Beautiful Abodes

May 2012

Beautiful Abodes Feng Shui Your Life

Handmade Modern Wall Art Build Your Outside Oasis

Between Friends I

magine your home the way it is now. Imagine it the way you want it to be. Is it similar? Or is it so far off the map that you can’t relate the two together?

This issue is about taking your home to the next level. To the way you want it to be, a place of relaxation and peace.

After a long bitter winter, spring feels fresher. And though the economy is tight, there is a sense of freedom at hand. Take advantage, put on your crown and declare yourself the king or queen of what you do.

This month, we were inspired by spring and the rich colors it brings along with it. You’ll find lots of new ideas for bringing peace into your home, with the freshness of spring.

It’s time to refresh and renew! So don’t wait! Let’s get started!

Best Wishes,

Elizabeth Elizabeth Carroll Editor in Chief

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Contents

2

Between Friends

4

Smart Recipes

6

The Art of Feng Shui

Liz talks this issue and the power of peace.

Quick and easy recipes that are smart and healthy for the busy person.

Leah Hennen discusses the history of Feng Shui and how to use it to improve your home.

May 2012

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Building an Outdoor Oasis on a Budget

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Do It Yourself

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Advertising Index & Contact Information

Create your perfect outdoor area for a price you can afford.

Make your own mini forest and wall art!

Write us a letter! We’d love to hear from you!

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smart recipes QUICK & EASY

Lime-Steamed Salmon

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

ingredients

ingredients

2 limes 1 pound salmon fillet, skinned and

cut into 3 pieces about 1 inch thick 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 2 cups trimmed baby (small) green

beans (about 8 oz.) or one

9-ounce package frozen French-

cut green beans

Lime wedges (optional)

1 small onion, chopped 2 teaspoons oil 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts 1 14 1/2 ounce can no-salt-added

diced tomatoes, drained 1 10 ounce tub PHILADELPHIA速

Santa Fe Blend Cooking Creme, divided 1/2 cup KRAFT速 Mexican Style

Finely Shredded Four Cheese 8 flour tortillas (6 inch)

directions 1. HEAT oven to 350 degrees F. 2. COOK and stir onions in hot oil in large skillet on medium heat 4 to 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, 3/4 cup cooking creme and shredded cheese.

3. SPOON about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up.

Place in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining cooking creme. Cover.

directions 1. Place the fish in a single layer on top of the lime slices. Stir ginger, reserved lime peel, salt, and pepper into sesame oil; brush generously over fish.

2. Place fresh or frozen beans in the upper section of the steamer container.

Steam the fish and beans according to the manufacturers directions for 12 to 15 minutes or until just cooked through.

(If beans are not tiny, you may need to remove the fish and steam beans for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.) Let stand 1 minute.

3. To serve, arrange beans in a serving dish; remove fish from lime slices and arrange fish on top of beans.

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4. BAKE 15 to 20 min. or until heated through.

Fajita Ranch Chicken Wraps

ingredients 12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken

breast strips for stir-frying 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Nonstick cooking spray 1 small red, yellow, or green sweet

pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips 2 tablespoons bottled reduced-

calorie ranch salad dressing 2 whole wheat, tomato, jalapeno, or

plain flour tortillas, warmed 1/2 cup salsa 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

directions 1. Sprinkle chicken strips with chili powder and garlic powder. Coat a medium nonstick skillet with nonstick spray; heat over medium-high heat. Cook chicken and sweet pepper strips in hot skillet over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and pepper strips are tender. Drain if necessary. Toss with salad dressing.

2. Divide chicken and pepper mixture between warmed tortillas. Top with Easy Fresh Salsa and cheese. Roll up; cut in half.

Bring France Home.

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The Art of Feng Shui

Feng shui -- which literally translates to “wind and water� -- is the ancient Chinese art of placement.

By Leah Hennen 7

Shui is: A serious study of how the unseen energies of our living environment affect the people living or working in that particular area in a certain period of time.

There are today some variations of methodology in Feng Shui because each school can have its own application for both yin and yang. Classical Feng Shui schools do not always conflict in theory, they just operate on different levels.

F

eng Shui was first used about 3000 years ago, it was called the art of Kan Yu and was considered the observation of forces between heaven and earth. As with the current Feng Shui philosophy, it, too, was based on principles of Yin and Yang in conjunction with the five elements.

Like most Chinese disciplines, Kang Yu philosophers passed down their knowledge from master to disciple. And with each new generation, more findings were added and old theories were redefined. Then came the Tang Dynasty. At that time, Kan Yu ruled, but one school of thought popped up as most prominent: the San He system.

San He and Feng Shui are basically the same thing. San He is considered the oldest form of Feng Shui. The discipline of San He places great emphasis on environmental features such as mountains, terrains and water. The direction, shape, flow and appearance of all these features in our environment became components for various sophisticated design elements. By the end of the Ming Dynasty there was yet a new ideology emerging. It was called San Yuan.

San Yuan and San He, again, were very similar. The main difference was that San Yuan placed more emphasis on the aspect of time while San He focused more on the appearance, forms and flow of water in the environment There are three basic key functions of Kan Yu, a.k.a. Feng Shui: 1. Corrective, a function designed to fix existing problems.

2. Constructive, a function to enhance such things as wealth, health, love/unity.

3. Predictive, a function designed to reveal that which has past, explain the present and predict the future.

When Feng Shui was first practiced (around the Chou Dynasty: 206B.C. _ 219 B.C.), there weren’t any particular schools.

There was only one type of Feng Shui and it used forms and yin and yang of the five elements to determine the quality of the land. Later on, practitioners began developing their own methodology and, in doing so, discovered new theories. Since each practitioner had his/her unique experience and outcome, a number of different schools of thought sprang up. Yet they all had many things in common. A good definition of classical Feng

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Feng shui divides the world into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. If you have a room that doesn’t feel quite right, try balancing the elements to make it more comfortable. Each element invokes a different mood, creating a customized space that’s beneficial for your personality and goals. Here’s a look at each one and how to incorporate it into your home, yard or office design:

Wood Wood harnesses the power of creativity and expansion while representing traits such as growth, birth, strength, flexibility and intuition. Too much wood can make you feel overwhelmed, rigid, stubborn and inflexible, whereas too little can show up as a lack of creativity or depression, ambivalence and stagnancy.

When designing with the wood element, use shapes that mimic the vertical, column-like shape of tree trunks and the softness of leaves and flowers. Like the leaves and sky, wood’s colors are green and blue. Consider incorporating the following types of objects: * fresh and silk flowers * plants and trees * cotton and other natural fabrics * wood furniture

Fire Increase enthusiasm and leadership skills by maximizing the fire element. Use this element in design to encourage expressiveness, inspiration and boldness. When there’s an overabundance of fire, it can show itself as anger, aggression, irritability and impulsive behavior, whereas too little can show up as emotional coldness, lack of vision, inexpressiveness and a lack of self-esteem.

To expand the fire element in your space, add: * candles, incandescent lights and sunlight * any shade of red, pink or purple * electronic equipment * animal prints

Earth Earth affects physical strength and order while generating an overall feeling of grounding, balance and stability. When there’s an overabundance of earth in a space, people will often notice a heavy sensation and experience more boredom, sluggishness and seriousness. When there’s too little earth, people may feel disorganized, chaotic and unfocused.

To bring in the element, add: * anything in earth tones (brown, green or sand) * square and rectangular shapes * low, flat surfaces * images of landscapes

Metal Metal affects mental clarity and logic. The presence of metal within a room can be felt in personal characteristics such as organization, focus, righteousness and analytical abilities.

When surrounded with too much metal, you can be seen as chatty, overly critical and prone to speaking without thinking.

When there’s too little metal, you may notice a feeling of quiet, cautiousness and lack of focus.

When enhancing a space with metal, add: * round or oval shapes * anything made of metals, including iron, aluminum, gold or silver * rocks and stones * white, gray, silver or light pastel colors

Water Water’s domain encompasses spirituality and the emotions.

A balance of water brings about inspiration, wisdom and insightfulness. Too much water can create the feeling of unbalanced transition and the sense that you’re drowning emotionally. It can make you feel overwhelmed and overly social. When there’s too little water, you may experience a lack of sympathy, loneliness, isolation, stress and pettiness.

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When incorporating the water element, add: * the color black or any deep, dark tones * reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and gazing balls * wavy, free-form or asymmetrical shapes * water or water features, such as aquariums and fountains

Pulling It Together Now that you understand the basic characteristics of each element, keep in mind one more thing: The objects in your home very often have several elements reflected within each of them. For example, a red flowerpot full of white tulips would represent four of the five elements. The red pot represents fire, the clay pot itself is earth, the flowers represent wood and the white of the tulips are metal.

Begin playing with the arrangement of elements by starting small with an entry table or dresser in your bedroom. Add your flowerpot of tulips and a few other items, such as a mirror for water and an arrangement of polished stones for metal.

That said, while a room with too much fire energy may be frenetic and not relaxing, a room with too much blue may be too cold and uninviting. To help you make sense of it all, here’s a primer on the five elements of Feng shui and the associated colors that elicit specific energies in your home:

To tackle an entire room, start by noticing and labeling all the objects within a space. If you find yourself using a specific room less than others or avoiding it altogether, the elemental balance may need some adjusting. Be on the lookout for rooms made up of only one or two elements. By adding in objects that represent those missing elements, you’ll be well on your way to creating a balanced and inviting room.

Your Color Guide Feng shui is the Eastern practice of analyzing where things go to create the most healthful and beneficial energy flow. Using colors in your home based on how you respond to their energy is a crucial component of the process. If you have a living room full of hot, fiery colors that sometimes leave you feeling burned out, bring the heat down with simple accessories such as blue silk pillows, blue blown glass and candles that are pumpkincolored rather than red. Sometimes a room just needs some relief from the energy associated with its predominant colors.

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Blue and black, associated with water energy, support inner work, helping us to concentrate, contemplate, mediate and handle creative endeavors. Blue can slow the heart and breathing rates and lower blood pressure. It can be used to increase coolness, to calm and to create privacy.

Green is associated with wood energy, the energy of growth, decisiveness and action. It can motivate internal change.

Red is associated with fire, which supports life energy. The color of blood, it can increase heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. It also can promote activity and alleviate depression.

It’s clearly the color of passion and love.

Yellow is associated with earth energy, representing Mother Earth. It can cheer, infuse with hope, clarify and elevate mental activity. It also creates a sense of stability and nurturing. Yellow is often used to help children with dyslexia improve their focus.

White and metallic colors are associated with metal energy.

They can support carefulness and focus as well as purity.

As for mixing colors, that can also mix the Feng shui energies related to them. Here are some things to consider when choosing combination colors:

Salmon, a combination of yellow/orange and red/orange, is a unique balance of earth and fire elements that’s quite harmonious. Use salmon to call attention to the heart of a space, create a sense of abundance and encourage conversation.

Turquoise, a blue-green combo, evokes the qualities of wood and water. It has both the contemplative qualities of blue and

the life of green, making it a great choice for spaces that allow movement and growth.

Lavender, a mix of the qualities of blue and purple, can evoke a sense of calm, spirituality, contemplation and quiet. Use lavender to minimize high activity, calm a stressful situation or create a special spiritual space.

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Creating an Outdo on a Budge Bring your outdoor area alive with a style you can afford!

By Donna L. Montaldo

O

utdoor living has grown in popularity and for good reason. Being outside in our own private space offers us a chance to relax and regroup from our hectic lives and the good news is, it does not have to be expensive to create. It is a beautiful place to spend time to enjoy a peaceful evening with a magazine. The following tips and ideas may help you create your outside oasis on a budget.

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Define The Purpose Deciding on the primary use for space will help with the design and keep the purpose in focus. If a reading nook is the goal, then a small bench hidden between climbing vines may work. If you want an area for outside dining, look for adequate space for a table and chairs to sit.

oor Oasis et

Look For Existing Structures The outside wall of your home or garage can help define the outside room. It can add a backdrop to hang fountains, place a barbecue pit, or add an awning for shade.

Also, check out the side yard. Many times this space may be just what one needs to create a quiet hide-away. extension of your home, locate an area which can be seen from the house or existing patio.

Start Small Thinking of this area as something that will grow into it's own in time will help get things started without investing a lot of money.

Adding to it over time can become part of the enjoyment of having it.

What's Underfoot?

Part of creating a usable outdoor space begins with what you have on the ground. Grass is not going to define the space adequately and chances are if it remains as the floor, you won't use the space. Inexpensive options include shredded bark, pea gravel or self-made concrete blocks which can be intermixed with the grass.

An outside rug over the area could be a quick seasonal solution.

Outside rugs can be found relatively inexpensively. Small nylon throw rugs sewn together is an inexpensive solution. Nylon or polyester will hold up for awhile, however any rug outside will have a season's lifespan at the most, making this one area not to invest much money into.

The more expensive outside flooring materials are on sale during the winter months, making it the ideal time to buy materials which offer a longer life. Until then, the lower cost options make a good solution.

Creating Privacy Creating privacy for an oasis does not have to be an expensive project. Be creative and look for items which can be grouped together to help create a natural screen.

Another option is to build inexpensive screens. Purchase outside treated posts, concrete blocks and quickset cement. Place the concrete blocks in the appropriate place to support the posts, then place the posts into the blocks and use the cement to hold them in place. Before you know it, you will have the basic structure for privacy formed for under $50.

Where To Begin Walk around your home and find a spot which offers something appealing, such as a shade tree, natural privacy, or a pleasing view of your garden or house. To help the spot feel like an extension of your home, locate an area which can be seen from the house or existing patio.

With the posts set, then add outside walls. This can be a piece of outside lattice, which will run around $8 per piece. Long garden posts for supporting tall vegetables can also be used to create an inexpensive trellis. Weaving a fast growing vine through it will provide shade, privacy and ambiance. Consider vines such as Clematis, Sweet Pea, or a Trumpet vine.

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Inexpensive Furniture Solutions To use the area as an outside dining spot, shop garage sales for tables and chairs. Remember, the chairs do not have to match, they just have to fit comfortably under the table. Using an outside paint will tie the pieces together and can cover many flaws plus keep the wood protected from moisture.

Cushions are a must for comfort and can also put a dent into the budget. Consider making your own or shop garage sales for used and outdated colored cushions then cover them. Outside fabrics are available, but they are also expensive. Using inexpensive sheeting or plasic tablecloths from the dollar store can be a low cost solution.

Creating Ambiance This is where the fun and creativity kicks in. Looking for items, which can be used in unexpected ways, will add individuality to the space.

Terracotta saucers can become large candle holders and grouped on a table. Black plastic throw-away nursery planters can be sprayed painted and filled with mood-enhancing ferns. Wind chimes, pottery and unique sculptures add to the mood and compliment nature.

Wind and water will help keep the oasis cool and comfortable.

Running an extension cord instead of paying for an electrician is a good solution for running fans or fountains.

Enjoying Your Oasis Once the main elements of the design are in place, you can begin enjoying your space and adding enhancements bit by bit. However, the best element for any oasis is to have people relaxing within it.

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DIY do it yourself

Make a Mini Forest Bring nature inside to you!

What You’ll Need - A base: plywood, wood, slate, or terra cotta - Twigs: real or fake, your preference - A drill or craft knife - Wood or craft glue - Decorative items: stones, leaves, candles 1. Select your base: a piece of plywood or wood, or a slate or terra-cotta floor tile.

Hoop Art

2. Lay out a geometric hole pattern around the candle(s). For safety, ensure that nothing is too close to the flame.

What You’ll Need

3. Use an electric drill with a wood or masonry bit that is slightly smaller than the stems’ diameter.

4. If holes are too small, whittle stems with a craft knife. Glue in place, if desired.

5. Position candle(s); votives should be in glass surrounds, but larger candles can sit directly on base. Use long-necked gas igniters to light.

Typography is everywhere. Bring it home with this easy creation!

- Different sized embroidery hoops - Black acrylic paint - Stencils or scrapbook lettering - White fabric 1. Arrange the letters atop the white fabric.

2. Gently trace the shapes with a pencil.

3. Then fill in the shapes with a black marker or black acrylic paint.

4. Stretch the fabric through an embroidery hoop and secure.

5. Cut off extra fabric along the edges, then hang on the wall.

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4.

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Maxwell House. Maxwell House is the most global of our coffee brands, after building its status as an American favorite with “good to the last drop” flavor. Go to Maxwellhousecoffee.com.

5.

Truvia(R) Baking Blend. Truvia(R) Baking Blend is a blend of Truvia(R) natural sweetener and sugar with 75% fewer

10.

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Elizabeth Carroll Editor in Chief John Douglas Creative Director Maggie James Managing Editor

Beautiful Abodes 1700 South Brooklyn Boulevard Jacksonville, Florida 14932 437.782.9382 www.beautifulabodes.com

Mickayla Hanns Editorial Assistant Molly Fox Graphic Designer Janie Darrah Photographer Donna L. Montaldo Leah Hennen Elaine Novasc Contributing Writers Greta Garbo Bette Davis Shirley Jawg Copy Editors

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