Meryl Starr

Feng Shui is the art and science of selecting and arranging a harmonious living environment that is in balance with the five elements (fire, metal, earth, wood and water). These elements take on implications of positive or negative energy and this energy is known as Chi (pronounced chee), or more colorfully, "the dragons cosmic breath", although no one really says that anymore.

It's a luxury any of us would love to be burdened with: a spare room. If you've recently stumbled upon a little extra real estate in your home because your kids have moved out or your partner went back to a full time job, why not create the room of your dreams? Or, as Virginia Woolf once famously called it, a room of one's own.

What we are proposing is a space that truly reflects your interests; a place where you can get away, express yourself, or devote yourself to your hobby. Looking for inspiration? Check out these ideas:

I'm Buried In a Mountain of Stuff That Isn't Mine!!!
Tips on coping with a packrat

Does it sometimes feel that there isn't a single square foot in your home that's uncluttered? Have you forgotten whether your floor is carpet or wood? Do you have problems finding your stuff because it's buried under so much other stuff? If you answered yes to any of these questions you might just be living with a packrat.

The Secrets Your Home Reveals About You
Your Personality Affects How and Where You Live!

Look around your home: what can it tell you about the person who lives there? Are you a neat freak who has organization systems for everything from your shoes to your plates? Are you a creative type who expresses her creativity with vibrant colors and bold furnishings? Or maybe you're more of the conservative type with pastel colored walls and subtle nuances. Whatever your choices, your house speaks volumes about who you are.

Few of us have the opportunity to decorate our own office, but imagine if you could! Would it be more comfortable? Toned down? Or even a bit brighter? We'd be willing to wager that decorating your office to your tastes would probably lead to a more productive work day.

Whether you commute to work or have your office at home, it's essential that your workplace be comfortable. When we say comfortable we don't mean satin-sheets-and-plush-pillows kind of comfort, but a neat, tidy place where you can get as much done with minimal distraction.

No Room for that New Counter-top Gadget?
Between new options for storage and a bit of organization, almost every kitchen can hold a bit more

Whether you are living with a cooking area that is 300 square feet or a space one quarter that size, kitchens invariably feel cramped and our counters are jammed with appliances, cookware and other knickknacks. With discount retailers like Costco offering specials on large-quantity items, sometimes there isn't even enough room for food!

Does your exercise routine have you in a rut? No time for the gym? No problem-you can probably burn all the calories you want by rolling up your sleeves and tackling those longstanding, long-overdue projects around the house. You'll get your workout in and have something to show for your efforts at the end of the day.

Honey, Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing!
Simple strategies for getting your mate onboard with your latest project.

>Your old faucets are driving you nuts. You want to replace them. You know you can do it. But your mate has put on the brakes. Now what?