So, let's be honest. What do we really  want our master bedrooms to do?  Okay sleep, I know that it is like the number one thing, but then what.  We want our bedroom to stay pretty for company right? Or do we want it to support our sex life?  Bingo!   I suppose I should have gone on to say that we want our bedroom to be our sanctuary and that is true too but meaningful relationships need a healthy sex life to thrive.  Sexual relationships are extremely beneficial for overall health.  That is IF you are sexually active or have been.  I am not a sex advocate I just want your bedroom to reflect your true intentions.  What I like the best about this podcast is how we focused on how to make the bed appealing by giving you options with your bedding choices.  Let's see how this works…

Look at the picture above I call this bedroom The Virgin Room.  Before you go into a dead faint allow me to explain. There are symbols of a couple: two windows, two matching lamps and two matching night stands.  The number two is correct because it represents a couple,  but all three are identical which symbolizes twins.   So, the message is since the items are identical that the relationship needs to be identical, now that is perfect for those of you that want a same-sex relationship but if want an opposite-sex relationship that many identical items in your bedroom should be avoided. 
Next let's look at the off white/white combination.  The color white, or lack of color, signifies purity and innocence and lack of color means lack of.. well you know what I mean. Not  a good choice for most master bedrooms where strengthening relations is a fore runner.  Now your significant other may raise an Ooh La La to the virgin room reference but you can tell them to forget it while you are picking out your new room colors.
What can we do to make some quick changes?

Imagine the room in the picture with a Queen Anne chest on one side and lamps that don't match. Leave the bed drape but add a floral print spread and leave the off white pillows with the blue. You can warm up the beige walls or leave them the same and add more art work.  Usually about now someone is saying, "But,  I like this room".  From a simple design standpoint it meets all the criteria but from a Holistic Redesign standpoint it misses the point which is: drawing loving relationships into your life. If your desire is to add more love in your life or to strengthen the one you have, why not make a few changes and see what happens.
But don't forget the spark. A beautiful statue or art work depicting intimacy is a great addition. Use items that you bought on your honeymoon or items that bring you closer together.  Leave the cute things for another space in your home. Less is more - nix the TV and no working or eating in the bedroom.
Remember, healthy lifestyles and good dreams is the point of focus.  The body, mind, spirit connection we have with our home is most important and should be a serious focus.  After all, on average we spend a third of our lives in just this one room.  So, you tell me, how important is this room?  I love the promise that the master bedroom holds!

Keep your secrets between the sheets and stay cozy under the covers….Penny

Episode  4

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

  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

   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

  Look at this bedroom.  I can tell you right now that there isn't a lot of action going on there unless it's a bachelor pad.  But it looks like one of those rooms you see in a vacation condos.  It is true that upon entering the master bedroom it should whisper. That means it should not have: a weeks worth of laundry waiting to be put away, books scattered on the floor and a glass of milk that has been there way to long.  Upon entering, we should almost feel as though we should tiptoe and talk in whispered tones.  It is the epitome of serenity and rejuvenation.  The bedroom is the most personal room in the house; it is our ultimate inner sanctum, where we go to renew.  Naturally you want the room to reflect your true spirit.   Come on people clean up your life!   Feng Shui tells us that our home is a true reflection of what is happening in our life. So, if your life is chaotic then change the reflection.  In Wabi Saubi the Japanese believe that life unfolds in the simplest of things, a solitary flower or a piece of driftwood.   Simple means uncomplicated.

When we recognize the importance of the Master Bedroom we begin to see the simple idea of soft sheets and over stuffed pillows, billowing curtains and simple shades. Combining the most attractive and the cleanest lines. Adding prints to give a message and solids to ground us. The best thing about this podcast is that we go through the steps and just implementing a few of them, changes our reflection.  Remember that green design plays a big part here.  Air quality, low VOC paints, flooring and natural bedding all add that  whispering touch to your room.  But the average bedroom has very little cohesion, very little appeal.  The good news is that a bedroom can gain the sex appeal it needs for as little as $500.  But you have to be willing to make the changes necessary to make it the best, and most restful room in the home.

Let's begin to draw the kind of love we desire into our life by paying attention to all the details and let our rooms tell the story of love and renewal. The time we spend in our bedrooms will be one of sleeping and dreaming, mature conversations and intimate interaction.  In our bedrooms we touch our spiritual and primal selves and this is where we awaken our highest self.   In Decorating a Healthy Master Bedroom join me as we discover ways to create a breathtaking room and a  your very own love sanctuary.

Love, life and laugh often…Penny

  Episode 3

 If your one of the 700,00 people who purchased a new IPhone this last week, don't you think Healthy Home Decorating should be on your must have list of podcast subscriptions?

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.

Welcome to Healthy Home Decorating your resource for creating beautiful interiors using Holistic Redesign principals. I'm Penny Crabtree and on these pages we will discuss your own interior decorating needs, while we learn the principles of a healthy home. Some of the topics we will cover are: decorating healthy rooms, like the: master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room to name a few.  We will cover alternative, interior design principals of: the use of color and how to choose it, remodeling, green design, feng shui, wabe saube and other earth sciences.  Emphasis on fabrics, window treatments, area rugs, paint, flooring, furniture, lighting and accessories will be addressed in great length. We will discuss those that are Eco friendly and those that are not and what you can do to make them friendlier.  But the most exciting part is that you get to participate, unlike other sites where  you only get to read the information you can ask questions and comment and we will answer as many as we can on future shows. On our program we will also review trends, books, interview special guests and professionals, give tips that you can use right away on your own holistic  home.  And if that wasn't enough,  we will tell you on future shows how you can have a career with Holistic Redesign or just study it for your own home. Did I mention how much fun you are going to have? It always fun to work on your home with like-minded people.

This Healthy Home Decorating Blog as well as our Podcast Shows have been a long time in coming but you needn't wait any longer.  WE'RE HERE.    I' ve spent the last five years developing this program and I am so happy to bring it to you.  When you follow the Healthy Home Decorating Podcast Show you will find enticing new ways to turn your home into a haven for the development of your body, mind and spirit.

Episode 1 ENJOY

In this episode our host and the creator of The Holistic Redesign Course explains exactly what Holistic Redesign is and how you can create a beautiful healthy home.  Penny Crabtree discusses how Holistic Redesign can be used to transform bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, kids rooms, exterior living areas, and more into peaceful regenerative oasis's.  Using techniques such as Feng Shui, Wabi Sabi and Bau Biology your home will become a
" Shelter From the Storm" of day to day life.  Thanks for listening and please subscribe to our podcast so that you won't miss a single upcoming episode of Healthy Home Decorating.