Feng Shui: the mind blowing benefits of having oranges at home

Happy Sunday Darling.

I have a new obsession in my life so let’s discuss.

It’s probably a little random but if we were at brunch right now, here is exactly what I really would want to talk to you about: oranges.

I have recently become obsessed with oranges. Something about the smell of them in the home just makes me feel clean and blissful. I have been seeing them lately, everywhere, especially in photos displayed beautifully in chic vignettes. It’s almost as if I have been manifesting oranges. You know when you start looking at a new car and then all of a sudden, you begin seeing them everywhere.

That is exactly what is happening here. In all fairness, I have been working on my Money Mindset with my coach Amanda Frances and oranges go hand in hand with wealth (In Feng Shui) so it makes complete sense. Just yesterday I went to a beautiful hotel for a spa day and lo and behold, the water in the spa was filled with fresh oranges. It was absolutely delicious! 

Related Reading: 20 things to do on Sunday that will make your life better

(the orange infused water at the spa at Four Seasons Hotel)

Naturally, I believe in keeping fresh foods and fruits in the kitchen at all times because it makes it easier to dive into them when they are sitting right in front of you. Not only are they extremely delicious, they have countless benefits for your health.

Benefits of eating oranges:

• High in Vitamin C.

• Gives a boost to your immune system.

• Prevents skin damage and brightens the skin.

• Controls blood sugar level & regulates blood pressure.

• Promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp.

It’s a funny thing, after I read Patricia’s book and found a new obsession for her bitter orange potpourri, I decided to dig a little deeper into orange scents. Because of my love for essential oils, I’ve known for a long time that citrus scents are very powerful at home.

A few drops of sweet orange oil in your diffuser will instantly uplift your energy & improve your mood (very helpful for working). Or you can put a few drops in your home cleansers and your kitchen will smell fresh and clean. Using skin care with vitamin C boosts your skins brightness instantly so I just love anything with orange in it. I personally use orange scented hand sanitizer for a little extra boost, too.

Let me give you a little back story: So, I’ve been on the hunt for coffee table decorating tips for moms with babies at home. It’s difficult to style the spaces around the home that aren’t hazardous or harmful to your little one. We slowly have gotten rid of everything on our coffee table because of this. Even the coasters have been an issue. So, how can a mom or anyone hosting people in their home with kids, do something chic and stylish but easy to remove once the kids are up and around again? Well, I figured it out. A BOWL OF FREAKING FRUIT. Specifically, a non-breakable bowl, think modern chic like a natural wood.

There is nothing that says home like a bowl of fruit, am I right???

Glam Shui Tip: 9 oranges in a bowl will pull in luck and prosperity directly into the energy or the “chi” of your living environment. Truth is, you can use any citrus like lemon or grapefruit. However, a little info I recently learned is that the word Mandarin in Chinese, sounds similar to the word, gold (wealth). So, the Chinese wisdom always suggests using oranges. Typically, the kitchen relates to the health of your home and oranges are cleansing and filled with nutrients. Don’t you want that for the energy of your home too?

I love Sundays. So I think I am going to make it a new Sunday ritual in my home to make a fresh fruit infused water. In a gorgeous glass pitcher. Especially now that the warm days of Summer are upon us. Keeping myself hydrated is key to a mindful lifestyle so with all of those health, beauty and wellness benefits, how can I not want orange infused water at home?

Just think of it, your children come home after a long, hot Summer day and you greet them with a nice, refreshing glass, or a friend pops by and has a taste, or you treat yourself Monday morning to a moment of orange infused water. Pure bliss if you ask me. This incredible blood orange infused water recipe is calling my name.

Remember, Creating specific rituals for your self and your family is a big act of self care. Be sure to pour loving intentions into the energy that you perform your rituals with.  

Have a beautiful & blissful Sunday friend.  

Related Reading: 20 things to do on Sunday that will make your life better

Book Club: 6 things I learned about The Art of Southern Charm

There is nothing I love more than a book about lifestyle. Entertaining, decorating, cooking, style, wellness, etc. I even wrote a book about living because I really just love it so much. Lifestyle guides are what get me through life. I wish my grandmother had written one and I am now even thinking of two aunts of mine and how I may push them to write one too. I love digging deep into these books, I always have a highlighter and pen on hand so I can highlight and take notes. This book in particular, The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul really has me so inspired. Patricia is a muse, an inspiration, an example of the fabulous way of living that we women need to pay attention to. There is grace, elegance and charm in living intentionally, not rushed, hurried, wrinkled and stressed. What is glamorous about that? So I thought I would share 6 things I learned and noted in this book so that you can write these down too.

1. Build a stationary wardrobe. This is something that I have always done but let’s face it, life gets in the way and we forget to write those handwritten notes. It is easy to thank someone for a gift or send a thoughtful note to a friend who is grieving via text or email but this just isn’t charming. A handwritten note goes a LONG way. Naturally a stationary wardrobe will help you to inspire you to send someone a handwritten note, and with easy access to gorgeous stationary, you will be more inclined to write it. I recently went to pick up some new stationary and fell in love with Matthew Willamsons stationary designs for some pretty and easy notecards. Personalized stationary is key. In the South, monograms and personalization are everything so make sure to get yourself some personalized stationary, it is a MUST.

2. Treat yourself with trays. You must build a collection of trays for yourself. It makes ordinary actions seem like glamorous moments. Hit up an antique shop to find a gorgeous silver tray. Make sure you get one that is real silver with gorgeous handles and nice details like this beauty. I use my silver tray for coffee and tea in the mornings. You can use these to corral your beauty items in the bathroom or serve an afternoon sandwich. A bed tray is also an essential. You can find a beautiful tray for the bed to use while you read and catch up on the latest episode of Southern Charm. I am obsessed with this bohemian chic one.

3. Simplicity is key to entertaining well. Here’s the thing, if you want to be sure to host a fabulous party, keep the food simple but display it on gorgeous dishes. Tea sandwiches, hot dogs and deviled eggs look best on beautiful and whimsical dishes. Be creative about how you serve a simple dish and you will WOW your guests. No need to break out the Julia Childs cookbook. You can even order Chinese food but serve it on a gorgeous dish and voila’. Think Anthropologie dishes or my current obsession is the Tory Burch cabbage plates.

4. We need a resurgence of the cocktail hour. This is a secret to socializing without having to actually go out. Such a brilliant idea for someone like me who loves to be home. Or for anyone who has kids at home that makes it more difficult to go out. Throw a party from 6-8pm. Invite your friends. Create a signature cocktail for the event. Suggest a certain type of attire. Play some really fun music. Think Breakfast at Tiffanys house party, nothing formal or seated, just cocktails and good conversations.

5. Potpourri in a decorative bowl. It makes a lasting impression. The Bitter Orange blend by Agraria is her favorite. It’s nicknamed Park Avenue Potpourri. This is a signature move for her, so take the inspiration and create your own home signature scent.

6. Caftans and cocktails are a MUST. A caftan collection is all your wardrobe really needs. Especially in the South and in the Summertime. You can wear them while hosting an outdoor party or to a fabulous cocktail event. It’s all about the accessories, make sure you have some big statement earrings to go with it. Also, a dressing drink is always best. To help relax you as you get ready to attend an event or throw one. It helps to calm the nerves. The way to always be fabulous is to always be relaxed (caftans make you feel easy and breezy and so do cocktails) and ready to mingle.

I am obsessed with her pink caftan here, I am thinking I need one asap. Here are a few I have my eyes on.