Domestic bliss: How to curate luxury at home

Have you ever noticed how it seems the French live just a little bit more luxuriously than we do? I've noticed that the women who have most inspired my life are all women who claim, in one way or another, to have been inspired by Parisian women. Two of my aunts live in Paris part of the year and my grandmother lived in Paris for several years. Not to say that the Parisians have it all down, but I have noticed that they indulge in themselves just a little bit more. The women in my life were always that way, they really put effort in to looking and feeling their best everyday. That made them stronger and more effective in their lives and in my life. 

Today, we women are coming into our own ways of being business women and the entrepreneuress rate is at an all time high. We can get so busy and caught up in the day to day things that take our attention away from ourselves and cause frequent overwhelm. We are made to feel like giving to others first is the better way to be. At the end of our days we are depleted of everything. When I work with my coaching clients, calls almost everyday, the one thing that is prevalent in our conversations is how much we forget to take pride in ourselves, get dressed up, take a little alone time, indulge our senses with beautiful fragrance, cuddle up with a cozy throw and read a delicious book. 

It's important to remember to take time out in our days, even if its only 15-20 minutes. Put down the phone and do something luxurious for yourself. It helps to recharge and refuel your creativity and drive. One way to make it a little bit easier for yourself, is to set yourself up for it. I always like to say "luxury doesn't have to be expensive". Take some time out to create a cozy nook in your bedroom or pile your bath with a cozy robe and slippers. Buy yourself a yummy candle and some soft pillows for your desk. Here are a few things I'd like to add to my collection. .  .

 Gold and black French settee |White and gold rose tea set | silver mirrored tray | silver candlestick | Barefoot dreams cozy throw | black tufted x stool | cozy white fur rug | black DKNY long robe | Just like sunday lavender candle | La Dame Aux Camellas Cologne spray | Parisian Interiors book |

images and sources on domestic bliss X ashlina

Spiritual Glamour: How to use crystals and stones in your home (to attract more of what you want!)

The other day while on the hunt for the perfect coffee table for one of my most fun clients, I came across this gorgeous Amethyst coffee table. I literally stopped dead in my tracks.  It is stunning, powerful and so unique, which is exactly what my client is going for. However, pushing an Amethyst crystal table is a pretty big jump, not everyone is up for the look. 

As I was trying to explain to my client why its so fantastic and she should absolutely have it, I realized how I never really talk about decorating with stones and crystals on the blog. I talk often about my Feng Shui tips but not much about incorporating stones.  I'm a huge believer in making sure your home space is healing, nourishing and your sanctuary for becoming your best self. I'm always detoxing my home, removing clutter and setting up spaces that allow me to de-stress, meditate and journal. My home is always a place where I feed my soul. 

I am totally Spiritual but I don't like to get too extreme with it. I still like to keep tailored glamour in my style. . .its always a balance. I've found myself calling it, "spiritual glamour". 

Crystals and stones are a huge part of home decor Feng Shui and can be used to heal, uplift and attract in more things that you want in life. I know there are a lot of skeptics but I feel the difference and it totally works for me. I like to keep my collection of stones by my nightstand, so I can pick them up when I need or just with a glance of them, I am reminded of their meaning and focus on that energy. To me, its sort of like having little power statements in frames all over the house, just in a prettier form. Also, if you are spiritual at all like I am, you feel the beautiful earthy energy. So, I'll share a few of my favorites with you. . .

My favorite is Amethyst. Amethyst is the stone of spirituality and contentment, it helps with stability of inner peace. It assists my meditation, as it calms the mind, enhances your intuition and reduces stress. I like to hold my stone as I pray/meditate. 

Use Amethyst all over the home. . .

I adore Citrine, not only is it magnificently beautiful, it also is the stone for success and abundance. I have a small stone for my collection, but I also love this cool acrylic box. 

I am also obsessed with Pyrite. Pyrite inspires the universal energies to activate nourishment in the body. It encourages intellect and emotional well-being. It helps you to focus, be creatively inspired and in a good flow. They are also the most stunning, because obviously they are gold, which is my favorite color.  I like to keep pyrite stones in the sink and let water flow on them when washing my hands. I also love to wear my pyrite gold necklace. 

Most people place their stones in an altar. I think a small little altar in the home is a brilliant idea. My bedside table is pretty big and becomes my display area for my most precious things. You could also use a stand alone table or your vanity area. Here are a few photos to inspire your home altar/crystal display. . .

Depending on your personality and style, you can arrange your altar in many different ways. I like to keep candles around to amp up the energy. Mirrors are fantastic too. If you feel kinda kooky praying or meditating there, just take a few minutes in your day to take some deep breaths, gaze and take in the beauty of your altar. Whatever feels most comfortable for you. It's all about the intention. 

I think these large wood triangle shelving units are a killer altar, you can get a smaller one like it here. 

Want to try it too? Get these beauties. . .

1: Natural pyrite specimen 2: Amethyst candle holders 3: Set of 4 Amethyst napkin rings 4: Pyrite cluster finials 5:  Alexis Bittar orbit ring (obsessed!) 6: Amethyst geodes 7: Pyrite on a small base 8: Pyrite bottle stopper 9: Crystal bottle stopper 10: Kelly Wearstler stone bottle opener

If you want more info on crystals, how and where to use them, I suggest these books...

title image: Erin Featherston/ Matchbook magazine other images: Refinery29 | The Tao of Dana |