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.
clearing out
Radio Time for A Clear Place
A Clear Place was the featured guest today on Aging Resourcefully, the blog talk show presented by APN (Adult Placement Network). Listeners got a capsule version of how A Clear Place came about, what it offers and what makes it unique. This is a great interview to share with anyone you know of who is in need of help with their space but is afraid to ask for it. Note: There is a brief intro before the 25 min. interview begins. Also available on iTunes. Listen now.
Freeze Your Peels
My favorite garbage tip for hot weather! Get it and more on this week’s mini Light Show. View now.
Tropical Estate Sale
Downsizing CAN be fun … even in the heat. Zoe created this reading oasis where shoppers can enjoy garden shade while selecting books. Ripe plums from the tree provide a golden, juicy snack while you browse. Zoe did a great job arranging all the items – 
from furniture to ornaments – so things are easy to find and fun to look at. Shoppers are arriving on foot, on bikes and in vans. Terrific bargains and smiling faces – a perfect combo in any weather! FINAL Sale Date: Sunday July 31st, 10 – 4. 7026 NE Grand, PDX. (Near MLK & Dekum)
SERIOUS downsizing sale
THIS weekend … help Zoe clear out and help yourself to great bargains. If you are in need of something special, this is the place. Lots of unusual and cool things. Hope to see you there! View items and descriptions. Sat/Sun July 30/31 from 10 to 4 in NE PDX. Email Zoe for directions: zoevapa@gmail.com
Jane Green on YouTube
Check out these raw (as in impromptu, unscripted, unrehearsed) video vignettes. Zoe from Seniors Homing Together is preparing for her SERIOUS downsizing sale and I stopped by to lend a hand and offer suggestions. She decided on the spot to record the visit in hopes of inspiring others to start clearing their stuff. If she can do it, anyone can!
There are 9 little segments in all. Here are two of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvkfUaizWXo&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmQu-YFkcew&feature=related
SALE INFO: Zoe was a chef and is letting go of lots of cookware, cookbooks – along with years of artwork, furniture, art supplies, electronics, etc. Her goal is to live life large in a tiny footprint. Yay! If you are in the PDX area, the sale is this Sat/Sun July 30/31 from 10 to 4 in NE PDX. Email Zoe for directions: zoevapa@gmail.com
Good Side of Bad Weather
The surest way to beat the blues of bad weather or tough times is to do something to help out yourself or someone else. And one of my favorite ways of doing both is to CLEAR out your stuff. Next time you are snowed in or feeling snowed under, here are 4 simple, FREE ways to feel better:
- Open up your junk drawer(s) and start purging.
- Get out your photos and sort them into envelopes to send to your loved ones – or scan into your computer for easy storage.
- Clear up your email Inbox. Archive or delete old correspondence.
- Go through your kitchen cupboards and discard any expired items.
Remember to recycle and reuse what you can. Don’t hold on to outdated anything. Clearing your place will have an immediate “feel lighter” effect on you and it’s a productive, proactive way to beat the blues and make the world a brighter place. Note: While you are clearing out, think about doing more precycling and easing your burdens by buying less to begin with … what a great way to welcome in a new year!
A Clear Place 