Please yourself

aka "the art of extreme self-care"

Go for it!

xxx

pic 1 from posy gets cosy, 2 paris apartment

Another kind of Inspiration Board..

are shadow boxes...

perfect for keeping tid-bits of dreams we've yet to enjoy, exciting and delicious things we're looking forward to appearing in our future.

I found shadow boxes on sale last year at Pottery Barn in the US. But if you can't locate them, here's a novel idea... why not create an inpiration board in your head? It's free, and takes up very little space!

So as you go about your day, begin to become aware of the things you observe that you would like more of in your life... perhaps, as you pass a travel agency, a picture of a beautiful, palm fringed beach catches your eye. If you dream of enjoying a holiday, mentally "clip" out that image. Pretend to tuck it in a special corner of your mind which is dedicated to creating future memories.

You see a happy couple holding hands... or a girl walking the perfect pup you'd love to have... or you see a course advertised you'd love to attend. Mentall y gather up all these images and joyfully, happily, put them in the same place in your mind.

You can go back, fish them out and enjoy looking at them anytime you want. And if you do this joyfully, you may not even realise it, but very quickly many of the various images will show up in your life, as yours.

It's the Law of Atraction, in action.

you want to know a funny story? well, since being back in Australia, I've been absolutely fascinated by what people are wearing. Between the thongs, thongs, thongs (footwear, that is) and the muu-muus; i really fell in love with the beautiful lemon colour being sported around with big smiles by happy, fit-looking young things-and in particular, lemon playsuits- oooh la la, they look so fresh and fun! After just lusting after them for a week; simply appreciating the gorgeousness of anyone wearing yellow... quite accidentally this morning i stumbled upon une gorgeous petite lemon playsuit- kinda but not that much, like this - that amazingly, actually looked good on me, too! Natalie would call it synchronicity; I like to call it "accidentally realising the law of attraction"- the best way of living, ever. Of course, it had to be bought, and I've been enjoying wearing it all afternoon :)

"You are the creator of your own life experience, and as the creator of your experience, it is important to understand that it is not by virtue of your action, not by virtue of your doing—it is not even by virtue of what you are saying—that you are creating. You are creating by virtue of the thought that you are offering. "- Abraham-Hicks

pic from paris apartment

or this is glamorous

Your Life By The Sea- Sharon Hamblin

It's my pleasure to bring you a peek at the life by the sea of Sharon Hamblin, author of the "Adventure Guide to Maui" and the "Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu Adventure Guide".

Sharon is one of the most postive-energy beings I know! So I was curious to discover what her environment is like to keep her so balanced and successful.

It seems her gorgeous pup Buttercup, lazy days at the beach and souvenirs from around the world fill her with happy energy...

I hope you enjoy a lovely look into her viewpoint on life in Northern California as much as I did.
Love n blessings!


Sharon, tell us! Where by the sea do you feel most relaxed yet energised?

It may be strange but whether I am living right next to the ocean or living a day's drive away from the sea, my favorite part of going to the beach and sea has to do with the anticipation of the visit. I love turning the first corner of
a road or trek where you get your first glimpse of the water. I get an explosion of emotion with the anticipation of seeing that vast blue sea... and the thought that in just a few minutes I will be enjoying the sounds of the waves, the view of endless swells and whitecaps and feeling that familiar guilty pleasure... because I have spent a huge portion of my life at the sea.

Such truth. What is the favourite room in your home, and why?

My bedroom is my favourite room - it's my sanctuary. It's filled with mementos from my worldwide travels - a rug from Bali, photos of friends in Australia, collages of time spent in Paris... all great reminders of fun times in my life. I love waking up surrounded by what I consider to be little inspirations; they help me jump into whatever the day may bring. And I have a very comfortable bed with lots of pillows.
I've figured out the perfect angle for me to lay in bed and use my laptop. My ideal morning starts with a cup of coffee and my laptop joining me and my dog Buttercup in bed.


Mmm, sounds like heaven! Do you have a favourite or lucky object?

I've always got a favourite a piece of jewelry that has a special meaning to me. Right now it's a pair of opal earrings that belonged to my late mother. Before that it was a very old ring that had been passed down from my
grandmother to me. I also have a large collection of sand dollars that I
collected at a Northern California beach. They are special to me because I spent
many spent hours with each one - cleaning, scrubbing, bleaching and drying them
by hand. I also save all my fortunes from fortune cookies.

Aha! Can we ask your fortunes in a later post? What places can you recommend in your local area that offer positive and joyful energy?

Although I'm not as close to the ocean as I would like to be, there are still some amazing on-land sites that have become magical to me. One is Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano that holds a very sacred spot in American Indian history. It is also a spiritual mecca of sorts that draws people from around the world. With a 14,162-foot summit, Mount Shasta is the fifth-tallest peak in California and a popular spot for mountain climbers, skiers and snowboarders.

Thank you for sharing your special energy with us, Sharon!

As well as the author of travel books,
"Adventure Guide to Maui" and the "Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu Adventure
Guide", Sharon has written magazine articles and content for many
prominent websites. After living in Hawaii for 12 glorious years, Sharon
Hamblin and her miniature schnauzer, Buttercup, now call Northern
California home. To order one of her books, visit www.sharonhamblin.com,
check out your local bookstore, or purchase online at Hunter
Publishing, Amazon, or Barnes &
Noble!

Valentines Day Colours 2009

girls, this picture could be the result if you wear yellow this Feb. 14!





It's almost Valentines Day! Have you planned your day of love yet? If you're really looking for something to add the special vibe to your day, or night- you'll love these feng shui Valentines Colours 2009.





What brings in love one year will have a different effect the next- not only in mood and environment- the same/old is just boring, isn't it? - but also in terms of energy. In the past year I've been intensely observing human relationships and feng shui for love- from in Doha and Dubai, to Florida, UK and Australia- and the below are the colours the loved up- the happy couples, the hottest designers, the most fabulous places, and the most sexy swimwear- is about. The Feng Shui colours for love in 2009.



Guys: the buzz colour this Valentines Day is Orange. Not as confronting as red, not as power-driven as yellow and not as feminine as pink, wearing the colour orange or choosing a restaurant that features this colour; even, if you’re entertaining at home, using orange candles and napkins to add that touch that says, “tonight’s a special night”… Orange at this time for men is a very strong positive love-energy colour.

Pair it with white if you live by the sea or it’s summer where you are; with black if it’s a high-powered city lifestyle you’re living. Orange brings true love and luck, this Valentines Day!

Girls: Regardless if it’s almost-spring (aka deep midwinter!) or high-summer, your powerful colour for love this VDay is Yellow. Reminiscent of sunshine and flowers, did you know that the combination of Yellow and Black for a woman to wear means “power”? Perhaps it’s to do with the yellow chakra, the solar plexus, where personal power is centred. From lemon to buttercup or deep gold and every shade in between, ditch the pink and warm up your heart’s desire with refreshing, interesting yellow- on your clothes or whilst entertaining, for these are the qualities it will lend you.


What's so wonderful about this years feng shui colours for love is that whether you're single and ready for your soulmate...
happily together and planning a surprise...
or wanting to spice things up with your long-term partner...
you'll get the same, heart-fluttering results.




They WILL bring in more love, so make sure you're clear on what sort of relationship you want to enjoy with a special partner, this Valentines day and for the rest of the year!






Oh and- how cute is this simple feng shui bedroom? Look at the matching bedside tables and lamps... the his'n'her silhouettes.. hot pink sheets for laughter, fun and passion... and warm orange wall for nurturing and stability. You can read about it's simple creation here.







Hearts and love to you!

Samantha.
xxx

Everyday beauty

there is nothing tiny or insignificant. the smallest thing we turn our attention to with love and appreciation will be magically transformed into a theme of great joy.

Finally... some flying stars for 2009.

Happy here to bring you some updates on the Flying Stars for Year of the Earth Ox, 2009. The danger zones which really need prompt attention in your home and workplace this year are:

1. North- 5 yellow kiling star must be tempered this year. Place something metal- ideally five things in this area (a cluster of coins, 5 metal jugs or vases would do nicely).


2. North East- 3 jade star. Needs fire lit daily (incense or a candle is fine). Alternatively, place a large piece of art coloured in reds or red carpet in this area. This will offer you protection in legal affairs.


3. West- the 2 black star; avoid spending time in this area if possible. And again- metal is the enhancement to alleviate. Brass a good metal here- one large object placed in this direction will appease the energies and help positive life flow smoothly to you.

And on the bright side... the south east is BRILLIANT for wealth this year! I'll be sending subscribers a more detailed evaluation, complete with how to make the most of the auspicious flying stars... if you'd like to know more, and haven't already (oh how nice to meet new people! it's free!) please put your address in the sign-up box at the top of the page and info will be winging it's way to you vsoon.

xxx

Additional info:

In the Flying Star recommendations for 2009, the crystal Hematite Jasper is needed to balance the negative energy in the North East. Have you had trouble getting 8 pieces? If so, there are 2 alternatives: you can use Tigers Iron-within its formation jasper and hematite swirl with the tigers eye. Or use tumbled pieces of jasper with hematite, placed in a small pile. Eight pieces of hematite, and not more than eight of jasper.

On Gentleness

"When the world around me is so big and scary, full of loud noise and the unknown, I have been known to inflict meaningless violence on myself. But, just for today, as I walk this world... I can Soften my face.. my eyes, I can soften my cheeks and lips.
I can tread lightly upon this earth; seeing... understanding... never imposing. Showing mercy to all god’s animals and plants. After all, it is easy to be gentle. Because I understand, now. Everyone we meet is fighting some kind of battle."

DIY feng shui by the sea

I have to tell you that I am having a wonderful time relaxing back in Australia after being away fo so long! One of the things I am enjoying so much is learning to make art with oil pastels. (I was inspired to do this on our last return to Sydney when we went over to my ex-boyfriend and his new partner's home for dinner. Since she had moved in, the place had been transformed! By her beautiful flair for painting whimsical, bright colours on canvas. She completely inspired me, and really confirmed that painting canvas frames is a wonderful, cheap and totally enjoyable way to change the energy of any room!)

The apartment we are renting here has an extension in the south west- so it's the perfect love shack, really, this being the romance direction! But it did make me worry for a wee while that we had a missing south east corner, so I thought to hang this piece above the bed...

Yet water imagery in the bedroom is a no-no, it invites 3rd parties into your happy partnership...

So I'll have to do something up in a rich, deep purple- beautiful colour to use in an east or south east bedroom to empower wealth without calling in water. The south east corner isn't missing, but it's a wonderful opportunity to activate more prosperity, and that's always welcome, oui?

Fire & Ice

I was sad to read in The Australian this morning that 108 people lost their lives in the Victorian bushfires over the weekend. The little country town of Marysville, where we used to holiday as kids, is one pretty hamlet that has been incinerated. People who stayed to defend their homes, following all the recommendations of a good fire plan, were engulfed by a wall of flames as the hot wind swept the fire front over 388,000 ha. Remembering how quick the fires sweep through can bring us some comfort when we think about the 108 and animals in the areas.

Whilst up in beautiful Fintry, husby's family and their animals on the farm are shivering under a blanket of snow. Fire & Ice surround us- both too painful to touch.

Can you feel the energy growing in the days leading up to the full moon? Things become scatty, feelings intensify. These few days past we may have been feeling emotional- with the moon in Cancer, an intense water sign and the ruler of emotions. I wonder if the moon in cancer- the mother sign- intensified feelings of people being attached to their homes; and wanting to defend them.

When a house is taken by fire it is powerful symbology that we need to reach inside ourselves and do new things with our time and our talents. It calls us to connect more deeply with those around us; perform work we love; and create energetic value that can never be destroyed. However crazy it sounds- the people whose homes were destroyed this past weekend have, ultimately, been blessed by the universe. You cannot have something such as a home destroyed in this way in the time of the benevolent mother (moon in cancer) without there being a grander, more pure somehow, and more nurturing path ahead.

Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

- Robert Frost

The moon moves into Leo, fire sign, today, for the full moon. Prayers that more people in victoria decide to leave their homes; prayers that all the wonderful firefighters from our different states go to work in the perfect areas; prayers that the waning moon helps assist in containing and shrinking the blazes too.

The yin & the yang of it

I love to look at this picture of Strawberry Hill in Jamaica. There exists a lovely Yin/Yang synergy here.



Life is a delicate balance, isn't it?









We think of the ocean, or any body of water, to be Yin- calming, contemplative, dark and quiet..



But here in the land of the wide sky and incessantly crashing surf.. oh most beautiful white noise! oh most lovely air filled with healing ions!.. the environment is very Yang- so yang that inside, candle light seems too demanding, and drawing a curtain against the endless Pacific can offer some welcome calming energy.



"Exploring both extremes... we find our balance."






In Australia, dreaming of the Caribbean? That's because I'm loving the Gold Coast whilst looking forward to lovely new offerings in the West Indies come May. Exciting stuff! In next posts I'll share more!

xxx

Feng Shui in Paradise

Greetings from the beautiful Australian Gold Coast- one of the simply special places on earth, with it's miles of pristine beaches, most beautiful, peaceful hinterland, warm friendly people, delicious eateries, glittery nightlife and world-class boutiques.

And- architecture! wandering Surfer's Paradise... so many fresh buildings catch my eye. I'd love to peek inside and discern the feng shui of Jade...

And Q1, presently the world's tallest residential building and the striking, pointy newcomer to the Gold Coast skyline...

(this is the observation deck)

Now this excites me, feng-shui-wise... look how the shadow of Q1 falls over Jade in the afternoon.























Sun-drenched days, balmy nights and lots of feng shui await... For feng shui of your home on the east coast, you can contact me on 0409 799 455.

Pivoting- helping the Universe get your order right

Pivoting is the act of removing yourself from a place where you're attracting something you don't want... and into a place when you're beginning to attract what you do.

Have you ever opened a bill, and felt that sinking feeling, like "How am I going to pay this?" or been alone somewhere, surrounded by happy couples and felt a sense of despair, as in "I'll never find somebody really special!"

When we feel these negative emotions it's a sure sign we're on the path to attracting more of what we don't want, instead of what we do want. And as hard as it may seem in the moment, this is the exact and precise time we need to pivot, and let the Law of Attraction send us what we're dearly craving.

It's powerful to daydream about how we'd like our life to be, write happy memories, predictions and desires down when we're in a good state of mind. It brings these things closer to us and attracts more of them without question. But when we take a moment of despair or negativity and turn it into a powerfully positive new point of focus- this holds the energy within it to literally change our lives- and in a very short period of time.

Okay, so how to perform the powerful energy pivot?

Teachers of the law of attraction tell us that when we're in a place of negative emotion, it's helpful to stop and say, "Uh oh, I'm thinking about what I don't want here. What is it I do want?" Abraham and Esther Hicks, who coined the term Pivoting and offer wonderful advice on how to do it, is one of these.

Another way, and my favourite, to pivot, is to activate the most powerfully positive emotion of all- appreciation.

So, the next moment you feel yourself getting upset with the way things are, stop. The key that opens the door to Pivoting is appreciation. Immediately, look around and find something to appreciate... the pleasant temperature where you are, the nice day, or something around you or inside you; you can notice and begin to feel good about.

The first thing you'll notice when you either focus on what you do want, or look for something to appreciate, is how much better you feel. It's almost as if a weight is lifted off you. Abraham-Hicks says it's this feeling of relief that indicates that you're beginning to allow the free flow of energy towards you. This positive energy is what all the things, experiences and abundance you want to flow into your life rides in on. It's the sheng chi of your life!

I've pivoted successfully three times in the past day; and experienced wonderful results. Although it's not ideal to be in a position where you're summoning negative energy and needing to pivot (!), to perform one successfully is a wonderful feeling in itself, as well as a tool for life you can use that will make you feel better... thereby allowing what we truly desire to flow into our lives.

examples of how to Pivot successfully towards financial abundance

relationship harmony

a new relationship

and

a new, ideal home

are all in February's Cheat Sheet, winging it's way to you very soon. You can sign up in the box at the top left of the page!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome, year of the Earth Ox!

You can click on the picture for some wonderful Flying Star hints right now, plus I'm looking forward to offering you personal predictions in our February Cheat Sheet in a few days time.

Here's a sneak peek... If you're an Ox, Rooster, Snake or Monkey, you can really look forward to wonderful progression in the next 12 months. And, for all of us, it's SO important to strengthen the element fire in both home and business environments this year to ensure increasing prosperity and abundance of all good things.

Love, luck and lots of happiness coming your way in 2009! More than any other sign, the Ox is a sign of integrity. Expect rewards for omitting pure, positive energy.

Samantha.

xxx

Winter Sunset

... the last I'll see in a while. Tomorrow I'll be spirited off... across the planet...

I'm heading to a wide brown country. A land of sweeping plains. Of rugged mountain ranges. Of droughts, and flooding rains.

Leaving... this gem of God's earth, an Island so strong and so fair;
Built firm as Barrule, Thy Throne of Home Rule
Makes us free as thy sweet mountain air.

(Or, as we call it, Sweet Home Ballasalla.)

But I'll be back.

So much to do! Are you racing against the clock, too? Remember the energetic secret to remove obstacles and stretch time: keep focused on what you want. When we fix our eye on the prize, and keep moving towards it... "The question is not If, only When."

Happily Ever After

"My mission in life is... to live happily ever after."

see the Bridge in the background? where on earth do you feel happiest, and why?

Just Bonkers

i remember walking along the dirt road in Tobago on our wedding night, ludicrously dressed in white trousers...

i didn't think it at the time; I was worried about my shoes getting dirty!

We had supper in Bonkers, we love the joint, we especially like Troy, and how he so charmingly sweats it around the wood floor bure, holding it all together...

Husby has been there more than me, he spent weekends learning to dive in Tobago, and took Caribbean-faring holiday family to Bonkers.

I'd recommend it in a minute.

And to me I want it to stay the humid, outdoorsy, best-crab-cakes-on-this-planet place it is. It's the perfectly bonkers place to celebrate a brilliantly bonkers partnership.

Image by Olaf Gehrmann

Feng Shui for Love- Smitten...

Smitten- the mitten for two- such a beautiful feng shui accessory for love!

Though I'm not sure that Husby would want to be seen wearing this anywhere he might run into someone he knows, in the cockpit of the helicopter... with me beside him as co-pilot on a cold winters night... he'd adore it. A smitten really says, I'm-with-you-on-this-one, don't you think?

Q. Are you the giver or the taker in your relationship? Or do both of you take turns?

Keep cosy, wherever you are! I hope you're snuggling up to someone you love. If not, but you'd like to be, why not get your heart's desire a Smitten for lover's day? People are shy and insecure inside, you know... the odd present with note sayng, "Let's be together!" can work wonders...

Here, I'm making pizza dough with oven up HOT to chase away these freezing draughts. I wonder if The Lady in the Flour will appear?

The Art of Allowing- wellness

We would like you to release the word "achieve" or "earn" from your
vocabulary and from your understanding, altogether, and we would like you to
replace those words with the word "allow". You're wanting to allow your
Well-being, not achieve it. It's not something that you need to earn. All you
have to do is decide what it is you would like to experience, and then allow it
in order to achieve it. It isn't something you have to struggle for or try for.
You are all worthy beings. You are deserving of this Well-being.

-Abraham-Hicks daily quote

Allowing Wellness...

When talking to a friend whose opinion I value a few days ago, she expressed great surprise at my complete and quick recovery.

"Isn't that fantastic," she replied, with more than a hint of doubt in her voice. "But you know, you should still take it easy..." Others have said the same.

Just a hint of doubt from someone you believe in, as more knowledgeable than you, can interrupt your vibration and cause you to disallow wellness.

So... never sick, right now i'm suffering a very yukky flu-type thing.

Miraculous, the human body is. Accidents or surgeries we can bounce back from and forget... then a flu will take us, literally, by the throat!! I wonder if this was created by my adopting the expectation of others that I am still to be unwell?

So, time for a reminder: Well being is natural. Wellness prevails. The human body lives, recovers, gets back to it's own state of equilibrium. Well being is the default for all of us.

Unless... is there a kick-back to my being unwell? The sympathy, the connection, the attention?

(Answer: Nah. If I was receiving lots of flowers, maybe. But no.)

Okay, so are you that easily influenced? Who is actually more knowledgeable on you, than you? At how healed you are, than how you are feeling?

(Answer: That's true. No-one is. No one lives in this body but me. I guess that makes me the expert! Hey, I'm allowed to be completely healthy if I want.)

Others may disbelieve your wonderful powers of self-healing; but disregard! Instead, congratulate yourself for allowing the natural miracle of your body to do the thing it was designed to do.

Feng Shui recommends:

The particular combination of citrine and rose quartz crystals (tumbled stones), carried with me everywhere I go, placed nearby wherever I am, have been of such comfort and great assistance, throughout the healing process. Experiment with your own combination of semi-precious stones. May light and health be with you.

Keep choosing.... your dream life

Just finished the January Cheat Sheet and stumbled across some amazing confirmation of one of the tips inside... it's so wonderful when this happens- thank you Universe!

Hope you like it. Here goes.

Are you like me and can get, at times, anxious about food, exercise, weight and how-it-all-fits together? Then you're probably as fascinated as I am with Oprah's ups and downs. And here's a really interesting weblink- her personal trainer, medical and spiritual advisor discussing why she's put on weight, and whether it'll go away again.

So, why is this so relevant to feng shui & the law of attraction? Simply because of something her spritual advisor, Michael Bernard Beckwith, refers to. It's not about weight. It's about creating our dream life. He says,

"The ego got in there. She said I conquered it. We are not here to conquer
weight. We are here to activate our potential. What she was talking about was a
personal accomplishment, rather than a way of living.

...What I loved about one of (Bob Greene, Oprah's personal
trainer) answers when he was talking about Oprah conquering something, he
hit that right on the head. You don't conquer this. You have to wake up
each day and renew your commitments to yourself. This is a daily
thing... What we're saying here is that it's a way of life and that you have to approach this by doing something every single day for
the rest of your life, and then you celebrate the triumphs along the
way.

Oprah's trainer, Bob Greene, concludes the discussion by affirming,

"I've been working with her for 14 years. And never on an interview, and I won't
start tonight, will I say the words she beat it. You don't beat this. It's,
again, this daily thing, where you are recommitting to the life that
you're meant to live every day of your life."

Whether it's weight loss, or to be a more loving person, or like my new year resolution, to look for the beauty in everything, everyday; we need to keep choosing to make it part of our experience.

By every day waking up and deliberately choosing our actions and how we want to live our life, we can reach that place where we are living what a few months before, seemed completely impossible.

So... write down your vision for yourself! Hang it on your mirror, or somewhere where you see it often, and keep talking and thinking and dreaming about it! I'm running, going to do this right now!

and just two quotes beg to finish this post for me:

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing -
that's why we recommend it daily.
-Zig Ziglar

Here is the secret of all Masters: Keep choosing the same
thing, over and over again.
-Neale Donald Walsch (Conversations With God book 1, paraphrased)

xxx

Shortcuts to Higher, more Positive Energy

... in the Feng Shui By The Sea January newsletter for law-of-attraction-and-feng-shui lovers of the good life.




Here- in a nutshell- the way to create positive change in your life. It doesn't take any more "living through this" or any special equipment, or a purchase. It's the number one way to use your mind so what you want to happen, falls into place for you.



Also... releasing your inner artist, developing self trust, why you love some places & people and not others (and how to change this!).

Have you registered for your free January feng shui by the sea Cheat Sheet yet? If not, be sure to pop your email address at the box at the top left hand corner of the page. You could even do that now.

New Year Resolutions

photograph by Max ---wonderful wonderful!!

that's it... can't hold out anymore! I looove resolutions. I love new moon resolutions, not to mention new year resolutions. They really focus the power of our intention.

And though I've really, really tried hard to hold out til Chinese New Year, being a feng shui-ist and all, I simply can't!





Have given in because... well, there's no elegant way of saying it- peer group pressure. I've spent an indulgent few hours today cruising talented blogs and am so inspired by other peoples visions for themselves and this year. Here are many of the recurring ones:





think more positively

give more kisses

read one book a week

take more pictures

learn to cook properly

learn Italian

visit Paris, live in France or eat and dress like a French woman

meditate

do yoga

write more thank-you cards

live more, work less

Inspiring, oui?

A big one for me this year is to look for the beauty in everything, everyday..

What's your new year/new moon/ January resolution?

Starck Shui

what i love about feng shui is that it's not the pursuit of glamour, or of style par excellence... although it's so wonderful when they meet up.

Which is an idea that came to me whilst gawping at Paris Apartment's beautiful blog posts on Phillippe Starck's work. You'll love them!

Clever- unique- avant garde- iconic.

Here, my take on a few designs by Philippe Starck: how-to-make-sure-your-restaurant is always busy feng shui...

Busy, and filled-with-friends feng shui...

And, we can try this centrepiece +candles at home to always have the feng shui that attracts fascinating, warm and social people in our lives...

But lets avoid this bedroom configuration and keep good feng shui for health!

Feng Shui is an ambience that feeds you positive energy...

Oh no! What's this? Another motorcycle indoors?

Mr Starck- you can't have been responsible- it's hardly part of the new ambience you created for Le Meurice!

Bright blessings

Beautiful congratulations to the winner of a Feng Shui By The Sea Smudge Stick- subscriber Heather, with her lovely intentions for positive change in 2009.

Shortly this home-tied bundle of sage, sweetgrass and isle of man cedar will be winging it's way into your life to cleanse, bless and protect your space!

and a picture, promising rosy new possibilities, taken along the path where I gather the sweetgrass on this special island..

Love and bright blessings to you for a magical, inspirational, deliciously auspicious 2009!

Simple recipe for attracting more love

Be Happy.

You never know when someone is falling in love with your smile.

Pamela Hanson's pic from {this is glamorous}

Unremarkable? it's beautiful here.

"... Others, after the natural expansion that comes with growing up has run
it's course, lead an outwardly unremarkable, seemingly more passive, and
relatively uneventful existence.

They would rather return home that go out. They have no desire to get
strongly involved in, or change the world. If they have any ambitions,
they usually don't go beyond finding something to do that gives them a degree of
independence. Some of them find it hard to fit into this world. Some
of them are lucky enough to find a protective niche...

There is no place for them, it seems, in our contemporary
civilisation. On the arising new earth, however, their role is just as
vital as the creators, the do-ers, the reformers. .. I call them frequency
holders. They are here to generate consciousness through the activities of
daily life, through their interactions with others as well as through "just
being".

In this way, they endow the seemingly insignificant with profound
meaning. Their task is to bring spacious stillness into this world by
being absolutely present in whatever they do. .. Their purpose is to do
everything in a sacred manner. As each human being is an integral part of
the collective human consciousness, they effect the world much more deeply than
is visible on the surface of their lives."

-Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth






Thank you for visiting, thank you for your comments and questions. Your curious energy, seeking the divine, seeking the beautiful life, is making a difference whether you want to believe it, or not.




coat rack from Touch Interiors

Happy New Moon!

... the last new moon of 2008.





Old folk law holds that a tablespoon of sunflower oil, slurped into the mouth first thing in the morning and rinsed around in there for as long as possible, de-activates negative energy in the body and takes on all the toxins we need to be rid of. Don't be surprised at it's colour when you spit the oil out; it will have turned white, and where it falls no grass will grow.





It's been a wonderful season, moon-wise, for celebrations this year. The moon was waning over Christmas, which means despite indulging, we won't have put on weight as easily as we will over the next week or so (when the moon is waxing). The commencement of 2009 will shortly occur when the moon will be waxing in Aquarius (sun sign Capricorn)- wonderful for setting career and save-the-world goals. It's a great time to form new habits that will really stick!





If you can- i usually bend- a fasting, juice or fruit-only day on new moons and full moons does the world of good for a body. On a day like today the body's ability to release toxins is at it's peak. Have a cathartic experience if you can! Set a new goal, mourn a loss- with the cure-all, salt water "tears, sweat or the sea"- surprise, or push yourself. It's time to let whatever's been in your experience these past 12 months float on by...





You won't have missed out on this great opportunity to begin afresh, moon-wise, til the next full moon on Jan 11. To plan your auspicious activities and avoid not-so-wise ones on this day, you can click on the date here.

love,
Samantha.

Something Special

Perhaps like you, I believe many of the loveliest things to do with this time of year arrive as surprises or as pleasant after thoughts...





I hope you will enjoy this link, a special (Christmas) e-card and one that would be so so perfect if it were originally sent from Feng Shui By The Sea! But instead it's from the really lovely Natio skin care company.





and because I've had such fun recently, sticky-beaking at other people's seasons pictures (like these!)... In the name of sharing, here's a few images from our special day yesterday. My beautiful Santa Claus arrived by helicopter and had been shopping at Tiffany's..





Wishing you a peaceful and magical time with those you love best!



Samantha.


xxx

Freedom

Gratitude

background card by inspirational Anahata Katkin

Pieces of the jigsaw

Today I'd like to share with you some of my recent thoughts. Have you been thinking about things like this, too?

... the amazing variety in life. How many choices we have as individuals to focus on!

... making the leap from living an ordinary life, to living a magical life. (Begins with a decision. First you must decide it's possible for you.)

... the role A Course in Miracles played in turning my own life into a magical one.

... the beliefs we each have, that we will hold onto tighter than life. (quote: "If you haven't found something worth dying for, your life's not worth living") What's your holy mission?

... the lasting power of Art.

... friendships that transcend time & distance, re-appearing to bring us joy just when we need it most.

... the intimacy that's created when we share more of ourselves with another. As we reveal ourslves, chinks and all, invisible threads of love and hope bind us more closely together..

... that circumstances indeed do not "make a person, they reveal him."

Thoughts about integrity and

making a difference and

the nature of love and connection.

Beautiful~ inspiring~ sobering~ yet powerfully hopeful thoughts for this time of year.

Sending you love- strength- light for your journey right now, wherever you are.

Samantha.

xxx