Author Archives: Laura Benko
Holistic Home Manners: Six Rules of Etiquette
By now, most of you know that my vocation and passion is the Home. And I’m not just talking decorating and all things design. I love to make the deeper connections of the intimate home environments we create for ourselves to the issues in our lives. I see the connections loud and clear and I respect how it all physically manifests and reveals itself when you look beneath the surface. That is why it’s equally as important to show thoughtfulness and respect in other people’s homes. You are treading on their subconscious turf, their comfort zone and their design arena all in one intimate space. Here are my six rules of etiquette to help be a gracious host and guest:
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Sustainability: Beyond The Typical Green
Whether I am consulting for developers on a new hi-rise or hired by the management of a tropical resort, I try to take them beyond the typical, systematic recycling plan, the “right” light bulbs or expected greywater solutions. By now, we know all that. Today, an all-inclusive “green” environment is one that not only meets the utmost sustainability criteria, but also truly nourishes and supports all aspects of the greater whole of who you are –emotionally, physically and spiritually.
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My “Bad Feng Shui ” Awards
In determining which items make the list for a “Bad Feng Shui” award, they need to fulfill the requirements of following four categories: Bad Design (arguably not aesthetically pleasing on any level), Bad For The Environment (contains known carcinogens, toxins or irritants), Bad For Your Well-Being (its not efficiently designed, its poorly made or it doesn’t make your life easier/better/healthier/happier) and my personal favorite, Bad Juju (an overall, negative energetic quality). I’ll start from #5 and work up to #1.
The Feng Shui Behind Matchmaking
Many of my consultations over the years have centered on clients who are looking for love and are feeling unsuccessful. Whether it is a thriving millionaire or someone in between jobs struggling to make ends meet, I always find there are hidden themes that physically manifest in their homes that represent the real underlying cause for being single. By bringing these symbolic connections to my client’s attention, their reactions may run the gamut from a tear-filled revelation of a big “a-ha” moment to intense discomfort or denial because I am delving into and shedding light on one of their issues they’d rather keep buried. Either way, once awareness is heightened and necessary changes are implemented in their home, a shift in their relationship perspective will inevitably occur that enables them to more easily and fully embrace a healthy, balanced and loving relationship. Read on
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“And Now I’d Like To Thank….My Home”
Most people don’t think to express gratitude to the structure that protects you and your possessions – you know, that intimate environment you have created for yourself that you call Home? I’m here to remind you to take some time to spread the love to your beloved four walls once in a while. A home that is filled with gratitude feels warmer and more inviting. It’s the energetic foundation that inexplicably makes one identical home feel much different than the other. Here are three ways you can do this:
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Does Your Home Reflect Your Lifestyle?
Recently I was interviewed by Jenni Hulburt, a Health & Fitness Coach who believes in the power of Nature, moving her body and living her dreams. Her questions were smart and insightful – just like her website. jennihulburt.com
Learn how to have a healthier, “Nature-Fed” home, why Feng Shui can get confusing and what it is exactly that I do with this Holistic Design stuff….below are her questions and my answers.
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Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving – And Meaning It!
Most people take an opportunity on Thanksgiving to gather hands around the table and herald their gratitude for all things obvious – from good health to loving family and friends. These expected pillars – health and love – are essential to acknowledge but can become a bit of a conditioned , memorized routine at the holiday dinner table when true appreciation often slips through the cracks like a slotted spoon of gravy. So, how do you begin to value and acknowledge it all and really mean it? Try these three tips:
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Lorna Byrne at the Open Center Nov.23rd
International phenomena and best selling spiritual author Lorna Byrne has been generating a great deal of attention lately. Lorna has an extraordinary ability to see angels – which might sound like frothy new ageism at first, but the one thing that nearly everyone who reads her books, attends her lectures or hears her talk, will all downright agree upon is how credible she sounds. (I urge you to watch just one YouTube video of her talking). Some say that she has become the unwitting beacon of hope for the Catholic Church, giving it a much needed broader girth and update
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Finally, A Magazine Gets It Right. Being Interviewed for Key Biscayne Magazine
Through the years I have been interviewed for a few magazines. There are some questions that make my eyes roll (“So what is Fung Shewy anyway?” or my personal pet peeve, the completely uninformed “As an interior designer….” Nope. I am not an interior designer. Next question?) Recently I was interviewed by journalist Dena Roche who asked me very thoughtful and intelligent questions for her article, “Subconscious Design” about the psychology of how we dwell. I was delighted with the absence of the typical and superficial fluff. Delving into the human psyche and making connections to our home surroundings is my favorite topic so I decided to share our Q&A here. I wish more shelter magazines would explore deeper concepts in relatable ways like they did. Good job Editor-in-Chief Jorge Arauz and journalist Dena Roche. For the full article, pick up a copy of November/December 2013 Key Biscayne Magazine today.
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