hand free to grab a basket. I snatched up a basket and said "Do you want one of these?" She replied in a breathless, gasping sigh and managed to say "YES". I held the basket while she dumped her merchandise into it while thanking me about a million times. "No problem, really" I kept reassuring her because it really took about two seconds out of my time and really wasn't a problem at all. Astonishingly, she kept thanking me. The way this lady thanked me you may have thought I slipped her $100 bill or offered up my kidney to her. I think random acts of kindness are so non-existent these days that people are really taken back when they receive it.

Common courtisy and simple good manners are a thing of a past. Rarely is door held for you or a seat on a train offered up. Certainly no one is offering to carry my bags or open a door. Never mind that I go ahead of them line with my one item to purchase and them with a carriage full. Even when I am paying for a service like an oil change or buying a coffee I hardly ever hear a "thank you" or a "have a good day". What is going on in society? And more importantly what can we do to change it? The best we can do is to continue to be nice because when you do good you feel good, and who doesn't like to feel good?

What I Can't Live Without!

Okay, so we all know we can't live without the essentials: food, water, shelter and love. Therefore, those essentials all go without saying. Of course I can't live without my husband, friends, and family. This blog is the other items that I love using everyday and can't imagine my life without!

1. Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee

Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee (medium- $2.34): I have been drinking a medium iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts for nearly 15 years! That would be approximately $11,000 in iced coffee (imagine my shock when I did this calculation). However, I did have a brief stint of drinking a tank from Bess Eaton daily instead but then went back to Dunkin Donuts. I started drinking coffee out of sheer boredom at about 14 years-old. My friend and I would walk to Dunkin Donuts after school to simply have something to do and a place to hang out. It didn't take long before I was a full-blown coffee addict. Since then I have had an iced coffee everyday, yes even in the winter! My iced coffee just doesn't feed my addiction but it is now a safety blanket and part of my daily routine that would be even harder to break than the addiction itself.

2. Thermos Hydration Bottle

Thermos-Fashion Hydration Bottle (18oz $20.99): This is not your average water bottle, this is a vacuum insulated bottle. This bottle may be pricey compared to other water bottles; however, this bottle keeps you water cold for up to 12 hours and does not sweat because of the vacuum seal. This bottle is also made of unbreakable stainless steal inside and out. There are 3 main reasons I love and recommend this bottle: 1. It is cute and stylish 2. It is the only bottle I have ever used that keeps my water cold for 12 hours and I hate drinking warm water so this helps me drink the amount of water I should everyday (you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces for example if your weight is 150lbs = 75oz a day) and stay hydrated. 2. It doesn't sweat or leave rings when you put it down. For all of these reason I actually have three of these bottles (in different styles of course).

3. Netflix

Netflix ($9-$14 a month): How did we ever live without netflix? My husband and I love movies and with netflix we pay $9 to rent one movie at a time which arrives in the mailbox and we can stream an unlimited number of movies and television shows right to our living room. My husband and I streamed the first seven seasons of 24 and are now watching Lost. I really love being able to stream movies and shows whenever I want. Thank god the days of driving to Blockbuster and spending 45min looking through the aisles or calling to movies on hold, are thankfully over.

4. Sidekick LX

Sidekick LX (T-mobile $175 when purchased): I had the older version of the sidekick and loved it, so when the new 3G model came out I decided to upgrade. I have a love/hate relationship with my phone. I love the color and the overall look of the swivel LCD screen. I love that I only pay $20 for unlimited text and internet! I love the full keyboard and the fact that I can go online, check my email, IM, use Bing and other software on my sidekick. I hate that I can't download any apps that sony doesn't offer. I hate the camera- crap quality. I hate that the internet is pretty slow, even for 3G. I hate how I have had a lot of randomness happen like my sim card dying, or pictures being erased for no reason. However, with that said this is my lifeline. I check the weather, facebook, product reviews, etc on my phone all the time.

5. Lip balm

Lip balm (Rosebud Salve $6 for .8oz): If I had to choose one beauty item, it would have to be lip balm. Right now my go to lip balm is Smith's Rosebud Salve. I have had this tin for a few years and kind of forgot about it until I saw an interview with Rachel Bilson in August's InSyle magazine. Bilson said this was her desert island must have. This made me take it out, try it and fall in love with it again. This lip balm is describes as a multi-purpose lip balm that calms, heals, and soothes. It can also be used on cuticles, rashes, burns, etc. I also love Korres lip butters ($10 for .21oz)) and Lush's lip balm ($6.95 for .3oz).


6. Barnes and Nobel-Nook Barnes and Nobel Nook (wifi $150)- It took me a long time to jump ship to an ebook but I am glad I did. It really is great to be able to carry 1,500 books in this little unit and shop right from the internet. I really love the color, LCD-touch screen and the look of the nook. It is cute, stylish, and convenient. Also you can download pictures and music.

7. Dell Inspiron Laptop 1545


Dell Inspiron Laptop ($499): This is the first laptop I have ever owned and will never go back to a desktop again! I love the convenience of my laptop, as well as the color and style. My husband bought this for me when I went back to school for my Master's. I hated being stuck inside or in the corner of the room on my desktop. The laptop allows me to be anywhere in the house or outside on my deck. I can also bring my laptop to work and class which has been really helpful and made taking classes less painful. My laptop and my phone are two items that I use every single day!

8. Poodles

" My little dog...a heartbeat at my feet" Edith Wharton

Poodles (priceless)- I can't imagine my life without dogs. All my life I grew up with dogs and when we didn't have one I would beg for one until we did. I never thought I would have poodles but I feel in love with one and now am hooked. My two girls Sophie (black) and Bella (red) are my joys. They don't shed, they are fun, loving, loyal, funny, and keep my company and also encourage me to exercise. I don't trust people who don't like dogs.

Coconut Water

VITA COCO

As I am always on the cutting edge of style my new favorite drink is also the favorite of many celebrities and non-celebrities alike- coconut water. I have always enjoyed being stylish when it comes to beauty, clothes, accessories and now even what I consume. So far my favorite flavor is Vita Coco's Peach and Mango. I like this for two reasons: The first is the flavor, it is much better than plain coconut water which tastes suspiciously like Pedialyte to me. The other reason? I can't help but love a witty drink. On the box (17oz) it reads:

The Original Power Couple- Introducing Peach and Mango. Hoping to join the ranks of celeb couples such as Brangelina, Tomkat and Cashica, Peach and Mango are considering being called Peacho, Pango, or Meaches.

Sure paparazzi have yet to pick up on the story, but it's just a matter of time. So until then we'll just stick to Peach and Mango. Stay hydrated and enjoy.

So if you are not turned on just by the taste and wit alone, here are some other reasons to give it a whirl:

Reasons To Try (stated on the box):

- more electrolytes than leading sports drinks with 15times the potassium

-has more potassium than two bananas (don't tell the monkeys)- potassium keeps your body properly hydrated and prevents cramping

-100% natural

-hydrate and feel peach keen!

Other reasons to drink from vitacoco.com

-it naturally fat and cholesterol free
-helps keep your body cool and at its proper temperature
-helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells and boosts poor circulation
-regulates the function of the intestine, helps promote smoother skin
-helps replenish your body's fluids after exercising
-helps detoxify your body and boost your immune system
-helps ease stomach pain

More Health Benefits from healthmad.com

-coconut water relieves urinary problems

-coconut water kills intestinal worms

-coconut water breaks up kidney stones

-coconut water is used in blood transfusion
-coconut water is an antibacterial
-coconut water controls vomiting
-coconut water raises the level of metabolism in the body

And really, if it's good enough for Audrina, it's good enough for me! I just have one question: Who is Cashica?

July Favorites

1. Janna Conner Gold Initial Necklace

This necklace is an 18inch gold necklace that retails for $525 www.jannaconner.com. However, I bought it at Barneys New York Outlet for $99!! I was drawn to this for two reasons: The first is because most of my jewelry is either silver or white gold and wanted something different. Secondly, I love gold jewelry for summer, it looks so pretty, simple and easy and really looks great with a tan and bronze summer makeup. My friend, Jen and I both got these great classic necklaces that I am sure will be part of our everyday look for a long time.

2. Coconut Water


Coconut water is amazing!! It hydrates and makes you feel and look good. There are so many benefits to drinking it I doesn't see why you wouldn't. The only downside is the price, for this size is $1.79. Please see separate blogpost for more information on this healthy, stylish, delicious drink.

3. MAC's Jazzed Creamsheen lipstick from the In the Groove collection.

This is a limited edition peachy/coral hue is the perfect summer color! I was interested in this color when I first saw swatches on temptalia.com. However, when I saw this amazing color in person and heard it was selling out everywhere including online I had to have it and have been using it ever since! I have been using it all summer for a pop of color on these warm days!

4. Kate Spade "Vivian" Sunglasses

Yet another unbelievable deal I scored this month. Right now these sunglasses are online at nordstrom.com for $160! However I scored these at TJ Maxx for $40!! They were in perfect condition, no scratches or anything the only thing is that there was no case. Problem solved I bought leopard hard sunglasses case that matches perfectly at ALDO Accessories for $8. These sunglasses really look great and are great quality for an even greater price.



5. Lush's Bublegum Lip Scrub

This smells and tastes great! Think heaven, or whatever you think heaven smells like! It also smells exactly like Lush's Rockstar soap which I really love too!! After just a couple uses of this delicious lip scrub my lips looked better. I use the lip scrub and then Smith's Rose Salve and my lips look amazing which they need to if you are going to use MAC's Jazzed lipstick!

6. MAC Stereo Rose Mineralized Skin Finish

Ahhh.... the holy grail of MSF!!! The most coveted MSF there ever was. First released in 2005 it sold out everywhere, then finally in 2010 a re-release!! Immediately everyone bought these up, sold-out online in minutes and in stores in seconds. Luckily, I was able to put one on hold and pick it up from my local MAC counter with ease. This really is a beautiful MSF that has very pigmented coral color that can be used during as a blush with a very refined shimmer as a highlight.

7. NOOK

The Barnes and Nobel Nook is my new BFF! I can download songs, pictures and books to little device. I can also browse the web, shop for new books and listed to books being read out-loud to me. I also love the small color lcd touch screen. It is great to be able to look up words, highlight and make notes while reading. This e-reader is cute, stylish, convenient and easy on the wallet at only $149

I Got My March Wish List Item!!

Zebra Straw Charm Tote

It is not often that I will actually have the opportunity to purchase something on my wish list. However, in June -I was able to find and purchase my March wish list item, the Coach Zebra Straw Charm Tote!

I went shopping at a local outlet center after work one day and I decided to check the COACH outlet store to see if there was anything new or different before I left. As I walked over to the back of the store where they usually carry the boutique deletes I saw it ! The only one, all alone on the shelf calling to me. I quickly snatched it up and immediately checked the price tag.

The original price was $359 and then that was marked down to $349 with an additional 50% off! Now as if that wouldn't be exciting enough I had a 20% off coupon to use as well, this made this purchase a no brainer. I went to the counter and purchased my wish list item for $139 (before tax)! I am so glad I decided to check the store and scored my summer bag for 70% off the original price! It was meant to be!

This Coach bag in now number four in my collection and a great addition to my black large Sabrina, my khaki and saddle Brooke, and my rose gold Parker. I love COACH bags because they look great, wear well, and have a great warranty! If you are lucky enough to have a Coach Outlet near you than check it out, you can find some great deals on bags, sunglasses, shoes, and small accessories.

June Favorites

MAC Marine Life Highlight Powder (Limited Edition)- a super-fine lightly pearlized shimmer with a whimsical seahorse motif embossed into the powder. This highlight powder was promoted with MAC's Back to the Beach Collection for $26. This product was the most hyped in this collection and on everyone's "must-have" list because of the unusual design and green packaging. Luckily I had the MAC SA put one aside for me and therefore, was one of the few who actually got it. Although the packaging is so beautiful you almost don't want to use it, underneath the gold over-spray is a beautiful shade of light and dark coral. Once you swirl these colors together you have a really beautiful coral blush for summer. I have been using this shade almost everyday and really love it for summer! If I feel I need a little more highlight I use my melon pigment and it looks great together!



TARTE Park Avenue Princess Matte/Waterproof Bronzer- After my Arbone bronzer fell and broke into a million pieces I needed a replacement stat. After considering repurchasing NARS Luguna Beach I had an SA at Sephora recommend TARTE. I was hesitant in purchasing from Nars again because their products contain Talc and parbens and I think I have a sensitivity to it. TART is made without parbens and is synthetic free it allows your skin to breathe while giving you a very natural glow. I would only use this if you have fair skin, if you are medium to dark skin tone I don't think this color bronzer will show up much on your skin. I purchased this at Sephora for $29.




mark- Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation- an oil-free pressed powder that allows a buildable coverage from sheer to full. For the summer I wanted to leave my liquid foundation and experiment with a powder. After reading multiple reviews on totalbeauty.com and makeupalley.com I decided to purchase this Mark Powder Foundation from my friend Jen who is a Avon rep for only $10. The hardest part about choosing this powder was deciding on the color. The color I ended up with was Buff, although it looks rather yellow in the pan it actually blends very nicely. This powder gives a light to medium coverage and really even outs your skin tone nicely. This powder lasts all day and doesn't oxidize or turn orange.



I-Skin Pore Perfecting System-reduces the appearance of visible pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Reduces oil areas, dry skin patches and blemishes. Leaves skin looking and feeling smoother and clearer. After being less than impressed with my Clarasonic Mia I decided to return it and try this for a fraction of the price (I-Skin $29 vs. Mia $149). I first heard of the I-Skin from a youtube beauty vlogger. In the video she compared the I-Skin to the Clairasonic and said she actually like the i-Skin better! After I saw the video and read a number of reviews at sallybeauty.com I ran straight to my local Sally Hansen Beauty Supply store and picked it up. I got to say I felt the difference after using the i-skin immeditatley. My skin actually felt softer and smoother which never happend while using the Mia. This unit is battery operated and well worth the money. If you don't want to invest in a Clarasonic try the iskin first!




MAC Perfect Topping Mineral Skin Finish- I often hear of limited edition beauty product from the past that I have missed out on. Many of these are MAC's MSF's. Perfect Topping was one of those products that I just kept hearing about and really wanted. It was originally promoted in the Sugarsweet collection in March of 2009 but I was lucky enough to find it at my local CCO (cosmetic company outlet) in June for $19.50. After looking at about 7 of them I choose one with a lot of beige and less pink since I already own an MSF in light flush which has a pink shade to it. I really love this as a highlight, it goes with anything and really is flattering!




Revlon Nail Polish in Tropical Temptaion- after seeing this color a few times at my local CVS I decided to give it a try since it looked like the perfect coral shad for summer. I am so glad I gave it a try, after only two coats I had a beautiful opaque coral color that was both bright, flattering, and great for summer.




Revlon's Summer 2010 Daydreamer Collection: This is the first limited edition collection from Revlon and I bought three out of the five Super Lustrous lipglosses: Coral Reef (a bright but wearable coral), Pink Pop (a cool bright pink), and Peach Petal (a sheer, pale, pastel pink). The two I did not purchase are Firecracker (an orange red) and Lilac Pastelle (a very light lilac shade). These lipglosses give a very opaque color with a non-sticky finish and for about $6.49 a piece they are a great alternative to MAC's Creamsheen's. I also bought the nailpolish in the pale green in Minted for $4.99. Minted needed three coats to get an opaque color and the texture was not as nice when compared to Tropical Temptation.