Feng Shui Basics - Water.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese ascetic which plays upon the idea of creating ideal energy flow within your home and life.

Its goal is to achieve proper flow of Qi, pronounced chee, or life energy. And through proper energy flow, you can help invite balance, harmony, and prosperity into your life.

The five elements commonly mentioned in Feng Shui, as well as other works of Chinese literature, are metal, earth, fire, water, and wood.

Let's focus on the basics of "water."

In this discipline, it is all about placement. You can start with the front door to your home. By placing a water feature on the left-side of the door's exterior (inside looking out), you can bring in good luck! There can be too much of a good thing, however. And that means water features on both sides of your front door can lead to unluckiness.

Where should you place water features? Ask yourself where you'd like to enhance learning? Try out an office or kid's study area.

Just avoid placing a water feature in a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.

If you are in the need of some "good luck" then consider placing a water feature in your "wealth spot."

In Feng Shui, this is located at the corner diagonally across from the living room entrance. Consider placing a fish tank in this great location! Even a small goldfish bowl can work it's feng shui magic.

Of course, you can always harness the true power of water by building or buying a house near an existing body of water! Wherever your home, keep water as a part of your balanced life.

It's Party Time... Etiquette!

Hey kids, are now entering the holiday zone! And with that comes parties, gatherings, and family meals.

Are you unsure what proper etiquette is for these affairs? Have no fear! We have you covered.

1. RSVP: This is an abbreviation of the French term, "répondez, s'il vous plaît." It means to please reply to the host/hostess on whether or not you will be able to attend. Many guests feel these days that the RSVP is optional, but the rules of good etiquette, and thus a good guest, dictate that you reply. Among other things, it helps the host plan for the amounts of food and drink to prepare.

2. Dress Code: Invitations will generally clue you in to the proper attire. Formal, black tie, and dressy casual are common dress codes. If the event is especially important, don't hesitate to ask the host about the dress code. And always play it safe and age appropriate. It is much better to be slightly over-dressed than to show up to a formal affair in your jeans and t-shirt.

3. Bringing Guests: You may feel that one more won't make a difference at a big party, but always ask the host if you may bring a guest. Yes, that even applies to small gatherings at a friend's home.

4. Bringing Food: At large family gatherings or pot-luck meals it would be best to bring a dish of some sort with you. It need not be home-made, just thoughtful. If you ask the host what you may bring and they say everything is covered, be sure to bring a hostess gift.

5. Hostess Gift: Unless this is a work soiree or large charity event, bring the hostess a small token of your appreciation. A bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers are time honored favorites.

6. When to Arrive: For formal gatherings the rule of thumb is to arrive within 10 to 15 minutes of the time noted on the invitation. For more informal gatherings you can arrive up to 30 minutes after the time noted. You don't, however, want to show up early. Your hostess may still be getting ready!

7. How Long to Stay: If the invitation doesn't outline when the party is set to end, it can sometimes be difficult to know when to call it a night. Watch the other guests for cues. When half of the guests have left, it's time to say good-bye. Also, look for clues that the host/hostess has had enough.

8. Don't Be a Party Pooper: It is your responsibility as a party guest to be respectful of the other guests and to have a good time. Sulking or pouting in the corner do nothing but lower the overall morale of the event. If you feel a night of party pooperish coming on, then summon your party persona or excuse yourself from the soiree!

8. Saying Hello and Good-bye: Never come to a party without saying hello to the hostess at some point. And never leave without saying good-bye. The only exception is during a large affair when the hostess is obviously busy or in the middle of a conversation.

9. Thank-you notes: Even your grandma deserves to know that the meal she slaved over for a day and a half was appreciated. Sending a heart-felt thank-you card is always appropriate.

Follow these tips this season and you and your host are sure to have a grand time!