Rose Cottage

 Over the years, my cleaning style has ebbed and flowed; my daughter tells me I could write a book on  feng shui , (she wonders why I don't just do what I know, lol!)  Last fall after numerous discussions and planning, my daughter, son-in law and I began sorting, clearing and downsizing for my big move into a smaller space!! She helped inside, while he did much of the heavy lifting and dispersal- storage,  donations, recycling and trash! Zander helping sort When I'm working solo, I am a fan of utilizing a  Body Double  -  listening to podcasts or YouTube, or calling a friend (and using Bluetoothor pitting them on speaker!). Melissa Maker's  Cleaning videos , and tips from Rachel Hoffman of  UFYH  were already favorites.  I joined a fortuitous Clutter Clearing submit, and found more: Cass - Clutterbug , Dana - A Slob Comes Clean ,  plus my friend Kira Rodenbush - What's Up with your Stuff ? And Feng Shui Maven Amanda Gibb...

 Feng Shui has long been an interest of mine.  Literally meaning 'wind and water,' we are invited to tune into our natural environment and notice our place in it.  As practioner Amanda Gibby Peters reminds us, our homes are always talking to us - are we listening? Here's her podcast on loving up your front door .  Beautiful brooms As the Lunar New Year approaches, there are still several things we can do in preparation to welcome the year of the Rabbit.  Shui holds that our front door offers opportunity for Chi (engy) to enter, and luck find us.  Take some time to clear & bless the entrance or 'Mouth of Chi' by clearing clutter by your front door, sweeping the steps & porch, making sure the door can open, street numbers are visible, & washing the door - or painting it!  Add a bit of salt and lemon or orange essential oil to the water - or peel from fresh citrus to the water, and wash away troubles experienced in the old year.  Shake o...