Time to share my annual Earth Day tip. Earth911 is my favorite resource for where to recycle whatever you have – wherever you are. It’s nationwide so you can send this link to friends and family all over the country. Super easy to use. Type in what you want to get rid of (recycle, donate) and then put in your zip code. Up pops your options including websites and contact info. Find a place fast for everything from mattresses to videos. LOVE it. Read more about this wonderful free resource on my earlier blog post. Remember, honor our Earth home everyday by being mindful of what you have and how you use it. Check out this and other resources for creating a clear place on my Resources Page.
Clutter Still a Hot Topic
Oprah is still challenged by too much stuff. This month’s O magazine features another de-clutter special. The editors bring us organizing tips from Peter Walsh and a peek inside Gayle King’s closet as it gets a major makeover. And the queen herself reveals seven categories of things she has decided to finally live without – from head to toe. My favorite article in this issue deals with beauty clutter and the monster created by all the products we accumulate in our effort to look good. The numbers are pretty staggering: one gal had 169 lipsticks, 33 eye pencils and 39 makeup brushes. Another woman counted 40 hair conditioners and 25 shampoos. Whew! Find out what products made the cut and what got cleared out. Pick up the March issue at your local news stand. Online option: view excerpts from the “de-clutter” issue now.
Are You Being Greenwashed?
It’s no secret that marketing execs have been riding the “green” trend to sell products. Everything from sandwich bread to socks has been slapped with labels reading “natural” and “organic” faster than you can say Mother Earth. Unfortunately, no one is regulating the ingredients. Except in the case of organic food products, anything and everything can go into the manufacturing and the label can say whatever the marketing guys want it to to make it fly off the shelf. And who is the worst offender? The cosmetic industry. Aveeno, Herbal Essences, St. Ives, Estee Lauder … ring any bells? Annie Leonard, my number one go to expert on stuff, has done another fabulous job of giving us consumers the inside story of just how the giants are poisoning our bodies and the environment with shampoos, deodorants and cosmetics. And, as always, she does it in a fun and brilliant way. Watch her Story of Cosmetics now!
Top 3 FREE Ways To Beat The Blues
Lighten your load and brighten your life … for free. This week’s Light Show features my top 3 favorites on how to turn your woes into wows. I’d love to hear which one you choose to do! Also included in the show is my illustrated tip on dealing with messy food scraps.
Take a few minutes and enjoy the Light Show now!
Orange You Glad?
It’s Fall! Can you name the ONE source to lift your mood, welcome guests and clean your space? It’s edible, affordable and perfect for warming your energy during the chilly days ahead. Hint: It’s not pumpkin. Find out more and get other news and suggestions in this week’s Light Show. Take a few minutes and enjoy it now! View the Light Show.
Closet Anatomy
Does your closet scare you? Does it brighten your day? Or are you somewhere in the middle?
This week, I get up close and personal with my own closet and open my door to show you what works for me. Plus, get a simple tip for warm tootsies!
Handle With Care
Moving is always stressful and it can be especially so for the elderly. For many, if not most, letting go of stuff also signals the letting go of life. If you are faced with relocating a parent, relative or friend into an assisted living or retirement community – it can be a difficult downsize. Here are my top tips for helping to ease the process for everyone involved:
- Comfort – It can be very unsettling to see personal belongings being handled by others. Reassure them often with a warm smile and gentle squeeze of the hand. Make sure they have physical needs attended to during the process. Keep their hygiene items, medicines, etc. close by and continue with their regular routine as much as possible in terms of meal schedule and exercise.
- Include – allow them to be a part of the decision making process. Even a simple, “Which of these vases is your favorite?” can go a long way in easing their fear of no control. If possible, let them select the charity/relative to receive whatever is not going with them. If they have to part with something especially dear, take a photo of it so they can have the visual memory to enjoy whenever they want to.
- Pace – whenever possible go slow. If they are active in the downsizing, don’t overwhelm them with the chore of clearing out a dresser … take it one drawer at a time. Same with file cabinets, bookshelves and closets. Allow for trips down memory lane. Help them sort and stay on task but honor their need to revisit – treat their “treasures” with respect.
Orient – it’s important to keep clocks, calendars and newspapers current and in view during the move. It helps them stay oriented in the midst of confusion. Make sure those things, along with their favorite items, greet them in their new place. Beloved artwork, a piece of pottery, their stuffed bear … whatever says home to them.
Need more guidance? Have your own tips to share? Contact ACP.
Are You Redecorating Hell?
Our space includes more than what’s around us. We have to be aware of what’s inside as well. Find out if you are adding fuel to the fire in this week’s Light Show. Also get an inspiring look at a cob wall in progress, see my review on a closet space saver and learn about Moving Planet Day.
RePurpose Garden Fun
A trashed item finds new life. View Before and After and get the “how-to’s” for this easy and whimsical garden idea. Works for indoor or outdoor spaces. See this week’s Light Show now.
Fun REpurpose
Check out this new use for old furniture! View a Before and After corner clearing, find out where to donate those old prom dresses and more.
A Clear Place 