Atlanta GA 7

ATLANTA GEORGIA | VOL. 7

INVESTING

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED

VACATION

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

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Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

AT&T Byron Nelsons TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship + Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JULY 22 - 28 3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

DATES TOURNAMENT

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MAY

MAY

3 -

5 | SHAKY KNEES

With more than 60 bands each year Shaky Knees is a rock-lover’s dream. While enjoying live music, explore food from all over, from good ol’ southern BBQ to vegetarian friendly corn dogs, the food trucks at Shaky Knees have something for even the pickiest eater. Shaky Knees is more than just a music festival it’s a whole experience! For more info visit: shakykneesfestival.com

MAY 18 | PORCHFEST

Celebrating community through music on the front porches. Get ready to rock the picturesque porches of Virginia Highland. Porchfest will kick off with a Rock n Run jog starting at 11 am, followed by local bands playing live music on porches for 1-hour slots between 12 and 6 pm, with a finale performance in John Howell Park from 6 to 7 pm. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/msty96nu

JUNE

JUNE

1 -

2 | RENAISSANCE FEST

The Georgia Renaissance Festival brings a 16th-century European country fair to the Atlanta area. The renaissance festival offers visitors a variety of activities from jousting tournaments to glass-blowing demonstrations to sword-swallowing shows. So come travel back in time with us for some fun fantasy action! For more info visit: garenfest.com

JUNE

17

| BEER FEST

Join us again for one of the best beer festivals of the summer, the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest. We will have over 150 beers, featuring the local Atlanta Breweries, and great breweries from all over the country. We will also have 25+ wine options, ciders, mimosas and hard seltzers. Celebrate the start of summer! For more info visit: atlantasummerbeerfestival.com

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Fourth of July in Atlanta offers a host of traditional activities through which visitors and residents alike can celebrate the nation’s birthday! Along with a burgeoning slate of barbecue and concert options, fireworks remain the marquee attraction on Independence Day, and Atlanta offers no shortage of locales that wow. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2SBbuzx

JULY 20 - 21 | BUTTERNUT CREEK FESTIVAL

The Butternut Creek Festival is one of the finest juried arts and crafts shows in the southeast. The two day festival showcases the work of 70 to 75 artists and craftsmen in categories from basketry, candles & soap, fine art, fabric art, and decorative painting, to glass, jewelry, metal working, photography, pottery, scrimshaw, and woodturning. For more info visit: butternutcreekfestival.com

JULY 27 | ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

I scream! You scream! We all scream for Ice Cream! Come join us for this fun community event promoting family fun and wellness while enjoying America’s favorite treat - Ice Cream. For more info visit: atlantaicecreamfestival.com

AUGUST

AUG 31 | TASTE OF SOUL

Soul in the City is Taste of Soul Atlanta’s ticketed Weekend Concert, both Saturday & Sunday concerts are set outside in West Downtown across from the Mercedes Benz stadium. This line up of hot R&B and Soul Artist will raise your body heat. Sunday’s Soul in the City line up is a Soulful concert where guests enjoy an evening of live performances at elegant tables that can be paired with global Soul Food selections and drinks. For more info visit: tasteofsoulfest.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 8

- 9 | FOOD FEST

The Atlanta seafood and Caribbean food festival is scheduled to take place on September 8th at Historic Old 4th Ward Park in Atlanta, GA. The event will feature live music and DJs, and will offer a variety of seafood and Caribbean dishes for attendees to enjoy. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mry3ufxc

SEPT

28

- 29 | MUSIC FEST

Are you looking for a weekend with Fun-Filled EntertainmentLive Music, Good Food, National Artists, and Celebrities - all free… The Sweet Auburn Music Fest is what you have been waiting for! For more info visit: sweetauburnmusicfest.com

OCTOBER

OCT 1 - 29

| PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Play by day as you enjoy family-friendly park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring some of your favorite classic

storybook characters. Then, after the sun goes down, you’ll glow by night in a whole new light with plenty of not-so-spooky outdoor experiences! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3kdBLMg

NOVEMBER

Nov

2 - 3 | ARTS FEST

Named as one of the TOP 100 Events by Sunshine Artist, the Chastain Park Arts Festival has become one of the premier Fine Arts Festivals in the Southeast. This event is distinguished from the Chastain Spring Arts & Crafts Festival by the exclusion of craftwork. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/24shpabm

DECEMBER

Dec

7

- 26 | THE NUTCRACKER

Scored by the iconic music of Tchaikovsky, this show is a wondrous adventure that has thrilled audiences the world over for over one hundred years. The story follows young Marya as she’s led through magical lands by her

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

Nutcracker doll, which has sprung magically to life. Come enjoy this magical show full of wonder! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2GZYv40

DEC 13 - 14 | WINTERFEST

The Winterfest weekend will kick off with the Tour of Lights Block Party! This ticketed event will feature safe streets to enjoy festive holiday lights, food trucks, s’mores, and drinks for purchase, as well as live music. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/hzs9ykhs

JANUARY

JAN TBA | BOAT SHOW

Georgia’s biggest boating extravaganza returns to downtown Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The Show is a must-see for boating enthusiasts of all ages, with 600+ of the newest boats available, along with the latest advancements in marine accessories, technology and gear. Don’t miss a thing at this year’s show! For more info visit: atlantaboatshow.com

JAN TBA | ANTIQUES SHOW

Visit the Cathedral of St. Philip to explore the worlds of antiques, architecture, art, florals and design. This event offers attendees first choice of fine period furniture, art, jewelry and accessories and a viewing of the beautiful Flower Festival. Enjoy wine and delicious food and stroll the Cathedral! For more info visit: cathedralantiques.org

FEBRUARY

FEB 21 | BEER, BOURBON, & BBQ FESTIVAL

Enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’.For more info visit: atlanta. beerandbourbon.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MARCH

MARCH 15 | ST. PATRICK’S PARADE

Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day parade dates back to 1858, making it one of the country’s oldest. Participation in the parade is not just an “Irish thing”. The parade attracts individuals and groups from around the city and the South including clowns, floats, bands, Bagpipe & Drum Corps, children, dancers, drill teams, and more! For more info visit: atlantastpats.com

APRIL

APRIL 11 - 13 | DOGWOOD FEST

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is Atlanta’s annual celebration of the blooming of its native dogwood trees. The Dogwood arts festival has filled Midtown Atlanta’s Piedmont Park with live music, arts and crafts, food booths and family-friendly activities. For more info visit: dogwood.org

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MAY 26 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE

- WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 04 - TUE 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 06 - THU 12:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 07 - FRI 12:00 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - FRI 3:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 08 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 09 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single * Schedule subject to change

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.