sustainable

Gifting Green

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Wisdom Cards by Jane GreenTop 5 Reasons for Gifting A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS by Jane Green:

  • printed in the USA using 100% wind power and non-toxic soy based inks
  • original scenes of nature inspire year round beauty and balance
  • provides simple tips on getting clear and living green
  • supports small business
  • fits nicely in a stocking

This “beauty in a bag” is great for homeowners, renters, newlyweds, home-sharers, empty-nesters and nature lovers. And it’s perfect for those who are downsizing or dealing with clutter control … or anyone wanting to simply love their space! The cards are gracing homes throughout the Northwest as well as FL, WI, PA and CO. Where will you send yours?

“Oh my! I am just opening the package and looking at the cards. I do love them and can’t wait to give my friend hers. Your cards are just what I needed.  They will help me put more of my spirit into the house. Thank you SO much!” 

Click the Contact page to order Or click here for more details on this unique living green gift.

 

Intentional Space

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card of the week a clear placeWhen life comes rushing at you like a mountain stream, it’s much easier to cope when you are anchored in a clear space. And one of the surest ways to achieve and maintain a wonderfully clear place is to set the intention for its use. For each room of your home, decide what the purpose is for that space and then, only put there what serves that purpose. This goes for drawers and closets, too.  If, like me, your room is multipurpose (office/dining/living/storage), divide and conquer the chaos by using color, fabric, screens and lighting to define specific areas. Ensure that the items you place in each section enhance that specific purpose. This week’s Wisdom Card is a reminder that it’s not what or how much you have – it’s how you use it that matters.

About this photo: Taken on the banks of Icicle Creek just outside Leavenworth, WA. Standing here was an awe inspiring experience. The majestic snow-capped Wenatchee Mountains in the distance, pine trees scenting the air, the roar of the glacial stream … perfectly designed natural beauty.

Find inspiration to design your perfect space. ACP Wisdom Cards … a natural choice for all your gift-giving. Only $20 + shipping. Click to order.

What’s Your Home JOY Factor?

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JoyEvery home has a JOY factor. How would you rate yours? It doesn’t matter if you live in a 4k sq. ft. home or a studio apartment, your space should be a source of cheer. A refuge of welcome and an uplifting place to dwell. If your home (and or office) isn’t making you smile, look to nature for inspiration and countless remedies to banish the blues. From clearing and cleaning your space to refreshing and uplifting your spirits, bringing nature indoors helps you connect to the bright side of life. To get you started, click here for my quick pdf guide, Energy Boosts from A Clear Place, a how-to for lifting your spirits and home energy by using essential oils and energy essences. Meanwhile, display this card whenever you need a lift. Place in a dark or cool corner of your home to add warmth. Pin it next to your mirror as a reminder to smile. Don’t have your Wisdom Cards yet? Order here and take your joy factor from a two to a ten!

About this photo: Always pointing to the sun, this giant sunflower was a perfect choice for the JOY card. Brilliant petals against the bright blue sky of a warm summer day … the energy makes my heart smile. Taken at Skyline Farm just west of Portland.

 

Micro Apartment Creates Smart Space

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paris-micro-apartment-Marc-Baillargeon-Julie-Nabucet-2I’m fond of saying that the size of the space really doesn’t matter. It’s how you utilize your space that counts. But can you really create comfortable living in a 130 sq. ft. room? Yes! This micro apartment is a perfect example of what can be done with intentional design and mindful planning. Natural light helps enhance the open feeling to this room as does the sleek, trim modular pieces. As always, built-ins that do double duty like the storage stairs and slide out bed/sofa work are smart choices. Add a fresh flower, a yellow throw pillow and you’ve got a cozy place to call home. Of course, living large in a small area requires downsizing effort and letting go. But isn’t that what getting clear is all about? Bottom line:  if you think you are stuck for space … think again!

View more photos of this Parisian conversion.  (Article source courtesy of treehugger.com.)

FIRE – Wisdom Card of the Week

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card of the week FIREThe element of Fire speaks to fueling your passion. What are you bursting to do? Take if off the back burner – light a fire under your dreams to make them manifest. In your home, add FIRE energy to spark up your love life by bringing in sensual silks and satins to your bedroom. Use rich tones of orange and red for accent colors. Think round and full and lush. Pomegranates, plums and melons. Diffuse essential oils of ylang, ylang or jasmine in your bedroom and bath area. Incorporate images of fireworks, tropical flowers, the sun or jungle cats. FIRE energy can be added wherever you need a boost to get things done. Wear that red sweater when you are low on energy. A word of caution: as with any art; a little bit of red goes a long way. Try an accent pillow, rug or lamp vs. painting a whole room.

The Element of FIRE corresponds to the season of Summer and the direction of the South.

About this photo: I found this brilliant red hibiscus bursting out over a sidewalk in Maitlin, FL. It couldn’t be contained in the yard and was spreading its glorious self beyond borders. The perfect image for FIRE!

Learn more about the Elements and how to add their energy to your space. Purchase your WISDOM CARDS.

INSPIRATION – Card of the Week

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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.

Put an Eco Lid on It

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lily padIf you don’t already use silicone lids I encourage you to give them a try. All you really need is one. I was gifted with a Lily Pad Lid months ago and it has become one of my favorite kitchen tools. It looks cool, is super easy to keep clean and feels brand new even after daily use. I use it in the micro to steam all my veggies and in the toaster oven for baking. If I had a stove top, I’d use it there, too. The lid works on glass, stainless, silicone and plastic. The suction seals in moisture – if you need to vent during cooking, just leave a little gap when you put on the lid. When done, just rinse with water and hang to dry. Best part? No more plastic wrap! The lid comes in a variety of sizes. Mine is the 9″ option which I think is just perfect. You can pick other designs, too, like a pumpkin or sunflower. Fun and eco-friendly. Now that’s a clear combination! Available on line or at local stores like New Seasons, Home Goods and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Visit Charles Viancin to see style options.

Wishing for Volunteers

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dessertHow’d you like to be around scrumptious food like this and help a great cause at the same time? If you live in the Portland metro area, here’s an opportunity. Albertina Kerr needs volunteers, especially servers for their restaurant in NE PDX. Albertina’s Restaurant features Northwest-inspired cuisine in a garden setting serving lunch/brunch Mon thru Sat. Also on site is the Kerr’s Economy Jar (antiques consignment), Albertina’s Jewel Box (gift shop for jewelry/accessories), and the Kerr Thrift Shop (clothing for men & women/household items) – all run by volunteers!  All proceeds and tips help support the work of Albertina Kerr, which strengthens Oregon families and communities by helping children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges – empowering them to live richer lives.  Click here for information about volunteer opportunities. Click here to read a recent Oregonian article featuring the restaurant, it’s new chef and the history behind the famous Kerr name.

Click here for a free pdf of my Consigning Your Stuff – Top Tips for Portland Area ( including Kerr Economy Jar).

Resale with a Mission

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GHM-boutique-3200 Need a place to donate your purged closet items? GHM in SW PDX welcomes them. Looking for a boutique experience at thrift store prices? Put GHM on your list. What a delightful little place. Clean, bright, odor-free (no stinky floral potpourri) and well-organized, tastefully displayed merchandise. It helps that the shop formerly housed a frame gallery and provides lots of natural lighting. It also helps that the young manager knows her stuff and has an artistic flair for fashion. All the clothing is sized and arranged by color. Everything from shoes to handbags to jeans is in excellent condition and priced to sell. Tanya greets customers with a warm smile and eagerly shares the story of the shop and its mission. All the items are donated with donors receiving a 20% discount off their purchase as a special thank you along with a tax receipt. The shop also has great half-off sales on a regular basis. (I snagged a stylish bustier by My Boyfriend’s Back for just $12.50.)  Donate your gently used clothing and accessories (men’s apparel, too) directly at the store located at 4711 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, PDX 97221. Store hours are Tues-Fri 10 to 5 and Sat 10 to 4. Phone: 503-265-8613.  (The shop is tucked down a slope and hard to see from the road. Watch for the pink and white sign on the north side of the road.) Visit the GHM Facebook page.

Note: Donations that are not accepted for the boutique are transferred to other metro area agencies including Dress for Success and Blanchet House. GHM stands for Gung Ho Ministries, a non-profit with a focus on transitional housing for homeless vets in the metro area. They currently provide food, toiletries and spiritual support to the homeless and working poor “Under the Bridge” near Old Town. Visit the website to learn more.

Breasts Deserve a Good Home

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brasIf 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.