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It was a gorgeous Monday morning--I got out on my rollerblades for a deeeelicious skate on the Ice Age Trail--I know, last rollerblader on the planet--but I LOVE it!  My new Feng Shui clients (Jill and Blake) were one highlight of my week and I wanted to tell you the story of what we found in their basement… Jill and Blake are moving to their first new house--they’re closing on Friday, YAYAYAY!  These two are fun (!) hipsters with a mid-century modern-style flair. Jill is a DIYer; she sews, replaces upholstery and has tons of fab ideas! Blake is her enthusiastic ‘Partner in Crime’ and is willing to roll up his sleeves and get things done. They called for paint colors for the new place. So, I met with them at their “old” place--the current rental--to see the furniture that was coming along, share with them some Feng Shui background AND, most importantly, ask for their requests... “What can we support in the design of your new place that would open up new opportunities for your lives?” They both mentioned that they could use career boosts (this is a common one :) The tour of their current home included the basement (the suspense is killing you, isn’t it?)... Under the basement stairs, leaning on its side was this HUGE (6ft. by 4ft.) picture…  Here it was...A Feng Shui GOLDMINE!!!!! This VERY LARGE picture depicts two Feng Shui symbols for the Fame and Reputation area of any space: Birds and the number 9. (There are 9 birds--and you would’ve laughed if you could’ve seen me, with my head to the side counting ducks!) “WHAAAAAAAAA???? This picture will be prominently displayed in your new home--it’s representing exactly what you asked for!” In case you’re wondering, the Fame and Reputation Area of your home is represented here:  It speaks to our relationship with the outside world. It’s how others (outside of our immediate families) relate to and see us. It is a HUGE BOOST to creating abundance--if our reputation at work is good, we may be in line for a promotion and make more money. If our reputation in the community is good, career opportunities may open up for us more quickly. If “more money” is on your wish list, also pay attention to this area of your home. Next, we visited Jill and Blake’s new home and Ta-Da! IN THE FAME AREA of the new house there was a nice big wall ready and waiting to accommodate “The Ducks”. It’s in the dining room and overlooks an oversized deck that also enhances the Fame area (we’re staining it red :) A very happy ending to “The Ducks” story! I predict that Jill and Blake will be blessed with abundance in many, many areas of their lives. I’m excited for their new beginning and can’t wait to hear the rest of their beautiful story. If you want help uncovering the treasures in your home--reply to this email, I would LOVE to help! Lots of Love, XOXO  PS: I’m honored to be featured as a guest blogger in the Madison Property Management Newsletter last week. READ IT HERE. Thank you, Kelsie!
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Are you ready to leave your comfort zone? Our June Q is a good one! And, one that I answer all the time--maybe it applies to you, too. Q: What are the Feng Shui principles regarding family photos in my bedroom? ~ Lisa A: Hi, Lisa! Thanks for your question, it’s one that I answer and speak to often--just this week as a matter of fact (Hi, Amy!) If you have a gorgeous pic or two of you and your sweetie (husband, wife, partner, SO) in your bedroom that’s awesome, no worries there… If you have your children, your parents, or other random family members’ pics in the bedroom, it’s time to reconsider. In Feng Shui terms, your bedroom is for rest, rejuvenation, and connecting intimately. So, random family pictures hanging or propped up on the dressers will have the effect of too many people in the bedroom WATCHING you. Plus, they are not just people, they are your family, double uncomfortable!!!! And, NOT conducive to relaxation and intimacy. Instead, here’s what I recommend:
 You have just created something BIG and BEAUTIFUL out of a lot of “little” pieces! GORGEOUS, huh? This is a powerful way to display and honor your family. Far more dynamic than small pictures dotted all over the house. I hope this helps, Lisa! Let me know how your finished project turns out--I would love a picture! If you’d like support to create a gorgeous family wall--let me know, I would love to assist! Lots of Love, XO  SUCCESS STORY: “My daughter had a meltdown at the thought of editing her room. (your suggestion) I just want to say, the editing worked its magic! Not long after, she was HUMMING! And quoting you! Funny how the resistance was easier to work through by editing and organizing her belongings. I’m a believer!” ~Amy D.
This week is FLYING by for me--how about you? I LOVE the cool beginning to summer AND it’s peony season!!!! We’re welcoming Mary (Hi!) this week, we’re so happy you’re here!  In keeping with our PLAN for clearing out clutter in 2017, this month we are going to handle... The Garage If you’ve just joined us and want to take a look at the previous one-space-a-month plans, click below for the details: Jan--Master Suite Feb--Kitchen Mar--Family Room Apr--Linen Closet May--Kids Stuff You can start anytime--just jump in and catch up at the end! Let’s open the garage door and assess…just take a peak. I know! You’re busy and it’s so easy to just “put it in the garage”.  (If you don’t have a garage, this is your month to catch up on previous projects OR help someone you love with THEIR garage OR lay in a hammock with a good book and a cold beverage--up to you!) Garages are often a catch-all for gardening equipment, sports items, recreational items, tools and cast-off items. Oh, yes, and the CARS!!!!!! 28% of Americans park in the driveway because their garage is used for storage. So, let’s make some room for the cars this month! Set yourself up for victory by blocking off a chunk of time, “losing” your phone--except for the before and after pics ;)-- and gathering sturdy black bags or boxes to sort and/or remove items. Start small and go for one shelf, one category, or pull out the “easy to donate” items first. OR, sort items by category--keeping “like with like”:
Use the Clutter Clearing Checklist to guide the process. If you need another copy, let me know, we will get one to you in a flash! Hey, some tunes wouldn’t hurt! How about Queen for inspiration? Then the neighbors will KNOW you’re serious! Get focused and coach yourself through the tough decisions-- “Do we need it?” “Do we use it?” “Are there multiples?” “Is it broken?” (Broken items either need to be repaired (set a time frame) or trashed.) The garage is one of those spaces where storage products can support your efforts. DO NOT purchase until you’ve done the editing work because you will not know what you need! There are many wonderful storage systems that can help with chaos and keeping the space organized. Open, sturdy, ADJUSTABLE shelving works very well for the categories of Gardening, Smaller sports/rec items, Power tools, tool boxes, bins for kids’ toys, and Automotive items such as windshield wash, motor oil and car-washing items.  Depending on what your needs are there are MANY ways to store bicycles, tools, lawn chairs, kayaks, etc. All storage decisions depend on what you are keeping. Here’s my favorite DIY for balls--just bungee cords attached to the shelf frame:  When you’re done, arrange to have a pick up for your cast-offs or take them yourself. DO NOT put them back in the garage for later, I know, it’s tempting.
Now pull your car in, Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, isn’t that better? Maybe pulling the car in is enough of a celebration... However, I would like to suggest something a little more fun than that--how about an evening with Bruce Springsteen? (Just got the new book for my birthday--LOVING IT!) However YOU like to celebrate--go for it--celebrating IS the secret fuel to continuing this process. DO NOT SKIP! Will you let me know how your garage project goes this month? Where is it EASY? Where are you getting stuck? I LOVE hearing from you and would be happy to talk you through a tough spot, if you’d like… Lots of Love, XO Jane PS: if you’re inspired to share this post with a friend, I would be so honored, thank you! PHOTO CREDIT: peony--Janice Laufenberg I hope you had a relaxing long weekend with some fun sprinkled in! (I know at least one client was clearing clutter :)  Cutie grandson visiting from Iowa--the Zoo train was a big hit! After all of that fun--today I’m back to business with a HOT question--one that many, many clients ask: Q: “There are items in my “discard pile” that might be worth some money, I think I should try to sell them on Craigslist (on Ebay) (at a garage sale) (at a consignment store); what’s your advice?”  A: Think of it this way...you have only so much personal energy to spend every day. IF you have extra time and energy to take pictures, write a detailed description with measurements, post, answer emails, plan “the drop”, make “the drop” then Go For It!!!!! If, however, you’re like most of us and time and energy is at a premium... Consider these 3 reasons NOT to sell your cast-off items & donate instead:
So, the next time you have the urge to squirrel things away in the back bedroom, garage, or basement because you think you might like to sell them, pause for a moment. Think again, take a deep breath (Ahhhhhhh) and ask: What is important to you...really? Actually write out the “what’s important to you” list, and if making a few extra $$$ is on the list, near the top AND you’re not going to compromise your personal energy (I’m becoming more and more fierce about this, myself…), then plan and execute the sale--the follow through is often the hardest part. Let me know what you decide--I love hearing from you! Also, do you know someone else who might find this post useful? Share, if you’re inspired, we’ve added a couple of new people to our online community this week (Hi, Jennifer, and Sandy!) and LOVE to grow our family. Lots of Love, XO  SUCCESS STORY: “The kids are playing games in the new family room! The process of decluttering and then creating a beautiful space that my family actually uses was fun with Jane’s gentle/skilled/fierce guidance” ~Ann J. |
Jane Antonovich
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