Hello again, and welcome to this month's fun feng shui ideas! I just got back from my travels and was thinking about all the places I did consultations. I was wishing I could come back to each home and office and see what the place looks like after every cure has been done - which, of course, got me thinking some more. If everyone would take pictures of their "before home" and then review it "after," I think it would help them keep in mind what didn't work for them, and how far they have come to get their new life.

And since we're in the throes of getting the new web site up, I thought it might be fun to have an area for photos of "befores" and "afters." That way everyone can see with their own little eyes the many feng shui possibilities. And maybe at the end of each year (or month if we get a ton of pictures!) we can all vote on the most dramatic makeover or something...can you tell I'm just making this up as I go along? :)

So, if you all are up for it, send us a formatted jpeg file along with a description of what's changed in your life (along with your name, snail and e-mail address, and phone number) and we'll do the rest!

Question: It is more important to overlay the bagua onto the home or do each room when you start applying feng shui?

Answer: Well, let me describe what Professor Lin says about this. (He's the Grand Master of the Black Hat style of feng shui in case you don't know!)

Professor Lin says what is closest to you influences you the most. In other words, start your feng shui in the place where you spend the most time. For most people that is the bedroom. In my workshops I often tell people to start with their bed in their bedroom, since that is the "most used" piece of furniture within the most used room. Take the nine colors of the bagua (make them bagua-shaped for added intention like that bagua daisy I mention in my book) and place them around the bed. From left to right standing at the bottom of the bed, the blue, black and gray colors are along the bottom, and the purple, red and pink colors run along the top and of course, green, yellow and white are in the middle. Now, the bed has it's own level of feng shui going on! (I actually got someone to make these colored bagua sets for beds... so if you don't want to hassle with making your own, click here: Product Specials

Color is such a quick and easy way to start creating patterns that support positive chi. I often suggest doing this type of cure if you have to spend the night in the hospital, too. I added this cure to my premature son's isolette when he was born and he was released in half the time they originally predicted. Surround yourself with the color pattern if you perhaps you rent a room and have no say over the rest of the home or space. Hey, let's start a prison program! Just think of the power of a bagua in each prison cell! (If anyone has any pull within this system, could you do an experiment and get back with me?)

So, to recap, I'd first cure the bed, applying the color and making sure it is in a safe and powerful position, then do the bedroom, and THEN overlay the bagua over the whole house. :)

I also suggest applying feng shui to each room if you have any confusion as to how the bagua overlays onto your house (listen up all you split-level people!) Do this also if you have any total missing pieces in the house. That way, the many baguas in the rooms will "shore up" a weak house.

Along with those color kits, we've got a ton of new cures and other fun stuff (you gotta see the Chinese take out handbags!). Just click here: Product Specials

I am colorful.

I am creative.

I am vibrant.

I am transforming.

Feng Shui Palace is growing and we're looking for a little help around here. So this is what I'm putting in my helpful people box: "I now have the perfect help to support me with:

Basic Office Management/Administration

E-Mail Management

Shipping/Receiving/Inventory Ordering

Travel Arranging

Basic Customer Service

Web Site Management

I think this takes someone or some people who is in the Orange County, California area, but I'm not limiting myself. We are willing to train, but I think confidence with the computer is a must. I see this as a part time job and can be done anywhere from 8 to 24 hours a week. If you are interested, please e-mail us at management@fengshuipalace.com If you want to fax a resume, please feel free at (714) 508-9937.

Thanks. :)

Oil any sticking doors and drawers.

Dust, or shine up your crystals and mirrors that you have used as cures.

Replace any light bulbs that have gone out.

September 10 Karen will be speaking at the Central California Women's Conference in Fresno, California.

September 11-12 Karen will be available in the Fresno, California vicinity for private consultations. If you live in the area and are interested in a personal consultation, please call (877)952-2482 to secure a time. Please call by September 1.

September 17-19 Karen will be available for consultations in the Orange County, California area. If you would like to book a private consultation, please call (877) 952-2482 to secure a consultation time.

September 23-25 Karen will be available for consultations in the Los Angeles, California area. If you would like to book a private consultation, please call (877) 952-2482 to secure a consultation time.

September 27 Karen will be available for consultations in the San Diego County, California area. If you would like to book a private consultation, please call (877) 952-2482 to secure a consultation time.

September 29 Karen will be available for consultations in the Palm Springs, California area. If you would like to book a private consultation, please call (877) 952-2482 to secure a consultation time.

November 8-18 Karen will be speaking aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line's Wind in the Hawaiian Islands. The sessions are free and the food is great! NCL's reservation line is (800)327-7030 if you want to come along!

June 12-14, 2003 Karen will be speaking to resort guests on various feng shui topics at the Lake Austin Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas. For additional information and to make reservations at the Resort, visit Lake Austin.

With great intentions of helping,

Karen