January Color of the Month

Hello January!

This month’s color is actually several colors, ranging from red earth
toned caramel through rich, deep purple reds, yellow, orange, peach, and
even into greens! Yep, that’s right, this months’ color comes from the
January birthstone, the Garnet.

All of these colors can be found in the garnet. This beautiful stone has
everything going for it; a huge array of colors, excellent durability and
surprisingly affordable, too! Not only does this stone have the large
range of color, but there are even some that have a color change aspect.
This is a very special stone!

Are you a January baby? Don’t like your birthstone? I suggest you
take another look, I’ll bet there is a garnet color you’ll like.

The zodiac sign for January is Capricorn, the Mountain Goat. This
symbol is all about hard work, faith, truth and grace. Capricorn born look
at life as one big project. They are ambitious, determined and very adaptable.
One step at a time, pragmatic, dedicated, almost to the point of stubbornness.

Thankfully, Capricorns are patient, efficient and organized. Sometimes
they can take life too seriously, but they love the climb to the top for that clean
fresh air just like their zodiac symbol the majestic Mountain Goat.

With a history almost as long as the zodiac and the garnet, Carnation is
the flower for January. This flower's history dates back to the ancient Greek
and Roman times. One of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers, the carnation
is appreciated for its ruffled appearance, clove like scent and long blooming period.
Even though there are many meanings for the carnation, the most widely
accepted are fascination, distinction and love.

In the early years the colors were shades of pale pink and peach, the palette
of available colors has grown to include red, yellow, white, purple and even green.
It was in the early 19th century that the carnation became the official
flower of Mother’s Day, in addition to having significance in many other cultures.

So, let’s get this year off to a great start and bring a lovely garnet color into
your home, and make a resolution to keep a vase of fresh flowers, like the happy
carnation, each month. It won't cost much and the value and pleasure of having
fresh flowers in a room is multiplied by the smiles every time you look at them.

Since we're continuing with the "cocooning" trend in our homes and lives, why
not choose a deep, rich, color saturated jewel tone from the family of garnets
and add it to an entry or powder room.

You'll be amazed at how it makes you feel!

December Color of the Month

It’s December; time for winter snow, cold weather, and excellent clear
colors in the landscape. December’s Color Of The Month, according to Michele
Bernhardt’s book “Colorstrology,” is called Pagoda Blue.

Now, I know you can say “blue” to 10 people and get 10 different ideas of what
blue is, so my interpretation of Pagoda Blue is a deep, rich green, gray, turquoise blue.
This color signifies wisdom, truth and optimism. A blue that is said to lend vision
to the wearer. A great color to take traveling or exploring.

As is happens the gemstone for December is Turquoise. Depending on where
the stone is found, the colors will vary from deep rich blue through the softer shades
of green blue.

Sagittarius is December’s zodiac sign, and often associated with free spirited people
who can’t be tied to one place for too long. Often independent and gregarious, they
are often the life of the party.

The gemstone, Turquoise is reputed to keep the wearer sure footed, in fact
the Turks adorned the bridals of their horses for just that protection. Turquoise,
like the wandering Sagittarius, has traveled the globe from Asia to the great
Southwest, with explorers and adventurers alike.

In Feng Shui, blues of any shade reside in the northeast. This area represents how
you use your knowledge, and the energy that brings opportunities and lessons
for spiritual growth. In general, all aspects of educational pursuits.

Blue colors have yin energy; calming and relaxing. Since the many hues of blue
are in the sea and sky, Feng Shui associates blue with adventure and exploration.
With SO many variations of this color, is it any wonder it’s so popular in almost
any room of the home? Not only that, but blues play very well with others,
sometimes surprisingly well.