If you are like most women, you don’t give much thought to your bra. You have one maybe two and wear them to a frazzle. Your breasts deserve better treatment. Why would you choose to cover your heart with something frayed? Make a point of treating yourself right and get a new bra this week (under wire free, please). While you are at it, pick up a bra to donate to Free The Girls – a wonderful program (that I just learned about) dedicated to keeping young girls out of prostitution. Why bras? Find out here. Are you a “on second thought” gal with a drawer full of bras you bought and then decided you didn’t really like? Donate those, too. Any gently worn style is welcome. Visit the website to find donation sites near you. If you live in the Vancouver area, Camas Antiques is collecting bras now through April 15th for the CW Soroptimist group who will send the donations to Free The Girls. Note: Thanks to my friend, Karen, for passing this donation opportunity along.
Practical Steps
A Clear Reminder for Indoor Air
No 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!
The Reality of Hoarding
You don’t have to watch the reality show to experience the horror of hoarding. It is alive and growing right here in PDX. And cases aren’t limited to low income, uneducated welfare recipients. Most people are shocked to learn that their sweet neighbor, elderly aunt or retired college professor lived in floor to ceiling filth – sad but true. It happens much more than you realize. I completed a project last month that required two 2.5 ton dumpsters of garbage, eight loads of scrap metal and five trips to the recycle center. This woman had been a scientist, artist and world traveler. After a fall prompted her move to assisted living, the family called for HELP!
It seems ironic that hoarders are often articulate, well educated people who offer sophisticated reasons for saving and acquiring. Recent studies on the brain activity of hoarders show an inability to deal with focus, attention and decision making. The pattern of behavior generally increases with age. Hoarding is a disorder and it’s important to understand its symptoms and warning signs. There is no medical cure at this time. Originally thought to be treatable with drugs used for OCD, medical science has found patients do not respond to the same therapy and/or medication. This calls for compassion and understanding.
Common symptoms of hoarding:
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assigning value to worthless items such as: food cartons, scraps of paper, junk mail, soiled clothing
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rooms filled with clutter, boxes, etc. with only a trail to walk through
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defensive or “keep out” behavior
- fearful of anyone touching their things
Dealing with a friend or family member who has a hoarding issue can feel like a frustrating battle. It is. The best thing to do is remember that you cannot reason or argue your case. The person will only become hostile. If possible, get outside help to intervene on your behalf. Someone detached from the emotional setting will be more effective in attending to the safety and health of the individual which should always come first. For more information on hoarding visit the OCD Foundation.
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.
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.
Consigning Your Stuff – Top Tips for Portland Area
“Where do I consign my stuff?” That’s one of the most common questions I’m asked. 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 ever been in 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. Download pdf file: Consignment Tips from A Clear Place.
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 