Feng Shui for Real Life

Giving Thanks

Q: My son and his wife recently got married and they are moving into their new home next month. I’m thankful for my loving son and his wonderful wife. What kind of gift should I bring to their open house?

A: Congratulations on your son's marriage! I do have a few favorite Feng Shui friendly housewarming gifts for newlyweds, and these also work for anyone moving into a new space or as thank you gifts:
• Plants - Any plant is good as long as it doesn't have thorns. The Lucky Bamboo Plant is popular because people associate it with Feng Shui and good fortune, plus, it's low maintenance because it can be grown in water. Avoid Bonsai because they represent stunted growth.
• Wind Chimes - These "call" the positive chi, or energy, to a location, so giving them as a gift sends the message that the recipient's home will always attract happiness. Choose metal or wood chimes to hang at the front or back of the house.
• Precious Stones - Specific stones are associated with special powers of happiness, wealth, and love. My favorite stone for a house warming is amethyst, the stone of protection that enhances serenity. Other good choices include rose quartz for love, tiger's eye for concentration, and turquoise to dispel negative energy and encourage peacefulness.
• Books. A gift of a book opens up the world for the recipient. It doesn't matter whether it's a printed book, gift certificate to the local bookstore, or gift card to download an ebook.


Feng Shui Tip for November: In this month of Thanksgiving, you don’t need more things to be thankful for, you just need more room for thankfulness. Here are five things you can get rid of this month and be thankful for the extra space you’ve created for new things to flow into your life:
1. One unfinished project
2. One object that needs fixing but isn’t worth the effort
3. One gift you never liked even though you love the giver
4. One souvenir that no longer has meaning
5. One item of clothing you’ve outgrown, physically or emotionally