Subhanallah!! My mother adivices me to do the same as well. So Now, I pray dua istikhara after every prayer in my dua.
Besides, I never heard of the beads and quran..How is it done?:s
I have tried doin the istekhara dream and Alhamdulilah I always see a dream on the same night. I am glad Allah Subhana wa ta`ala shows me the path whenever i want him!! Alhamdulilah!!