Hi Everyone-
Sorry for the delay in posting this. Here are some tips in creating your own Vision Boards!

Here are some tips to start off on making a "general" Vision Board.  This is the type of VB that I teach in my creativity workshops & what I do between New Year & Chinese New Year to start year off:

• First get a picture of yourself TRULY HAPPY.  This can be from ANY TIME in your life, but you must be EXUDING JOY!!
• On a piece of paper, can be any size, and place picture of self in the middle.  Underneath write: This or something better, shall come to me with grace & goodness.
• Put aside.
• Start cutting up magazines, books, newspapers...whatever.  DO NOT THINK about what you are cutting out.  Place pics in 1 pile, words/phrases in another. 
• Start placing pictures you cut out, around picture of you.  There is NO RIGHT or WRONG way to do this.  I set mine up according to the Bagua Board used in Feng Shui (I'm incredibly Type A and need some sort of organization...yikes).
• THEN start placing words/phrases.  They WILL correspond with pictures...trust me!
• You WILL start seeing a couple of themes develope as you do this. 
• Once satisfied with how looks, then can glue down.
• Place in place of prominence where you will see daily.

If you want to do a SPECIFIC THEMED VB (i.e. one for your business to attract the perfect client, how to design/create your business, bring in more romance/abundance...).  I do this with my business clients when developing business plan/marketing strategy:  

• First get a picture of yourself TRULY HAPPY. This can be from ANY TIME that is SPECIFIC to AREA you want to work on if you have. If not, then find a picture that is "general" as in previous example, but you must be EXUDING JOY!!
• On a piece of paper, can be any size, and place picture of self in the middle.  Underneath write: This or something better, shall come to me with grace & goodness.
• Put aside.
• Start cutting up magazines, books, newspapers...whatever.  BE SPECIFIC on what you are cutting out.  WHAT kind of client do you want to work with.  WHAT TYPE of romantic relationship do you want.  What does abundance look like/smell like/taste like to you.  These are the things you want to cut out.
  Start placing pictures you cut out, around picture of you.  There is NO RIGHT or WRONG way to do this.  I set mine up according to the Bagua Board used in Feng Shui (I'm incredibly Type A and need some sort of organization...yikes).
  THEN start placing words/phrases.  They WILL correspond with pictures...trust me!
  
• Once satisfied with how looks, then can glue down.
• Place in place of prominence where you will see daily.

When finished, send us your pictures!!  We'd love to see what you came up with.  We'll also do a follow-up show later in the year to check in & see how you're all doing on your goals.  Post pictures on the Feng Shui Fabulous group on Facebook!!  (not a member?  why not?).  Also remember to sign up for our newsletter to keep up on new classes & articles (some on Vision Boards!). Until next time...DeAnna

What a COOL show today!!!  I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!  It just goes to show, that even when you KNOW a lot about a subject, you can always learn more.  I also love the synergy between Tara & me...we really DON'T speak ahead of time about the WHAT of what we're going to discuss...merely the specific color of the month.  I love how everything fits & supports what the other is saying...It also goes to show how much the "ancients" really KNEW and how much more we need to learn!

OK-first off, we found out that the Egyptians & Greeks used  A LOT of orange in their temples & healing rooms.  They got the color by grinding up orange agate, jade, quartz & garnet, as well as orange coral & mixing it with whale/fish oil.  They used this mixture to paint their skin, do hieroglyphics, paint temples/walls.

Orange is related to the 2nd chakra, or SACRAL chakra, which corresponds to the digestive & reproductive organs & kidneys.  Orange relates to creativity (think of GIVING BIRTH to something whether it's a person, piece of art or the like).  Orange is also 1 of the colors used in the RELATIONSHIP area of Feng Shui-you use it if you are "single & looking not for a "relationship" but sexual relations"...So, keep this out of the bedroom if you are married or in a seriously, commited relationship.

Orange is a POWER color-right between RED & YELLOW.  It is also one of the most controversial colors.  To bring color into your life, start small...bouquet of flowers, a pillow, a scarf/tie...Watch how people react to you, how you feel & even more "warm".

Orange is also a color used for SAFETY.  As orange is the color that is the easiest to see, orange is used in a variety of ways to promote safety: traffic cones, life jackets, hunting vests...Even OSHA requires that construction equipment be painted orange for it to "stand out".  AND when against a BLUE sky (blue is the contrasting color to orange), it stands out even more! 

***Orange is a great clothing color for kids if you are taking them to a playground or even daycare so it's easy to spot them & keep track of them admist the other kids!***

Orange is also used to feel "warmer" as it's a WARM color.  So if you're in a cold climate, utilize orange in your outerwear, north-facing rooms, blankets...Think of the national colors of Norway-ORANGE.  This color is used for ALL of their sporting teams!  They stand out, promote community/friendship & it's WARM!!

Other ways to use orange are to eat orange foods: sweet potatoes, carrots, tangerines, oranges...You can even wear orange-tinted glasses or drink water that has an orange crystal or other coloring in it.  You can even take a color bath of orange (or any other color!).  Check out Kohler's site for more on this...it's called CHROMATHERAPY: http://www.us.kohler.com/planning/detail.jsp?aid=1129574026469  You can also go to Color Energy: http://www.colourenergy.com/sunday.html  I LOVE their products (and have even written for their newsletter!).

Color is used for branding of companies that want to appeal to the millenials, or to appear high energy w/a sense of community.  Orange is also used heavily for fast food:  fast food that you get & eat fast!  (and again, also relates to the digestive tract!).  Beware of using orange in your kitchens if you are battling weight issues...you don't want to eat alot of food fast!  (use blue!).  For healthcare applications, orange can be used in Cardiac units, transitional spaces (hallways) & children's rooms as they respond well to orange.

Want more?....Listen to the show!! 

To contact Tara & learn more about what she's doing: tara@golittlefish.net or her company website at www.littlefishthinktank.com.  Also check out their 0 Margarita product that coming out!!!

Next up...Feb 14 and the color RED!!!

Remember to become a FAN of Bante Design on Facebook.  Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/bantedesign AND to sign up for the Bante Design newsletter on the home page of the show!!  To contact us, email us at the show or at info@bantedesign.com.

Until next time....DeAnna

Hi Everyone!
Hope you enjoyed today’s episode for Feng Shui tips for your WEDDING!  The RELATIONSHIP area is obviously, the Life Area of choice here.  It is the far-right corner of the Bagua Board (or any room/quadrant of your space).  This area is activated by the EARTH element, earth-tone colors and the shape of a square.  I’d also like to add that anything we are discussing for your wedding/reception/rehearsal dinner can also be applied to the bedroom of the married couple!  If you remember from previous shows, the Relationship area can be activated by 3 different colors: red for legally binding relationships, pink for friendship and peach for a relationship but not a long-lasting one.  For this episode we are focusing on RED exclusively.

The number 2 is also important in this area, as 2=a couple/pair.  Pair items in 2s to represent the happy couple.  Also, in Feng Shui, for help in picking out your wedding date, anything that ends in 8 or 9 is perfect.  8 represents infinity and the number 9 represents fulfillment.

For the color scheme, we are going to focus on the EARTH element AND the FIRE element.  We look at FIRE to INCREASE or add-to the EARTH element…more fun!...as FIRE precedes EARTH in the productive cycle.

***There are 3 cycles of the elements in Feng Shui: the productive (used to INCREASE/ADD TO an area), mitigating (neutralize and element that is in over-abundance-i.e. water in a bathroom) and destructive (negate an element in an area). ***

Color Scheme for a Wedding, Reception and/or Rehearsal Dinner:

Red and earth-tones (browns, tans)

-Use these colors for flowers, bunting, placemats/napkins, and decorations

-You can also WEAR these colors for your wedding party or wedding dress!  In China, most brides WEAR red wedding dresses as red represents joy (AND is the color for success/fame/luck Life Area).  White is the color of mourning in China-not to scare you off, but as an FYI.  If you want a white dress, but don’t like the connotation of the color, go for an off-white dress.

***Some other tips for the wedding dress, make sure you have some sparkle & shine!  Whether it’s metallic fibers in the dress/veil, crystals/sequins or metal jewelry w/high shine. The bride should be the center of attention, and with added sparkle this is ensured!  Also, if taking part in the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition, make sure you are “borrowing” an item from a HAPPILY married woman!  You don’t want negative energy from an about-to-be divorced person on YOUR wedding day! ***

-EARTH-TONES are also recommended if this is going to be a Blended family or this isn’t the FIRST wedding for either spouse.  Earth-tones are grounding and for stability, and represent a foundation from which to start on.  Chocolate brown is still a “hot” color and can be paired w/pretty much any color!

 Design Accessories:
ANYTHING that will increase and activate energy, yang items (mirrors, candles, pyramids, stars, bright lights and crystals…).  Mirrors/crystals will help speed up energy throughout the space and make room feel larger.  Remember, we are using FIRE element here as well and that includes triangles and/or pointy objects.  Use a lot of these items if you really want an ACTIVE party, tone down and more EARTH elements if you want a more relaxed atmosphere.

***ANYTIME you can make an item for use in your space/party is PERFECT as YOU are adding INTENTION and PURPOSE to the item and Life Area you are working on.  If you have the where-withal to make your own candles (or soap, food, gift bags…) and need a place to start-I’m a fan of Michael’s Arts & Crafts stores.  If you don’t have a Michael’s, check out any craft/hobby shop or go on-line.  (Same caller asked about fountains-as these are WATER features this is NOT to be used for this topic/Life Area!  Water +EARTH=mud…you don’t want mud here!  That being said, you can make your own fountains as well…again, check out Michael’s OR your home improvement store for parts and instructions.  They are rather easy to make/install and can be done for under $30. ***

 Speaking of water-if you have an unruly or troublemaker friend or relative, make sure they are seated facing something WATER related.  This could be an ice sculpture, fountain, aquarium…whatever.  The water item will relax them and invite “introspection” on their part.

If utilizing aromatherapy, keep in mind that some guests may have allergies or environmental sensitivities…use sparingly.  That being said here are some tips:

• Rosemary=fun, perfect for a lively, dance, social event
• Ylang Ylang=sexy vibe…you may want to save for the wedding night!  (3E Products has a GREAT Ylang Ylang Environment Spray that is perfect for this and for taking on the Honeymoon!).
• Lemon=invigorating
• Vanilla & Cinnamon=relaxation, use this for a more relaxed or formal event.  (Vanilla is also the #1 favorite scent of men…just an FYI).

 Lastly, if you really want to tap into Feng Shui energy at your wedding, you and your spouse-to-be should place 2 Rose Quartz stones in a SQUARE box and place in the far right corner of the reception hall/restaurant for rehearsal dinner.  2=couple, Rose Quartz=nurturing/love, Square=Earth element, far right corner=the Relationship Life Area.

 Menu Ideas:

OK-let’s talk wedding cake!  You want to look for a tall (upward growing, focus), square shaped (earth element) cake.  Please make sure that your wedding cake is place where the ceiling is high.  You don’t want it, or you for that matter, to be “oppressed” by a low ceiling which suppresses growth.  High ceilings are advised where possible.  If not, get some uplights and place strategically in the space to create the illusion of higher ceilings.

Table/Place settings should utilize the shapes of square and triangle/pyramid/star.  Think shiny and bright.  Flowers and candles are perfect!  You can also use mirrors as placemats or under your centerpieces.  They reflect light great if you want to candle-scape as your centerpiece!

***In China, the dragon and the phoenix, as well as mandarin ducks, are used to represent love and marriage.  Check out Lightstones.com for these items.  There are even some bakeries that can make cakes in these shapes if you are so inclined. ***

Earth Foods:

Spice/Herbs-consommé, fennel, honey, licorice, molasses, raw sugar, chocolate, vanilla,      marzipan, dill, confectioners and granulated sugar

Veggies: green/red bell peppers, okra, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, avocados, beans, garbanzo beans, lettuce, peas, iceberg lettuce, morels, cabbage, oyster & porcini mushrooms, pumpkin.

Grains: sticky rice, corn, cornmeal, millet, quinoa, tofu, Arborio rice, barley, bread, millet, noodles/pasta, rye

Fruits: apricots, currants, raisin, dates, figs, grapes, plums, apples, coconut, papaya, pear, bananas, mango, watermelon

Nuts/seeds/oils: cashews, pine nuts, walnuts, corn/olive/sesame/sunflower oil

Meat/dairy: beef, egg yolk, turkey, butter, cheese, cream, mild

Beverages: liqueurs, malt beer, fruit juice, veggie juice

Fire Foods:

Spice/Herbs-horseradish, juniper berry, nutmeg, saffron, bitter chocolate, cocoa, capers, poppy seeds, paprika, lemon grass

Veggies:- brussel sprouts, celery root, radicchio, artichokes, beets, Belgian endive, chicory, iceberg lettuce, olives, sweet potatoes, arugula, asparagus, cucumbers, kohlrabi

Grains- kasha, amaranth, buckwheat, flaxseed, oats, wheat, bulgur, cous cous, oat & wheat flakes

Fruits: apricots, plums, sweet cherries, elderberry, grapefruit, quince, pomegranates

Nuts/seeds/oils: almonds

Meat/dairy- grilled meats, lamb

Beverages: cognac, hot mulled wine, port, syrah, black tea, burgundy, coffee, green tea, Borolo, Bordeaux, rioja, cherry juice, dark beer, pilsner bear, Beaujolais, Chianti

 Wedding Gifts; as a rule, stay away from anything SHARP!  This has a violent, negative connotation.  So just say “no” to a knife set even if it’s on their registry!  Anything that encourages new growth (landscaping services, stocks/bonds, gift cards, plants) is great.  Also stay away from anything for the bedroom…this is for the COUPLE to purchase and put THEIR intention into that space..NOT their in-laws!  Things in pairs, sculpture/figurines or any item made from EARTH or FIRE element are great.

Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Gifts: Here, anything made from the EARTH element or in the color PINK are good.  Bath/body products, spa certificates, cigars (fire) or anything else that signifies bonding/friendship are all memorable.
 

 

Until next time…Happy Feng Shui-ing…..

Hi Everyone-
Sorry this post is a bit later than usual...but here goes:

In this episode, we discussed Feng Shui tips that you can apply to your birthday celebration!  This topic came up due to the plethora of Gemini-Cancer-June-July birthdays of myself and my friends...I guess birds of a feather really DO flock together!  ha ha

In working with "birthday" energy (chi), we will be looking to the Success/Fame/Luck area of the Bagua Board for insight.  If you remember from previous episodes, this area is at the top of our tic-tac-toe diagram, OR the FAR WALL of your space and the CENTER "square".  This area is activated by the color RED, FIRE element and the shape of TRIANGLES/STARS/POINTS.

To set the "ambience" for a birthday party/celebration, the music you pick s/b "fiery"...think salsa, samba or even Big Band music to really get the energy flowing!  If you want to use aromatherapy, as well, to help set the scene-think spicy scents such as cinnamon & clove.

To utilize FIRE energy, you want LOTS of bright light-whether you are outside or making use of electric light and candles for an inside party.  Mirrors set at strategic locations will also help to diffuse the light throughout the space.  Remember that you can use mirrors on your table place settings as well under plates, candles or flowers.

You want to display a picture of the Birthday Boy/Girl and have a spotlight on their photo.  You can also use RED candles placed underneath/around the picture as well to help ensure "luck" energy throughout the year.

The Birthday Boy/Girl should also sit in the FAR LEFT corner.  This is the WEALTH/ABUNDANCE area of the Bagua, and this will help to activate that energy for them as well in the upcoming year.  The color GREEN and anything in the WOOD element should be placed on the table or their place-setting.

For a neat tradition, have a piece of RED paper available for EACH guest.  On this paper, the guest is to write 9 things that they like about the guest of honor.  9 is the single most auspicious number in Feng Shui!!

For the place-setting and other decor ideas: again, use the color RED, use mirrors/candles/crystals/light to get energy moving, fold napkins into triangles, place the gifts in a pyramid formation and even have pointed birthday hats for guests (or at least the birthday boy/girl) to wear to REALLY activate the FIRE energy!

***As a side note, you can add some WOOD energy to help "feed" the FIRE energy.  Bring in GREEN, WOOD items or the shape of rectangles.***

All of the above tips work for adult as well as kid parties with the EXCEPTION of kids need a QUIET place to eat in.  Make sure that they eat in a different area than where games are being played.  In this area you also want to add WATER element to help "calm and quiet" the kids.  This will help settle their stomachs after an overdose of sugar from treats/cake, and to settle them down after all the excitment of the party!

Until next time...Happy Feng Shui-ing...

Hi Everyone-
No guest today...so I got to wing it!  What I teach in my workshops is that 1st off, you need to look at WHAT you ACTUALLY have in your closet.  Have your Bagua Board in hand, know your 9 Life Areas and then organize your wardrobe based on this.  I guarantee you that there will be a couple of Life Areas that are missing....AND that the missing Life Area will be 1 that you feel stuck in, in a rut or is literally missing from your life!

Now that you KNOW what is physically missing from your life (i.e. clothes, accessories, jewelry) and thusly, the Life Area that needs help, you can a) go shopping, b) trade w/some friends (we used to do this in college!  I also guarantee you that each of your friends have "missing" areas of their wardrobes as well), c) go shopping in your closet and try and put some new outfits together! 

It is possible to add to your wardrobe on a budget-Old Navy has dresses and skirts for $15!  Hit the sales, use coupons & shop wisely.  Remember that what is UNSEEN works just as well as what's SEEN-so hit Victoria Secrets, the lingerie dept at your local department store, and buy underwear in different colors, different styles and different materials to activate the needed Life Areas.  Examples:

RED lace for a date w/your significant other, PINK for a just beginning relationship
PURPLE silk for abundance
TAN cotton briefs for health & well-being...Get the drift?

You can also utilize your accessories in this way as well...Think what Madeline Albright did w/her pins!  In fact, she has a BOOK about her pins and their meanings and what message they conveyed in meetings...Do a "madeline" and find an accessory YOU can really work & own, and find examples that represent the 9 Life Areas and start wearing them!

It can be easy & fun once you get the idea...Not only can you use this for YOU to activate a Life Area, but you can also use these principles in wardrobe help for specific EVENTS.  Thanksgiving is coming up...that's ABUNDANCE...Think purple, metalics for your colors.  Think the water element and the metal element for shape & material.  Think citrus (metal element scent) and Bergamot (water element scent) to wear.  So a purple shirt/sweater, w/metal jewelry and a scarf as a belt or draped over shoulders...Get how this works?  We'll talk more about this when we discuss Feng Shui Entertaining for the holidays in upcoming shows...

I hope you got some good tips, and another way of thinking how you can use Feng Shui in your life!...Happy Feng Shui-ing....DeAnna

What an incredibly, lovey show today!...

Although we didn't get Esther on, Patricia was a joy as usual!  With a lively chat room, book giveaways & wonderful brainstorming going back & forth...(Tiarra Tuesdays anyone?)...I think this has been one of my all-time favorite shows!

First off, congrats to our book winners:
Jennifer Striepling won Patricia's book, Dancing Under the Full Moon: 101 Tips to Attract Money
Rebecca Wincell won my book, Feng Shui for Teens

AND since "learner" (user name) was such an active participant in today's chat room, Patricia offered HER a book as well!  CONGRATULATIONS!

Some  highlights of the show (and there were many tips/ideas/stories we discussed, so please re-listen to the show):

1. Do NOT live in FEAR or a "poverty mentality" (ex: I can't afford this, it's too expensive...). ...while you may not be able to afford something right now, get a smaller version, put it on layaway, do something that helps get you in the FEELING or VIBRATION of what you want.  (i.e. want to go to Paris?  how about a nice dinner at a local French restaurant, drinking champagne & listening to bistro music?....Love the beach but live in WI?  Throw on some Jimmy Buffet music, turn up the heat & drink margaritas...Get where we're going?)
2. Channel your inner 5 yr old on Dec 23rd & you're waiting for Santa to come...Can you feel it?  Are you ready to jump out of your skin w/excitement & anticipation?  Good, that's how you should feel when thinking about your goals, dreams & wants.
3. Become PROACTIVE in your life instead of REACTIVE.  Only YOU can CHOOSE how YOU feel, behave & react.
4. Create a Vision Board to help you focus on what you want.
5. Create your own master mind group to help support you and/or give you ideas you never would have thought of.

Want more tips?  Re-listen to the show....Want to hear about creating a Vision Board?  Want to learn about Tiara Tuesdays?...have to re-listen...

Here is Pat's contact info for those of you who liked what you heard:
www.psheehy.com
www.101moneyattraction.blogspot.com

Next week is Kim Long & Feng Shui Fabulous Fashion tips for the HOLIDAYS!

Until next time....Happy Feng Shui-ing...dr

Hi Everyone-
No "official show" to go w/this blog, but I thought that the tips needed to be delivered in a timely manner for the upcoming 2010 celebrations!!  Until we go back "live" on Jan  10th...have a safe, happy, joyous & abundant  new year!!!  Most of the tips are courtesy of Ellen Whitehurst of Astrology.com!

"Are ready for the best year ever? Burn seven candles anytime tonight to bring unlimited amounts of fortune and luck to the next 365 days. Or, a few minutes before the clock strikes midnight, open every door and window in the house, allowing the old to leave and the fresh and healthy new to come calling. Release any residual negativity stuck hanging around your house as well as bidding all the questionable vibes 'goodbye.' Don't forget that if you wash your face at midnight with pure well or rainwater and look into a mirror by candlelight then next year will have that mirror, mirror on the wall declaring you the most beauteous of all! Finally, as the final piece de la resistance of the whole year, make absolutely sure that the first words that anyone speaks to you in the brand new year are symbolic or representative of what you intend your year to be. HAPPY NEW YEAR will do it, but HAPPY, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS, MAGICAL, PEACEFUL and LOVE-LY NEW YEAR says it even better. From me to you."-Ellen Whitehurst

"Clean your house from top to bottom today, or just do as thorough a job as time and Tide allow. It's important that you welcome in the energies of the New Year with a 'clean slate,' so to speak. If you don't have the time, energy or Ajax, just remember that it needs to be done sometime before the onset of the New Year. That said, you can supercharge your household and all your affairs with an ancient purification that promises to pack a powerful and prosperous punch. Take an old spoon and walk through the house slowly, making sure to visit each and every room. Visualize that the spoon is scooping up all the bad luck, negative vibes and stinky stuff in the house. Once you've done that, walk to a crossroads and bury the spoon there. Don't look back as you head home again. Sorry Tom Wolfe, in this case not only can you indeed go home again, but now it'll be chock filled with sparkling good luck! "-Ellen Whitehurst

Feeling "blue" and suffereing from pre/during/post holiday depression?  Here's a  blend of essential oils that when sprayed around your space with regularity and intent can bring comfort and personal peace as well as a scentual way to cope. Blend five drops of clove essential oil with ten drops of benzoin oil and then add fifteen drops of the mood lifting, spirit enhancing orange essential oil. Add this mix to steaming water and let the scent waft the wallowing away. The saying goes that there's no place like home for the holidays, but we know that home is where the heart is. From my heart to yours, if you are lonely, try this essential oil blend and soon enough you're sure to feel much better!

Here's some "FOOD" to bring you some luck in the New Year  that many cooks will absolutely swear by. And there are a host of different cultures that hold that anything cooked in the shape of a ring and eaten on New Year's Day brings tremendous good luck. This is because that shape symbolizes the ending of one year circling into the seamless beginning of the next one, completing a fortunate and delicious cycle. It's for that exact reason that the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will guarantee a jelly-filled and tasty year glazed with fortune and luck. Cabbage is another food that's eaten in many cultures in the belief that it brings good luck inside every crunchy bite. Salmon, oranges, black-eyed peas -- the list goes on.  And since candied ginger and apples, lemons and nutmeg all bring such big luck, well, the idea's not totally nuts!

Performing any sort of Feng Shui on New Year's Day using just one of the Oriental instruments can guarantee all the goodies that any burgeoning New Year can bring. Move 27 things around your house. Move the saltshaker over to where the peppershaker is and vice versa. Or hang a six-rod metal wind chime outside and to the left of the front door. Towards that same end, some of these same cultures say that hanging a rope of straw in the front of the house on this day will not only keep evil spirits away but will bestow blessings of happiness and joy. And be sure to laugh the day away. Many cultures and traditions believe that laughing on the first day of the New Year will bring smiles for days and weeks and twelve months to come! Eating foods shaped like a ring is also thought to bring blessings full circle. The Dutch eat donuts on New Year's Day while people in the southern United States eat black-eyed peas. And then there's the old axiom that eating cabbage on the New Year will make all the months to follow just flow and grow with health, happiness and prosperity. So, watch your thoughts, laugh a lot and eat circularly shaped food. And then have the best year ever!  (I'm VERY pro eating the donuts on New Year's Day!)

Make sure to read my article in SustainLane of De-cluttering & Organizing tips for the new year at: http://tinyurl.com/ye3ugaw

Wishing you all a very HAPPY, SAFE, JOYOUS & ABUNDANT New Year!!!  Here's to 2010....bring it on!!

HI Everyone-
How fun was today's show?  Did you learn enough about the color GREEN?  I know I learned some new stuff...like WHY surgical scrubs are always "green"...(to prevent eye fatigue of the surgical staff)...Want to learn more?...Listen to the full episode!

Here are some highlights:

Color theory/therapy goes back to the ancient Greeks, who actually used COLOR in their healing rooms (primarily red, blue & yellow).  They also used colored stones, ground up & added to water, in their healing potions!  Jade & emerald were the most used GREEN stones.

Green corresponds with the HEART CHAKRA-for balance, calming, and integrating mental & instintual emotions/feelings.

Green is one of the most "controversial" colors as this color is dependant on geographic area due to the landscape of the area.  Upper midwest likes greens found there (more blue/green leafy color), while desert SW likes more muted, washed-out greens, and the south likes more tulipy, yellow, spring greens.

Green, in healthcare settings, should be used in Surgery, Day Surgery and Bereavement Rooms.  Used minimally in Rehab or Physical Therapy rooms.  In residential, use green in ANY room as a primary color, only as an accent color for the bedroom.

In Feng Shui, green corresponds with the FAMILY AREA and the WOOD element.  (new growth, beginnings).  Use this color for ANY FAMILY gatherings, especially if some family members don't get along, or you want to ensure harmony.  Use in decor, food choices (salads, veggies...), place-settings (dinner ware, napkins, chargers...) or floral arrangements!

If any questions, contact a designer who is an expert in color & can help you pick out color schemes.  It's worth the hour or 2 consult!!

LOTS of great information...And remember, all of the info, whether we are talking about healthcare applications or office, can be applied to your residential space as well!

Today's guest is the lighting designer, author, photographer & all around fabulous person, Randall Whitehead of Randall Whitehead Designs (www.randallwhitehead.com).  Randall has written 7 books on lighting (residential, landscape, sustainable) & his book, The Lost Dolls features all of his photography!  Randall is also the "Dear Abby" of Residential Lighting magazine where he answers readers questions...Check out his column & archives at www.residentiallighting.com. 

Here's some of the highlights of what Randall had to say on upcoming govt mandates, energy efficient options in lighting, decoding lighting accronyms & what you can do to make your dimmers "dimmable" with the new mandates on lamps...

LEDs: light emitting diode, available since  the 1960s but have improved & offer many more colors than original primary colors, making great improvements-especially in use for holiday lighting!  check out www.cree.com or www.progress.com for great LED options.

CFL: compact fluorescent lamp, have gotten a very bad "rap" as original roll-out was a cheap version to compete w/incandescent light that was in most of our homes.  Also bad rap due to usage of mercury in the bulb.  Only 5 ml grams of mercury is allowed per EPA, however, CFLs now on market only contain 1 ml gram per the Oct '09 Consumer Reports.  Can last up to 10,000 hours AND can be recycled and many places across the country like IKEA.  However, a CFL can only "dim" up to 70% if using with a dimmer!

CCFL: cold cathode fluorescent lamp (i.e. a "tasty" bulb per Randall!) has up to 100% dimming capacity, is energy efficient AND can last in a range of 18,000-25,000 hours!  Comes in a standard lamp, a flame-tip that can be used in chandeliers and a globe that can be used in bathrooms.  Cost is approx $12/lamp BUT can save up to $73 in energy costs!!  Check out www.litetronics.com or www.a1000bulbs.com.

ESL: electronic stimulant luminescents, THE NEWEST thing in lighting!!  Full range dimming and instant on capabilities.  First item on market, and featured on www.vu1.com website is a R30 lamp (reflector to be used in overhead/recessed fixtures) as 80% of American households use R30 incandescents in their spaces.  Check out website for a demo.

Dimmers?  Randall's suggestion is to use CCFL's to get the energy efficiency AND dimmability (sp?) of an incandescent.

Randall suggested www.earthled.com for reflector CFL and LED lamps for your recessed fixtures.  And www.maxlite.com for CFL lamps to use with your dimmers.

Some LIGHTING Dos & Dont's:
Whenever you're doing a remodel, redesign or want to maximize and/or highlight items in house, contact a lighting designer and invest in the 1 or 2 hours to have them go over your lighting scheme.  Especially as we age, this becomes more important as we get over the age of 35 (or in looking at an elderly relative's space!) the lens of our eyes starts to "yellow" to to excessive/constant exposure to UV light.  This "yellowing" cuts down on our depth perception.  Randall suggests using a COOL temperature light to help highlight/define colors.

Color temperature is defined in "kelvins"...the HIGHER the #, the cooler the color, the LOWER the #, the warmer the color.  A "daylight" lamp is rated 5000 degrees kelvin, a "regular" incandescent is 2700 degress kelvin.  Use COOL or HIGHER # kelvin lamps for TASK lighting (closets, kitchens, bathrooms, artwork, plants, landscape lighting).  Use WARM or LOWER # kelvin lamps for AMBIENT/GENERAL lighting (bedroom, general light on ceiling lights/fans).  Randall also suggests a COOL AND a WARM light in the closet-the COOL lamp is to be used to see the true colors of your clothes to properly match them (not a black & navy sock...) and the WARM lamp to be used to see how you will look out at night-time.

What a COOL show today!!!  I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!  It just goes to show, that even when you KNOW a lot about a subject, you can always learn more.  I also love the synergy between Tara & me...we really DON'T speak ahead of time about the WHAT of what we're going to discuss...merely the specific color of the month.  I love how everything fits & supports what the other is saying...It also goes to show how much the "ancients" really KNEW and how much more we need to learn!

OK-first off, we found out that the Egyptians & Greeks used  A LOT of orange in their temples & healing rooms.  They got the color by grinding up orange agate, jade, quartz & garnet, as well as orange coral & mixing it with whale/fish oil.  They used this mixture to paint their skin, do hieroglyphics, paint temples/walls.

Orange is related to the 2nd chakra, or SACRAL chakra, which corresponds to the digestive & reproductive organs & kidneys.  Orange relates to creativity (think of GIVING BIRTH to something whether it's a person, piece of art or the like).  Orange is also 1 of the colors used in the RELATIONSHIP area of Feng Shui-you use it if you are "single & looking not for a "relationship" but sexual relations"...So, keep this out of the bedroom if you are married or in a seriously, commited relationship.

Orange is a POWER color-right between RED & YELLOW.  It is also one of the most controversial colors.  To bring color into your life, start small...bouquet of flowers, a pillow, a scarf/tie...Watch how people react to you, how you feel & even more "warm".

Orange is also a color used for SAFETY.  As orange is the color that is the easiest to see, orange is used in a variety of ways to promote safety: traffic cones, life jackets, hunting vests...Even OSHA requires that construction equipment be painted orange for it to "stand out".  AND when against a BLUE sky (blue is the contrasting color to orange), it stands out even more! 

***Orange is a great clothing color for kids if you are taking them to a playground or even daycare so it's easy to spot them & keep track of them admist the other kids!***

Orange is also used to feel "warmer" as it's a WARM color.  So if you're in a cold climate, utilize orange in your outerwear, north-facing rooms, blankets...Think of the national colors of Norway-ORANGE.  This color is used for ALL of their sporting teams!  They stand out, promote community/friendship & it's WARM!!

Other ways to use orange are to eat orange foods: sweet potatoes, carrots, tangerines, oranges...You can even wear orange-tinted glasses or drink water that has an orange crystal or other coloring in it.  You can even take a color bath of orange (or any other color!).  Check out Kohler's site for more on this...it's called CHROMATHERAPY: http://www.us.kohler.com/planning/detail.jsp?aid=1129574026469  You can also go to Color Energy: http://www.colourenergy.com/sunday.html  I LOVE their products (and have even written for their newsletter!).

Color is used for branding of companies that want to appeal to the millenials, or to appear high energy w/a sense of community.  Orange is also used heavily for fast food:  fast food that you get & eat fast!  (and again, also relates to the digestive tract!).  Beware of using orange in your kitchens if you are battling weight issues...you don't want to eat alot of food fast!  (use blue!).  For healthcare applications, orange can be used in Cardiac units, transitional spaces (hallways) & children's rooms as they respond well to orange.

Want more?....Listen to the show!!