Tips

Winter – the Season of Stillness

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winterWinter is a time of great illumination and insight. Fireside and candlelight. As the Earth grows dormant, we become quiet in order to listen to our inner voice. As the days grow shorter, we are grateful for the light both in and around us. This season honors the elders, the white-haired ones. The wisdom of buffalo, bear and turtle with their message of security and protection. It is the time of the night sky with all of its stars, stillness and peace.

Colors for the season are white, midnight blue and forest green. Scents include pine, fir and cedar. Adorn your space with birch bark, evergreen boughs and pine cones. Clean and attend to the Earth elements in your home including furniture, floors, wool rugs and blankets.

Winter corresponds to the Element of Earth, the direction of North and the night time.

About this photo: I am forever in awe of how quiet the world becomes after a first snowfall. And of how little crystals illuminate the beauty of nature in such a breathtaking way. This backyard pine tree offered a wonderful example of winter simplicity and stillness.

Let nature inspire your space. Order your A Clear Place Wisdom Cards and get connected to beauty and balance: click here for more details.

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.

 

Got Ice?

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carafeThese icy temps are prompting me to share one of my favorite cleaning tips. Back in the 70’s, a co-worker showed me how to use ice cubes to clean a glass coffee pot. Forty years later, I’m still using this simple trick to get glass carafes/pots crystal clear without soap or a brush. Here’s how: put 2 or 3 ice cubes in the empty carafe. Swish the cubes around with a circular motion for a few minutes. (You’ll the see water get murky as the glass gets clean.) Drain when done. Coffee and tea stains gone. Ta-Da!

Visit A Clear Place Resource page to find more tips on getting your stuff and your place clear.

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.

The Power of Gratitude

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card of the weekBeing thankful for what you have is the surest way to love where you are. If you are not happy with your place or your space, you have the power to change it. It’s called gratitude. You can shift your world by blessing it. Start right now by looking around your room and saying thank you. When you walk into your home say thank you. Practice mindful placement of your belongings. And always give and receive with gratitude.

Giving thanks begins in the heart. It’s where all healing starts. Connect with your heart-self by bringing nature close to you. Its energy will lift you and your space. Simple. A single flower is a good way to start.

About this photo: Flowers vibrate at a high frequency, especially roses. This spray rose beauty greeted me in my backyard one afternoon. The fragrance called to me even before I saw the blossoms. Pink and green are the colors of the heart chakra so this photo was perfect for the GRATITUDE card.

Holiday Tip: Place this card on your table at Thanksgiving. Pass it around to each guest and let them share what they are grateful for this season.  Dining alone? Start a gratitude list on paper. Add something new each day of the season. Don’t have your WISDOM CARDS yet? Click here to order your deck today!

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.

 

WATER – the Element of Change

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WATERThe element of Water is all about change and transformation. The ebb and flow of energy. The clearer your space, the easier it is to allow for a natural flow. We are bodies of water living on the water planet. It doesn’t get more connected than that. Water is life giving, healing and a master at shape shifting. Use that power to help with transitions and changes in your life. If you’ve had a loss, bring water energy into your space to help in the release process. A tabletop fountain, images of a river, fish, boats or the sea. Colors include shades of blues and greens. Accent with glass, shells, pearls. Hydrate yourself and your home by misting with an energy spray or a mix of water and lavender essential oil. Check your plumbing, clean drains and gutters. Release, clear out and let go. And allow for life to unfold in wonderful ways.

Corresponds to the season of Autumn, sunset and the direction of the West.

About this photo: Taken from a lookout point on the central Oregon coast. After a foggy morning, the mist cleared and the sun came out. The scene shifted from gray and black to blue and green within minutes. Magic.

Want a clearer place? Get your deck of 34 Wisdom Cards and find simple ways to bring the beauty of nature into your space. Learn more here.

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.)

Consignment Tips from A Clear Place

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A Clear PlaceA recent visit with shop owner, Judy Gulledge of Upscale Consignment in SE PDX has prompted me to do another update of my consignment tip sheet. Click on the link at the end of this post to download the latest version of this handy pdf file giving you new store information along with the proven guidelines for  “What, How and Where” when consigning your stuff. Happy clearing and good luck!

“Where do I consign my stuff?” That’s one of the most common questions I’m asked in clearing work. The answer, however, has more layers to it than just where. You also have to consider what and how. I’ve put together a nifty Consignment Tip Sheet to address all three. Every city I’ve traveled to has consignment stores with items ranging from high end to low brow. If you are lucky enough to live in the Portland metro area, there are some great choices for consigning furniture, fashion and jewelry. But even if you live outside the City of Roses, my CTS (Consignment Tip Sheet) has helpful hints on deciding what is good consignment material and how to prepare your items to help ensure a higher dollar return. Click here to get the pdf file: Consignment Tips from A Clear Place

AUTUMN – The Season of Letting Go

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AutumnThis week’s pick from A Clear Place Wisdom Cards is AUTUMN. Fall is all about releasing and letting go. Like the trees shedding their leaves to allow for new growth, it’s a great time to let go of all that stuff and clear your clutter. The energy of spider reigns now and teaches us to live simply. To be strong and focused but also willing to let go of what was in order to build anew. Git rid of what no longer serves you. Autumn honors the cycle of adulthood and being responsible caretakers of the land and our loved ones. In your home, use images of sunset, flowing water or fall scenes like this one. Diffuse essential oils of cinnamon, orange, clove and nutmeg. All of these blend well or use them individually.

The Season of Autumn corresponds to the element of Water, the direction of the West and the time of sunset.

About this photo: I encountered this brilliant maple tree on a walk in NW Portland. The street below was blanketed in gold but there were plenty more leaves to follow in the weeks ahead.

View more Wisdom Cards and order your deck today!