Question: I am a single 45 year old woman and want to bring love into my life. Are there any Feng Shui and design recommendations you can give me. I feel kind of lost.

–E.W. Los Angeles, CA

CJ: Thank-you for your question.

First of all, congratulations for paying attention to this very important area of the home. Not only is it the place where we connect to our partners, it is also the place where we rest, relax and reconnect to ourselves.

If you want to bring love into your life, start by thinking in the number two. For example, make sure to place two bedside tables of equal height on each side of the bed. The symbology is giving equal sides to the relationship that you intend to manifest. Include two of your favorite table lamps.

Also choose a color for the wall that is soothing and relaxing and evokes a sense of peace. Stay away from extreme colors on the walls like bright red or cold blue.

Make your bedroom romantic and inviting by adding some warm colors, for example, in your duvet, or in your pillows and/or draperies. Choose soft and luscious items (earth friendly please) like eco-silk and/or organic cotton.

Before you begin, sit down for 15 minutes and visualize your dream space. What would it look it? What would your future partner like? Feel into that and then begin to create it. Most importantly, have fun.

Got a Feng Shui or design question, ask me here.

David Trubridge, who is creative force behind the design of the outdoor bed “Float” (for Design Mobel) was influenced by his journeys sailing through the Caribbean and the Pacific with his family.

Who wouldn’t want to lounge in an outdoor canopy bed that feels like one is sailing on the ocean?

More from the designer:

In exploring what sleep means to people, I came to the conclusion that beds needed to be more romantic, and more flexible in their design and application. The design elements drawn on in my concept come from the idea that the bed could be moved and used wherever required. The concept forms a cocooning space that gives a feeling of security and serves the purpose of sheltering sleep from the elements, creating a private sleep space within another space. Laminated Tawa is curved to form the canopy and base and fabric made from hemp is stretched across the Tawa to complete the design.

I love the word cocooning when coupled with a nap in the above bed. How about you?

Very creative indeed.  For more info on the designer, follow me.

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.”

Today’s quote of the day comes from Helen Keller - an American author, political activist and lecturer. She was also the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Very inspiring, yes.

The story of  how Helen’s teacher, Annie Sullivan, broke through the isolation imposed by a near complete lack of language, allowing the girl (Helen) to blossom as she learned to communicate, has become known worldwide through the dramatic depictions of the play and film The Miracle Worker.

Anyone else remember the film? Helen Keller inspires us to be optimists, no matter what the odds are, in any situation.

It’s been my practice lately and it has been rewarding. In gratitude.

Question: Is there something special that I should see when I open up my front door? A mirror or a flower vase or something else?

G.L. –Portland, Oregon

C.J.: Ah, I love this question. Thank-you for asking it.

Entryways serve as greeters each time we walk into our front door. It’s such an important area as it sets the tone for our experience inside.

If the area is cluttered and ugly…well you can imagine how that will affect how we feel and contribute to lower energy levels.

However, if the area is beautiful, for example set up with a beautiful vase of flowers on a special table or our favorite bold print is hanging on the wall, that will speak joy to our hearts, even on the most challenging of days.

For many of us, the entryway is an area where we leave our ’stuff’ like our purses, keys, umbrellas, etc. and can get cluttered. If this is the case, first get organized. Keep what you don’t need and get rid of the rest.

Think of this area as your personal welcoming station where you have that special bowl for your keys and a sweet mood light that draws you into the area.

Whatever you decide to place in your entryway, make it something you love, or a collection of things that bring peace and love into your heart. After all, our home is our sanctuary and is the one place where we can truly relax and be at peace.

Today’s quote comes from Margaret Mead, an American Cultural Anthropologist who lived from 1901 - 1978 and was a frequently featured writer and speaker in the mass media throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Profound words indeed. Thank-you Margaret. Your Spirit continues to live among us.