I was raised in southern Florida. It would be nice to tell you that I grew up in a lush paradise but the truth is it wasn't easy to keep things green. Those of you that live in warm climates know what I am talking about, it can be a challenge.  So when we talk about creating a beautiful healthy outdoor space, we need to remember that the important thing is to be able to connect back to our roots. Connecting to the earth as a child of the earth.  This is a primal connection and is as important as breathing.  BUT the first thing you need to do when connecting back to nature is to realize what type of connection you need personally.  Some of us love the water we feel the most fulfilled when we are close to it.  The sound that the waves make when they strike the beach is the same swishing sound as the energy in our bodies. Some love the forest with the smell of fir trees and the robust fragrance of the earth.  The mountains remind us of the energies of our Grandmothers, wise and majestic; while the desert is perfect for inner peace and contemplation. Spend a moment thinking about which of these types of natual settings appeal to you the most, then create your outdoor sanctuary to best support its natural counterpart. Don't worry if you don't have a green thumb it took me three tries before my sacred space even started to take shape.  I think that was because I wasn't sure who I was and so my yard kept changing.  Truth was sometimes I couldn't even get things to grow. Hmmm wonder what I was being told!  
Even though the planting season is almost over we can still begin to map out our plans for the future.  I find that there is so much fun in the planning and of course in the shopping for plantings, fountains, decor and ponds.  Trees and shrubs for example, are ideally planted in the fall.  So planning now while the nursery stock is still in it's summer leaf is perfect for visualizing your future garden.  One tip on choosing your living decorative items is to start with smaller stock.  You'll save a lot of money and the plants will grow prettier into the space as opposed to being forced to conform to your plan.  Take your time to plan, look at the fully grown (or mature) potential size of the plants you are interested in.  It is likely that in your garden, with love and attention, your plants will reach their fullest size and maybe beyond.  But whatever they do they are a reflection of who you are so cultivate an inner garden first.
Fountains and ponds are great additions to the garden, we've taken some time to check out and provide you with some links to online providers of these products. Take a look at them, when you have some time.  I had a small pond at my home and I bought little 19¢ feeder goldfish to stock it with.  They grew to be about four inches long and even laid eggs and had babies.The five feeder fish I bought turned into hundreds.  Whooo!  Our pond attracted all types of wildlife and it was great to share with them.  Well, sort of.  The Great Blue Heron who came regularly to visit was a mixed blessing though, after her visits we were always short a few more fish.  Oh well, I guess her babies had to eat too.
Remember to down load Decorating for the Zodiac it will only be available for a few more weeks.  Enjoy the podcast and subscribe to the feed if you think you would like to catch all of our shows. PLEASE, PLEASE  leave a comment, I need to know that someone cares about what we are talking about besides my mother. Yeah, yeah I know there are some punctuation , spelling and grammar goofs, editing isn't my strong point.  Maybe the Grammar Girl can save me.  Also we are starting an email newsletter in addition to this blog, I'll tell you more about it when we are ready to launch it (about 2 weeks) so sign up now at the top right of the page and avoid the rush.  It will have some great ways to get some great gifts, no strings attached I promise.

Pay attention to your intention and plant happy…Penny

Episode 5

  Oh, My Gosh! How cool is it to have great ways to improve our lives through outdoor spaces?  You gotta love the concept of using outdoor areas to support a personal desire.  Now it is easier than you think.  Remember we talked on an earlier show about how the impact of your intention, what you think, sets into action the outcome.  To further strengthen that, we can increase our health, money, love life etc ., just by the the type of garden we have, even if it's just a window garden. Now, I have no green thumb but I have seen amazing results from people who have placed their dreams and wishes into symbols that they see every day.  Gardens are just one way to use symbols to support a desire. To begin creating a healthy outdoor room we delve into the specifics of  five essential types of gardens.  They are: The Garden of Direction, guiding your career path. The Quiet Garden, for cultivating inner peace, The Wedding Garden, finding the love in your life. A Healing Garden, supports nurturing and healthy life styles. Finally The Garden of Riches, manifesting more success and prosperity.  Each of these has a simple yet powerful purpose.  I know that at least one of these five gardens mentioned will find a place in your present day life.  You will be able to immediately implement many techniques that we discuss in this episode.  Other recommendations for plantings and such will take time to mature and develop according to their nature.  Rest assured that the universe is aware of your intention and will honor your efforts, so don't delay using your newly created outdoor room.  The shrubs, plants, and trees will grow to their full majesty, especially with your loyal use of the garden space.  All you need to do is tend your soul and garden.    But here is a little sample of how you can take action today…

Create a Wedding Garden Inside 
Wedding Gardens are used to draw relationships to you so that love can blossom.  This garden is called a Wedding Garden because it is usually done in two connecting circles. Like an actual figure eight 8. Some feel this symbolizes two wedding rings.  In reality the connecting of these circles shows the inner joining of two souls.  That is so sweet, I love it.  To create a Wedding Garden, the symbols of connecting two souls can be created inside by planting in two separate containers.  One container should be feminine and the other masculine, or yin and yang.  The containers must be different to show the power of your diversities, but if you desire equality in the relationship they should be planted similarly.  Make sure that these containers have  weight to them ( slightly heavy) symbolizing a grounding relationship and that they touch slightly representing the connection.  Be sure they have plenty of light and that you take great care of them.  You can use artificial plantings if you wish.  IMPORTANT:  1.  Place where you can greet them each day with a loving affirmation. Such as: You are so beautiful that you bring nothing but love into my life.   2.  It is important that you light these plants.  Use up-lighting from the floor, a spot light or weave small twinkle lights ( like Christmas tree lights) through the plantings.  These lights increase the vibration of energy around your intention drawing it to you quicker.  To raise the vibration around your intention even higher be sure to add appropriate symbols outside as well.

Let me hear from you…..Penny

 Episode 6

Okay Okay… On past shows I mentioned a couple times about classes and an upcoming course in  Holistic Redesign and how to become a Holistic Redesigner.  Let me tell you a little about what is going on.   We have information on Penny Crabtree dot com but there are problems with some of the browsers which may make it difficult to access.  If you have Internet explorer you won't have any problem . For the rest of you : we are working on it.  So, I will tell you a little about our first class now.   The first class entitled:Creating A Life of  Healthy Abundance   will be a three-part podcast .  This is three -  thirty minute sessions available only to our subscribers and its free !  BUT you must register.  

If you are serious about changing the flow of prosperity in your life then you really don't want to miss this opportunity.  Not only will we discuss ways to change your finances, you will change the way you look at your abundant life all together.  Increase all aspects of your life to flow for the better.  Better relationships, more opportunities, increased health in both body and mind and elevated spiritual awareness.  If you are tired of feeling stuck start now to make the right changes. At www.healthyhomedecorating.com we intend for you to have a rich abundant life, one that is free from worry and stress.  Subscribe and  register.  Classes will be announced soon.   Don't get shut out register early.  Remember its free — but you must register.   Did I say that enough times???  Subscribe and register.   I just don't want you to miss this valuable class.   Want to start now?  Check out these two great movies:   The Secret and The Celestine Prophecy.   

Until we talk again my friends…Penny

and remember….Pay Attention to Your Intention

I know it sounds too good to be true, but our show sponser
Ohio Design Inc.
has generously offered to give away jewelry to our customers.  They want you to witness the quality and unique character of their jewelry products.  They know that when you see what they have to offer you'll tell your friends and family and everyone else you come across.  Our first jewelry gift is the Life Blessing Bracelet and matching necklace (a $137.00 VALUE).  Like all Ohio Design jewelry, this fine hand beaded bracelet is made of Swarovski Crystal with sterling silver toggles.

Ohio Design's   Life Blessing Bracelet and Necklace


Retail value of  $137.00
We will announce the winner of this bracelet on our first September pod cast.  The winner will be drawn from our Healthy Home Decorating email list.  To enter the drawing just enter your email address on the first page so that we can contact you when you win.  Next month we will feature a new style of jewelry product, maybe a necklace or bracelet or earrings or all three, we'll just have to wait and see what Ohio design comes up with.  In the mean time get entered for the first drawing because every one has a chance to win each time.  Just remember you'll always be entered for the next drawing even if you've already won a previous drawing.

In this episode  7 you will find many tips on buying and selling a healthy home.  Penny interviews her King Thompson  Coldwell Banker realtor Gail Merrell and gets her perspective on how Penny's home differed from other homes she has sold and shown.  Penny gives some great advice on curb appeal, staging, subtle prep for showing, and ambiance.  You'll also receive tips on what to look for and how to look for a potential new home.  This podcast is longer than any other we have done and for that I apologize.  We value your mind-share and time but there is so much cool information from Penny and Gail that I didn't have the heart to edit it too much.  Listen and enjoy, and please leave a comment if you feel inclined.  Our shows are made for you and your input helps us to bring you what you want.

Episode 7

I'm sure you've heard about OHIO DESIGN'S FANTASTIC JEWELRY GIVEAWAY If you haven't, just listen to podcast episode 7 to get all the details. or click on the Ohiodesign Jewelry give away page "An Amazing Jewelry Give Away!" on the right side of the page.  It is really unbelievable that they are so generous, all the jewelry they sell is totally hand made of the the highest quality Swarovski crystal.  I hope you'll give us a chance to give you some jewelry.  Let us know what you think, leave a comment.

This is the first installment in our series on specific rooms in your home.  We start with the Living Room or " Life Room" as we call it.  You'll discover new ways to think about and create this most important space.  We are so excited to begin the series on Creating a Healthy Room.  The Holistic Living Room is the first.    In this episode I (Penny) started on do's and dont's that make the living room reflect the aspirations and dreams for all that live there.  It can really boggle the mind when we  think of the possibility that there is more to decorating than just making a room pretty.  What an impact our Living Rooms can make by simply being aware of their potential.  

One day while conducting a workshop in Michigan I had a gal approach me after the class.  It's common for attendees to ask me questions about their own homes; after all this is very private and personal work and it's important to know how to apply the principals once you understand them.  Usually, I am asked how to begin to correct challenges but this time all this woman wanted to know was: "How do I create a home that reflects peace?"
That one little question really took me back to why I do what I do.  Plus it is not an easy request to take tangible items like flooring, paint and draperies and use them to create a state of mind.  After a long pause I told her to begin in the living room because that is really the life-blood of our spaces. 

Living rooms are the heart-beating, pulse of our life and they should be the reflection, a visual affirmation, of our true intention - our life missions if you will.  So many people are busy with just trying to accomplish all the things needed to do in a day  that they don't give any thought to any life mission or purpose.   Ask ten people that you know what they believe their life work is and they will tell you that they are too busy just trying to survive to think beyond that point.  But every single one of us, young or old, American or Asian; all have something special that only we can do and it is crucial to our conscious growth. 

Creating spaces that remind us that we are each a necessary part of the whole helps us to stay focused and to look ahead.  Use your Life Room to support your self and your family by surrounding it with  memories and items that inspire.   If your feeling low, use colors like yellow and orange or large patterns to uplift and jazz life up a little.  Add a little contemporary flair to furniture legs and a piece of art work that makes a statement. To add peace remove the clutter, keep things simple and use neutrals; to curtail the chaos create a space that you feel you want to whisper in  by using over stuffed pillows and textured fabrics. To begin healing use earth tones and shades of green, natural flooring and fabrics.  Breathe life in to your Living Room and it will return the favor. Don't wait — start small begin today!
Let me hear from you, we will be sharing your notes on future shows so keep on creating that Healthy Home!

Living a quality of life…Penny

Episode 2