Let’s celebrate the holidays in style this year. What’s the IN style? Minimal, clean, natural, and green I’d say. I’ve seen many people lately change their definition of abundance to be about much less "stuff," and quite frankly, I think it is a good thing for everyone; not many resources depleted, and not as much clutter collected — YEA! This year, I’m keeping it very simple with my go-to consumables: candles, food items, soaps, and natural body and beauty products. (See below for my "nine traditional cure gifts.")

And of course, if you’ve been following my newsletters for some time now, you know I’m preparing or my yearly re-gifting party where everyone brings something that they received that they know they’ll never love or use. It all goes in a big pile and we take turns choosing and swapping. The atmosphere ranges from Grinch-like hoarding to gut-busting hilarity as some of these honest-to-gosh gifts get revealed. And what’s always surprising is that everyone usually feels that they end up with something better than what they brought. It’s recycling at its best!

Host one and send me your favorite story, or a picture of the funniest gift - I’m always up for a good laugh. :)

Want to give someone a feng shui enhancement for the holidays? Here are some ideas I came up with that work with feng shui’s "nine traditional feng shui cures."

Light: Booklight, natural-ingredient candles, night light, rechargeable flashlight.

Living Object: Poinsettias, potted plants and kitchen herbs, pets, or even fresh fruit or flowers.

Sound: Chimes, music, iTunes gift cards, instruments, (Guitar Hero/Rockband?) "jingle bells,"or how about a space-clearing bell?

Moving Object:Kinetic sculpture, clock, watch, scooter, rollerblades or skates, hybrid car.

Color: This could be anything from a stained glass item to clothing – you name it.

Electrically-powered Object: Appliances, TV, computer, electrically-powered car (or how about heading in the opposite direction and give a corded phone so you can help them reduce their exposure to those pesky radio frequencies?) My vote is "just say no" to microwave ovens.

Weight: Workout machines or weights or a stone sculpture.

Symbol: Hearts, diamonds, roses, cash, etc.

Other: This category is all about any item that makes a person’s personal energy change. And it may only enhance that one person’s energy, meaning it may be something specifically meaningful or uplifting or symbolic to that particular person. This could be and item handed down through a family tree that only looks like an "old something" to anyone else not-in-the-know about it. It could also be a private joke-type gift, like a favorite song or something that triggers a specific good memory. Or how about an experience like a massage or a special trip? How about a coupon that says you are willing to help them de-clutter a room or garage in their home?

Got any other ideas? I’d love to hear from you!

Last month, I suggested cooking with fish heads as a helpful way to increase the vitality of the thyroid. I received a few emails from readers asking if there was any short cut to this process. It made me think of how often we’re unwilling to follow through or do what it takes if it causes us any discomfort or and extra work. It seems we want a pill for everything - or at least an answer that keep us disconnected from our responsibility to our health. My advice is to work with nature, and whole and "slow" foods as opposed to man-made stuff, and processed and fast foods. Why not take the time that you would have used to research a new doctor or a new drug and put it to good use and research ways of cooking for your health!? That’s my good ol’-fashioned Mayberry RFD advice, and I’m sticking to it.

The 2010 Online Feng Shui Certification Course is starting in January, and with 6 of the 20 spots already taken, I’d say, if you are interested in this training, get jumping! The $500 earlybird discount ends on December 18th - dropping the registration fee down to $1997, so start saving and register today.

If you’d like more information about the course, click here:

Feng Shui Palace Online Certification

Hi Karen, I got your book and it literally changed my life. My friends and I have been into Feng Shui for awhile getting okay results. I first took down all my decor and painted my center hall butter yellow. I realized that I had too much wood furniture and my decor was mostly earth.

Within 23 days of getting your book, I got "the perfect" job for me, after 2 years out of work and just in time to start paying back student loans. We get rewards for being nice and I have great hours. This is with my bathroom being in my career gua. I have a poison arrow facing my toilet, coming from my relationship corner and I painted a red line on it. That helped on so many levels.

I have used the aluminum foil envelope over 10 times and every result has been better than I imagined; I had a doctor who changed her agenda and attitude 180 degrees. My cousin finally got his stuff out of my basement after 5 years. Officials that I have to deal with have been helpful. I've used the mirror on my neighbor, he doesn't play his music loud, which could be heard through both our closed windows and he got rid of his car, so his alarm isn't going on randomly. Overall, my family is more communicative and I have become more creative.

I now look at my space with a "what would Karen do here" perspective. I'm not done yet! A great thank you Karen and to the great people that surround you.

- Elizabeth

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

On January 20th 2010, I will be speaking in Orange County, CA at the Mind Body Spirit Business Network. To get more information, to RSVP and get directions, contact Debbie Donovan at 949-515-8727 or mbsbusnet@yahoo.com

With intentions of being of service,

Karen

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