My friend from the Cincinnati area visited me last week for my recent birthday. I apologized for our rainy Southern California weather, which prompted her to reply, "Oh no! At least I see green out there!" This made me think that perhaps there is a need to discuss some possible "Winter Blues" feng shui fixes.

The term "winter blues" is a great linguistic hint to what we are wanting to counterbalance: cold or frigid, and possibly cool, dark colors. Here are some quick tips (go back to the nine traditional cures in my book for a deeper look) to think about if you want to "dig out" from under the winter blues:

1. Balance dark with light: Now's NOT the time to be blocking out any light during the day. Open sheers, blinds and curtains to the max to allow the warmth of the sun to penetrate your home. You may want to step up the wattage in light fixtures in crucial places like at your desk or kitchen during this time for added nighttime help if you still can't get enough natural light during the day (but be mindful of the natural rhythm of night being a darker time of day.)

And let's not forget the fire element. Fire's movement is "up" --- a perfect counter to "depressed" feelings and feeling "down." Add candles and stoke the fireplace (even if you have to go so far as a fireplace screensaver if you are fireplace-less.)

One more idea is to use a big mirror to reflect the sunlight into a space that is sorely needing more light during this time of year.

2. Balance cold with warmth: Now, this can be either a real, physical temperature change, (crank up the heat,) or a perceived one. Here are some eco-friendly "perceived ones:" Add vibrant colors. Think South America or Mexico. A temporary boost of bright, lively, warm colors can at a minimum, perk up your attitude, and go so far as making you feel like you are on a mini tropical vacation! Tropical placemats on the table or a vase of tropical flowers in the kitchen may be the perfect antidote!

Take a look at your art. Now's NOT the time for dark, nighttime snow scenes. A good replacement choice might be art with the sun or bright green foliage depicted in it. And getting back to the "up" discussion, remove any pictures that have people NOT smiling in them. Sure, bring them back in the summer if you want to, but they're not helping if you have a tendency towards S.A.D. or "feeling down."

It's worth taking a little time to review your home each season as each one brings its own attitudes and energies to possibly balance. Happy rest of winter!