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

  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