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Room of the Month--She said, “I HATE Blue!”

7/20/2017

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Bob and I had a much needed escape to the north woods in Bayfield this weekend--we slept on an Airbnb BOAT while we were there--super fun! We also went to hear music at the Big Top, hiked, took a cruise around the Apostle Islands and relaxed and read on the beach--AHHHHHHH!
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A couple of weeks ago, we took pictures at Manotee’s beautiful, newly Feng Shuied home. She totally WENT FOR IT and the results are stunning. This new version of her home will support her life now and well into the future.

Today, we’re going to take a look at the the entry and small sitting room off of the entry--you know, the one that no one uses...

Here’s are before pictures for comparison:
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​The Entry represents CAREER and the flow of everything into your life--it all comes through the front door (or the “mouth of chi” if you want to get dorky about Feng Shui!):
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We added a mirrored wall to Manotee's entry and one of my favorite crystal chandeliers--it’s BIG!

We also used a gorgeous blue/turquoise rug and of course a turtle swimming into her home on the wall for good luck :)

Reflected in the mirror is the sitting room off to the side in the KNOWLEDGE and SPIRITUALITY area of her home. The color that is representative of this area is blue and a gorgeous blue-green was coming through for her. Just about the time I opened the paint fan deck to the “blues”, Manotee yelled, “No, I hate blue!!!!”

I asked her to trust the process and consider that maybe she NEEDED blue. She agreed to stay open (I saw her take some deep breaths and actually leave the room for a few seconds :)

The results of the blue paint, creamy yellow ceiling and the combinations of furniture, lighting, soft white rug and her gorgeous native american textiles and statuary created a beautiful space for relaxing, reading, and reflection.
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Well, we think this says it all--Manotee’s Snapchat post this weekend:
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She drinks her coffee here every morning and dreams. And now--she loves blue :)

Lots of Love,
XOXO
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SUCCESS STORY:

“Jane, when you came to my new house, you mentioned blues and brought them out, and I said exactly what you remember… No, I hate blue! It did take me a little bit to reconcile what you were saying to me… That maybe I needed blue in my life. And I did completely trust you and look at the amazing room! It's my favorite room in the house. It makes me feel good. It's a room that typically would never be used in a home (front sitting room/dining room)… But in my case, I go into it every day. I love the feel of the rug under my feet, and the serenity that envelops me. I use every room in my house now. I love going into all of them especially this one!

P.S.. I meditate there every morning….Which I am just learning how to do, with the inspiration of the room.” Manotee C. Middleton , WI


EVENT:
Invite a friend or two and join us next week at the DreamBank for a very special event!
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REGISTER HERE
​PHOTO CREDIT: Janice Laufenberg
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July is OFFICE Month!

7/4/2017

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Hope you had time to unplug and do something FUN this holiday weekend!
 
We’ve had a great week here at Jane Antonovich Designs--Janice (super-fab photographer) and I spent a morning taking photos of a couple of completed Feng Shui projects--can’t wait to show you--here she is, in ACTION!
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Also...Kelly (right hand woman) got Stephanie organized for her big move to New York, Linda’s garage is nearly clear of all (ahem…) “unnecessary items” and Amy and I worked on finalizing her living room design. Dan, our wallpaper superhero is heading to her house today on his motorcycle to measure for her entry and Master Bedroom paper.
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Whew--and that was only the tip of the iceberg!
 
If you’re following--every month this year we are focusing on a different area of your home.
 
Catch up here:
Jan--Master Suite                    Apr--Linen Closet
Feb--Kitchen                             May--Kids Stuff
Mar--Family Room                   June - The Garage
​

Today, let’s get your office organized!
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​Get ready for your organizing sessions this month by gathering bags or boxes for throw, recycle, donate and shred categories. Turn the damn phone off :) Set the timer for 30 minutes and GO!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
BTW, we could make this easy--I’m a HUGE fan of Marie Kondo’s advice on the subject of PAPER:
“Throw it all away.”
There! Now you have time to go to the beach, bake berry crumble or meditate.
Total FREEDOM.
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IF, however, you can’t go for it all at once OR if the thought of that TERRIFIES you--here is your plan for July:
 
Week #1: YOUR DESK
  • Clear the desk top (Yes, I know this might mean putting papers on the floor, in a box, basket, etc.) Get the top clear first, clean it and then very intentionally decide what goes back on. Keep your desk top clear and simple. Include one beautiful item--perhaps a flower or photo of loved ones. (I have crystals.) Now you have SPACE to get work done and be creative.
 
  • Desk drawers--Clear out everything, keep only the supplies you REALLY need and use. The rest can be donated. Perhaps you will need a drawer organizer to keep things in their place.
 
Weeks #2 and #3: THE PAPERS!
Piles of papers and/or your file cabinet--usually stuck and stuffed with old and irrelevant items--are the nemesis of most offices.
 
  • Work on papers  in sections--maybe 10 files at a time or one manageable stack at a time so you aren’t overwhelmed.
 
  • Get REAL about what you’re saving and WHY you’re saving it. Of course there are certain financial papers and vital records that need to be kept. But, more and more, utilities, bank statements, health records, etc. are/can be stored digitally giving you a lot of relief in the “paper-keeping” department. ​
Think very carefully about what you believe you NEED to keep. ​
Scanning is also a wonderful option for certain documents and with free scan apps available (TurboScan is my favorite), it’s as easy as taking a picture and sending a pdf to yourself for a virtual file.
 
Be Ruthless! This is a place where you can create a HUGE shift.
 
I am going out on a limb…
Consider that you may only need ONE small file drawer to keep your most important records--the ones with an embossed seal, like your passport :)
 
Week #4 Shelves/Closets/Cupboards
  • You may need the last week to finish the papers, or go on vacation, OR clear out any shelves, cupboards or closets in the office that need attention.
 
  • How much “backup supply” are you keeping? Is it necessary?
 
  • Look over the books and BINDERS!!!! So many binders with outdated conference info in them. Am I right?
 
  • Edit, refresh, and then organize what remains keeping “like with like” and remembering that your most useful items need to be accessible. Put occasional use items in the back or on the top.
 
BONUS POINTS:
Think through your most irritating office dilemma...
 
One of my clients said, “It’s the smattering of stuff all over the house that needs to be filed--child’s immunization records, car insurance cards, my new work license.”
 
  • First, does it really need to be kept? Really? Ok, then...
 
  • Second, create a place to capture items to be filed. A tray, desk sorter or special file. Then (and this is where it gets tricky…) take 5 minutes once a week and file LIKE A BOSS!
 
Once your office is clear, please take time to celebrate! Dance, Sing, Green Tea and Chocolate? (I’m sure you have your own version!)
 
Now you have a place that supports your work and your life. A place to get things done and be creative without distraction!
 
Next, we can go further with a gorgeous Feng Shui design to keep the chi moving UP, UP, UP! A fresh coat of paint? Upgraded art for the walls? A comfortable desk chair?
 
Let me know if you would like support in any phase of your office uplevel journey--Kelly and I are here for you!
 
Lots of Love,
XOXO
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Upcoming Event:
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Bring a friend, join us at the DreamBank--ALWAYS a lot of fun + Door Prizes!
Register early, space is limited!
Register here!
 ​PHOTO CREDIT:
Janice Laufenberg and Me (taking a picture of her!)
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How Does Clutter Affect Your Bottom Line?

7/2/2017

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This weekend the whole family showed up in St. Joseph, Michigan for my Dad’s burial service. It was a gorgeous day and the service was beautiful with military honors and daughter Morgan giving a lovely tribute to her Grandpa.
 
For me, the remarkable part was 35 people all came together --daughters and families, sister and family, Mom, all of my Cousins (Hi Dan!), 2 adorable second cousins, Aunts and my pricelessly funny choir director from High School:)--a family reunion, of sorts.
 
It was a morning and lunch to remember. Even though the weekend was short, we packed in some fun, too...well, of course the babies were there and of course we made it to the beach!
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​To keep it brief--today I have one simple thought for you to consider…
What affect is clutter having on your money situation?
Because...
​
  • Everything we buy moves our financial balance closer to zero, sometimes even below.
  • Americans carry credit card debt at an average of over $16,000.00 spread over 3-4 credit cards.
  • Recent statistics also report nearly 8 out of every 10 Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck.

There’s an amazing thing that happens when you start decluttering your space--
You become more intentional about what you buy.
It’s a HUGE shift--and one of the many positive benefits of releasing items you no longer need or want.
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All of a sudden accumulating/shopping isn’t so exciting anymore. And you find yourself with more money!
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And a home that feels: Simple, Peaceful, Clear.

Two AMAZING benefits!!!!

How often is shopping and buying things you don’t really need or love a coping mechanism for feeling bored, sad or stressed?

This is a big shift in focus...again, my favorite question, “What’s REALLY important?”

Send me an email with your thoughts--I love hearing from you!

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” ~Socrates
​

Lots of Love,
XOXO
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PHOTO CREDIT: A Bizon--123rf
Upcoming Event:
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Hope to see you there!
Maybe you have a friend who would like to join us?
Register early, space is limited!
Register here!
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    Jane Antonovich
    ​Author


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  • Home
  • About
  • SERVICES
  • Blog
  • Gallery
    • Bedrooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Living and Family Rooms
    • Kitchen and Dining
    • Home Offices
    • Front Doors, Entryways and Exteriors
    • Organizing and Functional Spaces
    • Rec Rooms
    • Meditation Rooms
    • Commercial
    • Feng Shui Video Tours
  • Speaking Services
  • FREE Classes
  • Contact Me