A reminder from my Resource page: Clutterers Anonymous holds weekly meetings for anyone needing help with clutter or hoarding issues. There are two Portland locations to choose from including Thursday evenings at the beautiful Alano Club in NW PDX. Click here to get details and please pass this on to friends or family members who could use support around stuff issues. Meetings are free and always held in confidence. Often times the emotional issues attached to extreme clutter or hoarding prevent loved ones from asking for help. Having a third party or anonymous support can provide the encouragement needed to get started and stay on track.
Resource
The Big Trade-In Event
I’m a big fan of Aaron Brothers Art & Framing. Always get helpful service with a smile and great prices. Now there’s another reason to love ’em. The Big Trade-In Event lets you bring in an old frame and get up to $10 off a new one. Better still, your old frames are being donated to Habitat for Humanity. To find the store nearest you, click here. Event ends March 16th.
PDX Cafe Delivers Holiday Smiles
Looking for a unique caterer for your holiday party? A Clear Place award winner, Happy Sparrow Cafe, is a perfect way to go. Owners, Mary and Danny, make their scrumptious sweet and savory kolaches with local ingredients and lots of love. Delivered fresh from the oven to your venue, these little buns are a hit with everyone. Choose from yummy sweets like Nutella Hazelnut and Strawberry Love or savory favorites like Texas Hot Link (with Tillamook cheese and Zenner sausage) and Garden Vegan. Priced right, supports local business and comes with smiles … now that’s a clear choice! View menu options and place your order.
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!
Clearing Your “stuffed” Stuff
Looking to unload that once valuable Beanie Baby collection? Finally ready to clear out the college grad’s panda bears? SAFE (Stuffed Animals For Emergencies) will gladly accept stuffed animals that are taking up valuable space in your home. I especially appreciate organizations that provide national networks and SAFE has chapters in almost every state. Click on the link to find the closest SAFE source to you and arrange for pick up or drop off. NOTE: Stuffed animals must be in new or nearly new condition. No missing limbs or stains. And as the toys are given to little ones in trauma situations, no scarey faces please.
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.
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!
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 