15 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Energy in Your Home

featured this month on CountryLiving by Lauren Smith

Everyone experiences gloomy Sunday afternoon feelings from time to time. But if your home feels like it's been in a constant state of the blues, it's time to banish those negative, sad and downright depressing vibes that can have a dramatic effect on your mood once and for all. Trust us, you do want to try these techniques at home.

Be Sure to Repair or Remove Broken Things

Even though you've been meaning to get around to fixing that office chair, it might not be worth holding onto. "Broken things bring that stuck and negative energy into your home," says Anjie Cho, Feng Shui and holistic living expert and founder of Holistic Spaces. 

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The Best Ways to Reuse Items That Aren't Plastic Bags

We talk a lot about reducing, reusing and recycling as part of creating a holistic space, and I know we're not the only ones encouraging that green behavior. A quick Google search can return tons of suggestions for keeping those plastic bags, water bottles and cardboard items out of landfills. But what about other items made from recyclable material? What can you do with them once they've served their original purpose? We've got a few creative ideas on how to keep those items useful for a little longer!

Turn Wine Into Coasters

Well, sort of. If you enjoy a good glass of wine from time to time (guilty!), you've probably seen your fair share of corks, maybe even wondered what to do with them. There are places you can recycle them, but you can also use them to save a little money and your good furniture at the same time! Check out one of the many online tutorials, like this one, for turning old corks into coasters!

Give Your Plants a Little Tea

Likewise, if you're an avid tea drinker like me, you probably go through a teapot or two over time. Some pots make it longer than others for various reasons, but you don't have to throw that pot with a small crack or chip to the curb! Instead, use it to add a little nature to your home! Find a small plant that brings you joy and doesn't need much drainage, and create a new home for it in your old teapot!

Brush Outside Your Mouth

A toothbrush only lasts so long for its purpose, typically about 3 months with regular use. After that, it's not really hygienically safe for scrubbing your mouth. But its scrubbing power may still be strong! Instead of tossing it, put an old toothbrush (or two) to use in your home. Toothbrushes are great for scrubbing tile, small surfaces, shoes, even inside bottles, and they're much more cost effective than buying a single purpose brush!

Wash With Mesh

If you're a fan of fruit, you likely know it's often cheaper to purchase it in bulk. Many times, that means buying a red or green mesh bag full of lemons, oranges, and the like. Forget tossing that mesh in a recycling bin, since they can often get tangled during the sorting process, and don't even think about trashing it! Instead, use that material to make your own bath loofahs or pot scrubbers! It can be as easy as wadding up the mesh and securing with elastic or something similar. 

Let in Light With Newspaper

This reuse idea may not be quite as creative, but it's still super useful! Instead of buying paper towels for cleaning your windows, thus adding to the demand for paper products, keep a hold on old newspapers and use them! Newspaper is actually some of the best material to use for cleaning windows, which you should be doing often to make sure you can be seen and heard!

Do you reuse your recyclable materials? What are your favorite ways to breathe new life into old items? Share with us, so we can all take steps to be a little greener each day!

by Anjie Cho

An Introduction to Using Color in Feng Shui - Part 3

We've been talking all things color and feng shui lately, and we've made it to the final installment of our Introduction to Using Color in Feng Shui! This time we'll cover when and how to use the colors red, black, pink and peach to enhance your holistic space and let the universe know your needs and desires. 

Reds

Red is the most auspicious color in the world of feng shui, related to passion, fame and recognition, including the Recognition area of the bagua map. Shades of red can invoke passion in any sense from romantic to enthusiasm for work and more. 

Because it is such a strong color, adding shades of red to your spaces requires a bit more caution. In fact, the best way to add red to your home is to do so sparingly, adding pops of color in certain areas, like the Recognition area of your home, home office or desk. To add passion to your bedroom, opt for a new red blanket, artwork including red colors or some sexy underwear! 

Blacks

Shades of black are related to wisdom and knowledge in feng shui, so if you're looking for those in your life, consider adding a few dark hues! 

Black is also the most yin color on the feng shui scale, representing contemplation, but as in any situation, it's important to maintain balance. Too much black can lead to an excessively dark space, which can be very depressing. If you're looking to add some black shades to your home, look to do so with accent pieces, or even an accent wall. This way you can bring color into your space without darkening the mood and energy.

You can also add black tourmaline, a protective crystal, to your space to absorb negative energy (including that from EMFs) and provide a positive atmosphere. 

Pinks and Peaches

If you're seeking romance, as so many of my feng shui clients are, pay special attention to these colors! Shades of pink and peach are nurturing, romantic and soft and are related to the Relationship area of the bagua map as well as to the concepts of youthfulness and joy. In the feng shui remedy, "peach blossom luck," shades of peach can assist in attracting a romantic partner.  

Unlike stronger colors, like red and black, pinks and peaches are perfect as wall colors, as they flatter most skin tones and create the same effect as "rose-colored glasses." If you're looking for romance, opt for peachy colors on your bedroom walls to let the universe know you're ready to be part of a loving couple. You can even wear peach to enhance this desire, but be sure to change your colors (or at least the intention behind them) once you meet someone special!

If you've read all three parts of our introduction to color, you've essentially got the basics of color and feng shui down. When adding color to your holistic space, be sure to pay close attention to the meanings of each shade as well as your intention behind using it. If you're looking to go deeper with the feng shui aspect of your space, pick up 108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces or seek out a feng shui expert who understands your vision!

by Anjie Cho