Tag: Lifestyle

Posted in Uncategorized

The Travelers Stones

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs
Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

Moonstones For Dreamers

Moonstones are like magic gems that bring love and lots of good stuff into your life.

Moonstones, these gems are named cause they look like the glowing moon in the night sky, and offer us more than just pretty looks. They’re all tied in with moon goddesses all over the world, which might be why they seem to help out people who are out under the moon, whether it’s travelers, sailors, lovers, or even dreamers. All over the world, people have given moonstones magical powers, saying they have the same powers as the moon, even during the day.

Moonstones, which look like raindrops or tears, have always reminded people in Asia that when it’s raining, you can’t see the moon, just like how tears can make it hard to see. In India, they’re said to give you sweet, nice dreams at night, but they’ve also gotten a reputation for making your intuition and spiritual vision, or “third eye,” better at any time of day.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, people thought gazing at a moonstone was like a magic sleep potion that made you see the future. And get this – they also believed moonstones had a fertility superpower! In Arabia, ladies sewed them into their clothes to boost their baby-making abilities. Not just that, moonstones were even said to help crops grow, so folks hung them in their fruit trees before harvest.

Moonstones are like little beacons of hope and abundance, guiding us toward a future filled with awesomeness. They’ve got this magical ability to help us see all the good stuff that’s in store for us. If you want to give your moonstone a power boost, just pop it outside under a full moon. It’ll soak up all that mystical energy and become even more powerful. Cool, right?

A Room-by-Room Guide to crystals and moonstones . . . Enjoy!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Meditation Is Popular

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Meditation has gained popularity for good reason—it offers a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical well-being.  

Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Stress Reduction: One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. Meditation helps calm the mind and relax the body, which can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
  • Improved Focus and Concentration: Regular meditation practice has been shown to enhance concentration and attention span. It can help train the mind to stay focused on the present moment, reducing distractions.
  • Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Meditation can promote emotional health by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. It encourages a greater sense of positivity, resilience, and emotional balance.
  • Increased Self-awareness: Through meditation, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, and their emotions. This self-awareness can lead to greater self-acceptance and a more profound sense of inner peace.
  • Better Sleep: Many people find that meditation can improve the quality of their sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing insomnia. Practices like mindfulness meditation can help quiet the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Pain Management: Some studies suggest that meditation can help reduce the perception of pain by altering the way the brain processes pain signals. It may be particularly beneficial for chronic pain conditions.
  • Lower Blood Pressure: Meditation has been linked to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, meditation may help improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • Improved Relationships: Meditation can enhance interpersonal relationships by fostering empathy, compassion, and communication skills. It can help individuals become more present and attentive in their interactions with others.

These are just a few of the many benefits of meditation, and research into its effects continues to uncover new insights into its potential for promoting health and well-being.

How Can Incense Meditation Help You?

If you’re into meditation and incense, here’s the 411. Burning incense during your meditation sesh can take your spiritual connection to the next level. Certain scents are said to help unlock your chakras and give you that crystal-clear clarity you crave. But, heads up, some folks say it’s smarter to light that incense before you start your meditation gig. Why? ‘Cause sometimes that smoke can be a real distraction or make it tough to breathe. By burning it beforehand, you avoid any shaky breathing and still get all the aromatic benefits.

I like to chill out and meditate when there’s incense burning. Sometimes, my mind wanders, and I gotta bring it back to what I’m supposed to be focusing on. Watching the incense smoke helps me get back into the zone.

So, when it comes to incense, Sandalwood and Patchouli are totally the A-listers. In Buddhism, Sandalwood is like the rockstar of meditation incense.  Its warm and sweet smell has also been used in Tibetan medicine and is said to help open up that third eye chakra, which is pretty cool if you’re into that kinda thing.

Patchouli is a strong scent that, in addition to its usage in aromatherapy, has a wide range of spiritual, therapeutic, and purifying applications. An age-old custom that is still prevalent today is burning incense. Your neurological system receives an immediate, pleasant, and mild wake-up call from the scent of patchouli. The aroma of patchouli is energizing, strong, and uplifting — ideal when you need a boost of inspiration or self-assurance!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Funky Fridays . . . .

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Funk music originated in the mid-1960s, with James Brown’s development of a signature groove that emphasized the downbeat—with a heavy emphasis on the first beat of every measure (“The One”), and the application of swung 16th notes and syncopation on all basslines, drum patterns, and guitar riffs. 

Rock- and psychedelia-influenced musicians Sly and the Family Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic fostered more eclectic examples of the genre beginning in the late 1960s.

Other musical groups developed Brown’s innovations during the 1970s and the 1980s bringing us the sound of Funky-Soul music, including Kool and the Gang,  Ohio Players, Fatback Band, Jimmy Castor Bunch, Earth, Wind & Fire, B.T. Express, Shalamar, With More, Lakeside, Dazz Band, The Gap Band, Slave, Aurra, Roger Troutman & Zapp, Con Funk Shun, Cameo, Bar-Kays and Chic.

My preschoolers would go wild for the clean versions of funky music! It was hilarious when it took them a few weeks to finally remember the correct name for this type of music. I love sharing old music with new listeners.

So, grab your platform shoes, and get ready to shake your groove-thang!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl 

Posted in Uncategorized

Spiritual Well-Being

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Stay On Track

In our everyday lives, we’ve got routines for everything, but we often forget to give our spiritual side the same attention.

In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to have routines for just about everything. We have a set route to work, a workout plan, and a daily schedule. But it’s surprising how creating a routine for meeting our spiritual needs often gets overlooked. We rush around to make it to appointments and fulfill our commitments. In our drive to be productive, our spiritual well-being often ends up taking a backseat.

Let’s be real, meditating or writing in a journal doesn’t exactly put food on the table or give us six-pack abs. With all the pressing stuff we have to deal with, it’s easy to wonder who the heck has time for that. But guess what? Taking care of our spiritual side is like the secret sauce that keeps us energized and grounded. When we nourish our souls, it’s like we unlock the superpower to keep our lives on the right path.

Meditation can be super helpful for staying calm and focused. Some folks only need to do it once a day, while others might find it more beneficial to spend up to 20 minutes with their eyes closed and their mind clear. It might sound like a lot of time to do nothing, but this state of nothingness is powerful for staying calm and focused, so you can get more done. Writing in your journal every day is another great way to stay connected with your thoughts and feelings.

If you want to live a happy and healthy life, you need to take care of your soul regularly. This means setting aside some time each day to do things that make you feel good, like spending time with loved ones, getting exercise, or reading a good book. When you take care of your soul, you’ll have more energy and enthusiasm, and you’ll be better able to handle life’s challenges. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your life, start by taking care of your soul. It’s the best investment you can make.

Creating a daily routine to care for your soul can be a lifesaver when things go sideways. It helps keep you down-to-earth and connected to yourself during rough patches. Taking care of your spirit not only keeps you on track but also ensures that your life aligns with your soul’s desires.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Bring In The Good Vibes!

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Make Your Home Serene

Include all five senses while making a home, along with creating a safe haven for your evolving body and soul.

Your home is like your own private slice of heaven. With a little TLC, you can turn it into a chill spot where you can relax and be yourself. It can be your sanctuary, a place where you feel safe and comfortable. And when you have guests over, they’ll feel all cozy and welcome too.

A tidy and cozy home can make you, your family, and your pals feel chill and give you a break from the crazy world outside. Making a place like that isn’t hard. Even if you’ve got little kids or a zoo’s worth of pets, you can still have a peaceful home.

Listen! In no time, you can make a few easy changes that’ll transform your humble abode into a cozy and secure sanctuary. It’ll be a place you’ll be thrilled to show off to your pals and family.

Wanna make your home a relaxing oasis? Start with the vibes! Soft lighting and calming colors like blue, purple, and green can make a space feel cozy and inviting. And don’t forget the scents! Pleasant and calming aromas like lavender and vanilla can totally change your mood.

Calming sounds like the water flowing in a fountain or soft chimes can make a space feel better and more peaceful. Getting rid of clutter and using open space wisely can also help you feel better emotionally and get rid of negative thoughts.

The stuff in your house, like furniture and the house itself, can hold onto the vibes of the people who lived there before you. If you want to freshen things up, try picturing a bright white light all around your place. You can also sweep away bad energy using a sage bundle. . . my personal favorite!

What you do with your home can be as unique as you are. You can change the layout, add some new furniture, decorate, or even try feng shui or rituals. But the most important thing is to make your home a place that feels good to be in.

Make your home a cozy place, and it’ll feel like a warm hug every time you step inside!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Just The Good Ones . . .

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Send Vibes Of What You Want

When we’re all stressed out and worried, we tend to make everyone else around us feel the same way.

If prayer is like telling the universe what we want, then every thought we have is like a little prayer. Even the ones where we’re all stressed out or feeling hopeful. All thoughts are like tiny bits of creative energy floating around. Some of them stick around more often or get thought about more, so they get stronger. And when we write down the “good stuff” or say them out loud, it’s like giving them a big power boost.

Each thought we have is like a little piece of a puzzle that helps to make up our lives. When we’re not paying attention to our thoughts, we’re kind of like driving on autopilot. We might end up somewhere we don’t really want to be. But when we’re conscious of our thoughts and positively use them, we can create the life we want. For example, if we’re always worrying about something, we’re basically just giving that thing more energy. And that’s the last thing we want, right?

We can train our minds to focus on the good stuff we want in our lives. Most worrying is like a broken record, so we’ll need more than just a few happy thoughts to change the energy we’ve built up. The best way to fight worry is with positive statements. When we think, say, and write these positive thoughts a lot throughout the day, we’re putting focused energy into making good things happen.

Let’s get to work! I’m a creative person, and I use my energy to make the world a better place. I know that my thoughts and actions affect my life, and they also have an impact on the world around me. When I think positively, it sends out good vibes that can make a difference. I’m grateful for my ability to create positive change in my life and the world. Together, we can make a real difference!

You know, sometimes we got folks in our lives who care about us a lot and they start frettin’ about us. When that happens, they’re basically sending out a worry prayer to the universe. The easiest way to deal with it is to just have a heart-to-heart with them and let ’em know what’s up. And instead of worrying about you, ask ’em to send you some positive vibes. 

Worrying doesn’t do anyone any good, right? It’s like rocking in a rocking chair – it gives you something to do but you don’t go anywhere. Let ’em know that worrying can actually hurt you energetically and sending good thoughts your way is a whole lot better and more fun. Make it ripple throughout the universe . . . 

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Motivational Mondays

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind and lose sight of our goals and aspirations. That’s why I’m bringing back Motivational Mondays—not just for my readers but mostly for myself.

Mondays can be tough. They often come with a sense of dread, as we contemplate the long week ahead. But I believe that a positive mindset can make all the difference. By starting the week with a dose of motivation, I hope to set the tone for a productive and fulfilling week.

Each Motivational Monday, I’ll share a quote, a story, or a personal reflection that has inspired me. I’ll also include a call to action, challenging my readers to take small steps towards their goals. It’s not about perfection or instant gratification. It’s about building momentum and creating positive habits that will lead to lasting change.

I know that motivation is not always easy to come by. But I believe that by surrounding ourselves with positivity and taking action, we can create a virtuous cycle that will help us achieve our dreams.

So, let’s make every Monday a Motivational Monday. Let’s start the week with a positive mindset and a commitment to growth. Together, we can make this week our best yet.

When the Coach – Coaches herself . . . . Watch out!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Hit Pause . . .

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

At Times Hit Pause

When there’s a break in the action, folks wonder what they’re doing with their lives.

You know that feeling when you’ve just crushed it, and everything is going your way? It’s like you can’t be stopped. But then, out of nowhere, you hit a wall. You’re still trying to figure out what to do next, and you start to question everything. Well, that’s just the transition period, my friend. It’s a time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and figure out what’s next.

So, you’re feeling a little stuck and unmotivated, huh? That’s normal. We all go through phases like this from time to time. We’re humans, after all, and we’re meant to be doing stuff. But here’s the thing: there’s nothing wrong with just chilling for a bit. Take a day, a week, or even a month to just BE. Don’t do anything, just relax and let your mind wander. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to jump back into the action.

When you’re in a lull with no clear next step, life can feel like a big, empty void. It’s easy to want to sprint straight to the next thing but when you’re not sure what that is, it’s like your brain hits a brick wall and you just feel frustrated and lost. It’s easy to start thinking you’re stuck in a rut. But here’s the thing, if you’re focused on growing as a person, you’re always making progress, even if you’re not actively working on a specific goal.

This break can be a real eye-opener, giving you time to reflect on what’s happened lately and decide what you want next. Just by hanging out and doing your thing- YOU DO YOU – you can reconnect with what matters most in an organic way.

The whole “mindful transitional pause” thing can look different for everyone. Some people use it to think about how their life has gone so far, while others use it to adjust to new values after a big change. Just because you’re not speeding towards a finish line doesn’t mean you’ve lost your mojo. The time between trips can be a chill zone that sets you up for whatever’s coming next.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

It’s Better To Feel The Pain . . . Then Not!

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

The Ways We Keep Ourselves Numb

When you numb yourself, you avoid dealing with your problems, which stops you from finding a solution or feeling at peace.

You know how we’re all born with this crazy mix of emotions? It’s like we’re wired to feel a whole bunch of different stuff. But here’s the thing, a lot of us get all awkward when it comes to dealing with the big ones. We try to avoid feeling too happy or too sad, and it’s like we end up living in a world that’s all gray and boring.

We may numb ourselves to what we are truly feeling. It’s easier to suppress our emotions than to deal with them, so we may momentarily turn to pleasures such as alcohol, cannabis, food, sugar, shopping, and too much television. 

So, we might just shut down our feelings, right? I mean, it’s okay to take a break from dealing with stuff sometimes, but if you do it too much, you’ll never face your problems head-on. And that means you’ll never find a way to fix them or feel better. It’s like, when you’re numb, you might not feel any pain, but you also can’t feel any happiness or get any better.

You know those things you do that make you feel all numb inside? Like, eating a whole pizza or going on a shopping spree? Well, they might seem like no big deal, but they’re not doing you any favors. When you numb yourself out, you’re not just avoiding those intense emotions, you’re also missing out on the good stuff, too. 

It’s like you’re putting on a blindfold and trying to live your life. You might be able to get by, but you’re not really experiencing it. So, next time you feel the urge to numb out, try to find a way to face those emotions head-on. It might not be easy, but it’s worth it. Trust me, you’ll feel so much more alive.

Your feelings make your life more colorful and help you connect with the world around you. You can say goodbye to those boring behaviors, one step at a time, and start enjoying life’s tasty treats again. If you feel yourself doing something just to avoid feeling something, take a step back and think about why. Figuring out what’s making you want to check out emotionally can help understand yourself better.

Each time you quit doing something that numbs your feelings, you’ll start noticing things more and feeling “stuff” way better. It’s like your senses get super sharp, and all the bad stuff that’s been hiding in the back of your mind comes out into the open. But that’s a good thing because now you can finally deal with it and heal. You’ll find a whole new side of yourself, one that can handle even the toughest emotions with bravery and aspiration.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Dark Colors Are Never Popular

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Our Favorite Deeps and Darks of 2024

SOURCE: A Blog TINTED by Sherwin Williams

Dark paint colors are not only incredibly stylish but also versatile, exuding a moody atmosphere that can instantly evoke a cozy and calming effect. We’re highlighting five of our favorite hues from A Gathering of Deeps & Darks palette in our 2024 Colormix® Forecast that will undoubtedly boost your confidence in exploring the darker side of the color wheel. 

Featured Colors: Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846, Carnelian SW 7580, Tricorn Black SW 6258, Raisin SW 7630, Sealskin SW 7675

Roycroft Bronze Green SW 2846: This historic, deep forest green hue brings a vintage feel to spaces and is stunning either as an accent or drenching an entire space. Roycroft Bronze Green’s grounded, earthy tone instills a sense of tranquility, effortlessly creating harmonious, nature-inspired spaces. 

Carnelian SW 7580: Carnelian’s deeply saturated burgundy hue inspires an intriguing aura of mystery. It’s the perfect shade for going dark without diving all the way into the depths of an inky black. 

Raisin SW 7630: Looking for a little drama? Raisin’s rich, dark brown hue adds a captivating allure to any space. This chameleon shade’s purple undertone lends it an easy versatility that can lean either warm or cool depending on surrounding tones and lighting. 

Sealskin SW 7675: Sealskin has a refined, deep tone that creates a contented, cocoon-like atmosphere. This bold shade easily wraps spaces in luxurious, inviting warmth and adds nuanced sophistication. Moody enough to inspire quiet reflection yet classic enough to feel elegant. 

Tricorn Black SW 6258: A long-standing fan favorite, Tricorn Black is one of our deepest, truest blacks. With virtually no undertones, this timeless neutral shade is supremely versatile, effortlessly pairing with any material, tone, or texture. 

 Explore the full collection of shades in the A Gathering of Deeps & Darks palette in Anthology: Volume One, our Colormix ® Forecast for 2024. Want to see these hues in your space? Get FREE color chips for the whole palette, and if you need help choosing, book a FREE Virtual Color Consultation for personalized, one-on-one guidance with one of our experts. 

**A personal note: I am usually pleased with the colors chosen by Sherwin Williams, this color was not a favorite of mine, but when you POP it with some color . . . it did change my mindset about the color. Pair up SW6605 Charisma with the SW7580 Carnelian . . . Gorgeous!