B Holistic

B a Backer and Support REEL Dreams!

I couldn't be more thrilled for my Sister-by-marriage, Kit.  After spending years co-writing a screenplay with her friend Jessica, Kit has an opportunity with the American Film Institute to actually produce and direct "Stakeout" into a short film.

This is a dream come true for her and goes to show that when dedication meets preparation- opportunity strikes!  I love Kit's go get em' tiger nature.  I have no doubt that she'll make a great short and have us
all rolling on the floor. 

The cool thing about dreams being realized is that they don't happen without support.  Support is the exchange of gift and gratitude that simply creates a positive force of energy where everyone gains.  

Kit needs to raise $10,000 to fund this project.  I'm sure she's been overwhelmed, and probably moved to tears with amount of money donated so far.  For me it was a no brainer and only wish I could donate more. Actually,  I really wish that I could donate labor because I LOVE being around her!

Anyway, click on the picture below for a dose of laugh therapy.  If you choose to back this project you'll get a special thank you credit and receive updates from Kit and her crew about the films progress from start to finish.  How fun is that?!

* My next post will be about how you can use Feng Shui to energize the levels of helpful people in your life, so your own dreams can be realized.  

 

 

 

B in the moment...of a past life?

Was I really a healer in ancient times?  A man in another lifetime who was beaten in prison - that learned forgiveness?  Was my son Victor really my little brother in the pioneer days?  I don't know.  But, these are the images that entered my mind during a guided meditation with Brian Weiss M.D. - a psychiatrist who devoted his life to past life regression therapy.

A self proclaimed left brainer and Yale graduate, Weiss began seeing his psychiatric patients progress after experiencing their own past life memories.  He wrote about this discover in Many Minds Many Masters. Since then he's devoted his career to past life regression and healing through meditation, and lots of people are jumping on board.  I guess I'm one of them and here's why...

Obviously, the idea of reincarnation isn't a new one.  The newer idea is that we all have the mental capacity to remember moments in our past lives similar to the way we remember a childhood memory. In fact the meditation begins with remembering a moment from childhood.  It's interesting because in a very relaxed state your mind can remember more than you think - details, faces, feelings, all become very clear.  By going back to childhood birthday party, I was reminded how much effort my Mom put towards that cookie baking party.  I also wanted to give my cousin a hug because I could feel how terrible she felt remembering when she broke a glass vase.

During a guided meditation, Dr. Weiss guides you to a childhood memory then to the in utero state.  He reminds you that you to let your imagination flow to become present during this initial phase of life. Finally, he has you open a door to a past life.  He counts down and you're there...in this other life.  He tells you to look down to see what your wearing, look around for familiar faces, paying attention to specific landscape, etc... It's fascinating how the images just come up - they just reveal themselves. Whether or not these images are "real" is irrelevant.  I realize it's the image present in my mind, and I can learn something if I simply go along.

It's natural to be skeptical.  There are plenty of skeptics.  I agree with Weiss that you can be skeptical but just try it for experience sake.  You have nothing to lose.  The bottom line is that meditation is good for you physiologically and psychologically.  By becoming deeply relaxed we become open to messages that offer potential necessary for self discovery and spiritual progress in this lifetime. 

The images I received during my meditations helped validate my own profession by offering an image that felt real enough to make me believe I'm in the right place today.  Watching Victor be born as my little brother helped me realize that my connection with him is indeed deeper than I ever imagined.  The prisoner image was strange because it was so clear and so far the only image that had a clear "message"- forgiveness.  None of these experiences were in any way scary.  But, Brian Weiss does offer suggestions if anything feels uncomfortable.  

At the very least these guided meditations are incredibly relaxing and more entertaining than most television programs.  Try it yourself and let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.  You can purchase the meditation collection of c.d.'s. here or here. 

 

 

B Uplifted with Plant Energy

Plants have an uplifting affect, raising the energy in stagnant spots and corners.  The best plants to use are upward-growing with rounded leaves.  Cacti and plants with spiky stiff leaves are less positive.  Dead plants, dried flowers, and potpourri have dead energy and should be thrown away.

To increase Energy flow, place plants in the following areas:

• On your desk or next to your computer
• In a bathroom to increase healthy energy
• Staggering plants down a hallway can slow down energy
• Soften corners with floor plants

Here are some examples of house plants that require low light:

Peace Lily, Camille Dieffenbachia, Ficus, and Rubber tree

 

These plants require medium light: Jade, Croton, Fiddle leaf fig, Philodendron 

High light plants: Weeping Fig, Zebra plant, Orchids

  

 

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

 

B on a $0 Budget and Still Achieve Spring Style

With every new season comes a new perspective.  This is true for me this week. I've been on a Spring cleaning/re-arranging/decorating frenzie...doing as much as I can with $0.  For me, this is the best way to start any new project.  So many of us have everything we need.  Simply by moving things around- our old items can give any room a fresh look.  

Spring cleaning often requires Spring clearing.  Clearing out furniture can open a room and create a lighter feeling.  This room felt especially heavy with a sleigh bed and needed a change.  

Pictures, mirrors, and rugs are changing walls and rooms.  It's nice to take things down and wipe the walls to freshen up space.  Changing the location often makes more sense and you wonder why you didn't put that there in the first place.  Don't go there.  

Changing this mirror from over my fireplace to a wall opposite windows brings in new light and more trees.  Changing the curtains changes the feel just because they filter the light differently.  Over the years I've been making the mistake of not having the right number of panels.  What a difference.

This mirror was stuck in the basement and works perfectly in the kitchen.  This is a Feng Shui adjustment and fixes the missing wealth corner.  Adding this may change my whole budget! It's creeping me out that this picture isn't rotated properly.  But, not enough to fix it.  You get the idea.

 

Because my living room rug is so large and takes over the room, I decided to layer it with this sea grass rug initially in my bedroom.  Layering with this rug helps to break up the room, adds some black accents, and with these curtains (sewn by my Mom from a vintage panel intended for the guest room) helps to create a Summer home feel. 

If you happen to have the material but it's not the right color?  Change it.  Again and again... with RIT dye.  I just happened to have the right colors on hand to create an orange.  They didn't work in my dining room like I thought.  But, there's probably another place or another use that hasn't sprung to me yet.

 

This weekend I'll be painting a book shelf that's been an irritating shade of wood for too long.  I'll continue to tidy up some drawers and continue with Spring cleaning.  I might even treat myself to a few home decor accent pieces now that I'm assured I've used everything I already have.  

Have a wonderful and inspired weekend!

 

 

B in your Element with Upholstery and Feng Shui

When it comes to fabric and textiles I suffer from paralysis by analysis. The beauty of Feng Shui is it's ability to be very specific about what's going to work best for you.  Not only what's best for your personal aesthetic but what color or even texture is going to truly support your life goals and aspirations.  

This last week I had the pleasure of uniting with strangers that all had the same intention.  To learn what we could about Feng Shui and become real-certified practitioners of this Ancient Art of placement. I'm excited to have gained some new friends and learn so much about the history of Feng Shui, how it's applied, and why it has the potential to benefit us on many levels.

B in your Element and B Tuned into your space will be some of the B Holistic blog categories that apply the art and science of Feng Shui to our homes and work spaces.  It's just a matter of time before I complete the certification process and begin offering consultation / decorating services and workshops!  

Until then, here are some examples of fabric from an interesting concept store at 900 N. Michigan called Wolfhome.  A store that works with designers and regular folks that want custom upholstery for furniture, window treatments, and home accessories.  Whether you need wood, fire, earth, metal, or water in your space all depends on the balance in your home and what you have to much of or to little of.  Huh?  I know.  More to come. 

B Ready to ZUMBA with Yours Truly

It was probably the second ZUMBA fitness class I took when I realized one class a week wasn't going to be enough. I wanted more.  A lot more.  A lotta lot more. Like, blur the lines between work and life more.  So, after some encouragement I decided to follow my instincts and get certified to teach.

ZUMBA is a dance fitness class based on Latin and International Rhythms like Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, and Cumbia.  The hip and core action work great for shaping abdominals and toning the tush.  Lots of arm movements work the shoulders and the dreaded bat wings.  The blend of fitness and dance work together to create a great workout that feels more like a party.  The long and short- ZUMBA is FUN!! 

 I love it.  Here's some more reasons to "ditch the work-out and join the party"...

• Not only does ZUMBA burn between 500-800 calories the music and moves change from week to week, so your body doesn't get conditioned, eliminating the plateau factor.

• It's a full body workout.  The more familiar you become the more intensity you bring- working with your own resistance to work all the major muscle groups.

• ZUMBA is fun and requires less discipline and will power to motivate one to exercise.  But, at the same time it's effective and enables one to stick to their weight loss programs.

• Everybody can do this.  Dance experience isn't necessary.  ZUMBA is a non-intimidating fitness class that's about having fun and moving with the music.  Men, you will be out numbered, but don't let that stop you.  If you like to dance AT ALL than get' on the floor!

• These classes have the power to connect people more than I've ever experienced. There's something about people moving together to music that creates a positive energy.  We could all use a little more of this these days.

• It's good for the soul!  When we let go of our inhibitions and move to the music there's a freedom that feels pretty amazing.  It fosters self development and confidence that carry's through to other areas of our lives.

Try it!  If you live in or close to Berwyn, IL I'll be teaching a class at the Berwyn Recreation department beginning April 14th, 6:30-7:30.  The first class is free. After that it's a $10 resident fee or $8 for a six week package.  If you don't live close then simply find a class nearby here.  

 In June I'll be teaching a class at the Loyola Center for Health and Fitness.  More info to come.  

I'm super excited to be incorporating the body - fitness aspect to B Holistic.  Stay tuned!   

 

B Styled Pretty this Spring at Odalisque Apothecary

Happy Spring!!  When Spring arrives I think about cleaning, gardening, and a fresh Spring Look.  

First things first. So, I head to Geneva, IL and pay a visit to my favorite make-up artists at Odalisque Apothecary.  Where the owner Bridget Lescher and her knowledgeable staff style me pretty with Seasonal shades.  For Odalisque's online make-up tips visit Original Chic.

All photos taken by Harriet.

 

 

 

B Efficient and put the kids to work

Last Sunday was a cold and gray day.  So, I was happy to spend the better part of the afternoon in the kitchen preparing for Charlie's birthday dinner.  Classic Pot Roast and Boston cream cake both came from Cook's Illustrated, a love/hate relationship. I love the informative, no fuss, black and white format of the magazine. And I love how they approach cooking from every angle and test food and equipment for the best results. But, I hate that you have to pay for online access to the recipes EVEN if you have a subscription.  

I really hate that 95% of the time when I cook from Cook's Illustrated, the recipe is a production.  The Classic Pot Roast recipe was from the free 14 day trial subscription when I printed out every recipe I thought I would ever need, mostly holiday recipes.  I thought 3 hours in the oven would provide ample time for Sunday sitting.  But, it didn't.  Between the cake cooling and layering, cleaning in between, and prepping sides and a salad blah blah blah it was all day.  ANYWAY....

Charlie started feeling queasy right before dinner.  He politely had two bites.  The rest of us ate our slow cooked meal in about 5 minutes and then there was the mess.  When I want to be done with something but still have to plow through- alone - I get crabby.  So, when Victor started asking me for my phone to play angry birds, I became the angry bird.  Actually, not too angry because I decided right then and there that it was about time the kids get to work.

I was inspired by Suze Orman's latest "Money Class" on PBS where she stands firm on telling kids "NO NO NO' instead of "YES YES YES" to every whim and desire.  She hates allowance and believes in a work-pay program.  Here, the kid doesn't get $$ for everyday - should do anyway- chores like making the bed, or picking up toys.  Instead they get paid when they do work.  The value of the pay increases with more challenging tasks.  However, the kid can't choose the highest value chore for the $$$ but needs to work his/her way up to that big money item- like climbing the corporate ladder.  Orman's feeling is that children who get whatever they want as kids won't be equipped with the work ethic that will be required of them in the challenging economic future.

I can see this frightening reality already with lazy, phone-addicted teenagers working in retail stores or restaurants.  Sloppiness and rudeness is a pet peeve and sometimes I say something and become that lady. To be honest, as much as I'd like to say, "uh uh- not MY kid."  I CAN actually see some entitlement behavior brewing and tonight I knew things were going to change around here. 

So, came the quotes...one of my aunt's favorites but I can never remember and sounds something like "Mache hande make-a schnelle ende"  which means many hands together gets the work done quickly.  And, one of my Dad's constants - "NOW, look around. What else needs to be done?"

I wasn't crabby and didn't feel overwhelmed anymore.  It's about time these kids do more than the minimum around here.  It will take a little training, but that goes with any new work program.  Dusting, vacuuming, sorting, folding, mopping, washing, what else, what else???  It's about time these kids realized household chores were for the household and not just for those/me who can't tolerate living in a pig sty.

When everything was cleaned up we lit the candles and sang happy birthday.  Poor Charlie was too sick for his own cake.  And if you know Charlie, than you know he was feeling BAD.  We indulged anyway - we worked for it - and the cake was Cook's Illustrated saving grace.  WoW!  They also have the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever!  I'd provide the link but you'd have to pay for the recipe.  Instead, put this book on your wish list or a buy it for the sweet tooth in your life.

To be continued... 

B in love and put a little pink in your corner

Stand in the doorway of any room and point towards the back right corner.  This is the love and relationship area according to Feng Shui principles.  Understanding specific areas in your home and office can help remove decorator's block but also can provide meaning and significance to every nook. 

LIven up the relationship corner with symbols that represent love and romance with the color pink.  I also like the idea of using pairs of items like bookends to symbolize "keeping it straight" or "I'll hold up my end if you hold up yours".  Adding plants, light, and water fountains are also very common for activating and energizing an area. 

Don't cancel your marriage counseling appointment or match.com membership just yet, but definitely look around your home and observe the state of this corner in every room.  Lots of clutter represents chaos.  Are there any boring or empty areas?  Remove anything that reminds you of past relationships, especially if there's negative feelings associated with these things. Intention is everything so remove and replace items with clear purpose.  

The following pink examples are from House Beautiful.com where you can find a ton of pink inspiration.

 

 

 

 










  

 

B Relieved when your kid doesn't stink anymore

Read this only if you have a stomach for bodily excretions, you have small kids, or if you're interested in nasal irrigation.  

A couple of weeks ago...

3-year old Harriet put a spit-ball sized piece of kleenex up her nose.  When it happened, I didn't see her do it, but I saw a little white when I looked up her nostril.  She blew her nose and sucked it up further.  At that point, I used the kid size nasaline and put it in her nose, but she kind of flipped when the water got stuck and backed up into her mouth.  I stopped and tried using a rubber suction.  (Looking back-here's the point in the story that supplies a dose of ole' mother's guilt.)  

I didn't see the kleenex anymore and it didn't seem to bother her.  I figured it might just fall out or dissolve.  So, we all carried on.

Ten days go by...

Harriet is beginning to smell.  Honestly, her sweet baby breath even on her worst days is wonderful.  This was kind of foul.  I attributed it to her right runny nostril that was inflamed and irritated.  Nothing too unusual for a kid this time of year.  And since there's often a smell with sickness I thought it was just that. But, she wasn't getting sick.  So, I FINALLY looked it up online.  (Second point of Guilt) And read a couple things about LIver damage and organ failure along with lots about the importance of brushing/flossing and eating a healthy breakfast.  I didn't think it was an oral hygiene thing.

But, then...

"Something stuck in the nose could cause Halitosis." OMG, it's the kleenex!  Googling, "will kleenex dissolve in nasal passages" led me to a thread about childhood experiences with paper in the nose.  It wouldn't necessarily dissolve and absolutely could cause a rotten smell! I know it's just kleenex but who knew if there was damage.  I just kept thinking, "Please don't let this be reason for surgery.  I couldn't handle the guilt!  Honestly, in my head I knew it was going to be fine.  I just wanted it out.  It stank.  

Got a quick appt. with our pediatrician, but she couldn't get it.  She recommended the saline solution and referred me to an ENT doc.  During our reward lunch date I made an appointment.

When we got home we had to try the nasaline again.  It was the combination of bribery and bravery that Harriet allowed me to hold her and shoot saline solution through the nasaline's syringe.  The water wasn't coming out like it should because it was blocked by the kleenex.  She cried, but I kept going and pushed quickly AND FINALLY, the Honkin' piece of foul smelling rotten snot tissue shot out.  WHOOOO!  We cheered.  I cheered.  And Harriet got to watch Barney with ice cream on the couch.

When Victor got home from school, we shared the good news.  The kids hugged.  He was jealous and wanted ice cream too.  I decided he could have some but that he needed to use the nasaline like his brave sister.  Parenting just doesn't work as often without bribes.  He hated it, but didn't get 1 ounce of saline through his nose without buckets of mucous shooting out.  It was exciting! He got through the rest of it and said "WOW- I don't like it but I feel much better".

Yep. 

Here's my tip...Order one for yourself and one for your kids.  It's great for your first aid box and maybe you could convince your kid if he/she has chronic snot packed passages.

Sweet Harriet had gone through a lot.  I'm sorry that it took me so long for it to click.  We were relieved the foul foreign body was out.  I could tell she felt better and was obviously a little exhausted from the whole experience.  This morning her inflamed nostril was completely better.