Clear Tip Enews

WATER – the Element of Change

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WATERThe element of Water is all about change and transformation. The ebb and flow of energy. The clearer your space, the easier it is to allow for a natural flow. We are bodies of water living on the water planet. It doesn’t get more connected than that. Water is life giving, healing and a master at shape shifting. Use that power to help with transitions and changes in your life. If you’ve had a loss, bring water energy into your space to help in the release process. A tabletop fountain, images of a river, fish, boats or the sea. Colors include shades of blues and greens. Accent with glass, shells, pearls. Hydrate yourself and your home by misting with an energy spray or a mix of water and lavender essential oil. Check your plumbing, clean drains and gutters. Release, clear out and let go. And allow for life to unfold in wonderful ways.

Corresponds to the season of Autumn, sunset and the direction of the West.

About this photo: Taken from a lookout point on the central Oregon coast. After a foggy morning, the mist cleared and the sun came out. The scene shifted from gray and black to blue and green within minutes. Magic.

Want a clearer place? Get your deck of 34 Wisdom Cards and find simple ways to bring the beauty of nature into your space. Learn more here.

Micro Apartment Creates Smart Space

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paris-micro-apartment-Marc-Baillargeon-Julie-Nabucet-2I’m fond of saying that the size of the space really doesn’t matter. It’s how you utilize your space that counts. But can you really create comfortable living in a 130 sq. ft. room? Yes! This micro apartment is a perfect example of what can be done with intentional design and mindful planning. Natural light helps enhance the open feeling to this room as does the sleek, trim modular pieces. As always, built-ins that do double duty like the storage stairs and slide out bed/sofa work are smart choices. Add a fresh flower, a yellow throw pillow and you’ve got a cozy place to call home. Of course, living large in a small area requires downsizing effort and letting go. But isn’t that what getting clear is all about? Bottom line:  if you think you are stuck for space … think again!

View more photos of this Parisian conversion.  (Article source courtesy of treehugger.com.)

Consignment Tips from A Clear Place

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A Clear PlaceA recent visit with shop owner, Judy Gulledge of Upscale Consignment in SE PDX has prompted me to do another update of my consignment tip sheet. Click on the link at the end of this post to download the latest version of this handy pdf file giving you new store information along with the proven guidelines for  “What, How and Where” when consigning your stuff. Happy clearing and good luck!

“Where do I consign my stuff?” That’s one of the most common questions I’m asked in clearing work. The answer, however, has more layers to it than just where. You also have to consider what and how. I’ve put together a nifty Consignment Tip Sheet to address all three. Every city I’ve traveled to has consignment stores with items ranging from high end to low brow. If you are lucky enough to live in the Portland metro area, there are some great choices for consigning furniture, fashion and jewelry. But even if you live outside the City of Roses, my CTS (Consignment Tip Sheet) has helpful hints on deciding what is good consignment material and how to prepare your items to help ensure a higher dollar return. Click here to get the pdf file: Consignment Tips from A Clear Place

Put an Eco Lid on It

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lily padIf you don’t already use silicone lids I encourage you to give them a try. All you really need is one. I was gifted with a Lily Pad Lid months ago and it has become one of my favorite kitchen tools. It looks cool, is super easy to keep clean and feels brand new even after daily use. I use it in the micro to steam all my veggies and in the toaster oven for baking. If I had a stove top, I’d use it there, too. The lid works on glass, stainless, silicone and plastic. The suction seals in moisture – if you need to vent during cooking, just leave a little gap when you put on the lid. When done, just rinse with water and hang to dry. Best part? No more plastic wrap! The lid comes in a variety of sizes. Mine is the 9″ option which I think is just perfect. You can pick other designs, too, like a pumpkin or sunflower. Fun and eco-friendly. Now that’s a clear combination! Available on line or at local stores like New Seasons, Home Goods and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Visit Charles Viancin to see style options.

A Season for Sugar

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sweetAnyone who has cared for the elderly knows the challenges inherent in the process. Especially when it comes to meal time. I can remember fighting back the tears when, night after night, I would prepare delicious dinners for my Mom only to have her push the plate aside and retreat to her room and eat her “hidden” Hershey Almond Bars. This went on for months. When she had recovered from her cancer surgery and was well enough to live on her own again, she would eat the occasional meal out but at the end of her life, her diet consisted of coffee, cans of Ensure and her beloved chocolate bars. My Grandmother was bedridden during her last year of cancer and refused most of what we prepared except for rice pudding and chocolate chip cookies. That stubborn German streak came out in full force whenever we tried to make her eat something “good for you.”

Years later, my work in hospice taught me much regarding the eating habits of the aged.  As “care” givers, the last thing we give up is the urge to feed our loved ones. Like that mama bird with a worm for her little ones. We want to nurture. It’s VERY hard to let that instinct go. At the same time, the body of our loved one shuts down to prepare for its transition, it stops wanting food. Sweets are typically the last item on the list. I’ve cleared numerous homes for folks who have lost a loved one and am always amazed at the number of candy wrappers found in the bedroom. The 92-yr old tennis player and mother of four that lives above me is not suffering from any illness but she, too, has started her journey home and only desires ice cream and orange Cuties. My approach to all of this is softer and wiser now. I’ve decided that there is a reason and a season … even for sugar. And as a recent article in The Oregonian reminds us, it’s okay to let Grandma eat custard.  Read the article now.  Are you in the process of relocating an elderly person? Click here to read my special Handle With Care tips.

Click here for more tips and resources on Seniors.

Chandelier Idea is a Clear Winner

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garden lightWow! This has got to be one of my all time favorite decor ideas. Cost efficient, lots of creative possibilities and it combines elements of water, light, earth and air.  Flow with the seasons by changing the spring flowers to fall foliage or winter holly. Use colored water to add a rainbow of light or shades of your current palette. rainbowThe test tube chandelier is made in Poland and was inspired by Madame Curie, the Polish chemist and the first woman awarded the Nobel Prize. Ships anywhere and is available on Etsy. Click here for order information. NOTE: Keep the glass tubes clean and clear. Change the water at least weekly – more frequently if you are using fresh flowers.

Failing the Bar Review

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barI’m conducting a label review of protein bars (I like to keep them on hand for car trips or emergencies) – and it matters to me what’s in them. I picked up a Simple Truth Double Chocolate at Fred Meyer last week. Let me just say, there is nothing honest about Simple Truth. They profess to offer “… a simple, healthy solution to better living featuring natural foods.” They want you to “trust” their label to be the best choice for you and your family in everything from eggs and meat to canned tomatoes. Wow. What a scam. I really detest companies that promote themselves as a healthy source and then slap their label on junk food.  This bar has more creepy stuff in it than a horror show. Over 28 ingredients and the worst offender of all is listed first: soy protein isolate. What I’ve learned about SPI is, it’s a chemically processed by-product that has none of the nutrients of soybeans and is full of pesticides. Combine that with tons of lactose and sugars and you’ve got a recipe for a digestive nightmare. Sure enough – just 20 minutes after my two bite taste test, I felt yucky and bloated. The real truth? This bar is no bargain and it clearly has nothing to do with healthy choices. I’ll pass.

A Clear Reminder for Indoor Air

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O Magazine FebNo surprise here but it bears repeating. From the February issue of O Magazine:  “A 2012 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, which looked at chemicals found in more than 200 common household products ranging from laundry detergent to hand sanitizers, found that air fresheners were among the highest in levels of synthetic fragrances. You’re better off filling your house with natural scents, like real rosemary.”
For my suggestions on natural cleaning products click here and for my tips on using orange essential oil in your home click here. As always, thanks for your efforts in keeping life clear!

A Clear Deal for Skin

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lotionClearly the BEST deal for a body, hands and face lotion on the market! Better Life’s “Work It, Own It” Clary Sage and Citrus Natural Lotion. I am super fussy when it comes to what I apply to our largest organ of the body and this passes with flying colors. The put-it-wherever-you-want-it lotion is pH balanced with no mineral oil, parabens or synthetic anything. Light, pleasing aroma (no artificial stink here) from lemons, oranges, cucumber and a touch of earthy sage. Shea butter adds richness as do the avocado and coconut oils. Best part? You can get it for $4.99 a POUND in the bulk section of Food Front. Bring in a jug or buy a 2 oz travel tube for $1.49 and fill it up for less than 85 cents. Now that’s a clear deal. Click here for ingredients or to order in a 12 oz pump bottle online from iHerb.

Save by Going Cold

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“90% of the energy consumed by your washing machine is used simply to heat water.” That’s a statement that stops me cold. Given the savings options, why would anyone choose NOT to use the cold water setting? Maybe it’s because we translate hotter into cleaner. While it’s true that hot water may dissolve certain things like grease more easily, studies on killing germs show that cold is just as effective in getting rid of dirt and bacteria as warm or hot water. And with today’s detergents that offer cold water cleaning agents, there is no reason to hit the hot button anymore. So GO COLD when doing your laundry and start seeing the savings. Quote is from ASE’s Top 10 Tips for Energy-Efficient Laundry. NOTE: Be sure to use eco friendly detergents and cleaning products. Click here for suggestions on green cleaning.