Holistic Spaces 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome to our first ever Holistic Spaces Holiday Gift Guide! 

I really love gift-giving all year round, so the holidays are a fun time for me! It's not about how much you spend, but the thought that counts. I've included items at all different price points and even some DIY ideas. And of course each of the gift ideas can assist your loved ones in creating a holistic space and lifestyle, so that they can be happier and feel supported in their lives.


Book: 108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces

for the feng shui fancier

Yes, of course I just had to include some of my own products. In case you didn't know, I wrote a book and I have signed copies of my book available on the Holistic Spaces store.

This book is a great introduction to feng shui and holistic design principles.

Feng Shui can change your life -- but learning how to use it can feel overwhelming. Architect and feng shui practitioner, Anjie Cho clears the clutter and shows you how to apply feng shui and green design principles to support and enhance your life. From the bedroom to the home office, and from furniture placement to the use of color, these simple, straightforward tips will transform your home and workplace to improve the flow of energy through your life.

Receive Free Shipping on your purchases over $45 through December 31, 2015 with the code GIFTGUIDE

Available at: Holistic Spaces


The moon glass set

for the moon worshipper

The Moon Glass set was designed by Seoul's Tale Ltd (my peeps! the Koreans!). The moon is yin and is related to the feminine principle, intuition and introspection. We look to the moon often in feng shui to gain insight on what's happening on the inside.

This design is such a delightful and graceful reminder of all the phases of the moon. "Fill it up with a nice rice wine (or any other beverage of your choice) and watch as each sip you take brings the moon from full to three-quarters, half, and crescent. The trick is achieved by a slope inside of the cup and the sleek black glaze creates a fantastic contrast with opaque or cloudy beverages."

Available at: the Colossal Shop


Sashiko cloths handmade by grandma

for the textile lover

Sashiko, "little stabs," is traditional Japanese embroidery and my newest obsession. While browsing Etsy for some sashiko supplies, I stumbled upon these beautiful little gems: Handmade sashiko cloths hand made by a Japanese grandmother! 

Nina explains: "This is made by my grandma who is 97 years old now :) She is quite active and loves to embroider. Some stitches might be jumped but she is sticking with love. We would be happy if you feel love from Japan :)"

How cute, right?!?! I snatched one up right away!

Available at: Litre Japan on Etsy


Reclaimed Birch Coasters

for the green enthusiast

The brainchild of "redesigner," Kelly Anderson, everything on the Refreshed Designs website is not only organic, it's created from repurposed wood that would otherwise go to waste. These cozy coasters are sliced from storm-fallen birch trees in Anderson's home area, New Brunswick.

Anderson shares the same love for green design as Holistic Spaces, and the Erthe Line is full of simple, warming items for desks, walls and tables in your space. 

"Our philosophy is to return to nature to make our homes sustainable, functional and naturally appealing, thereby consuming less and connecting with our surroundings." 

Available at: Refreshed Designs


Brass Frame Round Tabletop Mirror

for the elegant entrepreneur

Most of my readers know about the importance of locating your desk in the commanding position. If that's not possible, a lovely tabletop mirror such as this one is perfect to place you back in command. 

I love the warm earthy color of the brass with the coolness of the clear mirror. The Michele Varian shop is one of my favorite stores in Soho.

Available at: Michele Varian Shop


Mandala gift certificate

for the yogi or yogini

Mandalas are sacred geometric art forms from the Vedic and Buddhist traditions. They are tools for centering and focus during meditation. As sacred art and as meditation objects, our mandalas graphically and energetically embody the intention you wish to manifest in your life and spaces. Each Holistic Spaces mandala is an original Vedic square design pattern, using traditional yantra symbology, and created while reciting mantra.

The recipient can use the Mandala Matchmaker to select the perfect mandala for them based on their numerology, intention or intuition.

With these gift cards your loved ones can choose for the mandala that they love. 

Receive 10% off a Mandala Gift Card through December 31, 2015 with the code GIFTMANDALA

Available at: Holistic Spaces


le soleil & La lune candles

for the romantic

I interviewed Barbara Jacques from Jacq's Organics earlier this year (read it here!), and I just love some of the products from her all-natural, organic beauty and home line. 

These candles, La Lune and Le Soleil are made with fewer than 5 ingredients each, 100% soy wax and come in recyclable glass jars. The candles represent balance in the form of the sun and the moon ("Le Soleil" and "La Luna" in French, respectively) and go hand in hand with the feng shui principles of yin and yang energy.

Le Soleil includes notes of citrus, making it the perfect scent to provide an energetic boost or to start off your day, and La Luna was created to help you wind down, relax and welcome the yin energy of the moon.

Available at: Jacq's Organics


DIY Soft Cotton Knit TOWELS

for the gracious hostess

Last year I knit dozens of these vintage looking dishtowels from a pattern available from Purl Soho. Whether you're on a budget or love to craft, these lovely handmade items are wonderful gifts. 

The stitching is easy enough for beginners, and giving never feels better than when it's made with love, so give it a try! 

Patterns Available at: Purl Soho


 DIY CRAFT KITS

for the crafty creative

Purl Soho also has dozens of beautiful pre-assembled craft kits that come with everything you need to craft your own projects such as friendship bracelets (remember those?!) or a Cashmere Ombré Wrap Kit

I organize "crafternoons" with my girlfriends every few months. One of my friends thanked me for helping her be creative. A kit to do-it-yourself is not only fun, but empowering :)

Kits Available at: Purl Soho


2016 chinese New year Kit

for the star gazer

Just one more thing from my store! The Lunar New Year is fast approaching, and Holistic Spaces now has customized kits to embrace the new year in style. 

The upcoming year is the Year of the Monkey, so each kit includes a snake charm for good luck and prosperity. The snake is the best friend of the monkey, so keeping one nearby is good feng shui! Each kit also includes a Nine Star Ki aromastick for support based on your personal astrology and Holistic Spaces very own Happy Room Mist, perfect for space clearing for the new year! 

Available at: Holistic Spaces


journey through the seven seas, Handmade cards

for the enchanting explorer

My good friend Amy T. Won, of Treespace Studio paints wonder filled scenes. One of my favorites is the "Journey Through the Seven Seas" series. This series conjures up thoughts of a magical wonderland under and above the ocean. Images of water inspire peace, calm and fascination for me.

Lucky for us, Amy has made her artwork available as beautiful cards that we can share or gift to others.

Available at: Treespace Studio

Question of the Month: Year of the Goat charms?

It seems I have quite a handful of Year of the Goat friends which would be normal being that normally we have friends our age, but several of them are 12 years younger than me :) All are wondering about the significance of carrying a horse charm?

Sacha J, New York, NY

Hi Sacha, thanks for your question. It makes perfect sense that you would be friends with many others that are born in the year of the Goat, because goat people tend to hang out with each other! Kind of like a herd!

As far as the significance of the Horse charm in this year of the Goat... the horse is the best friend of the goat. If you look at the Chinese zodiac there are trines (we call them three harmonies) and most ideal relationships (or best friends). The Horse and the Goat have the most ideal relationship and are therefore best friends. 

In the BTB Feng Shui tradition, in any given year, it is auspicious to carry around the best friend of the current year animal. The idea is that the year god is in the hot seat each year. If the year god would want to harm you, it will see you carrying around its best friend (this year the Horse) and will be so enamored by its bestie that it doesn't do you any harm. So it is a protective auspicious charm you should carry on you at all times.

They are available on the Holistic Spaces Store website:

http://www.holisticspaces.com/fengshui/2015-feng-shui-charm-keychain


Note: I have many questions in my “question of the month” queue, so I will be answering a few questions per month until I’m caught up! 

Thanks for reading our “Question of the Month”.  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers.  Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions! 

by Anjie Cho


Chinese Zodiac for 2015: The Year of the Wood Sheep

Once again, the talented Yasha Jampolsky has generously provided the Holistic Spaces readers with suggestions and expectations for each Chinese Zodiac animal in the 2015 lunar year. Yasha has provided a brief description of what each Zodiac animal can look forward to in the Year of the Wood Sheep, but if you are searching for a more in-depth horoscope, you can contact him directly! 

Remember, no matter what your animal, BTB Feng Shui recommends carrying a three dimensional horse charm at all times during the Year of the Sheep to provide protection and good luck. Holistic Spaces has charms available as both keychains and bracelets.  

For each of the years below, if your birthday falls before February 4, use the preceding year for accurate astrological readings. For example, if your birthday is January 13, 2009, follow the Year of the Rat, instead of the Year of the Ox. 

RAT

2008 | 1996 | 1984 | 1972 | 1960 | 1948 | 1936 | 1924 | 1912

The Rat may encounter some irritating situations but in general, there will be improvement after what may have been a challenging Horse year. The Horse year is especially challenging for the Rat because they are in opposition on the zodiac. The amount of improvement this year is up to you. One of your greatest gifts as a Rat is your ability to strategize and plan ahead. But you may be frustrated in that department, because during the Sheep year this may not be so easy for you. If you can get beyond that, everything else will be full of ease. Give your mind a rest and flow with it. Most Rats are not accustomed to this, but you will discover you can come out quite well without the constant vigilance. It will leave you positioned for greater possibilities in the upcoming Monkey year (2016), which is a very favorable year for the Rat. 

OX

2009 |1997 |1985 | 1973 | 1961 | 1949 | 1937 | 1925 | 1913 

If you’re born in the year of the Ox, traditionally, Sheep year is said to present some challenges. However the Ox is a strong and resilient creature, and little can deflect you from your chosen course. Your best advice this year is to choose your battles wisely and conserve your strength for things that matter most. Focus on what is going right, and all else becomes noise in the background. The Ox can be very overly generous and end up feeling victimized. Even if it appears that your amazing generosity has been taken advantage of, try to avoid that feeling of victimization. The rewards for your efforts will, in time, come back to you. Frustrations you encounter could be well addressed with self-care and by applying a bit more flexibility than you’re accustomed to. This Sheep year does offer enhanced opportunities in your social life especially time spent with family and close friends. Ox people tend to stay close to home and with the friends that they have, but this is a great opportunity to expand your circle and then meet some new friends, new relations and also business connections. The Sheep year will also support any artistic efforts. Often the Ox can be too focused on work and not enough on leisure or artistic activities. This is a good time for the Ox to experiment with that. Most importantly, take some time for yourself and share whatever personal creative expressions come your way with others. It should be a very good year for you if you follow that advice.

TIGER

2010 | 1998 | 1986 | 1974 | 1962 | 1950 | 1938 | 1926 | 1914

For the Tiger, this year is a little quieter and less energized than the Horse year. Although the Tiger likes the crazy energy of the Horse year, this year will still be pleasant. It may provide an opportunity for you to develop your Sheep-like qualities to become gentler, more sensitive to others, and to focus on what’s going on inside instead of focusing what’s happening ahead. The Sheep is supportive to your naturally imaginative and creative streak, so use your creativity to work on projects that you know will serve you in the long run and will also help others. This is a great time for travel, whether for business or recreation. With conflicts that may arise, it is best to address the issues directly with the person or persons involved. This way you are likely to achieve resolution. Avoid the natural confrontational energy that the Tiger possesses, and instead seek resolution and connection.

RABBIT

2011 | 1999 | 1987 | 1975 | 1963 | 1951 | 1939 | 1927 |1915

If you’re born in the year of the Rabbit, this should prove to be a very auspicious year for you. The year will encourage you to be exactly who you are, someone who likes people and centers life around social occasions, since there will be lots of opportunities for that. If you are interested, you will have new job opportunities, new possibilities for romantic encounters and also the opportunity to renew romance if you’re already involved with someone. Most importantly, this Sheep year allows you to build on past achievements so that you can feel some continuity and stability in your life. Rabbits often feel under-appreciated, but this is a year you may feel the appreciation not just from people that you work with and encounter, but you may also be able to experience some self-appreciation, which is very important.

DRAGON

2012 | 2000 | 1988 | 1976 | 1964 | 1952 | 1940 | 1928 | 1916

Dragons will experience a moderately pleasant year in most areas of life. For the best results, a bit of adaptability and a great deal of care in relationships is required. Decisions that you make in regards to career and work during the Sheep year may have far reaching influence, so choose carefully. If you are seeking improvements, you may find that tried and true measures are no longer effective. You may have to be more flexible and use a different approach. It’s most important that you learn to not focus on the self as the source of all information. This is a good time to learn how to seek advice and support from others. Although the Dragon is a very powerful and strong individual, this is a year where you will find that you cannot move ahead on your own. This is a time when it’s best to work with people

SNAKE

2013 | 2001 | 1989 | 1977 | 1965 | 1953 | 1941 | 1929 | 1917

If you’re born in the year of the Snake, there are many opportunities offered with some caution. It is best to stick to more familiar interests. This is not the time for the Snake to reach out and experiment with things that are too foreign and difficult. The Snake and the Sheep share the love of beauty, so it is a great time for the Snake to be involved in creative matters such as the arts or the performing arts. This is a great year for the Snake to come out of its burrow and even put a little more of yourself forward and expose yourself to the world. You may also be pleasantly surprised with new romance or a rekindling of an old romance. Family connections will be especially satisfying. In your finances, is best to remain your usual cautious and vigilant self. Things will go well enough to carry through times and into greater opportunities if you are careful with your finances. Avoid engaging in risky ventures and try not to overspend. You will gain a great deal of satisfaction from using restraint and ultimately see rewards in finances.

HORSE

2014 | 2002 | 1990 | 1978 | 1966 | 1954 | 1942 | 1930 | 1918 

For the Horse, Sheep times are generally very favorable, although a bit slow moving. You have just been through your own Horse year, which was stimulating and exciting, with never a moment of rest. Yet, it could have been challenging, because during the Horse year, you’ve had to face yourself in no uncertain terms, and sometimes you may not have liked what you faced. If you took the effort to look carefully at yourself and seek improvement and growth then ultimately the year should have been a wonderful year for you. During the Sheep year, you get to relax a little bit, take it easy and benefit from whatever moves forward you have made. Finances should be adequate to cover you through the year, so there’s no need to make any big rushes or any movement forward. You’ll do just fine with things as they are. All in all, it should be a gratifying and rewarding year for you.

sHEEP

2015 | 2003 | 1991 | 1979 | 1967 | 1955 |1943 | 1931 | 1919

If you are born in the year of the Sheep, this should prove to be a very positive time for you. Sheep simply love being with their own kind, there’s always a compassionate ear, someone to commiserate, and someone to work with on the many creative or artistic projects that you’re interested in. During Sheep times, you are at your best when things slow down to reasonable place allowing time to plan your next move and engage in your personal process. You’ll find most parts of your life well aspected. To make the most of this year, you will have to be well organized. Do not be caught up in your emotions ,especially any negative ones that may arise. If negative emotions do arise, simply try to focus on all the good that is around you, and there is an abundance for good during this year. Try to avoid sinking deeply into any kind of sadness or dissatisfaction you may have. The Sheep relishes relationships whether they be with family, friends or work related and this year, you will have the opportunity to have the depth of relationship that your heart and soul really crave. This is a good time to open yourself up to it and to allow it. At times you may feel some difficulty, but any difficulties you encounter in your relationships will pass quickly. You’ll have many enjoyable interactions, social events and times with family, friends and people that you are closest with. 

MONKEY

2004 | 1992 | 1980 | 1968 | 1956 | 1944 | 1932 | 1920 | 1908

If you’re born in the year of the Monkey, this should be a fairly positive year for most areas, but some caution should be observed. In relationships, take the time to be sure that other parties are in agreement with activities you have included them in. Be sensitive to other people’s needs and most importantly, be more aware of other people’s needs than you normally would be. Do the same at work and in business, especially if you would like a promotion or to improve work relationships. Take extra time to verify that others are truly in agreement before you expect certain reactions and support from them. Support is there but the importance is on connection and awareness of what other people want. Take extra time for budgeting for any upcoming advances. Spending money frivolously can lead to uncomfortable situations. Travel is also well aspected during this year. Take time to budget for any travel and carefully make all the arrangements. Don’t jump into a travel situation until you’ve thoroughly investigated it and understand the implications of the flight and where you’re staying, etc. to avoid any confusion. If caution and care is taken, you can be assured a very pleasant and enjoyable year in all aspects.

ROOSTER

2005 | 1993 | 1981 | 1969 | 1957 | 1945 | 1933 | 1921 | 1909

The Rooster can expect many improvements and fortune this year. The slow pace of the Sheep year suits your careful and cautious nature. Your social life is well aspected, and you can expect an increase in invitations to a wide variety of social events. You may be the initiator of these events. You can also expect some good fortune in romance. If you are single, expect more opportunities. If you are already involved, expect a renewal of passion and romance. Career and work opportunities will also improve this year. Although you may enthusiastically want to jump in, take the time to set realistic goals, even if it means delaying a project until it can be accomplished at a reasonable rate. Most importantly, this is a year where you need to be gentle and caring with yourself. Your normally self-critical nature does not work this year. If you find yourself not living up to some standard that you’ve created, be gentle, flexible and loving for yourself and notice, more than anything else, what’s going on in your heart instead of what’s going on in your head.

DOG

2006 | 1994 | 1982 | 1970 | 1958 | 1946 | 1934 | 1922 | 1910

If you’re born in a Dog year, this year may be a little demanding in certain aspects, but your Dog nature, which is one of great responsibility and skill, will rise to the occasion and make the most of the abundant opportunities that come your way. This is an excellent time to choose the things that serve you most and clear out the rest. To maximize positive results, take guidance from trusted advisors; don’t take it on alone. Work closely with colleagues on collaborative projects and seek out their opinions as to the best way to proceed. Most of all, get support in addressing any troubling situations. Your finances may be strained this year, but careful management will guarantee the most sustainable results. You may encounter a challenge with a specific family or group member. Seek the help of the other members of the family or group to help resolve. You don’t have to do it alone. Discuss plans and arrangements to guarantee their support. Regardless of how busy you may feel, be sure to take time for leisure and social activity. It will provide some welcome relief from the work at hand.

PIG

2007 | 1995 | 1983 | 1971 | 1959 | 1947 | 1935 | 1923 | 1911

If you’re born in the year of the Pig, this is a highly favorable time. You can expect excellent developments in all important aspects. You play a central role in organizing activities amongst family and friends and are greatly appreciated for it. The general gathering energy of the Sheep is very much aligned with your own. Friends and family also provide support and encouragement. This is a good time for your business or career. You can expect an increase in business or possible promotion at work. If you are considering a change, you can count on opportunities coming your way, whether starting a new business or finding new employment, but don’t stop there. If you’re seeking new employment, persist in your search and you may have surprising results that far exceed your expectations. If it’s your own business, efforts at promoting yourself would be greatly rewarded. It is also a good time to consider doing things in a different way. You can expect an improvement in finances. In spite of resulting good fortune, be careful with undue risk. You may feel compelled to spend money on your home. Your nature is to overindulge, so when things are going well, you may want to just go out and benefit by buying or spending. Be cautious with that, because you can easily find yourself with difficulties. If trying to make a decision, make a list of the pros and cons, and go with whichever side carries the greatest weight. Be sure to stick to that and not go back to asking the questions again. Try to avoid letting your enthusiasm and generous nature compel you to take on more than you can handle. This should be a very energetic and active year for you, and it’s very important to pace yourself. If you do encounter any difficulties, be sure to seek help and support from others. Working within a group and seeking the support of the group is a very important theme this year.

Visit Yasha's website below or contact him directly for more information, and remember to select a three dimensional horse charm you love to guide you through the Year of the Sheep with protection and good luck! 

by Anjie Cho


Yasha Jampolsky is a nationally recognized advisor, author and teacher of the Asian Art of Four Pillars Astrology.  He has appeared on national Radio and Television and has been a contributing writer for local and national publications. His research and innovations have made Four Pillars more accessible to students and clients alike and allowed the possibility to use Four Pillars as a powerful modern healing modality.

For more information, please visit: http://fourpillarshoroscope.com