Lavender Design + Cuisine

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Clutter and why controlling people think they know best?

Controlling people believe they know best due to deeply rooted insecurities, a need to feel adequate, and a lack of self-awareness or exposure to diverse perspectives. Their need for control often stems from fear, anxiety, or an inflated sense of self-importance, leading them to believe that imposing their will is for others' own good.

Additionally, for many controlling people, the desire to dictate situations and other people's actions is a coping mechanism for their own internal fears and anxieties. By controlling their environment and the people within it, they create a false sense of security and predictability.

Here's how to effectively deal with controlling people, focusing on immediate and clear actions:

Limit the information shared. The less a controlling person knows, the less leverage they have.

Keep composure. Controlling people often want an emotional reaction. By remaining calm, their tactics are disarmed and it's demonstrated that you are detached.

Walk away to preserve your own physical and emotional health. It's incredibly hard to emotionally and physically detach from controlling family members, especially when you live with them. The best approach is to manage the situation by detaching yourself to the best of your ability.

As a reminder. Yes, there's a strong connection between clutter and control, with two main links: clutter can cause feelings of being out of control, as a disorganized environment increases stress and anxiety, making it harder to manage daily life. Conversely, a desire for control can lead to hoarding and clutter, where people may accumulate possessions as a way to feel secure or manage perceived threats.

In summary, to maintain your emotional well-being, concentrate on what is within your control - your own life. An effective method for this is to declutter your own matters and detach from the responsibilities and behaviors of others, a practice that is challenging but achievable.

In essence, Choose Your Own Peace of Mind.

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Green Interior Designer
Decluttering & Organizing Expert
Lavender Design + Cuisine

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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Simple & Practical Feng Shui Enhancements for the Entryway!

In Feng Shui, the entryway is the ‘mouth of Chi,’ essential for attracting positive energy, abundance and prosperity. Keep it clean, clutter-free and welcoming to enhance the flow of positive energy throughout your home. This includes ensuring the entryway is well-lit, visually appealing and reflects atmosphere of beauty, vitality and abundance.

Here's a breakdown of simple and practical Feng Shui enhancements:

Clutter-Free: Remove any clutter, both inside and outside, that obstructs the path or creates a sense of unease.

Cleanliness: Keep the entryway spotless, including the front door and surrounding areas.

Welcoming Elements: Add a welcome mat, a beautiful door knocker and potted plants to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Natural Light: Ensure the entryway is well-lit, either naturally or with bright inviting lights.

Artwork and Mirrors: Strategically place artwork that depicts positive imagery or mirrors that reflect light and energy, but avoid placing mirrors directly in front of the door as they can deflect energy.

Natural Elements: Incorporate a simple and soothing water feature to promote vitality and balance.

Door Functionality: Ensure the front door opens fully and is in good working condition, as it represents the flow of energy into the home.

Keep in mind that enhancing your living environment, both inside and out, is a gradual and creative process. You should embrace and have fun with this journey toward a more beautiful and harmonious home.

Ready to create your dream home? Whether it's a complete sanctuary transformation or a fresh dose of inspiration you're after, contact me today to start the conversation.

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Green Interior Designer
Decluttering & Organizing Expert
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information
on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes, and special events!

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Exquisite Plant-Based Mediterranean Culinary Experiences!

Plant-Based Niçoise Salad

Greetings Foodies & Wine Lovers,

Long before my amazing career at Silicon Valley, a deep-seated adoration for exquisite plant-based foods ignited my creative spark, meticulously honed from early childhood. This inherent artistry was then turbocharged by two decades navigating the competitive landscape of high-tech sales, imbuing it with unparalleled strategic prowess! I now apply this strategic mindset to my culinary pursuits, which are deeply influenced by the vibrant cuisines of France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco.

Farm-to-Table Plant-Based Culinary Services:

Personal & Group Culinary Journeys: French, Italian, Spanish Cuisine Personal chef and catering up to 10 guests.

Private In-Home Cooking and Wine Pairing: Elevate your culinary skills and explore the world of wine pairing with my exclusive in-home classes. Perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups of up to 10.

Culinary Team Building and Corporate Cooking Classes: Engaging activities to foster collaboration, communication, problem-solving, team morale, and creativity within a corporate setting.

Public & Exclusive Winery Events: Plant-based Mediterranean Tapas, Artisan Chocolate, & Wine Pairings.

Take the first step towards a more delicious life, contact me!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information

on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes and special events!