Clearly 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.
Green Living
Save by Going Cold
“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.
Ditch the Plastic on Turkey Day
Throw out the plastic wrap this holiday season and do your family and the planet a big favor. If you don’t know by now, plastic wrap is a single-use petroleum product and contains PVC, a dangerous toxic substance which 
can leach into your food during use and into the air when incinerated. In addition, plastics on their own are fairly rigid, so manufacturers generally add in softening chemicals called phthalates, which are known to cause hormonal disruption and developmental problems, and have been found to drift into food. Nothing like a little toxin-enhanced cranberry sauce! Instead, put leftovers into reusable containers (glass preferred). Even foil is a healthier, greener choice than plastic as it can be rinsed, reused and recycled. Note: Remember that even the wraps that are marketed as PVC free are still not accepted for recycling. Click here for for tips on enjoying a green Thanksgiving. Wishing you and your loved ones a day of green and gratitude!
Need a Ride? Try Ridejoy and Save!
Here’s a great way to save money, reduce stress and do the planet a favor. Ridejoy. Next time you’re planning a trip, just go to the website’s “Request a Ride” page and punch in the “to and from” to get a list of who is going your way. If you are the one behind the wheel and could use some gas money, list yourself in the “Offer A Ride” section so folks can contact you. There are over 940 cities currently in the network so chances are pretty good that you’ll find a lift. Price is determined by the driver and is usually just to cover gas expense. What a smart way to connect with others and conserve natural resources. The friendly folks at Ridejoy make it all very easy. Visit the Ridejoy site now and get ready to hit the highway. Happy trails!
Stay Clear with New Travel Essential Oil Product
You’ve heard me preach about the benefits of essential oils for both your space and your personal care. I’m always on the look out for new products from trusted sources. So I’m really excited to share a nifty item just in time for summer travel: essential oil towelettes. They come in a variety of choices including Lavender, Orange and Lemon. I love the Peppermint for cleaning and freshening my tootsies after a walk. Keep in your glove box or store in the ice chest for a cool wipe. No synthetics here – this is the real deal. Antiseptic and antibacterial plus a wonderful aroma AND portable. Use citrus wipes to clean steering wheels and dashboards, handrails and doorknobs. Lavender towelettes are great for hotel nightstands and office keyboards. The Lavender wipe also has a bull-dog wrapper option making it a great gift for pet owners on the road. Tons of uses for these little cloths that pack a pleasing punch. Purchase singles for $1 each or save by buying in a pack of 20 individually wrapped for $15. Enjoy! Herban Essentials Towelettes from The Essential Oil Company.
Tiny House Movement
The tiny house movement has been underway for many years. For many of us fans, however, it doesn’t seem to be making much headway. Here’s a new article from TreeHugger that suggests 5 of the BIG obstacles that stand in the way of this concept getting huge. Read Why Hasn’t The Tiny House Movement Become a Big Thing? And if you haven’t yet seen the documentary “We The Tiny House People” – today might be just the right day to watch it and be inspired. Kirsten Dirksen takes us around the world for an inside peek at creative small spaces and downsizing dreams come true. Be sure to catch the amazing wall-divider-bed in Manhattan and the wall of pop-out living in Barcelona! View the documentary now.
Trading in City Lights for A Country Dream
From Kate Hudson to Hudson, Ohio is quite a leap. Find out how this man turned a Disney layoff into his dream come true. It’s a heartwarming, inspiring example of getting clear about the life you truly desire and following your heart. And when you have the courage to do that – the world is a better place. You don’t have to live in Ohio to take a cue from this sustainable lifestyle. Plant your seeds right where you are. Congratulations, Dan Soulsby and thanks for your efforts … here’s wishing you and your family continued success with the farm and with Project Garden Share!
Clear Out Under the Full Moon
Did you know you can use the power of the moon to help you clear your space. Huh? It’s true. The full moon is the time of the month for letting go of what you no longer need or want in your life. It’s nature’s time to release so it’s our time, too. When the moon is at its fullest, set the intention for what you want to get rid of and then as the moon wanes, your unwanted items will diminish. Old patterns, habits, emotions, fears, etc. I find it a perfect time to take a look around your space and clear out what no longer serves a purpose. It can be obvious items like furniture and appliances to smaller things like photos, books, clothes, papers … the stuff that fills the shelves and closets and drawers. Let it go. Clear it out. You’ll feel SO much better. For mindful ways to dispose of your stuff, check out my Resources page. And don’t forget to give yourself a big round “super moon” smile for taking positive action!
Favorite Earth Day Tip
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.
A Clear Place 