Anjie's Favorite Things: Let's Get Cozy for September

Welcome to Anjie’s Favorite Things!

Each month, we highlight products to help you create a holistic lifestyle that inspires and nurtures you, so that you can be happier and feel supported.

It’s already really starting to feel like fall, here in NYC. I can't believe it! We've had a long, warm summer, but the weather is beginning to get cooler and crisper, and soon we'll be switching walks in the park for snuggling up indoors. That's why this month's My Favorite Things is all about getting cozy! We put some thought into the necessities for a staying warm in the fall air, and here's what we came up with.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Sun Yantra Mandala for Radiance & Warmth

I love mandalas as a way to add a certain energy or intention to a room. This Sun yantra mandala is perfect for warming up your space as the weather cools off!

The Sun is associated with individuality, radiance and yang energy. It depicts yellows and oranges and radiating lotus petals, and looks similar to the sun itself! As it represents warmth and radiance, this mandala is perfect for seasons when we see less sun. 

Yellows and oranges are representative of nature, which is appropriate for autumn, and the bright colors are also a helpful dose of optimism and positive qi during fall and winter months. 

Available at: Holistic Spaces

Wei of chocolate’s cardamom

I am a big fan of cardamom, and flower elixirs, and who doesn’t love chocolate??? My current favorite Wei of Chocolate flavor is Cardamom. It’s warming and uplifting and infused with Lotus Wei’s Sacred Awareness flower remedy blend for: heightened intuition, awakening, and energetic perception.

We’re invited to let the chocolate melt in the mouth to enhance the experience!

Available at: Lotus Wei

SENTIA non-alcoholic SPIRITS

I thrilled with the unique non-alcoholic offerings that are now available to all of us. I’ve been getting super cozy in the evenings with a relaxing mocktail with Sentia GABA Red (with passionflower, ashwagandha). I just pour some over ice with some sparkling water, and instant relaxation!

Check out: Sentia GABA Red

image from quince.com

SheepSKIN Rug

When it comes to making your holistic space warmer, a wool rug is a no-brainer!

Most rugs can help to reduce the cool temperature beneath your feet, especially here in NYC where everything is wood flooring, but wool and sheepskin rugs are especially warm!

When looking for wool or sheepskins rugs, seek out organic and ethically sourced if possible.

I have two from Quince that I love!

Sandalwood Essential Oil

My favorite things for warming up wouldn't be a complete list without essential oils! Fall is a great time to utilize these incredible healing tools, and sandalwood is on our ultimate fall list. 

My good friend, Andrea Giordano, of Aromatherachi, specializes in using essential oils to make amazing products like soap and bath salts, but she also sells the oil itself! Her sandalwood oil is sustainable and eco-friendly, sourced in Hawaii! Can you think of a warmer place?!

Available at: Aromatherachi

Anjie's Favorite Things: the fullness of summer

Welcome to Anjie’s Favorite Things!

Each month, we highlight products to help you create a holistic lifestyle that inspires and nurtures you, so that you can be happier and feel supported.

We’re in the fullness of summer in August. It’s my favorite time of year because it’s also my birthday month! Plus this year I have my third book coming out: Mindful Living. But the real reason why I love August, is that I love the summertime. The last few years we’ve been visiting Maine to enjoy the water, hiking and the last days of summer.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

space | clearing Blend & Amethyst Mist for space & energy clearing

August is a big month to travel, as we’re taking advantage of the last days of summer. I never leave home for a trip without a bottle of my Holistic Spaces Space Clearing mist. The small 2 oz bottle is travel friendly and vital for those of us that are energetically sensitive.

The blend has white sage essential oil which purifies, and the amethyst crystal protects. The smell is divine, but the mist also clears away any stagnant energy that may be lingering in a hotel room or AirBNB.

Available at: Holistic Spaces

The buzz's insect-repelling perfume

I am a big fan of summertime. Biting insects are also big fans of summertime, and of me! I am the best mosquito repellent because they will feast on me and leave you alone!

I am a big fan of this DEET-free, plant-powered, chemical-free insect repellent that is also a wildcrafted botanical handcrafted elegant perfume. I recommend the Charlston scent. Top notes: Lemon & Lime; Middle: Orange, Bergamot & Mandarin; Base notes: Geranium

Available at: The BUZZ

image from the BUZZ

BUG BITE THING

Still on the insect topic, I tried out the BUG BITE THING Suction tool and it really does work! Along with the BUZZ perfume, I also carry the suction tool in my pocket or purse to make sure I can use it if I get a bite.

Check out: BUG BITE THING

image from Out of the Woods

Out of the woods eco-friendly cooler backpack

When I think of August, I think of hikes and picnics. So I love my new Seagull Backpack Cooler from Out of the Woods.

Their products are cute, functional.. and did I mention: CUTE!

PLUS: they are lightweight, durable, and made from ethically sourced, sustainable materials, featuring Supernatural Paper® from responsibly managed forests.

Check out: Out of the Woods

Feng Shui for the Holidays

Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

Although the holidays are a time for celebration and rest, sometimes they can be quite the opposite. This time of year can become stressful and exhausting. Since feng shui concepts can give us tools to help create harmony and positivity in our living spaces, I’d like to share some feng shui tips to support us during the holiday season.

Family

Thanksgiving was just a few weeks ago, and of course there is often a little drama and turmoil in the Cho household. Thankfully, it was resolved. But no matter how well your family gets along – I don’t think it hurts to have more harmony in the home. Did you know there’s a section of the feng shui map that relates to family? This area also relates to new beginnings. 

Locate the family/new beginnings area of your home or bedroom on the feng shui map. If you divide your home or bedroom into a 3x3 grid, it’s the center left area. You can use this feng shui map to help you locate the area. For more harmony within your family, try adding a live green plant to represent growth and support for the family during the holidays. If there is not enough natural light for a plant, try a low light plant or a very high quality, realistic looking silk plant.

Space Clearing

Holidays are often a time to gather with friends and family. Some of us have visitors staying with us in addition to parties and get-togethers. When there are many gatherings in the home, it may be helpful to do a light space clearing on a regular basis to clear the air and energy in your home. Each time you clear the space, dedicate your home to creating a loving happy space for your family and friends. For frequent space clearing, I like smudging (burning) palo santo or diffusing sweet orange essential oil. Palo santo has a light, clean, minty smell that is delicious. The sweet orange scent is life affirming, happy and bright. Use the one you like best, or alternate!

If you’re traveling you can use this to clear the space you are staying in whether it’s a hotel or as a guest in someone’s home. Probably better to use the orange essential oil rather than burn something ☺

Gratitude and Thanks

Finally, the holiday season reminds us to be grateful and thankful for the love and support we’ve received in our lives. I recently received some Buddhist teachings on patronage. I find that supporting others as a patron is a truly rewarding way to offer thanks. I'm so thankful for my abundance and success and am happy to share that with the world.

Take some time to thank the ones you love who bring you support in your life. Bring some feng shui into this practice of honoring those helpful people by offering to be a benefactor for them as well! The benefactors’ area of your bedroom would be the corner front right if you’re standing in your room looking in. Make a list of those caring and generous people, and then place the list in the benefactors area of your bedroom with the intention that you're grateful for their help and you wish to offer them even more in return. 

Thanksgiving, Christmas and the days in between have always been dedicated to family, friends and remembering how fortunate we are to have life. Over time though, the holiday season has, unfortunately, become associated with high stress levels and weariness as well. Through feng shui practices and awareness, we can use well-established methods to lower stress and focus on what's really important during this time: our loved ones. 

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com