Feng Shui Concepts Blog

The Truth of Relationships

Fri, 21 May 2010 10:19:00 +1000

Did you know that your birth chart is a type of cosmic code that indicates life themes, luck cycles, strengths and personality traits? The Four Pillars of Destiny (Chinese Astrology) is used by Feng Shui consultants to tap into an individual's destiny profile and provide information to help people manage aspects of life such as health, career and relationships. According to Dr Lily Chung, a leading expert on Eastern Metaphysics, relationships are largely determined by cosmic energy cycles.

Lily's article "The Truth of Relationships" provides a brief overview on how to manage the ups and downs in relationships, as they are indicated in ones birth chart. This article is particularly useful for people going through a clash period in their spouse pillar.

The Truth of Relationship by Lily Chung

If you're a Feng Shui and Four Pillars practitioner or enthusiast, check out Lily's book "The Truth of Ups and Downs" - it's a great read!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and designer based in Sydney Australia

Trendy Bathroom Designs & Feng Shui

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:08:00 +1000

One of the hottest bathroom design trends in luxury homes is the integration of the ensuite with the master bedroom. This means that the bedroom and bathroom are designed together in an open plan layout, often with a luxuriously appointed bath featuring as the main attraction. So, imagine a glass wall between the bathroom and bedroom and the excitement (or not) of being able to watch your partner bathe while you lay in bed. Is this bathroom design trend good or bad for Feng Shui in the home?

Firstly let's consider the main function of bathrooms and bedrooms. A bedroom should be a nurturing space, to support sleep, intimacy and relaxation. Bathrooms are becoming more like a sanctuary or day spa, and while I think this is a wonderful thing, let's not forget the main function of a bathroom - cleansing and elimination!

So although an integrated bathroom and bedroom may look fabulously trendy, from a Feng Shui perspective the energy of these two functional areas should not be combined. The bathroom and bedroom should be kept as separate rooms.

If you're planning a new bathroom or ensuite for your renovation or building project, here are a few Feng Shui tips to consider when designing your bathroom:

Keep bathrooms tucked away behind solid walls, and avoid having internal glass walls between the bathroom and other rooms inside the home.
Avoid placing your bed in direct alignment with the bathroom door.
Design a bathroom so that the toilet is not the first thing you see when you open the door. If you have a large bathroom space, try to conceal the toilet behind a wall.
Avoid having the toilet pointing directly towards the area where the bed head will be placed.
When considering the placement of mirrors in bathroom design, try to avoid having the mirror reflecting the toilet.
Open a window and install a good quality exhaust fan to allow fresh air to circulate. Good ventilation is important in Feng Shui to prevent energy from becoming stagnant.
The location of bathrooms in a floor plan can indicate a draining effect on wealth, depending on where they're placed. Bathrooms are best located in an area that contains negative 'flying star' energy, and this can be determined by a professional Feng Shui consultant.

What do you think of the new trend in combining the bathroom with the bedroom? If you have a burning opinion I'd be interested to hear from you!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and designer based in Sydney Australia

International Feng Shui Association comes to Oz

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:28:00 +1100

As a Feng Shui consultant in Australia I was pleased to hear about the establishment of the Australian chapter of the International Feng Shui Association (IFSA), and even happier to accept an invitation to join their management team.

The IFSA is a Feng Shui association headed by a group of international Feng Shui masters and experts from headquarters in Singapore. They hold an annual convention, providing valuable educational and networking opportunities to Feng Shui consultants around the world.

I'm looking forward to the opportunities that IFSA Australia will bring to our local industry, and personally I've really enjoyed connecting with a wonderful group of Feng Shui consultants around Australia. If you're a Feng Shui enthusiast or practitioner and you're interested in finding out more, please visit www.intfsa.org.au or email committee@intfsa.org.au.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney Australia

We're loving Insight Magazine

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:03:00 +1100

Last year I was happy to be offered the role of Guest Editor for the January 2010 edition of Insight Magazine. I wrote a cover story on the "Five Elements for Success", and invited five colleagues to contribute articles about subjects they are passionate about. The result is an uplifting and energising collection of articles that makes the January issue of Insight Magazine a great read to kick off the new year.

One of the most compelling stories is written by my friend and fellow Feng Shui consultant Nikki Manno, who describes her personal journey of surviving chronic illnesses. She talks about the lifestyle benefits that she has experienced as a result of Feng Shui, and the health benefits resulting from removing everyday chemical products from her home. Kerrie jean Erwin writes about working with Spirit, and through her experience as a gifted clairvoyant and spirit medium, Kerrie provides fascinating insights into what happens when people pass over to the spirit world.

Sarah K Jones provides excellent tips and information about meditation and connecting to our innate power, and Katina Benis describes how the Universe provides signs and symbols everyday, that can potentially answer every question we ask about our lives. Feng Shui consultant and Chinese Astrology expert Jerry King shows readers how understanding one's birth chart through Chinese Astrology can reduce the impact of bad luck cycles or enhance good cycles in one's life.

The January issue of Insight magazine is available in newsagents around Australia until 27th January. Subscriptions and back issues of Insight magazine are also available online. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and interior designer based in Sydney, Australia

Yin and Yang with a Bang

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:12:00 +1100

Happy new year! It was wonderful to see the Yin and Yang symbol, representing unity, on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of new years' eve fireworks celebrations. Yin and Yang is fundamental in Chinese philosophy, and a primary guideline for Traditional Chinese medicine, Feng Shui and Chinese martial arts, amongst other modalities in Chinese metaphysics.

Sydney Harbour, New Years Eve 2009. Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Yin and yang represents the duality in nature and how opposite forces are interrelated and give rise to each other. Yin and Yang is used to describe the energy in our environment. Yin characteristics are dark, still, low, cool, contracting and passive, whereas Yang can be characterized by heat, brightness, action, fast and light.

The objective in Feng Shui is to achieve balance with Yin and Yang through the use of the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood. A balanced and harmonious home is ideal for your wellbeing, and this helps you to create an environment that allows new opportunities to enter your life.

Here are some tips to change the energy levels in your surroundings with Yin and Yang in mind:

Illuminate excessively dark and gloomy areas of the home with glass, light wall colours and moving objects. Lighting, mirrors, skylights, electrical equipment and plants raise the energy of a space.
When renovating, bigger is not always better. Bedrooms are ideally nurturing, supportive and smaller in size. In bedrooms, the Yin aspect should be emphasized and Yang objects are best avoided.
Yang spaces are more open and active, featuring reflective, harder surfaces for energy to travel faster. This isn't the objective in bedrooms, where softer, heavier furnishings will help to slow down energy and promote rest.
Water features and mirrors activate energy and can enhance the wealth sector in your home. In Feng Shui it's very important that water features and mirrors are placed in the right spot to avoid stirring unfavourable energy.

The energetic map of a home is unique, containing unseen energy that influences the health, wealth and happiness of the people living there. In some parts of your home you will need to emphasise the Yin characteristics to enhance energy for health, harmony and relationships. In other areas of your home you will need to activate Yang energy to improve prosperity and opportunities.

Quite often, the good energy for health and relationships is found in an active area (where it is better utilised in the bedroom), and the wealth sector is found in a bathroom, cupboard or otherwise unusable area. This is where the expertise of a Feng Shui consultant comes in, to harmonise the energy in your home and help you make the most of your opportunities in life.

I wish you all the best for 2010, and I hope it brings unity, peace and prosperity to you and your family xox

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and interior designer based in Sydney, Australia

Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:28:00 +1100

As a Traditional Feng Shui consultant, I believe that Chinese Astrology is very important to ensure that your favourable elements, directions and colours are reflected in your home, office and surroundings. Your birth data is considered to be a cosmic code that represents a configuration of energy at the time you were born. Jerry King of White Dragon Consulting has written a great article explaining the relationship between Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui.

How Chinese Astrology Relates to Feng Shui - by Jerry King

Our Feng Shui consultations involve the analysis of birth data for each occupant of the home (in residential consultations), and key managers in business consultations. Chinese Astrology indicates various things in a person's life such as life themes, luck cycles and personality traits. Chinese Astrology is extremely insightful to help people negotiate difficult periods in life and make the most of their favourable luck.

If you have any questions or feedback about the article or Chinese Astrology feel free to leave a comment.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and interior designer based in Sydney Australia

Feng Shui in Singapore

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:58:00 +1100

Today I'm in Singapore where I have travelled to study Four Pillars of Destiny and the I Ching with Feng Shui Master Raymond Lo. From the moment I arrived I was taken by the landscaping and beautiful tropical gardens in this fabulous city. One of the highlights of my trip was an invitation to dinner with Master Mas, a Feng Shui Master from Thailand, who took his entourage (and lucky me!) on an impromptu Feng Shui tour around Singapore river starting at Clifford Pier.

Master Mas talked about landform theory in Feng Shui and pin-pointed the features and structures around buildings that distinguished prosperous businesses from those that were not. Here are a few gems that I can share from my meeting with Master Mas:

The quality of Chi (life energy) being received into a property is the most important factor in Feng Shui. The energetic blueprint or Flying Star chart of a building can be excellent, but without the right forms and structures, the favourable 'stars' for prosperity, health and harmony can't be activated.
Take note of the forms around a property - dead or sick trees are an indication that the Chi entering a home could be poor quality.
Walk around and take notice of businesses that are thriving. You can learn a lot by looking at landforms and structures around a building without even knowing whether the energy inside the building is auspicious or not.
You can learn from anyone - any person or anything can be your "master", so be open and aware. Even a stray dog can teach you some lessons on survival skills!

I haven't seen any stray dogs in Singapore, but one thing I have noticed is that the Singaporeans love their animals. One day I went out on a morning jog and saw a dog wearing shoes! Another thing I learned is that Singaporeans favourite pastime is shopping and eating, so I am fitting right in with this culture! Yes, I really love this place!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Feng Shui and your Productivity

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:17:00 +1100

Alex from Get Your Biz Savvy interviews Feng Shui consultants for his article about whether Feng Shui can really influence your productivity. My answer is a resounding yes! Check out the article here.

Productivity, does it have to do with Feng Shui?

While Feng Shui can help improve productivity and efficiency in your career or studies, there are other factors that will have an influence. Your destiny profile, the influence of time and the elements will also impact every aspect of your life - this can be mapped out in a Four Pillars of Destiny (Chinese Astrology) consultation. Of course your dedication, attitude and hard work will have a role to play. Feng Shui is one element in the mix and getting it right can help you move along in the right direction! Look around and feel the energy in your surroundings - are they working for you?

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and designer based in Sydney Australia

Talking to the Higher Self

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +1100

If you're having troubles communicating with people in your life, here is some information that can help you! Kerrie Erwin shares her latest magazine article that describes a powerful healing technique using meditation and talking to the Higher Self. Read on to view the article.

Talking to the Higher Self by Kerrie Jean Erwin - Insight Magazine, October 2009

Kerrie Erwin is a gifted clairvoyant, medium and spiritual healer. As well as doing personal readings, Kerrie is currently performing in the Rainbow Show in venues around Sydney, where she connects people with Spirit. I've been to her shows and I think they are entertaining, enlightening and a must see! Best of all, proceeds are donated to the Sydney Children's Hospital.

Are you interested in trying Kerrie's healing technique? We would love to hear your comments!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney Australia

Feng Shui of HSBC Building in Hong Kong

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:08:00 +1100

This week I met Jerry King - an international Feng Shui practitioner & Four Pillars expert from Vancouver. Jerry wrote a great article on the Feng Shui of the HSBC building in Hong Kong. This one is for the hard-core Feng Shui enthusiasts!

HSBC's Feng Shui by Jerry King, White Dragon Consulting

I first visited Hong Kong when I was 16 years old (don't ask how long ago that was!).....it's time for another trip!

Have you visited the HSBC building? I'd be interested to hear your opinion of Jerry's commentary.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Bedroom Feng Shui Tips

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:16:00 +1100

The Feng Shui of your bedroom is so important as it represents the state of your health and relationships. Choosing a bedroom with good Feng Shui and placing your bed in an favourable position are the most important aspects to consider if you're looking to enhance Feng Shui in your home.

A Traditional Feng Shui consultant can interpret the energetic map of a home, which is somewhat like a horoscope that indicates how the "unseen" energy in a home may influence the occupants. The interpretation and analysis of this energetic map is a technical process that follows classical or traditional Chinese Feng Shui methods (Flying Star Feng Shui).

The results of a Traditional Feng Shui analysis are unique to each home, so there is never a one-size-fits-all solution, however there are some general Feng Shui principles that you can follow to improve the energy in your bedroom. Here are my top bedroom Feng Shui tips to get you started:

Keep your bedroom free of clutter, and avoid storing things in cupboards and drawers that you don't need or use. Clutter prevents energy from flowing freely, and this can have an unfavourable influence on your Feng Shui.

Avoid storing things under the bed aside from clean pressed linen, as you're influenced by the energy of the objects around you while you sleep. Decorate with the things you love and avoid displaying unwanted items in your bedroom.

Bedroom mirrors are considered taboo because they symbolically reflect unresolved issues between a couple. Mirrors in the bedroom also bring yang energy to a space that should otherwise be yin. If you must have mirrors, cover them when you sleep, or ensure they don't reflect the bed. Mirrors on the ceiling are a bad idea ;)

Electrical equipment such as televisions, stereos and clock radios emit electro-magnetic fields which can affect health and quality of sleep. Unplug clock radios and use battery power instead, or place them as far away from your bed head as possible. Electric blankets produce very high electro-magnetic fields, so use them only to heat the bed, and switch them off at the powerpoint before sleeping.

Stale air is stagnant energy, which is unfavourable for your Feng Shui and potentially harmful to your health. Open curtains and windows daily to bring fresh air and natural light into your bedroom.

Avoid having active objects in your bedroom. This includes exercise equipment, water features, electrical equipment, moving clocks and fish tanks. Moving objects activate energy in a space that should otherwise be restful and peaceful. Plants are also considered to bring yang (active) energy to a space and are best placed in living areas rather than bedrooms.

Sleep with your bedhead against a solid wall to provide you with support and protection. It's best to opt for a solid bedhead, such as an upholstered bedhead or solid timber headboard.

Bedrooms that are located at the back of a house are generally better than those located at the front, other things being equal. However the best bedroom in your home (and positioning of your bed) is largely dependent on the flying star Feng Shui analysis of the home.

In general it's best to avoid sleeping close to a window as this can drain energy away from you. If you must sleep near a window, use thick curtains and solid protective furnishings.

Low overhead beams and low sloped ceilings produce oppressive energy. This is not great for bedroom Feng Shui, and it can lead to headaches and migraines. Place your bed in a position to avoid sleeping under low beams and the lowest part of a sloped ceiling. Another option is to make low overhead beams visually 'disappear' by painting them in the same colour as the ceiling - a light colour such as a shade of white is preferable to provide a feeling of spaciousness.

Avoid positioning the foot of your bed in line with the door. This is known as the 'coffin position', and while this sounds very scary it doesn't mean that you're going to die from sleeping in this arrangement! This position is not favourable because of the flow of energy coming towards the bed from the doorway.

Have you noticed any changes to your health and relationships since sleeping in a particular bedroom, or since moving the position of your bed? Feel free to post a comment if you have any feedback or questions.

Visit my related Feng Shui blog posts:

Having trouble sleeping? Electro-magnetic Fields could be the problem
Mirrors on the Bedroom Ceiling?
Saucy Bedroom Feng Shui

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Feng Shui for Business Success

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +1100

I was interviewed by the fabulous professional organiser Kat Tate, for her webinar series "The Organised Office". In Kat's video (my YouTube debut!) I take you through general tips to boost Feng Shui in your business. Disregard the surprised look on my face...lol...and check out the Kat & Kaboodle website while you're there, it's great :) Read on to check out the video.

YouTube - Feng Shui for Business Success video

Please note that this video contains general Feng Shui tips, and there are always exceptions to the rule. To make the most of the energy in a building it's always advisable to seek advice from a qualified Traditional Feng Shui consultant, who can advise you on the best way to enhance energy to support your business prosperity and relationships.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

2GB Radio Interview

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:24:00 +1100

This has been a fabulous week for publicity in the Feng Shui industry. I was interviewed by Prue MacSween from 2GB radio for The Small Business Show, and the topic was Feng Shui for the office. In Prue's entertaining style, she ponders the question - "Can Feng Shui really benefit your business, or do some people think it's a lot of Chop Suey?"

Enjoy the audio clip!

For more information and tips visit my blog post: Feng Shui for your office.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Feng Shui Concepts in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:25:00 +1100

"Even real estate agents are turning to Feng Shui, writes Katrina Creer". I was delighted to be interviewed by the Sunday Telegraph for a feature article about Feng Shui and the benefits of hiring a professional consultant. The president of the Real Estate Institute, Steve Martin, and agent John McGrath of McGrath Real Estate, comment on how Feng Shui can improve the energy in a home and improve property saleability. Angus Kell of Archicentre recommends investing in the services of a Feng Shui consultant for homes in suburbs that are of interest to Asian buyers. Property developers Dyldam comment on the benefits of using a Feng Shui consultant to help design their best selling property development, Lotus Apartments in Carlingford.

Read the story here: "We're picking up good vibrations" 4th October 2009 (download 2.5MB).

A big thankyou goes to my client Linda Kho and her family in Hunters Hill, Sydney, for being so generous in welcoming the Sunday Telegraph team into their home and sharing their positive experiences with Feng Shui. The main changes to Linda's home include the re-arrangement of furniture, re-decorating and de-cluttering. We added red accessories to various rooms, a water feature to the wealth sector and Feng Shui remedies in certain locations using a specific combination of the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

There's a reference to Asian items in the article, and I'd like to clarify that I personally love Asian decor and statues of Buddha. The comment was meant to address the problem of over-filling a home with tacky lucky objects. A well balanced decorating scheme is key in producing a beautiful and harmonious interior.

If you have any questions or feedback about the article, please leave a comment!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney Australia

Feng Shui Tips for Choosing a New Home

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:00 +1000

Savvy property investors and home buyers ask for advice from a Feng Shui consultant when choosing a new home to make sure that the energy supports good health, relationships and prosperity. A Feng Shui assessment is as important as a building inspection to help you make an informed decision. Here are some general Feng Shui tips to help you choose a new home.

Feng Shui Tips for choosing a new home:

The front of the home should have potential to be appealing and easily noticeable, to attract favourable attention from passers-by.
The rear boundary of the home should be supported with trees, other buildings or upwards-sloping land. Having protective structures behind a property will provide support and security to the occupants, which is why a home located on the higher side of the street is favourable.
Homes that are located at the end of a T junction are generally not ideal from a Feng Shui perspective. This is because an intense flow of energy is directed towards the home, which can be unfavourable to the occupants. However there can be exceptions to this rule, especially for commercial buildings.
In general, choose homes on quieter roads with slower moving traffic. The objective in Feng Shui is to enable Chi or energy to find you easily, and this is difficult if the energy is moving too quickly past your home.
Find out the history of the land and former occupants before choosing your home. Land and buildings absorb energy which can impact subsequent residents. It's best to avoid living in homes where serious crimes and tragedies have occurred.
Rooms containing pointy angles, low sloped ceilings and irregular shapes may feel uncomfortable. Long narrow buildings are generally not ideal as their shape doesn't support an even distribution of energy.
Feng Shui is about achieving harmony between yin and yang, so look for an ideal combination of light and shade, nature and buildings, and a balance of openness and enclosure.
Most importantly, spend some quiet time walking around and feeling the energy in the property. If you sense that the home doesn't feel right, trust your intuition.

Achieving perfect Feng Shui is almost impossible, so if you find a home with unfavourable aspects, these may be reduced with Feng Shui remedies or offset by favourable elements that can be identified in a Traditional Feng Shui consultation.

Feel free to post a comment if you have any questions or feedback!

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Meet the Masters Interview

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:15:00 +1000

I was recently interviewed by Ray Liew of Master-360.com which is a community based website for people who are experts or professionals in their field to connect and share with others. During the interview we discussed topics such as the inspiration for my career change, the types of clients I work with and community attitudes to Feng Shui. Read on for an excerpt of the interview.

Master 360: Meet The Masters

How did you come to learn about Feng Shui?

I first became aware of Feng Shui from magazines, and over the years I came across more information about Feng Shui which made sense. I discovered that there are different types of Feng Shui and I was naturally drawn to Traditional Feng Shui, which resonates with my logical way of thinking.

Do you mind sharing your path of learning Feng Shui with us?

I developed a fascination with Interior Design and Feng Shui while renovating my first home. A clairvoyant told me that I had a natural affinity with interiors and energy and that I should consider formal study. It sounded like a good idea as I had time on my hands after leaving my finance job to start a family. So I began studying Interior Design and Feng Shui, and the clairvoyant was right - it became my passion and my business.

What made you turn Feng Shui into your profession?

I really enjoy helping people with Feng Shui and design, so turning it into my profession was a natural progression. I subscribe to the belief that if you turn your passion into your career, you won't ever need to work a day in your life!

Are your family and friends supportive of your decision to take on Feng Shui as a profession?

My husband has been very supportive of my decision to make Feng Shui a career. Some people took time to adjust to the idea that I would leave a successful career in finance for a profession that they didn't understand. However since I've established my business, my friends and family are happy that I'm doing something that I love and I appreciate all of their support (especially from my wonderful mum).

What are your most applied schools of Feng Shui?

I practice Traditional or Classical Feng Shui, which is a combination of Form School, Compass School and Flying Star School of Feng Shui.

To some people I have talked about Feng Shui, the deeper they go into Feng Shui studies, the more confused they are. During your learning journey, did you ever encounter that and how did you overcome it?

Feng Shui is such a complex subject with various opinions and different schools of thought. I have been fortunate to learn from wonderful teachers such as Grand Master Raymond Lo, and I believe that studying with the right people helps to make Feng Shui easier to learn. It also helps to have industry experience and a group of mentors and professionals to exchange thoughts and ideas with.

How receptive to Feng Shui are the people in your country or area?

Feng Shui is becoming more accepted in Australia, as people are interested in alternative ways to improve their health, happiness and prosperity. Most people I speak to are fascinated by Feng Shui and would like to know more about it.

Is Feng Shui widely accepted and applied in the business environment in your country or area?

Feng Shui is gaining acceptance by business people in Australia. Many professionals are conscious of its application in business - especially those who have dealings with Asian cultures.

Did most of your clients engage in Feng Shui consulting services before they found you?

I have a mix of clients with different experiences. Some of them have used a Feng Shui consultant in the past, and others are using a professional consultant for the first time.

Did most of your clients encounter some difficulties (wealth, relationships, career, etc) in their lives before they engage Feng Shui services? If so, what is the most common problem?

Most of my clients engage my services because they would like to improve their relationships and finances. Other clients are interested in improving the look and feel of their homes and offices.

What type of Feng Shui services have your clients asked for? For example, moving to new premises, date selection, home audit, office audit.

My clients mostly ask for home and office consultations, and Feng Shui design help with renovations and building projects. I also help people choose new homes and offices to move into. Pre-purchase and pre-sale consultations are popular.

To view the full interview visit www.master-360.com.

If you're interested in Feng Shui, or you're a professional in a related industry, why not join the Master 360 community - we would love to see you there! If you have any questions of feedback, please leave a comment :)

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Organising Tips from the De-clutter Queen

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:01:00 +1000

I love spring time in Sydney! The warmer weather is on it's way and party season is approaching! A great way to lift the energy in your home is by decluttering and getting organised. Not only will this help your Feng Shui, but it is so important for your mental and emotional well-being.

Professional Organiser and De-clutter Queen Kat Tate, of Kat & Kaboodle says "the good news is that no one is born organised - it's a skill anyone can learn to achieve a simpler and more peaceful life." Kat shares her top tips for getting organised:

Open mail over the bin: As soon as you bring it inside, open the mail and toss envelopes and junk into the bin. Don't let it pile up!

Set up a paper & bill-paying station: Assign one spot in your home to process and pay bills and sort paperwork. This prevents paper piling up in several spaces.

Do a quick sort: Grab 5 bin bags and label them 'Keep', 'Toss', 'Move', 'Donate', 'Recycle'. Go through your clutter and place each item in one of the bags. If in doubt - throw it out!

Label key things: Labelling cupboards, containers, shelves etc gives every item a home and makes it easier for everyone in the household to put things back where they belong.

Prevent cable chaos: Label computer and appliance cords, so you can clearly see what's what and prevent unattractive and dangerous tangles.

Sort out your filing system: Don't let your filing system be a place where paper goes to die! About 80% of our paperwork doesn't see the light of day. Set up clear categories, avoid having a 'miscellaneous' category and ensure you clearly label folders.

Do you need help getting organised? Kat Tate helps busy bodies and clutter queens to get organised in home, office and life so they have more time to do the things they love. Visit www.katandkaboodle.com.au.

I've found that de-cluttering and getting organised helps people feel lighter and more energised. Having less 'stuff' means it's easier to keep your home tidy! What do you think?

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Chinese Property Investors more active in Australia

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:17:00 +1000

Changes to foreign ownership rules by Australia's Foreign Review Board (FIRB) is resulting in greater activity by Chinese Property Investors. Raine & Horne has reportedly experienced a 15% increase in Chinese interest since January 2009. More property developers are using Feng Shui consultants to provide planning and design advice for their property developments.

Get the full story here: Chinese Investors Look to Australia

Visit the FIRB: Changes to Foreign Investment Property - Residential Real Estate

A Feng Shui consultant advises on the best floor plan and layout options to maximise the energy in a property. Sometimes a few minor changes can have a dramatic impact on the Feng Shui and wellbeing of the occupants.

An important aspect of a Feng Shui consultation is the identification of the wealth sector. The wealth sector is unique in every property, and is best located in an open and active space such as the main entrance or open plan living area. Having the wealth sector located in a confined room or bathroom can have a negative influence on finances.

If the wealth sector is in a practical location, a water feature or swimming pool will be recommended to activate prosperity. Water features have a powerful influence in Feng Shui, as they amplify the energy of a space, regardless of whether it's positive or negative. The correct placement of a water feature is critical in Feng Shui.

The best time to seek Feng Shui advice is at the planning stages of building design or at the time of property purchase. Feng Shui helps property developers and investors make the most of their properties and create harmonious homes that feel good and support the happiness, health and prosperity of the people living there.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

Interested in Boosting Fertility?

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:52:00 +1000

A Traditional Feng Shui analysis tells us how the 'unseen' energy in a home affects the health and wellbeing of the occupants. It's not uncommon to find that couples with fertility problems sleep in rooms where the energy does not support abdominal or reproductive health.

In such cases, we advise clients to either use Feng Shui remedies or relocate to a bedroom that contains more favourable energy. Feng Shui can be used as part of a holistic approach to help people improve their health and fertility.

Take a look at this neat little article that I found through Twitter, from Naturopath and fertility expert, Gabriela Rosa - Five Tips for Fertility Fitness.

Also visit a related blog post: Feng Shui consultant helps a pregnant mum.

Do you have any experiences or insights to share? We'd love to hear them.

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia

What is Success?

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:22:00 +1000

I was very sad for a friend and business mentor who recently lost her son in a tragic accident. Her courage and strength has been truly amazing and she shares an inspiring quote in memory of her son.

"What is success? To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love this quote because it sums up success as being so much more than the accumulation of material things. Success to me is about being happy and helping others. The simple act of caring for a child or showing kindness to people (including yourself!) is something that we can all manage.

What does success mean to you?

Jane Langof is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer based in Sydney, Australia