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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.

SERENITY

TAHITI PEARL : Zen Athmosphere.

TOURISM
Welcome to the Magnificence of French Polynesia !!!

Uncover the beauty of French Polynesia, the perfect tropical getaway or a quiet romantic vacation. Discover what's most exotic and beautiful in the World. French Polynesia, offers an excellent honeymoon vacation spot, this little known destination will delight you more than you ever dreamed possible.

Imagine relaxing on the white sand beaches alone on an atoll in Bora Bora or in a Tahiti resort far from home and the stress of your everyday life. The color of lagoons, the luxury of Nature, the Generosity of the people. You will quickly find out that those particularly greeting Polynesian people will make you discover the numerous treasures of their hidden paradise and may be one of your best memories…
Take the first step and visit our treasured Islands!

SECRETS OF THE VAHINE

Tahitian women are known through out the world for their incredible beauty -beauty achieved from centuries of learning to utilize the natural , beautifying elements so prolific on the islands of French Polynesia.

Monoi : Monoi Tiare Tahiti is a French-Tahitian cosmetic oil consisting of pure coconut oil and the fragrance of tiare, the Tahitian Gardenia. The product is a refinement of an ancient Polynesian beauty secret and has been manufactured commercially since 1942. Centuries ago the people of Polynesia discovered that pure coconut oil is an essential secret for beautiful skin and hair. Coconut oil is a natural replacement for your body's skin and hair oils. The coconut oil used in Monoi Tiare Tahiti is so highly refined that it is quickly absorbed by your skin. This Tahitian beauty secret is now available to you.Please note that because of its tropically grown ingredients, Monoi oil solidifies at temperatures below 68 F (20 C). This is a natural process that occurs because genuine Monoi contains no emulsifiers to keep it in a liquid state.

Skin Moisturizer : For soft supple skin, use Monoi Tiare Tahiti as a moisturizer and bath oil. It massages quickly into the skin, smoothing away dryness and leaving behind only a delightful fragrance of island flowers.

Hair Conditioner : Monoi Tiare Tahiti may be used as a conditioner for dry hair. Pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and massage into the hair. Shampoo out after 10 or 15 minutes. The oil will enter the hair and replace the natural oils, giving your hair natural body and sheen.

Dark Tanning Oil : Pure coconut oil is the best product available for use as a dark tanning oil. Coconut oil actually increases the strength of the sun to speed the tanning process and enrich a dark body. Monoi has no sunscreen or other chemical additives, so apply frequently and avoid excessive exposure during peak sun hours. Once a basic tan is developed, Monoi oil will produce incredible results with the sun. Monoi is absorbed quickly by your skin so it does not feel oily or greasy. As an after sun moisturizer, Monoi protects against dryness and peeling. Monoi Tiare Tahiti is the original dark tanning blend.

Monoi soaps : will capture your imagination and transport you through fragrances to the beautiful islands of Tahiti. Each long lasting French-milled bar contains 55% coconut oil and 39% palm oil.

TAHITIAN SPA’S BEAUTY RITUALS

Tahiti has now become a world class spa destination and many of the resorts offer spa facilities.

Marù Spa at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort.
Discover the only treetop Spa in Polynesia. Marù Spa welcomes you to the lush environment of the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa. Located on a secluded motu in the middle of the most beautiful lagoon in the world, it is situated on the beachfront, surrounded with exotic basins, waterfalls and gorgeous lilies, in a peaceful and serene decor marked with Polynesian wisdom.

Manea Spa at the Taha’a Private Island & Spa.
This Spa is blessed with an exceptional site: it nestles in the shade of a coconut grove between the meandering waters of a small lake and the lagoon. It has been built from natural materials in pure Polynesian style to ensure that it merges perfectly with its motu environment.

Sacred Tamanu. Regenerating and protective. The Tamanu and its authentic perfume have been used for centuries in the Polynesian islands. It is well known to heal and promote the formation of new skin tissue. It has antiviral, anti-clotting, and antibiotic properties as well as being anti-inflammatory. Widely used as a traditional topic aid for burns and dry skin, it is especially soothing for the skin after sun exposure. A regenerating and energizing massage with sacred Tamanu oil concludes this treatment.

Te Ua Maohi. Power and Energy. Polynesian people are celebrating water as a symbol for Life, Pureness and Transparency. Pomare, the Queen of Tahiti, used to dance under the rain, representing for her the tears of Heiva, Mother of Gods. Te Ua Maohi, (storm in Tahitian), is an energizing experience. This treatment regenerates your body, hydrates and nourishes your skin, and boosts your tan. It is recommended to improve your skin’s firmness. The experience ends with a relaxing detox massage under the rain shower and the application of an exclusive moisturizing Noni Body Mousse on your body.

WOMEN ETHNIC FASHION

Ambassadrice : Aishwarya Rai.

Indian women ethnic fashion has cast spell not just on Indian women but driving women crazy in the Western world too. Indo-Western Women Wear has made its way on ramps, embellishing the beauty of Indian models. Pink and blue check prints of Madras suburbs can be seen translated into jumpsuits in Manhattan streets as the proof of Indian influence on world fashion statements.

Big brands like Pierre Cardin and Zandra Rhodes have hired skilled artisans from India and used designs of traditional saris and used them in their fashion garments since decades now and have awed the ramp audience with their gracefulness and elegance of the heavy motifs and complicated combo of many Indianized elements. India's rich culture is worldwide appreciated. India is a land of diversities, which is depicted in its clothing designs too. You visit any town, any village there is something peculiar about every region that makes it special and sets it apart from others. In the catalogue of semi formal women apparels, indo-western styling is sailing efficiently.

These ethnic diversities are awesome and creating sensation everywhere. Flower is the most beautiful thing on earth. People cherish its freshness and fragrance. This explains the reason why Phulkari (flowers) print of Punjab is an all time favourite. Rajasthan and Gujarat is the land of elegant craftsmanship. Leharia print of Gujarat and mirror work of Rajasthan is simply mind-blowing. Resham. Zari, Kundan and Kantha embroidery are in vogue. This trend of Indian ethnic designs creating bizarre in the glamour world is never ending.

Interlude.

2008 should be a wealthy year, fulfilled with Well Being, Eccentricity & Beauty. Beauty of our Soul as this World does offer us its most secret treasures in order to charm our senses and our inner self. Our Daily way of Living opens itself without noticing it to a multicultural Universe. Consequently, this Ethnic Fashion does feed our Mind, as well as our senses and imagination.


Beauty, Sensuality, Authenticity, Natural Life & Well Being are thus at the centre of our daily preoccupations.

This Blog will offer you Ideas, Tendencies, Colours, Perfumes, Tastes, so that you will feel better within your Daily Life...