Walnut Shell Powder

Finely ground Walnut Shells make an extremely stable and effective exfoliant. Walnut Shell Powder can be added to soaps, scrubs, or even fresh exfoliation treatments.

ECO TEA !

Zip Heaters is delighted to be able to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to own a sophisticated HydroTap. Delivering instant freshly filtered boiling and chilled water from the same unit at the touch of a button.

Conventional methods of boiling drinking water, such as the overfilled kettle, often result in surplus water being discarded and unnecessary energy being used to heat the excess. With filtered boiling water available instantly from the Zip HydroTap at the touch of a button, the user can dispense the exact amount required each time.

Taurumi

TAURUMI - Tradition of Polynesia
For Polynesians, ever since ancient times, massage has always been part and parcel of their traditional medicine, philosophy of life, ancestral practices and customs.
In their vernacular, they call it TAURUMI.

TAURUMI - in the Polynesian tradition, is to embrace the whole individual in a holistic expression of spirituality, energy, spoken word and especially touch

TAURUMI - is to touch or massage, to offer the possibility of love, of growth and of opening oneself up to all the facets of life. And so since birth, their baby ma’ohi are frequently massaged and these long gentle massages allow them to become aware of their own bodies. The head is shaped, arms and legs lengthened and the scalp is enriched with monoï oil. The child acquires a psychological and physical equilibrium – a prelude to life’s adventure.

TAURUMI - is all about prevention. It helps maintain good health and acts as a therapeutic complement…all life long.

TAURUMI - Polynesians attach a great importance to body odors – they apply themselves with monoï and decorate themselves with garlands and sweet-smelling flowers. In former days their women folk would spend a long time combing their hair and dressing it with tamanu oil as well as nourishing and purifying it with sandalwood infused monoï.

TAURUMI - today is the respect of a massage tradition jealously guarded by each family: only its members know how to work on the invisible lines that criss-cross the body and allow the free flow of energy.

Why not let yourself be carried away by the magic of TAURUMI ?

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, as the name suggests uses the sense of smell for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapy essential oils derived from aromatic plants are used to ease ailments such as aches and pains and other severe health problems. The oils are found in different parts of the plant such as the flowers, twigs, leaves and bark or in the rind of fruit. Aromatherapy oils are the concentrated essences that seek to heal the body and mind. Find out how this practice has its roots in ancient times. Read up on essential oils that lend their healing touch to aid overall well being. There is a cornucopia of aromatherapy products lining the shelves of stores that heal and beautify your body. Aromatherapy candles are popularly used in homes today.

History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils or essential oils. Essential oils are in fact the pure 'essence' of a plant. They have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are more than 90 varieties of essential oils. Aromatherapy is a method of natural healing that dates back 6000 years. The Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Indians, Persians and ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy oils. The Chinese and the Egyptians were the first to understand its power.

The Chinese used aromatic plants by burning them to create harmony and balance. According to ancient Egyptian scriptures, Imhotep -the Egyptian god of medicine and healing recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massaging and embalming the dead. Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedarwood oil. Hippocrates, commonly called the 'father of medicine' practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefits. He used aromatherapy baths and scented massage and utilized aromatic fumigation to rid Athens of the plague.

These oils were known not just for their aroma but their anti-inflammatory properties and capacity to heal wounds. In the 16th century and 17th century, essential oils were distilled and sold at apothecaries and perfuming became a big industry. Women had special bottles created by their jewelers to hold their treasured perfume. The 19th century saw the isolation of the major constituents of essential oils. It was in 1928 that aromatherapy in its present form gained prominence. The French Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He noticed that lavender oil helped in healing his burnt hand without leaving any scars. With the growing resurgence to harness the power of natural products, essential aromatherapy oils are being used for therapeutic, cosmetic and aromatic benefit.

Aromatherapy candles

Candles have a soothing effect that helps in relaxing the body and calming the mind. Normally aromatherapy candles have only 2 ingredients: vegetable oil and pure essential oils and they are made with a 100% cotton wick to ensure a smoke and pollution free burn. Common examples for aromatherapy candle are the 'citronella' candles, which are used during the summer to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that provides this benefit.

CUBAN CUISINE

The Cuban cuisine had the same genesis that culture: it has been integrated by contributions of Spain and other regions. The poor table was conformed, partly, by the Canaries. They left the chickpeas that the islanders ate with corn, and Mojo, a very important dressing for most of Cuban plates where the viands are included.

From Africa came the forced habit of the slaves of eating corn flour, tender or dry, and in tamale. Even the Chinese brought, more than 150 years ago, their culinary ideas. That is why we also have the fried rice, plate combined with multiple meats and vegetables.

In favour of the Cuban culinary art is necessary to admit the creativity of the cookers. A traveller of the XIX century, the North American Luisa Mathilde Woodruff, wrote that she saw in Cuba already known plates, and she found out, when she tasted them, that those plates were different in a way. Due to that capacity the Cuban cuisine stands out in the revenues that the country receives from tourism.

A spirit of renovation and variety is perceived in the Cuban recipes. The ability to combine traditional plates with new tastes has propitiated the invention of new plates.

BLACK BEANS RICE CUBAN STYLE

1 1/2 c. black beans4 slices bacon1/2 clove garlic, crushed1 onion, chopped1 tsp. chili powderSaltCayenne pepper2 c. boiled rice

Wash beans; cover with 5 cups water and soak overnight. Drain water off beans. Cover beans with fresh water and boil gently until tender, drain. Add bacon, garlic and onion. Season with chili powder, salt and cayenne to taste.

Add enough water to cover beans and simmer slowly until it makes thick sauce. Pour over cooked warm rice.

HOME : From Concept to Reality

Two words: beautiful and useful. This tome from British design star Kelly Hoppen is a step-by-step walk through several of her most sumptuously stunning projects. Hoppen shares all her secrets, including sketches and floor plans, furniture choices, and fabric samples. The whole thing is a valuable peek into the making of Hoppen’s luxe aesthetic.

Published by Little, Brown & Company; available from Barnes & Noble; 191 pages.

PURE KITCHEN

CHRISTINE PITTEL: This is a big space in a new house, yet the details suggest an old-fashioned kitchen. What look were you going for?

DESIGNER CAROLINE DECESARE: You know that Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson movie, Something's Gotta Give? The kitchen in that movie was our starting point—a clean white traditional kitchen with subway tiles and glass-fronted cabinets, updated with stainless-steel appliances. We even did the same kind of brackets under the upper cabinets.

DESIGNER BERKLEY VALLONE: The client wanted big, clean work surfaces. Originally, we did soapstone countertops like they had in the movie, but we replaced them with honed black granite after a year, because of the maintenance. Soapstone has to be oiled, and when you oil it, some areas absorb more and get darker. Others stay lighter. It's very inconsistent, and that bothers some people. Indian Premium black granite gives a similar look, with less maintenance. We sealed it with a color-enhancing sealer.
Why did you do two separate islands?

VALLONE: Originally there was only one, as the wife wanted. But it was so big that you couldn't even reach the center.

DECESARE: You could have parked a car on it. So we redid it. Now husband and wife each have their own sink and their own work space. Both sinks are big, with garbage disposals, trash on one side and a dishwasher on the other. The days of those little round bar sinks on an island are over—they're too dysfunctional.

VALLONE: We did two dishwashers and two refrigerators, side by side, each with the refrigerator on top and freezer drawers below. There's also a beverage refrigerator, under the counter where the glasses are kept.
How come you didn't match the sinks and faucets on the islands?

DECESARE: The husband is Italian and he wanted a stainless-steel single-compartment sink that could handle big pasta pots. We wanted the farmhouse look. He went online and found Franke's stainless-steel farmhouse sink. He's very particular about his space. Which is why they have separate sinks, because she might leave a stray sippy cup around.

VALLONE: The double islands work really well when you're having a party. The inner one becomes the prep area and the outer one becomes a buffet. People can circulate all around the food.
Is that the dining room, through the archway?

VALLONE: The breakfast room, and it gets used all the time. It has killer light, with French doors on either side and then that big window behind the table. The table is new but made to look old. Super-casual black wicker chairs, with an indoor/outdoor fabric on the seats, so they can take the covers off and wash them. Important, with four young children. And then a banquette in back, with a leather seat they can wipe down.

DECESARE: With a banquette, it's essential to be able to slide in and out, and that's easier if it's covered in leather instead of fabric. The kids love the sliding, and you can fit a bunch of little bums back there.

VALLONE: With the two French doors to the barbecue and the pool, there's a lot of traffic here, and we wanted the table to be out of the way. With a banquette, you can push the table closer to the wall.
What's on the floor?

VALLONE: Seven-inch-wide walnut planks. A wider plank feels older, more casual. It's a little country, just like the coffered ceiling, which we made with drywall, stock moldings, and beadboard. Then the industrial light fixtures and the stainless-steel appliances add a modern edge.

KITCHEN BY BERKLEY VALLONE AND CAROLINE DECESARE
INTERVIEW BY CHRISTINE PITTEL
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOE SCHMELZER
PRODUCED BY SAMANTHA EMMERLING

PEACH NATURAL VERTUES

Some of the properties of this fruit are: Antitumor, Laxative, and Sedative. It's perfect for fresh use because of its lovely scent.

Peach Lotion (for dry or normal skin)

* 1 Peach
* 4 drops tincture of Benzoin (known to be STRONG sensitizer)
* 2 oz. coconut or sweet almond oil
* 1 1/2 oz. orange flower water and 1 or 2 drops orange oil

Wash, drain, mash, and then strain the juice from 1 peach through muslin or cheesecloth. Add to it 4 drops of tincture of benzoin, 2 oz. coconut or sweet almond oil, 1 1/2 oz. orange flower water and 1 or 2 drops orange oil. Beat together until it is fluffy and pour into a clean 4 oz container. It will keep for a longer period if you store it in the refrigerator. Use the lotion to moisturize your skin whenever it feels dry.

SPA'S DIAMONDS & CAVIAR BEAUTY

Hot stone facials, fruit-based body scrubs and four-handed massages used to be the ultimate in spa services just a few years ago. They were treatments that most of us would love to indulge in. But nowadays, fruit scrubs, hot stones and even four hands kneading your body sound ho-hum compared with the latest breed of massages, facials and body treatments.
In a bid to be different, dozens of upscale spas worldwide today are fashioning fancy treatments that incorporate luxurious ingredients such as diamond, caviar and gold. Of course, getting a taste of this decadence means shelling out big bucks -- you'll have to pay up to four figures in some cases.

Milana Knowles, the vice president of day spas for Spa Finder, a worldwide organization for the spa industry that represents more than 4,000 locations, says that spas are increasingly striving to create a "wow" effect for their clients. "As the beauty industry grows and the number of high-end spas grows, each place wants to distinguish itself," she says. "An easy way to do that is to offer up treatments that are the ultimate in luxury because of the rare ingredients they use."

They certainly sound extravagant, but whether these pricy services actually have some aesthetic benefit is the big question. The spas, naturally, tout their merit. Places offering treatments with gold, for example, advocate the metal's anti-aging potential. The spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas has a new Golden Body Treatment, and Patrick Huey, spa director there, says that there are proven benefits to using gold on the skin. "Gold is a major anti-oxidant so it combats free radicals, one of the major culprits in the aging process," he says.

Experts are slightly more skeptical. Dr. Jennifer Levine, a facial plastic surgeon in Manhattan, says that diamonds are known to refine the skin surface and many gems do have the mechanical properties of sloughing but that's about as far as it goes. "A lot of these treatments only sound glamorous," she says. "In science, there are no miraculous effects to using gems or other rare ingredients for beauty."

Whatever the merits may be, the free-spending set seems willing to part with the money to satisfy curiosity about this unprecedented kind of spa experience. An informal polling of 10 spas with these ultra-luxurious treatments revealed that these new services are among the most popular on their menus and, in some cases, are outselling all other offerings.
Here are five spots where hot stones just won't cut it. For those who can afford it, go ahead and indulge. The rest of us will have to settle with living vicariously though these descriptions.

Four Seasons, Las Vegas.
Golden Body Treatment, 80 minutes, $240 Four products with gold are used in this service, which starts with a vigorous exfoliation using a body scrub with gold traces. After a quick shower, your body is massaged with a gold lightweight cream gel and wrapped in foil and a blanket for 20 minutes so the precious metal can work its magic. The therapist massages your face, scalp, neck and shoulders while you're in the cocoon. After being unwrapped, your body is massaged with a gold-flecked massage oil. Finally, a gold powder is dusted all over the skin. All products used are courtesy of Fleur's.

Peninsula's Spa, Beverly Hills.
Precious Ruby Massage, 120 minutes, $385 This is the first hotel spa in North America to offer services using Shiffa precious gem oils. In this two-hour rubdown, clients are drenched in oil made with genuine rubies. The gem represents passion and love, and supposedly brings about happiness and clears negativity. The spa says this massage will balance your energy. If you're not the ruby type, you can pick from massages using sapphire, emerald or diamond oil -- each gem is said to offer a different benefit.

Spa V at Hotel Victor, South Beach, Florida.
Evian Bath, As long as you like, $5,000 Yes, spring water is also considered precious. In this case, the 350-gallon, infinity-edge tub in the hotel's penthouse is filled with a 1,000 bottles of Evian water and sprinkled with Gerber daisies. For maximum pleasure, indulgers also get a bottle of champagne, a dessert and a choice of two spa treatments.

Ritz-Carlton, NYC.
Caviar Firming Facial, 90 minutes, $285 Proponents have long insisted that fish eggs are more than just a culinary delicacy, and boast a host of beauty benefits including lifting sagging skin and giving it a glowing appearance. With regular use, caviar beauty products may be anti-aging. This facial uses the ultra-pricey La Prairie caviar face and eye cream and promises that skin will immediately be more lifted, luminous and firm.

The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, Australia.
Diamond Body Perfection, 120 minutes, $280 It's a triple whammy of precious jewels in this body treatment -- in addition to diamond, the service uses pearls and quartz crystals. The first step is a full-body microdermabrasion using a puree of diamonds, crushed freshwater pearls and crystals. Clients are then treated to a deep body massage. Finally, the body is slathered with a caviar body cream. The jewels are said to infuse your skin with an instant glow, and the caviar takes care of lifting any sagging body parts.

STRAWBERRY VERTUES

This fruit contains several polyphenols that have high antioxidant capacity. They are also high in Vitamin C which is also a potent antioxidant.

Strawberry Hand and Foot Exfoliant

* 8-10 Strawberries
* 2 tablespoons Apricot Oil (you may substitute olive oil)
* 1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt

Mix together all ingredients, massage into hands and feet, rinse, and pat dry. Strawberries contain a natural fruit acid which aids in exfoliation.

Strawberry Cream (for oily or normal skin)

* 1/2 oz. white beeswax
* 1 1/2 oz. sweet almond oil
* 1 oz. apricot kernel oil
* 1 oz. strawberry juice (or apricot or peach or honey-dew melon)
* 8 drops tincture of benzoin (known to be STRONG sensitizer)

Wash, drain, and mash 4-5 large strawberries. Squeeze out the juice and strain through muslin or cheesecloth. Heat the beeswax and the oils together in a double boiler until the wax is melted. Remove from the heat and add the juice quickly. Beat the mixture until it is fluffy. Add the benzoin and beat until it is cool. You must beat the mixture until it cools or else it will separate.

WORLDWIDE MASSAGES

Writings on massage have been found in many ancient civilizations such as Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt, and India. [5]Hippocrates wrote in 460 BC that "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing." [8] The 27th century BC Chinese book called Huangdi Neijing by the Yellow Emperor recommended "massage of skin and flesh


Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage
Ayurveda is a natural health care system originating in India over 5000 years ago. It incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. Ayurvedic Massage, also known as Abhyanga part of Panchakarma is usually performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils that are believed to be based on the body's dosha.The aim is to loosen the excess doshas through techniques such as kneading, rubbing, and squeezing. The feet are used in chavutti thirummal, a specialized technique where the therapist suspends himself by a rope from the ceiling to apply extra pressure with his feet.


Lomilomi
Main article: Lomilomi
Lomilomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii. As an indigenous practice, it varies by island and by family. The styles most known today are those of Auntie Margaret Machado of the island of Hawaii, Uncle Kalua Kaiahua of Maui and Oahu, and Kahu Abraham Kawaii of Kaua'i, who called his style Kahuna Bodywork. Other names given to massage performed in Hawaii are temple style, lomi lomi, lomi lomi nui, romi kapa rere, romi romi and ma-uri. Some of these styles may be traditional, and others may have been influenced by or created in modern times. The purported Lomilomi massage given by Barbra Streisand to Robert De Niro in "Meet the Fockers" was not an accurate representation of the style.


Reflexology massage

Reflexology, also called Foot zone therapy, is traditionally practiced without lotion, as the pressure points on the feet are stimulated by thumb and finger walking, as well as static pressure. Foot massage practitioners believe that the ailment of an internal organ will be associated with the nerve ending on the sole of the foot. As pressure is applied to the sole, theory holds that a healthy patient should not feel any strong pain. This theory is based on a perceived energetic flow of "meridians" in the body, also known as Chi.
Before the massage, the patient's feet are soaked for about ten minutes in a foot bath, typically a solution of hot water and Chinese herbs. The practitioner rubs and massages the painful spots to break down rough spots and accumulated crystals which have not been scientifically researched. Based on this idea, some shoe liners are made with pressure points to stimulate the soles of the feet.


Shiatsu
Shiatsu (指圧) is a form of Japanese massage that uses thumb pressure and works along the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. While receiving Shiatsu, you are fully clothed while laying on a mat on the floor.


Stone massage
Heated stones were used by Egyptians, Native Americans and in Lomilomi massage. Smooth hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are used to massage the body. When heated stones are used muscles relax allowing the massage therapist to work deeper into the muscle. Energy medicine is sometimes incorporated into stone massage. Stones are heated in hot water and are placed under the back, along both sides of the spine, and on top of the torso and are believed to heat the chakra or meridians centers. Heated stones coated in oil are then used directly in the hands of the therapist delivering various massaging strokes.


Swedish massage
This style utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but not necessarily in the direction of the heart. There are six basic strokes: effleurage from the French effleurer, 'to skim over', petrissage from the French pétrir, 'to knead', friction, tapotement, compression, and vibration. Petrissage is a kneading movement with the whole palm or finger tips, using wringing, skin rolling, compression, and/or lifting. Petrissage is usually applied vertically to the muscle tissue. Oil, cream, or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce friction and allow smooth strokes. Effleurage consists of long, flowing or gliding strokes, performed with open hands. In many massage sessions, effleurage is used as the initial type of stroking, as it has a calming effect when performed slowly.


Thai massage
Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran, IPA [nuɑt pʰɛn boraːn]), meaning "ancient/traditional massage", Thai massage is also known as Thai ancient massage, traditional Thai massage, Thai yoga massage, yoga massage, Thai classical massage, Thai bodywork, passive yoga or assisted yoga. Thai massage originated in India based and is based on Ayurveda and yoga, thereafter becoming popular in ancient Siam, now known as Thailand. It was believed that the massage art was brought over to Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj (Jivaka Kumarabhacca), a contemporary of Gautama Buddha over 2500 years ago. The receiver is put into many yoga like positions during the course of the massage. In the northern style based out of Chiang Mai, Thailand there is a lot of stretching movements, unlike the southern style where acupressure is emphasized.


Traditional Chinese massage
Tui Na (推拿) focusing on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle. Zhi Ya (指壓) is similar to Tui Na massage except it focuses more on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. They are both based off principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

FENG SHUI GARDENS & DECORATING

Feng shui garden principles

Feng shui gardens have to be planned in a similar fashion as that of a feng shui house. The five basic elements of feng shui, bagwa or pa kua and the implication of the compass directions should be accounted for while designing a feng shui garden. Law of feng shui remains the same for all types of gardens, immaterial of their size. Feng shui encourages a lot of curves as these curves help in the easy flow of Chi thus bringing out the best of Chi or energy flow in the garden.

Feng shui gardens represent a combination of vegetation, bushes and foliage along with bright flowers. The Chinese love red flowers as they believe that bright colors induce brightness and cheer in our lives. Understanding the aspects of feng shui and implementing them in the garden helps stimulate prosperity, luck and wealth.
Feng shui garden plantsPlants are a key source of thought and optimism. Plants when related to the principle of feng shui can be categorized as woody plants, fire plants, earth plants, metal plants and aquatic plants. Each of them signifies a principle of their own:

Woody plants - modification and movement
Fire plants - beauty and humor. E.g. sunflower, daisy
Earth plants – stability and peace. E.g. clematis
Metal plants – strength and resilience. E.g. pampas grass
Aquatic plants – seriousness and strong will. E.g. summer aster

Feng shui garden tips

A typical feng shui garden consists of elements such as pond/waterway or fountains, red and orange flowers, trees and shrubs.Circular shapes in the garden are indicative of good feng shui, therefore try planting flowers with round shapes or place a circular pond in your garden.
Keep all areas of your garden well lit. Make sufficient place for sitting in the garden using natural resources such as wood or bamboo.

Statues made from stone, terracotta or any natural material can be placed to free any central spot or space in the garden. Flow of water along with wind is important principle in feng shui. Place a waterway along with wind chimes thus encouraging the free flow of chi or energy. Water also means wealth, success and purity as per feng shui. Red and any other bright colored flowers are important in a garden adapting feng shui principles as these bright colors are known for their vivacity and vigor. Yellow is associated with healing, pink bears a connotation on your relationships and purple is representative of fortune and prosperity.

Pleasant smelling and scented flowers such as roses and lavender and delicate plants that sway to a gentle breeze can be planted. Fish and birds are intrinsic to feng shui as fish is a sign of prosperity. Add a fish pond in your garden, preferably with goldfish in it. Position the lights for your garden in the southwest area as this helps improve marital and other relationships in your life.

A perfect feng shui garden should have a combination of shrubs, flowers and trees that will linger through all the seasons. Maintain them well as these plant shapes will have an influence over the family members of the house.
Southeast corner of the garden when planted with hale and hearty plants will promote prosperity, wealth and luck.

Don’ts

Roses should not be placed in the entrance as the thorns in the plant mean harm and damage to the owners of the house. The front garden or yang must be open and unrestricted while yin - the back of the garden should be personal and private. The pathway from the garden to the house should not be encumbered and should be clean from hurdles. Compost piles must be concealed. Water in the garden should not stagnate and should be clean from debris as this will hinder the flow of positive energy.

Don’t plant trees in front of the main door as this affects the flow of energy. Trees that need regular trimming should not be planted as they might lead to a financial crisis. Tips to balance your feng shui garden and houseYang the garden aspect and Yin the house aspect should be planned in a manner that they balance each other well.

Flower beds along with curved pathways will help maintain equilibrium with the straight lines of the house. Overtly straight lines for pathways do not confirm to the principles of a feng shui garden. Juxtapose the roughness of rocks with the smooth surface of water as this brings about harmony between stillness and movement. A waterway can be replaced with a birdbath or a fountain where space is a constraint. Using curved stones instead of straight ones will reduce negative energy, sha.

Replace straight tall hedges with flower beds or jagged shaped hedges; this will help maintain the balance of the garden as well as balance between the house and the garden. Choose plants with fat succulent leaves and avoid those with spikes. Soften edges with soft trailing plants taking care to see that they don’t overgrow or block light.
Herbs can add a powerful influence on your garden. In addition to their medicinal properties, they are said to promote good fortune. Be it basil and rosemary, lavender and jasmine, they can add color and influence your life.

Accessories to compliment the feng shui garden.

Use rounded off tables and curved chairs as they help in the flow of energy rather than blocking them.
Round terracotta and earthen pot ware can be used to encourage the earth element in the garden.
Wood is the best material among the rest when it comes to seating and other furniture preferences in your garden.
Wind chimes, gongs and gazing balls help in the flow of positive energy and the gaze balls are supposed to wade off negative energy. Lights can be used to energize stagnant areas of your garden. Choose ornaments that adhere to the proportion of your garden.

What is feng shui decorating all about? It's all about using space in your home or office effectively in order to attract and keep the chi in. Feng shui interior decoration encompasses the golden and practical rules of housekeeping as well as feng shui beliefs. Read on to find out how to decorate your feng shui bedroom to add some zing to your love life! We take you through the feng shui garden and its positive effect on your home and health.

Feng shui decorating.

Every room of our house plays an important role in our lives. Feng shui interior decorating tips that can have a great impact on many aspects of your life:Clutter and mess is anathema to the rules of feng shui interior decorating. A messy home or office can block and ward off positive chi. Plants can be used to good advantage in home decoration. It is best to avoid sharp cornered objects and excessive overhead lights when trying to incorporate feng shui in interior decorating. Strong drafts are also not considered to have a positive influence.

When using feng shui decorating rules for the kitchen, ensure that the kitchen is well ventilated and safe. The kitchen plays an important role in your life, as 'you are what you eat'. Overhead and exposed beams should be avoided in a feng shui home. They are considered to bring oppressive chi and breed distrust and dishonesty. Sharp and protruding corners in a feng shui house can be softened with cascading plants or wind chimes or even furnishings with rounded edges.

Feng shui house.

The first principle in any feng shui home is to allow space at the main door to be free and clear so as to allow chi to flow in. Avoid shoes near the door. A feng shui home should ideally have a water fountain positioned favorably so as to attract and trap the chi. Do not have a stove and refrigerator or washing machine in the kitchen together as this might cause disagreements on account of the fire and water crash.Feng shui bedroom tipA bedroom is a sanctuary for privacy, peace and intimacy. trying to get a balance of the five elements in a feng shui bedroom can be first step towards feng shui home decoration. Wooden beds are a better bet in your feng shui bedroom since metal beds can conduct electricity.

A feng shui bedroom should have an ideal lighting level, not too dim yet not too harsh. A feng shui tip to apply to your bedroom decoration is to avoid large plants and mirrors. The headboard for the bed placed against a solid wall of the bedroom makes for good feng shui. If you are seeking a new romantic partner, your feng shui bedroom must make space for that person in your home. Another feng shui tip for bedrooms is to avoid placing sports equipment here. Any paintings, imagery or sculpture of solitude, loneliness or aggression do not find place in a feng shui bedroom. Beautiful romantic artwork, fresh flowers and items in pairs are ideal for feng shui decoration of your bedroom.Feng shui officeThe first step towards getting your feng shui office in place is to select the right site for the office or business. Circular and horseshoe shaped plots are preferred.

Office sites on locations where they are exposed to the elements are not the right choice as per feng shui principles. Large monuments and sculptures in the immediate vicinity of your office can produce secret or poison arrows. A feng shui office entrance should face an open area creating a bright hall effect. You can use mirrors to good effect in feng shui interior decoration of your office. A mirror hanging by the cash register symbolizes a doubling effect and can be a harbinger of good fortune.

The reception of a feng shui office should be ideally open and well lit to encourage the flow of chi. Having a desk with your back to the window is to be avoided. A desk in a feng shui office ideally faces the door at an angle with your back to a wall for support. Use objects of the five elements to energize your work desk. A feng shui decorating tip here is to balance light and dark colors as well as smooth and rough textures in the office space. Feng shui gardenFeng shui principles can be applied to your garden too - be it your small kitchen garden or your large sprawling lawn. Metropolitan apartment dwellers need not despair since they too can enhance their limited space with the spirit of feng shui. Chi or the universal life energy flows in a meandering way and it can be invited into the garden and captured with a stream, pond or birdbath. All undergrowth and clutter must be removed so as to allow the chi to travel freely.

Balance the yin and yang in your feng shui garden by juxtaposing sun and shade or bright flowers in a shady corner. You can try and achieve balance in a feng shui garden by contrasting textures such as the roughness of rocks and the smoothness of water. A feng shui apartment garden can be set off with the presence of plants on a terrace or doorway thereby attracting vital chi. Potted plants, hanging baskets and window boxes can draw the energy of the garden into your home. A feng shui garden should ideally have boundaries of curved walls or irregular shaped hedges and flowerbeds. All aspects of the garden such as pathways, garden beds and fences and walls play a vital role in balancing feng shui.

RELAXATION : Salt Bath Vertues.

BATH SALT VERTUES

Relaxation often takes a back seat in today’s frenetic lifestyle. People are busy managing their daily chores and are so engrossed with their day- to- day activities that they hardly find time to relax and chill out. Women in particular find their hands full, balancing work place and home. There is nothing as welcoming and as relaxing as slipping into a tub of warm water at the end of a long day. Bath salt is a popular bath water additive. Renew the bathing experience by adding a little bath salt to the tub and savor the physical and emotional benefits.

The sea has been a source of medicine, food, minerals and spa since the origin of humankind. History quotes that people traveled from far and near to bath in mineral rich seas to retain beautiful skin and good health. Cleopatra established cosmetic factories and went out to obtain exclusive rights over the Dead Sea area. Soaking in a tub of warm water graced with Dead Sea salt is a wonderful remedy for healthy skin. Find out how to make bath salt. We have some simple bath salt recipes to pamper your skin. Learn more about aromatherapy bath salt.

Bath salt - A long soak in a tub of warm water, enhanced with bath salt is the best relaxing technique after a long day. Standing all day at work can tire and sore your feet, stiffen your back and make you feel low.Bath salt not only eases away the tension but also improves the way you feel. The healing properties of bath salt add to the experience.Have you ever considered the health benefits derived from salt?

You might be astonished to read that bath salt added to your water works wonder on your circulation by improving it naturally. When pleasant essential oils are added on to the salt, they work on your body by letting you relax and become calm. Bath salt lets you unwind and relax after a tiring day and this in turn helps you get a sound and restful sleep at night. A natural gift, bath salt helps slow down aging by providing essential minerals and vitamin to the skin. Bath salt energizes physiologically - Detoxify your body using bath salt. Ease out stiff sore muscles, aching feet and legs with bath salt. Bath salt relaxes the psycho-physical personality in you - Relaxation means music to a few, good food for some and indulging in nature’s beauty for others.

For some, nothing beats a warm bath at the end of a day’s work. Soaking yourself in a bath complimented with bath salt relieves stress and reduces tension. Your body is now ready to generate signals that encourage restfulness.Bath salt rejuvenates skin and adds radiance - Dirt, sweat and toxins play their part in damaging the skin. Pores in the skin are opened by bath salt and they are cleansed. Bath salt renews the skin by drawing out the impurities. Bath salt works to retain moisture in the skin thereby keeping it soft and supple. Bath salts are also good for exfoliation.

Bath salt relives occupational disorders - All the muscles in our body are put to hardship in some way or the other during the day. As the day draws to an end, the aching muscles need some care. Feet, legs, wrist and back benefit a lot while soaking in a warm tub of water with bath salt. Bath salt gives all the muscles in your body a well-deserved break. Bath salts replenishs water - Aroma from bath salt creates a pleasant ambience in your bath thus making it a pleasing experience. Positive vibes are generated by the various scents used in the bath salt. Facts reveal that adding bath salt to your tub enhances buoyancy and it is instrumental in raising your spirit!

How to make bath salt Nature’s treasure- salt can be combined with a variety of different ingredients that have relaxing properties. Salt forms the basic ingredient for bath salt and is available at all grocers and drug stores. Epsom salt and sea salt are used widely in making bath salts. Ingredients such as cocoa butter or powdered milk are blended with salt to enhance the moisturizing properties of the bath salt. A variety of fragrances or essential oils that carry a pleasant odor are blended with the bath salt to perfume them.

Bath salt recipe is easy to make. Making bath salt at home is economical and fun too. All you need to do is follow the instructions carefully. Try out a few basic bath salt recipes.Basic bath saltEpsom salt 3partsBaking soda 2partsTable salt 1partEssential oil of choice. Mix the salts together and add the essential oil drop by drop. Mix until the oil is absorbed and the salt gets dry. Store the salt in an air tight container.

Cleopatra’s secret bath salt :

Dead Sea salt 2cups

Avocado 1tsp

Jojoba 1tsp

Shea 1tsp

Cold pressed vegetable oil

Colorant 8 – 10 drops

10% Dendritic salt

Essential oil of choice

In a bowl, add the mineral rich salt. Add coloring drop by drop. In another bowl, add essential oil to the dendrite salt. Formation of lumps is prevented by dendritic salt. Add both the salts and mix well. To enhance the moisturizing property of salt, add cold pressed vegetable oil.

Relaxing bath salt

Epsom salt 1cup

Concentrated sea salt 1/4cup

Sweet almond oil 1tsp

Lavender Essential oil

Mix salts together and add sweet almond oil till evenly distributed. Lavender has the natural property to relax the body and ease out stress.

Aromatherapy bath salt.

Aromatherapy is can be best enjoyed through massages and bath. Aromatherapy bath salt constitutes natural sea salt blended with essential oils. Aromatherapy is an art that uses essential oils derived from plants and flowers to promote healthy physical, psychological and spiritual well being. Healing properties of the essential oil is released as the bath salt melts in water. The essential oils used in aromatherapy have varied benefits. Most commonly used essential oils are derived from:

Lavender - relaxes the entire body by alleviating insomnia, stress and depression.

Geranium - Provides soothing effect and is mildly analgesic.

Clary sage - Possesses anti bacterial, anti fungal properties.

Woman’s mood relaxant :

Sea salt 1part

Mineral salt : 2part

Oat meal 2tsp

Kaolin clay 2tsp

100% lavender oil

Geranium oil

Grape fruit oil

Clary sage oil

Mix the salts together and add the rest of the ingredients and mix till oil is absorbed well.