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.

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.

View the Light Show now.

Radio Time for A Clear Place

A Clear Place was the featured guest today on Aging Resourcefully, the blog talk show presented by APN (Adult Placement Network). Listeners got a capsule version of how A Clear Place came about, what it offers and what makes it unique. This is a great  interview to share with anyone you know of who is in need of help with their space but is afraid to ask for it. Note: There is a brief intro before the 25 min. interview begins.  Also available on iTunes. Listen now.

Tropical Estate Sale

Downsizing CAN be fun … even in the heat. Zoe created this reading oasis where shoppers can enjoy garden shade while selecting books. Ripe plums from the tree provide a golden, juicy snack while you browse. Zoe did a great job arranging all the items –  from furniture to ornaments – so things are easy to find and fun to look at. Shoppers are arriving on foot, on bikes and in vans. Terrific bargains and smiling faces – a perfect combo in any weather!  FINAL Sale Date: Sunday July 31st, 10 – 4. 7026 NE Grand, PDX. (Near MLK & Dekum)

Jane Green on YouTube

Check out these raw (as in impromptu, unscripted, unrehearsed) video vignettes. Zoe from Seniors Homing Together is preparing for her SERIOUS downsizing sale and I stopped by to lend a hand and offer suggestions. She decided on the spot to record the visit in hopes of inspiring others to start clearing their stuff. If she can do it, anyone can!
 
There are 9 little segments in all. Here are two of them:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvkfUaizWXo&feature=player_embedded
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmQu-YFkcew&feature=related
 
SALE INFO: Zoe was a chef and is letting go of lots of cookware, cookbooks  – along with years of artwork, furniture, art supplies, electronics, etc. Her goal is to live life large in a tiny footprint. Yay! If you are in the PDX area, the sale is this Sat/Sun July 30/31 from 10 to 4 in NE PDX. Email Zoe for directions: zoevapa@gmail.com