February 9, 2005
Kick it up a notch
Yes, we know what you're thinking. Valentine's Day has become the marketing machine of florists and greeting card companies, but The Three Tomatoes are still sappy enough to appreciate a day that celebrates love. Now from time to time, we could all use a little help in the relationship department so we turned to Joan Stigliano, Feng Shui interior decorator and friend to The Three Tomatoes for a little advice on creating a more romantic environment. For the un-initiated, Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement that seeks to bring people and their environments into a positive relationship with one another. By harnessing positive "chi", you can shift the energy patterns of a space and thereby shift the energy patterns of the individuals. Or as Joan says, "Think of it as acupuncture for the home". Here are a few of her suggestions, which just might help spice up your Valentine's Day. First, you need to identify the area of your home that represents love/relationships. Standing at your front door it will be the right hand corner of your house, farthest back. Then you need to rid that area of physical clutter, which is representative of emotional clutter. As it happens, in one of The Three Tomatoes' homes, the relationship area is the laundry room, so we're already in trouble. Get rid of anything that clutters the room and try to make the room speak of love. Now this is a bit of challenge in the laundry room, especially since the new washers and dryers don't even vibrant anymore, but fortunately Joan has great tips for creating a harmonious bedroom even if it's not situated in the love corner. So here you go:
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- Use a touch of red to feed the fire of your commitment. For example, have a vase with 9 red roses (Why 9? Apparently, it's a special number.)
- Bring in new relationship chi with a new mattress and sheets.
- Place your bed so that you have a wide view of the entrance door.
- Light a red candle and add some aromatherapy oils and place them in the far corner of your bedroom.
- Bring love and joy into your life with the color pink , for example with sheets or flowers.
- Use pairs of objects to unify your relationship, for example love birds.
- Surround yourself with things you love.
Now sit back, relax, and feel the passion!
About Joan Stigliano Interior Design Joan has been practicing interior design for over 20 years for clients on Long Island, New York City, Westchester, Connecticut and any fun location they'll send her to. She uses the principles of Fueng Shui when working with her clients to create healthy and balanced environments for homes and offices. She is frequently quoted in trade publications and has been featured on the News 12 Long Island TV show "Lifestyle." You can reach her at 516-671-6463 or email her at MizStig@aol.com. Happy Valentines Day,
The Three Tomatoes
P.S. Visit The Three Tomatoes blog and post a comment or two. We're talking about weight loss right now,but feel free to comment on anything that's on your mind.
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You know you're a tomato if...you can single-handedly eat an entire box of chocolates that come in those little red heart shaped boxes in one sitting.
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Valentine Day Factoids
A survey by The National Retail Federation found that the average consumer will spend $97.27 on Valentine's Day. In 2005 Valentine's Day spending reached $13.19 billion. Greeting cards are the most popular Valentine's Day item followed by candy and an evening out. More than half of men say they'll buy flowers and almost one-in-five plans to purchase jewelry for Valentine's Day. Flowers, candy, and bling bling can sure put a gal in romance mood. Are you listening guys?
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A couple of gift ideas for your special valentine
Chocolate Flavored Cigars: These are perfect for cigar lovers with a sweet tooth. Crafted in the Dominican Republic, they're hand-rolled with aged, premium long-filler and infused with a light hint of flavor. The cigars are smooth, mild and long lasting-perfect when one indulgence just isn't enough. Each box contains 10 cigars; choose chocolate or vanilla. From redenvelope.com Regular $45, Sale $16.99
The Owl Wallet Light -- Does your valentine ever have trouble reading menus or the check in a restaurant? Well this credit card size light and magnifier is a perfect little gift. And for $10, buy yourself one too. Available at www.dutchguard.com. **************
The Latest The Three Tomatoes Poll Results Tomatoes love their getaway's. 88% of you get away 2 times or more a year.
************************ Vote in This week's The Three Tomatoes Poll The average person spends $97 for Valentine's Day. What do you spend? Click here.
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