STUFF success in Sherwood

 Kudos to Pam North, Library Manager, and the Friends of Sherwood Library for hosting STUFF-ication last night. Lively discussion, laughter and great cookies – a perfect combo. And it’s always fun to have familiar faces in the group. Thanks to everyone for participating … and taking the first steps in getting to A Clear Place! Find out more about STUFF-ication.

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.

Library Workshops Great Success!

NEXT CLASS DATE: February 1st at Beaverton Library. More details later.

The series of STUFF-ication seminars for Multnomah County has come to a close. What interesting audiences from all over Portland. It was great getting out into the community and meeting new faces. All ages, couples, singles … everyone wants to get clear! 

Get on the ACP CLEAR TIP e-mailing list if you aren’t already to read upcoming questions and answers shared during the seminar series. Lots of good info coming your way.

Next up: Washington County libraries. Let me know if you are interested in having STUFF-ication presented at a branch location near you.

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.

 Let me see.

Oprah Gets Clear

 Letting go of stuff is certainly a hot topic.  From coast to coast people are starting to catch the wave of clearing out.  It’s not a new message – just one that is timely and appropriate in today’s economy.  We all have more stuff than we know what to do with and when our possessions start to dictate where and how we live … something’s gotta give.  When I talk to women who are dealing with financial challenges, depression and/or relationship issues; it’s not surprising to find that their home environment is less than nurturing. Stagnant energy caused by too much clutter, worn upholstery, stained carpets, crammed closets and overflowing cabinets all contribute to loss of self and ill-health.  It’s an impossible task to feel positive and uplifted when your surroundings are weighing you down at the office or at home. 

Take a look around your space today and spend some time visualizing what you would like to see in its place.  Start with a drawer or a bookcase and start purging. If you are one of the lucky ones who already has a perfect place, why not offer to help a friend or neighbor get their space cleared up?  It’s amazing how we can lighten the load and brighten the world with simple steps.  Overwhelmed and need some help?  ACP is here to help.  Contact your local STUFF-ication expert today! Read about our services.

Lunch and Learn

 Karen Wehrman introduces guest speaker, Jane Green, at Friday’s Lunch & Learn.  It was a great turnout and the room was filled with easy mingling and happy munching. Everyone enjoyed the “STUFF-ication” presentation and left with lots of ideas and tips on how to lighten their life and their space. 

Lunch & Learn is held every Friday at Old Wives Tales in SE PDX.  It’s a great way to connect with a diverse group of people.  You’ll meet realtors, coaches, writers, health practitioners, CPA’s, shop owners, sales reps, and more.  RSVP’s are required but there’s no fee to attend – and you don’t have to be an entrepreneur – just bring your desire to meet and learn.  Each week features a different topic.  For more information on attending contact Karen.  To book your own STUFF-ication presentation contact Jane.

Lighten Up

 Light can come from the most wonderful sources.  I love how a recent rain shower left this bare maple looking like it was dresssed in twinkle lights! Be inspired by the simple joys of nature and bring the outdoors inside.  String mini-lights across a door or window frame. Or weave a strand of white lights through your indoor plants. 

During the season of Winter, it’s especially nice to have some extra light around us to keep our hearts warm and bring a smile to our spirits.  Right now, take a look outside to discover what light wonders are waiting.  Have fun finding ways of bringing nature’s gifts into your home and office. 

Appreciating the simple things is a wonderful way to keep your energy and your space clear.

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.