Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art form that all of us can incorporate into our lives. We can do this by organizing our environment in such a way that enhances the flow of life force [chi]. Chi is the energy of life and it encompasses our body mind and spirit. Feng Shui creates a space that allows for chi to flow naturally, and it is said to increase our health, wealth, and happiness. There is so much to learn about this incredible form of art. I'm sharing some fun things I learned while studying at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and if you find this interesting, let this be just the beginning of your Feng Shui journey. ❤

Ready for some tips on creating your very own Feng Shui?

Using Feng Shui for greater wealth:

• Fix leaks in the home as they represent financial leaks.

• Close the lid of the toilet when not being used: like leaks, the toilet represents flushing things away and we don't want money to be among things flushed away!

• Organize your wallet, demonstrating that you respect money and spend it wisely. Consider buying a bright-colored wallet in red, green or purple tones to attract financial abundance.

• Keep your stovetop clean and use all the burners, alternating each time you cook. The burners should all be used to allow for a variety of opportunities and financial channels.

• Use affirmations to ensure you have a positive mindset when it comes to money.

Using Feng Shui for greater health:

• Clear out clutter.

• Invest in a mattress that supports your body and helps you to rest and restore each evening.

• Think about the airflow in the living space: plants to purify the air and fans to move energy.

• Choose wooden bed frames rather than those made of metal. Metal frames can affect sleep cycles by attracting electromagnetic waves.

• Tune out and unplug. Keep electronics out of the bedroom.

• Softer colors for a calmer environment, like beige for instance.

Using Feng Shui for love:

• Throw away dead flowers.

• Maintain bed linens that are clean and fresh.

• Meditate regularly.

• Use candles to create a romantic ambiance.

• Place two roses at your bedside and visualize what love means for you.

Have fun with this and give it a go!

With love and sparkles,

Senia

A Healthy Home

A healthy lifestyle includes a healthy home... and just as we are all bio-individuals, homes are unique and mean different things for each of us. Homes can be calm and soft-toned or they can be energetic and brightly decorated. One individual may thrive in an urban environment with a constant hum and activities all around while another may prefer a quiet, rural environment with a slower pace. What do you love most about your home? Does the environment make you feel inspired, happy, relaxed? Take time to think about your ideal environment... how does your current status compare?

What small things can you add or change to make your home environment more amazing?

Fun home ideas:

• Indoor plants are a fabulous way to purify the air! And they add a positive flow of energy to the home. Some plants take ongoing attention and nurturing while others don't require much at all and are easy to care for.

• Keep potted herbs such as basil, mint and parsley in the kitchen. Fresh herbs smell great, look great and taste great!

• Sleep is super important so be sure to make the sleep space as comfortable as possible... a cozy [or weighted] blanket to snuggle up in, shades or curtains to block out light in the evenings if you have a window(s) in your bedroom.

• Make your bed in the morning - it starts your day off right! And it looks nice.

• Paint the walls. Hang artwork or photos. Add a bright or muted throw pillow for the couch or chair.

• Organize the kitchen and pantry. You'll be encouraged to cook more... and preparing your own meals is generally a much healthier (and cheaper) option!

Our home environment is unique and a reflection of our individual personality, goals and interests. Create one that makes you happy and that works for you. Just as you thrive on different diets and movement/exercise activities throughout your life, let your home environment do that for you as well, evolving with you as you move through different phases of your life.

With love and sparkles,

Senia

Clean Eating Basics

I wrote about bio-individuality in an earlier post: we are all unique individuals and there is no "one size fits all" approach. There is no particular diet or routine that will work for everyone. However, there are some basic or foundational guidelines that can work very well for most, if not all. Let's jump in!

Eat real [or whole] foods

Natural foods like: fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts seeds, herbs, and if consuming animal products: humane certified eggs, sustainably sourced fish, grass-fed and free-range meats and dairy.

Get cookin'

No need to get fancy: toss some cut up veggies with a little oil and spices, and roast in the oven. You can also use an air fryer, instapot or simply saute on the stove top. And don't forget to include salads and raw veggies! Once ready to branch out, you can get creative with your own recipes or find some that sound delish.

Limit refined carbs

This is the white stuff like sugar and flour: eat less of it... much less in some cases. Soooo... consume less white bread, white rice, pasta made from white flour, pastries, and sweets.

Eat on a [somewhat] schedule

We are all busy and often on the go, go, go. To help keep blood sugar stable, don't wait too long between meals - you may end up reaching for the sugary, bad fat-y, or caffeinated pick-me up. Eat whole foods in between meals if you need them... not the other stuff.

Be intentional with your plate

Think about what you are putting on your plate at each meal and be sure to include nutritious food that gives you a nice balance of healthy protein (don't forget about legumes, beans and tempeh), healthy fat (nuts, seeds, avocado, and olives kinda thing) and healthy carbohydrates [should be the largest portion: includes yummies like leafy greens, root veggies, brown rice, buckwheat].

Think quality over quantity

Whole foods are nutritionally dense. A bag of potato chips is not. More than that though, consume a variety of fruits and vegetables to make sure you are getting an array of essential and beneficial vitamins and minerals- don't get stuck with only 2 veggies on repeat, for example- think rainbow of fruits and veggies. And avoid those darn [tasty] processed and packaged foods!

With love and sparkles,

Senia