Lunch and Learn

 Karen Wehrman introduces guest speaker, Jane Green, at Friday’s Lunch & Learn.  It was a great turnout and the room was filled with easy mingling and happy munching. Everyone enjoyed the “STUFF-ication” presentation and left with lots of ideas and tips on how to lighten their life and their space. 

Lunch & Learn is held every Friday at Old Wives Tales in SE PDX.  It’s a great way to connect with a diverse group of people.  You’ll meet realtors, coaches, writers, health practitioners, CPA’s, shop owners, sales reps, and more.  RSVP’s are required but there’s no fee to attend – and you don’t have to be an entrepreneur – just bring your desire to meet and learn.  Each week features a different topic.  For more information on attending contact Karen.  To book your own STUFF-ication presentation contact Jane.

Lighten Up

 Light can come from the most wonderful sources.  I love how a recent rain shower left this bare maple looking like it was dresssed in twinkle lights! Be inspired by the simple joys of nature and bring the outdoors inside.  String mini-lights across a door or window frame. Or weave a strand of white lights through your indoor plants. 

During the season of Winter, it’s especially nice to have some extra light around us to keep our hearts warm and bring a smile to our spirits.  Right now, take a look outside to discover what light wonders are waiting.  Have fun finding ways of bringing nature’s gifts into your home and office. 

Appreciating the simple things is a wonderful way to keep your energy and your space clear.

Common Scents

Give your space a clear and uplifting energy boost with Orange Essential Oil.  Orange oil aromatherapy is known to help with depression, seasonal disorder and feeling blue.  It’s the popular choice to make rooms inviting and welcoming for guests and/or home buyers. Use the oil in your electric diffuser or drop into a small pot of simmering water on the stove top.  Keep your counters clean and brighten the energy all around you by adding a few drops of orange oil into a mister of water and use on a clean cloth.

Orange oil comes in both bitter and sweet varieties. Sweet is the most commonly used. I prefer the subtle fragrance of the bitter oil. Experiment with the one you like most.

TIP: Don’t throw away your orange peels. Stud them with a few whole cloves or pieces of cinnamon bark and toss into a pot of water and heat for a warm and spicy fragrance. Adding a bag or two of chai tea will increase the pleasing aroma.

WARNING: Orange oil should NOT be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to use only AUTHENTIC essential oils that show the source and botanical name. Synthetics can cause adverse reactions. If you are in doubt, drop me a line and I’ll give you some guidance on selection.

Clear as Glass

 I love glass table lamps. They’re what I call universal lamps because they fit virtually any room and any decor.  They move easily from home to office, blend with modern and antique furniture and they age well. The clear glass base adds light to a space even during the day and when the lamp is turned on you get that extra glow.  Drum shape shades go best with a variety of room decors. Shade colors can be changed depending on where the lamp is being used.  Stick with cream or white for neutral areas.  Choose black for a dramatic touch. The best part is they are easy on the budget.  You can find glass lamps around town starting at $60 and really nice choices for under $200.  Stay away from the “fillable” bases. The idea here is not to stuff anything – you want to create more light and clarity in your space. Be sure to keep the glass clean and sparkling, too!

A Midnight Clear

Winter Solstice – the 1st day of Winter is here.  If you want to experience what CLEAR feels like, just step outside tonight and gaze up at the crystal stars and that crescent moon.  Crisp, pristine, still.  Bring some of that amazing clearness into your space by selecting one shelf or counter top that needs decluttering.  Get rid of the stuff, clean the surface with warm water mixed w/3 drops of pine essential oil and set a glass or silver star ornament on the shelf.  The star celebrates the light you created and reminds you to stay focused on maintaining a clear place.

ReGift Service reclaims Spirit of Giving

Budget friendly and kind to the planet, ReGifting helps you clear your space and gift someone else at the same time.  You’d be surprised at how much you have on hand that would make a great gift … with a clever and creative assist.  Includes wrapping and enclosure cards. You clear your space and give with intention at the same time.  “Brilliant–simply brilliant!!!!”    

“This is brilliant … it has such merit.”  

“What a great idea Jane.  I love it!!”

4 hours    $125  includes wrapping and personalized gift cards

HEALTHY SPACE Part 2

 Yesterday, I shared my favorite cost-effective aids to stay healthy during the winter season.  Now, here are a few to help keep your emotions in balance. I keep them on hand year-round but find them especially helpful during holidays and the shorter days of Winter. New Seasons has them on sale until the 15th for $9.99 each (regular $15.50).

MUSTARD:  Helps you lighten your spirits and feel cheerful. Start your day with it.

WHITE CHESTNUT: Calms the mind and quiets the mental chatter. Great for bedtime.

MIMULUS:  Holidays can resurrect old feelings and fears. This remedy helps quiet the fears and give you courage to move ahead. An excellent choice for those out of work right now or on their own – and anyone with money worries. NOTE: If you know for sure where your fear stems from try ASPEN to help lessen the grip.

HEALTHY SPACE

Living in a clear place and staying well go hand in hand.  It’s hard to do one without the other. Because the holidays call for more socializing and people contact, you may need an extra immune boost.  Here are my personal  proven suggestions to help you stay well year-round.  No prescription, no brainer aids that are easy on the pocket-book, fast and effective!

  • SaltAire-Sinus Relief: You’ve GOT to keep your nasal passages moist to avoid sinus problems and infections. The dry air of winter combined with indoor heat makes us especially vulnerable. If snorting salt water up your nose is too gross – this premixed, drug free nasal wash does the trick. A few gentle squeezes over the sink and you’re good to go.  For away from home, try NOW Activated Nasal Mist in 2 oz. travel size.
  • Gan Mao Ling: Chinese Herbal formula that takes care of cold symptoms ASAP.  3-6 tablets, 3 x day.  Simple and SO inexpensive. (Less than $9 for 100.) Be sure to get a trusted brand like Plum Flower.
  • Chuan Xin Lian: The heavy guns for flu, infections and really yucky stuff.  Knocks out bugs almost overnight! Another bargain at $9 for 100 and you’ll only need a few doses.  Again, get a trusted brand.

All the above are available at your local healthier food stores and nutrition centers – or private practitioners.  Note: Follow label directions and check with your doctor if you are currently under care. 

CLEAR TONES

 Music can play a HUGE part in how your space feels.  It sets the mood, enhances themes and changes the vibration around you.  And like items on a bulletin board – music can be clean and crisp or chaotic.  Acapella groups capture the pure notes of music in a way that always refreshes me. This season, treat yourself to the pure joy and magic of  Straight, No Chaser.  (You might have caught the OPB special that aired last night.) These guys are pure fun and perform old standards in amazingly new renditions. (Plus they’re really cute!)  They have several holiday CD’s available and any of them would be a perfect choice to brighten your space!  Go to Straight, No Chaser website.

Willamette Week review

 Looks like the folks from WW followed my tip to check out Happy Sparrow (read our Awards page).  Their review appeared in today’s issue. Spreading the word is always a mixed blessing … like a good thing you want to keep to yourself so it won’t be spoiled.  I’m betting on owners Mary and Danny, however, to keep their cafe as fresh and authentic as it is right now.  Read WW review on Happy Sparrow.