Categorys
Pages
Linkpartner


    Page 11234..1020..»



    The Best Houseplants to Attract Luck, According to Feng Shui Experts – Best Life - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    When selecting a houseplant, there's a lot to consider. Can you keep it alive? Is it toxic to your pet? Does it go with you're home's aesthetic? But if you're also looking to attract luck into your home, you'll want to think about which plants can help balance your living space's energy (or chi). While it's believed in feng shui that most healthy, well-maintained plants can enhance positivity, there are certain houseplants that are especially lucky, says Diana Hathaway, an interior and feng shui designer and founder of Gorgeous Color. Keep reading to see which are the luckiest.

    READ THIS NEXT: 5 Unlucky Things You Should Never Keep in Your Home, Feng Shui Experts Say.

    The money tree (also known as a Pachira plant) is probably one of the most famous houseplants in feng shui. It's believed to attract prosperity, wealth, good luck, and positive energynot only to the space around it but also to its owner, explains Angela Higgins, principal designer and owner of Nourished Home and member of the International Feng Shui Guild.

    According to Chinese legend, it's believed a Pachira plant once brought great fortune to a desperate farmer, Hathaway reveals.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

    But don't let the money tree's reputation pressure you into putting this plant in your home if it isn't your style: Higgins says this is a common feng shui mistake. "Feng shui is about surrounding yourself with things you love that resonate with you, so make sure when choosing plants, you choose ones you like, can care for, and fit into your lifestyle and home."

    The jade plant is sometimes referred to as a money plant due to its coin-shaped leaves. In fact, it's believed these very leaves are what symbolize good luck and fortune.

    Higgins explains that, according to feng shui, any plant with soft, rounded leaves will bring luck by promoting gentle and nourishing energy in the home.

    On the other hand, sharp plants like cacti are believed to be unlucky because they "drain energy" from your environment, says interior designer Audrey Scheck.

    Jade plants tend to be common housewarming and new business gifts because of the belief that they'll bring wealth and good luck, Hathaway notes.

    READ THIS NEXT: The 6 Luckiest Gemstones You Can Wear, According to Experts.

    Lucky bamboo, not to be confused with traditional bamboo (which grows outside and is not a houseplant) is believed to symbolize good fortune in the home, according to feng shui. It's also believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth to your workspace.

    "It encourages personal growth and positive energy," Higgins explains. Hathaway adds that lucky bamboo's gracefully curving shape "encourages the seamless flow of good feng shui chi energy."

    Another reason this plant is traditionally used in feng shui is that its tall, thin stalks complement wood decor nicelyand wood elements are one of the five main elements of feng shui, believed to bring vitality, growth, kindness, and flexibility into your home, Higgins says.

    Whether you call it a snake plant or its nickname "mother-in-law's tongue," this houseplant does not sound lucky. But its vertical leaves symbolize the upward growth of positive energy and prosperity in your home, Scheck explains.

    In addition, the snake plant purifies the air in your home, which "promotes good oxygen levels, clean healthy air, and energy, which is the basis of positive feng shui for well-being," Higgins explains.

    This is why you want to make sure any plant you bring into your home is "vibrant, lush, and healthy [as] dead or dying plants are bad for feng shui," Higgins adds.

    For more home advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

    This beautiful and hardy houseplant is known for how easy it is to care for and how long it lives, two qualities that promote good feng shui energy.

    Moreso, though, philodendrons are lucky because of how their leaves resemble flames and are associated with the fire element of feng shui. Fire elements in the home are believed to symbolize fame as they help increase your visibility in the world, Higgins explains.

    The leaves can also "fire up the chi energy in dark spaces of your home," Hathaway notes.

    Read more:
    The Best Houseplants to Attract Luck, According to Feng Shui Experts - Best Life

    Ancient feng shui forests to be expanded in bid to soak up China’s … – inews - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    On a leafy hillside facing the sea, the remote rural settlement of Lai Chi Wo in the north-eastern New Territories of Hong Kong is sheltered by a crescent-shaped cluster of soaring evergreen trees that experts believe could hold the key to Chinas green future.

    For the dense groves of broadleaf trees that surround the walled villages white-washed cottages and temples form a fengshuilin, or feng shui forest, that has protected this farming community from the elements ever since it was first settled by the Hakka, descendants of Chinas ancient Han people, around 400 years ago.

    This fengshuilin is one of tens of thousands of preserved, pristine woods dotted around Chinas southern and central provinces. The clumps of old-growth trees are regarded by their custodians as sacred and are believed to bring prosperity and health to the communities that have been nurturing them for more than 1,000 years.

    Now ecologists believe these species-packed woodlands and the villages they protect could play an important role in Beijings drive to make the country carbon-neutral by 2060. Currently the worlds biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, China is planning to increase its forest coverage to 26 per cent by 2035.

    Its ambitions include planting two new forests covering an area the size of Ireland. While fengshuilin are modest in size the lush forest around Lai Chi Wo measures only seven hectares they are rich in biodiversity. The broadleaf evergreens they harbour are renowned for being huge carbon sinks and resistant to pollution.

    The feng shui forest behind the village was preserved for the cooling effect in the summer and protection from the monsoon in the winter. It is a kind of natural air conditioner, Dr Billy Hau, a forest ecologist at the University of Hong Kong who has worked with the villagers of Lai Chi Wo, tells i.

    Dr Chris Coggins, professor of geography and Asian studies at Bard College at Simons Rock in the US, has been fascinated by feng shui forests since he first encountered a luxuriant patch of large trees on a small mountain above a temple at a village called Guizhuping in the Meihuashan Nature Reserve of south-west Fujian province on a research trip 30 years ago.

    He tells i that these community-protected forests have survived as villagers believe they improve local feng shui the ancient Chinese system for determining the most auspicious locations and designs for towns, villages, houses and other buildings based on the flow and quality of life-sustaining energy known as chi.

    Dr Coggins adds that each fengshuilin also has a practical purpose, as they help villagers to manage resources, protect against soil erosion and flooding and improve water conservation for crops.

    While Dr Coggins says that many Chinese people had been unaware of the forests, as feng shui was viewed as feudal superstition and a forbidden topic during Mao Zedongs regime, now urban planners are looking at these forests as models for modern sustainable city growth, with communities surrounded by biodiverse pockets of greenery better able to withstand the harmful effects of pollution.

    A decade ago, a project was launched to encourage urban dwellers to move to Lai Chi Wo to help its few remaining indigenous inhabitants revitalise their village. At the same time, its fengshuilin was used for seed collection to reforest other areas of Hong Kong.

    Ecologists taught villagers how to use bio charcoal, created from farm waste, in the soil to protect the carbon sink as they grew crops. In turn, the Hakka villagers shared recipes, craftwork and dialect lessons with the newcomers. At weekends, they now offer guided tours to visitors around the 200 houses, temples and ancestral halls.

    It is a remarkable turnaround for what had been a moribund village. Once home to more than 1,000 residents, its population declined sharply in the 60s when local farmers were undercut by produce from mainland China.

    Agriculture stopped being a viable way to earn a living, so many residents left, says Tsang Wai Yip, the current head of the village.

    The villages pioneering recent work was acknowledged when it received the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development in the Unesco Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

    And now, elsewhere in rural China, there is official recognition of the role fengshuilin can play.

    China wants to move towards a greener economy, says Dr Coggins. And I think theres a broad appreciation of feng shui forests among the people as well as government officials.

    See the rest here:
    Ancient feng shui forests to be expanded in bid to soak up China's ... - inews

    Sleepology: Exploring the World of Sleep Positions – Mirage News - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Sleep, a universal necessity for human beings, has fascinated us for centuries. It is an integral part of our health and well-being, yet it is often misunderstood or neglected.

    Our sleep positions, in particular, have a significant impact on the quality of our sleep and, by extension, our overall health.

    This comprehensive guide will delve into the ancient understanding, cultural aspects, religious views, and the latest scientific research on sleep positions, providing a unique perspective on this fundamental aspect of human life.

    Throughout history, sleep positions have been connected to various beliefs, superstitions, and health theories. The interpretations of sleep positions across different cultures offer a fascinating glimpse into our ancestors understanding of sleep.

    These ancient and cultural beliefs demonstrate how our ancestors integrated their observations of the natural world, their spiritual beliefs, and their understanding of the human body into their sleep habits. While modern science may not support all these practices, they reflect the universal human quest for restful sleep and overall well-being.

    Religions, with their comprehensive lifestyle guidelines, often provide specific advice about the seemingly mundane, including sleep positions. Here is an expanded exploration of how different religions view sleep and the best positions for it:

    These religious perspectives on sleep positions underscore the importance of sleep not just as a physical necessity but as a spiritual practice. They suggest that the way we position ourselves during sleep can influence not only our physical health but also our mental and spiritual well-being.

    In modern times, sleep positions have been extensively researched for their impact on health. Contemporary science has a more pragmatic approach to sleep positions, focusing primarily on health implications.

    Given the variety of positions and their potential effects on health, what is the best way to sleep? Here are some recommendations based on recent scientific findings:

    While sleep positions can be a matter of personal comfort, they also have cultural, religious, and health implications. Understanding these can provide insights into our sleep habits and help us make more informed decisions about our sleep hygiene.

    As we continue to explore the science of sleep, its clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

    No single sleep position works best for everyone. It often depends on the individuals health concerns, comfort, and sometimes, their unconscious preferences. Whats clear from scientific research is that the position one sleeps in can significantly impact health and well-being.

    Its important to listen to our bodies and ensure we are comfortable, aligned, and supported during sleep. The cultural and historical perspectives on sleep positions add another layer of intrigue to our understanding of sleep, showing how our ancestors navigated these same questions.

    Finally, if you consistently wake up feeling tired or experience pain and discomfort during sleep, it may be time to consider a change in your sleep position or seek advice from a healthcare professional. In the quest for better sleep, even a small adjustment can make a significant difference.

    Remember, sleep is not just a necessityits an art and a science that, when optimized, can lead to improved health, increased productivity, and a better quality of life. Understanding the role of sleep positions in this equation is a step towards more restful nights and more energetic days.

    Read the rest here:
    Sleepology: Exploring the World of Sleep Positions - Mirage News

    Guide to finding your lucky number with Chinese numerology – Lifestyle Asia Bangkok - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Chinese astrology attests a lot of significance to the power of numbers or numerology and your luck is determined by them, going by their ancient philosophy. Wish to know more about Chinese lucky numbers? Keep scrolling.

    Have you ever noticed any particular number that keeps making an appearance in peoples email, home addresses or car plate numbers often? And, is there anything numerically significant in your life based on your observation or experience? If yes, then probably you are ruled by that particular number.

    Even though numerology techniques followed by Western astrology reign supreme owing to its popularity, the Chinese belief in lucky and unlucky is ancient, diverse and a tad bit obtuse, especially for beginners. There are a set of numbers and certainly, good and bad omens are associated with them. Here is a guide to finding out your lucky number and understanding what impact it has on your love, professional and family life.

    Chinese astrology believes that everything in nature has a particular numerical sequence and it hence makes sense to give importance to the pattern created by these numbers. Feng shui also follows the principles of Chinese numerology based on the Luo shu square philosophy. For the uninitiated, this practice came into being around 4,000 years ago after a turtle was spotted with an exact three multiplied by three pattern of symmetrical nine squares. This formed the basis of a Lou shu square which categorises lucky and unlucky numbers according to traditional Chinese culture.

    [Hero and featured image credit: Anne Nygrd/Unsplash]

    Calculating your number according to the Chinese method is completely different from the Western numerology technique. Here, your birth year comes to play and depending on your gender certain numbers are added or subtracted.

    For example, if your birth year is 1989, you need to add the last two digits, in this case, 8+9 = 17. Further, one needs to reduce this number to a single digit, that is 1+7 = 8. Now, a male has to subtract this digit from 10 which is 10-8 = 2. A female has to add 5 to the number. In this case, 8+5 = 13, to be further reduced to a single digit 1+3 = 4.

    Every number has a certain significance in Chinese culture.

    A symbol of strength, positivity and drive, the number one is definitely a lucky number in Chinese numerology. It represents the yang principle which stands for masculine energy. Passionate and independent, the people whose lucky number is one usually get professional and monetary success in life.

    This is one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese numerology and represents the yin principle of harmony and balance. This works really well for partnerships and relationships of any kind and is preferred by those who are striving for a good relationship with their partners. If there is a word to describe the number two in Chinese numerology, it would be harmony.

    Growth, abundance and regeneration the number three is about all this and more. In Mandarin, this number sounds like the word birth. Hence, it is often associated with new beginnings. Other than that, a Chinese mythical creature called a moon frog has three legs and is a symbol of prosperity.

    There is a reason why number four is such a dreaded number in Chinese culture. It sounds like the Chinese word for death and is believed to bring doom and destruction upon a person. Number four is an unlucky number according to Chinese numerology.

    The number five is all about balance and equilibrium. According to the feng shui principles which rely heavily on the balance of five elements wood, fire, water, air and metal, number five is considered lucky.

    Number six might be the luckiest number in Chinese culture as it denotes the sixth sense which symbolises the flow of the mind. Intelligent and highly perceptive, people with the number six are generally successful at everything they do.

    The number six has a lot of positive meanings for Chinese people and is used on gifting envelopes for a happy marriage.

    Number seven is usually associated with the dead in this culture. The seventh month of the year is the ghost month as per the Chinese calendar, but the meaning associated with it does not have to be negative as death also signifies the end of something to mark an auspicious new beginning, leading it to be treated as neutral sometimes.

    A very lucky number in Chinese numerology, the number eight signifies wealth and prosperity. A double eight is considered extremely lucky for those who aim to acquire wealth in life. The number is phonetically similar to the word prosperity in Mandarin.

    The last number on the Chinese numerology chart, number nine, is all about good luck, fame and fortune. It phonetically sounds like the word everlasting in Mandarin and is also associated with an ancient Chinese emperor who chose to wear royal robes with nine dragons on them.

    Go here to read the rest:
    Guide to finding your lucky number with Chinese numerology - Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

    This Week at the Syosset Library – The Jericho Syosset News Journal - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    #AskALibrarian (on Twitter)

    Thursday, May 11, at 12:00 p.m.

    Join librarians from Syosset Library and around the world on Twitter for #AskALibrarian to receive reading suggestions based on your requests. Must have a Twitter account to participate. Read a great book? Need a read-alike? Looking for your next book club choice? Use #AskALibrarian in your tweet.

    Thursday, May 11, from 1:30 -3:30 p.m.

    Learn about social work support, community health nursing, and assistance with transportation to medical appointments and a shopping bus, as well as other activities and services, offered to Syosset residents through the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program funded by the NYS Office for the Aging. These services are only available to residents of Syosset proper, age 60 and over. For those living in the surrounding area, staff can provide referrals to other resources that may address your needs.

    Thursday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m.

    Jack Nicholson is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, with twelve Academy Award nominations, making him the most nominated male actor in the Academys history. He won Best Actor twice. In this lecture we will look at his career and his iconic roles in some of his most famous films. No registration needed for in-person or Zoom. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org. Presenter, Greg Blank, film maker and film historian.

    Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m.

    Grab your favorite beverage and zoom in to meet Nick Medina, author of Sisters of the Lost Nation.

    Friday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m.

    Feng Shui explores how your home and surroundings can affect your mindset, emotions, behavior and overall health. Learn how to combine the principles of Feng Shui and intuitive thinking to create powerful practical solutions to cultivate peace and harmony in your home. No registration needed. Presenter, Laura Cerrano, Feng Shui Manhattan.

    Friday, May 12, at 2:00 p.m.

    Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

    Tuesday, May 16, from 5:00 8:00 p.m.

    Sponsored by Nassau County Legislator, Arnold Drucker and made possible by the Nassau County Police Department, 2nd Precinct. Safely dispose of unwanted and expired medication. This will help keep potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals out of the hands of children and protect our groundwater and waterways. Accepted items are: prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over the counter medications, vitamins, sample medications and medications for pets.

    Non-accepted items are: needles, sharps, aerosol cans, thermometers, ointments (liquid or lotion), hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, biohazardous waste and medication from businesses

    #AskALibrarian (on Twitter)

    Thursday, May 18, at 12:00 p.m.

    Join librarians from Syosset Library and around the world on Twitter for #AskALibrarian to receive reading suggestions based on your requests. Must have a Twitter account to participate. Read a great book? Need a read-alike? Looking for your next book club choice? Use #AskALibrarian in your tweet.

    Name that Opera Part 2 (Hybrid)

    Thursday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m.

    Explore opera in unexpected ways. In this opera talk we will discuss how opera is used in popular culture, specifically movies and commercials. We will see opera clips from featured movies. No registration needed for in-person or Zoom. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org. Presenter, Tanisha Mitchell, MET Opera Singer, Librarian at Freeport Library and MET

    Friday Movie at the Library: Barbra Streisand Month (In Person)

    Friday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m.

    Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

    More:
    This Week at the Syosset Library - The Jericho Syosset News Journal

    Should a sofa face the door? Expert advice from designers | – Homes & Gardens - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A sofa is often the largest piece of furniture in a living room, with its placement having a big impact on the overall design, layout and feel of the space.

    When exploring where to put a sofa, many of us only have a handful of options to choose from, but should we be avoiding placing a sofa in front of a door for successful feng shui furniture placement? We speak to the designers in the know.

    In short, yes, a sofa can face the door, sometimes that may be the only viable option for your living room layout ideas for example, preventing a sofa from facing the door in a small living room with limited space may lead to an awkward layout that makes no sense.

    The perfect sofa placement can vary depending on the size of your living room and the overall layout and design you are trying to create. So, to help you make the right design decision for the sofa in your living room (door-facing or not) we have spoken with a collection of interior designers who share their top tips for finding the perfect placement.

    (Image credit: Knight Varga Interiors)

    'Many sofas are placed in front of the longest wall in the room,' says Paul Fleming from Fleming and Howland (opens in new tab). As one of the most common areas to place a sofa, this positioning usually results in a door being at the side or in front of the sofa but usually not direct facing. Paul continues, 'while a door might be in your eyeline from the sofa in this spot, few actually choose to place their sofa directly opposite a door with nothing else in between.'

    Furniture designer and founder of MENO Home, Jerri Hobdy (opens in new tab), also adds, 'generally if a sofa is a lower back and more contemporary, it may work well being floated in the space, and if it is a more traditional, upright and high-backed sofa, you may consider placing it along a wall to make sure you are not creating awkward levels within the room.'

    If you're placing your sofa against the longest wall in the room, or by the wall where there are no architectural interruptions from windows or fireplaces, aim to position it so the door is at the side of your eye-line, rather than directly across.

    Social Links Navigation

    Paul Fleming is the 7th Generation owner of Fleming & Howland, a centuries old furniture manufacturer based in the UK renowned for their beautiful sofa designs.

    Social Links Navigation

    Denver-based furniture designer Jerri Hobdy is the founder of furniture label, MENO. Jerri previously worked as a product designer for Anthropologie, and has designed a large portion of the renowned brands unique furnishings.

    (Image credit: Kimberley Harrison Interiors)

    'Sofas should never be placed facing the door, but rather be placed in a central location facing the focal point of the room. The focal point does not need to be a TV, it could be a fireplace, a beautiful window with a view, or a stunning piece of artwork. Having the sofa flow with your focal point will create a more visually appealing and functional space,' advises Alyssa Hall, lead designer at Donna Mondi (opens in new tab) Interior Design.

    This placement can work well in both small and large living rooms, one sofa can be placed directly in front of a focal point, such as a TV or fireplace, as shown in this gray living room designed by Kimberley Harrison Interiors (opens in new tab), or multiple sofas and seats can face one another surrounding the focal point; establishing an intimate and engaging seat space.

    Social Links Navigation

    Alyssa Hall is a lead interior designer at Donna Mondi Interiors, an award-winning design firm with locations in Chicago and Denver.

    (Image credit: Julie Soefer)

    'The only instance a sofa should face the door is in a small room. This is a simple way to effectively space plan the layout to ensure there is good flow within a small space,' says interior designer, Alyssa Hall.

    If you're working with a small living room layout, London-based interior designer, Benjamin Ibanez (opens in new tab) advises, 'small room layouts often mean that your sofa will have to face the door, but this doesn't have to detract from the space. It simply means you have to pick the right size and type of sofa and be very specific about its positioning. A good option if you have the space is an L-shaped sofa, as this means you can make use of two walls and create an area within the room. You can then enhance this design with an area rug pushed up against the sofa to clearly divide the living room.'

    In a larger living room, to help the space feel more snug, it is often advised to move your furniture away from the walls, and establish a seating zone in the center of the larger room (or around a focal point). This well help create a cozy seat space, and can divide the larger area into smaller, more inviting sections.

    Social Links Navigation

    Benjamin Ibanez is a senior interior designer at FCI Interior Design, an award-winning design firm based in London. Originally hailing from Spain, Ben manages design projects around the globe, including the US, UAE, India and Africa.

    (Image credit: Margaret Ash Design)

    NYC-based interior designer, Isfira Jensen (opens in new tab) says, 'when it comes to determining the layout of furnishings, specifically a sofa, the main consideration should be how the sofa (and the room) is intended to be used.

    'If the space will be used primarily for entertaining guests, facing the sofa towards the door will create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. However, if the intent is to use the room for relaxation or watching TV, facing it away from the door and towards the TV, can help create a more private and comfortable environment.'

    We all use our homes differently, and thinking carefully about the room in which your sofa will be used day in and day out, as well as what other furniture will be placed in the space, will help you decide on the best spot and most functional layout.

    Social Links Navigation

    Interior Designer Isfira Jensen is the CEO and principal designer of NYC-based design firm, Nufacet Interiors.

    (Image credit: Jaqui Seerman)

    When creating a successful design, their are many design principles that interior designers follow to establish a harmonious and well-thought out scheme, such as balance, rhythm, repetition and symmetry.

    Balance refers to distributing the right visual weight around the room, this can be everything from furniture to paint ideas, lighting and accessories, and is a principle used to help to guide the eye around the room, ensuring there is a good sense of flow.

    As interior designer, Alyssa Hall says, 'the sofa should be placed in a way that balances the room and creates a good flow of traffic. Avoid placing it in a way that blocks any natural paths or creates awkward angles.'

    When deciding on your sofa position, it is important to bear these principles in mind, and assess how the sofa works with the other design elements in the room.

    Interior designer, Isfira Jensen also supports this and says, 'special consideration should always be given to traffic flow in a room when space planning. If the sofa faces the door yet blocks the flow of traffic, making it difficult for people to move around the room comfortably, it's likely better to place the sofa against a wall.'

    It is often perceived that placing a sofa in front of a window is a design faux-pas, as the view from the window should be appreciated rather than ignored. However, as we have discussed, every space is different, and as Benjamin Ibanez explains, a sofa under a window can actually make for a successful room layout.

    'If possible, the ideal placement of a sofa is with its back against the window. Not only do you negate any glare from the window while sitting on the sofa, but your sofa can really shine in the natural light. And don't worry about the light affecting the color or lifespan of your sofa, if you're investing in one of the best couches, is will be built to look fantastic throughout its lifetime.

    If your living room opens up to a window at the back for example, placing your sofa underneath the window while facing the door makes the most sense, as this will draw the eye to the natural light source and the central seat space. To avoid blocking light from a low-set window, choose a low-profile sofa design.'

    Feng shui in interior design refers to the ancient Chinese practice that roots itself in the philosophy of how arranged objects and certain colors can affect the overall harmony and balance of a room, with good feng shui establishing an overall positive and inviting energy in a space, also know as, Chi.

    In terms of the right couch placement for successful feng shui, your sofa should be placed in a position that enhances the overall flow of the room, rather than acting as an obstacle.

    It is also advised for harmonious feng shui that a couch is to be placed against a wall, helping to establish a more grounding, stable and supporting atmosphere.

    Paul Flemming from Fleming and Howland concludes, 'it can be tricky to decide where the best placement for a sofa is in a room with many debating whether a sofa can face the door. But overall, yes, a sofa can face the door, and it can actually offer a warm welcome, especially in small rooms.'

    Whether you opt to have your sofa away from the door in a larger living room, or embrace a door-facing placement in a smaller space, as long as the placement works in harmony with the overall design and size of your space, that is all that matters.

    Read more:
    Should a sofa face the door? Expert advice from designers | - Homes & Gardens

    How to sleep fast and soundly with 8 bedroom design tricks and … – msnNOW - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A survey published in May 2022 found that 47% of adults struggle sleeping on a weekly basis and 57% get less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep most nights.

    One of the biggest problems? Falling asleep quickly, and staying asleep. Sleeping better is on our minds, as we all have busy lives, and are trying to achieve a better work-life balance. And sleep is necessary for this.

    Weve rounded up advice from designers and experts about how to design a bedroom for a good nights rest from the furniture arrangement to the quality of the bedding and the all-important question over the presence (or absence) of tech.

    From the furniture arrangement and decoration to the ideal bed and best mattress, these ideas from our experts will help you drift off into a deep slumber.

    BY ARABELLA YOUENS

    See the rest here:
    How to sleep fast and soundly with 8 bedroom design tricks and ... - msnNOW

    Sisters in Yellow: Kawakami Mieko’s Noir Novel of Family and … – Nippon.com - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A review of Sisters in Yellow, Kawakami Miekos latest novel to be released in Japan, which is a noir story of a girl who runs away from home and finds a new family, until bad luck leads her down an increasingly dangerous road.

    From the beginning, a disquieting atmosphere hangs over Kawakami Miekos latest novel Kiiroi ie, which has the English title Sisters in Yellow. The 40-year-old narrator Hana learns by chance online that a woman she lived with for several years has been accused of assault, intimidation, and illegal confinement.

    From there the story jumps back in time to the twentieth century, transporting the reader to nighttime Tokyo redolent with the smells of alcohol and cigarette smoke.

    The teenage Hana discovers that her mothers ex-boyfriend has stolen the money she had sweated to save working a part-time job, a sum she intended to use to leave home. In despair, she runs away and starts living with her mothers friend Kimiko. The two open a bar called Lemon in the chic Tokyo neighborhood of Sangenjaya. Soon after, Ran, a girl who was working as a hostess at a cabaret club, and Momoko, a runaway from a wealthy family, move in with them.

    Hanas lonely former life is replaced by one surrounded with laughing voices, as the four build a kind of family. One night, however, Lemon burns down in a fire, and the story changes in tone.

    With their source of income gone, the four depend on a small amount of cash kept hidden in a can in the attic of their home. Kimiko is short on life skills and Hana left all her personal ID behind when she ran away and thus cannot open a bank account, rent a new property, or find stable employment. While Hana looks desperately for a way to earn money, Ran and Momoko spend their days idly, making little effort to try to find a job, as if they are trying to ignore their situation.

    From this predicament, Kawakami builds a superb, mesmerizing work of entertainment, foreshadowing developments along the way. Hana found a family, but can she find happiness? What is Kimikos true character? And where will the fours lives together lead next?

    From wanting to hold Hana back from traveling along an increasingly dangerous road, we become fascinated in seeing how far she will fall.

    The Japanese title Kiiroi ie could be translated directly as The Yellow House, but ie, which plays a symbolic role, also suggests home or family. Kimiko, Hana, Ran, and Momoko all have issues with their biological families, but living in a house together, they come to depend on and trust each other, finding what appears to be happiness for a time.

    If you put yellow things in the west, it brings good fortune. Kimikos belief in feng shui leads her to collect more than 50 yellow objects and place them in the corresponding part of the house. Hana keeps the yellow corner clean, dusting and polishing it every day.

    At first, this seems to be the reason for the books title, but a chilling revelation later shows its true meaning. As the characters verge ever closer to criminality, the plot continues to accelerate, like a runaway train set for disaster. A coda from Hana brings an ambiguous kind of resolution.

    Kawakami broke through after winning the Akutagawa Prize for her 2008 novella Chichi to ranan expanded and extended version of the story was published as Natsu monogatari in 2019, which was the basis for the English Breasts and Eggs, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd. In Hevun (trans. by Bett and Boyd as Heaven), she told a story of bullying in the world of teenage boys, immune to reason. Her essay Kimi wa akachan (Youre a Baby), however, was a warm and sometimes comical look at her own pregnancy and childbirth.

    Her versatility in topic and style is displayed once again in her first noir novel, which is also a thought-provoking family narrative that remains with the reader when the book is over.

    (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: The cover of Kiiroi ie. Courtesy of Ch Kron Shinsha.)

    By Kawakami MiekoPublished by Ch Kron Shinsha in February 2023ISBN978-4-12-005628-4

    See the original post here:
    Sisters in Yellow: Kawakami Mieko's Noir Novel of Family and ... - Nippon.com

    The greatest enemy to your morning routine is your relationship – British GQ - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    As much as I love my boyfriend, every morning I have to wake up next to him, I wish I was anywhere else. As soon as the soles of his feet hit the floor of our bedroom, so begins his tyrannical morning reign, complete with incessant demands to get up and complaints about how he cant believe its so late.

    The irony is that no matter how hard he tries, he cant make himself into a morning person. He always wakes up later than hed like, and so all of his mornings follow the same frantic pattern. And, because we live together, mine do too even though Im also, begrudgingly, not a morning person. Id happily lie in until midday on a weekend, but, like theinsufferable boyfriend stereotype, hes not content unless getting on with the day; yes, even if we went to bed at 3AM. So, who wins?

    View more

    When you move in with a partner, you both have to compromise on a bunch of stuff the feng shui of each room, whether you buy smooth or crunchy peanut butter, and, inevitably, what your nights and mornings look like. And, even though theres benefits to the latter, theres downsides too. You have to take someone else into account with your idiosyncratic nighttime habits no more cutting your nails in bed, for example, nor falling asleep with ASMR purring from your laptop on the next pillow. Their presence might also encourage habits you didnt have before midnight snacks, maybe, or staying up late to pontificate over whetherLogan underlined Kendalls name or crossed it out. Getting up early, say, for the gym, might also become a Herculean task when you have to leave someone else in bed to do it.

    Sure, maybe we shouldnt be so codependent, instead going quietly about our respective mornings, but the being-in-love-and-attuned-to-one-another bit of the relationship tends to get in the way of that. As such, although were all in control of our own actions, its easy to blame your partner if you feel like your familiar routine is being screwed up. Then, suddenly, what were once small, insignificant grievances may start to impact the harmony of your wider relationship, la me and my boyfriend coming to loggerheads over his totalitarian morning regime.

    If you start the day in the wrong way with conflicting morning routines, then you may end up feeling resentment and irritation, and the rest of the day may not go as well as planned, says life coachAnnie Fontaine. So what can you do? Its essential in relationships to understand whats important to each other, what makes your partner happy, and what is non-negotiable within the relationship.

    Fontaine suggests agreeing on certain things, like the sound of your alarm(s), switching on the big light, and how much noise you can make. Plan ahead of each week how you will both function in the mornings, she continues. Compromise, kindness, and reliability is needed to navigate successfully.

    While I resent compromise and kindness, particularly when the duvets being yanked off me at 8AM, theres merits to finding a middle ground, as differing routines can actually affect the quality of your sleep. Our circadian rhythms have a massive part to play in what time we wake and how alert we feel in the mornings, explains Maja Schaedel, the co-founder ofThe Good Sleep Clinic. It can be quite tricky if a night owl is in a relationship with a morning lark as this can lead to people becoming out of sync with their own circadian rhythms, which can disrupt sleep quality and even contribute to insomnia.

    In order to create positive habits you need to create new, neural pathways. Its all about repetition of thinking and actions.

    Unfortunately, Schaedel says, as our circadian rhythms are largely genetically determined, theres not much we can do to completely turn ourselves into morning people or night owls. Meaning: compromise it is. This might involve going to bed at different times, sleeping in separate rooms, or adapting your behaviour in the mornings.

    The good news, though, is that the more you practise considerate habits, the easier theyll come to you in future. Neural pathways are etched into the brain that enable you to do different things, without thinking, says Fontaine. In order to create positive habits you need to create new, neural pathways. Its all about repetition of thinking and actions.

    To try and encourage this habit-making, my boyfriend bought a SAD alarm clock, in an attempt to rouse him and, sadly, me earlier everyday. The clock simulates sunlight, gradually getting brighter and brighter, so when the alarm eventually goes off, its like waking up with the curtains open (which we cant do because we live on a main road). Its been fairly effective, generally helping us both wake up earlier than usual.

    But if Id hoped it would be as simple as that a one-stop solution to his angst about waking up late that would result in happier and more relaxing mornings I was wrong. The week he got the lamp, I decided Id start going to the gym before work, meaning I needed my alarm to go off over an hour before his, effectively he claims rendering his useless. So here we are, muddling through with the occasional disgruntled 5AM groan, skipped gym class, or angry lie in. Neither of us are especially happy about it which, I guess, is the ultimate compromise.

    Read the original:
    The greatest enemy to your morning routine is your relationship - British GQ

    The Best Crystals For Attracting Money And Wealth – Glam - May 15, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    If you're on the hunt for a little luck in the wealth department, green aventurine is a beautiful stone that can introduce the prosperity you desire. Green aventurine holds a variety of healing properties, from energetically protecting your garden and home to encouraging compassion and spiritual growth. However, it is commonly used as a stone for increasing a person's individual wealth. It is particularly useful if you are going through major financial changes such as buying a house, paying off a large debt, or doing your taxes, but it can also offer support in times of financial hardship. Are you worried about your spending habits? Is credit card debt creeping higher and higher with each passing month?

    Green aventurine is ideal for releasing negative money habits you're holding onto. Its practical, grounding influence encourages higher levels of organization and mindfulness in regards to spending and saving and helps you identify problem areas in your finances you might otherwise ignore.

    If you want to harness the power of this soothing green crystal, carrying a piece in your purse or wallet is a good way to open yourself up to financial opportunity. You can also pair it with affirmations to manifest more wealth. Holding the stone in your palm, repeat daily affirmations such as "I attract abundance" or "I am blessed with prosperity" to welcome more financial wealth into your life.

    Read the original here:
    The Best Crystals For Attracting Money And Wealth - Glam

    « old entrys



    Page 11234..1020..»


    Recent Posts