The Upside Of Downsizing

Making The Luxury Hotel Look Even More Feng Shui Friendly

2010-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

I guess all the letters following my first piece in The Huffington Post, Create The Luxury Hotel Look At Home, inspired me to expand on the topic! Here's some additional thoughts on making your bedroom not only luxurious but Feng Shui friendly.

Avoid Mirrors in the Bedroom

Bedrooms are for rest, relaxation and intimacy. To create a really relaxing bedroom, avoid having a mirror positioned so that you can see yourself when you are lying in bed.

Seeing yourself from the bed can disrupt sleep and result in health issues. Mirrors add a lot of energy to a room. If you can, try removing all mirrors from the bedroom. It's will immediately feel more restful in the space.

And contrary to bad 70's movies, mirrors in the bedroom can inhibit intimacy more than accentuate it.

The Effects of Having a Television in the Bedroom

Admittedly, in a luxury hotel room you'll find a big flatscreen, however, having a television in the bedroom is a Feng Shui No-No.

Here's why.

First, because it's reflective surface can act as a mirror. Second, because of the EMF's (Electro-Magnetic Fields).

Odorless, tasteless, invisible pollutants, EMF's are linked to mild health concerns like fatigue and tension as well as much deadlier disease states such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

If you'd like to know more about EMF's, the video Boost Your Energy from my webseries covers the topic.

Also, my personal observation is that a television in the bedroom hinders romance.

As a Feng Shui consultant, I've been asked just about everything by clients requesting solutions for confidential issues.

I've noticed that those seeking help for lackluster love lives have a television in the bedroom. Those with rocking sex lives usually don't have a television in the bedroom. And those who purposely move the TV out for a Feng Shui boudoir boost also move pretty darn quickly from the lackluster category to the rocking.

Whether it's the mirror-like surface, the EMF's or Leno, the television turns the mood into snooze-time instead of, well, you know. Just sayin'.

If you're going for the luxury hotel look, think of it as moving the TV to another room of the 'suite.'

And if you must have a television in the bedroom, keep it covered in an armoire or behind doors when not in use.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elizabeth-chamberlain/create-the-luxury-hotel-l_b_573290.html

Customized Bagua Map for Your Floor Plan

2010-05-21T10:40:00.001-07:00

When I first learned about Feng Shui in the mid-90's, I bought three Feng Shui books...and was totally confused. Each book told me how to apply the Bagua differently! Plus, my home at the time had a weird shape so I couldn't tell where the energy areas were...until I hired a consultant, that is.

Now you can get a customized Bagua over your floor plan. This is a great way to get started, knowing you're placing your cures in the right spots.

I wish someone had done this when I first started out!

In feng shui, it all starts with the Bagua Energy Map. Separated into nine distinct areas, the map is superimposed over a floor plan to reveal where specific energy resides. The goal is to have all areas enhanced to balance the ‘self’ in the center.

But for many people, areas of the home are missing or fall below the line the map and, therefore, don't benefit from Feng Shui enhancements. Unless of course, you apply certain Feng Shui 'cures.'

Applying the Bagua Energy Map can be confusing and frustrating. Even with a perfect shape, many folks have challenges applying the map correctly. Some areas stick out, some are missing...and sometimes aligning with the front door is the problem.

So I've set up a service to provide you with a customized Bagua, superimposed over your floor plan.

I'll personally superimpose the Bagua over the floor plan of your home or workspace so that you can rest assured it’s done correctly.

Here's how it works:

1) Draw your floor plan. If you have a computer program, that's great, but a hand-drawn sketch will work too, as long as it's in proportion. Be sure to clearly mark the front door. If your home has more than one floor, have an image/sketch of each, no additional charge.

2) Email your floor plan. Scan it into your computer and email it. You can even take a photo of your sketched floor plan with a digital camera or cellphone to create a digital file to email. pdf, gif, png, jpeg all will work.

3) I'll apply the Bagua in the correct position, give you lots of helpful notes, and email it back to you. If you'd prefer it to be sent via US mail, just let me know so you can have that instead.

4) You are on your shui! Just apply your cures and enhancements, knowing they're in the right spots with your customized map.

Bonus: You'll also receive a customized map with locations of the Five Elements for your personalized floor plan.

Only $99.97

More information on my design site, Space Lift:

http://space-lift.com/SpaceLift/custombagua.html

Feng Shui for Love Tele-Seminar: "Enhance The Romance"

2010-05-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce my next Tele-Seminar as part of the Success 2010 series!

Most people request Feng Shui consultations for two reasons: to attract money & love. Following "How To Be a Money Magnet," the next tele-seminar in the series is...

Enhance The Romance

Attracting Love The Feng Shui Way

Tuesday, May 25

9 pm Eastern

8 pm Central

7 pm Mountain

6 pm Pacific

It’s Spring...Love is in the air! Time to capture it’s joyous energy to Enhance the Romance.

Ready to turn up the flame in your Love Life?

Enhance The Romance Tele-Seminar can light the way to...

•Attract a new relationship

•Re-ignite the passion with your mate

•Create more peace and harmony with your partner

•Take your relationship to the next level

Jam-packed full of Feng Shui cures to help anyone who...

•Recently ended a relationship

•Feels stuck in their current relationship

•Doesn't remember what a relationship is!

You will learn how to:

•Identify & eliminate energetic blocks to optimal Love Energy

•Shift frustrating, stuck energy into joyous, flowing energy

•Enhance the Love Area in your home

•Fix a missing Love Area

•Add essential bedroom boosts

•Apply Feng Shui cures for love gone wrong

•Create space for Love

Plus...following the call you'll receive a

MP3 Audio Recording with Bonus PDF Notes!

listen anytime, as many times as you want
• on your iPod or MP3 player
• on your computer
• burn a CD to listen in the car
• plus read all the notes from the transcript!

All for only $47!

http://space-lift.com/SpaceLift/success2010.html

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2010-05-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

I speak often about the importance of being Joyful, of having strong Intentions and of the Law of Attraction. Well, when my Facebook friend & fellow blogger Irene Turner shared this video, I thought, "That's it! That's how it's done!"

Check out this little girls energy level of excitement, gratitude, joy and certainty. Doesn't she inspire you?

Get Your Green On: Green Steps to Attract Home Buyers

2010-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Spring is traditionally the time of year when most home sellers place their home on the market. If you (or folks you know) are selling your home, here's an article I wrote for move.com that has lots of helpful information.

If you'd like additional help to sell your home faster for more money, get my Home Staging Guide.

Green Steps To Attract Home Buyers

For many people, green living is simply a way of life. However, not every home buyer interested in green living requires a LEED Certified home with an off-the-grid energy system, a living roof and a compost area. As wonderful as that would be, there’s usually a hefty price tag attached.

Buyers today understand that going green is a journey. If you share with them all the little green steps you have already taken, chances are your efforts will be most appreciated. And who knows, it could be just the thing that distinguishes your home from the competition.

So when it’s time to sell, it’s time to add up all that you’ve done to go green. If any enhancements are needed before the sale, definitely choose eco products to add to your list.

Here are some of the features and product choices that make your home green. Check to see what your home already has and what you can add before your sale. It’s possible that you have a longer list than you realize.
Location. If your home is close to public transportation or within walking distance to stores, schools and parks, that’s definitely green. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) lists “location” first on their Green Home Checklist. Let buyers know that the kids can walk to school and bike to parks. And that you regularly walk to the shops in the neighborhood. Less car trips equal more green.
Building Design. Is your home situated on a site or landscaped in a way that’s energy efficient? The USGBC recommends that natural daylight reaches at least 75 percent of the home’s interior. Take a good look at your home. If your roof gets shade and you have abundant windows, then you don’t need to use your energy systems as often. If natural breezes flow due to your home’s design, thus eliminating the need for air conditioning, let your buyers know. Buyers love easy solutions for keeping utilities bills, and therefore CO2 emissions, down.
Energy Star. Definitely let buyers know if the home includes any Energy Star items such as appliances, windows, lighting or heating and cooling systems. And of course, if you need to replace any of these items before the sale, look for the Energy Star label. Did you know that Energy Star saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars, all while saving Americans $19 billion on their utility bills? Yeah, it’s that important.
No-VOC paint. If you are doing any painting in preparation for your home’s sale, use No-VOC paint. Who will know the difference? Everyone! VOC’s are volatile organic compounds, the toxic odor-causing gases in chemicals such as paint. No-VOC’s, no odors. With all the new green technology, No-VOC paint’s quality has gone up and the prices have gone down.
Sustainable Flooring. If you already have 100% wool carpet, then you have some sustainable flooring. However, if you’re changing the carpet before you sell, consider sustainable or recycled carpets. There are many on the market, some are even made from recycled soda bottles. If you used flooring with Forest Stewardship Certified or reclaimed woods, or perhaps a sustainable material such as bamboo or palm, that’s definitely worthy of tooting your green horn.
Recycling Area. Most towns nowadays have a recycling program in place. However, not all homes do. If you’ve created space to store your recyclables before they head for the curb, let
buyers know. A clean, organized home is a turn-on for buyers. If you’ve found a way to keep the recycling area clean and organized, Hallelujah.
“Dark Green” Items. Got any of the following? Then you’re not just green, you’re dark green. Tell your buyers if your home has any items such as: solar or wind powered anything, LED lighting, a light reflecting roof, water capturing systems, recycled building materials such as insulation, recycled countertops or tile, motion sensor lighting, or drought tolerant landscaping.
The whole truth, and nothing but. All that being said, do not lie, embellish or exaggerate. Folks in the green world are very well-informed and can spot ‘green washing’ in a blink. What’s green washing, you ask? Lying, embellishing and exaggerating your green status. Better to leave items off the list than stuff it with phony info.

Once you’ve completed any replacement or enhancement projects, add up your green list and share the information with your broker. Then print the list and put it in a frame near the sign-in area during Open Houses. You’ll be surprised how effective your little green steps can be.

http://trends.move.com/get-your-green-on-green-steps-to-attract-home-buyers/

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-05-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

I've had several conversations recently about Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. It seems many people either completely missed it or kinda heard something about it, but didn't really 'get' it. Well, I think this guy is quite simply doing God's work. We should all be getting behind him to support this cause. So I'm reposting this for your Sunday Inspiration.

If you'd like to watch the ABC series, here's the link on Hulu.

"I wish for your help to create a strong, sustainable movement to educate every child about food, inspire families to cook again and empower people everywhere to fight obesity."

Jamie Oliver (yes, The Naked Chef) recently won the TED Prize, an award given annually to an exceptional individual who receives $100,000 and, much more important, "One Wish to Change the World."

Please listen to Jamie's powerful speech. It's an eye opener and life changer.

Click below to sign Jamie's petition

http://www.jamieoliver.com/

TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. It's now a phenomenon that's changing the world.

The best talks and performances from TED are available to the world, for free, on ted.com.

Home Workspace Inspiration

2010-05-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 17.2 million Americas worked from home for an employer in 2008? That was a 74% increase since 2005! And it doesn't include the freelancers, self-employed or those folks looking for work.

Bottom line? That's a whole lot of home offices.

With that in mind, finding clever workspace design is more important than ever. So I thought I'd share a few favorite solutions.

Have fun...

Imagine, instead of driving to the office, you just have to open the curtain and POW, a big ole dose of fun via the wallpaper! I'm inspired!

(But she needs a mirror or reflective surface to see behind her for good feng shui!)

Here's a past post about creating an office in a closet.

Photo courtesy realsimple.com

Think outside the box...

Katy of Sloane Home put cork on the wall and then wallpapered over it. Put me down for a "Why didn't I think of that!!!" Beautiful, fun, useful and clever. Thumbs up, Katy.

Be organized...

Keeping everything in it's place becomes more important when your workspace is in the home. Matching containers helps it look even more organized. These are repurposed juice jars. Go green!

Hide the details...

Work Area...

Need the space to quickly convert when guests arrive? Martha & Co have a great idea for a crafter's workspace made from two bookcases that are hinged together so they can close up when it needs to virtually disappear. Here's a link to the instructions.

(Again, she needs a mirror or reflective surface to see behind her for good feng shui!)

Cords...

There is nothing pretty, exciting or inspiring about a wad of tangled cords. If your home office is in a public area such as the living room, even more important to keep it hidden.

Whomever tied up the wires in the photo above is a genius in my book.

Photo courtesy outlawdesignblog.com

Files...

Leave it to the people at Martha Stewart to find this clever use of space in a kitchen office.

Feng Shui Podcasts

2010-05-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

Got an iPod, iPhone or MP3 player? Why not add my podcast series Space Lift: Feng Shui Your Home the next time you hit the iTunes Store?

You'll get tons of tips, tricks and techniques to enhance the Feng Shui energy flow in your home. The 20 podcasts cover topics ranging from spicing up your sex life to strengthening your career path to get rich quick tips.

I love keeping podcasts loaded in my iPhone. They're great for audio inspiration on walks. I'd much rather grab a few minutes of listening to helpful information to spark my creativity while sitting in a waiting room...especially when the alternative is reading outdated issues of 'Highlights For Children' or 'Field & Stream.'

Plus my podcasts include videos so they're fun to watch when you have a few minutes between appointments or you're waiting for a friend to arrive at a restaurant.

You wanna know the best part? It's FREE.

Click here for the link.

20 ways for renters to stay cool & save money this summer

2010-05-12T03:04:00.000-07:00

The warm weather is here...time to think about eco-friendly, yet cost-effective cooling. After all, temperature has a lot to do with creating a home that feels good.

Check out this article from Mother Nature Network.

By Chris Baskind

Lower utility bills and better energy efficiency will help you keep your cool.

The problem with most articles about summer energy saving is that they're geared for homeowners. But more people are renting than ever before.

So you're a renter? That power bill insert suggesting you upgrade attic insulation is probably more frustrating than useful. The same applies for most tips related to improving property. If your appliances are furnished, it's likely you don't even have the option to replace them with more efficient models.

What's a renter to do?

Summertime energy prices can turn a trip to the mailbox into a stressful experience. But while major home improvement projects may be off the table for renters, it's still possible to take some of the sting out of summer power bills. The key is conservation.

If you can't change your living space, change your behavior. Reducing consumption is the greenest of green. We've rounded up 20 ways to stay cool and save money through the warmer months. While you may already be doing some of these, you should find a few that will fit your energy saving arsenal.

Take action and save!

1) Set your air conditioner to 78 or higher. An obvious pointer, but also one of the most ignored. Running your air conditioner at colder temperatures won't cool down a room any faster than a more moderate setting, but it will force your system to work harder. Worse yet, it's easy to forget to turn it back up. Stick with the warmest setting you can tolerate, and move on to other stay-cool ideas.

2) Wear cool, loose clothing — even indoors. Shorts, absorbent fabrics and loose-fitting clothes all work outdoors. They'll work inside, too. It's your space: dress for comfort. The cooler your clothing, the less you'll need air conditioning.

3) Indulge your taste for spicy food. There's a reason Indian and Latin food is hot: it makes you sweat! If you have proper air circulation, sweating is an effective way to cool down. That sheen on your arms, face and legs is pretty much odorless, by the way. Crank up the heat in your food, and you'll feel cooler. It may also provide other health benefits, such as improved circulation.

4) Use box fans to improve air circulation and set existing ceiling fans properly. This goes hand in hand with not being afraid of a little sweat. Fans use a fraction of the energy required by air conditioning. Just as in the case of wind chill outdoors, moving air will substantially lower the perceived temperature. During the summer, a ceiling fan should (in most cases) be running counterclockwise when viewed from below. You want the setting with maximum downdraft. Flip it next winter to bring warm air down from the ceiling. Just keep in mind that fans are for people, not rooms. There's no point running them when nobody is around.

5) Take cold showers. If you live in an area experiencing water shortages, skip this one. Otherwise, a quick three-minute cold shower is a fantastic way to cool down. Going longer than three minutes won't make you feel much cooler, so skip the soap and just enjoy the relief. For regular showers, avoid using hot water during the summer. In most temperate locations, tap water is plenty warm for bathing by July. The cooler you run your shower, the less heat and steam you'll need to remove from your living space. Use the exhaust fan if it's vented outdoors.

6) Drink plenty of water. You can't sweat if you’re dehydrated. While some traditions, such as Ayurveda, discourage consumption of cold liquids, they'll temporarily cool your body core. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks tend to dehydrate, so choose wisely.

7) Draw drapes and blinds on windows exposed to direct sunlight. Window coverings are one of the few home additions tolerated by most landlords. Curtains, blinds and windowshades can all go with you at the end of your lease. In warm weather, you'll want to be sure the space at the top of curtain between the rod and the wall is covered, or hot air will rise through the gap. It's possible to buy curtains and shades with thermal ratings, so shop around or make your own. Window coverings have the added benefit of keeping heat from radiating outward during the winter.

8) Cook outdoors. Grilling is a classic summer pastime. Best of all, it keeps heat outside. Of course, you want to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor cooking. Digging back in the Lighter Footstep archives, you'll find a section called "The Green Barbeque" at the top of this article.

9) Use the microwave. The lowly microwave is your kitchen's most efficient plug-in appliance. In addition to saving money year-round, microwave ovens are a good bet for summer cooking. Here's why: microwaves direct most of their energy into the food, rather than the kitchen. That means you'll stay more comfortable and burn less energy removing cooking heat from your home.

10) Eat more smaller meals through the summer months. The bigger the meal, the harder your body must work to digest it. Try splitting mealtimes across the day, opting for more and smaller meals when it's warmest. This will keep your body from having to stoke its metabolic afterburners. It's also a great time to experiment with cold foods — perhaps even raw cuisine. Less heat in the kitchen; less heat in your tummy.

11) Spend more time outdoors or away from home. Why not soak up someone else's air conditioning? A little window shopping never hurt anyone, and it's likely there are several ice cold destinations within walking distance or a short bicycle ride from your home. While eating out is a luxury for a lot of people these days, blowing a couple hours with a frosty drink and a book someplace cool isn't a bad way to spend a sweltering summer afternoon.

12) Try a cool pillow. It's tough to sleep when you feel like you're in a sauna, and the alternative is running a fan or air conditioner all night. In addition to dressing out your bed with seasonally appropriate sheets and bedcovers, consider a "cool pillow." They're marketed under names such as Chillow (Lighter Footstep has no current relationship with this company). Cool pillows are designed to draw heat away from your head, where about 30 percent of body warmth is dispersed. They require no power or special preparation. Here's a low-tech idea for beneath the sheets: fill a hot water bottle or two with icy water. It's like a refrigerator for your bed.

13) Shut down unnecessary electronic devices. Here's another year-round energy saver. During the summer, however, it's even more important to pull the plug on home electronics. Anything with a transformer creates heat. Shut down unused desktop computers (they have cooling fans for a reason); televisions; entertainment systems — pretty much everything with a plug.

14) Wash your clothes at night and line dry them in the morning. Some power companies offer off-peak rates to their customers. Take advantage of these. In any event, even a properly vented clothes dryer radiates heat. Restrict its use to the coolest part of the day. Wherever possible, line dry clothes. It worked for our parents' generation, and it will work for ours. This should be no problem if you're renting a house. A simple line between two sturdy supports will do, and umbrella-style clothes lines are an affordable investment. Line drying is more of a challenge for apartment dwellers. You may be able to get away with a small line on a porch — check your lease terms. It's also possible to dry indoors, and there are many retractable lines and racks made just for that purpose. Indoor drying may be the best choice if your area is dusty, or if you happen to be particularly susceptible to outdoor allergens.

15) Shut down your furnace pilot light. It's small thing, but there's no point running a gas furnace pilot light through the summer months. Locate the gas shutoff valve. There are safety issues here, so if you have any question about how to properly extinguish a pilot light, consult your building supervisor, utility company or heating and cooling professional.

16) Close doors to unused rooms and closets. Your winter clothes do not require air conditioning, so get into the habit of keeping closets and cabinets closed. Shut unoccupied rooms and their cooling vents. If you're using window units, close the door in the air conditioned room whenever practical.

17) Replace or clean your air conditioning filter. Dirty filters dramatically reduce air conditioner efficiency. Check your filter once a week, and replace as often as necessary. Filters are generally throwaway items, but some may be reusable if thoroughly vacuumed. Clean window unit filters once a week. Some window air conditioners have a warning light to indicate when air flow is restricted.

18) Close your fireplace damper. If you're fortunate enough to have a fireplace, close the flue during warm weather months. Chimneys are another void you don't need to cool, so keep fireplace doors shut or construct an airtight screen to close the hearth when not in use.

19) Replace standard bulbs with low-energy equivalents wherever practical. The heating effects of incandescent bulbs are generally overstated, since most lights are mounted close to the ceiling. But every degree matters when you're trying to keep power bills under control, and the money saving benefits of year-round CFL or LED light use are obvious. Concerned about the mercury in CFLs? These dangers are usually overstated, also. But proper CFL handling and disposal is a responsibility. See 5 ways to dispose of old CFLs. Better yet, take the CFL Recycling Challenge.

20) Talk to your landlord. Property owners usually take action when it's in their financial interest. So do your homework and see what might make sense in terms of energy saving improvements. There may be local, state or federal incentives for things such as improving insulation values or weatherization. Landlords of utilities-provided rentals will be particularly receptive to to projects which save them money over the long term. In any case, you may be able to obtain permission — or even rent credit — for making small improvements on your own. You'll only know if you ask.

11 Ways Your Home Looks Out Of Date

2010-05-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just as there are people who are wearing the same haircut since the late 80's, there are others who decorate their home once and figure well, that's it, I'm done.

There are also folks who move into a new home and simply continue using the last owner's decor. I asked a friend recently why his framed painting was so off center and high. "Cuz that's where the nail was," he replied with a look on his face that said "duh."

Most of the following items were really stylish back in their day…and that’s just the problem. Their day was a looong ago. And they have not come back around so don't even attempt claiming retro chic.

If you are moving anytime soon, removing these items should be on your home staging to do list.

Shiny yellow brass. The last time I moved, I replaced the existing chandelier and brought it to Goodwill. They refused to take it because of the shiny brass. It’s not stylish enough for Goodwill.

Wallpaper boarders. Admit it, you felt so clever for 'pulling your room together' by matching the wallpaper border to the bedspread. But it’s time to remove the evidence of your handiwork. Actually, it was time about a decade ago. Or two.

Hanging plants with vines more than 12’’ below planter. The ZZ Top beard of the decorating world. If it’s 8 feet long and wrapped around the room, it looks dated for two reasons. 1) that hasn’t been a style since the Pet Rock; and 2) it has to be old in order to grow that long. Extra points for draping them along the wallpaper boarder.

Curtains that “puddle.” Not since vogue-ing was the dance rage has a curtain puddle been chic. Hike ‘em up to 1/4” above the floor.

Popcorn ceilings. These can be not only dated but dangerous. Many popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. Remove professionally!

Mirrored sliding closet doors. Great for checking out your parachute pants and Members Only jacket. Sketchy for today’s style. Not to mention, bad feng shui. It disturbs sleep to have a mirror seen from the bed.

Diamond-shaped stained glass windowpanes on the front door.Go ahead, try to duplicate this. Nope, they don’t even make ‘em anymore.

“Ye Olde” Anything. This one’s easy...‘Ye Olde’ is right in the name.

Avocado or mustard appliances. Yes, colored appliances are making a come back…but not in the groovy colors of the 70’s. If your fridge is avocado green, it’s time to retire it along with the collections of tuna casserole recipes and the Crock Pot.

Colored bathroom fixtures. Sure you were foxy getting ready for some Saturday Night Fever in your bathroom with the peach tub, sink and toilet. But you cut your Farrah wings, time to change these too. White or Biscuit please.

Floral chintz, ruffles and bows. Even Laura Ashley herself has moved on from this look.

Any of these sound familiar? Contact me. I can help. www.space-lift.com

If you're selling your home, get my Home Staging Guide to sell faster for more money.

Green Your Office

2010-05-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

Tips from Smart2begreen.com

Did you know...

As compared to virgin paper, producing recycled paper uses 55% less water and 60-70% less energy.

Also, if every commuter car in the U.S. carpooled with one other person, we would save 8 billion gallons of gas a year!

Whether you are an employee or a boss, greening your workplace will not only lighten your ecological footprint, but also translates into profits and peace of mind.

There are many different green products and services that can be incorporated into a business's structure; however one of the most important aspects is to modify your mindset and everyday behavior.

Save Power: Be sure to turn off lights, computers, computer peripherals, and other appliances when not in use. This includes using power strips and setting your computers to energy-saving mode.
Save Paper: When purchasing paper for your office, choose recycled paper made from post-consumer content, which uses the least amount of chlorine bleaching. Also be sure to try and print on both sides of the page when appropriate.
Save Gas: Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on oil by carpooling, taking public transit, biking, or walking to work. Many companies have taken this idea a step further by allowing their employees to telecommute from home.
Bring Your Own: From lunchtime to your morning coffee, be sure to bring your own lunch, reusable lunch container, and reusable cup or water bottle. This will eliminate the mountains of waste from cups, utensils, plates, napkins, and other packaging materials.
Workplace Design: Easy green modifications to your existing office include the incorporation of sustainable furniture, energy efficient lighting, and enhanced air quality. This can lead to better health, satisfaction, and productivity.

Green Planet details more ways you can go green at work.

The Green Office is an online store offering green office supplies.

http://smart2begreen.com/

My Mom

2010-05-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

"If the whole world were put into one scale, and my mother in the other, the whole world would kick the beam." ~Lord Langdale

In the Mid-West, where I'm from, calling someone a 'Good Egg' is a high compliment, indeed. Well, my mother, Gretchen Chamberlain, is more than a Good Egg...she's Eggs Benedict, Huevos Supremo, the highest Souffle Extraordinaire!

She's rock steady, fun-loving and always in my corner. The most solid, logical person I've ever met, she's also a gamer, a good sport, and the hostess with the mostess. She's my number one fan and I am her's.

Her intelligence and curiosity have taught me to continue learning everyday. Her superb peacemaking skills have taught me diplomacy and the importance of seeing issues from all sides. All the family agrees, down to the second cousins once removed, Gret's the lynchpin of the Chamberlain family.

I learned about creating and keeping a beautiful home from my mother, and I was fortunate to have inherited her keen eye for quality, proportion and spacial arrangement. She instilled in me that being a good hostess means your guests feel comfortable and well-cared for while in your home. Thinking of their needs ahead of time allows you to relax and enjoy their company.

In our home, decorating was a hands-on activity. My mom taught me to paint, wallpaper, and sew my own curtains and pillows. It never fails that whenever we shop together, one of us picks up an item, we look at each other for a couple seconds and at the same time we say, "You know, you could make this."

I've always known that designing and decorating would be an omnipresent part of my life, I just didn't know it would become a career. Because of my mom, it's never felt like work.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you from the bottom of my toes to the top of the sky.

Photo taken Christmas Day 2009 in Scottsdale, AZ. The Big Kahuna in the photo's background has something to do with all this love & happiness. But he has to wait til Father's Day to get his.

De-Stress Your Mess

2010-05-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

How To De-Stress Your Mess | Space Lift: Feng Shui Your Home Ep. 5 on Howcast

Your home should be an oasis from the stresses of life. But what do you do if your home itself is creating stress?

Check out the video "De-stress Your Mess" from my webseries Space Lift. The video offers feng shui tips to help control the chaos in your home. After all, your home is the launch pad for all your goals and dreams. It's the place where you recharge your personal batteries and share time with your loved ones.

A stressful home creates a stressful life. But sometimes it's hard to tell just what it is that's contributing to the stress. (Psst...the video can help.)

Some tips and take aways from the video, "De-stress Your Mess"...

What are you surrounding yourself with in your home or workspace? Is the art peaceful and inspiring? Or does it add stress? If it doesn't support you, change it.

Clutter is just plain stressful. As we all know, searching for needed items hidden in the clutter makes you late, annoyed and cranky. Stacks of useless clutter drag you down and block the flow. Hey, the root word for clutter is 'to clot.' Clutter clots up the energy in your home. Declutter to unclot to destress.

Arrange your desk in the Power Position so that you are in control of the situation. Just check out the video to see how.

Enjoy!

http://www.howcast.com/videos/14510-How-To-DeStress-Your-Mess-Space-Lift-Feng-Shui-Your-Home-Ep-5

Create Your Own Home Sanctuary

2010-05-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is here so open the windows and let in the fresh breeze! Don't you just love spring with it's energy of freshness and renewal? Spring's a great time to clear the clutter and get a clean start.

When I need to clear the clutter in my mind to think more clearly, I kick back in an area of my home I call "The Sanctuary." It's really just a comfy chair and ottoman near a window, but when I'm there to meditate, read, or relax, it's truly a sanctuary.

Perhaps this spring is time to create an area in your home as a personal sanctuary. No need to spend a dime; you can just rearrange items you already have!

You don't need an entire room, just a place where you can 'get away from it all.' I always make sure I have a comfy spot to lean back and close my eyes with a small table handy for a beverage, a book and my glasses. If you have a nice plant or a vase with flowers from the garden, all the better.

Check out the video above from my webseries, Space Lift: Feng Shui Your Home. Let me know your results!

How to be an Online Security Ninja

2010-05-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

The tagline I frequently use for my design firm Space Lift is "creating homes that look as great as they feel." Part of feeling good about your home is knowing that it is safe. When anyone, including strangers, can find you and your home in a simple online search, your safety can be at risk.

There's been a lot of online chatter about a website called Spokeo.com. It's tagline is "Not your grandma's phonebook." Actually, it's more like the Big Bad Wolf.

On Spokeo, anyone can search for you by name, email, phone number or friends. What can they find? Your street, photos, bio, email, hobbies, marital status, number of children, even your age and astrological sign. For a nominal fee, they can get ahold of your exact street address, your credit information, and more.

When I checked it out recently, the blood drained from my body as I saw my photo smiling back at me right next to a vast amount of my personal information. Some of it was wrong, but enough was correct that it scared the beh-jeezus out of me. It even included all the music playlists I've created on Pandora.

Thank goodness, it's easy to have your profile removed. Here's how...

1) Go to http://www.spokeo.com/

2) Fill in your name in the search bar. Click on your name (you might have to scroll thru a few if your name is common). A url address will be created in the address bar. Copy the url.

3) Go to Spokeo.com/privacy

4) Paste the URL in, enter your e-mail address, and type in the security word verification.

5) Check your e-mail and click on the link they provide to confirm.

Your info will be removed in one day. Mine only took a few hours.

Do not search 'friends." It asks for your email & password. Hello! Never give your password.

That's done, now what...

It's an ongoing job keeping yourself private online. Like a ninja, you must be fleet of foot as changes occur regularly. Here are a few simple steps to start. It will help you, your family and all of your friends, because now we are linked via social networking sites.

Keep a 'clean' email address

If your email address is linked to your business, and your business can easily be located, set up a free gmail or yahoo email account that can't be linked to you directly.

For example, if you own Floral By Suzy, and your email address is suzy@floralbysuzy.com, then someone can easily go to floralbysuzy.com and find your store location...and you. If you work out of your home, this is all the more important. Create a free account such as suzyzonlinesearches@gmail.com. When you sign up for newsletters, sweepstakes, coupons, and services like Pandora, use this email so no one can find you.

Use your 'real' email address for work and friends you know personally.

Use Privacy Settings.

Here is the list that Spokeo uses to scour the internet looking for your information.

http://www.spokeo.com/blog/?page_id=127

It's your job to maintain settings that keep your information private. Check it out to see where you have an account (Flickr, Amazon Wish List, etc) and change your settings to private. Also, change the email address to your new email from above.

I'm also starting to change up my information like zip codes, age, etc every time I fill out a form. Unless it's an employer, a financial institution or the government, it's none of their business! Most sites are gathering your information only for their own marketing purposes. Let 'em think you're a 90 year-old granny on a farm in North Dakota and they'll leave you alone.

On many of these sites, you are linked to all your friends and contacts, so forward this to convince them that they need to strengthen up their privacy settings.

Facebook Privacy

I'm amazed by how few people are aware that their Facebook info is out there for everyone to see. Many times when someone asks me to be their friend, I look at their profile first and can see everything before we are linked as friends. All their personal photos, contact info, wall postings are visible.

Why? Because several months ago, Facebook changed their settings to open up all the info unless you change your privacy settings. If you haven't done so, you're an open book. And because you are, now your friends are too. Check your child's settings, as well.

Facebook's Guide to Privacy. Note that they recommend "Everyone" should be able to see you. But "Everyone" is not just your long lost cousin and childhood sweetheart, it's also Spokeo.com and the creepy guy behind you in line at Seven 11. I'd go with "Only Friends." Then make it a personal policy to only connect with people you actually know.

And now Facebook has this new "Like" button application on all sorts of sites. If you want to ensure that only friends can see which items you've recommended with a click of a Facebook "Like" button at other sites, go to the "Friends, Tags and Connections" page in your privacy settings. On that page, set "Activities," "Interests" and "Things I Like" to "Only Friends" to avoid broadcasting those details to strangers at Facebook or any other site.

10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know

This may be a year old, but it's great information.

http://www.allfacebook.com/2009/02/facebook-privacy/

Online Information Removal

This post just scratches the surface. There are several other people search engine sites to check as well. Some are not as easy to opt out of, but worth the effort. This could be an ongoing issue, so monitor it every few months. You might decide to use a service like http://www.reputationdefender.com

Try these too...

Google Phonebook Name Removal

http://www.google.com.au/help/pbremoval.html

US Search Opt Out

http://www.ussearch.com/consumer/optout/submitOptout.do

World Privacy Forum's Top Ten Opt Outs

http://www.worldprivacyforum.org/toptenoptout.html

Going for it

2010-05-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

I believe that the biggest Upside to this Downsizing time in our society, is that we can now stop, breathe and take stock of our lives. It's a time to ask ourselves if we are happy on our present course or is this the opportunity to try something new, to finally go for our dreams.

So many people were laid off, hoping to be rehired in a field that they didn't want in the first place. They've spent the last several months, years, even decades complaining about their chosen path. For one reason or another it ended and now they want it back.

Perhaps this is the time to take the leap forward toward personal fulfillment. As the saying goes, do what you love and the money will follow.

I encourage you to ask yourself, what would you do if you knew you could not fail? Picture yourself in the new situation. Let the fantasy flow for at least a minute or two. That will set the energy into motion so that like attracts like. Forget the "how am I going to get there" and just focus on the "what do I really want."

It helps to write down three steps you can take toward your new situation. Then take the steps, which are usually as simple as a phone call or some internet research. One foot in front of the other. The results might not come directly from the steps you take, but may seem to appear out of the blue. It's all about the energy you set into motion from the joyous feelings of your thoughts, fantasies, visualizations and actions. It's the joy that attracts your dream.

Go for it...the time is now!

xoxo

Elizabeth

Intentions

2010-05-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

People write to me often to ask about the relationship of Intentions to Feng Shui especially regarding the Treasure Box I mention in my video "Get Rich Quick. The quote below from Abraham-Hicks says it perfectly...

Start telling a better-feeling story about the things that are important to you. Do not write your story like a factual documentary, weighing all the pros and cons of your experience, but instead tell the uplifting, fanciful, magical story of the wonder of your own life and watch what happens. It will feel like magic as your life begins to transform right before yours eyes, but it is not by magic. It is by the power of the Laws of the Universe and your deliberate alignment with those Laws.---Abraham

Pretty great, right? It's about the feeling you get when you tell the story. The feeling becomes an energetic vibration that aligns with similar vibrations and sets a chain reaction of 'like attracts like.'

That's why the items in your surroundings are important. When you walk past a lousy sofa, broken lamp, negative art piece or decorative item that makes you feel bad, it can set off a chain reaction of bad feelings. Conversely, when you surround yourself with things you love that represent who you are and what you desire, the joy of seeing those things will attract more of the same.

So as far as the intentions for the Treasure Box go, get excited about them when you write them down. Have fun and be in a state of joyous excitement about the outcome.

The results can be dazzling.

EnJoy!

Spreading Joy

2010-05-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

"You cannot judge the value of a life by its quantity. It is by the joy that you are feeling. The more joyful you are, the longer you live.

Let yourself relax and breathe and be free and be joyous and romp.

The optimum physical life experience is to have plenty of things that stimulate you to desire, and an awareness of the way you feel, so you're reaching for thoughts that feel good--so you're wide open, so you're tuned in, tapped in, and turned on." Abraham-Hicks

Joy is a favorite topic of mine as you know if you read this blog often. The following story was instrumental to my fascination with the topic. I've shared it before, but hey, it bears repeating.

A few years ago, when the film "The Secret" came out, I got a copy and watched it over and over again. Not only did I love the message of the movie, but it was during a time that I was experimenting with life sans television. "The Secret" was my only DVD other than a "Pilates for Beginners" that somehow wasn't as inspiring. It got to the point that I had the whole thing memorized. To this day you can quote a line and I know what comes next.

My friends all knew that it was a big influence on me. I told a few of them that I really wanted to meet the producer/creator Rhonda Byrne. I just had a feeling we'd get on well.

Low and behold, one day a friend called to say that Rhonda was in his shop. "Get over here as soon as possible," he whispered in to the phone urgently. "I've told her all about you."

"I can't! I'm at a client's and will be for a few more hours. Tell her she's great and I'd love to meet her sometime!" I was so excited that I attracted her into my life, even if it was just a close call.

The next day I stopped into my friend's shop to pepper him with questions about Rhonda. About ten minutes later, she walked in.

She look a little confused as she told my friend, "I was driving past and I felt a huge energy pulling me in here. I knew I bought practically everything in the store yesterday so I don't need anything, but I'm supposed to be here. So what is it?"

My friend gestured to me and said, "I think you're supposed to know Elizabeth."

She looked at me and said, "Wow, you're a powerful! Yes, I am supposed to meet you!"

My take-away from our wonderful conversation came with her parting words. "Spread Joy, Elizabeth. All manifestation, all creation takes place in the vibration of joy. Feel it and be in it as much as you can. And spread joy."

So when I encourage you to feel the joy in situations, that's where it comes from. 'Cause I'm all about spreading the joy.

Breathe Easy, Michigan!

2010-05-01T03:16:00.000-07:00

Today, my home state of Michigan is the 38th state to go smoke-free. Hallelujah!

I'm so glad that Michigan is finally smoke-free. It was a real drag (sorry, couldn't help it) to spend an evening catching up with friends while lingering concerns of the intense second-hand smoke consumed my thoughts.

Before today, any restaurant experience I had in Grand Rapids, day or night, required a follow-up washing or dry cleaning of my clothes. And with my long hair, sleep was impossible until I shampooed out the second-hand cigarette stink.

I imagine the restaurant workers are far more excited to have smoke-free work environments. But more importantly, this ban will result is many people quitting.

If you're in Michigan today, celebrations abound. Here's what's happening in Grand Rapids...

What:

“Go Out. Breathe Easy” is a city-wide celebration of local restaurants taking place throughout Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 1st.

Why:

For the first time in our history, Michiganders can enjoy smoke-free dining **everywhere they go** beginning May 1st, 2010 when Michigan becomes the 38th state to go smoke-free. We think that calls for a CELEBRATION!!

When and Where:

"Go Out. Breathe Easy." will Kick-Off at 5:00pm @ The B.O.B with live entertainment. Discounts and specials at participating restaurants are available all day and all night.

http://www.tobaccofreepartners.org/

Yard Sale Treasure Map

2010-04-30T03:26:00.000-07:00

What's a bargain shoppers best friend? Yard Sale Treasure Map! It's an amazing mapping tool that combines Google Maps with Craigslist. It culls the yard sale listings from Craigslist and create an interactive map with all the info you need to hit the sales in your area.

Let's say you wanna hit some yard sales on the upcoming Saturday. Just type in your address or zip code, your desired driving radius, click 'Saturday' on the drop down list and hit Search. The map of your area then loads with pinpoints of all the sales. Click on the pinpoint to get a description of the sale.

Once again...the internet is simply amazing! I love this!

TimeSavingTutorials.com has created a nice video tutorial of YSTMwhich covers most of the basic functionality of this tool.

There are countless websites today that claim to be the “place to go” on the web to find and post garage sales. But let’s be honest… there is only one globally accepted online source for garage sale ads… Craigslist! Not only is Craigslist a wonderful resource, it is also absolutely free! So honestly, why bother posting your ad anywhere else online?

YSTM doesn't make you create an account to log into or try to scam you into posting your sale explicitly in a way that no other sites can access your ad. They encourage you to post your ads on Craigslist because that’s where your ads will get the most visibility.

Hot Tip: when posting your yard sale on Craigslist, add your full address including city, state and zip. The system needs the info to correctly add your sale to the map.

Happy treasure hunting!

Diagnosis: Dysfungshui

2010-04-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

I found this photo online in an article titled "Under Stairs Solutions." The materials are lovely and I'm sure it was pretty darn pricey, however...

From a Feng Shui perspective, the only thing this will solve is putting you on the fast track toward a short, unhealthy and unhappy life.

If you add some things like old tax files, or a shotgun in the drawers below the sleeping platform, you'll get your wish even quicker.

Let's take a closer look from an energetic standpoint, shall we?

Here are all the Feng Shui Don'ts

Shar Chi- Sometimes called Poison Arrows or Killing Breath, Shar Chi basically means 'negative energy.' It's the energy that forms from the edges (usually 45 degrees or less) of walls, beams, furniture and open shelves. If your body is in direct line of the edge, it's worse.

In this case, there's six areas including the little shelf for the alarm clock. We can't see the rest of the room, so there could be more. (See photo with arrows) One of those Poison Arrows will do damage, imagine six!

What kind of damage? Oh, how about illness, accidents, major losses and really bad, bad luck. On the Feng Shui scale of bad scenarios, this situation is at the top above the "You're $#&%ed" mark.

I've witnessed the effects of Shar Chi too many times to think it's hooey or Feng Shui masters being dramatic for thousands of years.

As if all that Shar Chi is not enough, now add the pressure from...

Low Ceiling- Oh, baby, it just gets worse! A standard ceiling height is 8 feet. As the ceiling gets lower, the pressure gets higher. If it's over an area where you're body is for long periods of time (bed, desk, favorite tv watching chair), it will effect you even more.

The buildup of this energy over time can bring a myriad of issues depending on where the bed falls on the Bagua Map. For example, if it's in the center of the home, it will effect health more than other issues. But with this many 'don'ts' there will be lots of other problems as well.

No headboard- Headboards signify having support in your life. It's almost as if the energy is saying, "I got your back." In this case, you get a hard empty wall to go along with all that pressure.

Storage under the bed- It's best if you can have free-flowing circulation under a bed. If that is impossible and you must use the space for storage, only keep fresh linens, blankets, spare pillows under the bed. Get it? Soft stuff.

Everything is made of energy. Soft bedding in the storage area is the least harmful. The thing is, most folks store junk in drawers like these. Or worse, that gun.

The "no room for you!" Bed Position. As I always say, it's important to have two equal-sized bedside tables with two equal-sized bedside lamps for an equally balanced relationship. Good luck attracting or maintaining a happy, healthy relationship in a bed like this where one person is smooshed against the wall. Okay, so there are spotlight kinda lamps. As far as Feng Shui cures go for a situation such as this, it's like putting one of those little round band-aids on a huge open wound.

Let's go out on a limb and say that the person living in a space like this is a bachelor who's not really interested in finding balance in a healthy relationship. He might want there to be 'no room for you.' So kudos, he'll get his wish...along with accusations from all his conquests, courtesy of the Shar Chi energy.

Good thing he has those spotlights on both sides of the bed so he and his partner can equally interrogate each other.

Diagnosis: Dysfungshui

To sign up for for Feng Shui informations as well as free tips, visit my website www.space-lift.com

Cash in Your Castoffs

2010-04-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

You know from past posts that I love cleaning out closets to make room for new. Once you're closet clearing is complete, chances are you've got something to sell. Here's the scoop for making the most of your castoffs in a great piece on Real Simple.

I'll post all the pertinents for home decor items, but they have a lot of great info for selling your clothing and accessories on this link.

Insider tips on the best places to sell your stuff—and how to make (real) money.

By Karen Cheney and Alexandra Kay for Real Simple

Furniture

The best marketplace: Craigslist.org, which connects local sellers and buyers in 700 towns and regions nationwide. Posting ads on the site is free, and unlike on eBay, you don’t have to pay a commission when you sell.

Bargain shoppers and vintage-furniture hunters alike scan the listings, so you’re more likely to find buyers for nearly any piece of furniture, says Donna Hoffman, an interior decorator in Yardley, Pennsylvania, who also teaches people how to sell secondhand furniture.

Selling Points

• Compare your item to similar ones on the site before setting a price, which should be 10 to 20 percent higher than what you are willing to sell it for. That way, you have room to negotiate.

• Highlight the brand, the price, and any pertinent specifics in the ad title. For example: “Ethan Allen Walnut Dining Table, $600.” In the body, list the dimensions, shape, age, and other important features.

• Take your own photos. Buyers want to see the piece you’re selling, not a manufacturer’s photo.

• Deal in cash only, so you’re not burned by bad personal checks or fake cashier’s checks.

Household Goods and Electronics

The best marketplace: A garage sale is where you can unload everything from pots and pans to old TVs and computers, says Chris Heiska, founder of Yardsalequeen.com, a site that offers tips to buyers and sellers. Why? As a general rule, people buy on impulse at these sales, snapping up what catches their eye.

And as a result of the lagging economy, they’re looking for deals on practical, frequently used items, so inexpensive appliances, like a hand mixer, and older electronics (five years or older; newer models can be sold on Craigslist) should go quickly.

Selling Points

• Recruit your neighbors to offer up their stuff at the same time you do. A cluster of sales is more likely to attract foot traffic, says Heiska.

• Group smaller objects (silverware, cups) in lots, so people feel that they’re getting a deal.

• Keep an extension cord handy to show that your electronics and small appliances still work.

• Antiques

• Fine furniture, jewelry, rugs, crystal, and artwork are best sold at auction. First have your item appraised (go to appraiserassoc.org to find an appraiser in your area). Auction fees can be steep, typically ranging from 10 to 30 percent.

But the more your item sells for, the lower the percentage of commission you’ll pay, says Chris Longly, a spokesperson for the National Auctioneers Association.

• Decorative Items

• Ebay is a good bet, but if the objects are too heavy to ship, opt for Craigslist.

• Patio Furniture and Garden Equipment

• Like decor items, outdoor furniture and tools are often too large or too heavy to ship, so post them on Craigslist or in your local classifieds.

Books, CDs, DVDs, Games

The best marketplace: Amazon.com, which boasts tens of millions of shoppers seeking new and used items daily. “Media inventory turns over faster here than anywhere else,” says Michael Miller, author of Selling Online 2.0 ($15, amazon.com).

What sells best? “Textbooks and recently published books,” says Priscilla Welbourn of Mendham, New Jersey, who has sold more than 6,000 (!) books on Amazon since 2005. Titles that have just been made into films, such as Nicholas Sparks’s The Last Song, sell briskly, Welbourn adds. Like eBay, Amazon charges a fee and manages the transaction for you.

Selling Points

• Price your book at a penny less than the lowest-priced copy, then check your listing daily to ensure you’re still offering the best value.

• Be honest about condition. If a DVD is scratched and you say it’s “like new,” your seller rating (a report card from buyers who have purchased your items) will go down.

• At the post office, send items via “media mail,” which is about half the cost of first-class service.

Baby Furniture and Gear

List gently used items on Craigslist or in local classifieds. Check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for rules on what you can sell and to make sure your item has not been recalled.

Children’s Toys

As long as they’re in very good condition, playthings are popular items on Amazon. No luck selling? Hold a swap meet with friends and family and trade them for other items.

Collectibles

Old baseball cards, Hummel figurines, and the like will find takers on eBay. If you think your items are worth more than similar items are fetching there, consider offering them to a specialized auction, where buyers may have a more discerning eye. (Go to auctioneers.org to find a specialized auctioneer in your area.)

http://www.realsimple.com/

How to Set a Greener Dinner Table

2010-04-27T03:31:00.000-07:00

From Re-nest

There's more to a sustainable dinner than the local or home-grown food (or wine!) on the plate. You can make small, simple adjustments when it comes to the setting and decor that make the overall meal a more conscious, thoughtful experience. Start with grandma's china, for example.

First off, there are tons of products you can buy if you're in the market for new tableware. Recycled wine glasses, organic cotton napkins, and sustainable cork trivets are everywhere. Go wild. But these tips are more about tiny things you can do without accumulating more stuff.

• Use cloth napkins. This goes without saying, and we're guessing most of you use cloth instead of paper napkins. They're not just greener; they look nicer. If you don't have any and don't want to buy new ones, use your kitchen towels! Yours don't have to match. And when you're having an extra messy, sloppy meal, a big kitchen towel is a welcome accessory.

• Use a potted plant instead of flowers. We know, we know. Flowers are awesome. We have them in our house all the time, and there are plenty of sustainable, fair trade options available. But, again, if you don't have those options, or don't want to buy anything, use a pretty potted plant from somewhere else in your house. Other ideas: small pots of herbs (that might be hanging out on your windowsill) or the dessert you'll be serving later, just set up on a cake plate as a centerpiece.

• Use oven-to-table dishes. This is a very small thing, but you'll wash fewer dishes if you serve the main course straight from the dutch oven or casserole you cooked it in. We like the look of a big pot on the table; there's no need to transfer food to a platter or serving bowl.

• Watch unnecessary silverware. We can't count how many times we've cleaned up after a dinner party and thought, "Wait. Did people use the knives? They look clean. Are they?" And then we wash them anyway. Don't feel the need to have a full place setting of silverware out. If you're serving fork-tender meat, skip the knife.

• And unnecessary glasses. We do love our pilsner glasses, but they take up a ton of room in the dishwasher. The greener option would be to embrace the beer bottles and tag them with rubber bands so guests can identify theirs. And you can't have friends swigging directly out of wine bottles, but unless you're having a tasting, you can use the same glass for different reds.

• Borrow some china. This goes for any sort of fancy plate or specialty platter you might need. Surely someone you know has it, whether it's a pitcher for margaritas or a deviled egg platter. Go scavenge through your grandmother's china cabinet. Or, if you do want something pretty and unique, buy vintage, pre-owned china at a flea market.

• Make cookies. Yes, we said this had to do with the tableware, not the food. But if you serve cake, pie, or ice cream, you're washing an entire second set of plates and utensils. Anything you can pick up and eat requires less energy.

These are small measures, and they're just a start. What other green tactics do you take when setting the table for a party?

By the way, the photo above encapsulates the kind of borrowed, thrifted, cobbled-together table setting is from Country Living.

How To Freshen Up Candles

2010-04-26T03:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a super clever way to get the most out of your great smelling candles that still have wax yet won't really burn any more 'cuz it's on the side of the container not in the center near the wick. You with me? We've all had this happen, usually to our most expensive candles. Now, there's a solution.

When I saw this on Casa Sugar, it was a hit-my-head-say-'D'oy!' moment. Seriously, why didn't I think of this? Why didn't you think of this and tell me about it!

How-To: Freshen Up Candles from Casa Sugar

Candles warm up your space, but all too often good candles are tossed out in the cold way before they're officially done. Throwing them out is not only a shame, but it's also a waste of money! Instead of trashing your burned-down bougies, freshen them up using this simple trick.

Step One

Start by gathering your materials. For this project you need:

an old candle in a glass container
a birthday candle
an empty votive
a knife or scissors
a pot
some water

Step Two

Bring a pot of water to boil. You'll need enough water so that the wax part of the candle is below the water, but not so much that the water overflows into the top of the glass.

Step Three

Carefully place your old candle into the hot water. Use tongs so that you don't burn yourself.

Step Four

Keep an eye on the candle as it starts to melt. It's a fairly slow process — this candle took about 10 minutes to completely melt. You want almost the entire thing to be liquid. It's easier to fish out if you don't melt it all the way to the wick.

Step Five

Once the wax is completely melted, slowly pour it into your empty votive and discard the old wick.

Step Six

As you wait for the wax to harden, size the birthday candle so that it doesn't stick out too much from the top of the candle. Don't overdo it though; it's OK for the candle to be a little too tall.

Step Seven

As soon as the wax has hardened slightly and the top of the wax has formed a little film, gently insert the birthday candle into the center of the votive. If it won't stand up straight, hold it in place for a minute or two while the wax hardens a little more.

Don't worry if the top of the birthday candle sticks out a bit, it will burn down quickly and you'll never even know it was there.

Step Eight

Burn, baby, burn — and enjoy giving your old candles new light!

One Minute Shift

2010-04-25T03:07:00.000-07:00

I love this One Minute Shift video that features Dr. Bruce Lipton discussing the effects of our personal surroundings on our health.

Bruce H Lipton, PhD is an internationally recognized authority in bridging science and spirit. He has been a guest speaker on dozens of TV and radio shows, as well as keynote presenter for national conferences.

His most recent book, Spontaneous Evolution, is available now.