The 9th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Create a Cozy Master Bedroom

Courtesy of Laura Martin Bovard
Photo By: Eric Rorer

Hi Friends,

Oversized master bedrooms need to be cozier in order to have good relationship feng shui. Start by closing off any adjoining rooms, including a bathroom, office, patio or gym, suggests Karen. If there's no door, install curtains. If you have a sitting area, arrange the chairs toward each other, and downsize with a smaller bed — go from king to queen or queen to double. "When the space gets bigger and bigger, people tend to live further and further apart emotionally."

Cozy Up...

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Live well,
Yvonne

The 8th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Lose Clutter, Add Plants and Water

Courtesy of Elevate by Design
Photo By: David Lauer Photography

Hi Friends,

"To bring in more prosperity, it's important to create a vibrant, healthy, inspiring and clutter-free home," explains Laura. "Clutter jams up good energy and leads to procrastination. Bring in vibrant life forces such as plants and flowers, and don't forget to have fresh air circulating. Fountains are important wealth adjustments in feng shui because they stimulate prosperity and energy, and symbolize money."

Welcome prosperity...

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Yvonne

The 7th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Arrange Dining Table in a Circle

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

When it comes to creating more love, the dining room is the second most important space in a home, the master bedroom being the most important. Arrange the dining table so everyone can see each other, and set out enough chairs for everyone even if the family doesn't eat together every night, says Karen. Symbolically, it's important to include the whole group.

Enjoy dining together, not only symbolically...

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Yvonne

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Courtesy of Mick Telkamp

Happy Halloween Friends,

Don't scoop, then dump your pumpkin innards. Salvage the seeds then toss them with your favorite spices to put a new spin on a healthy fall favorite. Get the recipe here...

Certainly, no one is growing or buying pumpkins for the seeds, but when pumpkin puree is on the menu or Jack-o’-lanterns are carved, the flat, white seeds lurking in the glop within are a crunchy, nutrition-packed bonus, ready to be roasted to golden perfection.

Pumpkin seeds are fun to roast and even more fun to eat, but the health benefits of roasted pumpkin seeds may come as a surprise. Loaded with manganese, zinc, potassium, calcium and other vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fiber, pumpkin seeds can aid in the prevention of kidney stones, osteoporosis, some types of cancer and can even combat depression.

Mostly, though, pumpkin seeds taste great. Tossed in butter, spiced and oven-roasted, roasted seeds are the perfect post-pumpkin-carving snack. A little salt is enough to get the ball rolling, but why stop there?

Whether you prefer savory or sweet, spicy or subtle, roasted pumpkin seeds can be spiced to suit any palate. Toss the seeds in butter and add your favorite spices to put a new spin on the nutty, crunchy goodness of an old favorite. Try this recipe for roasting your own with a few spice blends to get you started, from cheesy parmesan to sweet pumpkin pie.

Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe

• 2 cups pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Spice Mixes (select one)

• Classic Salted: 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Spicy: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Parmesan: 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• Curry: 3 teaspoons curry powder, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Pumpkin Pie: 6 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ? teaspoon cloves
• Crawfish Boil: 3 teaspoons seafood seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Wash, rinse and dry pumpkin seeds.

In a bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with 2 tablespoons butter to coat.

Add spice mix and toss to coat.

Spread pumpkin seeds flat on a baking sheet.

Roast in 375-degree oven for 10 minutes.

Stir and roast 10 more minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and serve.

Toss pumpkin seeds in your favorite spices to put a new spin on a fall favorite...

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Yvonne

The 6th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Make Your Front Door Inviting

Courtesy of Charity Curley Mathews
Photo By: Sarah Dorio

Hi Friends,

If it's hard to find your front door or it's confusing as to how to get in, it'll be hard for opportunity to make its way into your life as well, explains Karen. Put in an archway or gate to denote the front door if you need to, and make sure the doorbell works. The welcome mat should be bright and fresh. Sweep the steps and sidewalk in front, and add a potted plant to the entryway. Karen's rule of thumb: "If a trick-or-treater can't tell where to go, your front door isn't clear enough."

Make a pathway for opportunity...

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Yvonne

The 5th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Add Happy Family Photos

Courtesy of Charity Curley Mathews

Hi Friends,

To improve your marriage, display smiling photos of yourself as a couple and your family in the hallways, kitchen or other high-traffic areas, suggests feng shui consultant Ken Lauher. Avoid putting family photos in the master bedroom, which should only include photos of the couple. Design by Cortney and Robert Novogratz.

An improvement to the ultimate partnership is always welcomed, right?

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Live well,
Yvonne

The 4th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Decorate in Red, Purple or Green

Courtesy of Bea Pila
Photo By: Nick Johnson

Hi Friends,

"Color has a powerful impact on mood, and red is considered auspicious and powerful. Think of walking the red carpet or wearing a red power tie," explains Laura. Purple and green are also key colors for attracting prosperity but there's a hitch. "If you really can't stand the color green, it won't work for you. But if you do love purple, paint a wall lavender or add a violet throw to your couch. Then tune in to how your space feels. It's not just filling your home with stuff — it's about decorating with mindfulness and enhancing the vibration and power of your own home."

Here's to the power of your home...

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Yvonne

Happy Earth Day!

Courtesy of National Geographic

Hi Friends,

In 1970 smog choked major U.S. cities and toxic waste flooded rivers. That same year nearly 20 million Americans participated in events on April 22, spearheaded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, to draw attention to the environmental issues plaguing the planet and human health. Named Earth Day, April 22 has remained a time to celebrate restoration and stand up for the planet. Today we wanted to share with our friends...

It's Earth Day and we thank each and every person for doing your part.

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Yvonne

Halloween Cupcakes in a Jar

Courtesy of Glory Albin

Happy Halloween Friends,

Perfect for making in advance to take to school events, pack in kids' lunches or for parties, these portable treats are sure to please Halloween fans big and small.

Materials Needed:

• 1/2 pint canning jars (16)
• chocolate cake mix (or a from-scratch recipe)
• white frosting
• piping bag with large swirl tip (1M)
• standard cupcake pan with liners
• orange food coloring
• brown or black sprinkles

Bake and Cut Cupcakes

Layering cupcakes or desserts in a jar is such a great way to add some pizzazz to an individual serving of dessert. They make great gifts or party favors and are easy to transport. Start by baking a regular chocolate cake recipe in standard cupcake liners. Once the cupcakes are baked and cooled, remove the paper liners and cut the cupcakes in half horizontally.

Prepare a batch of frosting and add orange food coloring. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large tip 2/3 full with icing. You could also simply fill (2/3 full) a large plastic zip-top bag and cut off one corner.

Layer the cupcakes and frosting in clean jars, starting with a cupcake half, then frosting, until there are three layers of cupcake, and three layers of frosting. Top with sprinkles if desired. Serve jars open, or top with lid.



Perfect to take on the road to holiday parties, school events and more, these Halloween treats look as good on a table as they do on the go.

Cupcakes a Go-Go...

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Yvonne

The 3rd of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Add Doubles to Every Room

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Hi Friends,

"If you want to start a relationship, don't surround yourself with single imagery", says Laura Benko, feng shui and holistic design expert. "Avoid a single chair in the corner, solitary images in artwork and solo photographs. It's important to create the energy of partnership around you, otherwise you are continually enforcing singularity." Add a second chair to a sitting area, double up on nightstands and surround yourself with pairs of everything.

Enforce partnership in your space and in doing so creates symmetry as well...

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Yvonne

The 2nd of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Keep the Kitchen Clean

Courtesy of Corine Maggio
Photo By: Chipper Hatter

Hi Friends,

"Your kitchen is directly related to your ability to attract money," says feng shui consultant Suzanne Metzger. Keep your pantry and refrigerator organized and full of fresh food you actually use. To attract more money, keep the stove clean — every burner must work and be used equally. Lastly, remove all clutter from the kitchen table.

Remember, the kitchen is the heart of the home...

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Yvonne

The 1st of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Put Furniture Legs on Rugs

Courtesy of Natalie Myers
Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Hi Friends,

Did you know your home's design can affect your bank account and love life? Over the next several weeks, we will focus on 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money with tips based on the ancient art of balancing energy.

In the 1st of our 19 Secrets to Attract Love and Money, we will address furniture placement. "Never put all your furniture against the walls," says Karen Rauch Carter, feng shui consultant and author of Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life. "Furniture should be arranged to support communication, so forget where the walls are. Put at least the front legs of all furniture on the rug — not just around it — and people will sit there and talk."

Well, there you have it - now let's arrange our space to attract a more open area for communicating with family and friends...

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Yvonne

Make a Living Wreath for Spring

Courtesy of Kim Foren

Hi Friends,

Living wreaths make for a beautiful and unique look both indoors and out. Use moss, succulents and potting soil to create a natural, spring-inspired wreath just in time for Spring.

Materials Needed:

• 3-D wire wreath ring (make sure it has two top rights and one bottom right to fasten plants)
• potting soil
• plants with 3-inch roots (examples: succulents, pansies, annuals and cherry tomatoes)
• sphagnum moss

Directions

1. Soak your potting soil and sphagnum moss in water. Note: Having both of these wet allows you to mold them easier in the wire.
   
   
2. Line the inside of the wreath with sphagnum moss, then fill with soil. The moss will keep the soil from spilling and making a mess.
   
   
3. Carefully plant your plants around the wreath. Pat down firmly to properly secure.
   
   
4. Water your wreath and lay flat for about a week. This will give the roots time to grow and anchor in the soil.
   
   
5. Hang your wreath. Depending on the size, you can even lay the wreath flat on a table for a perfect, spring-inspired centerpiece.
   
   
6. Water wreath 2-3 times a week to make sure it lasts its full potential. The easiest way is to either soak the wreath in the sink or to spray with a hose if it's outside.

Spring is in the air...

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Yvonne

15 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for Your Spring Party

Courtesy of Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

Warm weather means open windows, longer days and lots of outdoor entertaining opportunities with friends and family. But before you pull out your tank tops and fine-tune your lemonade recipe, I want to make sure you have everything you need. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spring entertaining essentials so you can make sure that you and all of your guests are ready to soak up the sunshine.

1: Outdoor Speaker

JBL

One of the easiest ways to instantly create a party atmosphere is with a portable outdoor speaker. This JBL Charge 3 bluetooth speaker is actually waterproof and could even survive being submerged in water. It comes in a variety of colors and can be easily synced up with your phone to play your favorite music.

$130, jbl.com

2: Portable Grill

Macy's

This portable barbecue is a great choice for a smaller backyard or for a family that likes to cook their food on the go. This grill easily folds up so you can grab it and go. You can easily fit eight hot dogs, hamburgers or pieces of fish on the grill grate at one time. (You definitely won’t have any trouble feeding a big group with this little lady!)

$82, macys.com

3: Melamine Plates

Target

For outdoor family gatherings, you’ll definitely want a set of durable plates. These pretty, patterned melamine plates are virtually indestructible. And best of all, you can toss them in the dishwasher after everyone leaves.

$15 (set of 4), target.com

4: Canopy Umbrella

World Market

A large canopy umbrella will help protect you from the sun and offer a shady spot for the kids. It’s also great to have an umbrella over your table for mid-day outdoor meals.

$45, worldmarket.com

5: Globe String Lights

Amazon.com

If you like to entertain outside at night, string lights like these can really beautify your space. Depending on how much space you have, you might need several strands, so try to figure out the best spots for stringing them up in your yard or on your deck.

$24, amazon.com

6: Barbecue Skewers

Crate and Barrel

For barbecue lovers, these non-stick skewers are spring party must-haves. You can use these skewers for veggies, shrimp, chicken, pork or even marshmallows for s'mores. With 12 skewers, you’ll have plenty to go around at dinner or lunchtime.

$10 (set of 12), crateandbarrel.com

7: Highball Glasses

World Market

Along with plates, a great set of oudoor-friendly glasses is another must-have for a hostess. These stylish acrylic glasses look like they could be from a vintage set. They're incredibly durable and can even be stored outside if you're short on space inside.

$16 (set of 4), worldmarket.com

8: Wooden Yard Dice Game

Crate and Barrel

These jumbo wooden dice are the perfect size to roll around in your backyard and are perfect for kids and adults alike. The set comes with instructions fo four different dice games, so you can keep the party going for hours on end.

$60, crateandbarrel.com

9: Outdoor Area Rug

All Modern

An outdoor area rug is a great way to make a deck or patio feel cozier. This rug is made with polypropylene fibers, so it’s super durable and can even get wet. This neutral color palette and design would look great with bold throw pillows or under an outdoor dining table.

$33, allmodern.com

10: Floor Pillow

Serena & Lily

Comfy floor pillows like these can immediately create additional seating in your outdoor space. There’s a handle on the side, which means they’re easy to move around. And they’re also covered in weatherproof fabric, so they're a great choice for your deck, patio and more.

$188, serenaandlily.com

11: Teak Outdoor Furniture

Amazon.com

If you need extra seating around your outdoor table or in the backyard, these classic teak chairs would be the perfect choice. The material makes them mold and mildew resistant. Plus, they can easily fold up in case you need to store them out of the way when they’re not in use.

$130 (set of 2 chairs), amazon.com

12: Cast-Iron Fire Pit

Hayneedle

A fire pit is such a fun addition to an outdoor space if you like to throw gatherings at night. This cast-iron bowl doesn’t take up much space, and it adds a cool, modern vibe.

$120, hayneedle.com

13: Large Lantern

Pier 1 Imports

In addition to string lights, these outdoor lanterns are a great way to bring a bit more ambience and warmth to your outdoor space. These metal lanterns come in a variety of sizes and can safely hold your lit candles.

$30, pier1.com

14: Rolling

CB2

This rolling cooler has old-school style with modern-day functionality. Wheels allow it to move around the backyard or deck with ease. Plus, it can hold up to 80 quarts of your favorite bevvies. Bonus: It has a built-in bottle opener!

$269, cb2.com

15: Hanging Basket

Terrain

These modern planters would, of course, work great for plants if you want to dress up your deck, but you can also use them for a party. Hang them from tree branches or around your outdoor space, and fill up the baskets with party essentials like napkins, bags of chips or kids' toys.

$38-$198, shopterrain.com

Make it easy to throw a party...

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Live well,
Yvonne

6 Fresh Spring Colors That Aren't Pastels

Courtesy of Bridget Mallon

Hi Friends,

When it comes to spring colors, pale hues tend to get all the attention, but they're far from your only choices. Now that the weather is finally starting to heat up — hopefully for good — we're ready to tuck away our winter wares and make our homes a little more spring-friendly. But instead of gravitating towards pastels like we usually do, this year, we're thinking outside of the box.

Sure, pastels are a tried-and-true spring staple (not to mention Pantone's colors of the year), but not everyone wants their home to resemble a bucket of cotton candy. So instead of pale pinks and soft yellows, these are the shades we're dying to try.

Emerald Green is our featured color. One of the best parts of spring is the return of bright green grass, and fresh leaves on every tree. The bold hue doesn't have to stay outside though. Decorating with a bit of bold green is a beautiful way to make a nature-inspired statement right in your home, whether you choose a high-impact statement wall or a few simple throw pillows.

Yellow

Sean Litchfield Photography

We're always thrilled when the sun starts sticking around a lot longer during spring days, so what better way to celebrate the season than with a bright sunny yellow? Just remember a little yellow goes a long way, so it's best used in small doses, like the chairs in this pineapple-adorned dining room.

Gray

Rethink Design Studio

This neutral hue is seemingly always in style, but it does tend to be associated more with fall and winter than the warmer months. Not anymore. We love how fresh gray can make a room feel, and when it's paired with pink and white, it really screams spring.

Orange

Bronwyn Poole

Incorporating orange into your home may seem daunting at first, as it is one of the most eye-catching shades out there, but it does wonders for your interiors. A little orange instantly brightens a room and adds a friendly, welcoming vibe, which basically makes it the color equivalent of a perfect spring day.

Turquoise


If you're looking to add a little vibrancy to your home this spring, look no further than turquoise. It's the perfect combination of blue and green, so decorating with turquoise gives you the chance to pay homage to the season's blue skies and green grass, without being too literal.

Brown

Eric Perry, 2014, Scripps Networks, LLC.

Brown may not seem super spring-friendly at first glance, but it's actually an ideal choice for the season. The earthy shade goes with absolutely everything — feel free to go a little crazy with your accessories — and has a subtle quality that mirrors the softness of spring.

Welcome Spring with these untraditional colors and have fun decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne