Designed2b Beautiful

Feeling outrageous!!!

2012-01-17T13:04:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I really do feel like going nuts.... And would love to splash out like this with lots of paint!!!

I should do it one day!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

New Blog and Website in ONE as from now

2011-09-11T10:17:00.001-07:00

As from today I have turned this blog and my official website into one! It is still all about Lifestyle, gardening, design, Feng Shui, Clear your clutter and all other interesting tips and tools for you to use daily.

I have also included a Monthly Garden Calendar with 'to do's', photographic art and Bloomin'flower chat... which will touch on a different flower or plant each week.

So do add my new website to your favourites and follow me on Facebook and Twitter

http://www.carolynchadwick.com

Take care and thank you so much for having read this blog so frequently. Thanks also for all the lovely messages. I feel very honoured!

Lots of love, C

My design of a Mediterranean garden

2011-07-08T09:01:00.001-07:00

A truely beautiful mediterranean garden was designed for the owners living in Cologne, Germany! With a natural pond-pool, colourful flowers and ornamental grasses and an ancient Olive tree was added as a last minute idea to complete the overall effect. It is a stunning result and it always warms my heart seeing the design several summers (2 here) later.

This is what the garden loked like before the huge make-over! Every garden designer's nightmare and challenge! It was totally overgrown and a mess!

The entrance was moved outward and the old non existing hedge removed to make way for a neat iron framework to be covered with Hedera Helix with a proper door, which could be locked to guarantee the privacy of the owners.

The ancient olive tree stands proud in the enclosed courtyard.... protected in winter from harsh winds and frosts.

the light is beautiful here..

To spend warm summer evenings with romantic candles burning, the soft lights glowing up from the pool and the sound of the waterfall must give the owners that magical feeling of being in Greece or Italy!

I also love the playful use of the tiles.... the smaller ones continue into the conservatory

the original design by me... the mediterranean idea including the 4 Feng shui elements: wood, water, air and fire.... and often when the digging and construction gets on it's way changes do occur... like the spontanious idea of the olive tree and experimenting with the pattern of the tiles.

A place to sit and have breakfast, lunch and dinner... with friends and family or just relaxing reading a magazine or good book!

So it is possible to create out of nothing, or a nightmarish mess something totally beautiful.... trust the professional designer.... and have fun exploring together the possibilities!

Have a truely wonderful summer.... and happy gardening!

Love, C

Outdoor rooms & water features

2011-06-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

I love this water feature above: the bowls are like big cups spilling over... just start taking note of waterfeatures in your area... what do you like and why and can you fit it in your own home. The one above is from HOUZZ magazine

When designing your own garden don't forget to install good light spots ... as they create ambiance and atmosphere.

Easy lounging ... use your inside cushions for outside comfort!

Mediterranean style terrace: a mix and match of all your outside chairs combined with an old tabletop does justice during long afternoon feasts!!!

A lovely symmetrical water feature... if you have the space not too difficult to get a proffesional gardener to make it for you!

Small but luxurious mediterranean patio design.... I wouldn't mind drinking a glass of prosecco here!!!

Summer time is about creating mood and friendly attractive ambiance.... living life outdoor... together with family and friends.... designing memories for a lifetime.... using the senses around you to tap into later on in life (fragrant plants and flowers, deliscious food, lounge music, your own decor, and the welcoming kiss/hug of family and friends...

Happy end of spring and beginning of summer,

Love , C

Turn your spring and summer setting inside-outside!

2011-05-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Make sure your outside is set for spring and summer entertaining..

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A hammock is ofcourse ulimate bliss... it's about creating comfort around you, no matter how large or small your dwelling is! As long as your heart is poured into it!

Soft earth tones bring outside inside..... create your own stye and atmosphere.... it doesn't always mean expensive!

Do both! Make sure you live outside when ever the weather permits... in hot climates we go inside for siësta and coolness, in cooler climates we move indoor again when needing warmth during chilly evenings. Turn your home into an attractive outdoor living space with comfortable chairs, lounge seats, table, candles for when it turns dark.... and your favourite summer recipes ready to go in your kitchen!

Make sure to water all your plants in pots daily and get the water sprinkler out in the evening and give garden borders a good refreshing shower. Better to leave the tap running for a couple of hours than short bouts.... the water needs to sink in deep enough otherwise the roots will stay too close to the surface.

Remove all dead flowers and leaves to keep plants looking radiant and beautiful., a daily at the end of the working day task.... however never turn it into a chore... but see it as a medatative moment to relax you and create beauty... then pour yourself a drink... preferably a Gin (Bombay Sapphire is the best) & Tonic with icecubes and

...... enjoy life outside and the pictures it brings you...

Happy gardening, pottering and creating...

love C

How to get to grips wit the Feng Shui Bagua Map

2011-04-21T01:40:00.000-07:00

After several request from clients and friends about how to use the Feng Shui Bagua Map, I decided to make a drawing for you. Best is to download the photo into your laptop/computer and then zoom in to enlarge what I have written.

The nine areas of the Bagua Map reflect areas of your home/life!!!

Once you understand and get to grips with the map .... it's great to try it out on your own home! Just take pen and paper and draw your floor plan and turn it into a square/rectangular shape... with missing corners added by using a dotted line. See Example House 4 on my drawing. Then place the center of the Bagua map on the center of your plan.

If you do have a corner missing you can either hang a mirror on the wall or if you have a window, use a rainbow crystal, and hang it in the center .... both will bring the energy of the missing part back into your home. If both are impossible then place a symbolic object that signifies the area! A beautiful object ofcourse which you LOVE!!!!

A description of the nine areas. Just chose the names that are most appealing to you in the different sections:

Prosperity, Wealth, Abundance, Fortunate Blessings:

Clutter in this area will clog up your cash flow, cause your overall financial situation to stagnate, and make it hard work to create abundance in your life.

Fame, Reputation, Illumination:

When this area is cluttered it can cause your reputation to dull and your popularity to wane. Enthusiasm, passion, and inspiration will also be in short supply.

Relationship, Love, Marriage:

A cluttered relationships area can cause difficulty in finding a love mate or problems in an exisitng relationship. What you get will not be what you need or want.

Elders, Family, Community:

This type of clutter can cause problems with superiors, authority figures and parents as well as with your family or community as a whole.

Health, Unity:

Clutter here has damaging health consequences and your life will lack a meaningful central focus.

Creativity, Offspring (kidds), Projects:

If this area is cluttered you are likely to experience blocks in your creativity, struggle in bringing projects to fruitition, and difficulties in relationships with children or people working for you.

Knowledge, Wisdom, Self-Improvement:

Clutter in this area limits your ability to learn, make wise decisions, and improve yourself.

Career, Life Path, The Journey:

When you have clutter here it can seem as though life is an uphill struggle. You may feel that you are in a rut, not doing what you want to do.

Helpful Friends, Compassion, Travel:

Clutter in this area blocks the flow of support in your life, so you will feel like you are "going it alone" a lot of the time. It also inhibits plans to travel more.

My advice is to just get going and try it out...

If you are skeptical... well then just de-clutter an area for several months and then clutter it again.... and FEEL and EXPRIENCE the difference...

Still got questions then please contact me, or if in dire need of HELP then also drop me a line and I will be glad to make an appointment for a consultaion.

Do let me know of your experiences! Love, C

Friday Feng Shui quote

2011-04-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

First of all I would like to welcome my new followers... It's a beautiful compliment for me... so I do hope you will love reading my blog and all about the various topics!

Live Colourfully and be Happy!

Have a wonderful Sunny weekend,

Love, C

ps. What do you LOVE doing most? What are you doing when you completely forget the time and could spend hours doing it?

Why I have not been tempted into investing in a gorgeous Olive tree

2011-04-06T03:26:00.001-07:00

No way does my Olive (shrub-tree) look like this gorgeous one above!

To be honest with you it looks like the one above! Oh it is mine!!! This is exactly what I had been afraid of.... a severe winter frost bit my Olive shrub, the main reason why I had not been tempted into buying a fully grown tree years ago...Honestly, I had covered it up and tucked it in during the winter months in this bubbly plastic stuff... even let enough air circulate around it's crown...but allas to no avail... all the leaves dropped off... luckily the plant is still alive... I did the check, by scraping the bark of a twig and discovered to my delight it was green underneath!!! SO I'm breathing new life into my Olives! A colleague told me to wait until the end of April before I even try to touch it with secateurs... as ofcourse I want to tackle the really dead looking branches and turn it into a Japanese Bonsai Olive tree!!! So I truely hope it will survive and grow new shoots and leaves... so to make me wrong about the fact that an Olive should live in the Mediterean climate and not in a cold, wet and frosty Nothern European one!

Then in time I will be able to transfer my Tree into a larger frost-resistant pot!!!

and will no longer panic at the sight of snow or frost....

and will end up with this lush and lovely looking attractive ancient Olive tree... and myself at the age of 75 will be soooo extremely happy that I perservered in my quest to growing an Olive tree from scratch?

I will keep you all posted on Olive growth and plot! If I fail I will just have to travel to the Mediteranean more frequently in order to feed my need for heavenly looking ancient, warped bark, feeling it's warmth and strength whilst leaning against it with a glass of Ouzo in my hand!

Thinking about it sounds more appealing actually.... hmmm I wonder what will happen?

Happy gardening, pottering or lounging wherever you are!

Love, C

ps. a good link for Olive trees in the Netherlands is (de Bergerie).

When to prune your lavender

2011-04-03T05:55:00.001-07:00

The Provence in France is THE place to be for lavender!

You can make lovely lavender bouquets to give to friends

or make beautiful sachets of pot pourri

Or drop a flowerhead into a refreshing summer drink of tonic or sprite!

It's very important to prune your lavender... if you do not do it the small shrubs will get very woody looking and won't produce many flower heads! Which is ofcourse what we want... this wonderful aroma of lavender when you brush past it as you walk around your garden or balcony.

That's why you need to prune twice a year!

To start off with right nowish! Between the end of March and the beginning of April you need to have finished the job...

If you have looked after your lavender properly you can cut it back to about 10-15cm off the ground. The flowerheads will grow on this years new shoots. If you haven't pruned your lavender regulary make sure not to cut it back too hard... as on the old shaggy looking wood you will not get any flowers. If it looks too sad for words... replace them and stick to these rules.

The second time you prune lavender is soon after it has finsished flowering. In this fase (August-October) you can remove the dead flowers and then prune it back Lightly when flowering has come to a halt... I mean Lightly so the lavender has some strength to proctect itself from frost in the winter months.

Happy Gardening, C

Friday Feng Shui tip

2011-04-01T03:09:00.000-07:00

~Your style is defined by what makes you feel most comfortable ~

Feng Shui and Clearing Clutter is all about bringing heart into the home and make your place feel warm and welcoming to yourself and others.... it's not about a place being spotlessly clean and sterile!!!

Luckily we all have our own style and preferences.... thank goodness! No person is the same and no home is the same.... however LOVE is love and we can create it and feel it's vibrant energy warm our heart.... create your own style (colourful, romantic, black, white, simple or a crazy nutty mix)... it will echo your innerself!

Dare to be you!!!

Love, C

Does your house feel as though you are tucked up in a warm blanket? Is it a place where you feel at home and where you can relax and enjoy yourself. If not and you would like it to, then contact me at: Designed2b Beautiful Lifestyle Design & Coaching

Clutter zones in your home: the basement & cellar

2011-03-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, your basement/cellar could look like this... filled with wines! If you love wine that is...otherwise be creative and think up how to use your space!

Above is ofcourse an extreem design solution to your basement stairs... I just loved the swirly feel to it.... drunk already at the top of the stairs!!!!

If it's just simplicity you are after then just use boxes and shelves to store USEFULL stuff only!

Above and below... MEGA DISASTER AREAS, definate NO-No's

Sometimes we get so caught up in the main parts of our house, that we forget about the basement, garage and attics. In Feng Shui, these areas represent our past, our buried feelings and our leftover"baggage". The length of time it has been down there will tell you how long you have been putting off dealing with what is symbolically buried in the stuff. Feelings of hopelessness, depression, lethargy (vermoeidheid), aimlessness or feeling burdened in your progress are just some of the unfortunate side effects of having clutter in your basement or cellar.

Spring is an ideal time to tackle the junk you have piled there, to deal with "later". Take a few hours to sort through your belongings and see if there are items that you don't use, are broken, out of date, or bring up unpleasant memories. Once this chore is done, you will sleep better at night and feel lighter knowing your past is free and clear.

You can ofcourse still use your cellar for storage but make sure it looks pleasant on the eye... tidy and neat... in actual fact 'organized' I guess!

Luckily I don't have a basement, but I do have a garage... and that tells me, every time it sneackily gets filled up, something about my issue area according to the Bagua map..... it's the area in my house which represents Wisdom, Knowledge & Self -Improvement... so for me it's extremely important to keep this area free of clutter... and I notice that as soon as it fills up with old paper stuff, plastic bottles for recycling, glass and other yuck I get restless and feel I am not getting anywhere... as soon as it is cleared away the garage feels so much lighter and the energy moves freely again... and I feel happy again as I am a total knowledge freak.. always wanting to learn more and develop personally! As I want to get the most out of life!!!

So just go out into these areas of your house/home and give it a jolly good clear out!!! Dump it immediately ofcourse... as you wil not have any other place for it anymore!!!

So take an egg timer with you and set it for 45 minutes and tackle your stuff... have a cup of tea and go in again for another 45 minutes, repeat until you've finished!

Good luck... and be determined as this will be the most intense clearing!

Love, C

Friday Feng Shui quote

2011-03-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

Magnolia is also used in perfume - like so many other floweroils, fruits & herbs...

A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting - Christian Dior

Which perfume is your favourite? In Feng Shui it is also important you smell lovely and delightful... it brings out your aura more... and is a part of who you are!

Do you spray once a day or more often?

Do you have one perfume only or more for different occasions?

I love Coco Chanel and John Gallianno's 'Parlez-moi dÁmour and Yves Saint Laurent's 'Paris' and Idylle by Guerlain...

Have a wonderful sweet/sensual smelling spring weekend!

Love, C

Get your Gardening spirit going again! Time to prune! How, what and when!!

2011-03-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the huge Hydrangeas in pots standing at the back of this garden. Pruning correctly will bring you gorgeous, beautiful flowerheads!

As spring has set in now... it's wonderful to also be outside pottering in your garden or balcony. Bring peace, harmony and beauty to your outside area... by taking care of your borders, shrubs, lawn and pots. Giving it all lots of TLC (tender loving care)

Feng Shui flows naturally from your home into your outside space... it's about feeling happy when you step onto your property. The feeling of "Yes, this is HOME."

Be proud of your home... it reflects who you are!

Best time now is to get pruning... so get your secateurs (snoeischaar) out, oil them and clean properly before you get stuck in.

WHAT NOT TO DO IS AS IMPORTANT many times as what to do each season, the dont’s as powerful as the do’s. Nowhere is this more to the point than with pruning, the “there’s no turning around now” portion of horticulture, where you can’t glue it back on or wait a few weeks for another (forgiving) flush of foliage, as when you give a ratty perennial or annual a needed haircut. Are you feeling scissor-happy? Read this first.

Early bloomers flower on old wood. Go out and look at a forsythia or a lilac: Unless you pruned in summer or autumn, you’ll see flower buds already in place, dormant but there. If you prune now, it won’t flower now. Makes sense?

Generally speaking, don’t prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees more than a month or so after they finish blooming. After they’re finished flowering, prune immediately. You will not kill the plant by pruning a little later, in many cases, but you will be deprived a season of bloom, so why not first enjoy it?
Woody plants that flower late in the season, such as Hydrangea paniculata, bloom on new wood. Again, go out and look. You don’t see any flower buds now, in early spring, do you? Discovering where on the stems and when the plant creates its flower buds will help direct your pruning efforts.

Lilac (Sering) pruning: Unless the shrub’s a neglected wreck in need of rejuvenation, cutting off bouquets of flowers is all the pruning you’ll want to do.

Viburnum pruning: Less is more.

Clematis: I like the ones that like to be cut back hard in spring, to about 10/15 cm.

Buddleja: Off with its head, now. Just before the buds want to break, cut the most familiar kind, B. davidii down to near ground-level. Even though in some gentle winters it seems as if it will break higher up, it will look like a hell of a mess without a hard cutback, trust me.

Weigela: Some shrubs, including weigela, hate being cut back part way, and are better pruned thus: Remove a portion of the oldest stems near the base, to allow younger wood to develop fully.

Roses: I don't have low growing shrub roses, but climbers and ramblers... the ramblers that grow up into trees I just neaten up as much as I can... the climbers I prune back hard in autumn actually...but if you haven't done that then get your secateurs out and do it now!

Hydrangeas: Generally speaking, prune the mopheads (H. macrophylla, the big blue ones) after they bloom in summer, but before they set next season’s buds. How? Cut out the oldest stems to the ground to make room for new ones. This one’s a trickster to normal thinking, because though it blooms relatively late, in most varieties it does so on year-old wood, so it does carry flowerbuds over the winter. Deadheading is always allowed.

Ornamental Grasses: chop off fairly low to the ground now as it will start to sprout and it will not look pretty if you do it later and the grasses have all their tips with a #cutofflook!

Happy gardening, pruning and preparing for beauty to explode in your garden or balcony!

Love, C

Gardening as from March 21st: Spring season

2011-03-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

As a passionate gardener and garden designer I woud also love to start sharing great garden tips and ideas on this blog aslo! I have a Dutch blog too, but it was getting rather complicated writing both!

Garden tips for March as from 21st onwards.... It's Spring and it has started here with glorious weather! Time to get out and about!

Remove winter mulches from your flower beds and clear all the winter debry from your garden
Cut back all the plants you left during winter for silhoutte
Don't worry about the garden looking empty... it will grow back... abundantly!
Roses can be pruned this month. Severe pruning results in nicer long stemmed flowers and more compact bushes. Begin to spray roses for black spot.
Feed roses.
Weeding: Most weeds can simply be pulled or cultivated out of the garden while they are young... but you have to start now and be disciplined to weekly weeding sessions
if you have a balcony... get your pots cleaned up and start watering little by little again
If you have trouble saving plants in pots during the winter ... well then just go out and buy some more!
Hydrangea's, Agapanthus and Hosta's do really well in pots.
Olive tree/shrub also great for in pots.... big winterhardy pots though!
re-boost your garden by adding good quality compost on all the borders and the lawn!
fertilze plants in pots weekly again!
If you have a lawn... re-boost it also by fertilizing it and airing it with a gardenfork or special machine!
rake the lawn to clear moss out!
sow more grass seed if necessary in problem areas!
If you want to divide perennials do it now! just dig up the clump and tear it up and plant where you want... give plenty of water!
Prune Hydrangea Macrophylla ONLY cut away the OLD wood that has flowered... so this needs to be done by hand... NOT with an automated machine! You want young wood to grow and flower.

Good luck and happy gardening... soon all will be green!
Love, C

Friday Feng Shui tip

2011-03-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

Clutter and Organization

All of the same principles of dealing with clutter apply to every room of the home.
For every article/item ask the Feng Shui rules of clutter
….Do I love it?
Do I need it?
Have I worn it recently?
Does it reflect who I am now in my life?
If it doesn’t pass the test, deep-six it and donate to a worthy cause or throw it in the trashbin.
Cupboards and closets are areas of much hidden clutter. It will take you some time to shift and sort your stuff but you will be surprised what joy an organized closet/room can bring every time you open the door or walk in!
Make a clean sweep of problem areas each day. We collect mail, newspapers, magazines, keys and other bits & bobs on one table in the kitchen. If we’re not careful, the table is full after a few days! It feels great to clean it off each night. When you come downstairs in the morning it feels great to start the day fresh! It is just a question of getting into the habit.
Do it quickly without thinking.

Love, C

A brief explanation about the term Feng Shui

2011-03-17T04:47:00.000-07:00

photo by Matt Bird

The term Feng Shui means "wind" (Feng) and "water" (Shui) and is the name the Chinese gave to a very practical and intuitive art which seeks to bring people and their environment into balance and harmony creating the most positive relationship possible. This balanced and harmonious relationship allows one to direct the flow of nature's positive energy or Chi to bring opportunities, blessings, peace, joy, health, wealth, happiness, success and positive relationships into our lives.

The winds are mild,

The sun is bright,

The water is clear,

The trees are lush.

This ancient Chinese Poem describes ideal living conditions, in harmony with Air and Earth. It describes very good Feng Shui. It is said that the term Feng Shui came from this poem.

Feng Shui is not a religion! It is a 5000 year old philosophy of living in harmony with nature and yourself, which is constantly being updated to be appropriate for our lives and world.

Feng Shui improves our lives... so why not try it! Nothing to loose!

Love, C

Clutter Zones in your home: the Bathroom

2011-03-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

Bathrooms are places where you should be able to wash off the grime of the day or start the day fresh... a place of wellness! However some bathrooms I see are stacked high with appliences and beauty grooming products.... (some of which are as old as the hills!!! and need to be chucked out... dated lipsticks, eyeshadows, creams, shampoo's, etc. and not forgetting the medical stuff you have stashed away somewhere and of which some has gone well past it's sell by date! Please do me a favor and go through your bathroom kit and throw away OLD stuff! It will smell unfresh... and who wants that on their face???).

These products are stashed on shelves, windowsills, on top of the toilet tank, around the bathrim, IN the bath! next to the washbasin, on the floor and anywhere else possible. This makes it more difficult to clean the inevitable yucky deposits they leave and creates a confused, chaotic theme in an area that ideally needs to be calm and peaceful. People with clutter-free bathrooms find some of their meditations (and also their best songs) happen in their bathtub or shower. For best results, install some storage units and keep them organized and clean... inside and out!

A clean healthy looking bathroom is a delight to be in!
Once you get the general hang of it... you will always want it to look sexy! Even if you're single or a man!

It's important to treat yourself to good beauty products and scrub your face and body at least 1x a week under the shower. Bodylotion either every day or 3x a week minimum!
Cleanse your face daily and use nurishing day & night creams... in bed smother your hands with a good handcream....

For women especially it's great to soak in warm water... if you have a bath treat yourself regularly... otherwise go and visit a wellness center at least 1x a month... jacuzzi and massage! Great for the spirit and mind... and you will feel relaxed and energized! It's also part of the clearing clutter session.... warm water relaxes our bodies, so we can let go! Try it!
Tip: Use soft towels of any colour you love!
drink lots of water daily
eat healthy food

If you don't take GOOD care of yourself... you cannot take good care of others!

So, hve a Happy bathroom de-clutter session and turn it into a wellness/spa area for beauty, health & relaxation!
Love, C

Friday Feng Shui quote

2011-03-11T00:17:00.000-08:00

Many of you are searching for your "niche." Clear your spirit, mind & body of clutter, live in the Creative & your niche will find YOU - Anonymous

Love, C

Friday Feng Shui tip: How to make your Lingery draw look attractive

2011-03-04T00:27:00.000-08:00

I love this idea above….and use the technique myself, it works brilliantly… all your bras slot behind each other perfectly, make sure you pack the same colours together then tuck the belonging knickers in the boob space of the bra … and voíla your lingery draw looks sexy!!

If you find it hard to clear clutter then make a start in your bedroom... goal is to have a beautiful room to sleep peacefully! read previous post for more tips.

Love C

Clutter zones in your home: the bedroom

2011-03-03T01:57:00.001-08:00

Is your bedroom a dumping ground for all those things you have nowhere else to put? If so, you are treating yourself like a secondclass citizen. It's really not ideal to have computers, exercise bikes, TV and other unseemly objects cluttering up your sleeping area. Clutter in the bedroom is a real no-no!!!

We all want our bedroom to be a place where we get a good nights rest and where your mind is not distracted by weird objects that don't belong there!!! One of my clients had the vacuum cleaner in the bedroom... ofcourse I removed that immediately and told them that was a definate No-no!!! I Also found screws and junk that I politley removed and pointed out ... please no sharp objects in the bedroom... subconsciously it effects you!

For those who are romantically inclined, whether you are single and looking or already in a relationship, it will pay you dividends to keep your bedroom clutter-free. Stale energy hangs around dirty laundry, so never keep the laundry basket in your bedroom. try to clean your bed sheet 1x a week to keep your energy vital and fresh as well as your love life!!!

Below I have posted some pictures of great bedroom organisation ideas...

I don't want you to live in a spotless fishbowl but I do want you to create a home that is loved and full of love... and feels beautiful and fresh!

Use your own imagination... and be inspired!

Use pillows to make the bed look inviting and soft... and arrange them symetrically

A wardrobe looks more attractive when you can find your items easily and don't have to search early in the morning for a particular blouse, t-shirt, or handbag! So try to hang things in simular colours. You can easily go off to IKEA with a shopping list ... hangers, boxes, tray, shoebag?

Below ... ahhh women and shoes... this ofcourse is and ideal solution if you have space! Otherwise do a shoe de-clutter... old=out ...... new/ish=in

Great idea for avid perfume collectors... arrange them beautifully on a tray... any size colour or shape...but throw away old ever so empty ones!!!

even this room although quite full still looks feminine and organized in a pleasant way!

Have a wonderful day!

Love C

The process of Clutter is about letting go!

2011-02-28T03:38:00.000-08:00

The process of clearing clutter is about letting go. Not just letting go of your belongings - that is only the end result. The most important thing is learning to let go of the fear that keeps you holding on to them after it is time to move them on their way.

People hold on to their stuff because they are afraid to let go - afraid of the emotions they may have to experience in the process of sorting through the stuff, afraid they might make a mistake and regret getting rid of something.

Clutter clearing can bring up a lot of "stuff" to be faced and dealt with, and intuitively every one knows it!

Life is constant change. So when something new comes into your life enjoy it, use it well, and when it's time, let it go. It's that simple.

Just because you own something, doesn't mean you have to keep it for ever... why do we keep it? Guilty conscience... or what...

Hanging on to stuff... keeps you more in the past and subconsiously burdens you!

You will feel so much more happy and lighter afterwards... and then there is place again for the new... and you catapult your life in a forward movement... instead of staying put.

I believe anyway that life is about development and personal growth... otherwise it gets so terribly boring! and people grow old more quickly!

So if you want to stay vibrant, energetic and younger looking.. get rid of your clutter...

Fear stops you from being who you really are and doing what you came here to do!

Fear suppresses your vital life force energy: releasing clutter helps reconnect you to your own natural vitality.

Letting go of clutter and cleansing your own inside at the same time leaves you free to be you, which is the greatest gift you can ever give yourself.

Just do it.

In my next posts I will touch upon how to identify clutter... as I discovered more recently it is also on the internet these days!!!

Love, C

Designed2b Beautiful Lifestyle Design & Coaching

Want to know how to de-clutter... read this!

2011-02-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Want your home to look fresh, light and cleared...

Your wardrobe to look neat & tidy (not that mine always does all the time)...to start: make sure your hangers are all the same material and colour... I love the wooden ones from IKEA

and you can't stand shoes, scarves, gloves, shinprotectors and kidsstuff clogging & cluttering up your home.... invest in some nice baskets... either simple or colourful like the ones above..

You feel like you are out of control with your wardrobe including old shoes, handbags from the year 2000 etc...

and your desk looks like this most of the time?

Well then it is time you learned how to de-clutter your home & Life!

Recently I have been asked by friends and clients: "well how do I start to de-clutter? and keep clutter out of the house!

Clutter is stuck energy! It blocks the smooth flow of energy in a room/home.
As soon as you get into clearing out clutter you will begin to feel happier and lighter... the energy of a room will change... you can physically feel it.
Clutter keeps you in the past, and can make you feel tired because every time you come home you will subconsciously think... it needs clearing out, but I can't be bothered!
Having clutter can affect the way people treat you.
Having clutter can make you procastinate.
Having clutter can make you feel ashamed.
Having clutter can depress you and put your life on hold.

Lots of people have clutter because they think 'well, you never know when it might come in handy.... the 'just in case cases'.

So where to start... make a list of every room.. from basement to the attic... if you have them... and be honest about what areas need de-cluttering.
Then start small... a drawer in the... kitchen, bedroom, office.... and work through it item per item...best is to also clean at the same time!
Some people are quick at getting ridd of their stuff and are happy with just a big trash bag... others take longer... If you are in this category make sure you have several boxes to put your clutter in...
1. trash box - definite clutter for the dump
2. repairs box - but only for things you want to keep and WILL repair... otherwise get rid of it.
3. recycle box - for things you want to give to others... clothes, books?
4. transit box - items that you want to move to another room.
5. Dilemma box - things you find hard to let go of... check it every month if you can get rid of an item.
Go at it step by step... clutter accumulates in everybody's life... It took me 2 months to completely de-clutter my house.... so no worries... and you probably will not want to be at it every day.
My attic was a real mess where we just about stacked all we didn't want... and ofcourse it was bugging me like anything... then I finally decided no longer to procastinate and get up there... It was a wonderful experience and I had fun too! I even had the vacuumcleaner up there!
I will write about clutter in another post otherwise this will become too long!
I want you to get started! Hang in there .. grab a bag & let go of stuff...
Let me know what happens and how it makes you feel.

Love, C

Does your house feel as though you are tucked up in a warm blanket? Is it a place where you feel at home and where you can relax and enjoy yourself? If not, and you would like it to be, then contact me.

Friday Feng Shui tips

2011-02-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

The colour use above is vibrant but still in harmony... because the accessoires are 'Zenned' and the energy flows naturally.
Here the tones are browns in all kinds of different shades.. and blend in well together. Note the tall vase centered right bang in the middle.. if it was off center it would attract attention, now it blends in beautifully. Even though the room is 'Zenned' it still looks snug and cozy.
This bedroom above is gorgeous because of the pale tones and the natural light coming in, accentuated by the fluffy throw casually flung on the bed... this is also Feng Shui... it has been casually lain there but done with love and looks totally sexy!

Try giving smooth walls a sensual colour wash... this wall looks oldish and accentuates the romantic bedroom beyond with the old tiles... it just feels right! If it had been full of clutter you wouldn't notice the sensuality at all.

Example of one of my moodboards... it's a huge one though.. 4xA3 size... you could make one to start with on 1xA3

Feng Shui is not just intended for your home. You can use Feng Shui also in your workplace, garden and other areas of your life.

Here are some useful tips to try out and play with. Frequently when people ask me "but does it realy work" I tell them to go through their house with pen and paper and jot down the areas they feel need to be de-cluttered or arranged differently! Then I tell them to go about it step by step... and start first by de-cluttering 1 area... and I mean really de-clutter... so get a trash bag and throw out old stuff you don't use or don't care about anymore. They truely feel a difference then ... it makes them feel lighter... as they remove the old, making room for the new!

On a daily basis I receive possitive remarks that my tips and tools realy do work, and people feel their homes are becoming places of joy and happiness! They experience that their home feels like a warm blanket wrapped around them.

So now the tips:

* Open windows in the morning briefly to let natural sunlight (when available) pour in and fresh air to breeze away the sleepy night energy.

* de-clutter 1 area of your home this week and note the difference.

* In Feng Shui the use of colour is important, because it creates atmosphere and a special mood to fit your personality.

* So check your colour scheme... is it to your liking... note down what you would like to change and over the course of the following weeks bring about the change.

* beware though that the colours should be in harmony and not have a killing effect! For info on colours visit the Colour me Happy blog

* your home is an extension of your body, dreams and spirit....your space reflects who you are...

* to figure out what kind of person you are create a moodboard using cuttings from magazines you love...

* take note... when you go inot a bookshop ... which section do you head for straight away? This is also a give away about your personality and what your passions are...

* create the moodboard with pictures of all your dreams and wishes and hang it somewhere where you can see it.

* and I know it may sound boring to you but make sure that your home is clean, and feels clean....because it will make your mental, emotion and physical health soar.

* when cleaning your home... the art is to do it from the heart and with a load of love... and setting your mind to it, and doing the cleaning with attention... try it out if you don't believe me... you will notice the difference! With Love, makes a home feel wanted and cared for... and therefore reflects you caring for yourself too!!!!

and finally...

The mos important tip is really to have fun and enjoy life... and your home! Daily rituals are part of life and you might as well make them fun!!!

Does your home feel like a happy and comfortable place to be in? Would you like to make changes but don't know how? Would you like to have a Feng Shui consult to improve your home even more? Then contact me for tips, tools and Feng Shui coaching via info@carolynchadwick.com

... don't forget you are DESIGNED2B BEAUTIFUL.... the inside shows who you are on the outside.... everybody can glow!

Happy weekend, Love, C

Friday Feng Shui Quote

2011-02-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

A pre-Valentine's Feng Shui quote for you all! I prefer to let the pictures speak for themselves... you will have your own thoughts, memories, stories for yourself!

Just to say on Valentine's day "P.s I love You!!! Should be enough really! and not just say it only on Valentine's day but every day!!!

Happy loving weekend, Love, C

Ode to the snowdrop! Spring is in the air... cross fingers it's not too early!!!

2011-02-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

The Woodlands near our house soon will be covered with a carpet of lovely delicate snowdrops!

Beautiful snowdrops are carefully popping out their heads!!!

I totally love these forbodes of spring... appearing to be so delicate, but yet extremely strong!

Have snowdrops appeared yet in your area?

Keep a good look out!

Love, C

Friday Feng Shui tip

2011-02-04T01:58:00.000-08:00

Place a bowl of fresh fruit on your dinner table
Don't stimulate the energy in your toilet or bathroom and keep these doors closed and toilet seat down... can flush away your luck and good fortune.... and besides it looks prettier anyway!
Make sure you keep children's bedrooms tidy, and that they sleep in the correct direction according to their Kuanumber (google)
make sure you have no clutter under your bed
where ever you sit in your home try avoiding sitting with your back facing a door!

Happy friday and weekend,

& go about your home.... make small alterations... have fun!

Love, C

Friday Feng Shui quote..published saturday!!!

2011-01-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

Love for my Blog drove me to still write the quote today.... no matter who reads it, no matter what others think of me!
Realizing yet again that...Really good, great, loving, wonderful friendships with women are a gift
Knowing, I'm a colourful person... in style and fashion!
I still fondly think of my ballet dancingschool... regretting ever so slightly that I didn't continue my dancing career....

I love entertaining, making sure the dinning table looks stunning!

Fat chance I would manage to get on that bike looking like these women... but then again if you dared me... I would give it a bash!

Well I'm a great one for sticking to my new year's resolutions.... I just didn't get round to writing my Friday Feng Shui Quote.... I had been rushing around doing shopping, brainstorming at my friends house for her 50th birthday party... making a 'To Do' list for her... what to clean... de-clutter and made an appointment to do a 'Space Clearing Ceremony' ....so the energy of her house will be vibrant and light for her guests....

Then dashed off to Düsseldorf.. as I had a meet-up with some friends ....and went to see the musical 'Grease'... which was funny for me to listen to... being British ofcourse... the actors where talking in German and singing in English... how weird was that... but I remained COOL on that one!...

prossecco afterwards and off back home...2 am!!!! Yawn...

So that's why I am writing now..... did have a fun day though!

Feel this is a ery appropriate quote!

found here

So here's the quote:

"We spend the 1st of January walking through our lives, room by room, drawig up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe, this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives .... not looking for flaws, but for potential."

~ Ellen Goodman ~

What's your potential...???

Have a wonderful weekend,

Love, C

photo's here,

Feng shui is about calm and order

2011-01-27T10:32:00.001-08:00

This is one of the most important principles in Feng shui and one which the beginner needs to be aware of first. Feng shui isn't about painting your front door red to attract wealth, nor is it about having to place your sofa exactly here or your bed exactly there. It's about attracting calm, order, peace, balance and harmony into your life!

Feng shui is about creating mood!

Love, C

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhon

Friday Feng Shui tip

2011-01-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

Clear clutter on a daily basis...

Once you get the hang of it and have tidied up your home - you wil notice a difference in how relaxed you become in your own home.

* you will think 2x about bringing new items into your home!!

* You will love your home more and more!!!

* you will be grateul for all you have!!!

* You will be able to focus on what you really want in life - as the clutter no longer is there to side track you!!!!

* You will save money!!!

* You will buy quality rather than quantity

* You will push forward, become more goal orientated and happier!!!

Have a happy and clutter free weekend!

Love, C

photo's found here and here

My Greek garden design is viewed in Houzz magazine on internet!

2011-01-18T04:45:00.000-08:00

I won't write about the design of the garden but will let the brilliant author, Annie Kendall, of the lovely internet Houzz Magazine take you on a magical trip... right HERE

Enjoy!, Love, C

A place for everything and everything in it's place!

2011-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

To have your kitchen drawers looking like these is ofcourse a dream, but do try to clean them once in a while. I too had to train myself to do it... not weekly... that would be obsessive! After you have sorted your drawers and cleared the clutter, they look fresh and elegant again.

Plates of simular size and colour look equally sexy when stored beautifully. I have various plates of colour and size and I just 'Zen' them on their shelves to look attractive... and they feel nicer when in a cleaned cupboard too!!! Just do the kitchen organizing 4x per year.... go with the seasons.

If you have a small storage room or anywhere in you home that allows you to have some extra cupboard space then these inbuilt cabinets offer a perfect solution. I would love some of these in my garage that is atached to our house for extra storage.

In your closet get rid of clothes you haven't worn for over a year... or are even too small... and sort them by colour if you like. Some one tipped me the other day and said she likes to hang her clothes from short to long as the space available under the short part is perfect for your boots.

Label your filing cabinet so you know what is where and get in the habit of filing your paperwork immediately. It will take will power and training! I was quiet sloppy at first but now it is a breeze to do and stress free!

Just treat each drawer or cupboard as a projec and you will feel realy proud of yourself when you can cross it off your 'To Do' list... and stop clutter before it starts!!! Will have tips on that one in my next Friday Feng shui tip!

Happy organizing, Love, C

photo's from Femaleway and

Friday Feng Shui quote

2011-01-14T09:41:00.001-08:00

whether it is drinking a cocktail whilst playing chess with your dog

loving pink flowers

or painting your bedroom bright pink and orange... as long it's in harmony with who YOU are!

and it makes YOU happy.... thtat is what counts, not what other people think or say!

Have a Happy weekend!

Love C

A life filled with wellness.... I love it all!!!

2011-01-11T05:41:00.000-08:00

To start of the day with having a long lie in

Served a deliscious cup of tea!!!

Do some quiet meditation

Find myself a snug WHITE & SOFT bathrobe,

because I have been made a lovely hot bath with lots of...

heavenly smelling soaps and oils to ...

soak my body in!!!

and totally relax my tired christmas body.... waiting to be...

MASSAGED

realizing that I need to do this ritual more frequently than I actually do!

So I will look radiant always!!!

As a matter of fact I NEED it now!

I love wellness...

So... I will enter my home 'zenned' bathroom this evening and treat myself to a good scrub and soak!

Light some candles... and slowely drift into heaven!

How often do you treat yourself to some pampering???

Love, C

photo's via here, here and at a cup of Jo

Friday Feng shui tip

2011-01-07T03:16:00.001-08:00

Flowers on a table in your hallway can be as simple and beautiful looking as these in different bottles.

Keep the LOOK symetrical....it is more soothing to the eye!

In Feng Shui your frontdoor and entrance tells you everything about your own path in life and your carreer!

If your frontdoor, entrance to your home and hallway are untidy, messy and difficult to find for people... well it tells you more about how you look at life and yourself. It is a perfect mirror!

In feng shui it is very important to have certain areas of your own home looking beautiful and radiant.... as this will have a wonderful impact on your own energy and system.... If you do not believe me try it out! You will begin to feel lighter and happier when you declutter and de-clogg your mess ouside and in your hallway for a start.

Take a good look at your frontdoor/entrance... is it inviting? Do you like it?

If the answer is YES... great... keep it looking that way with tender loving care daily!

If the answer is NO.... then write down what you want it to look like... find pictures on internet/magazines and make a small moodboard... and start implementing it .... sweep, clean, clear clutter so the door can open properly and empty the hall .. making sure there is room for several coats and preferably a pretty table for some candles and a vase with flowers... place some nice pots outside with BOX in them... or hydrangea's ....

Bet you the next time you walk into your home you will be smiling...

Happy pottering, Love, C

pictures are all form internet...

Feng Shui fame and reputation

2010-12-20T10:14:00.001-08:00

Nigella Lawson: famous for cooking

Oprah Winfrey: famous talkshow worldwide

George Clooney: famous actor and Nespresso face!

Just a young girl with dreams of becoming ?

Sophia Lauren: famous actress.... with the most famous almond shape eyes

I have written about Wealth and Fortune according to the philosophy of Feng Shui and today I will write about Fame and Reputation:

It is located in the South corner of your home/business

Fame is not necessarily career. Let's say some one is a secretary but wants to be a singer. The fame corner would be enhanced by her singing abilities and not the secretary skills.

For yourself, enhance this area if you want more recognition; you want to establish a good reputation; or you would like to be well know for something you do.

Think about what you want to be known for and what you can put here to symbolize it. Make sure that is who YOU want to be, not who others want you to be.

Become aware about what 'Lights' you up when talking about it.... if you become enthousiastic and happy and are smiling when talking about what you want to do... then it is the right thing.. if no excitement then it is just not 'your cup of tea' and projection of other people...

Enhancing tips:

Display diplomas, awards, trophies, letters of recognition...

lots of lighting, lights, chandeliers...

Display something you would like to be known for...

Use some red in your deco if possible and you like it...

Have fun and become curious about how you can introduce something to enhance your reputaion.. as log as you want it enough... steps will be taken...

Work at it daily... and write down how you see yourself in 5 years time.

Love, C

Just some white Christmas ideas for your home!

2010-12-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

Table set for Brunch (photo via LBS)

Fill glass vases with zilver coloured christmas decorations, looks fab

What will your Christmas table look like? Have you organised it and checked you have everything in the house for the big day!!!??? Is it one colour or Bohemian?

I love mince pies, and usually make my own... served with wonderful Brandy Butter!

Bring abut cozyness in your Home with flowers and candles...

A beautiful birdcage with a white christmas bird on the top.. found here

If weather permits... create a romantic winter setting outside on your terrace or balcony.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Love, C

Prosperity in Feng Shui

2010-12-15T23:39:00.000-08:00

I promised to write a little about each of the 9 areas of the Feng Shui energy map 'the Bagua'.

To start with Prosperity!

Feng Shui prosperity goes far beyond your bank account! From a Feng Shui point of view, being prosperous means to be healthy, wealthy and wise.

It means also having wonderful relationships both personal and professional and to be in a position where all that is good is abundant and readily available to you.

So, how do you attract prosperity? There have been many books written giving advice about it. A large part of it is intention. As you pay attention to your life and circumstances you often see areas in which you want change. When you set your intention for prosperity you are sayin to the universe "I want prosperity to be part of my life experience."

Prosperity allows you to attain financial freedom, reach your goals and live your dreams.

However by introducing Feg Shui inot your life, it is not going to be like waving a magic wand... it takes your own personal willpower to make the appropriate changes and to beocme disciplined in setting goals, and then taking one step at a time.

No succesful business comes to fruitition by just waving a magical wand. You can though, use Feng shui to clear clutter in your prosperity area, make it beautiful and light and attractive. Make sure to pay bills on time and save 10% of all your earnings! Start building and make a moodboard of all you want in life and hang it up where you can see it. Just thinking about it will not get anything moved... it's going into action... doing the deed... that's the first step of taking hold of your magic wand!!!

If I can do it, so can you!

Okay... too much tekst already! So dwell on the subject and google the internet if I have tweaked your interest.

Still left with questions, drop me a note on my blog.

Love and wishing you lots of succes and prosperity in your life!!!!

photo's via here and here

The 9 Feng Shui areas of the Bagua map

2010-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

helpful friend...tyres are for sledging down the hill.... having fun and a good laugh???

In Feng Shui, there are 9 specific areas to check using the Bagua map (see posts below) when de-cluttering and styling your home... either a complete make-over or just a little freshen up-the-place type of session!!!!

1: Prosperity

2: Fame

3: Career & travel/journey

4: Love & Relationships

5: family

6: Health

7: creativity & children

8: knowledge & skills

9: Helpful people/friends

It's extremely interesting to figure out these areas in your house and how they correspond to you life....

You do need to know that Feng shui is not about waving a magical wand and afterwards 'My life is magically a 100% OKAY!' It is also about how you go about incorporating Feng SHui into your life... MAKE SLOW CHANGES... preferably step by step... so you can adapt to the different energy ... and then do the next thing!

In my next posts I will touch upon each section.

Just have fun with it and try something out...

Love, C

photo's via Stephanie Rauser

Friday Feng Shui tip

2010-12-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

Create a beautiful area in your home where you can burn some lovely inscence. Surround it with some pretty items you own and love... when lighting it... send some one you love, like or adore warm thoughts!

Happy weekend,

Love C

Christmas decorations need a good sort out!

2010-12-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

In recent posts I wrote about my attic been cleared out of all our clutter. At a certain point it had got so bad that when I took down the stairs and tried to shove clutter up there it no longer fit in! I had built a mound round it's entrance.... so I finally threw most out! It was the best I ever did up there. Felt much lighter too for it. Anyway.. i hadn't really dug around the christmas decorations box... HUGE one by the way... so as we are getting our tree tomorrow... I thought I had better go through the boxes of balls etc... and yes... discovered many empty old boxes... and tatty bits and bobs! What a delight to sort it all out and treasure my precious white and silver birds, santas, and balls.... in tissue paper! Lights all over the place, some for big trees others for little kids trees! All neatly rolled up again and untangled! Job well done I reckon! So I'm well ready for the tree tomorrow!

I let my children decorate the tree and let go of colour schemes..... although I do give hints and tips!!!!

Will it turn out looking Feng shui? I believe it's the energy surrounding the tree and the love that has gone into chosing and decorating it that will make it Feng shui anyway!

Happy x-mas tree chosing and decorating!

Love, C

Will post photo of tree soon.

photo's via Old white cottage, Droom Home

Decorating and Feng Shui

2010-12-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

This is the Bagua map of Feng Shui!

Decorating and Feng Shui centeres around the energies 'Yin' and 'Yang'. Yin is peaceful calm energy which makes you feel relaxed. Yang is a lively, active energy, which makes you feel more active and stimulated.

It teaches us how the spaces in our home can be designed and rearranged following the principles in order to supply us with the right balance and harmony.
One of the most important concept is the Bagua energy map that is shaped like an octagon. The Bagua is a tool we can use to determine each living or working space. This idea divides any space into nine areas, with each area corresponding to a different part of you life.

I lovee this totally and have followed the Bagua principle in my own home and it really does work.

If you want to use it on your house, start with the downstairs floor... make a drawing of the layout of your house (as much to scale as poss) then turn THAT shape into a square or rectangular.... dotting the missing corners.... SO if you have an irregular house or have built on an extension then think?draw in the missing corners... this is very important as it can indicate something in that missing area might not be working for you. Then draw a line from one corner to the other corner so you end up with a cross through your shape. Where the lines cross in the middle is where the center of the Bagua has to be placed.

The Bagua (copy the above one into your pictures file on your computer and print it out) is then placed in the center of the cross and lined where your front door is with the 'Life Journey, and Career in the middle.... the Bagua can stretch itself out!

Just be curious and figure out the shape of your home and how it squares up with the Bagua. Where is your relationship area, prosperity, family, wisdom area... is it cluttered up or tidy, beautiful & feels great!

Let me know what you discovered!

Love, C

Become curious about how to 'Zen' your home and feel the energy shift

2010-12-07T02:24:00.000-08:00

Feng Shui is the art of balancing and harmonizing the flow of natural energies in our surroundings to create beneficial effects in our lives. It is like 'Zen', placing everything in your home with love and attention until it feels right and you can sense an energy shift!

Much has been written on this wonderful subject... and there are plenty of interesting and good books... and blogs!

The name Feng Shui originates in China and translates as 'Wind & Water'. It was first used in ancient China about 3 thousand years ago to determine the most auspicious sites for the tombs of ancestors in order to give them the best advantage to help their living descendants. Later it was used to site palaces, important government buildigs, and monuments until whole cities were designed according to Feng Shui principles.

So Feng shui is not only used for interior design purposes... it is used in all aspects of life, and in order to become a true Feng Shui Master... it takes about 30 years of studying all aspects.

Some principles can be studied and taught fairly easily... but do join courses given by professionals.

Anyway, for today I just want to get you curious about how your home feels to you now... go round each room with pen and paper and write down how it feels and % of clutter is actually in the room... and what you would like to see different.

Also become more aware of how you place things... try it out by moving stuff around and feel in your body if there is a click... or not! take a step back and look at the changes you have made... if you start smiling you know it's perfect!!!

Have fun and clear away some of your clutter... even if it's only 3 items!

Just do it! and let me know if you feel different afterwards.

and don't forget to do everything with your sole attention and love!

Love, C

Clearing Clutter before Christmas, but make sure it stays snug and cozy!

2010-12-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

I found this gorgeous photo on a great blog called Elements of Style

December is all about snuggling up together on a great sofa... no matter what size... but as long as you've got some fab cushions and a large soft throw.

I have 2 fluffy throws on my sofa at home and the kids always love snugging up under them when cold outside.

They look super... even when not used... thrown casually or lined up neatly! I do both, depending on the mood I'm in.

Keep the inside of your home snug but clear of clutter. It is so much more therapeutic and relaxing for yourself if at the end of the day when you yourself end up under these snug throws... without feeling guilty about any cleaning up you still need to do.. or anything else for a matter of fact.

Once you get going it's no longer an effort! and for sure will give you a wonderful boost of uplifting energy. Best is to try it out.

Love, C

Feng Shui quote of the week

2010-11-25T05:19:00.000-08:00

photo by Vogue living

I thougth this picture quite appropriate to the following quote.... Her bedroom looks very bohemian... but still extremely Feng Shui!!!

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." Carl Jung

Enjoy, love, C

Freshen up your home now before winter sets in!

2010-11-24T02:35:00.001-08:00

I believe that it is important to not only give your house a good Spring cleaning but also freshen it up in the Autumn and clear out all of your year load of clutter... it's a great feeling and then you are ready to snuggle down in your nest for the winter! Buy different lengths of candles and arrange them beautifully on a pretty tray or table! It looks magical!

Have fun preparing your home for yourself & the festive season!!!

Love, C

Feeling the delights of Feng SHui

2010-11-23T04:21:00.001-08:00

photo discovered on this inspiring swedish blog!

So couldn't resist using this beautiful picture of a delightful use of Feng Shui!!!

I could sip tea all day long in this bedroom... with some good books and hip magazines!

It will be snowing here in Holland on thursday!!! hmmmm.... can I manage to squeeze in an extra hour in my own bedroom after the kids have gone to school????

Food for thought....

Happy Tuesday

Be an example to others and they are bound to follow you!!!

2010-11-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

Such an amazing thing happened this morning... I have been clearing clutter for a while now and had also cleaned my husband's office at home...(this was friday) and removed 1 box of junk and a bag with boxing gloves and soccer boots...(which he never ever uses!!!!!!!) I did not chuck them out I just moved the bag upstairs into the attic with the other bags and suitcases and the junk box ened up in the garage...

I had told him on the phone that his office had been cleaned and that it felt much lighter and fresher and that if he wanted he could get rid off all his old junk in there... at first he said.. don't touch my stuff!!! But this morning he was clearing all HIS clutter out of there! and got rid of the junk box in the garage!!! He and his office felt much much better and he said to me it felt good getting rid of all his old stuff...

Isn't that amazing.. so by setting an example myself and not saying too much to him he got inspired to do his own clutter!

Karen Kingston, the expert on CLear your clutter and Space Clearing, wrote in her books that if you want others to get clearing clutter... best is to set an example.. and they will follow!

Happy Sunday, and be an example to others next week for starters!

Love, C

Clearing out Clutter brings peace, tranquility... and happiness!

2010-11-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Allas my bedroom doesn't look like the one above... but Feng Shui wise it is getting there... I have more white and earthy colours... will post picture soon.

I have been very busy with clearing out my clutter... honestly I thought I was very organised and fairly clutter free... but once I got into it the more clutter I began to see...

At first you don't notice it as being clutter... as most thing just sneakily sit there silently! Being forgotten about... like my drawers in the kitchen... I emptied several spontanously without even thinking about it... was GREAT! NO REGRETS!!!!

I had loads of interior, garden and cookery magazines... keeping them all just in case! Well i got rid of most... just piled them all into a box and of to the dump! Easy peasy.... must admit though that as with the kid's books I kept some... well only a small pile... I have permitted myself a really small pile! and have promised to go through them and get rid ot those shouting: so do not need, use or love you!

Even made a note in my calender that by christmas the pile has gone!

For now I feel much lighter, peaceful and happier now my house is becoming an even more beautiful place to be...

Happy Clutter clearing your magazines!

Love, C

Feng Shui and your own personal style!

2010-11-18T00:57:00.000-08:00

Check out this gorgeous Feng shui bathroom found here

I personally would love to sleep in this bed.

photo found here

The art of Feng Shui is about so much more than simply choosing a certain palette, organisation method or other technique; but rather the personal touch of the individual who is expressing themselves. There is no simple formula which everyone can use, just an instict which you must call upon in order to truely express your unique style and feng shui.

Feng shui is an art form that creates unity and healthy energy in your home and therefore also within yourself.... but be aware you don't get fussy... make your home a loving place to come to and be in.... Love your home where ever it is!

Be creative....

Happy styling,

Love, C

Pouring your heart into all you do!

2010-11-17T09:06:00.001-08:00

photo: Lou boos and shoes blog

Feng Shui, Space Clearing, Cleaning your house and Clearng out all your clutter works wonders on your own inner self! To me it all boils down to pouring your whole heart into it... every action you do has to come from the heart and with love and passion! Otherwise it will not feel right... so you need to open your heart ... which is not always easy...

However, you will receive lots of love back in unexpected ways! Have no expectations and be happily surprised.... we too frequently expect things in return from others.. the thing being that we always get so very dissappointed.. so throw that one out of the window... as it clutters up your inside anyway... and is a real energy blocker!

Live & love in the now,

Happy pouring your heart into IT!,

love C

Clearing out Children's books

2010-11-15T23:38:00.001-08:00

As you know I am in the process of Clearing Clutter at the moment. I have been doing this for quite some time now.... and never really truelly believed I had so much of the stuff!!!! But now that I am seriously into it and Cleaning in all the nooks and crannies! Seemed to miss those on the weekly go around the house cleaning session! I came across 2 crates full of children's books stashed away in the attic, which I had cleared last week ... I had managed to drag them down into the Hall and even into the boot of my car where they lived for a week... then out they came again as I needed the boot for other stuff I had made my mind up about where to desposit that... but these kidd's book I just couldn't really part with... interesting. Yesterday I banged my toe on the crate... and ofcourse they caught my attention... they were deffinately in the way and cluttering up the hall now instead of the attic ( a big No No)... so as there was a mixture of English and Dutch books I decided to sort them... The Dutch crate was the heaviest! and I took action immediately to drop this crate off at our local library! They were very happy with my kid's books... as I walked off much lighter, a feeling of regret did cross my mind... but luckily I had saved a couple of my absolute favourite story books... with fond memories of reading to my boys!

Silly really, but I truely felt a bit lost having done this deed, but the 7 years they had been up in the attic I had never thought about them... so why now... It was really about letting go... and remembering the fond memeories... for ever in my soul!

Now several hours later I feel fine about the deed.... and like the thought of other children being able to read our books too and create their own memories!

I still have the English crate! Will confiscate some favourites for keepsake! and will not stash the keepsakes in the attic but create a library downstairs now! Full of beautiful books I love and truely want to keep.

That is what clearing clutter is about! Keeping things you truely love and use and get rid of the rest.

So put your books to the test... and who could you give your oldies too!

Love, C and happy book clearing!

Your Home environment mirrors yourself

2010-11-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

Clutter Clearing (just to continue on this topic I started yesterday, and because it really fascinates me how it works) is about handling your belongings in such a way that the energy of your home is vibrant & flowing rather than dull and stagnating!!!

If your home doesn't really feel light and easy.. just take a look around and take notes of the areas and rooms you would like to see cleared and refreshed... How much clutter is there?

Make a priority list varying from small to bigger areas.... vary! Then equipped with a trash bag... and without thinking CLEAR away the CLUTTER! Tie a knot in the bag when filled and make a note in your diary when you will dispose of it.... & stick to it!

Then give yourself a huge acknowledgement! I did anyway.. and it got me going strong to clear out more stuff... I'm into my drawers and cupboards now! The effect is wonderful...

I will be giving you more tips on this subject and keep you posted on my own discoveries!

Happy Clutter Clearing weekend! You will feel refreshed on Monday!

Love C x

Clearing Clutter and Space Clearing my house the Feng Shui way!!!

2010-11-11T02:32:00.000-08:00

I must deeply appologize to my readers and followers for not having posted yet again for ages.... reason being that I have been very caught up, since the closure of my shop, in 'Clearing Clutter' in my house and treating it to a wonderful Space Clearing Ceremony... done all by myself.. of which I am actually quite proud of.... It is an amazing experience and I would suggest every body has it done at least once or twice in their present home!

My house is quite big... so it has taken me at least a month (not every single hour of the day, but just a couple) to get round every single room, including even the attic... can you imagine the mess and chaos that was up there.. so much stagnant energy!!!

The attic had been bogging me for YEARS actually and I now finally made the decision to literally clear out all the clutter that was so not 21st century! It helped and really felt much much lighter energeticaly afterwards! My head felt ligth too... and my body responded in a happy feeling kind of way. I put items on the Dutch equivelant of E-bay.. and even made money!

The Space Clearing is quite a sacred ceremony and should be done only by someone who understands and can sense energies.... it is as if the house opens up to you and feels refreshed....

After my 5 year training as a High Performance Leadership Coach with intense personal feedback and learning about the influences of the 7 chakra's and feeling energies when entering rooms and houses, I can now also incorporate these wonderful subjects in my life.

I have read many books and followed several courses over the years on the subject of Feng Shui and it still fascinates me... you can literally feel a click inside your body when you place furniture or other items in your house in the right way... YOUR BODY RELAXES. YOU RELAX & RADIATE A HAPPY ENERGY & GLOW!

So now I will offer this service to my clients as a 'TO DO' before they decide to make any changes to their interior....

So my advice is to go & clear out some of your clutter bit by bit and acknowledge the effect it has on you!

Have a Happy day,

Love C x

Gorgeous hot indian summer autumn kind of day

2010-10-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

photo's taken by myself

I didn't get round to posting yesterday though, but would still love to mention how gorgeous the day was here in Holland!!! Quite exceptional. I was having a break and sitting outside as the sun was shinning brightly and the sky was a clear blue.... the wind was blowing softly, but just enough to make the fallen leaves of my Catalpa trees to start moving about... rustling and crackling across my terrace! My ornamental grasses looked fantastic in the sunlight and bend in all directions when the wind blows freely trhough the stems. What a lovely sound! I just love days like these.. a real treat... with so much beauty for free! The sun and the wind gave me lots of energy to get back to the kitchen and make afternoon tea for my boys... they love the egg salad and Boursin (a french soft cheese) with cucumber sandwiches especially! After a long day at school they scoff the lot! including the sweettooth plate stacked with cakes and currant buns!!

Garden Quote of the week

2010-07-30T03:19:00.001-07:00

Someone's courtyard garden....

"The beauty doesn't lie in the landscape or the garden, but in the passion of the individual. What we see is not just a beautiful vista, but a back drop for life."

Quote by: Sir George Sitwell

Happy weekend, Love, C

Beautiful Hydrangea's in big pots

2010-07-29T05:50:00.001-07:00

I love Hydrangea's... in all colours and sizes... as I am such a garden fairy!!!
These I discovered at a garden near my home called 'de Boschhoeve', a farm turned nursery... the also sell lots of home grown plants.. so I go shopping there frequently! My own garden is nearly filled to it's brim.... (my Dutch garden blog) will show you some photo's!

Some plants did not survive the harsh winter we had here in Europe... so I could make new planting plans... a garden is never really finished... it is like a living work of art! As a true garden designer, nothing makes me more happy than to redesign ofcourse... so a winter like that can be useful at times but not too often...

Love, C

Bright flowers for cheerful upbeat summer colours

2010-07-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Lilypad flower reflects beautifully in the water... looks like wallpaper! the water that is!
Mega close up

Butterflies are slowly making a return to the gardens... they love my Buddleja's

Enjoy the colour around you and take a close look at the flower's heart... it's very exhilarating.

Love, C

Been hiding in the garden

2010-06-29T03:17:00.000-07:00

Gosh, how time flies... I haven't posted for ages... and must confess as soon as the garden starts to come to life.. I am lost! Lost in weeding and others exciting chores that turn my garden into a haven for all the birds and insects... and a eye opener for passers by! I truely love the beauty that shines from it after all my love and attention has been poured into HER! She glows and shines!!! So that is where I have been... POTTERING IN THE GARDEN...

Want to give you a lovely quote that works for me when creating beauty in the garden: 'Paint the walls of your mind with many beautiful pictures.'

Love, C

Beautiful David Austin roses are a delight

2010-05-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

Bumped into this lovely delightful gardening blog The polished Pebble where she writes about the beauty of investing in David Austin roses.... I do not own a david austin Rose... would love to one day.. but I garden in a different way... more like the famous Dutch Garden designer Piet Oudolf...

I do have rambling roses going up into oak trees and Rosa 'New Dawn' (has no thorns) up against my house. They smell delightful too!!! and have just started to flower again...

I collect the falling petals and make potpouri...

Photo's above are from The Polished Pebble

Do drop by her blog and revel in the photos....

Have a wonderful weekend... Love C

Create your own pitoresque sitting area for outside this summer

2010-05-22T07:33:00.001-07:00

My shop early this morning... on a bright sunny May day! It received many beautiful comments of passers by... I would occasionally sit out on the white balcony chair and drink a home made Latte Machiatto... later on maybe even a glass of cold bubbly Prosecco!

The blankets are made by Designers Guild and are of high quality lambs wool... very snug when the wind starts to pick up but you still want to sit outside! Keep the symetry and colours flowing...

You can also create such a look in your garden or balcony... if you need any tips on how... please let me know and contact me through the blog!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beauty arround you.... it is every where...

relax and have fun.... ;-)

Love C.

Surrounded by budding garden delights

2010-05-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

I just love the new fresh lime coloured foliage of the fern... Dryopteris felix mas....

My forever lasting female garden statue amongst the hostas and geraniums.. given to me by my stepmother... I love both!
Below: Nepeta fassennii 'Walker's Low' an oldtime favourite of mine.

May.... the garden has developed slower than last year.... and I must admit that these pictures are from my garden last year 9th of May... I even had roses then.. now as the cold weather has continued here in Holland we are kept waiting for the buds to open carefully....

This whitsun weekend it promises to be delightful sunny weather.. so I can't wait to capture the first rose buds opening....

With rain, cold and some sunny spells.. the weeds, allas, keep coming back... they seem to enjoy this funny weather.. and if not kept under control... become a severe pest.. so I will be spending the next days weeding after I leave the shop... and before making dinner for hungry kids.

Enjoy the freshness and lime greenery of this beautiful spring month...

I will be taking notes in my garden journal...

What will you be doing this coming weekend...???

Love, C

Deliscious salad with avocado, grapefruit & shrimps

2010-05-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

I am into food, cooking and reading the latest cookery books. I devour them... reading before I go to bed together with a mug of hot horlicks or herbal tea.. depending on how much I had to eat during the day...

During my short holiday in the Lake District in England, I always treat myself to 1 or 2 English cookery books... and this time my choice was Sopie Dahl's latest book: Miss Dahl's voluptous delights, and in it this lovely recipe of Prawn/shrimp, avocado, grapefruit, watercress & pecan salad ....

Ofcourse I made it yesterday evening... kids eating left over pasta with a deliscious home made chicken and mushroom sauce...

I plunged into this beautiful delight.. totally surprising my tastebuds!!!! The dressing is gorgeous and limey! and hot with the chili and fresh herbs

Extremely healthy, easy & quick to make... which is very important for me on certain days..

Either go out and buy the book itself or order it on Amazon (it's a great read anyway about Sophie's own life and adventures as a plus size model in New York and London. Her stories very comforting and funny.

The recipe goes as follow:

serves 2

350gr cooked, shelled prawns or pinky shrimps ( I used pinky shrimps)

1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

1 grapefruit (I got a red one as the others were sold out, and tasted deliscious)

peel and segment...best is with the skin off

1 bunch of watercress

50 gr. Pecans ( I forgot them)

For the dressing:

juice of 3 limes

a big handful of chopped fresh coriander

a small handful of chopped mint

1 green chili, deseeded and chopped ( I did not use this)

1 teaspoon of sugar or honey

half a teaspoon of fish sauce

Make a large pretty plate with the watercress, shrimps/prawns, avocado and grapfruit.

Put all the ingredients for the dressing in a jar ( I use an empty jamjar) and give everything a good shake...

Toast pecans in a hot oven or a pan without oil and which is stick free... for a few minutes.

Pour the dressing on the salad and top with the pecans...

& Tuck in.... with a glass of cold white wine to your liking.

Tip: if you do not like pecans or chili... just leave them out.. tastes just as wonderful...

Love, Carolyn

ps: photo will follow.. I had finished it before I thought of taking a picture!

Eaton Mess

2010-05-07T02:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I made my all time favourite dessert with strawberries and cream: Eaton Mess... the recipe I once discovered several years ago in a magazine.... and now it appears in all kinds of wonderful cookery books... from Nigella Lawson to Jamie Oliver..

It is so simple to make and mega deliscious afterwards.. not a great pudding to make if you are on a diet... I am still desperately trying to loose 8 kilos... preferably before summer starts.. getting there slowly... but determined.

Anyway I made this deliscious strawberry delight! The boys alo love it and can't wait to dig into the mess in their glasses....

So you need :

500 grams of good quality strawberries

250 ml cream

100 grams of meringues

4 serving glasses or dessert bowls

Cut off the green and quarter your strawberries or however you feel like cutting them really

then mash half with a fork in a seperate bowl... set aside

crumble and break your meringues, set aside

then wisk the cream untill it just about start getting more solid but by no means stiff thick cream

then mix in the mashed strawberries and the crushed meringues into the cream..

then scoop a couple of spoonfuls into the glasses and top with the left over strawberries...

and tuck in.. and enjoy the different textures exploding in you mouth... a delightful experience.

And sooooo easy to make... and very tempting to do it several times a week... ;-)

treat yourself to this fab Eaton Mess this weekend... best even with a deliscious glass of dessert wine to make it really exquisite!

Love Carolyn

Dinning out in the open air

2010-04-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

As soon as the weather permits.. get eating out... whether it is a tiny balcony or backyard or huge garden... it is important to get all your senses open and aroused again... for spring and summer full enjoyment...

No matter your colour combo's of glass and dinner ware... just get them out there and create a crazy or ordened table... it's about who you are and your magic... and get into creating and cooking a simple meal....

I started cooking again properly again.. I had gotten into the bd habit of getting easy ready to shove in the oven or microwave supermarket meals... In the end getting so bland and boring... there is nothing like simple deliscious home made cooking...

I had some chicken breasts in the fridge for me and the kids.. so plonked them elegantly in the frying pan with some butter and olive oil.. then discovered I had some lardons in the freezer and added them for extra interest... and added half of my glass of white wine to it all.... let it simmer for 25 mins and hey presto the chicken was delightful... served with some spinach and mashed potatoes....

For the sauce I had some cream left in the fridge.... usually it has gone well past it's sell by date... but this one was still ok... so added about 50 ml to the wine and bacon lardons and let it simmer briefly... Bellisimo delicious!!!!

Kids scoffed the lot...

Enjoy and have fun... eating outside...

Love C.

Looking forward to spending time outside again!

2010-04-09T04:23:00.000-07:00

The weather is improving by the minute... warmer! The kids said only the other day... Mummy we can nearly eat outside again... and I couldn't agree more. So get your outside dinner ware ready and candleholders for when the evenings turn more windy.... and cook a lovely dinner for the family and set the outside table beautifully.... relax and have fun... and take in the spring air!

Flower quote

2010-04-03T03:26:00.000-07:00

'Earth changes

Kisses from Heaven

into blossems'

Anonomous Haiku poet.....

Happy Easter.... x

Quote of the week by Paulo Coehlo

2010-04-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

(Pino - Morning dreams)

"There is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. But it's better to loose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you are fighting for."

What was your secret dream.... what did you love doing as a child.... something you totally lost yourself in and forgot about time....

Dream the dream and live the life... turn your can't into cans and dreams into plans...

Well are you?

Write your dreams down in a beautiful journal and start acting upon them... create and believe in them and in yourself.... it's the first step...

Love Carolyn

Happy Easter hols...

Slow arrival of spring

2010-03-04T04:48:00.000-08:00

Can hear the birds singing again early in the monrning...

Designed2 enjoying pre-spring feelings!

Love Carolyn

Garden stripped naked

2010-03-02T01:41:00.000-08:00

Had 4 men working in my garden yesterday... it looked a complete mess with the beautiful winter silhoutte having been destroyed by heavy rain, slushy snow and allround heaviness. Even the garden was in need of a huge tidy and declutter me up session.

So the gardners stripped her naked! Such horror! But I quickly saught for my garden photo's of last spring and summer hidden in my laptop... ahhhh what a relief knowing it will all look like this again! SOON! .... so now I am ready for spring and summer and can't wait to get stuck into the soil & warm earth myself... as I love it most to potter around in my garden and watch all the beauty come alive again... like myself actually... so not a winter person!

So what you sow you shall also reap! All you need is patience and lots of love and attenion to all that you sow! Then the harvest will be plentiful & beautiful!

My garden might look bare now... but it feels very refreshing and decluttered... clearing away all the old gunge is like clearing your own gunge ... and makes space for new things to grow... Like in your own life...
So this morning I opened all my windows.... well nearly all of them... and let in the fresh morning air...
I'm ready for SPRING!!!

So sex up you house, garden and youself and get ready for spring fun and enjoyment!

You are designed2b having fun and getting ready to enjoy spring

Love Carolyn

ps: garden designed by myself, more designs check website.

photo's by myself... if you use them please refer to my blog! thnkx.

Quote of the week

2010-02-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Be careful, You can hurt with your words, but you can also hurt with your silence. (Paulo Coehlo)

Your heart is Designed2b beautiful, warm, generous & open..... trust yourself to talk.... but be aware of the message behind the words... the energy.... does it light some one up or does it dampen their mood!

have fun communicating!

Carolyn

Daylight, sunlight, sunshine, heartwarming love

2010-02-07T11:47:00.001-08:00

Oh, how I long for warm beautiful days dinning outside again...

and the sight of butterflies dancing around mybeautiful garden

shall I paint my front door pale pink too this year?

Open the windows occassionaly to let in light and fresh air

& the rays of february sunlight

Open your door to let in your friends and family and loved ones

enjoy beauty around you... it is everywhere... and smile back at it!

(photos: http://alifemorefabulous.blogspot.com/,

Do what you love to do!

2010-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well I love to dance! I always have ever since I was a child.... especially ballet! I couldn't wait until I was old enough to be tested by the doctor who came to check the strenght of our toes after the ballet lesson. I remember being so utterly nervous... as I so desperatly wanted to dance on those beautiful points!!!

I had many and danced hundreds of hours on them.... in a beautifully handmade TUTU... I was the full ballerina picture and also performed once a year with my balletschool on stage and often had a leading role.

I dreamt of going to the dance academy and would have truely loved to have continued... but allas my parents thought it would be too physically strenous for me and it wouldn't earn me a good living!

Well... I was too young really then to realize I should have pushed through on this one! Or probably too eager to please my parents in going to college and university...

Now I am 45 and I still love to dance and always feel that when I really get going it gives me so much pleasure and energy that I always promise myself to do it daily!!!

Well I do do it daily now... in the back of my Boutique... to some funky music when there are no clients!!! and it is such fun.... it gives me an added glow and happy feeling... to the love I already have for my lovely shop! A dream come true...

Who knows... one day I might even have a classroom included in the building of the boutique... and combine all my dreams.... on points!

So take steps (on points! if really want to) towards what you love to do...it will add value to your own life and to that of many others!

Love, Carolyn

A Purple & Lilac Inspiration

2010-01-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Designers Guild is divine for interior decorating your house!

A beautiful retreat to go to with your loved one is a little hotel in France in the village of St. Remy, called La Maison du Village. I wouldn't mind having a that bath filled with warm water and rose pettals!

I Love reed diffusers, especially the ones in a beautiful bottle like these. In my shop I sell the Bridgewater collection.... Sweet Magnolia and Bouquet of Roses are real favourites of mine!

Keep creating beauty all around your home, it is designed2b beauttiful for you!

Love Carolyn

Bed/rooms to dream about and to inspire you!

2010-01-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

The interiors are by Phoebe Howard designs http://www.phoebehoward.net/ and Ruthie Sommers & Chapman interior http://chapmanradcliffhome.com/

I just llove this dressing room look! The comfortable stool is a delight and invites to perch on. Making you spray your favourite perfume all over .... then kissing your loved ones goodbye and dash off to work!

Leaving yourself lingering on in the air!

hmmmmmmmmm....

IF you want to have your rooms look as beautiful as these then just give me a call or write me an email and I can give you an estimate of what it would cost... to 'ZEN' your living space! It will feel miraculous! and as if a fresh breeze has passed through...

Go on and give it a try!

Your house is designed2b Beautiful for you.

All my love, Carolyn

Mission Statement

2010-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

I am Dedicated to the preservation and proliferation of Beauty through passionate, inspirational and feminine designs

Bringing in new soft trends for your bedroom designing a feeling of romantic boudoir style, where women keep their secrets!!!! and create their own magical room.....

oh how I would love to now spend time in this beautiful bedroom and dream....

Wishing you all a Happy, Creative, Inspiring and Beautiful 2010

2010-01-02T11:42:00.001-08:00

My New years resolutions are:

to keep following my heart and intuïtion.

tell myself everyday that I am a very lucky woman

to live life to the full and enjoy it whatever crosses my path

judge no one

stay openminded

spend prime time with my family

send more birthday cards (i am not a great scorer here)

turn Designed2b Beautiful into a ssucces

have lots of fun

keep inspiring people

Be a yes in people's lives

quit thinking... more: JUST DO IT!

coach more women in what they love doing and make them succesful too!

Hmmmm, I need to print this blog post and hang it up in my Boutique... just to make sure I stick to all my resolutions....

Get a new Journal to write down all my next projects and ideas... last years is full and most of my To Do's have worked out magically! Frequently I THINK, well what did I achieve this year and you think well cannot be that impressive... but as I check my calender and Journal, I realize that most I JUST DID and that I have actually had a very exciting year... concluding: turning the thinking into doing is far more fun and gets results you want.

So my wish for you all is to keep designing, keep being beautiful and happy , keep following your heart, LOVE!

and build strong lifetime friendships...

I would like to end with a quote from COCO CHANEL: In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.

All my love, Carolyn

Opening van mijn Boutique Designed2b Beautiful

2009-12-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

Designed2b Beautiful op de Kortestraat 22, te Arnhem

Mijn boutique Designed2b Beautiful heeft haar deuren geopend! Zaterdag 28 November was er een feestelijke opening... met een live optreden van het duo 'Heat Wave Lite'..... ondanks de regen waren er toch nog veel uitgenodigden op af gekomen... aan jullie allemaal mijn dank!

Ik verkoop woonaccessoires & Meubels, women accessoires (o.a tassen en portomonnees van Bulaggi), interieur design & advies en exposeer kunst van verschillende kunstenaars die ik op mijn pad tegen kom!!!

Momenteel heb ik prachtige Geisha schilderijen van Martha van Hunsel. Ze zijn echt zeer de moeite waard om te komen bezichtigen...

Verder zijn er ook leuke en mooie cadeaus te koop voor de Sinterklaas en Kerst..... dus kom langs voor een glas prosecco en om een indruk te krijgen van wat ik jullie aanbied.

Dus kom naar de winkel Designed2b Beautiful op de Kortestraat 22 te Arnhem.

Kerst spullen checken

2009-11-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

De winkels beginnen te lokken met hun kerst etalages ... SinterKlaas gaat alweer bijna aan onze neus voorbij. Mijn kinderen zijn er niet meer zo mee bezig... 10 en 12 jaar nu... en we vieren traditie getrouw de kerst... aangezien mijn roots toch nog diep in Engeland liggen!!! en ik vind het ook een veel leuker feest.. gezelliger ook en spannender!

Tip: check al je kerst spullen en de decoraties voor op tafel tijdens het kerst dinner... en vergeet je mooie glazen niet..

Glazen: een goed moment om bij stil te staan.. ik heb zelf nu net nieuwe champagne glazen gekocht .. meteen 12 stuks.. omdat de oude er echt gewoon niet meer mee door kunnen.... en een schande waren om te presenteren.. wolkig.. ken je dat! en dan al die andere die na 6 jaar niet meer door de beugel kunnen.. en ook schandalig aan vervanging toe zijn.. dus ik ga investeren in nieuw glaswerk!!! Mooie wijnglazen staan bij mij op de sfeervol gedekte kerst tafel dit jaar.

En bij jou.. wat is er bij jou aan vervanging toe... wees eerlijk... en zet een eerste stap om het dit jaar nog te vervangen.

Ga shoppen en koop alvast een SinterKlaas cadeau voor jezelf... zodat je het voor de kerst kunt gebruiken! Enjoy and have fun!

Liefs, Carolyn

Arnhem Exclusief fair!!!

2009-10-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Het was een mooi weekend... buiten althans... helemaal geen regen zoals voorspeld.. wat goed was geweest voor het bezoekers aantal van de fair.

Helaas was het een minder geslaagde fair dan verwacht... vanwege het aantal bezoekers... dus!

De stands waren allemaal prachtig ingericht en iedereen had onwijs veel moeite gedaan om het prachtig, gezellig en sfeervol te maken... daar heeft het echt niet aan gelegen en de locatie was ook top.....

Ok, de crisis dan! Tja daar werd veel over gespeculeerd. Jammer, dat we met ons allen zo de crisis ons leven laten bepalen en de fun laten weg nemen. Het is een mannelijke crisis.... vrouwen willen graag juist dat het iedereen goed gaat en dat we wel leuke dingen kunnen kopen en verkopen... met plezier alstublieft! Zonder al dat EGO tripperij gedoe en haantjes gedrag.

Dus klein verzoekje aan iedereen! Zullen we gewoon het geld laten circuleren en elkaar de business gunnen en elkaar groot maken en in service gaan voor elkaar.. in plaats van angstvallig de knip op de beurs te houden... Jullie weten het allemaal... ANGST maakt klein en HOUDT KLEIN... ga en blijf in de actie en doe je ding en blijf positief... zoals Désirée en ik deden tijdens de fair...

Gemopperd hebben we maar even, en toen de schouders opgehaald. We bleven gewoon optimistisch... en genoten van een glaasje wijn en de lekkere hapjes die ons werden aangeboden door al de geweldige restaurants die zich profileerden op de fair... DANK JULLIE WEL!!!

Geleerd hebben we er ook weer van... KEEP THE MONEY ROLLING and DO NOT LET THE CRISIS DETERMINE YOUR HAPPINESS!

You r designed2b enjoying yourself...

Liefs, Carolyn

en Dees, onwijs bedankt voor je geweldige input en optimisme! You r great! x

Walk-in Closet voor mannen

2009-10-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Dit is echt een te gekke 'walk-in closet' voor mannen.. stoer en robust.... komt 'ie lekker gekleed de slaapkamer binnen om het vervolgens weer langzaam....door jou uit te laten trekken omdat je jezelf niet meer kan inhouden!!!

Ik droom nog steeds ooit van een eigen 'walk in closet' met HEEEEEEEL VEEEEEEL hangers voor al mijn jurken, deels van mijn collectie hangt op zolder verloren en vergeten.

Verhuizen?????

Kaarsen en Windlichten trend

2009-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wat is het toch alweer snel donker buiten.. en koud ook al! Zouden we nog een beetje een 'Indian Summer' krijgen? Hmmm. ik heb zelf het gevoel, gewoon maar lekker easy de kaarsen aan en de keuken gezellig maken en knus!

Veel kaarsen is het thema deze winter in allerlei kleuren of gewoon crème... au naturel! en natuurlijk de windlichten niet vergeten... of bij je voordeur of op een tafel zoals hierboven afgebeeld.

Ga gewoon aan de slag en probeer uit wat je mooi vind staan... en schuif dat bankstel eens op een andere plek! Koop een mooie plant of trakteer jezelf eens op een mooi boeket bloemen...

You are Designed to have fun!!!!

Leuke manier om je boeken of tijdschriften te 'zennen'

2009-10-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

Kwam onlangs dit plaatje tegen van boeken die op een super leuke manier zijn opgeruimd... wel oppassen dat je niet met volle handen de trap afloopt.. en zeker deze tip niet volgen als je kids hebt!!!

Qua beeld vond ik het mooi passen bij het 'clear your clutter' thema (wil het wel doen, maar kan nog gen afscheid nemen van m'n oude doorgebladerde boeken....

Clear your Clutter and free your Life, met ander woorden... ruim je rommel op, geeft meer energie

2009-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Een heerlijk mooi opgeruimd huis geeft je weer frisse energie en moed om overal weer met enthousiasme tegen aan te gaan.... Ik heb soms zelf ook van die buien dan denk ik laat de boel de boel maar, maar uiteindelijk werkt het tegen mijn eigen gemoeds toestand.... en ren ik vliegensvlug door het huis om te 'ZENNEN' en beauty te creeëren.... en ja het werkt echt... voelt fris en schoon en opgeruimd aan en de ergenis verdwijnt.. waardoor ik niet langer wordt afgeleid door de rommel! en me met andere business kan bezig houden....

op mijn engelstalige blog heb ik ook een artikel gechreven.... voor tips etc. Je kunt ook een beroep op mij doen om eens te komen kijken hoe de stand van zaken bij jou thuis is....

Inventarisatie advies is gratis... daarna maak ik een 'to do' lijst voor je en coach je erin om je huis op te ruimen en structuur aan te brengen.... €25,- per uur dat je mij nodig hebt!