"Summer is a state of mind, a celebration of life, and a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and soak in the beauty that surrounds us" - Anonymous
Welcome to the July issue of HealthyHOME™ Magazine, where we invite you to embrace the essence of summer and enhance your living environment, where you'll find a wealth of ideas and inspiration to make the most of this vibrant season In this edition, you'll find tips for creating enjoyable backyard spaces, exploring outdoor projects that add value to your home, and uncovering the art of feng shui to harmonize your living spaces Let's celebrate life, take a moment to breathe, and create a home environment that reflects the beauty and joy of summer.
Sheila Alston Founder & Editor of Wellness Real Estate Magazine™ & HealthyHOME™ MagazineTogether, we are making the world a healthier place, one home at a time.
Heather says "I figured that if you are anything like my family that maybe you like to barbeque chicken in the summer time? And if you barbeque chicken, then chances are that you might have some extra chicken left over on a regular basis?"
https://heatherchristo com/2013/08/13/b bq-chicken-salad-with-buttermilkranch-dressing/
Heather Christo is a classically trained turned Allergen-Free celebrity chef who makes eating healthy a delicious way of life.
2017 James Beard Award Nominee for her amazing cookbook
PURE DELICIOUS
Summer is great for spending time with family, relishing the break from routine, and spontaneous entertaining. Maintaining an organized kitchen and being intentional about how you go about your cooking process will make entertaining more relaxing and enjoyable. Small, efficient changes to your process can make a big difference in how much time it takes to prepare your meals.
Unload the dishwasher, do the hand-wash dishes, wipe down countertops, and put away not needed appliances Take a few moments to put away items that have accumulated in the kitchen that do not belong there.
Whether using a new recipe or making a “tried and true” favorite, gather all items needed on the kitchen counter As you are pulling items out, group them by how they will need to be processed All produce together next to the cutting board, items that need not be prepped but cooked (such as pasta) and spices that will be added during cooking next to the stove, and raw meat/seafood next to the kitchen sink for processing. Once the ingredients are out in the open, gather the required kitchen utensils This is the time to get out the items such as the garlic mincer, measuring cups/spoons, knives, pots/pans, etc
that get you out of the kitchen to enjoy more summer fun!
Make the most of summer mealtimes by forming efficient habits in your kitchen. Being intentional about how you spend your prep time will help you make the most of the time you spend cooking Take time to enjoy the togetherness that often comes with a break from routine
Use a small mixing bowl to catch all the produce scraps to save time on trips to the trash can and to keep the process neater Once you are done prepping the produce, dump the bowl in your green garbage can, or compost container, or, if possible, feed them to the chickens
When you finish one preparatory task, take a moment to clean up that phase Put away unused produce, place spices back in the cupboard, and put dirty dishes in the sink Utilize the slow moments in cooking (for example, while waiting for the veggies to saute or the meat to brown) to load the dishwasher and put away items you no longer need
Pull up a good summer playlist on your favorite listening service, turn on the bluetooth speaker, and turn the volume up! Enlist help in your kitchen by giving the kids or your partner a task Being productive together can be a great bonding experience, especially when the demands of the school year are on hiatus.
By, Jolene Nannette Home by Jolene Specialist in home efficiency www.homebyjolene.com
"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams."
- Doug Ivester
As summer approaches, the allure of indoor/outdoor living grows stronger, prompting homeowners across the country to seek ways to seamlessly blend their indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you find yourself in the charming northern city of Boston or the sun-soaked southern paradise of Miami, understanding the distinct trends in indoor/outdoor living can help you create a personalized haven that celebrates the unique characteristics of your region We will explore and compare the prevailing trends in northern and southern states, highlighting the similarities and differences to inspire your own indoor/outdoor living transformation
In the northern states, where the seasons bring colder weather and occasional snowfall, homeowners have adopted specific trends to make the most of their outdoor spaces throughout the year
These trends include:
Covered patios, sunrooms, and enclosed porches allow year-round outdoor enjoyment, shielding residents from harsh elements
Outdoor heating features like fire pits and heaters create a warm and cozy atmosphere, extending outdoor use during cooler months
Incorporating evergreen trees, winterblooming plants, and strategic landscape lighting adds visual interest and charm to outdoor spaces, even in the colder months
Sealed windows, insulated roofing, and weather-resistant materials ensure outdoor spaces withstand harsh winter conditions.
In contrast, the southern states boast warmer climates, where the sun shines brighter and the summers are longer. Homeowners in these regions have embraced specific trends to maximize their outdoor living experience
These trends include:
Expansive door systems open up the indoor living areas directly to the covered or uncovered outdoor spaces essentially inviting the outdoor spaces in
Covered patios, pergolas, and retractable awnings offer ample shade, protecting residents from intense sunlight and harmful UV rays.
Misting systems, outdoor fans, and shaded seating areas create a refreshing environment, combating high temperatures and promoting outdoor comfort.
Covered poolside lounges, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment spaces create a resort-like atmosphere, embracing the warm climate and providing a haven for relaxation
Vibrant plants, palm trees, and water features enhance the tropical-inspired outdoor aesthetic, adding beauty and serenity to outdoor spaces
While the trends in northern and southern states may differ, the essence of indoor/outdoor living remains the same – to create a harmonious connection with nature and enjoy a life of wellness No matter where you reside, you can embrace indoor/outdoor living with the following tips:
Consider the unique weather patterns and conditions of your region to inform your design choices Adapting your outdoor space to accommodate both seasonal variations and the desired level of sun exposure will ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment.
Design your indoor and outdoor spaces to seamlessly flow into each other, reflecting your personal style and accommodating your desired activities Whether it's an outdoor kitchen, cozy seating area, or a meditation corner, strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics to create a space that truly feels like an extension of your home
Incorporate elements of nature into your outdoor living area Integrate greenery, water features, and natural materials that complement the surrounding landscape, promoting relaxation and a sense of tranquility
Regardless of the climate, prioritize creating shaded areas and comfortable seating to enhance the usability of your outdoor space Incorporate umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings to provide relief from the sun's rays, and invest in high-quality outdoor furniture and accessories to ensure a cozy and inviting atmosphere
Whether you're in the north or south, these trends offer the perfect opportunity to embrace the summer season, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy the benefits of a well-designed and wellness-focused home. So, get ready to soak up the summer vibes, relax in your outdoor oasis, and create lasting memories in a space that effortlessly blends comfort, style, and the joys of the great outdoors
By, Sabrina Aguilar In-house writer and Marketing Strategist for WellnessRE Magazine
In today's digital age, it's no secret that children spend far too much time indoors glued to their screens But worry not, because this summer, we have the perfect remedy for family wellness and togetherness: backyard games! These simple, yet wildly entertaining games will have the whole family laughing, bonding, and enjoying the great outdoors. Best of all, you don't need to buy a ton of fancy equipment So, let's dive in and discover five fantastic made-up games that will make this summer one to remember!
On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than a game that combines laughter and water. Splash Tag is a twist on the classic game of tag but with a refreshing twist! All you need is a garden hose or a couple of water guns Designate one player as "It" and let the chase begin! The twist is that whenever "It" tags another player, they get drenched with water. The laughter is guaranteed as everyone runs, dodges, and tries to stay dry!
Who can resist the mesmerizing allure of bubbles? Bubble Bonanza turns the simple act of blowing bubbles into a thrilling competition Each player is equipped with their own bubble wand and a bottle of bubble solution The objective is to create the biggest, most beautiful bubble without it popping Keep a tally of the bubble sizes, and award points for the largest unburst bubble Get ready for giggles and friendly bubble battles that will have your family floating on a sea of laughter!
Combine the fun of a picnic with a dash of brain-teasing challenges! Picnic Puzzlers is a game that tests your problem-solving skills while enjoying a delicious outdoor meal Gather your family around a picnic table and present them with a series of riddles or puzzles The first one to solve each puzzle gets to take a bite of their scrumptious snack Not only will your brains get a workout, but the anticipation and joyful celebration of every solved puzzle will create lasting memories
Transform your backyard into an epic obstacle course filled with laughter and wacky challenges. Use everyday items like hula hoops, buckets, ropes, and cushions to create a series of obstacles Players must complete the course while performing silly actions like hopping on one foot, spinning in circles, or pretending to be different animals Time each participant, and see who can complete the course with the most style and the fewest stumbles. This game promises to keep everyone active, engaged, and in fits of laughter!
Ignite your family's curiosity and appreciation for the great outdoors with a nature scavenger hunt. Make a list of items for players to find in your backyard, such as a smooth pebble, a colorful flower, a feather, or a squirmy worm Split into teams or go solo, armed with baskets to collect your findings The first person or team to find all the items wins Encourage discussions about nature and create an opportunity to learn about the world around us while having fun and sharing laughs together
With these five fantastic backyard games, you're all set for a summer full of family wellness, laughter, and cherished memories Step away from the screens, embrace the sunshine, and enjoy the simple pleasures of spending quality time together. These made-up games require little to no equipment and offer boundless fun for all ages So, gather your loved ones, unleash your imagination, and let the games begin! Happy summer, filled with laughter and outdoor adventures!
By, Lucy Chatman Staff Writer for HealthyHOME Media
Whether you have your own backyard pool or a neighborhood community pool you enjoy with your family, here are some favorite pool games fun for kids of all ages:
Turn your pool into a competitive racecourse with Floaty Flip Race! Gather a few pool floats or inflatable toys for each participant The objective is to flip your floaty and race to the other end of the pool while keeping it flipped The catch? You can only use your hands to flip the floaty, no other body parts allowed! The first one to reach the finish line with their floaty flipped wins Get ready for splashes, laughter, and some friendly poolside rivalry!
Noodle Joust:
Grab your pool noodles and get ready for a splashingly good time with Noodle Joust! Each player mounts their pool noodle steed (a pool noodle with one end in the water) and stands on a floating platform The goal is to knock your opponents off their platforms using your noodle Engage in epic battles of balance, skill, and laughter as you joust your way to victory The last player standing on their platform is crowned the champion!
Combine the excitement of a treasure hunt with the refreshing coolness of the pool in Dive and Seek! Gather a variety of small pool-friendly items (such as diving toys, coins, or even glow sticks for a nighttime version) One person is designated as the "Seeker" and stays outside the pool while the rest of the players scatter the items around the pool. The Seeker then dives in and tries to retrieve as many items as possible within a time limit The player with the highest number of retrieved items becomes the next Seeker Get ready for a watery adventure and a whole lot of diving fun!
Remember, safety should always be a priority when playing pool games Ensure that everyone participating is a confident swimmer and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents Have a splashing good time in the pool with these additional games!
Are you someone who loves to get outside whenever you can? I will admit I am one of those people who could live outside. I would choose outdoors over indoors any day of the week….no matter how hot, cold, humid, or windy. And because I live in Minnesota, when summer comes around I NEED to get myself outdoors whenever possible in the summer.
A lot of times I like to get outside to do house projects in the summer and save the indoor projects for winter months when we’re going to be indoors anyways. During the winter I will plan out what I want to get done over the warm summer months so that I can hit the ground running as soon as the snow melts.
And did you know that there are projects for the exterior of your home and yard that can reduce toxins INSIDE your home? So often we focus on the interior, that we forget our home is an entire system and it works together on multiple levels to keep us comfortable and healthy.
These eight projects are perfect for anyone who wants to create a healthier interior space while being outside at the same time.
You can use your lawn and landscaping spaces to make a really tasteful (and tasty!) garden for your family to use. Gone are the days of a garden with rows of corn and beans. Instead, you can make a beautiful space by incorporating flowering plants, herbs, fruits, and veggies all in one place
Not only will this make a beautiful display and make your yard beautiful, but it is a self-sustaining practice. The amount of travel that it takes for a piece of produce to reach our grocery stores is really eye-opening. The more food you grow and eat locally, the fewer pesticides and chemicals you’re allowing into your home
Plants around your yard are also beneficial for our air. Plants purify the air, and so if these gardens are near an outdoor living space or dining area, you’ll reap those benefits as well.
Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can add a container here or there to grow your own food or herbs as well Or maybe your home is like mine and had plants and bushes already planted. You’d be surprised how you can use those plants as well. For example, if you have Lilacs, Ashley from Practical Self Reliance has a pretty great list of how you can use lilacs in the kitchen
If you’re just starting out, this post from Lisa at A Country Girl’s Life is super helpful to start with some easy fruits and veggies.
There are so many ways to choose to cook outdoors in the summer. First, adding heat to your home and moisture from cooking can negatively affect your indoor air quality when it’s already a battle to keep indoors cool and dry.
Second, the CO2 that is let off from gas appliances usually has no place to escape in the summer while we have our homes sealed up to keep them cool Unlike the winter, when we might crack a window while we’re cooking.
Cooking food outdoors allows the heat, CO2 from natural gas appliances, and moisture from food cooking to be expelled into the outdoor air, rather than your home Outside these components will dissipate really quickly and they become diluted. Inside, this isn’t the case as it adds to a smaller amount of air and can affect indoor air quality quickly.
Creating a space where you can grill or cook outside doesn’t have to be complex or complicated Some families grill on their driveways, others on a deck or patio A bonus is if you can manage to create an outdoor eating area to allow your body extra time outdoors.
So often we forget about our window screens until they are filled with pollen and dust The summer is a great time to either vacuum or hose them off and get rid of the contaminants that adhere themselves to your screen.
The dirt and dust that travels through the outdoor air can contain allergens as well as pesticides and herbicides from other yards and gardens That means every time you open up your windows, those contaminants can filter into your home
Simply vacuuming your screens with a brush may be enough, but for an even deeper clean you can use an exterior window cleaner and attach it to a hose to clean the window and screen outside at the same time
It’s also important to clean vents and change filters during the summer months. Venting that allows fresh air into our home, or venting that safely displaces combustion gas from appliances can get dirty and plugged over time. Checking these vents and cleaning out dust, debris, lint and other blockages will not only help our home’s indoor air quality, but it can also help our appliances and systems run more efficiently
Gutters are such an underrated part of keeping a healthy home. Gutters safely take water away from your home and can drastically improve homes that have wet soil around the foundation
Anywhere your roof terminates and allows water to pour onto the grass or landscaping around your home should have gutters on them Even if the water is pouring onto concrete, it can cause the concrete to settle and shift prematurely due to the high amount of moisture.
Once you have gutters, it’s important to remember to clean them out (or install guards to keep debris out) If gutters are clogged and full of debris, it can diminish the effectiveness of rerouting the water and instead allows the water to spill over the side This will eventually wear away at the soil and landscaping around your home. Eventually, it can turn into problems with a foundation leaking and cracking over time.
Even modern homes have wood components on the exterior. Many homes will have wood decks, patios, or trim somewhere around the house Keeping the wood sealed can not only help the appearance of your home, but it can also keep the thermal boundary of your home intact.
Wood that is around doors or windows can begin to deteriorate when it isn’t sealed properly with either paint or a stain Once the wood begins to deteriorate, which usually begins at the bottom where it gets the most contact with moisture, it continues and eventually ends up affecting larger parts of the wood until it must be replaced
Once wood begins to deteriorate around your home, it becomes a spot for insects and then animals to use as either a home or feeding ground Eventually, there can be spots in the wood trim that will allow moisture, rain, or insects to get behind your siding and affect the home’s barrier between the exterior and interior.
Simply painting or staining wood every few years can help keep a handle on these maintenance tasks
If you’re like me, you might love a good repurposing or DIY project Often times we make space in our homes to do these projects, which can introduce solvents, glues with formaldehyde, and VOCs to our interior space
If you have the space, try making a work area in your garage to allow these chemicals to safely off-gas outdoors while you working, rather than getting trapped indoors If you have an area near a window, this can also be beneficial to send those chemicals outdoors Plus it’s better for you while you’re working on your project.
Having a workspace outdoors also helps with keeping any dust from your project (which can contain various VOCs from paints and stains) outdoors as well Once this dust enters your home, it can be really difficult to remove it quickly It often travels throughout our home and into our HVAC system, where it can get blown back through the house.
An outdoor workspace can also give you a space to let your projects dry and safely off-gas outdoors rather than having them in the home to do this It’s better for your indoor air quality and better for your short-term health.
Ultimately, we want our homes built up on a bit of a hill. We want all the slopes around the house to allow water to run AWAY from our foundation and our spaces. The more water we can keep away from our homes, the better for our interiors Moisture is quickly absorbed by our foundation walls and can create a really damp, humid environment inside the home
We know that high humidity inside the home can not only promote mold and mildew growth, but it can also create an environment where VOCs off gas at a more rapid rate and dust mites reproduce and make their homes.
By keeping the moisture away from the home through what we call, POSITIVE GRADING, you can not only prevent a multitude of problems to your foundation wall, but you can also improve your indoor air quality by reducing moisture inside
Take a quick walk around your home early this summer to see if any of the soil nearby is sloping towards the walls of your home. If it is, check out this tutorial on how to grade your hard slope by Amy at Pretty Purple Door It’s easy to follow and she’s got it explained down to a science It’s really less complicated to fix these things than you think and it will help the interior of your home as well
Whatever kind of siding or trim you have at home, it’s important to check it at least once a year to make sure that your home doesn’t have open spots that allow moisture or insects to get behind your siding.
If you do find a gap or hole in the siding, you can most often easily seal it up with an exterior caulk or silicone. This will help keep the thermal barrier of your home intact and prevent any insects from creating a home in your walls
The more secure your thermal barrier is, the more controlled your indoor environment is Elements from the outdoors can quickly affect your interior if there are spaces left unsealed. Moisture that gets behind siding often has no way of getting our or evaporating, which can cause big problems behind your walls without you evening knowing it
A damp and humid space inside means not only an uncomfortable environment but also a space that promotes mildew and mold growth, off-gassing of VOCs, and dust mite reproduction
Amanda Klecker from www.healthyhouseontheblock.com is a contributing writer for WellnessRE™ She has an extensive blog on her site with hundreds of tips on how to create a healthier home and has given us permission to share her blog posts with our readers Follow her on Instagram too! @healthyhouseontheblock Blog Credit Amanda Klecker, Certified Building Biology Advocate & Certified Professional InspectorTaking care of your exterior can be just as important for your interior space when it comes to creating a healthy environment
Imagine a world where your fabric choices not only transform your living spaces but also safeguard the well-being of your loved ones and our precious planet. Welcome to the extraordinary wold of Two Sisters Ecotextiles Behind this innovative company are two visionary sisters, Patty Grossman and Leigh Anne Van Dusen, who have revolutionized the textile industry by offering safe, sustainable, and undeniably stylish fabrics.
It all started when Leigh Anne found herself in search of fabric to reupholster her sofa. To her disappointment, she discovered that available options were either environmentally unfriendly or lacked style Even fabrics labeled as "organic" were processed with harmful chemicals, leaving Leigh Anne with no other options Determined to find a solution, Leigh Anne enlisted the help of her sister, Patty, and together, they embarked on a mission to transform the textile industry
Driven by their shared vision, Patty and Leigh Anne founded Two Sisters Ecotextiles with the aim of revolutionizing the way textiles are made. Their commitment to creating entirely safe and gorgeous fabrics, utilizing organic and sustainable methods while avoiding plastics like polyester and nylon, set them apart from the industry norm Their debut fabric collection garnered praise and recognition, including being named "Best Merchandise" by House & Garden magazine and earning the title of "Eco-Warriors" by The Guardian
Hey! Thanks for taking the time to be here. Can you start by sharing a little bit about yourself and your business?
We at Two Sisters Ecotextiles produce and sell organic fabric. Not just fabric made of organic fiber; but fabric that is safe to bring into your home What distinction am I trying to draw between organic fibers and organic fabric?
Think of making applesauce. If you start with organic apples, but add red dye #2, stabilizers, preservatives, emulsifiers, etc, you do not get organic applesauce.
The same is true with fabric What makes a fabric "organic" is not simply the fact that organic fibers are used, but that the entire process uses only inputs whose toxicity profiles prove they are safe for humans- and the planet
Even a fabric that is advertised as being made of "100% organic cotton" is 77% cotton and 23% residual chemicals by weight if conventionally processed (Conventionally processed means not following the requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard)
What services do you offer? And why did you choose to offer those particular services?
We sell safe fabric whose production has been safe for the planet. (Hmm – maybe not entirely “safe”, but as safe as we can be right now) Why? Because we want to save the Orcas, the polar bears, the planet
We educate people on the stunning safety issues with fabric. And we sell fabric that is safe to bring into your home
This is NOT a trivial issue
Fabric production requires GUARGANTUAN mounts of water, chemicals and energy Water is used at every stage in fabric manufacturing: to dissolve chemicals to be used in one step, then to wash and rinse out those same chemicals to be ready for the next step Chemicals needed in fabric production weigh between 10% to 100% of the weight of the fabric The production of the fabric covering your sofa required between 4 and 20 pounds of chemicals. The chemically infused effluent - saturated with dyes, de-foamers, detergents, bleach, optical brighteners, equalizers and many other chemicals - is released into the local river, where it enters the groundwater, drinking water, the habitat of flora and fauna, and our food chain As Gene Lisa has said, “There is not a 'no peeing' part of the swimming pool” We’re all downstream
Many of the chemicals are known to cause profound health problems in humans; when they have been tested for toxicity at all GOTS limits or prohibits 300 to 400 chemicals or classes, and more are added every year as the European Reach Legislation advances The Toxics Release Inventory of the US EPA reports that over 25,000,000 lbs of toxic chemicals were released by US textile mills in 1995; that’s 25,000,000 lbs of just the chemicals classified as toxic by the not very aggressive US government - and those are the toxic chemicals produced in the US alone. The US textile industry is almost non-existent. Imagine what the Chinese mills are doing
Photo Credit: Two Sister EcotextilesWe've all had amazing clients or stories to share that make it all worth it. Can you share a story about a teammate, vendor, or client that really impacted you and touched your heart?
We have had many parents of sick kids, people who are sick themselves, or people who just want to do the best thing for the environment, thank us for our information, our work, and our products If we don’t have a solution, we don’t pretend that we do But finding safe fabrics is still a ridiculously difficult project Most distributors and sellers of the fabric have no idea what they are selling For instance, there are ZERO legal requirements to reveal anything about any finish applied at any stage of the fabric production process Even most sellers have no idea what is in the fabric and the products they sell There is a lot of unintentional – as well as intentional – misrepresentation in fabric That is why it is so important to insist on fabric certifications, especially the one that is the gold standard: GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard.
If a potential client were reading this article, what would you tell them about you, your team, or the business that would convince them to choose you?
Our textiles are GOTS certified and therefore safe to bring into your home AND their production has been the lightest on the planet currently possible
Thank you so much for being a part of the HealthyHOME™ Business Spotlight!
Thank you so much for letting people know what a big deal fabric is! Fabric gets no respect
To learn more about Two Sister Ecotextiles head over to: wwwtwosistersecotextilescom
To read the full interview: https://wwwhealthyhomepro/business-spotlight-collection/-two-sistersecotextiles
Follow them on social media: @twosistersecotextiles
By, Sabrina Aguilar In-house writer and Marketing Strategist for WellnessRE Magazine
“There is no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this.”
Welcome to the world of Feng Shui, where your front door holds the key to unlocking a life of success, abundance, and joy By embracing the ancient art of Feng Shui, you can transform your front door into a gateway for positive energy, inviting incredible opportunities and prosperity into your life. In this comprehensive guide, I will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to Feng Shui your front door, allowing you to become the master of your own destiny.
Did you know that your front door is more than just an entrance to your home? In the realm of Feng Shui, it is considered the "mouth of chi" – the vital life force that flows into your living space. Just as a mouth nourishes the body, your front door plays a crucial role in nourishing your life with positive energy It serves as a powerful symbol, not only for welcoming opportunities but also for safeguarding your home from negativity and harm
When it comes to choosing the perfect color for your front door, it's essential to strike a balance between personal style and Feng Shui principles While the vibrant red color is often associated with Feng Shui, it may not always be the ideal choice for every home Instead, consider colors that harmonize with your home's architecture and resonate with your personal taste.
Symbolizing the Water Element and aligning with the Career Gua, black is an elegant and powerful choice It attracts positive chi, abundance, and success. If your front door is located in the center of the front of your house, painting it black can help activate this auspicious energy
Representing the Metal Element, white and greys are associated with the Helpful People and Travel Gua Using these colors invites supportive energies and opens doors to new opportunities This Gua is usually situated in the front right corner of your home, and a white or grey front door can activate its harmonizing influence
The colors of nature, blues, and greens embody the Wood Element Choosing these shades for your front door encourages growth, rejuvenation, and a sense of harmony If your front door is located in the left front corner, it falls within the Knowledge and Wisdom Gua. Enhance this area of your life by embracing the refreshing energy of blues and greens
Reflecting the nurturing Earth Element, yellows and browns promote stability, health, and grounding These warm and earthy colors are perfect if you seek to create a sense of balance and well-being in your life
The vibrant color of passion and fire, red represents the Fire Element in Feng Shui It adds a touch of excitement, energy, and zest to your surroundings. If you desire to infuse your life with passion and enthusiasm, a red front door might be the perfect choice for you
While color selection plays a significant role, there are other essential aspects to consider when maximizing the positive energy of your front door Let's dive into these key elements that will elevate your front door's Feng Shui prowess:
Remember, the most important aspect of your front door is actually using it! Make a conscious effort to open your front door at least once a day, allowing fresh energy and opportunities to flow into your life
Imagine standing at the bottom of your driveway, gazing at your front door Is the path obstructed or cluttered? Clear away any obstacles such as overgrown bushes or unnecessary objects that hinder the smooth flow of energy towards your front door Creating a clear pathway opens the gateway for positive chi to find its way into your home and life
Your house number serves as an essential symbol of identity Ensure it is clearly visible from the street, fostering a sense of clarity and connection with the universe. Enhancing the visibility of your house number invites beneficial energies and opportunities into your life
Imagine stepping into your home through the front door Does the entryway evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality? Pay attention to the following details:
Keep the sidewalk leading to your front door clean and inviting.
Ensure that your door's hinges, locks, and handles are well-maintained
Illuminate your front porch with soft and welcoming lights Consider using timers to create a cozy ambiance during the evenings
Once inside, maintain a clutter-free entryway, creating a spacious and open environment. Allow your front door to fully open without any obstructions, symbolizing the openness and readiness to embrace new opportunities
Consider placing a rug in the entryway that is at least double the size of the door This grounding element will provide stability and make your home feel inviting to guests.
To add an extra touch of magic and positive energy to your front door, incorporate the following Feng Shui rituals:
Keep your windows clean and clear, allowing natural light to flow into your home Clear windows represent clarity in your life and help you see opportunities more clearly
To refresh the energy surrounding your front door, perform cleansing rituals Wash your door with soapy water, adding a pinch of salt to clear away any stagnant or negative energy. As a symbolic gesture, place nine coins in a red envelope under your front door mat, inviting prosperity to enter your life Additionally, on the first day of each month or during a New Moon, blow cinnamon off your hand onto your front porch, symbolizing the invitation of abundance and good fortune
Enhance the energy surrounding your front door by adding vibrant planters filled with healthy and thriving plants. These lively additions create a harmonious atmosphere and attract good chi into your life
Dedicate time each week to sweep off your front porch and walkway Maintaining cleanliness prevents stagnant energy from accumulating and invites fresh energy to circulate freely
Place a lovely rug near your front door, adorned with a warm and inviting saying Avoid using mats with initials, as you want to create an atmosphere where visitors feel respected and welcomed
Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge to harness the power of Feng Shui and transform your front door into a magnet for health, abundance, and prosperity By aligning color choices with the Five Elements, optimizing the functionality and appearance of your front door, and infusing it with positive energy, you are on your way to creating a harmonious and prosperous life Embrace these practices with intention, and watch Feng Shui's magic unfold before you Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities!
By, Dee Oujiri Feng Shui Strategist & Holistic RealtorMeet Dee Oujiri, a multifaceted professional who seamlessly combines her expertise in Feng Shui and Reiki with her extensive experience as a luxury realtor. As a highly skilled Feng Shui Strategist and Reiki Master and Teacher, Dee specializes in bridging the gap between our bodies and environments to foster holistic wellness. With a keen understanding of the importance of a harmonious living space, Dee empowers individuals to create environments that support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being Alongside her successful career as a luxury realtor, Dee brings a unique perspective and invaluable insights into creating spaces that not only exude elegance but also promote a sense of tranquility and balance Let Dee Oujiri guide you on a transformative journey to a more fulfilling life by harmonizing your home and nurturing your soul Learn more about Feng Shui and your home by following Dee on Instagram @deeoujiri or Facebook @fengshuibydee
As the sweltering heat of summer approaches, finding effective and ecofriendly ways to keep your home cool becomes a top priority While air conditioners are commonly used, they consume significant energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainable alternative lies in planting shade trees around your home. Not only do the trees enhance the look of your yard (and connect you with nature!), but they also offer a range of benefits for sustainable home cooling
Shade trees have a remarkable ability to naturally cool the surrounding area By strategically planting trees on the sunny sides of your home, you can shield the house from direct sunlight The dense foliage acts as a barrier, reducing the amount of solar radiation that penetrates the windows and walls, thereby decreasing the indoor temperature
It's usually best to select deciduous trees because they lose their leaves in the winter and then the trees aren't blocking the wonderfully warm sun from entering your house in the wintertime
Don't plant trees too close to the house! Make sure there is a nice buffer between the house and the trees The same goes for power lines
And make sure to check how big the trees will grow before you buy them
With shade trees providing a natural shield from the sun's rays, the demand for air conditioning decreases significantly This reduction in energy consumption translates into lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint By harnessing the power of nature, you get to embrace sustainable practices while enjoying a comfortable and lovely living environment
Trees play a crucial role in purifying the air around your home They absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen, promoting cleaner and fresher air Plus, trees filter out harmful pollutants and particulate matter, reducing the impact of air pollution on your health and well-being.
Trees act as natural sponges, absorbing rainfall and reducing stormwater runoff Their root systems help to prevent soil erosion and flooding, contributing to the overall resilience of the ecosystem
Planting trees fosters biodiversity and provides habitats for various species Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife are attracted to the lush greenery, creating a harmonious ecosystem The presence of diverse flora and fauna not only adds beauty but also supports a healthy and balanced environment Make sure to select native trees that are hardy in your area
Incorporating shade trees into sustainable home design not only keeps you cool during the hot summer months but also offers lots of long-term benefits From reducing energy consumption and improving air quality to enhancing biodiversity and managing stormwater, these leafy companions bring you closer to a greener and more sustainable future
By, Kate Hamblet The Wellness Architect Balanced Architecture
wwwbalancedarchitecturecom
Kate helps health-conscious families create homes that support and promote health, happiness and longevity You'll find her at
Together, we are making the world a healthier place, one home at a time.
