This is not a lesson on concentration. A focal point is the place where the eye naturally gravitates within a room. When decorating, it is important to choose a focal point for your room before you start thinking about anything else.

Popular Focal Points

The first thought for a focal point is an architectural structure. It could be a fireplace or a built-in bookcase. In the case of the family room, you might consider a fireplace/television alcove combination.

When determining the focal point of any room, you’ll want to start big. When entering a room, people’s eyes begin high and steadily move downward. The largest thing in your room may be the fireplace. In that case, use it as the focus of your room.

Focal points can also be created. In homes with rooms that have no distinguishing architectural features, you can choose what you want as the focal point. Add a bookshelf, a large piece of artwork or a big screen television.

When all of the walls look alike, use paint to distinguish your focal point. Paint one wall in a similar, but lighter shade than the other three. That single wall becomes the focal point for your room.

Always use something big. Small items in the room can be engulfed by other features and not be seen as a focus for anything, if they even catch the eye of your visitor at all.

Enhancing Your Focal Point

Why is it important? Having one outstanding feature in each room, makes that room interesting. It gives the room character so to speak. It also gives you a place to begin when deciding how to adorn the rest of the room. For instance, the furniture can be gathered around the focal point.

For some, it is not the center of the room but it is a main feature. Leave room in front of the fireplace or the bookshelf for admiring by visitors and friends. The furniture can then be centered in front of the television on a shorter wall.

Use accents to spruce up your focal point. Family pictures can be hung on the wall around the fireplace (using this as an example). Flowers, antiques and other items that are precious to you add to the eye-catching nature of this element in your room. Resist the urge to junk it up. Less is always more especially when it comes to accessorizing around the rooms of your home.

Having a focal point in a room makes the room easier to decorate and even more lovable. You can work everything else in the room around that one feature. Make your visitors’ attention immediately go to the focal point in the center or simply dress your focal point up to make it stand out. If you don’t have a natural focal point, use furniture such as bookshelves, television stands, etc. to create a focus for the room.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy for creating positive energy in any space. The system is dominated by eight areas of each space and five elements. Here, you will learn about the five elements that define feng shui and give rise to the colors and organization of your space to create an atmosphere of prosperity and health.

The Five Elements

There are five main elements in feng shui theory. They are wood, fire, water, earth and metal. Each element plays a crucial role within the space that you occupy, whether it is your home or your office. After you have used a compass and your home’s floor plan to create the bagua (energy map) the next step is to look at the elements that control each of the eight areas.

Each element has a particular life area that it influences. Knowing what areas those are helps with creating the design of your home and the use of furniture and accents that demonstrate that specific element.

Fire – As you can imagine, anything that has to do with fire inspires a passion that burns deep within. The fire element also adds a high amount of energy to anything that you do. This includes your work (career), your leisure activities and for couples, your sex life.

Water – Water is a refreshing element. Water flows freely bring with it an abundance of good fortune. In ancient rituals of many cultures, water was used as a purifying agent. Using the water element in your home adds purity, abundance of energy and a fresh feeling.

Earth – Have you ever heard of someone who is “down to Earth?” The Earth element brings a feeling of stability and security to your home. Mother Earth nurtures all who live on it and within it. The same goes for the earth element in your home – it nourishes each family member.

Metal – You may be wondering why metal is an element. It seems so hard and impersonal. Actually, metal is used to represent efficiency and clarity of mind and purpose. Your work will have both a well-defined purpose and good qualities when the metal element is present.

Wood – Think of trees. They provide oxygen for all living creatures that need it. The wood element equals health to the body. Healing cures using feng shui include the wood element in their composition. Prosperity in your home is also governed by the wood element.

Each feng shui element serves a different purpose in the home. The associated colors and areas that work best with each element help you to build positive energy throughout your home. Each area will be strong in a particular element and give you a certain feeling when you enter that room.

Today I want to talk about FitFlops, mainly because the title of the post was a whole heap of fun to write.  Ok, that isn’t the main reason but it did make me smile.

There is a lot of talk lately about shoes that add to your fitness just through walking alone, namely Reebok Easy Tone, MBTs et al. Now I haven’t tried these shoes yet, but suffice to say they are on my shopping list. However, in the meantime over the Summer, I wanted something that was a bit lighter and open-toed, as the others more resemble trainers.

The answer lay in FitFlops. Basically these are what they sound like, flip-flops that aid you in getting fit. The premise being that the sole is a mini wobble board, which helps to tone you as you walk. The other big plus is that they are meant to be extremely confortable, especially for those with any joint or back issues.

Well, all this sounds great, added to the fact that they now have some quite funky designs, which should see me through the Summer. I therefore invested in the Bronze Roma sandal, which you can see below. I have had them about 2 weeks so far and obviously it is too early to report on any toning action, but what I can say is that their  promise of being extremely comfortable is right on the money. I have done some serious walking in these and they have never rubbed or made my feet ache, in fact is it like walking on air, if such a thing were to be possible. This pair also has the added bonus of  being more like a sandal in that they are held on your feet securely by straps and don’t have toe-posts, which I know some people have trouble with.

After a few more weeks I will report back on how I am finding their toning properties, stayed tuned for that, but for now in the comfort stakes I can say that they are a big  Fit Hit.

With the health issues of overweight Americans crowding the headlines, our country is in desperate need of an exercise overhaul.  Most people think it’s easier to stay active when you’re young.  You have all that time and energy, not to mention prescribed exercise through physical education.  But this is just an excuse.  To these people I say, talk to Michelle Obama.  Clearly our kids are in crisis due to a lack of nutrition and exercise.  So this applies to children, too.  In truth, staying active at any age can be as easy or as hard as you make it.  But if you keep it up, it will get easier (and probably more enjoyable).  And a healthy level of activity is the key to staying young, both mentally and physically.

The trick is to find something you can stick with.  If you’re one of those people who can go to the gym every day and knock out an hour of cardio, two sets of this and three sets of that, then more power to you.  Personally, I find the gym rather dull, and I’d rather be anywhere else than waiting in line for the singular joy of torturing myself on a treadmill.  That said, I am also not very coordinated, so sports are out.  If you’re like me, you may have to search for a solution to your exercise needs.  This could be anything from jogging to hiking to swimming.  If you’re not sure what you’ll like, try taking a class at your gym or a local community college (can I just say, yoga is great for the uncoordinated…it helps with balance, both body and mind).  And if you’re older or facing physical problems, start slow by walking or riding a bike.  Just remember that eventually, you’re going to have to ratchet it up a bit if you want to see improvement.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t be doing this just to stay skinny or impress your friends (although anything that gets you out the door is a good enough reason to start).  The real point of all this is your health.  When your body is fit and working for you, you’re going to feel better not just physically, but mentally as well.  You’ll enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pride when you finish a workout or feel your body performing at its peak.  And let’s not forget the endorphins released by exercise.  A great workout will leave you feeling happy and satisfied throughout the day (and will most likely help you sleep better…that is if you don’t take advantage of your increased libido, another great side effect of exercise and weight loss).  And if you’re having trouble with motivation, consider exercising with a friend.  It’s just more fun and you will no doubt push each other to improve.  Staying active and engaged is a good way to ensure physical and mental well-being throughout our lives, so don’t overlook it…at any age.

Guest Post by Bob of Australia Forum where you can find information about living in Australia and buying a business in Australia.

As the world faces so much struggle and strife… war, natural disasters and economic collapse, people are desperate for ways to deal with it all.  Many people are turning to yoga.  With every business that sadly closes its’ doors due to the failing economy, surprisingly, a yoga studio seems to pop up in its’ place.

People are not only staying indoors more, from dining in to in-home entertainment, they are also looking inward… searching for some sense of inner peace.  Many think yoga is the answer.

The decision to take a yoga class can be very intimidating… all those lithe bodies streaming out of the yoga studio as you rush past, frazzled and late for your 2pm meeting. And there are so many different kinds of yoga?  What do all of those names mean anyway?  Hatha… Ashtanga… Iyengar???

I am here to tell you that you need not be afraid.  EVERYONE can do yoga and the best way to decide which kind is to try them all!  Whether you are looking to tone your body, release stress or embark on a spiritual journey, there is a yoga practice for you.  I started at my gym.  While not necessarily the most tranquil atmosphere in which to reach enlightenment, it’s basically free… and not everyone looks like Gisele!  My first class was a Flow, or Vinyasa Flow, class.

Vinyasa is a hatha yoga… and the word “hatha” simply describes the part of yoga that focuses on poses.  The word hatha can be used interchangeably with yoga.  Vinyasa is a hatha yoga, as is Iyengar and Bikram’s.  Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement” and describes the form of yoga that focuses on combining poses with the inhale and exhale of breath.  “Vinyasa flow” is often used in reference to the fluidity of the series of poses one does while practicing.  There are different types of vinyasa classes, some of which I will describe here.

But before I begin, remember this:

My best advice to you is try them all.  Be open. And have fun.  Namaste!

Here are five of the most popular types of hatha yoga:

• Ashtanga Yoga – This is a vinyasa style class which is both fast paced and physically demanding.  There are a series of poses performed, always in the same order.
• Bikram’s Yoga – Also known as hot yoga, Bikram’s yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a room heated anywhere from 90 to 100 degrees.  The intense heat aids in warming the body to induce profuse sweating and flexibility.
• Iyengar Yoga – This type of hatha yoga focuses on perfecting the poses thereby perfecting the alignment of the physical body.  Props like foam blocks and straps are often used in this practice.
• Anusara Yoga – The word “anusara” means “flowing with grace.”  This is, again, a form of vinyasa yoga founded on the belief that all beings are intrinsically good.  It focuses on opening the heart through alignment and backbends, as well as incorporating the spiritual lessons of yoga into daily life.
• Kundalini Yoga – Kundalini is also a very spiritually focused type of practice.  While physically demanding, this practice also includes breathing exercises, meditation and chanting.  Both a physical and mental challenge.

Guest post by: Chris of Fatty Weight Loss where you can learn about the best exercises to help you reach your weight loss goals.

It’s no secret that yoga is good for you.  Documentation from before the birth of Christ shows the practice of yoga as a method of reaching a higher state of consciousness through ritual discipline and meditation.  Today, the practice of yoga has spread across the globe, spurring a money-making industry aimed at improving your health and well-being through the use of motion and breathing techniques.  But how does all of this apply to you?

For starters, yoga is a form of exercise, which is good for everyone.  It can be used to treat a host of problems, from aches and pains to stress or insomnia.  What it will almost certainly do for you, even at the beginner level, is increase your strength and flexibility.  Much of yoga focuses on your core (the central part of the body, encompassing the muscles of the stomach and lower back).  Improving strength in this area will help your whole body.  In addition to making you sit up straighter (believe me, this is so much more attractive than slouching) it will improve some of the most common pains experienced by workers who either stand in one spot or sit all day (namely, back pain).  In turn, good posture will correct other aches you may have throughout your body.  And increased flexibility will reduce the likelihood of injury.

And if you think you can’t get a cardio workout with yoga, just try moving through a fast-flowing series.  You’ll get your heart-rate and your breathing up in no time.  In fact, there are yoga programs available to contend with just about any type of exercise routine out there, from cardio to strength-training, so don’t be put off by the misnomer of “new age” that’s commonly attached to the practice.  Yoga can offer a full body workout with all the benefits of multiple programs combined.

In terms of stress reduction, it doesn’t get any better than yoga.  For centuries, its patented brand of corresponding breath and movement has helped practitioners to focus both their body and their mind.  Concentrating on moving your body in accord with your breathing allows you to clear your mind of any other complications that may be cluttering it up.  Plus, the stretching involved in most of the moves releases tension and creates space in your body where you might have been clenching up and causing problems.  As a method of relaxation, yoga incorporates several techniques used by other programs and combines them into one comprehensive, full-body and mind activity.  And that’s important for all of us who experience a time crunch when it comes to squeezing in a workout.

Overall, the benefits of yoga, both physical and mental, cannot be overlooked when considering it as an alternative to other types of workouts.  It takes everything you might look for in an exercise routine (weight loss, cardio, strength training, etc.) and combines it with tried and true practices for stress reduction and mental well-being (breathing exercises, guided imagery, meditation, etc.).  As a way to make the most of your time, it really can’t be beat.

Guest post by Sarah of Maxi Dress Mania where you can find a long maxi dress for your body type.

I personally love surfing the net, on the hunt for some great new blogs to read on a wide variety of subjects.

Some of the areas I love are books, film, crafts, pets and just wise and witty words. Something that will make me smile on a tedious afternoon or will motivate me a little when the going gets tough, hey even something that will make me laugh out loud when I am supposed to be sitting at my desk working.

That is why I have gathered together 10 of my favourite blogs of the moment for your delectation.

Head over to my Hub Blogs I Love: Ten Great Blogs To Check Out and have a little chortle to yourself.

If you love pets then you may want to head over to my sister site and sparkly new pet blog Pet Hooligans.

Filled with advice on all your pet care needs and also some fun information on sharing our homes and lives with these little hooligans, it has something for every kind of pet owner.

Pet Hooligans can also be found on Twitter and Facebook and coming soon is a feature on reader’s pets – just how naughty can one little hooligan be? Answers coming soon.

The main consideration when purchasing yoga clothing has to be the stretch. Yoga is a series of postures called asanas that come from the Hindu tradition in India and are designed to stretch the body to increase flexibility, strength, and unity of body and mind.

You will not want to wear anything that restricts your body from going as deeply as it can into any pose, so your yoga clothes will need to allow stretching in all directions. This gives you the choice of either very loose clothing that your limbs can move in freely, or clothes made of a stretchable fabric such as spandex. Even with stretch fabric you may still want to buy a size larger than your usual size to allow for easy movement without any constriction.

Although yoga classes are deeply relaxing, they are also very physical and you should be prepared to sweat. How much depends on the style of yoga, but natural fabrics such as cotton are recommended for maximum comfort. Many yoga students select a cotton/spandex mix which provides both stretch and sweat absorption.

Whatever you choose should be soft and comfortable. Generally the legs are covered completely by a pair of pants and the feet are bare. Do not try to practise yoga in a skirt – you will have problems when you want to try an inversion such as a headstand or shoulder stand! For the shoulder stand it is better to have a separate top and pants rather than an all-in-one leotard or body suit. You can tuck in the top at the front so that it does not fall over your face, but leave the back open so that your hands are in direct contact with the skin either side of your spine for a better grip as you support your back in the pose.

Yoga practice improves the circulation of the blood around the body and it is important that your yoga clothing allows this to happen to the max. Do not wear anything that is too tight around the waist – drawstring tie waists on your pants are better than elastic. A sports bra is recommended for women.

Whether you practice alone at home with a DVD on the television or in a class, it is important to feel good and accepting of your body during your yoga session so clothes do matter. Although in most situations you will not need new fashionable yoga wear every season, it is important to wear something you like. Even at home, it is best not to wear something that is so old and worn that you would not let another person see you wearing it!

So do take the time to pick out something suitable that you feel good wearing, either from your wardrobe or from the store. It’s a great idea to practice a few poses in your new outfit before class too. You can do this at home or even in the fitting room of the store. Then you can head for your first or your next yoga class with full confidence in your new yoga clothing.

Before the meltdown just about every financial advisor would have said flat out that the tangibles market is dead. Today that sentiment is changing rapidly as the wounded seek financial shelter of any kind, including a resurgent interest in tangibles (fine arts, antiques, collectibles, and precious metals). This is creating a very favorable niche market environment for savvy eBay auction sellers. This series of eight articles will focus on the silver goods segment of this growing market.

In 2008 the average silver price remained high at $14.99 even with the economic chaos of the fall months. This has made silver very attractive to large and small investors alike. While many will invest solely in speculative bullion, coin, or futures, a growing number of investors are buying up antique, vintage and collectible silver goods as a conservative safe haven against further cash losses.

Hoping to sell into this demand, eBay sellers are now flocking to estate sales, yard sales, flea markets, antique fairs, and raiding the family attic in search of salable silver items. Not unlike the hopefuls appearing on The Antiques Roadshow, these eBayers often plop some item into an eBay auction with big money hopes yet without a clue as to its origin, use or intrinsic silver value. The resulting sale, if any, is usually for little or no profit. Why? Because these sellers don’t know how to research and properly describe silver goods. The result is weak or no bidding action. How ridiculous is it to expect anyone to bid on your item when you can’t tell them anything about it? By the way, these same sellers are often burned when they buy things to resell on eBay since they don’t know what they’re buying and they usually overpay. Ethically challenged auctioneers, estate consignors and antique dealers call these folks “Homers”, ala Homer Simpson, and they love selling junk to them.

There are many kinds of antique, vintage and collectible silver items that will sell profitably on eBay. Everything from antique French snuff boxes to silverware sets to lavishly ornate tea services. Some items sell extremely well in the thousands of dollars and others will only sell for a few dollars, if at all. There’s no secret to knowing what sells best. It is just a matter of knowing what has value to buyers, what doesn’t and how to clearly impart your item’s value to prospective bidders. Before getting into that discussion though we’re going to start with the basics. As a seller of silver goods you need to know how to research and decipher silver marks, understand what the different kinds of silver are, and how to properly, accurately and legally describe the silver in your auction.

Now, if you are someone whose only interest is in unloading Grandma’s tea set because you hate polishing silver, then here’s my advice to you. List it, hope it sells, and move on. This article series isn’t for you, so goodbye and good luck. On the other hand if you are serious about successfully selling silver items on eBay, you are willing to learn new things and you will put considerable effort into your auctions, then research is all important. You will need to learn the fundamentals about silver marks, silver purity standards, silver makers, rareness, antique value, melt value, what sells, what doesn’t, and how to successfully market your silver items on eBay.

Wayne Morrison is a professional antique collector, entrepreneur, and freelance writer. He can be reached for comments or questions about this article at wmorrison.sterlingservices@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Morrison

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