| Ditching the winter blues may not be as easy this | | | | Chinese art of Feng Shui, which deals with how to |
| year as in years past...especially after watching | | | | achieve balance in each room through object |
| neighbors, family members, or perhaps ourselves | | | | placement. |
| struggle with staying afloat financially, job | | | | After you've rediscovered your living room, have |
| searching or wondering what your future holds | | | | a picnic (minus the ants, of course)! Use all the |
| for 2009 and beyond. | | | | trimmings--blanket, basket, plastic utensils, and a |
| There are many cost-effective yet soul-soothing | | | | healthy lunch...and don't forget friends and family. |
| actions you can take around your home to make | | | | Real plants not growing yet? Opt for their silk |
| the transition from winter to spring a smooth and | | | | counterparts! Lush green plants and spring blooms |
| enjoyable trip and put contribute to a positive spin | | | | give us the impression of change and growth. |
| on outlooks. | | | | What better way to bring these emotions into |
| Number one is to acknowledge and embrace the | | | | your home than with Nature? Most silks available |
| health and happiness that is all around you. | | | | nowadays are so lifelike, that you might even fool |
| Celebrate the positive instead of dwelling in the | | | | people into thinking you have a greenhouse out |
| negative. | | | | back! Your bonus? No maintenance with the |
| Changes in your home such as a fresh coat of | | | | exception of an occasional dusting. |
| paint will literally make your home feel "brand | | | | Change your daily routine by exercising in the |
| new". Paint performs a miracle in transforming a | | | | morning rather than the evening or vice-versa. Do |
| room's warm and receptive qualities. Windows can | | | | something different with your hair. Don't be afraid |
| also benefit from light neutral shades, which will | | | | to wear a pair of earrings that you normally save |
| allow the most light to reflect into a room. | | | | for a special occasion. Look in fashion magazines |
| Moving furniture also has a "start over" kind of | | | | to see how you could pair pieces of clothing you |
| effect. You've seen it in home decorator | | | | wouldn't have thought of before. Be adventurous! |
| magazines and TV shows...a few changes in | | | | Sometimes getting outside of your comfort zone |
| furniture placement and picture groupings can | | | | is the best way to discover new things about |
| definitely make a huge difference in the flow and | | | | yourself and the world around you. Little steps |
| energy of a room. Don't be stuck thinking that | | | | out of the winter blues will make a big difference |
| the candelabra or vase that has sat on your | | | | in how you feel about yourself and the world |
| mantel for years wouldn't look fabulous as a | | | | around you. The only thing left to do is to take |
| coffee table centerpiece! You can even try | | | | action! |
| reading online or purchase a book about the | | | | |