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Elke of International Feng Shui shares more feng shui tips with P4D readers!

In feng shui the main entrance is very important and is known as the "chi mouth" which translates as the entrance of chi (energy) into the property. The main door is like the mouth of the structure and is generally defined as the door that is most frequently used to enter the home or building. Here are some tips in the form of feng shui no-no's to help the flow of good chi into your home.

No-no #1- Steep straight stairs to/from the main door.

I can imagine in the property developers mind that this was a good idea based on maximizing living square footage based on limited land availability, but from a feng shui perspective this is known as "Pulling Nose Sha Chi". The effects of the steep decline from the main door created by the stairs are that all the chi inside the home will eventually drain out. Additionally the garage is located under the living quarters. This is also to be avoided if you seek good feng shui as unstable energy is generated from the in and out entrance right under the home.

No-no #2- Having a drain directly outside the main door.
is known as a "chi puncture" problem. In this situation chi will not be able to accumulate in front of the door. Chi accumulation is associated to prosperity. In feng shui it is believed that a feature like this drains wealth from the house.

No-no #3 - A pole, tree or lamp post directly across from the main door.
Now standing in the main entrance to your home look out from the inside and in from the outside. For good feng shui you want to see a clear open path in both directions. Nothing should create an obstacle to the entrance of your home. The worst example is if there is a light post or telephone pole directly opposite your main door. Likewise, if there is a column inside the home that is visible directly across from the main door looking in. This feature is always avoided as it is detrimental to any occupants of the building. This photo from Istock Photo perfectly demonstrates a blocked main door with a tree.

Whether you work in a window office or a cube, here are some easy and affordable tips on how to make your space comfortable but still professional and reflective of your personality despite the company issued furniture and bad lighting.

Accessorize - Bring in your own desk top organizing set, interesting push pins for your bulletin boards, and a calendar with images you love.

The Container Store's Brocade Desktop Accessories are fun with a touch of elegance.

And we love the dual function magnetic/cork bulletin board!


Decorative push pins, buy or make your own like these from Better Homes and Garden



Add some green - for low light offices a calthea plant is a good option, for good direct sun light go for an orchid or a rubber plant.



Fill your blank walls - travel posters or pictures from your own travels are a great way to add some of your own character to the office while still maintaining a professional look. You can buy inexpensive poster sized or large frames from a craft store.





Bring in good light - both standing and table lamps can bring in light you enjoy rather than having to use the fluorescent over head lighting. These table lamps from Ikea are only $14.99 for a set of two!



Declutter with an eye catching organizing system - document boxes and magazine files are a nice way to add some color and stack on your bookcases or lateral file cabinets. Like Ikea's inexpensive magazine files and boxes that come in tons of colors and are under 5 bucks for a set!

There comes a time in every kid's life that they want their room to reflect their personalities. So how can a parent help their child have a space they enjoy and that can grow with them as they do? Here are some tips if you are helping your tween or teen express themselves through their room's decor.

1. Purchase major pieces of furniture that can grow with them. What does this mean? get a bed and pieces like a dresser that are mature enough to be options for your child of 12 and your teenager of 17. Basic pieces, wood finishes, with no age appropriate frills are a good way to go when selecting these pieces.

2. Use paint to help your child express themselves. Paint can be changed, so let your child pick their wall colors. It will give them ownership of the room as well as help them express themselves creatively. Give them a paint brush and put them to work! Its a fun bonding experience and will make them feel like they were part of the end product.

3. Use accents as the means of bringing character and individualism into the room. Accents are fun, less expensive than major pieces of furniture, and can be changed as your kid outgrows the room's look. Area rugs, curtains, room accessories, and bedding are perfect for bringing color and character to the room. This is where your color, pattern, and theme can really shine through. And since those things need to be replaced after wear and tear anyway, it just makes sense to invest in these age appropriate accessories.

This Pottery Barn Kids room is a good example of how to keep the furniture basic and add the character of the room through the details.



The paint, rug, bedding, lamp, pillows are what make this room look the way it does and it can easily change to look like this room as seen in Delias just a few years later.



Here are some great go-to sites for kids, teens, & tweens room design:

Pottery Barn Kids

The Company Store Kids

JC Penny Kids and Teens

Delia's