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  Feng Shui & Holistic Design
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Hourly Design Consultation
    • Feng Shui Consultation
    • Feng Shui Assessment
    • Distance Space Clearing
    • The Intuitive Home Method
  • Free Resources
  • Good Chi Shop
  • Classes/Trainings
    • Speaker Page

My Personal Journey...

5/3/2023

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It's time I share my personal story with you.

As a young person, I knew what stress was, but being a child in the 80s, it wasn't a common topic around the dinner table. I always knew I was a "nervous" person, but it wasn't until I was in my mid 20's that I learned the real effects of this. At the time I had what most designers would call their dream job. I designed $50-million-dollar private jets for amazing clients and celebrities worldwide. I got to use some of the most luxurious high-end textiles and finishes, design spectacular interiors without a budget, and stock the plane with beautiful wares from design houses like Hermes and Baccarat.

I would have a day's notice to pack my bag, prepare a presentation, and fly halfway around the world. It was a whirlwind gig with high stakes, lots of demands, and the stress to go with it.

A few years into this career, I started to feel overwhelmed. The constant worry of making a mistake completely overtook me, and the "perfectionist" in me could not handle it, whether the issues were mine or simply part of the job.
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I remember a warm day in August when I made a doctor's appointment because I was afraid of having a heart attack. Sitting in meetings, I thought my heart would beat out of my chest. I was stressed out but believed I had a physiological problem separate from the overwhelm. I thought surely, this feeling would pass! Again, I've been a nervous worrier all my life. I thought, "I can deal with this." My doctor checked my heart and said she believed I was struggling with Anxiety.

I began working with an excellent therapist along with my doctor. I started my yoga practice, began meditating, and altered my diet. Even with those new habits, my Anxiety got much worse before it got any better. Due to the severity of the situation, I took medication. I was still coming home so anxious at the end of the day that I would curl up on the sofa, toss a blanket over my head and cry. Did I mention that this also began during my first year of marriage? I think I kept it at bay while planning a wedding for almost two years, but it all came to a head when the wedding was over.

My husband was the most wonderful man during this time and was incredibly patient and caring. I worked on myself so hard with my doctor, therapist, and every healing modality I could. I started to feel better and believed that heading into my 30s was a "rebirth." I could start fresh with the new tools and compassion I'd gained for myself. My whole life, I'd known Anxiety and Depression, even as a small child, but I didn't realize there was a word for these feelings or how to convey them to someone. I eventually left this "dream job" and felt so shameful for a long time. I was so embarrassed that the instant my husband was offered a job in a new city, I couldn't wait to get out of town! In my mind, I just couldn't cut it, and it broke my heart.

This experience was a beautiful blessing in the end. The most important thing I learned was the importance of your space. Your home can significantly impact your mental health. My passion is to educate others and help clients improve their space to feel healthy and happy. While I had no clue what I was doing as a child, I now know why I gravitated toward specific colors, patterns, and designs. I knew what felt good but didn't know why. After extensive training, I now know how to employ Feng Shui, color psychology, biophilia, and more to design beyond aesthetics.

I'll share more of my personal story for May's Mental Health Month. I'll pass along information on what has helped me and how you can easily alter your space to enhance your well-being. All that said, please know this, if you are struggling, there is help out there! Even if you're unsure what you feel, someone can help you discover it. Find people you can talk to, support you, and encourage you as you learn, heal, and grow. 
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My Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful

4/27/2023

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Moving is complicated, and living in a temporary location can be challenging. There is a current theme with clients moving, staying in a temporary place, or being in between homes living somewhere for the short term. One recent client even intended to live in her home for a year, and now they're still there five years later.

I understand what they're going through. In the past 12 years, we've packed our entire home and moved to a new city or state four times! In addition to those big moves, we had smaller moves into or out of a temporary house or rental. I'm not going to lie, I've got a pretty good system down, and it's always exciting going somewhere new and exploring new things. However, being in those "in-between" situations can be stressful! Years ago, we moved from St. Louis to Cleveland and struggled to find a house. We ended up living with family for eight months. Another time my husband and I spent six months living in two different states. There were some tears of frustration and anxiety then!

I've learned a lot during those times, for example, the free feeling of having one suitcase to live out of and not a huge closet to choose from. It's just easier.
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Another bonus is we have some hilarious memories. One New Year's Eve, we moved into a temporary apartment. Most of our things were in storage, as we didn't have a new house yet. We were supposed to receive some of our belongings (enough to furnish our apartment), but they didn't get to us because of the holidays. We spent New Year's Eve sitting on folding chairs with takeout, playing Mario Kart. It was one of our favorite memories. Certainly not a glamorous night of celebration with champagne!
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It can be really wild to see your entire life packed into a truck!


​If you are in a temporary housing situation, I have some tips that might help.

These moving or in-between times can throw your entire life off balance. I encourage you to do grounding exercises daily. My favorite way is to get up and walk outside first thing in the morning. Kicking your shoes off and sinking your toes into the grass can also feel fabulous. I even just like to spend time physically close to the earth. I'll sit on the floor, do some yoga, sit outside on the ground, and read a book. Utilizing Feng Shui principles, beige, tan and brown are great colors to keep close to your body.

Sleep is important! During these stressful times, you need extra rest. Make sure that your bedroom is comfortable and you feel relaxed. I often diffuse lavender essential oil in my bedroom when I feel uneasy.

Eating is another topic that is important to discuss. You might not have your favorite kitchen gadgets, and you might not even have dishes on hand! Do your best to eat a regular diet still and avoid the easy, fast food. No matter how convenient, it will not make the transition more manageable, and you will feel sluggish.

Plants help you connect. They do! The wood element helps connect your body to a space. Get a new plant! It doesn't hurt to have a new little plant to nurture during this change.

Surround yourself with special things. Moving schedules can quickly change. One time we found out the day before the movers arrived that we couldn't access ANYTHING until everything got unloaded at the new house. We didn't have a new home at the destination, so we quickly had to pull those essential things out to stay with us. Of course, always keep the necessary paperwork so that it is easily accessible. Have a favorite heirloom afghan that you can't be away from? Keep it. Measure the space in your vehicle in which you have to work with. Keep those crucial things that make it feel like "home" nearby.

Keep it easy. I mentioned above that I always loved the easy feeling when we have a couple of suitcases or just the contents in my car. Don't overthink it. You'll come to that point when you don't have that one thing, but it will be okay! Get creative. So you go out to dinner with socks that don't match. Who cares!?!? Make it an adventure.
So now that you have some tips go forward and make it fun! 

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Tips to Bring the Spring Season into Your Home

4/20/2023

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Spring is the season of new beginnings, growth, and renewal. It is associated with the element of wood, the color green, and the direction of east. In Feng Shui, spring is the time to activate your health, family, and wealth areas of your home.
Here are some simple ways to do that:
  • Refresh your front door. Your front door is the mouth of chi, where energy enters your home. Give it a good cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, or a new welcome mat. Add plants and flowers to create a welcoming vibe. Finish off with a beautiful welcome sign or wreath.
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  • ​Deep clean your home. Spring cleaning is not only good for your physical space, but also for your mental and emotional well-being. Clear out any clutter, dust, or dirt that has accumulated over the winter. Open up your windows and let fresh air circulate.
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  • ​Add some greenery. Plants are a great way to bring the wood element and the energy of spring into your home. They purify the air, improve your mood, and attract abundance. Choose healthy and lush plants that have soft round or oval leaves. Avoid plants with thorns, spikes, or sharp edges.
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​I hope these tips help you create a happy, healthy, and holistic home this spring. Let me know in the comments how you are celebrating this beautiful season. And don’t forget to check out my website for more Feng Shui tips and resources.
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Revive Your Kitchen with These Natural Elements

4/15/2023

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Natural decor can add a touch of warmth and freshness to your kitchen. You can use materials such as wood, stone, bamboo, rattan, or plants to create a natural look and feel. In addition to creating a natural look and reducing stress, in Feng Shui many of these items represent the wood and earth element which make them perfect for this important room where we nourish our bodies.
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Ready to add more natural materials to your kitchen? Here's some inspiration:
Round Cotton Trivets from Amazon - They're 100% cotton and have a great natural vibe! Choose one color or pattern or opt for a variety to create an interesting table display prior to your meal.

Hand Braided Table Runner from Amazon - This runner is a great way to add eco-friendly decor to your table. Finish off with some candlesticks and a fresh flower bouquet and you're ready for spring dinners. 

Handmade Jute and Hemp Rug from Etsy - Love the color combo of this natural runner. Adding even a small runner into your kitchen can soften the vibe of your space. 
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Carrara Marble Tray from Amazon - What a beautiful tray for serving drinks from your kitchen to dining room sitting room or even your favorite outdoor area.

Acacia Wood Serving Board from Amazon - Create beautiful charcuterie displays with this extra-long board. You'll have room for all your favorites and some new items too.


Natural decor can make your kitchen more inviting and cozy. It can also help you connect with nature and reduce stress. Try some of these natural items and see how they transform your kitchen.?

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5 Tips to Create a Spa Shower Experience

3/30/2023

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So often we hurry through life and don't always slow down to enjoy some of those everyday things. When was the last time you slowed down to enjoy your shower? A soothing shower at the end of the day can be instrumental in relaxing the body and preparing for sleep. Here are some of my favorite ways to create a "spa like" experience at home.
1. ​Consider investing in a showerhead with various settings, such as massage, rain, and mist, to create a spa-like experience. These options allow you to customize your shower with each wash! 


2. ​Add your favorite scent! I love using lavender, jasmine, or ylang-ylang essential oils in the shower - just be careful, as they can be slippery on the floor! You can also hang eucalyptus or lavender from your showerhead - the steam allows it to release its scent for another aromatic experience. (Click here to snag my favorite bundle)


3. Bring down the lights. Use dimmer switches or candles to create a calming mood and serene environment. I love to bring in a variety of shapes and sizes of candles. Jar candles always make it easy though!


4. Play relaxing music or nature sounds to help you unwind. Kohler even has their Moxie Showerhead, which can connect and play music from your phone. I'm personally in love with the Moxie. It makes signing in the shower even more fun. Clickhere for the one I use!


5. Pamper yourself with body scrubs or bath oils to enhance the spa-like experience. If you can, splurge on your favorite products (or ask for them as gifts!) to add even more luxury! ​


Are you a little more inspired to take this time to slow down? Let it feel pampering and relaxing because you need it, and you deserve it!
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5 Tips for Intentional Interior Design

3/16/2023

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Often when people hear "minimalist design," they picture a sparse home lacking color, texture, and...well...decor. Does "Intentional Interior Design" sound better? No matter what you call it, keeping excess items out of our homes that don't bring us joy or peace is essential in creating a balanced home. Not only does clutter take up space and time, but it can also subconsciously bring on negative thinking.
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Below are some tips for Intentional Interior Design
  1. Determine your style and have fun with it! Choose a design style that reflects your personality and taste. It's OK to modify and tweak over time. Remember that when you bring new items into the space, let outdated things go to avoid mess. 
  2. Consider how you will use the space and ensure that your design choices serve a practical purpose. For example, choose furniture that can double as storage if you have a small living room.
  3. Lighting can make or break a space. Consider the natural light available and choose lighting fixtures that enhance the mood and functionality of the room.
  4. Incorporate different textures and materials to add visual interest to your space. Consider including textiles, wood, metal, and natural elements like plants. Remember to keep things balanced with the five elements.
  5. Edit, edit, edit: Less is more regarding intentional interior design. Be sure to focus on quality over quantity!

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Decorating with Antiques and Heirlooms

2/28/2023

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Decorating with antiques and heirlooms can be a great way to add character, charm, and creativity to your home. Plus, these items can carry many memories and warm cozy feelings. Sometimes just looking at a favorite piece can bring a smile to your face.

I love to collect skeleton keys and vintage glassware when I'm out antiquing. Glassware reminds me of my grandmother's beautiful glass display as a child. One of my favorite antique furniture pieces in my home is an armoire that was in my grandparent's home. They both passed away, but I love seeing this piece of furniture as it reminds me of beautiful memories.


​Vintage pieces are a fun way to add interest to your space, for example, using an old chair as a plant stand or an old chest as a coffee table. A client I worked with a few years ago found fantastic vintage doors at a local antique store. We designed an entire room around these doors as the focal point that brought the whole room together and made quite a statement!


What memories do you hold that you would like to reflect in your home? Think of decor you could intentionally find to honor those memories in your space to give your home a sense of peace and nostalgia.

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4 Tips to Cut Back on Fast Furniture

2/21/2023

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You've probably heard of "Fast Fashion," the cheap and low-quality clothing quickly produced and sold at low prices.

Have you heard of "Fast Furniture"? Similar to clothing, these pieces have a short life span and are soon tossed into a landfill as they quickly break, materials fray, and the furniture pieces fall apart. Also, the manufacturers often use materials and processes that cause significant environmental issues, not to mention all the carbon emissions from shipping.
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Below are four easy tips to avoid these fast furniture pieces.

  1. Shop around to compare prices and quality of furniture. Spending a little more upfront can save you money in the long run. I'm a big believer that you get what you pay for, especially with upholstered pieces.
  2. Consider buying second-hand furniture. You can find great deals at consignment stores, flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores. Plus, should you want to get creative, you can refinish, paint or recover to create your custom look.
  3. Look for furniture made with quality materials. Investing in pieces with solid wood frames and high-density foam cushions can help you avoid furniture that will start to break down quickly.
  4. Consider buying furniture designed to last. Look for pieces with a warranty or strong customer reviews. Many times, my clients have found pieces for "a steal" online, and after receiving the item, they're lower quality than what was pictured. Read EVERY review. 

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Committing to Eco-friendly and Sustainable Gifts

2/9/2023

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If you're like me, you have a lot of birthdays, anniversary, showers, and other celebrations in your family and are constantly looking for that perfect gift. This year I've made it my mission to give as many eco-friendly and sustainable gifts as possible. 

I been ordering from Earth Hero for a couple years now and am excited to share their products with you. On their site you can easily find plastic free, vegan, woman owned, organic material, upcycled products and so much more. 

The jade facial roller and tea gift set are some of my personal favorites. There are even some really great tech gifts too, like their wooden smartphone speaker! I can't decide if I should gift it, or if I just want one for myself!

I might not live a zero-waste lifestyle, but this sure helps the planet out. Plus, the unique and thoughtful gifts always go over well.
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Feng Shui for a Romantic Valentine's Day

2/8/2023

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Are you looking for a little more love this Valentine's Day?
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I've compiled
 six powerful tips to enhance the romance in your life! 


Mood Lighting – Ensure the lighting is cozy and romantic by turning down overhead lights and using dimmers, lamps, or candles. 

Pairs – Opt for pairs of objects, like a pair of candles in your bedroom.

Colors and Textures – Colors such as pink and red encourage romance, while soft textures feel extra luxurious.

Flowers – Red roses represent love. Add a bouquet of roses to your Valentine's dinner table.

Art – Decorate with art showing loving couples and the relationship you'd like to have, as well as photos of you and your partner. Be sure to remove any images of other family members from your bedroom. 
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Love Yourself – Take some time to pamper yourself for a day! Showing love for yourself will invite others to love you too.

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Only if you're ready for BIG shifts...

1/20/2023

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What did your vision board look like this year? Was it filled with BIG things? Maybe a new career, new partner or maybe moving to your dream home? If you're ready to make big changes in your life than Align is for you.

​Align is an online membership group where you will discover an energetic approach to setting up spaces (rooms in your home, office, etc.) to create and maximize the energy to help you reach your life goals! You'll learn about Feng Shui, manifestation, and energy flow to balance your home's power! Each month you'll receive coaching and guidance, accountability, and encouragement!

Align is the perfect program to guide you through taking intentional action to make positive shifts in your life! You'll move away from stagnant and stuck feelings by defining what you want to achieve and creating the spaces in your life to amplify the energy to attain it. The best part is that you won't do it alone! You'll receive guidance, motivation, encouragement, and support within this monthly group full of people learning, creating, and reaching their goals right along with you! Being part of such an intentional and supportive group is powerful!

Included in your Align Membership
1. Monthly DIY lessons sent directly to your inbox
2. Quarterly live Zoom group coaching calls. 
3. Private Facebook group for tips, motivation, and to connect with other members.
4. A special Good Chi Welcome Box with tools to use throughout the year
5. Align Gratitude Journal & 2023 Affirmations
7. Downloadable reference guides on unique topics throughout the year 
8. 1-on-1 progress call with Lisa (mid-year)
9. Virtual Kick-off celebration at the Lunar New Year
10. Virtual Year-end celebration to celebrate achieving our goals! 
PLUS...
Receive discounted member rates on various services, consultations, and special discounts at Good Chi throughout the year!

Ready to sign up? 
Click here!

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Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet!

1/5/2023

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Join me for my annual Virtual Vision Board Workshop! 

Monday, January 16th at 7:30PM via Zoom.

In this class I'll review the basics of a vision board and share with you my unique approach to creating a vision board that utilizes Feng Shui principles. By utilizing this process, we can note the imbalances in our lives and then work to bring them back into alignment.

Reserve Your Spot
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3 Common Client Themes from 2022

12/31/2022

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At the end of each year, I like to look back and review my projects and clients, and I always enjoy seeing if there are any similarities, synchronicities, or patterns from the year.

​This year I noticed three common themes I wanted to share, along with some tips that might be helpful for you in the New Year!

1. Families Moving - I worked with several families moving into new homes, both new construction and relocating to an existing home. My most recent client was moving into a new home, had a baby on the way, and had just got a new puppy! It should be an exciting and busy year for them! 
If you're moving into a new space, do an energy clearing to clear out any negative or stagnant energy from the previous homeowner. I offer energy clearing as a service, or you can perform your own! Check out my post with some DIY energy clearing tips here. 

2. Trouble Sleeping - Nearly every year, people reach out to me with sleep issues, which was true this year, too. An added element I found was that multiple clients mentioned sleep issues but were also struggling with vertigo in the morning. 
If this is you, check what is under your bed! You've probably heard me say this before, but clear out any storage beneath the bed. Be sure the area around your bed is calming, too. One client had three laundry hampers next to her bed; they were the first things she saw when she woke up each morning. Another client had storage boxes beside her bed with overflow paperwork from her office. Remember, a bedroom is NOT a storage space...unless it's for an extra blanket or two. If you struggle with vertigo, Black Tourmaline, Hematite, and Obsidian are stones I recommend. 

3. Slowing Down - The third theme this year (that I was overjoyed to see) was a sense of slowing down. Not only are people scheduling time to slow down, but they're creating spaces to do so! I worked with clients to create cozy spaces to read by the fire and even outdoors. A game room for a young family was a highlight, and a project I hadn't done in a while was a dining room, too! For years, dining rooms were going away, and multiple times I've taken an unused dining room and turned it into another space, but this family was determined to make family dinners a thing again! I love that! 
If you've been trying to slow down, think of how to set up your space for it! For example, if you have a dedicated space to work out, you're more than likely to do so. The same goes for slowing down and enjoying life's simple pleasures. If you want to sip a cup of coffee each morning and read, create a cozy nook just for that!
Those are just a few of the highlights from 2022. It was a great year, and I'm so glad you were a part of it! I look forward to working with you all in 2023!
Cheers!
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Tips For Creating a Cozy Guestroom

11/23/2022

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We love having houseguests, and we host our friends and family often! It's important to me to create a guestroom for the special people in my life that is stylish and well-designed while feeling comfortable and relaxed to make them feel more at home. 

With the holidays quickly approaching, I wanted to share my favorite tips for creating a restful, inviting guest room to provide balanced energy for your guests!
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Bedding:  Everyone's preference for bedding materials, densities, and blanket weights can vary. You also want to consider people's allergies here. Some guests enjoy sleeping with a thick duvet, while others prefer a light blanket. Make a cozy bed with the basics and then provide options! You might leave a heavier duvet across the bottom of the bed and other options in the closet ready to use. Add a pair of pillows and have several options in the closet, including a down and down-alternative pillow. Lastly, include a chunky woven throw near the bed to snuggle up while reading or relaxing. 
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Lighting: Check in with the lighting options in your guest room. Beyond an overhead light and a table lamp, a reading lamp is an excellent addition in case someone enjoys late-night reading. Offering a small night light is also helpful as it can assist guests should they need to get up at night. I also like to leave a small flashlight in my guest room.
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Toiletries: Keep a collection of toiletries on hand for your guests. Good things to stock are extra toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and even a small sewing kit in case of a packing or wardrobe mishap. ​
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Reading Materials:  Consider leaving various magazines and a few books in the guestroom. I love to provide something interesting for my guests to read and introduce some of my favorite books for guests to discover! ​
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Snacks: Ever travel all day and need a snack the second you kick off your shoes? Chances are, your guests are feeling the same way! Stock a few granola bars and nuts in their room to munch while they settle in and unpack. Some people might not be comfortable asking for food as soon as they walk in the door, allowing them to have a snack without feeling awkward. A carafe of water and glasses on a tray is also a great addition to a guestroom! This way, your guests can have a little something whenever they need it.
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Local Items - What is your town known for? Maybe there's something from a neighborhood "best-kept secret" your guests would enjoy? It's fun to stock up on local delights for your guests to discover when they visit you! Consider a local magazine, locally-made soap, candles, and chocolates.
The most important tip is to keep the room tidy and organized, so your guests feel comfortable. Use the storage in a closet and dresser to keep less-used items out of sight, and write a welcome note to mention where they can find specific items. Your guests will appreciate the added touch and the confidence to find things independently. 

Keep these tips in mind so you can focus on enjoying each other's company while offering and comfortable space for your guests to rest and enjoy. ​
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Why You Need to Consider Japandi

9/15/2022

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​So you may have heard of Lagom, the Swedish approach to decorating with just the right balance of simplicity. You've probably also read about Hygge, the Danish approach to creating cozy and comfortable spaces. Have you heard about Japandi, though? 

Japandi combines Scandinavian function blended with Japanese minimalism with a rustic, natural touch. You'll love this trend if you're a fan of clean lines and soft colors. There is also a focus on sustainability, an essential characteristic of this trend. 
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​Here are some tips to bring Japandi style into your space:
  • Opt for clean-line furniture
  • Simple, tranquil paint colors
  • Natural elements throughout
  • Soft plants to freshen the air
  • Clear out clutter
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This blend of styles provides the simplicity and comfort that many people crave. Stress and busy schedules mean we must set up our space to be fulfilling and nourishing to our body; Japandi may very well be just what we all need. ​ 
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  • Home
  • About
  • Services
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  • Free Resources
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  • Classes/Trainings
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