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THE MAGAZINE THAT EXPLORES WELLNESS IN REAL ESTATE VOL 4 | ISSUE 11
Feng Shui Your Home for the Holidays Wellness Revolution:
Feng Shui Essentials: Modern Tips For Harmonious Living
How Real Estate is Transforming Toward Healthier Living
Brought To You By: Cheri Riley REALTOR® Premier Sotheby's International Realty
727-228-0779 cheririley@cheririley.com
years BRINGING HEALTH & HOME TOGETHER
A letter from Cheri As someone deeply passionate about healthy living, I'm excited to introduce you to a new magazine that combines health and home. You’ll learn about Wellness in Real Estate, a new trend that is projected to be worth $870B by 2027, and the articles inside help you learn ways to create a healthier, more comfortable, and joyful home environment. Meet Wellness Real Estate Magazine, aka WellnessRE Experts in Feng Shui, building biology, wellness architecture, and eco-design, have compiled a wealth of insights to help you embrace a healthier and more vibrant autumn season. Let these articles be your inspiration for a more comfortable and well-balanced living space.
Take a look inside and let me know what you think of this new publication! I think you’ll love it. Here's to staying inspired and keeping things healthy – not just at home but also in our vibrant community. Wishing you a Holiday Season filled with joy and good times!
Cheri Riley REALTOR® Premier Sotheby's International Realty #BK3348785
727-228-0779 cheririley@cheririley.com www.cheririley.com
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Spiced Butternut Squash Tacos Looking to spice up your fall dinner options? These Butternut Squash Tacos will amaze and surprise even your most discriminating eaters. Heather says, “When I asked for plant-based recipe requests a few weeks ago, one of them was Butternut squash taco’s. (Not sure who that was- but thank you!!!) Well, that sounded really good to me too, so I went ahead and made some and they are delicious. The kids were super skeptical by the way- especially Coco, but once they tried the taco’s, guess who said they were sooooo good?!”
https://heatherchristo.com/2020/01/14/s piced-butternut-squash-tacos/
Heather Christo is a classically trained turned Allergen-Free celebrity chef who makes eating healthy a delicious way of life. 2017 James Beard Award Nominee for her amazing cookbook PURE DELICIOUS
Effortless
Holiday Hosting: Stress-Free Guest Arrivals By, Jolene Nanette
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we're gearing up for those cozy get-togethers with our favorite people, complete with hearty meals and heartwarming stories. But, the holidays can also throw a bit of chaos and busyness our way, making it difficult to enjoy the special moments that create these lifelong memories. That's why a bit of early planning and preparation can work wonders to ensure the holidays feel more enjoyable.
PREPARE A GUEST ROOM Ensure the guest room is clean, fresh, and welcoming. Provide clean bedding, extra pillows, blankets, and towels. It's also a nice touch to add some essentials like a bedside lamp, a clock, and a basket with toiletries. If the guests are staying in a shared space, such as an office or family room, utilize items you have from other rooms to make these spots feel more homey.
CREATE A GUEST INFORMATION SHEET Make a handy information sheet with details about the house, such as the Wi-Fi password, codes for the front door/garage, and any important instructions (e.g., how to use the coffee machine and TV). If your guests are visiting from out of town, provide them with information about local attractions, restaurants, and transportation options. They'll appreciate your guidance and it will make their stay more enjoyable. This will help your guests feel more comfortable and self-sufficient.
STOCK UP ON ESSENTIALS Before your guests arrive, check that you have enough toiletries, toilet paper, and other essentials. It's also a good idea to have extra snacks, beverages, and breakfast options available for them.
CLEAR SOME CLOSET AND DRAWER SPACE Ensure your guests have enough space to unpack and store their belongings. Clear out a section of your closet or set aside a dresser drawer for their use. This step is a win-win because it will give you a chance to clear out any clutter that has been piling up. Allowing your guests to not live out of their suitcases and will help them feel more at home during their stay.
PLAN MEALS IN ADVANCE Discuss dietary preferences and any food allergies with your guests ahead of time. Plan your meals accordingly and try to have a variety of options available. If your guests enjoy cooking, you could even collaborate on a meal together! Time spent with friends and family in the kitchen is one of the things that make the holidays special.
PROVIDE A WELCOME BASKET Surprise your guests with a thoughtful welcome basket filled with snacks, water bottles, magazines, or any other small items they might appreciate. It's a lovely gesture to make them feel special and cared for. Photo credit: www.gracefulorder.com
By, Jolene Nannette Home by Jolene Specialist in home efficiency
Remember, the key is to make your guests feel comfortable and welcome in your home. By implementing these tips, you'll be well-prepared to host and enjoy the company of your house guests!
Toxin-Free Gatherings
A Guide to Healthy House Entertaining By, Amanda Klecker
The dining room table is the main hub where togetherness happens during the holidays, and it’s so fun to have family and friends over to enjoy some time together. Now, if you're anything like me, those pre-dinner party jitters can start creeping in. You might find yourself obsessing over whether your spread is impressive enough or if your house is perfectly spotless. I've been down that road myself, but I've learned that the key is making people feel genuinely welcome and at ease, and everything tends to fall into place just fine. When I used to host people I’d put out lots of plastic and throw-away utensils and plates. However, as of late I’ve been getting rid of all these toxic products, which I thought would make hosting a bit more of a challenge. SPOILER: It really didn’t change that much to make a few tweaks to my typical purchases. I wanted to share with you some of the main components that can help you create a healthier experience while hosting your favorite group of people for any occasion. It all boils down to the fact that you can make some really simple switches that probably won’t cost you a whole lot of extra money or time. So pour yourself a glass of wine and get ready to plan your next dinner party, gathering, game night, or family get-together the healthy way.
USE REAL DISHES & SILVERWARE This is a big one — eating off of plastic, or paper coated in plastic is a big risk. If you have glass plates you can use, go for it! Washing a few extra dishes isn’t going to be the end of the world, especially if you have some help. If you opt not to use real plates, please consider using real silverware. Plastic utensils are not only less enjoyable to eat with but also not environmentally friendly. Real silverware enhances the dining experience for your guests and adds a touch of sophistication. If real dishes and silverware just aren’t in the cards for your next get-together, then check out other healthier options like MightyNest which are 100% biodegradable and safe to eat off of.
DECORATE WITH REAL PLANT CENTERPIECES A great way to make a table pretty is by using plants and flowers in the centerpieces. I love using mums in the fall, poinsettias in the winter, and just about any spring or summer flower in their respective seasons. The great thing about using an actual potted plant is that you can keep it and reuse it later. You could also use real flowers for a great centerpiece. But the beauty behind using an actual plant that is alive and doing well is that it helps detoxify the air by reducing carbon monoxide. There are so many great ideas you can find on Pinterest to help you incorporate potted plants in your centerpiece or display at home.
ENJOY OUTDOOR DINING I live in Minnesota, where the outdoor dining season is relatively short. Even during the summer, we occasionally skip it to avoid the mosquitoes and bees that tend to bother us during our meals. However, whenever the weather permits, we make it a point to enjoy a meal outdoors. The fresh air not only benefits our bodies but also nourishes our souls. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to host outdoors all year long. There are some really great ways you can make an outdoor space just feel like an extension of the indoors. Head over to my blog for a better breakdown on this. But basically having a comfy spot to eat or relax, some lighting and a few plants and textiles is key to making a beautiful outdoor space. And double points if you decide to do your cooking outdoors for your get-together. It helps with heating costs and prevents excess CO2 levels inside your house if you have a gas stove.
CHOOSE COTTON PLACE SETTINGS UTILIZE WOOD & GLASS PLATTERS We talked about it earlier in this article, but avoiding plastic wherever you can in the kitchen is going to be a really healthy practice. I’ve written a whole post on how to reduce the amount of plastic in your kitchen, and specifically WHY it’s so important. Using natural things like glass, stainless steel and wood are much better option in comparison to plastic or melamine. You can find really great pieces at a thrift store if you're looking to add a few more pieces to your cabinets. And the great thing is, a lot of these beautiful platters, bowls, and boards can be displayed on shelves or in your kitchen when you’re not using them.
INCORPORATE REAL HERBS & FOOD If you are a lover of food, you know that real food is the way to go EVERY TIME. I love being able to incorporate beautiful, natural foods into my charcuterie boards and platters. I think it’s great to add a bit of color through fresh fruits and veggies to any part of your table. Plus when the food is out, people will snack. I also like to add fresh herbs to beverages and garnishes in meals. It’s such a great use of these plants and it can add some real flavor. PLUS, herbs are a great resource and a really healthy addition to any meal.
Tablecloths and placemats are kind of a fun way to add some dimension to your table when you’re hosting a dinner party. I love using them on fun holidays with my family when it’s just us — and I can’t wait to see what they’ll look like on our newly finished table. Opting for 100% cotton materials when it comes to these table adornments is the best way to ensure you aren’t adding chemicals or toxins through synthetic fabrics. If you can find 100% organic cotton, that’s even better. Cotton not only washes up better, but it’s breathable and doesn’t hold on to moisture or odors from food.
MY FAVORITE HOSTING DIFFUSER BLENDS If you've been following my Instagram page in the past, you may recall that I used to share a lot about how essential oils can evoke specific emotions and provide emotional support. I love using essential oils when I know the climate in the house could be stressful or intense. These diffuser blends are my absolute favorites, and guest LOVE how they smell when they are over:
Lavender Citrus Serenity
Minty Orange Delight 3 drops Joy Essential Oil Blend 2 drops Orange Essential Oil 1 drop Spearmint Essential Oil
Lime-Grapefruit Delight 2 drops Ylang Ylang 1 drop Lime 5 drops Grapefruit
3 drops Bergamot 2 drops Geranium 3 drops Lavender
Fire & Spice Delight 3 drops cinnamon bark essential oil 2 drops orange essential oil 2 drops douglas fir essential oil
USE HOUSE FANS & OPEN WINDOWS Have you ever hosted a party and noticed that your house becomes unbearably warm? Oftentimes, with guests, the oven running, and the house being sealed up, the temperature can quickly rise. If possible, consider cracking a window or activating your house's fan to circulate the air. When many people gather in a confined space, it can lead to an accumulation of carbon monoxide, and proper ventilation by moving air and venting it outside can significantly mitigate this issue. If you don’t know how to turn on your house fan, simply go to your thermostat and turn the fan to “on” and the Heat/Cool button to “off”. This will help air move around without adding heat or cooling it off. If you have a smart thermostat like the Nest, you can simply turn on your house fan at any point and adjust the temperature
Amanda Klecker, Certified Building Biology Advocate & Certified Professional Inspector
Amanda Klecker from www.healthyhouseontheblock.com is a contributing writer for WellnessRE™. She has an extensive blog on her site with hundreds of tips on how to create a healthier home and has given us permission to share her blog posts with our readers. Follow her on Instagram too! @healthyhouseontheblock
FEATURE
Wellness Revolution
How Real Estate is Transforming Toward Healthier Living
Wellness in real estate has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, and it's not just about fancy spas and luxury getaways anymore. The Global Wellness Institute, a respected research nonprofit, has been keeping tabs on this shift. Here's the deal: wellness is no longer just for the rich and famous. It's become something that everyone can access and afford. Beth McGroarty, the institute's research VP, sums it up nicely:
"People are done with wellness being all about luxury and escaping reality. It's now about getting strong and prepared for our unpredictable future."
So, what's driving this change? Well, it's a mix of factors, from the pandemic and natural disasters to supply chain hiccups and global conflicts. In the face of these challenges, wellness has become a way for folks to find resilience. But there's more to this story. People are tired of vague promises and so-called "magical thinking" in wellness. They want proof and transparency. And they're pushing for wellness to be inclusive, reaching underserved communities. So let's take a closer look at how wellness has evolved in the real estate world in recent years. What are the trends, innovations, and shifts in thinking that have turned wellness from a luxury into an essential part of our homes and communities? Let's explore how real estate is adapting to this new era of wellness and making our living spaces healthier and happier!
Serenbe
Serenbe
Thriving in Wellness Lifestyle Communities: Where Living Well is a Daily Ritual
Imagine stepping outside your front door and exchanging cheerful greetings with a neighbor who's also a good friend. Your day unfolds with a healthy twist as you decide to embark on a leisurely walk along the community trail, leading you to the neighborhood farmstand where you snag fresh, organic produce for your evening meal. En route back home, you encounter more friends, and you all decide to attend the upcoming community social event over the weekend. Upon entering your home, you're greeted by the same crisp, fresh air indoors as you experienced outdoors. The soothing, inviting colors of your living space set the tone as you head to the sink, where pre-filtered, mineral-rich water awaits in your glass. Days like these aren't merely dreams; they are the inspirations behind the visionary developers who have spent the past decade building wellness lifestyle communities across the nation.
What exactly is a wellness lifestyle neighborhood? The Global Wellness Institute defines it as "homes that are proactively designed and built to support the holistic health of their residents."
These communities have been meticulously designed to enable you to make healthier choices. Instead of creating separation, they offer features and amenities that foster a sense of community and bring people together. Meandering hiking trails snake through the neighborhood, inviting you to explore the great outdoors in your own backyard. Well-planned biking paths intersect the landscape, while accessible walkable destinations encourage movement and connections with neighbors. The ultimate goal? To seamlessly integrate wellness into your everyday life. But this type of intentionality goes well beyond adding some trails and a community pool. Many of these wellness lifestyle communities are centered around organic, often regenerative, farms, earning them the fitting title of "Agrihoods." These communities recognize that a healthy lifestyle isn't confined to where you live; it also entails convenient access to clean, nutritious food. "Naturehoods" are communities without a farm but place a strong emphasis on the joys of outdoor living. While there are hundreds of communities and more being built every year, here are a couple of examples of these innovative community concepts: Serenbe, one of the first Agrihoods located outside of Atlanta, GA Fox Point Farms, a new Agrihood being developed in Encinitas, CA Sterling Ranch, a Naturehood located in Denver, CO
Sterling Ranch
Fox Point Farm
Fox Point Farm
Generations United: Seniors Embrace Active Living at Home Multi-generational living might be a thing of the past, but it's also a contemporary wellness trend. Today's seniors seek to maintain an active lifestyle while staying intimately connected with their families. In contrast to some choosing to reside in the same city or neighborhood, a growing number of seniors are opting for cohabitation with their adult children's families. Modern home designs align with this burgeoning trend by incorporating two primary suites on the main floor or even including an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on the property, ensuring that everyone enjoys their own personal space. However, the benefits go beyond shared space and life experiences. Multi-generational living has a substantial financial aspect as well. By pooling resources and sharing expenses, families often find they can save significantly on housing costs, making this arrangement not only emotionally fulfilling but also financially prudent. Research from Blue Zones, those enclaves of the world where exceptionally healthy seniors thrive, underscores the profound importance of feeling needed and being an integral part of a tight-knit family unit. As a consequence, homes are adapting to embrace multi-generational living setups, cultivating robust bonds and active lifestyles across different age groups. In essence, it's about more than just cohabitation; it's about creating lasting memories and securing a bright future, both emotionally and economically, for everyone involved.
Self-Reliance Renaissance: Wellness Starts at Home Imagine a world where you have control over your health, no longer reliant on strangers with prescription notepads who offer medications that merely mask symptoms instead of addressing the root of health issues. This vision may not be as distant as it seems. Could it be that we've grown weary of witnessing our loved ones struggle with chronic pain and the seemingly increasing prevalence of allergies? Perhaps this collective frustration is steering us towards alternative approaches to extending not just our lifespan, but our healthspan—living healthier, longer lives.
In the present day, consumers are actively engaging in research and making informed choices regarding their health. The desire to enhance our healthspan has taken root. As a result, we're increasingly conscious of the sources of our food and are opting to cultivate produce gardens at home. Whether one chooses indoor or outdoor gardening, explores hydroponics, or simply gets their hands dirty in the soil, it fosters a profound connection with nature that elevates overall well-being. It's no wonder that last year, a remarkable 80% of American households embarked on various gardening projects. Additionally, the realm of functional medicine is experiencing a surge in popularity as individuals take charge of their well-being, delving into alternative methods to combat chronic diseases and promote self-healing. This movement extends beyond the physical; it embodies empowerment. People are awakening to the notion that their homes can serve as epicenters of well-being, evolving their living spaces into havens of health and happiness.
Healthier Homes: The Rise of Holistic Living Spaces Homes are evolving beyond their traditional roles; they're becoming havens for wellness. The trend for flex spaces that were once-dedicated home theaters has now morphed in recent years to home school study areas, and now to dedicated fitness and well-being rooms. Some households are even taking it a step further by incorporating features like infrared saunas and steam components into their showers, creating daily opportunities for rejuvenation right at home. What's truly remarkable is that enhancing wellness at home doesn't have to break the bank. You don't need a hefty budget to create a serene corner for meditation or equip a space for yoga. Many wellness practices can be embraced without significant financial investments. Moreover, homeowners are increasingly mindful of the air they breathe and the products they use within their living spaces. Toxic chemicals are on the way out, replaced by organic and less harmful alternatives. Indoor air quality is under a microscope, driving the adoption of whole-house water filtration systems. It's all about creating living environments that not only nourish the body but also soothe the soul. The wellness revolution in real estate is all about making well-being accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. The demand for healthier living is soaring, and the market is stepping up to meet this demand. Even real estate agents are embracing this movement, evolving into holistic realtors who connect clients with a network of healthy home experts. It's an inspiring journey that shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the Global Wellness Institute projects that by 2027, the wellness real estate market will burgeon into a staggering $850 billion! The future is undeniably bright for wellness in real estate, transforming not just the homes we live in but also the way we live our lives.
To learn more about the ever growing number of realtors who are infusing health and wellness into their businesses to provide more value to their clients, check out our expert directory.
By Sheila Alston, Founder & Editor HealthyHOME™ Media
Wellness Tourism
Shifting the Way We Travel
The Farm at San Benito
Picture Credit: www.thefarmatsanbenito.com
You know that feeling of needing a vacation after your vacation? We work so hard all year and plan these amazing trips that end up draining us because of how we eat, drink, and skip our daily self-care habits while away. We come home exhausted with no time to rest before getting back to our full and busy daily lives. Well, what if your vacation was focused on enhancing your vitality, instead of draining it, so that you come home feeling better than ever, ready to get back to life and work with more zest and energy? Imagine spending an entire week (or more) completely dedicated to your healing and transformation at a beautiful resort overlooking the Malarayat mountains in the Philippines. The Farm at San Benito offers exactly that, “A life transformative healing holiday.” People from all over the world visit The Farm as they offer a range of experiences for those who simply enjoy living a holistic lifestyle to those seeking deeper healing from cancer or another illness. The Farm is a popular wellness tourism destination that utilizes a unique blend of technology and nature to create a holistic and sustainable approach to healing.
What is Wellness Tourism? Wellness tourism is a growing multi-trilliondollar industry and is defined by The Global Wellness Institute as, “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being.” The Farm is one of the leading wellness destinations in the world and has won over 100 international awards, including Best Eco-Luxury Holistic Medical Wellness Resort at the Southeast Asia Business Awards in 2022.
Picture Credit: www.thefarmatsanbenito.com
What makes The Farm at San Benito unique? If you asked us, we would say everything! But we had the pleasure of interviewing a representative from The Farm, here is their response:
The Farm at San Benito is an ecoluxury, holistic medical wellness resort located in Lipa City, Batangas. Resting on 52 hectares of a lush green environment with lifesustaining microbiome ecology, with a stunning view of the majestic Malarayat mountains, pure fresh air, and refreshing, life-giving energy radiating around the property.
The Farm's goal is to support guests as they return to a state of balance and pave their path toward optimum holistic wellness. They do this through: Holistic Integrative Medical Services Nurturing Spa & Hydrotherapy Water Wellness Plant-based, Whole food, Wellness Cuisine Mindful Movement & Functional Fitness Healing Environment & Service from the Heart
The Farm delivers a lifetransformative healing holiday by providing guests with: A nourishing, natural environment that eases the senses. Holistic treatments conducted by internationally trained and licensed medical doctors, nutritionists, therapists, living food chefs, yoga teachers, and fitness coaches.
Picture Credit: www.thefarmatsanbenito.com
The Farm at San Benito offers a completely personalized healing experience for each of its guests with its signature health optimization programs. Guests can choose from an expansive program list including holistic wellness, detox cleanse, weight management, immune intelligence, holistic cancer care, yoga and raw food retreat, and more. With 60 exclusive suites and villas, you can plan a solo trip or bring along friends and family for an unforgettable vacation. Although The Farm’s main focus is catered to adults, kids and pets are welcome too! Wellness for the whole family! We love how inclusive The Farm is, ranging from fun and light-hearted kid’s wellness programs all the way to evidence-based treatments by qualified medical professionals and therapists and everything in between. To learn more visit: www.thefarmatsanbenito.com
By, Sydni Sands Holistic Health Coach & Writer
A healthy, delicious, nutrient-rich wellness cuisine presented as life-changing vegan feasts.
The Farm’s 5 Pillars of Wellness Diagnose Cleanse Nourish Repair Sustain
The holiday season is upon us and The Farm has certainly inspired us to rethink the way we travel. We love learning about ways we can align and weave our dedication to wellness into all areas of our lives, whether that’s in our homes, or while we’re out traveling the world! For now, we’ll be dreaming (and planning for next year) of getting a massage at the Healing Sanctuary spa, and sipping cold-pressed juice after a relaxing yoga session at The Farm at San Benito!
Creating Serenity
at Home
Soundproofing Tips for a Quieter and More Peaceful Living Space
As the days get colder, you’ll probably find yourself spending more time indoors. While it’s always fun to cozy up with the family on these chilly days, being packed together inside your home can also lead to an overabundance of unwanted noise. Noise pollution is a common issue that affects our overall well-being. It can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, and even health problems. Soundproofing your home can significantly mitigate these negative effects, offering you a haven of peace and quiet. With a quiet home, you’ll have improved sleep quality, enhanced productivity, and reduced stress. Here are some practical renovation ideas to make your home a quieter and more peaceful place. And if you’re building a new home, you can apply all of these strategies to your design as well!
THE HEALTHY HOME Design Corner With Kate Hamblet Balanced Architecture
HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN TIPS FOR YOUR UPCOMING HOME RENOVATION OR NEW HOME BUILD FROM WELLNESS ARCHITECT KATE HAMBLET
HOW TO KEEP OUT EXTERIOR NOISES INSULATION AND AIR SEALING: (If you know me, you aren’t surprised by this first tip.) Insulate your exterior walls and attic and make sure your house is air-tight by sealing up cracks and gaps in the exterior walls and roof. This not only keeps the noise out but will lower your energy bills as well. Natural insulation like sheep’s wool, wood fiber, and hemp are three amazing choices for insulation that will help soundproof your home.
DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS To reduce outdoor noise from getting in, check out what kind of windows you have. If you have single-pane windows, you’ll definitely want to upgrade them to double-pane windows to reduce external noise infiltration. This upgrade also improves energy efficiency.
HOW TO CONTROL INTERIOR NOISES
ACOUSTIC INSULATION Insulating walls and ceilings with natural acoustic materials like sheep’s wool, hemp, or wood fiber insulation can effectively dampen sound transmission between rooms. These materials absorb and dissipate sound waves, reducing the impact of noise.
SOLID CORE DOORS Interior doors should be solid all the way through to control noises between rooms. Sound will always find the path of least resistance, so if you insulate your walls but have a hollow core door, the sound will easily travel between rooms.
CURTAINS AND DRAPES Thick, sound-absorbing curtains can help dampen noise from conversations or TV watching. Only use curtains where you really need them though! They are also great at trapping dust, allergens, and toxins, so they need to be cleaned regularly to remove the dust.
ACOUSTIC WALL PANELS
BAUX Wall Panels
If you want something that is soft and absorbs sound like curtains do, but don’t want to deal with curtains, acoustic wall panels are a great option. They can be made of natural materials and can add interest to your walls. Baux is a company to check out. Acoustic slat wall panels are another cool option.
FLOOR UNDERLAYMENT If you don’t want sound traveling from your first to the second floor or vice versa, an acoustic underlayment is a great option to put under your finish flooring. Cork is a natural product that works well for acoustics.
RESILIENT CHANNELS These nifty metal things separate the drywall on your ceiling from the floor joists to keep sound from transferring from a lower level to an upper level. They are great for basement ceilings if you’re planning to use that space for TV or a kid hang-out area.
ROOM PLACEMENT If you’re building a new home or you’re doing a significant renovation or addition, think about what rooms are located next to each other. Taking into account the room layout can help you save money by eliminating the need for soundproofing. Here are a few examples to keep in mind as you lay out the rooms in your home: Keep bedrooms away from the garage. The garage door is loud! Kitchens are noisy so if someone is trying to watch TV while another is doing dishes, there will be complaints. If a home office is needed, try to keep it away from the TV-watching/gaming area of the house. Utility rooms are noisy. Keep these away from the bedrooms, office living, and TV-watching areas. Outside HVAC units are also noisy. Try to place them away from bedroom, office, and living room windows.
The need for a quiet and peaceful sanctuary within your home is a must these days. Whether you're striving to concentrate in your home office, enjoy a peaceful night's sleep, or simply escape the clamor of everyday life, soundproofing can be the key to achieving serenity. Incorporating these strategies into your renovation or new build will help set your home up as the refuge your body and mind crave.
By, Kate Hamblet The Wellness Architect Balanced Architecture
Kate helps health-conscious families create homes that support and promote health, happiness, and longevity. You'll find her at www.balancedarchitecture.com
49
Feng Shui Essentials: Modern Tips For Harmonious Living
Feng Shui
your home for the holidays By, Dee Oujiri
The air is crisp, and the trees are shedding their leaves here in Minnesota. November kicks off the holiday season, which means entertaining, decorating, gratitude, delicious food, and lots of socializing! What a wonderful time of year! However, it's common for many people to feel overwhelmed during this festive period so I've put together a few Feng Shui tips to help you create a harmonious environment and better manage the holiday chaos.
Calm Your Holiday Decor In Feng Shui, we utilize the Five Elements of Water, Earth, Fire, Wood, and Metal. Each Element affects the environment. For example, the Fire Element will bring increased energy into a space. And lots of fire energy may have your guests and family a little bit on edge.
What colors do you use to decorate for the holidays? If you are like me, I love to bring in the red, but I am very purposeful in balancing the red with Earth and Water Elements to help calm the fastmoving, intense Fire Element. It is simple to add these Elements. Symbols of the Earth Element are square pillows, terracotta pots, heavy items, large rugs, and earth tones. Mirrors and black are a great addition representing the Water Element.
Free Yourself From the Clutter With the holidays, come the cards. I know some people that save them every year, which for some works, but do you need to? Think of all those extra boxes, and from a Feng Shui perspective all that extra energy, both positive and negative, being stored in your home. If you want to save the memory of the pictures, then grab your iPhone and take a picture of each card, create a folder (reducing your digital clutter), and store the images there. Now, you can toss them when you take down your décor. Other types of clutter during the holidays come in the form of gifts. After the celebrations are over, don’t let them sit in a pile, but give everything a home. This is a great time to take an inventory of what you have and see if there is anything you can sell or donate to create space for the new items.
Breathe Don't forget to take a moment to breathe deeply – it's crucial for both you and your home. Fresh air can make a big difference and bring a sense of lightness to the atmosphere. When you have guests over, try opening a few windows to let in some fresh air. This helps improve the overall energy flow in your home, which we refer to as "chi" in Feng Shui. It's like giving your living space a little boost of positive vibes. Once everyone leaves, be sure to open up all the windows, letting out the extra energy they brought in. Create a simmer pot of fresh oranges, cinnamon, and clove to help clear your home and attract abundance. Your home and your senses will appreciate the bright and cheery citrus. Clove has wonderful antibacterial qualities for helping clear your home of any germs that may have snuck in. And cinnamon is a spice to attract abundance.
By, Dee Oujiri Feng Shui Strategist & Holistic Realtor
Dee Oujiri is a multifaceted professional who combines expertise in Feng Shui, Reiki, and luxury real estate. With a focus on holistic wellness, Dee empowers individuals to create harmonious living spaces that support physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Join Dee on a transformative journey to a fulfilling life by harmonizing your home and nurturing your soul. Follow @dee.oujiri on Instagram or @fengshuibydee on Facebook for more on Feng Shui and home harmony.
Is Your Furniture Harming Your Health and the Environment? Furniture without Flame Retardants By, Cassy West
Is your sofa bad for your health? Sounds crazy but it may be true. Older cushion foam may contain fire-retardant chemicals that can pose a risk to your family and pets. Replacing an older cushion that may have fire-retardant chemicals depends on a few factors. Fire retardant chemicals are often used in furniture and cushions to meet fire safety regulations. However, some of these chemicals can pose health and environmental risks over time.
Here are some considerations to help you decide when to replace an older cushion that contain fire retardant chemicals: AGE OF THE CUSHION
HEALTH CONCERNS
Fire retardant chemicals can break down over time, especially with exposure to sunlight, heat, wear and tear. As cushions age, their fire resistance properties may degrade. If your cushion(s) are older than 2015 it might be a good idea to replace it, according to the Green Science Policy Institute.
Some fire retardant chemicals have been linked to health concerns, such as hormone disruption, respiratory issues, cancer, reduced IQ, and reproductive and neurological impairments. If you have concerns about the health risks associated with these chemicals, you might consider replacing the cushion sooner rather than later.
SIGNS OF DETERIORATION If the cushion's fabric, foam, or cover is visibly deteriorating, it could be a sign that the cushion is breaking down. This can also indicate that the fire retardant chemicals may be degrading, which could potentially release harmful compounds into the air harming you, your family, and your pets.
PERSONAL SENSITIVITY If you or your family members are particularly sensitive to chemicals, odors, or allergens, you might want to replace the cushion earlier to avoid potential discomfort or health issues.
REGULATORY CHANGES Starting in 2020 a California law banned the sale of new upholstered furniture, juvenile products, and mattresses containing most flame retardant chemicals. Fire safety regulations and standards for furniture and cushions can change over time. If newer regulations require different or safer fire retardant materials, you might consider replacing your cushion to ensure compliance and safety.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Some fire retardant chemicals can be harmful to the environment. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of disposing of your old cushion, you might choose to replace it with an ecofriendly option. Such as buying organic upholstery from a brand such as Two Sister Eco-textiles or shopping from a selection of safe and non-toxic furniture like Medley Home.
When making the decision to replace an older cushion, it's a good idea to research safer and more eco-friendly cushion options that meet current fire safety standards. Look for cushions labeled as "flame-retardant-free" or those that use safer alternatives to traditional fireretardant chemicals. Always ensure that any new cushion you purchase complies with relevant fire safety regulations in your area.
What is the Flammability Standard TB1172013: Implemented in 2015, TB117-2013 allows for safer, healthier furniture: Polyester- or woolfilled furniture is unlikely to contain added flame retardants. Now that manufacturers have adhered to TB117-2013, more furniture options without added flame retardants are available in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
WHAT CAN WE DO? Besides looking for the TB117-2013 label that states whether or not furniture contains added flame retardants, consider other materials such as wool, feather/down, or polyester-fill, instead of foam. Purchasing furniture that is made with solid wood, wicker, rattan, and bamboo will also reduce your exposure.
Ultimately, the decision to replace an older cushion depends on your comfort level with the risks, your health concerns, and your willingness to invest in a safer and potentially more sustainable option. The Green Science Policy Institute offers more information on Furniture without added Flame Retardants and more links to healthier alternatives.
Cassy West Design Well to Live Well Eco Friendly Interior Designer &Wellness Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts and Florida
Blog Credit: Cassy West from www.wellnessbydezign.com is a contributing writer for WellnessRE™ and has given us permission to share her blog posts with our readers. Visit her site to read more of her design tips on how to create a healthier home.
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