 Was I ever excited when I was approached by Mystic Mag on interviewing me for their magazine! In this article I share about my passion for Feng Shui and wellness in design.
Check it out here: Mystic Mag - Creating Harmony at Home
1 Comment
 Red envelopes, or "hongbao," are a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations and something I've enjoyed taking part in for many years. Traditionally these red envelopes are filled with money and are given to children and younger family members for good luck. To enhance the experience, consider placing amounts that are considered lucky: for example, a combination of 8 (which symbolizes wealth) and 6 (which symbolizes smooth sailing) can be particularly meaningful. Some years I've even been extra creative and included gift cards to local coffee shops or even fun stickers or notes of inspiration to the recipient. Remember that its not about just spreading money but good energy. How can you spread joy for a prosperous year?  One of the most common home decorating struggles is figuring out how to arrange accessories—whether it's a bookcase, shelf, or tabletop. Keep reading for my simple, three-step system that will turn those cluttered or lifeless spaces into beautiful, curated vignettes! Harmony and Contrast The key to a great accessory arrangement is avoiding boredom! This isn’t just about what you display, but how you display it. Keep a balance between harmony (where things feel like they go together—like similar colors or styles) and contrast (where something different adds a little excitement—like smooth surfaces paired with textures, or round shapes alongside straight lines). For example, you could create harmony by repeating a square shape or a color like blue, then add contrast by placing a smooth candlestick next to a woven basket. Scale and Shape Make sure the accessories fit the scale of the space. You don’t want a tiny paperweight lost on a large dining table, or a massive floral arrangement overwhelming a small end table. Most of the time, people use items that are too small for the space. To give smaller pieces more presence, group them on a tray or a fabric-covered box, or add height by placing them on stacked books or baskets. Layer and Soften Once you’ve chosen your items, it’s time to layer and soften the arrangement. Start with a larger, taller piece slightly off-center—it will anchor your display. Then, build outwards in layers: taller pieces in the back, medium height in the middle, and the smallest items in the front. Let the eye travel up and down as it moves across the arrangement for added interest. Above all, experiment! Play with different combinations until you find what feels right. Try using items in unexpected ways or tuck a plant into an arrangement that feels too stiff. Even pros like me are surprised by new setups sometimes! And if things still feel cluttered, you’re probably trying to display too much—less is often more. If you want to learn more about interior design then be sure to check out my upcoming Interior Design Basics class. Click here for more information. Sometimes, we all need a change. That blue paint you once loved no longer feels right, or those bright colors that were so cheerful in spring and summer now seem to deepen the winter gloom. As kids grow up, their beloved cartoon character bedding turns into something they'd be embarrassed for their friends to see. Whether you're craving a seasonal refresh or simply haven't updated your bedroom in years, a full room makeover might not be in the budget. And with kids' tastes evolving every few years, it's understandable to hesitate before making a major investment in their rooms.  1.A simple first step is to opt for neutral tones on your walls and carpet. Shades like the warm whites that are so popular right now provide a versatile backdrop for your bedroom’s design.
2.Pair that with transitional furniture pieces that are both functional and never go out of style. Look for clean lined furniture so that it can easily blend with any future decor changes. I love to suggest a medium or pale wood tone to keep it looking fresh. 3.Then really make it yours with calming and relaxing artwork and decor. For a bonus we love to recommend a Himalayan Salt lamp for a soothing glow. When to take what feels like an overwhelming task and turn it into a few easy steps you'll find that revamping your space can be not only fun and easy, but also budget-friendly.  As the late summer months roll in, the hustle and bustle of transitioning back to school can often leave us feeling unbalanced and frankly, quite overwhelmed.
By incorporating the ancient practice of Feng Shui into our daily routines, we can create a sanctuary of harmony and balance in our homes and lives. Here are three tips to help you stay grounded during this busy season. Want more? Go check out this recent podcast episode: Feng Shui for Back to School
Ready to bring balance and harmony into your home? Discover more about our holistic design and Feng Shui services and how we can help you create a sanctuary of tranquility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to snag your free 15 minute discovery call!  I am excited to share that I was recently highlighted in an Apartment Guide article on creating good feng shui in your apartment.
Of course the first thing I thought of when asked about apartment Feng Shui is moving. Often moving into a new space can be difficult. You feel a little overwhelmed and unsettled. By incorporating the earth element you're sure to feel your feet on the floor much faster! “By introducing the earth element you're able to find more peace and grounding. Feeling settled and connected to your new home is sure to bring luck and prosperity,” remarks Pure Living with Lisa Morton. Read the entire article here: https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-feng-shui-tips/www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-feng-shui-tips/ In Feng Shui, the front door of your home, apartment or even business serves as the primary entry point for chi to enter. It is where energy, opportunities, and blessings flow into your living space, nourishing and revitalizing every aspect of your life. So as you can imagine it's vital that this area is balanced and inviting!  To optimize the flow of chi through your front door, it's essential to pay attention to its design, condition, and surroundings. Here are my 5 tips to easily Feng Shui Your Front Door
 By honoring the "Mouth of Chi" and paying attention to its design, condition, and decorative surroundings, you can create a welcoming and harmonious environment. This will in turn support your well-being and attract abundance into your life. So take a moment to pause, breathe, and appreciate the profound significance of your front door!!!!!
If you've followed me for awhile you know I love my dogs. I have two giant breed dogs and while I do as much as I can to keep my home tidy and smelling fresh...sometimes it can be a struggle. You know that stressful feeling when someone calls to say they're going to just "pop by for a minute" and then you're opening windows and lighting a candle to ensure your home doesn't smell of dog? I know it all too well.  Aera has no doubt made my life easier. I began using the diffuser about two weeks ago and am really pleased at how amazing my house smells. It goes beyond clean and fresh, but also isn't overpowering. Now you know I'm all about removing unhealthy synthetic fragrances from my home, but Aera isn't like that. They use natural high essential oils along with safe synthetics. I love the clean design that easily fits among your decor. My favorite is Mint Eucalyptus! Truly heavenly!  From Aera: "We use high-quality essential oils in our fragrances. Pure, safe synthetics are also used when an essential oil is known to be allergenic, unsustainable, or has not received safety clearance from IFRA (International Fragrance Association). We voluntarily adhere to and even surpass strict health and ecological restrictions. All fragrance ingredients are approved by IFRA (International Fragrance Association) and are compliant with the safety standards for continuous inhalation 8 hrs. a day/7 days a week for a natural lifetime. We are also 100% transparent with what we use in our fragrances." Once you open the box you'll find the electrical cord as well as full instructions to find the best placement. I love that it then provides the most refreshing scent with the least amount of aroma. Plus, you can adjust the intensity. My neighbors popped by last weekend and I increased the intensity by two levels for about ten minutes and it was just perfect. Since I fell in love with it I scored a discount code from them.
Use this code at checkout for 25% off your diffuser: RevivewithAera25 Click below to be taken to their website to order yours! CLICK HERE *Note that this is an affiliate link and I may get a small commission from sending you to them.  Join me along with several talented professionals from around the world as we share about a variety of Feng Shui topics. This event is FREE to anyone. Take part in the sessions that appeal to you but don't miss mine where I share about two of my favorite things... Feng Shui & Pets!
Click here to learn more and to reserve your spot!!  So you're curious about Feng Shui, how it can help you, and are ready to explore more? A Feng Shui Audit may be for you! On my podcast Feng Shui Living I'm offering anyone the opportunity to receive a brief audit of their home for absolutely free. This is your chance to score some free guidance! So you might be nervous about a couple things: 1. Being on the podcast makes you want to run and hide. The podcast is very casual and easy, plus there is always editing! We'll also meet via video call so you can be in the comfort of your own home. 2. You're worried people will have to see your messy home. No photos of your space will be shared. Simply return an intake form with a sketch of your floorplan and that is it. Now if you're ready to apply to be on my podcast for a FREE Feng Shui Audit email me at office@purelivingwithlisamorton for an application today! I can't wait to chat and give you support for your home! xoxo, Lisa It's not uncommon to experience shifts in mood and energy levels during the winter months. For some people (including me) you can develop a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a form of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. I recently read that it affects 5% of adults in the US!!! If you are struggling... I'm here to help!  While the exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, researchers believe it's linked to changes in sunlight exposure, which can disrupt our circadian rhythms and serotonin levels. Read below for some tips that I share with my clients and also personally use when I'm feeling low: Sunlight Therapy (Light Therapy): Harness the power of light to combat SAD symptoms. Light therapy involves sitting in front of a lightbox that emits bright, full-spectrum light similar to natural sunlight. This exposure can help regulate your body's internal clock and boost mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. I actually have a brand of light called a Happy Light. It does take some getting used to. You begin slowly and gradually increase your time with the light but it definitely works. Get Moving: Exercise is a natural mood lifter, so get moving! Whether it's a brisk walk on the treadmill or a yoga session in your living room, physical activity releases endorphins and serotonin, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression. During the winter months I strive to get my blood flowing EVERY single day! Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Incorporate foods such as fatty fish (my fav salmon recipe ), leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into your meals. Get Social: Don't underestimate the power of human connection. It can feel so easy to stay snuggled at home in your sweats but try to push yourself to schedule social activities. Reach out to friends and loved ones for support and consider joining a book club, workout class, or even scheduling some lunch or coffee dates with friends.  Remember, you're not alone in your battle against Seasonal Affective Disorder. Start by incorporating these natural remedies into your daily routine and I know you'll feel a bit lighter.
When I first began my design career, I didn't care for designing window treatments. I would specify blinds for privacy, but I never wanted to cover up any views of nature. Over time though I learned that window treatments don't have to be like your grandmother's heavy draperies. Sometimes a pair of soft, simple panels can elevate a room and soften the window frame lines. This creates a more complete look and provides a cozier energy.  Here are some tips for adding window treatments to your home: 1. Consider the room's purpose Choose fabric and style based on the function of the room. For a casual space, I like a textured linen look. Using a fabric with a fun pattern or design can lift and liven the energy of the space. You can also opt for drama with rich velvet and heavier fabrics. Remember to use this as an opportunity to implement more of the Feng Shui five elements! 2. Use for sound absorption Many times, I've had clients with spaces that had too much echo or were just too loud. For these instances, I created window treatments to soften the "feel" in the room and we added a sound-absorbing material between the decorative fabrics. This works wonders when you can't bring in more soft/sound absorbing materials like furniture and rugs. 3. Light diffusing or blackout Decide if you need light diffusing or full black-out window treatments. (From my personal experience...if you're a light sleeper, blackout shades can be helpful.) You can accomplish this through shades, blinds, or also through panels made of the appropriate materials. 4. Get creative No need to have custom window treatments made if you don't want to. I've found some great panels at local stores like Target. You can even buy ready-made window treatments and have them altered to your design. Mix and match or layer to create your own custom look. 5. Get correct measurements Measure for your rods and then measure for panel length. When installed you want the rod as close to the ceiling as possible with the panel stopping approx. 1/2" above the floor. If needed, buy them longer than the length you require and have them hemmed. 6. Add the wow Upgrade a store-bought look with beautiful rod finials or tiebacks. This can elevate a basic look. (In the image below, we used simple white draperies with a gorgeous, upgraded finial) When purchasing store-bought panels, I recommend using two panels per section for a full look.  Hopefully, these tips have encouraged you to consider window treatments and the softening effect they provide. You can now make it intentionally designed, and address any privacy, sound, and light issues while also making it look and feel cozy!
 As we step into a new year, the rituals and routines that we carry with us often shape our days, adding just a little something to those moments we cherish. Here are the cherished practices that I took on in 2023 and am bringing into 2024! 1.Weekly Organizing of Our Home Junk Drawer The ritual of dedicating time each week to declutter and organize our home's junk drawer might seem small, yet the impact is huge. The junk drawer was a space that I really disliked. Every time I would open it, I'd become irritated. It was always messy; half the time, it would be so full of fliers and mail that it wouldn't even shut properly! Earlier this year made the decision to take on a weekly cleaning ritual. Trust me, at first I dreaded the task, but it has become a routine that I don't mind. Now the space that drove me nuts for so long makes me feel organized and stress-free. 2. Mid-Day Reading Session Taking a pause in the middle of the day and enjoying even a few pages of a good book has become a really cherished time for me. This year I had the opportunity to attend an event with Jim Kwik, an expert on learning and the brain. In this talk, he explained how you can retain more information if you're in a higher energy state. In the past, I would read in the evenings and before bed and actually have a hard time staying awake to finish the page. Now with just a few pages over lunch, I'm able to retain more and read faster. It also creates a nice escape from the business of everyday life even for a few minutes. 3. Drinking More Tea, Less Coffee The shift from coffee to more tea is really just a choice to improve my well-being. Now don't get me wrong, I'll forever be a coffee lover. Just trying to cut back. I've also come to love the calming and soothing effects of tea over the jittery feeling of too much coffee. I definitely feel more balanced at the end of the day. 4. Abhyanga Oil Ritual The ancient practice of Abhyanga—a self-massage ritual with warm oil—is something I've taken on after working with an Ayurvedic practitioner. I light a candle, turn on some music, oil up, and sit and meditate or read a book while it soaks in. I literally schedule in my calendar each week, so I don't miss it. It's been huge! Plus, I sleep like an absolute baby afterward. 5. Use of Table Linens on a Daily Basis It's easy to get in the habit of standing at the kitchen island and eating dinner. Especially, when my husband is traveling and I'm by myself. However, this year I wanted to create more of a ritual around eating. Taking time to prepare any food with care and good energy and then setting the table and even using nice table linens. I used to save my favorite cloth napkins for holidays and dinners with family and friends but am now enjoying them every day! It really elevates the dining experience, infusing it with a sense of, care, ceremony, and elegance. 6. Use of My Grandmother's Dishes I've always been a lover of vintage glassware. I was fortunate to receive some beautiful glassware and also dishes that were my grandmother's. I really cherish using these pieces. Each meal becomes infused with warmth and nostalgia as we dine and share memories. No longer am I simply displaying or storing these items. I know she'd love that I'm actually using them as intended and that warms my heart. It’s the rituals and routines that symbolize intentionality, mindfulness, and connection. They enrich each day infusing it with sweet moments of joy, tranquility, and some very cherished memories. As I step into 2024, these rituals are not just habits but routines that I'm excited to continue in my day to day. By sharing I hope to encourage you to create routine and ritual to uplevel your life. How can you be more intentional with your day to day? What is a routine or ritual that you could implement?   In this episode we delve into the cosmos and explore the celestial world of astrology. In this special episode, we have the privilege of hosting Astrologer Maggie Kitch, who shares her profound insights into the astrological events of the past year and offers a glimpse into what the future holds.
Maggie explains ways astrology influences personal growth, self-awareness, and navigating life's challenges. She also covers how listeners can utilize astrology for self-reflection and making informed decisions. Lastly, we share about the powerful 2024 planner that we created as well as the membership group to compliment this planner! Maggie Kitch is a private astrologer. She specializes in providing astrological insights to high-performing entrepreneurs in order to create strategies that harmonize with the flow of cosmic energies. She also works with families and individuals to foster deeper understanding and unconditional love. Follow the provided links to learn more about working with Maggie! As the holiday season approaches, creating a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere within your home becomes paramount. Join me in this podcast episode as we uncover simple yet effective techniques to reset and enhance your home's energy during this magical time. Remember to embrace the festive spirit while resetting your home energy!  |
