Happy Chinese New Year and Welcome to 2011!

A great way to start the new year is to "de-clutter!"  I know you've heard that before, but it really does help the energy flow in your home or office if you discard items you don't use or need anymore. Always surround yourself with things you love and things that are functional.  Never keep broken (or fix them) or unused items in your home or office.   They bring negativity  and slow the flow of positive energy in your home.  Plus, who needs all that extra clutter around.                  

Easy ways to "Feng Shui" your home, office, hotel or living space.

In Feng Shui the "bathroom" is considered the busiest room in the house.  Because of this it's believed the "Chi" or energy of the bathroom can start to swirl around and get out of control. In order to "calm" the "Chi" you can do one of two things.  Or you can do both, which is what I do in my bathrooms.                                 First: place a "Rock*" in each of the four corners of the bathroom.  You can use any small rocks you have in your yard. While you are placing your rocks in each of the corners of your bathroom you'll need to "state your intent."  Example: "As I place these anchors please calm the "Chi" or energy in this room."                 Second: place a small covered bowl or jar of rice on the top of your toilet tank.  You can use any type of small covered container and any type of rice.                                                                                          Remember to "state your intent."

In Feng Shui it is also believed that "Chi" or energy can be sucked down an open drain, so it's suggested that you close or cover all your sink and tub/shower drains. It's also believed that your "wealth" can be "flushed" down the toilet.  So, keep your toilet lid down, and if possible hang a lush green plant* over the toilet.

Feng Shui tip:  Use a "Pink" tassel in the South West corner of your home to stimulate the "Love & Relationship" section of the Bagua. Use a green, black or blue, or all three color tassels in the due East of your home and enhance the "Family" area of the Bagua.

*I collect rocks so I like to use rocks that I've collected on my travels.                        You could use a silk plant, but it's better to have a "live" plant. 

*The "Tips" & "Tricks" are excerpts from my cookbook, "Vegan to Shrimp."