Feng Shui

Sometimes I have to post a practical, straightforward post and this is one of them. Curtains versus blinds. I am on record stating that I prefer blinds any time. They attract less dust, look chic and you can manage the level of light and privacy. We have managed with old curtains the last couple of years due to window styles and once again, we can't have blinds due to metal window frames. So, we are replacing some old curtains in the lounge with ones of better quality. Once you have decided on which way to go, consider what the

Having recently sold an apartment and now looking for a new one, real estate agents are curious about Feng Shui and sceptical at the same time. We have a lovely agent who is fascinated as she reviews why some apartments sell and why some don't. Asking the question, what is Feng Shui is a good start. It translates as wind-water, driving forces in our life energy, Chi. The oldest Chinese Feng Shui versions are complicated and based on ancient philosophy and also ancient architecture and homes! Toilets, as most ardent Feng Shui people know, are considered to be the drain

Wandering around Lisbon for a quick visit, it is clearly an Earth element city. Beautiful tiles, Art Deco architecture and lots of cobble stones! Take a step back and look at where you live. Are you in a Metal element city such as New York, a Wood city with masses of trees around or are you in a Water element city such as Venice with lots of canals or lakes? Even review your local area to see what the general element is and it is likely to demonstrate the related energy. You can then apply Feng Shui practice. What

I love a spa for about thirty minutes and then I have had enough! Perhaps this is why I resonate with the Feng Shui practice of bathrooms not being visible, that don't encourage you to spend time there. This is fortunate, as it is also the least favourite room in our apartment. The tiles are basic and although the room functions, it isn't glamorous like previous bathrooms we have renovated. It was already installed when we bought the place and it looked like a laundry with a shower and toilet. We still wanted to add some kind of design,

With 2022 around the corner and the door of 2021 still open, it is curious how doors have been both physical and metaphorical this year. We had physical doors falling off, we installed interior ones, the fridge door still needs integrating and laundry doors had to be replaced. Personally, 'doors' were closed for no reason other than age which is frustrating but others opened unexpectedly. My husband stepped out of a long-term career into a new one but not without hurdles to clear. New friends opened doors and older friendships opened up even further while, sadly, other friends closed

No, it isn't at Tiffany's - although the store has finally given in and created a cafe to fulfil the fantasy! It all started when we went on holidays for some peace and quiet in the middle of the Belgian countryside. Each morning a full breakfast was presented on a white tablecloth using the owner's inherited coffee cups and bowls. Served with love and elegance. Classical music was softly playing, an amazing view of poppies in a field from the table, fresh coffee, croissants and local fruit and cheeses eased us gently in to the day. We haven't quite replicated

Dinah Washington sang with emphasis, "what a difference, a day makes, 24 little hours..." This song is in my head as I contemplate the past week of positive outcomes. New work projects, new friends by chance and steps forward in the land of French bureaucracy. It looks as if my social security number may be delivered in the next 10 days. Note the word 'may'! My husband's residency card should be picked up at the end of July and we are both completely vaccinated. A yacht cruise with a group we have never met ended up connecting with four