INSPIRATION – Card of the Week

compressed butterflyNature’s beauty is the original design tool. Nothing beats Mother Nature when it comes to amazing composition and breathtaking beauty. Simple, intricate, elegant and timeless. She is a continual source of inspiration for colors, textures, patterns and combinations. When in doubt, look to nature for ideas on color palettes and decor. Walk in the woods, spend time in a garden, look out your window. There is so much on display. Browse through photo books of fields, flowers, birds and insects. What appeals to you? Trust your choices.

About this photo: This image was the inspiration for my Wisdom Cards. Getting up close and personal with this majestic Monarch reminded me of watching my Mom select fabrics for sewing or upholstery. Always with an eye to detail and patterns. Whoever thought to first put polka dots on paper or create stained glass windows must have seen a butterfly or two just like this one. I took this photo at the Lukas Butterfly Encounter in Oviedo, FL. If you’ve ever had a butterfly land on your finger and stay awhile, you know how special it is to connect with these winged wonders. Butterfly energy is strong and majestic yet playful and delicate. It is the combination of all we need to know in order to survive … beautifully.

Bring the magic of nature into your space. Get your deck of Wisdom Cards today.

Wisdom Card of the Week – SPRING

Spring cardSPRING is the Season of new beginnings and budding ideas. It’s a perfect time to bring balance to your home and create harmony. Use pinks and greens in your decor to represent the colors of the heart. Diffuse essential oils of pink grapefruit or rosemary for freshness. Place images in your room of baby animals, heart shapes, flower buds … all things green.

Corresponds with the Element of AIR, the direction of the EAST and the infant/child cycle of life.

The Photo: I captured this budding Pink Rhododendron at the Elk Rock Garden at the Bishop’s Close in Lake Oswego, OR.

Special note: I chose this card as the cover for A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS deck because they are from the heart and bring creative ideas for bringing harmony and balance to your home. Learn more about SPRING and this unique card deck.

Chandelier Idea is a Clear Winner

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.

A Clear Reminder for Indoor Air

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

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.