hello, October!

October’s arrival always feels happy! for those of us in the north (hemi), fall takes the spotlight, standing and delivering the magical abundance of this season’s holiday glitterati. so, before we nestle into our nooks for the sheer delight of it all, how about a few shui tips and tricks to mobilize these good vibes and keep the marvel of it all uninterrupted?

TIP ONE: LIGHT UP

replace burned out bulbs and stock up on light bulbs for the long nights ahead. when lights are left burned out, we lose our own spark. and, honey, that spark matters. light is majorly symbolic of life force — which fuels our ability to connect with others, keeps our courage simmering, and encourages us to live with an open heart. so, step into the light and brighten up your space. illuminated rooms and homes draw real power. how’s that for easy magic?

TIP TWO: ATTACK THE ATTIC

it’s the time of year where we can quickly feel weighed down from the additional pressures of seasonal gatherings, shopping and daily upkeep. at that same crossroads, we often find ourselves in the attic hauling out boxes of seasonal decor. so, let’s power shui. revisit the attic’s contents while you’re up there and release what you can. a few mindful edits – do I want this? do I need this? – will have good cheer swirling around in a snap. trust me, this one endeavor knows how to shift the holiday frenzy into a season that is more at your leisure and less on your back.

TIP THREE: CLEAR THE GUTTERS

house maintenance is never fun, but these pesky chores can become serious scene stealers if left unattended. clean the gutters of debris and dead leaves. leftover foliage represents dead energy sitting on a house — and metaphorically, that is two thumbs down. it’s an afternoon well-spent to clear this space, making sure everything is aligned properly and water can flow easily. oh, did you hear that? your house is exhaling at the thought of hollow gutters.

TIP FOUR: WEAR A SMILE

you know all those photos on your phone and Instagram? how about a quick rearrangement of familiar framed photos with a few of your latest snapshots? your sweet family and friends’ faces on display will tell the story of good times, and that fresh vitality will get happy-gather-round-vibes bouncing in your home. plus, it gives company and guests a glance at your adventures and celebrations throughout the year. talk about delicious conversation!

TIP FIVE: REVEL IN COZY

while fall is undressing everything outside, it’s all a go-go for feathering our nests inside. look for textures and colors that suggest cozy embraces and comfy gatherings. and while you’re at it, rotate the couch cushions. doing this once a year adds life to your linens and furniture, keeping you from feeling stretched thin and saggy.

are you enjoying your spring, southern hemi? try these tips. xo