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2009-08-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

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Feng Shui Business Card Tips

2009-08-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

For many, feng shui business cards tips offer invaluable tool to strengthen marketing efforts and business results.

Business cards with good feng shui can increase profits as well as attract more clients, better employees and excellent mentors. On the other hand, cards with bad feng shui, can create a lot of pressure, frustration, unforeseen problems and difficult obstacles.

Feng shui principles bring essential harmony and balance to your business cards design. How?

Good feng shui business cards and logo design take these important rules into consideration:

1. Principles of Yin and Yang

Most successful and strong businesses work in line with nature's principles. If you want to bring more harmony and prosperity into your business, you need to apply Yin and Yang principles to your cards and logo design. For instance, Yin and Yang Balancing principle advises that for things or people to work in their perfect order, they must be in balance. You need to avoid conflict at all cost. More harmony, including harmonious business cards and logo designs, add more value to your customers and business.

2. Personal element according to your date of birth

According to feng shui, our surrounding consists of 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Personal element can be easily identified according to your date of birth. For instance, personal element for a person born between January 23, 1974 - February 10, 1075, is Wood Tiger.

3. Business element

Each specific type of business has its own business element. For example, if you work in furniture or paper business, education, hospital or design studio your feng shui business element is Wood. If you work in real estate, financial, construction, accounting or funeral business, your business element is Earth.

4. Supporting and Weakening cycles of 5 elements

All 5 natural elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, interact through supporting or weakening cycle. In the supporting cycle Wood fuels Fire, Fire makes Earth, Earth creates Metal, Metal holds Water and Water feeds Wood.

Balance between your personal element and element of your business is essential for good feng shui business cards design. Additionally, good combination of elements can enhance your luck and business prosperity.

5. Colors and Shapes

Each element is represented by certain colors and shapes. This is very useful to know when creating your own good feng shui logo shapes or choosing auspicious business cards colors. For instance, element of Metal is represented by color white, gold, bronze, chrome, silver and round shape.

Shape of your element can further help you to select the best feng shui font type for your cards. For instance, the nature for metal font is round.

6. Placement of the important information

Where you place important business information on your business cards is crucial to your success. For instance, if your name appears in the bottom row of your cards, you shoulder a lot of unnecessary stress and problems. You work very hard but see no positive gains.

Did you know that the flow of money in your business is mostly determined by the business cards design for your employees and sales people?

If you wonder why your sales team just hangs around the office and isn't proactive enough to get more sales, change your business cards design. Never place their names on the left hand side in the middle row of the business cards. It has very negative effects on the overall business performance.

If you don't want to spend too much of your valuable productive energy and time to fight invisible natural forces that can easily put obstacles and problems in your way, use feng shui to help you design the best business cards and logo for your business.

Every day you do many extraordinary things to improve your business. If you wish to create strong, profitable and successful business, while making the entire process easier and more enjoyable, make feng shui part of your daily life. Your family, business and your employees might thank you very soon.

Author : Marcela Gargas

Marcela Gargas writes articles about improving business and home environment and relationships. To see more examples of bad and good business card designs and other valuable tips visit her site at http://www.lucky-feng-shui-for-life-and-love.com/Feng-shui-business-card.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcela_Gargas

Feng Shui for Different Areas In the Home

2009-08-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Chi, a positive energy that brings in prosperity, should always flow freely through different areas in the home. The following are simple feng shui tips for the different areas in the home.

The kitchen

- The stove must be away from the door, but the cook should be able to see the door. If not possible, install a mirror.

- Never position the stove opposite the sink, refrigerator, or dishwasher. A clash of the elements fire and water is not a good idea.

- Keep your cupboard and refrigerator well stocked with food supplies. It implies wealth and abundance.

- Avoid positioning the stove directly in front of a window. Placing the stove to the side of a window is better.

The bathroom or toilet

- Never place the toilet opposite the kitchen. The feng shui fire and water elements will clash in this situation.

- The toilet must not be placed adjacent to the front door. Place the toilet somewhere far away from the front door.

- Avoid positioning the toilet door directly opposite the front door. This may lead to wasted opportunities.

- Place a huge mirror behind the bathroom sink. But never use the kind that is split in the middle, often seen in bathroom cabinets.

- Make sure that the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom and toilet are not leaking, especially the faucets.

The bedroom

- The bedroom should not be adjacent or opposite to a bathroom or toilet. If this is unavoidable, make sure you keep the bathroom or toilet door closed at all times.

- Position the bed as far away from the door as possible. But make sure you still have a good view of the door from the bed. At the same time, do not place your bed where your feet are pointed towards the door when you are sleeping.

- Mirrors should not be placed where they reflect your image as you sleep. Round and oval shaped mirrors are ideal, but make sure they are larger than your head.

- Sleeping directly on the floor is not suggested as it does not allow the Chi to flow beneath you.

The stairway

- Traditionally, the favorable number of steps in a stairway is an odd number. A spiral staircase is also a blunder because it confuses the Chi.

- The worst mistake that can happen is when the staircase leads directly to the front door. This leads to the loss of opportunities, and the residents tend to be always rushing, seldom settling in.

- A good way to slow down the flow of Chi outside the front door is to hang a wind chime on the ceiling above the base of the staircase. A heavy figurine at the floor level below may also act helpful.

Lobbies and hallways

- Hallways need to be free of impediments and are needed to be well lit. It should also be clear to anyone where they are to go next in the house.

- A nice piece of art may be hung on the wall to the end of a hallway. However, never place a mirror there; it will only reflect back the entering Chi.

- There should be no hallway in the house that leads directly to a toilet. If it is already there, just make sure the door is closed at all times. These are some tips to overcoming and preventing Chi flow problems, giving you a harmonious feng shui home.

http://a-to-z-on-feng-shui.blogspot.com

About the Author :Gargi Nath

Gargi Nath,a Professor in English in a reputed college in kolkata for the last 5 years having done masters and Phd.A keen creative author and have written many articles on numerous topics.Many of the articles are published regularly in newspapers and magazines.Please visit my blog http://a-to-z-on-feng-shui.blogspot.com for more information.

Feng Shui and Clutter – an Essential Tip to Know

2009-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Author: Toon Hwang

Basic Facts About Feng Shui

The Chinese words Feng Shui literally mean (Feng) Wind and (Shui) Water. This highlights the emphasis of Feng Shui which put great reference to the nature, the environment and the surrounding.

In fact, Feng Shui has little or no connection with religion although Feng Shui is sometimes also being mistaken as part of Taoism. It is not, although they do have some similarities in certain theories about luck and environment. Feng Shui is in fact a study of the natural elements that can affect our life, health, relationship and wealth.

If you dig deep into the Feng Shui applications, they focus very much on the placement of the elements in your surrounding. A comprehensive and effective Feng Shui application focus on the placement of furniture, the design of the layouts and all things that enhance the physical and natural environment.

However, some Feng Shui practitioners use a lot of Chinese ornaments as Feng Shui cures and enhancements; this is because the application was influenced by Chinese Culture as it was originated from China more than four thousands year ago.

In China, due to the Cultural Revolution that suppressed many ancient Chinese beliefs for decades, Feng Shui was almost lost to the world. Thankfully, there were many Feng Shui enthusiasts and practitioners who escaped from China during the Cultural Revolution and they were able to pass on most of the Feng Shui knowledge and application through the generations. Thus, do not be surprised if you observed that the Chinese in China do not know as much about Feng Shui or practice the Feng Shui application as much as the Chinese outside China.

It is common knowledge that our environments have a great impact on our lives. Feng Shui is the Chinese’s ancient way of understanding that influence. Thus, understanding of Feng Shui and the correct re-arranging of Feng Shui elements can lead to an improvement of our life, health, relationship and wealth.

An Essential Feng Shui Tip

“Get Rid of Clutter” - Almost every good Feng Shui class or seminar would say it so. Ever wonder why? That's because it's the truth. The basic premise of Feng Shui is that your life experience, even the extent of your luck – is influenced by your surroundings. At the same time, the state of your home or workspace is a reflection of your mood and attitude.

A simple tip which Feng Shui masters will never tell you as it is just too obvious. This is one tip which they will not tell you when you ask them (at fees costing up to thousands of dollars) to Feng Shui your home or office. Why? Because your home or office would be tidy and neat on such a day. Isn't it so?

Many a times, Feng Shui tips are as simple as keeping your homes or offices neat and tidy. Getting Rid of Clutter is the most important way to dramatically improve the Feng Shui of your home.

It's a Feng Shui tip that many take for granted. They rather spend lots of money buying Feng Shui ornaments which ironically add to the clutter in their homes and offices,

only to realise that their lucks are still as bad (if not, worse off than before) and then they blame it on Feng Shui and said that Feng Shui doesn't work. Keep in mind that Feng Shui when applied in the wrong way can have adverse effects. So, please do not over do in terms of buying and placement of Feng Shui ornaments.

With clutter, most people cannot think clearly as they always looking for things among the mess. Imagine being feeling happy and good when your minds are always on finding things among the stacks of mess at home or in your office.

Think about this for a while.

You may heard about "Chi" (the flow of energy) and Feng Shui. Clutters basically affect the Chi, and thus your luck. Clutter creates bad Chi flow because it prevents good Chi from flowing within your environments.

Clear the clutter and you clear the space for good Chi to flow, which is much better than placement of any Feng Shui ornaments, to kick-start the good Feng Shui in your environment.

If there is one tip that you want to take away from reading this article, that will be:

Before you rush out to buy any Feng Shui ornaments, start with clearing up your clutter.

Get rid of the mess and you get rid some of the bad Chi (and some bad luck…)

About the Author:

Toon Hwang ONG is the online Feng Shui enthusiast who has spend several years learning Feng Shui. He recently has a chance to learn under a practicing Feng Shui Master and shares the important tips that he learnt via his free e-newsletter.

Get his free e-newsletter at >> http://www.fengshui-do-it.com

He also a great advocate on self-improvement in all areas of life (not just on Feng Shui). Find out more about what his sources of self-help info at>> http://www.cpunion.com/toon

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Feng Shui and Clutter – an Essential Tip to Know

Fen Shui - More Than You Might Think

2009-08-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

There is an expression in Western culture: "ground-breaking." It refers to something new and momentous, important, and capable of changing the way we think, act, respond, or create in the future.

A "ground breaking" discovery in science can show the way to a miraculous cure of a noxious disease and forever our society.

A "ground breaking" musical performance or artistic achievement can lead the way for variations on a fresh trend or open doors for like-minded folks who needed such a catalyst or leader to precede them.

In a more literal sense, we still employ the words "ground breaking" to refer to the start of a construction project. The moment we "break ground" is the moment the initial shovel of dirt is moved from the earth. So, how did the literal act of moving dirt take on the metaphorical connotation of important change? This is in fact a major feng shui concept at its essence. Both primitive and evolved cultures have historically tracked the seasons and the climate, produced calendars, established farming schedules according to the cycles of the moon and we have basically looked to nature for the timing of many significant activities and rites of passage. The power of the earth, combined with the timing of nature is understood naturally by folks of all backgrounds.

Buildings are an extension of the earth and literally made of earthen materials, such as granite and concrete. We have made our homes in caves and we have built tall virtual mountains called "skyscrapers." Even the biblical adage "from dust to dust" reminds folks of our connection with the earth.

When the rays of sun strike the ground (or the solid foundation of a house being built), it establishes a connection between earth and sky (heaven.) Feng Shui practitioners like to line Sir Winston Churchill, who alleged, "We shape our buildings and then they shape us."

The timing of when we change or move the earth can have an lasting affect on the population who inhabit that area or that structure for many years to come. This is why so many people refer to the Chinese Almanac and feng shui calculations in support of the finest time to commence a construction as well as when to specifically prevent the start of a construction.

Like other fashionable expressions, such as "going with the flow" or "setting the tone," the Term "ground-breaking" have their origin steeped in metaphysical awareness.

This day, 2009, the orders of northeast and southwest are both tugging at each other and are considered shaky directions for building or remodeling.

Some folks are building new houses this year which are sitting in the northeast or southwest. (The saying "sitting" means the back of the building.) Since the back of the building is the "spine" and partly the essence of the building. They maybe advised to proceed with care and they have even gotten into the details of what months and days are better than others to start the project.

About the Author : Adrian R McCluskey

Whether you know it or not, Feng Shui is all around us.

Feng Shui and Transform Life

2009-08-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Discover How Feng Shui Can Transform Your Life

by Ken Dooley

Feng shui are wood, earth, metal, fire and water. When these five are balanced in your home, you have a better balance in your life and a better chance to have what you want out of life. Then your home is working for you and not the otherway around. The way to use these elements is to place them in the appropriate area of the home and give intention that they work for your particular cause. As well as merely placing the associated element in the appropriate spot in the home, there are two additional ways to use elements.

These two ways are; 1) the creative cycle, and 2) the destructive cycle. In the creative cycle order, one particular element"creates" another - like water "feeding" or creating wood. In the destructive cycle order, an element can overpower another as water"dousing" or destroying fire. In the creative cycle, water feeds wood, wood fuels fire, fire makes earth, earth creates metal, and finally,metal holds water. Using this information, if you want to work on getting a better reputation, having a fireplace in the fame and reputation gua would be a great cure (fire is the element for fame and reputation), other fire cures would be red items, objects such as candles, triangularly shaped items. If it is not practical or desirable to have a fireplace or other fire symbols there, you can use the element that "feeds fire," which in this case, is wood.

Feng shui is particularly important in the bedroom as it's a room that most of us spend more time in than any other - about a third of our lives in, and to most of us, the bedroom is also a room where we can hopefully escape from work, noisy children and the stresses of everyday life. A bedroom should be a room that is conducive to a good nights sleep, relaxation and perhaps romance. A dark, untidy and unwelcoming bedroom can create feelings of lethargy and depression, especially when you are asleep but your mind is still active. Before you even enter the bedroom itself, the doorway is important in feng shui. It is good to have a door that opens at least 90 degrees, anything less than this is considered restrictive and symbolically may prevent good luck or good opportunities from entering your life.

Practitioners of feng shui also suggest a device known as a 'greeter' in your bedroom. This is the first thing you see when you enter the bedroom, the focal point of the room - it could be anything from a large painting, photograph, fireplace or striking piece of furniture. As far as the decoration of your bedroom goes, try to avoid stimulating colors like red and gold on the walls - instead, use relaxing colors such as pastel blue, green or yellow. The position of the bed itself is extremely important in creating a peaceful and uncluttered environment for your bedroom. Most people instinctively know where to place their bed, taking into account the size and shape of the room, window and door placement, other furniture, overhead lighting, etc.

These decisions as to where best to place a particular thing form many of the basics of feng shui. Feng shui practitioners also claim you are in the 'command position', meaning a feeling of confidence and power if you are able to see your bedroom door when you wake in the morning. However, it is not considered good to have your feet in direct alignment with the bedroom door - the ancient chinese considered this the 'death position'. If you have an adjoining bathroom opening onto your bedroom, keep the bathroom door closed so nothing can subconsciously disturb your sleep.

Feng shui is all about living in harmony with our environment and keeping a balance in all things.

About the Author

More people are interested in learning this method, but donâ€™t know how to go about it. For more information check out the following website today http://vur.me/location/fengshui

How to Decorate Home With Feng Shui

2008-09-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Feng Shui is the practice of bringing good fortune by achieving balance between various elements. In the US, more people are beginning to consult Feng Shui experts in decorating their homes. For you to understand what they say, you need to learn the basic Feng Shui areas that need your attention so you will be able to decorate it properly.

The first step is to draw a layout of your home. When you are doing it, you are noting down the north points in the house.

Then it is time to work on the door. Ideally, the front and back door must never line up with each other. This is because according to the principles of Feng Shui, energy that enters the house will just go out without bringing any benefits to the homeowner. If this is the case in your home, put a plant or any other obstruction with an angled throw rug to encourage a path in a sideways direction.

To bring more energy in the home, bring in some light. This doesn’t mean turning the lights on but simply opening up the curtains so the sun can come in. You should also add green plants since in Feng Shui, the color itself brings joy and happiness. Other decorative items you can use include mirrors, wind chimes and brighter colors.

You can also bring good fortune to the home by putting in an indoor water fountain. This is because water refreshes Chi. At the same time, you can throw in some goldfish as this also encourages wealth. Just make sure to keep the pond clean and never let it stagnate.

Red is a very strong color in Feng Shui because it is hot, passionate, rich and celebratory. You must use this color for a living room set because too much of it may bring restlessness, a burst of anger and over stimulation. If you want to use it, use it only for details and accessories.

When you note down the north point of the home, it will be easy for you to work in other areas such as the southwest area of the house. This area is vital because it will allow you to have satisfying relationships. You can do this by eliminating clutter and replacing it with symbolic items ideally in pairs. Some good examples are candles and other figurines. Never make the mistake of putting wooden or green items here.

As for your dining room, the best ones to get are circles as this symbolizes heavenly blessings. The chairs should be even in number and comfortable to sit in. The décor should be simple so people will not get distracted and be more focused on having a good meal.

Watch out for exposed beams. If there are, these should be covered up because it creates an oppressive downward energetic flow that may cause health problems and other misfortunes in your life. The other option is to have two Feng Shui flutes installed at 45 degree angles on the beam, one at each end.

As for the bedroom, make sure that the bed is not directly facing the door. You shouldn’t also place a mirror on the opposite side of the bed as this could attract a third party into your relationship.

Peace and prosperity can only be achieved by decorating your home with Feng Shui. You can start now with some of the basics then get help if you think you need it.

How to Create a Harmonious Feng Shui Home with Colors

2008-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Color is something that Feng Shui makes use of in attracting positive energy into our living space. When you are planning your home’s color schemes, you should pick accordingly to the kind of energy you need. This guide will assist you in choosing the best colors for you to come up with a harmonious home.

Red – This is the color of fire, which represents divine energy. It is advised to use red with caution. Red is best as the color of small decorative pieces in your living areas, rather than with huge furnishings or wall color. This color brings confidence, joy, courage and passion into your life.

Blue – Creating a feeling of serenity, blue is the color of the sea and sky. This color is best used in the east and southeast portions of your home, in the form of wall color and decorative items. Depending on the kind of energy you need, you might want to employ deep blue to promote sleep, or lighter ones to liven up the space.

Yellow – Dull spaces with little sunlight will benefit from the color yellow. This is the color of sunlight, so it evokes a feeling of warmth and cheerfulness. It also brings the fire energy, but in a much gentler way than red. However, it is said that prolonged exposure to this color causes anxiety.

Orange – This color is a brilliant choice for your living room, dining area or elsewhere where lively and playful energy is needed. Orange evokes creativity, one’s sense of purpose and bubbly conversations. This is also the color of choice for those who find red too strong.

Green – Surrounding oneself by the green color of nature is refreshing and nurturing. This color represents the wood element, evoking the healing vibrations from nature into your home. It is best for those who need growth, peace and new beginnings. Having several different shades of green in the home makes the most of the color’s effects.

Purple – Excellent for spiritual and mental healing, purple should be used in moderation. Experts do not recommend this as a wall color, especially in the east and southeast areas of your home, since it is a very strong, high vibration color. Purple is best used in a meditation space; or go for lighter tones such as lavender in adding color to your room.

Pink – The universal color of love, this color is perfect to soothe and fill the heart with love. Pink brings a very fiery energy into your life, especially when coupled with orange. However, too much of this color in one’s home makes the residents tend to live illusive lives.

Black – Although it may convey a feeling of heaviness if used in large proportions, black symbolizes career and sophistication. The color is best used indoors, in the form of furniture shades, frames, and other small decorative items. Black adds depth and definition to any home space.

White – Excellent for use anywhere in the home, especially to contrast bright colors. White soothes the mind by filling it with energy of innocence, tranquility and a bright new future. However, try to limit an all white color scheme in the east and southeast areas of your home.

Feng Shui maintains that the colors used in our living environment as something that affects us physically, emotionally and psychologically. Picking the right Feng Shui colors in your home will attract the kind of energy that will work for you best.

Here Concepts Behind Feng Shui Belief

2008-09-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Feng Shui is more than just rearranging furniture, it’s a lifestyle. And lifestyles involve mindsets or concepts that are prevalent. Feng Shui experts just say no to some things without reason. Most of the things they do come with a line of reasoning that may not necessarily be embraced by many people.

Nonetheless, it is still a point of view that among other things, require careful consideration and thought. So what are the thoughts that prevail on the onset of Feng Shui? Here are just some of these prevalent concepts that a Feng Shui enthusiast or researcher may find useful.

Sense of Balance

The number one thing that Feng Shui promotes is balance. This balance comes in many forms, in the color arrangement, in the spatial factors up to the numbers that concern your working space or environment. The balance is more promoted by the five Earth elements of Feng Shui and the bagua, which is designed symmetrically and with complete reference to the different elements of the earth by Feng Shui standards. The standards of Feng Shui is made customized in every person, but it all boils down to having the right sets of things that complement and balance each other out.

Sense of Positivity

A sense of positivity is also what Feng Shui promotes. Positive energy is the thing most sought after by people who try to get the services of Feng Shui consultants. This positivism needs to be maintained. Conversely, it wards off all the forms of negative energy that may come in a given space. This is why there are charms that help cure the bad luck in a given place, especially those which have been established without guidance of Feng Shui.

A Natural Inclination for Beauty and the things that Promote It

Beauty in symmetry and symmetry in beauty is one of the core concepts of Feng Shui. It appeals to the physically inviting, and also adheres to fighting for beauty and balance in things. Feng Shui, in some ways, is a celebration of beauty in design and other physical elements of the space being designed.

Love for Your Environment

Feng Shui promotes the careful consideration of the environment before establishing places. Good Feng Shui respects the elements of the earth and makes the Feng Shui enthusiast more mindful of their surroundings. They don’t just work instantly in any oppressive place, but strive to remove any existing negativities in the environment.

Love for Self

The love for self is also promoted by Feng Shui. You will detect energy based on what generally feels good to you. Love for self involves not subjecting yourself to oppressive places or harboring negative energies that can be counter-productive to your different activities.

Dreaming big and making the environment jive with that dream

Finally, Feng Shui is more anchored on the greater scheme of things. When you have a dream and you intend to fulfill it in numerous ways, the best way to start is to have an environment that embraces those dreams. If you dream big and work hard, but your environment cancels all the things that you are striving for, it will be a very difficult task for you.

Feng Shui ensures that there is alignment between the things you want and the things that are manifested in the objects you see everyday.

Feng Shui & Clutter

2008-09-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Part of having good feng shui is clutter management. If anything, clutter is the biggest hindrance you can have for the best flow of chi, prosperity and goodness in your life. However, few people are able to manage their clutter wisely. On a daily basis, we get tons and tons of stuff we won’t be really using for a long time. Here are some tips for you to help reduce clutter and invite good Feng Shui.

Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 1: Sort your mail as it comes in

Incoming mail is one of the top sources of clutter. All those bills are not just stressful if mismanaged and stashed somewhere in your home, but it is also contributory to clutter in your home. If you are really serious about getting good Feng Shui, make sure that you are able to screen your mail. Establish a system for sorting all your mail. And this also holds true for other papers you may be keeping in your home. If you neatly categorize them and throw away the ones you no longer need, you will be much better off.

Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 2: Opt for daily cleanings than reliance on major general cleanings

A general cleaning schedule is good, but if you are still not in the habit of cleaning on a regular basis, you may still find yourself filled with a clutter problem. So the best thing to do when you are trying to apply good Feng Shui is by exercising your cleaning powers on a daily basis, not just on a schedule. It does not have to be too rigorous if done on a daily basis. You can just start with the cleaning per day one area at a time to accomplish it effectively.

Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 3: Clean as you work

While working on a project, clean as you go. This means that you will not just leave stuff lying around on the table as you do your work. This ensures that the work space remains clean, and this also implies that you are open for more productive work in the future since the space is wiped free of any traces from previously done work.

Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 4: Be generous about your stuff

Give away the stuff you don’t need. This is a rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning up and freeing from clutter. Being generous involves giving away stuff you don’t really get to use. What you won’t use for a long time and collect dust may actually be an answer to somebody else’s problems. Just make sure that you are not transferring clutter but something that can really be of use to the person you are giving it to.

Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 5: Dust frequently

Dusting frequently helps keep your place clean. Dust, when accumulated also forms the clutter which we are really trying to avoid in Feng Shui.

Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 6: Evaluate your stuff brutally

If at all possible, have a peer to help you evaluate your stuff at home. What you may hold dear and refuse to part with is not just a sign of bad Feng Shui but may also be a sign of a hoarding problem. Aside from addressing your Feng Shui issues, the mindset on clutter ma also have to be dealt with accordingly.

Applying Feng Shui in Daily Life

2008-09-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Many people are fascinated with Feng Shui and with many good reasons. While others generally believe that it is just some oriental superstitious set of paradigms on interior design (but that is just part of the extensive definition for Feng Shui), the Feng Shui that we know now is actually comprised of various schools of learning and incorporates the different cultures under which it is housed.

The good thing about the different options pertaining to Feng Shui is that even the layman can actually be able to understand and apply it immediately in their homes without having to spend too much. And apart from that, there are other advantages that only Feng Shui can bring if you can actually open up your mind to try it.

Advantage Number 1: It brings balance to one’s life

Have you ever found yourself completely overburdened with clutter and unnecessarily stressed out of your wits? Chances are, you are suffering from a visual imbalance of some sort in your surroundings. Now, the best way to introduce some sense of balance is by incorporating elements that provide you with a sense of control in the outer balance of things. If you are able to get some semblance of balance even in things as menial as your furniture, you are bound to find balance in other aspects equally manageable.

Advantage Number 2: It helps you become more mindful of the little things

Mindfulness in the little things can actually be a good thing. Some of us tend to be heavily focused on the big things of life that even the minor details like home arrangement and office ergonomics no longer come to play. When these “minor” aspects of life continue to take a backseat, they tend to accumulate and produce a very stressful environment which can add up to other problems and worries of life.

Advantage Number 3: It opens up possibilities of meeting new people

Meeting new people is another bonus of being a Feng Shui enthusiast. When you are applying Feng Shui, chances are, you will be able to find another person within your social network who likes the same stuff and can even help you expand your knowledge on Feng Shui, no matter how limited it is to begin with.

Advantage Number 4: It gives a fresh perspective on things

At any given time, a fresh perspective is always welcome. This positive perspective can invite changes for the better. A new way of looking at home arrangement, for example, may actually serve to benefit you in the long run. The fresh perspective brought about by Feng Shui can actually bring about an enrichment of one’s mind.

Advantage Number 5: It invites prosperity and success

The main objective of Feng Shui is to invite all the good things to one’s life. Prosperity and success can be more easily within reach and a positive disposition may be expected if Feng Shui is practiced well.

Advantage Number 6: It has aesthetic appeal

On top of all the enumerated benefits of Feng Shui, the best would probably be its beauty. The physical appeal of a well-decorated home, interspersed with good Feng Shui techniques, is actually something that you can call a personal heritage that can transcend generations and promote beauty in all aspects, including design of the home and the office.

Feng Shui Knowledge

2008-09-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

What is Feng Shui? Simply put, it is an ancient art and science that was developed by the Chinese more than 3,000 years ago. It is a complex body of knowledge that if practiced properly will assure the person good health and fortune.

Feng Shui is made of two words. The first is wind while the second is earth. Its teachings are based on Taoist vision and understanding of nature on the belief that the land is alive and is filled with energy. This in turn could make a kingdom successful or bring it to its downfall.

Aside from the water and the wind, Feng Shui is influenced by the theory of 3 other elements namely wood, fire and metal. It is this that also guides Chinese astrological sciences including the times, dates of birth and years as well as colors, seasons, directions and the planets.

The main tools for Feng Shui are the compass and the Ba-Gua. The Ba-Gua is an octagonal shaped grid containing the symbols of the I Ching which is the ancient oracle on which this is based.

Those who believe in Feng Shui say that those who know the Bagua of their home will be able to understand specific areas of their life.

The feng shui compass is also called lo-pan. This is used to access deeper information about a site or a building. It consists of bands of concentric rings arranged around the magnetic needle. "Lo" means "everything" and "pan" means "bowl", which can be interpreted as the key to the mysteries of the universe.

Through the years, several different schools of feng shui have emerged. If you are able to master the basic level, it is said that you will start to see powerful results which could be to your advantage both at home and in business.

Those who practice Feng Shui see it as a double edged sword because it can be mutually productive and also destructive.

In a productive cycle, fire produces earth which produces metal which produces water which produces wood and the fire again. In a destructive cycle, wood destroys earth which destroys water which destroys fire which destroys metal and then destroys wood.

To give you an idea what this all means, let’s say you were born on a fire year. Too much water in the home is not good because water destroys fire. On the other hand, if you put a lot of wooden décor into your home, then things will be good because wood produces fire. Aside from that, experts say that you will more likely prosper if you sleep on the south side of the house or apartment.

But the ordinary Joe does not have time to understand that. This is why many people these days consult Feng Shui experts when they are building an office or their home. By being able to have someone who understands these cycles, harmony and productivity is achieved.

So what is Feng Shui? For those who don’t believe in it, simply one way of making sure that you will get good fortune. As for those who take it seriously, it is what creates the essence of life around us. There must always be a harmonious balance between these elements so that you can live a healthy and meaningful life.

Organize your Move and Reduce your Stress

2008-07-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Moving can be a very stressful and nerve-wracking experience. But with some careful planning and by thinking ahead a little, you can make the process go a bit smoother.
Create a simple record keeping system. Whether it's computer-generated or hand written, be very specific when recording things on this list.

You'll probably need many more boxes thank you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier. If you go through a moving company, keep in mind that any boxes you purchase but don't use can be returned for a credit or refund. Have at least ten boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra. Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day.

Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room and so forth. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home, place a matching sticker on the door to each room. This is a simple way for the movers to know where to put everything when they arrive.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit.

Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Moving companies will not move cleaning chemicals, so plan to transport those with you in your vehicle or give them to a neighbor or friend.

Organizing your Child's Bedroom Can Be Fun

2008-07-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

If you have a child, you know how easily their bedrooms can get out of control. Toys strewn about, clothes out of drawers, books on the floor; it can almost be a hazard sometimes just to enter. But getting your child's room organized can be rewarding and fun, especially if your child is actively involved in the process.

Never attempt it without their permission, input and most importantly their active participation. Don't surprise your child and go ahead and organize their room for them. Just as you expect your privacy and possessions to be respected, so should theirs.

Teach your child as soon as possible the importance of keeping their room tidy and orderly, so they'll have a strong appreciation for neatness and order as they grow. With a little patience and cooperation, even the youngest can be taught this habit early on, simply by learning how to put toys and other belongings like books and art supplies away after use.

When organizing your child's room, make sure it's fun and creative, so they are interested in maintaining it. And as we all know, children grow and change rapidly, so their rooms should have the room to grow with them. Make sure your organizational method has room to grow and change as well. And above all, make sure you get their ideas about what they think will work the best for them. Make sure that all their favorites are well within reach and easy to put away.

Place things that they use on an infrequent basis on the top shelves in their closet, and devise a workable system for hanging and organizing clothes and grouping favorite outfits together. When it comes time to put laundry away, ask if they need your help, but try to give them the space when possible to do it themselves, and it will grow into a good habit as they grow older. Hanging storage closet systems are ideal for kids. They are bright and colorful and are able to contain closet items in a way that enhances visibility for a child. Designed with roomy pockets they hold an array of shoes, toys, and clothes, and hang over any standard closet rod. Their front openings make it simple and quick for any child to use.

Also consider a desk with drawers or other filing system for your child's school work, art work, awards, report cards, and other papers. There are many brightly-colored and durable storage bins, desks and organizers available for your child's room, so take them shopping with you so you can both select the best option.
And most importantly, keep your room neat and organized, and maintain it on a daily basis. Don't expect your child to maintain a nice, tidy room if you're not doing the same. The best teacher is your example.

Organizing and Planning a Successful Family Vacation

2008-07-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

Planning a successful family vacation can be tricky when you're trying to work around your family member's busy schedules. Coordinating requested time off from work with school vacations and summertime activities can be a daunting task.

Get your family actively involved in the vacation planning process. Everyone wants a trip to remember, and by obtaining input from each family member as to what they enjoy, what they'd like to do and where they'd like to go, it can be successfully planned.
Your children may surprise you with some of things they suggest to do on vacation.

Once you've got your plan mapped out, keep your kids involved by putting them in charge of at least one aspect of the trip. They may be good with landmarks and direction. If that's the case, have them be your navigator. Maybe they love to take pictures and would love to be the official vacation photographer. You'll feel less overwhelmed by everything that needs to be covered during the trip, and they'll feel a great sense of accomplishment in tackling their assigned project.

It's highly unlikely that your time or monetary budget will allow you to do every single thing that everyone wants to do on the trip. Work together to narrow the list, and place those things that everyone would like to do toward the top.

After the location, time frame, and activities have been settled, it's time to make the to do list. Figure out what clothes need to be packed, which neighbor or friend is going to check your mail and water your houseplants, and what bills need to be paid prior to your leaving. Put your children in charge of figuring out things like how much dog food you need to bring along for a vacation that will last for ten days, and make them responsible for locating their swim trunks, travel games, favorite books and music CDs.

With a little forethought and some careful planning, you can have the family vacation of a lifetime and live to tell the tale.

Planning and Organizing a Successful Yard Sale

2008-07-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

A well-organized and well-planned yard sale is more appealing and makes it easier for shoppers to see what you have for sale. After you've sorted through your belongings and decided what you're going to place in your yard sale, take a moment to sit down and think through how you want to organize your items. Categorize your items, as it demonstrates your hard work and forethought in planning your sale. Keep a close eye on things throughout the course of the day, as you'll need to resort and re-categorize your things as your items sell.

You can sort things into boxes when you're doing your initial sorting and purging. Grocery, liquor and discount stores always have plenty of empty freight boxes, and they're usually free for the taking. Make sure you gather several sizes to accommodate different items. As you Take a box with you and survey your house and your belongings, place your unwanted items in the box until it's full. Select a central location or room in your house to coordinate your sale items. Continue with this process until you've sorted through all your belongings in both your home and garage. Be sure to go through places like your drawers, closets, sheds, cupboards and your pantry. Don't forget your attic or basement as well.

After you've gathered all your sale items, sort them into categories to group them into for your sale. This can be done either by category or price. Periodically during your sale, move items that haven't sold to another table or re-locate them on the same table. However, don't do this during times when you have lots of traffic. If you notice certain categories of items are not selling as well as others, you might want to adjust your prices accordingly or move them closer to the entrance to your sale so they are more visible to those who drive by to see what goodies you have to offer.

After your sale is over, don't take the items back in your house. Contact your local rescue mission or charity thrift store and make arrangements to donate your items. Most places will be happy to arrange a pickup time to come by and haul your things away, and will give you a receipt you can use for a tax write-off.

Plan and Budget for a Successful Party

2008-07-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

You want to plan a great party, but you don't want to break the bank to do it. Don't worry. The most successful parties are well planned, not the most expensive.
You probably remember a great party you attended at one time or another. Though they are great place to glean ideas, don't try to duplicate a party you've already attended. You want your party to be remembered for the fun and the festivities, not because it was just like someone else's.

First, set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Ask your friends to help in the planning process. Perhaps your friend who's a great artist can help you design some affordable and creative invitations. Maybe another friend has an incredible music collection or karaoke system. Borrow and barter with your friends and family members as much as possible to keep your costs down.

Another good tip when you plan a birthday party on a budget is to limit the amount you will have to spend on food. This is easily accomplished with careful planning and thought. Choose to have your party at a time of day when people have already eaten, such as shortly after lunchtime. That way you'll only have to provide simple snacks. Plan on making most of the food yourself to keep the costs down.

To create a good mix, and keep a birthday party on budget, use your imagination and make substitutions where possible. Choose a theme for your party, but don't spend your entire budget on decorating. Focus on a couple of key elements and accent with simple items such as balloons and streamers.

The most important part is to have fun. With some fresh ideas and careful planning and organization, you can stay within your budget yet throw a party that all the attendees will enjoy and remember for a long time to come.

Put the Brakes on the Junk Mail Express

2008-07-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

We've all seen how stuffed our mailboxes are each day with junk mail. Advertisements, coupon books, postcards, brochures and the like break the backs of our local postal delivery people each day across the nation. Each year, junk mail costs the environment approximately 80 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water. It also costs about $450 million each year to have it hauled off, incinerated or recycled. On average that means that about 34 pounds of junk mail is produced each year for every man, woman, and child in the United States. And if you factor into this equation that each person will spend approximately eight months out of our lives dealing with junk mail, and you have a huge sum of wasted time, money, and valuable resources. But you shouldn't feel powerless to stop it. There are steps you can take to tame the junk mail beast.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA), the largest list broker in the US, sells your name and address to those wanting to target you for their product. Contact them directly with a postcard that contains the date, your name and address, and sign it. Be sure to include all variations of your name, and your maiden name if you've recently married. Instruct them to remove your name from their mailing lists. Send the postcard to:

Direct Marketing Association
Mail Preference Service
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
Tel: 1- 212-768-7277
www.dmaconsumers.org

Be careful when you do submit your name and address to anyone, as you can become part of their mailing list which might be sold at a later date, putting you right back at square one. If you're filling out a form such as a warranty, subscription, raffle, customer info card, credit card application, membership for an organization, be sure to instruct them not to sell, rent or trade your name or address. Remember to do this every time you're giving your contact information to a sales representative or customer service associate when you purchase something.

And when you receive an unwanted publication in the mail, immediately contact the toll-free number listed on the publication and request to be removed from their mailing list. Businesses and organizations are glad to hear from you if you're not interested in receiving their materials because it saves them advertising revenue.

Set Reminders to Yourself to do Your Chores and Find More Time As a Result

2008-07-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's been said through the ages that all work and no play made Jack a dull boy. But Jack knew that there was a time for play, and that was after the work was done. By setting priorities and goals for ourselves when it comes to our household chores and making a dedicated commitment to meet those goals, we also benefit from reduced stress levels and increased free time to pursue those things we like to do, or do nothing at all should we choose.

Write down all the things that need to be done in order of their importance. The greater the importance of the task, the higher it goes on the list. Put your distractions in their place, which is at the very bottom of the list, after all your chores have been successfully completed.

Don't look at a big task as a big task. Break it up into smaller more manageable segments. Commit to completing it a segment at a time. If needed make an outline before and as you accomplish each part of the outline, check it off. Pretty soon you'll have a crossed-off outline and one large project effectively and efficiently completed. This works especially well to tackle the chores we're dreading the most. We can easily handle an unpleasant task if we know it's for a short time and in small doses.

Have all your materials and supplies ready before you begin. Use a daily schedule and have it with you all the time. If needed, post reminders to yourself in conspicuous spots, and commit to others verbally that you'll complete the project. But most importantly, commit to yourself that you'll complete the project.
Celebrate, pat yourself on the back, smile, and let yourself enjoy the completion of even the smallest of tasks. Don't minimize your efforts; recognize even the smallest accomplishment.

Setting up a Home Office on a Shoestring Budget

2008-07-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Working from home is becoming a more popular option with many in today's workforce. Whether you telecommute or have abandoned the rat race in favor of setting up your own home business, or just simply need a place to land to take care of the bill paying and the home organization chores, a home office has become a necessary space in many homes. Whether you set up a corner office in your kitchen, designate a guest room to double as your office, or set up a location in your basement, it's crucial that your home office include all the elements that contribute to your productivity, efficiency and overall success.

But setting up a home office doesn't have to break your bank account. Very few of us can afford the luxury of having a professional organizer devise an office system for us. Don't despair; there are many creative ways to devise your space .

Maybe you are able to have a separate room for your office. If so, that's great. You'll have lots of elbow room. But if you don't, there's lots of ways to utilize the space you can carve out for one. Whatever space you choose, make sure it's a space that can be dedicated to your office, and doesn't double as an arts and crafts table for your kids or a workbench for your spouse's do-it-yourself projects on the weekends.

Take a look at your space and see what you can do easily and inexpensively to spruce it up and make it conducive to working from home. Sometimes just a fresh coat of paint, some strategically hung pictures or some simple stencil work can brighten up an otherwise dreary corner.

Next, look around your house to see what furnishings you already have. If there's a small unused table that could double as a desk, use it. You've probably got a comfortable chair in your dining room that could work fine as an office chair. Look around your home for some useable pieces that can be brought together successfully to create a comfortable and relaxing home office environment.

You may also already have book shelves, bins, baskets, boxes and a filing cabinet that could also be incorporated into your office. If you don't already have office supplies available, visit your favorite office supply or discount store and stock up on a few needed items and get your space organized and ready to roll.

Smart Grocery Shopping Strategies

2008-07-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Grocery shopping is a chore most of us dread. It can be especially frustrating once you get home and realize you forgot to get an item or you neglected to give the clerk your coupon for that great buy one get one for free deal. You organize every other aspect of your life, so focus that organizational discipline towards your grocery shopping efforts as well.

Start by planning your shopping trips. In order to make a list of what you'll need for meals that week, you'll also need to get into the habit of planning your meals out each week. Choose a day of the week to do your shopping and stick to it. If you do your grocery shopping on Wednesdays when the ads break, be sure your menu planning is completed on Tuesday. Once you've completed your menu, you can construct your shopping list.

It's also important to take a current inventory of your pantry and cupboards, and add any staples that are running low. It's easy to forget that you used the last can of mushroom soup in that new recipe you tried, so make sure you have a couple of other cans on hand when you make it again.

Keep a shopping list posted to your bulletin board or refrigerator, and be sure each family member knows where it is located. That way they can easily add an item to the list that is almost gone or request a favorite item on the next trip.

There are printable grocery shopping lists on the internet, but you might want to consider devising one of your own and saving it on your computer so it can easily be printed each week. Leave room on your list to flag yourself about which items are listed for sale and which ones you have coupons for. Make sure your coupons are organized and in order and that you have a copy of the current ad in case there are any discrepancies once you get there. Come armed with calculator in hand to avoid suffering from sticker shock at the checkout register.

Storage and Organization Products that Will not Break the Bank

2008-07-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

We've all set a New Year's resolution to be better organized. On second glance though, it can be a daunting task when you try to factor in all the necessary tools you'll need to purchase in order to gain control over the clutter in your home. However, you don't have to break the bank in order to organize your life and tame the clutter beast. If you look around your house, you may even find some ingenious storage and organization tools right under your nose.

You need to assess your organizational needs before you go shopping. If your office area is creating chaos in your life, consider investing in a filing cabinet or portable file boxes and a box of hanging file folders and develop a workable filing system for yourself. You can probably even find unused coffee cups for pen and pencil storage, and small baskets or boxes that would neatly tuck inside a desk drawer and hold paperclips, pushpins or rubber bands in your home. If your closet is giving you fits, a second closet rod or shoe or sweater organizer can easily be added to consolidate clothing items and put them within easy reach. Your favorite discount or home store has a large selection of storage bins, drawers, baskets, boxes, and bags available at affordable prices. And though they aren't necessary when you begin your organization product, having durable products that are up to the task of being sorted through, moved and repurposed are smart investments.

But probably the best organizational tool you can invest in is a calendar. It can be in planner form, or a desk or wall calendar, as long as it's easily accessible and has plenty of room for you to schedule your organizational projects and household tasks. Make a commitment to maintaining your organized areas on a regular basis, and you'll probably free up time to tackle others around your house or office.

Think Green when you Clean

2008-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

We all want to do our part in ensuring our environment stays as safe and healthy as possible for our children and future generations to come. Many people don't stop to think how their household cleaners can affect the environment, and how toxic they can make the immediate environment of your home. With some careful forethought, planning and effort, your home can be cleaned safely and effectively, sparing the environment, your home, family and pets from toxic chemicals and fumes.

Most people firmly believe that surfaces in their homes must be disinfected on a continual basis to prevent illness and the spread of disease. But the truth is most areas of your home don't need to be disinfected to prevent the spread of germs. This includes your bathroom. Mild detergents, hot water, and some elbow grease can generally do the trick.

The exception to this rule is the kitchen. Anything involved in food preparation should be completely scrubbed down and disinfected with each use. This includes food preparation surfaces, utensils, cleaning clothes, and sponges.

When shopping for cleaning products, pay special attention to those with the words poison or danger on the label. These words indicate the highest level of hazard, under federal law. Products labeled with the words caution or warning can present a moderate hazard and should be regarded with care. Always read labels and follow the directions.
Never mix cleaning products, such as those containing chlorine with those containing ammonia.

Consider using products such as vinegar, baking soda, and mild detergent when cleaning your home. If you have questions about how to properly dispose of toxic household cleaning chemicals, contact your local health department or county sanitation office for advice and assistance. Most areas provide a household hazardous waste collection site for residents to properly dispose of such items.

To Keep or not to Keep, that is the Question

2008-06-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

There are many great reasons for having a yard sale. Some people have yard sales before they move so they don't have to pack and ship belongings they aren't using. Sometimes they are updating the look of their home and sell their old belongings to make money and room for the new ones. Sometimes your children just grow like weeds and rapidly outgrow both their clothes and their toys. It could also simply be the desire to purge all those items you've held onto for so long, thinking you'd find a use for them but never did. No matter what your reason, having a yard sale is a relatively easy goal to achieve and requires just a few hours of preparation and a few more hours actually selling your wares. You'll reap both financial and emotional rewards from it.

Decide on a date for your yard sale, then get to work surveying the items you have. When you're going through your house deciding what to sell, you'll have to be brutally honest with yourself. If you haven't used it, don't like it, don't see yourself using it or don't know of anyone personally who could benefit from it, then it's a yard sale item. Sort through every dresser and kitchen drawer, every clothes and linen closet, every cupboard and toy box you have in your house. Don't forget your basement, attic, pantry, entertainment center, buffet and outdoor tool shed as well. If an item belongs to a family member, don't make the decision for them. Get their input before placing an item in your yard sale box. Regardless of the time it takes to sort through all your items, make the commitment to stick with it and remind yourself on a continual basis the monetary profit and emotional relief you'll feel once your clutter has been cleared from your home.

Once the sale is over, make another commitment to yourself not to bring the unsold items back into your home. Make arrangements with your local rescue mission or charity thrift store to donate the items. Most will be happy to make arrangements to pick up large donations as well as provide you with a tax receipt reflecting your generous donation.

Once it's all said and done, you'll have some extra pocket change, and can breathe an emotional sigh of relief that the clutter that's been weighing you down for so long has been purged from your home. Renew your commitment to remain organized and to combat the clutter demon on a continual basis.

Turn your Junk Drawer into your Neat Drawer

2008-06-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

We're probably all guilty of having at least one junk drawer somewhere in our house. This is the drawer that started out as a helpful drawer that kept all the handy items in one place like tape, tacks, buttons, safety pins, and so forth in one central location, but turned into the drawer where other things manage to accumulate when people don't know where they go or don't feel like taking the time to put them away properly. Get this drawer (or drawers) back into useful mode again by using a few simple steps to bring things back under control.

First of all, in order to clean it out, you've got to empty it out. Remove everything. Place a piece of paper or tea towel down to protect your countertop or table surface, and literally dump the drawer on top if possible. Otherwise make sure all items are placed on this protected surface.

Once it's out of the drawer, it needs to be sorted. Group all similar items together, and if you can't determine what something is or if it's needed after consulting with others in your family, get rid of it. If there are things in this drawer belong in another location, be sure they are put away promptly. Clean the drawer completely and wipe dry. Afterwards, lay a fresh drawer liner or contact paper inside.

The next trick is devising a simple, workable organized system that everyone in the family can use. Ice cube trays, egg cartons, small boxes or even 35-mm film containers work well to store small things in. If you cannot see into it to determine its contents, make sure it's clearly labeled. Small plastic sandwich bags are ideal for organizing and storing rubber bands, thread, and string. If you store glues or other adhesives in this drawer, make sure they have lids that are secured. It might also be a good idea to get into the habit of storing them inside a plastic storage bag in order to avoid a mess down the road should the lid become unsecured in the shuffle or is not properly tightened after use.

Most importantly, encourage your family to keep the drawer organized and neat. If it's properly maintained, there should be no need to shuffle through the drawer looking for things, creating an even bigger mess to clean out yet again in a few months.

Websites that Help You Get and Stay Organized and in Control

2008-06-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

Now that you're getting the knack for organizing your home and your life, maybe you find yourself in need of a little extra inspiration, some fresh ideas, or maybe would just like to connect with like-minded people like yourself. There are many different websites out there that provide a wealth of information, ideas and tips, as well as provide a place where people can go and share their own ideas, mistakes, and offer support to one another. A few of the most popular home organization websites are listed next.

Visit FLYlady.net for tips on how to conquer the clutter in your life and how to overcome the CHAOS factor, which stands for Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. This group teaches you how to use an organizational journal and encourages you to shine your kitchen sink often. Followers are often referred to as FLYbabies, and the group is currently over 300,000 members strong. Visit this site at www.flylady.net.

Large comprehensive websites such as www.ivillage.com, www.msn.com, and www.yahoo.com all have a wealth of articles and advice available for you on many different topics to help your home and life run more smoothly. There are other groups out there that you can sign up for online to become a member of to chat with people, or there are various message boards available that you can post ideas, tips and suggestions on for other readers.

If you're looking for websites that offer ingenious organizational and time-saving products, there are plenty of them to be found on the internet. Lillan Vernon, Harriet Carter, Rubbermaid and Kitchen-Plus.com all offer innovative and unique ideas for your home, office and car.

Various newsgroups and e-mail newsletters abound on the internet. Take some time and find a few of them that you have found to be useful, and subscribe to them so you're always sure to get the latest time-saving tips and organizational ideas.

Careful Organization and Planning Helps Preserve your Favorite Photos

2008-05-20T00:25:00.001-07:00

Photos can be a wonderful way to preserve memories and relive favorite past moments. However, they can also become a cluttered mess without an organized storage plan.
Probably the most important tool to have when you begin your photo organization project is a trash can. Statistics show the average person develops one roll of 24 pictures a month but only seven are worth keeping. That being said, you'll probably find many photos in your collection that simply aren't worth keeping.

Another tool you'll need during your organization process is several manila envelopes. Do your best to sort the photos by year, and place each group in the envelope with the year clearly marked on it. Place these envelopes in a strong cardboard box or storage bin. You'll probably be able to store a decade's worth of photos in a single container.

Collages and shadow boxes are great ways to display several photos from a selected year. Include mementos and keepsakes in the shadowbox to add a unique personality. Special photos should be enlarged and framed to be displayed around your home.
Take special care to purchase photo albums that are made with acid-free paper. The acid used in processing everyday paper can be very damaging to photographs over the long haul.
Scrapbooking is a growing trend and a clever and creative way to display your photos. Craft stores have an abundance of scrapbook supplies, including stencils, decorative scissors, background papers, rubber stamps and permanent markers. You can also utilize everyday items around your house such as ribbons, magazine clippings, and fabrics. Again, take care to ensure that the paper you use is acid-free or is displayed separately from your favorite photos.

Lastly, just in case something should happen to your photos, make sure you have a backup plan to replace them. Store the negatives of your most important and cherished photographs in your safe deposit box to also protect against theft or destruction from elements such as fires or floods.

Beginning Recycling at Home

2008-05-20T00:24:00.003-07:00

Every year, tons of material that could be recycled aren't, and end up clogging our already overwhelmed dumps, waterways and roadsides. Most people think it's a difficult undertaking to organize a recycling center at home. However, with some creativity and commitment, it can be easy to do. You'll feel better about yourself doing your part to care for the environment as a result, too.

Find a convenient place in your home or apartment for the center. It doesn't take much
room for your recyclables. The garages, a storage closet, corner of the kitchen, or under your kitchen sink all make great locations. Find and clearly label containers in which to store your recycled materials. Plastic buckets, storage containers or even trash cans work great depending on the amount of room you have available.

Get your family actively involved in the recycling process. Make sure they all are aware of what products can be recycled. Teach them the difference between the aluminum can bin and the tin can bin. While doing their weekly chores, teach them to be on the lookout for recyclable material lying around the house, and encourage them to place it in the proper storage bins.

Encourage them to come up with ideas for reducing the amount of recycled material that's consumed by your household. Take them along with you to the recycling center in your neighborhood so they can witness the process firsthand. Show them how they can reuse recyclable materials in their own organizational efforts at home. Perhaps a large cardboard box can double as a bin for all their shoes, or a coffee can be repurposed as a penny bank.

And when they learn the money that can be both saved and earned from recycling and reusing products, they'll have developed an environmentally healthy and thrifty habit for life.

Be Safe and Sound When Repairing or Remodeling your Home

2008-05-20T00:24:00.001-07:00

Home improvement projects can be dangerous. Many tasks call for sharp tools or power tools that can cause injuries. You can't successfully repair or tackle home improvement projects your home if you're not careful. With a little careful organization and forethought, even the most difficult home improvement tasks can be conquered safely and successfully.

Be sure to completely read the instruction manual for your power tools and follow the manufacturer's safety cautions. Tighten any adjustments and check that the guard is working before you operate a tool. Keep power tools dry, and plug them into grounded electrical outlets. Take care not to cut the power cord. Never store your power tools while they are still connected to the power supply.

Keep fingers well away from a power blade. Clamp small pieces of wood before cutting them, rather than holding them. It's imperative to wear work gloves when you're handling rough materials such as wood, glass, or metal, but take them off when using a power tool so you have complete control over it.

Never use any kind of power tool without proper protective eyewear. Unplug a power saw before changing the blade or doing any other kind of maintenance or cleaning to it.
Learn how to properly support a board when you cut it with a power tool so it doesn't kick back towards you during use.

Always completely shut off power or water when working with the electrical wiring or the plumbing. One of the first questions you should ask as a new homeowner is where your shutoffs are located.

When working on a ladder, don't lean out to either side. Keep your body weight between the sides of the ladder. It may take longer to get off the ladder and move it to reach farther, but it is well worth your time. Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in the home.

If you're not used to the physical element of doing construction, remodeling, or renovation work, you might easily injure yourself or strain your muscles. You may not even notice the aches and pains until you wake up the next day. Don't take chances and overexert yourself when lifting heavy objects, or when repeatedly lifting lighter loads. Get a helper to do some of the work, and take plenty of breaks. Listen to your body's signals and realize when enough is enough. Learn to bend and lift with the knees and not your back.

You're going to find a great satisfaction and pride knowing that you're able to safely and successfully accomplish repair, remodeling and renovation projects around your house as long as you're smart, safe, and keep yourself organized, focused and on task.

Avoid the Avoiding Habit and Find More Time and Less Stress

2008-05-20T00:23:00.002-07:00

Procrastination can creep in and easily become a habit. Once it does, it erodes your capacity to function effectively. But it can be a hard habit to break. However, with some honest self-assessment and an organized and attainable plan of attack, it can be overcome successfully.

Be gentle with yourself when you decide to try and kick the procrastination habit. It may be so ingrained that you don't fully recognize all the ways you actually procrastinate. Start out by taking a large or complicated task and breaking it down into smaller parts that you can accomplish easier. It's important to bear in mind that the most difficult or complex tasks are simply just a series of smaller jobs.
Make a verbal commitment to someone else about improving your time management skills and your desire to avoid procrastinating. Allow others to become involved in your efforts by reviewing your progress, helping you set deadlines or evaluating your results can be very helpful. This will most likely create a commitment on your part to fulfill the expectations they've set for you.

Sit down and map out a plan to manage your time more effectively. When a deadline is looming, make sure you allot time each day to work on the project so it doesn't sneak up on you in the final hours or days. Learn to ask for help when you're feeling overwhelmed or overworked.

Reward yourself for good behavior and accomplished goals. Don't wait until you've accomplished the ultimate goal, but reward yourself for your successes along the way. Make sure the reward is something you like to do. Treat yourself to the newest book by your favorite author and take the time to read it. Indulge in bubble baths or relaxing music. If you've gotten into the habit of working late, make sure you develop a new habit of going home on time each night.

By making a commitment to avoid the avoiding habit, you'll soon be well on your way to finding more time and find yourself more relaxed and productive and less stressed in the process.

Attractive Arrangement of your Furniture Enhances your Room's Décor

2008-05-20T00:23:00.001-07:00

Arranging the furniture in the right manner ensures that the room area is efficiently used. A clever furniture arrangement can also highlight a favorite piece of furniture. However, figuring out the best way to utilize space and create a comfortable atmosphere can be a difficult chore. But with some planning and creativity, it can be accomplished easier than you think.

Before you move anything, you have to decide what the focal point of the room is going to be. Focus your efforts around that location or item. Before arranging furniture in the room, decide on what will be the focus of the room. Center your furniture arrangement around that focal point. It can be anything; a fireplace, a picture window, a home entertainment center or a wall painting.

Chairs should be placed within about eight feet of each other to encourage conversation. Position a table in such a way that it is easily accessible from every chair. Keep a light source near the seating area. Coffee tables should have a clearance of about 14 to 18 inches from the sofa. Side tables should be at least as tall as the arm of the chairs or sofa to make serving easy and discourage accidental spills. When arranging furniture, make sure you provide enough space to move around the room.

In a multipurpose room, arrange furniture in a way that you divide the room into separate living and dining spaces. A strategically placed screen or curtains hung from the ceiling are simple and inexpensive ways to accomplish this. Make sure the room stays balanced and that the sections or divisions don't fight one another. Area rugs are a great way to define areas and groupings. Small pieces can easily get lost in a large room, so be sure to group them with larger elements.

Affordable No Sew Curtains for Your Home

2008-05-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

If you're looking into adding some fresh decorative touches to your home, a good place to start is with your window treatments. But it can be a bit daunting to your budget to purchase window treatments for an entire room. However, there are many window treatment options available that you can do yourself, and you never even have to pick up a needle or thread a sewing machine. With a little imagination and some simple connectors, any piece of fabric can easily and quickly be transformed into a window treatment. So find a fabric that suits your home décor and personal style, and choose something that already has finished edges, such as a vintage linen or printed sheet. Then choose a grommet, clip, hook, or cord to hang it with, and you'll have a beautifully simple and inexpensive window treatment that reflects your personal style and creativity.

Grommets, slipped over wall hooks, produce a simple, crisp window treatment. Generally, a hammer and a grommet tool works at least as well for setting just a few grommets. The grommet prevents the hook from tearing through the hole. You can thread rayon cording through grommets and tie behind the grommets to create loops to hang from a wooden dowel or hooks above the window.

There are also stylish clips that can be found at flea markets and antique stores that simply latch onto the fabric. Home decorating and import stores also carry clip-on rings to hang curtains from.

You can even use buttons on curtains. Simply thread fine wire through the holes and sections of ribbon and simply twist the wire on the back side to create simple ribbon loops to hang the curtain with.

Let your creativity be your guide, and you can craft window treatments that reflect your personality and style. You're only limited by your own imagination.

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2007-10-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

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