Holiday cooking means more stuff in the kitchen. Reduce your stress and your mess. Get some great tips on keeping your counters clutter free.
See these easy, low cost ideas for kitchen clutter control.
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Cleaning Tips
One of the frequent questions asked at the STUFF-ication seminars is: “How do I know which cleaning products are safe to use?” Get some great tips on earth friendly products and how-to suggestions by viewing this edition of Clear Tip of the Week. You’ll also find a link that provides recipes for creating your own non-toxic household cleaners. One of the key elements of having a clear place is keeping it clean. Get started today! Show me how.
Get Clear and Go Green!
Getting rid of stuff that no longer serves a purpose is only one part of having a clear place. Another, equally important part, is being mindful about your purchases. I love finding fun and useful items that are eco friendly and multi-purpose. A few weeks ago, I discovered a place that is clearly a wonderful resource for just those kinds of things! In Corvalis, Oregon … who knew?
Dish Dumpling scrubbies made with agave twine, cleaning cloths woven with wood fiber, pure soy candles, clay colors for wall paint, barn wood furniture and SO much more. Eco friendly and friendly folks – my favorite combination. Read more about the Earth Smart Store here.
Spring Is Here!
Spring is finally here and we enter into the greening of our world. This is the season that celebrates promise, innocence and birth. The ruling element of air blows the winds of change – and we sense newness all about us. Now’s the perfect time to clear out your stuff and look at life with fresh eyes. Click below to get some fun and easy tips for spring cleaning.
World Water Day
Monday, March 22nd is World Water Day. Here are simple ways for you to honor this global movement and show appreciation for our water planet:
Visualize – Whatever body of water you are close to – Lake Michigan, Lake Washington, New Smyrna Beach, the Willamette River or Tryon Creek – stand at a viewpoint and give thanks. Visualize your love and gratitude as a beam of light flowing from your heart to the water. See the beam become millions of stars of crystal light. The light fills the water and every living thing in it with healing energy. This energy is unlimited and without boundaries. It connects with every water source on Earth. End this blessing with the simple words “Water, I send you love and gratitude. All is well in our world.”
If you are unable to visit a place of water – no problem. You can create your own lake by filling a glass with tap water. Add a little sea salt to represent cleansing. Do the same exercise as above and when you are finished, take the glass outside and pour the water into the ground. Visualize it seeping deep into the earth connecting with the world. Another option is to place a photo of water in front of you and use the same visualization exercise as described above.
Listen – Click here to hear a lovely Water Day message from Louise Hay including her personal affirmations for peace. Louise Hay
Learn – Click here to view water crystals and learn more about Dr. Masuru Emoto and his global mission of raising awareness about the power of intention and how what we think and feel matters to water and to the world. Hado – energy basis of human consciousness
Common Scents
Give your space a clear and uplifting energy boost with Orange Essential Oil. Orange oil aromatherapy is known to help with depression, seasonal disorder and feeling blue. It’s the popular choice to make rooms inviting and welcoming for guests and/or home buyers. Use the oil in your electric diffuser or drop into a small pot of simmering water on the stove top. Keep your counters clean and brighten the energy all around you by adding a few drops of orange oil into a mister of water and use on a clean cloth.
Orange oil comes in both bitter and sweet varieties. Sweet is the most commonly used. I prefer the subtle fragrance of the bitter oil. Experiment with the one you like most.
TIP: Don’t throw away your orange peels. Stud them with a few whole cloves or pieces of cinnamon bark and toss into a pot of water and heat for a warm and spicy fragrance. Adding a bag or two of chai tea will increase the pleasing aroma.
WARNING: Orange oil should NOT be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to use only AUTHENTIC essential oils that show the source and botanical name. Synthetics can cause adverse reactions. If you are in doubt, drop me a line and I’ll give you some guidance on selection.
ReGift Service reclaims Spirit of Giving
Budget friendly and kind to the planet, ReGifting helps you clear your space and gift someone else at the same time. You’d be surprised at how much you have on hand that would make a great gift … with a clever and creative assist. Includes wrapping and enclosure cards. You clear your space and give with intention at the same time. “Brilliant–simply brilliant!!!!”
“This is brilliant … it has such merit.”
“What a great idea Jane. I love it!!”
4 hours $125 includes wrapping and personalized gift cards
HEALTHY SPACE Part 2
Yesterday, I shared my favorite cost-effective aids to stay healthy during the winter season. Now, here are a few to help keep your emotions in balance. I keep them on hand year-round but find them especially helpful during holidays and the shorter days of Winter. New Seasons has them on sale until the 15th for $9.99 each (regular $15.50).
MUSTARD: Helps you lighten your spirits and feel cheerful. Start your day with it.
WHITE CHESTNUT: Calms the mind and quiets the mental chatter. Great for bedtime.
MIMULUS: Holidays can resurrect old feelings and fears. This remedy helps quiet the fears and give you courage to move ahead. An excellent choice for those out of work right now or on their own – and anyone with money worries. NOTE: If you know for sure where your fear stems from try ASPEN to help lessen the grip.
HEALTHY SPACE
Living in a clear place and staying well go hand in hand. It’s hard to do one without the other. Because the holidays call for more socializing and people contact, you may need an extra immune boost. Here are my personal proven suggestions to help you stay well year-round. No prescription, no brainer aids that are easy on the pocket-book, fast and effective!
- SaltAire-Sinus Relief: You’ve GOT to keep your nasal passages moist to avoid sinus problems and infections. The dry air of winter combined with indoor heat makes us especially vulnerable. If snorting salt water up your nose is too gross – this premixed, drug free nasal wash does the trick. A few gentle squeezes over the sink and you’re good to go. For away from home, try NOW Activated Nasal Mist in 2 oz. travel size.
- Gan Mao Ling: Chinese Herbal formula that takes care of cold symptoms ASAP. 3-6 tablets, 3 x day. Simple and SO inexpensive. (Less than $9 for 100.) Be sure to get a trusted brand like Plum Flower.
- Chuan Xin Lian: The heavy guns for flu, infections and really yucky stuff. Knocks out bugs almost overnight! Another bargain at $9 for 100 and you’ll only need a few doses. Again, get a trusted brand.
All the above are available at your local healthier food stores and nutrition centers – or private practitioners. Note: Follow label directions and check with your doctor if you are currently under care.
In the Mail
Restoration Hardward gets 2 Thumbs Up for its holiday catalog this year. One of the best jobs of combining elegance and fresh ideas. Furniture prices are out of reach but worth looking at for style inspiration. Good deal on several items including plush throws AND this issue features two of my MOST favorite colors: Silver Sage and Celery! Browse online version.
A Clear Place 