ecotip
Heirloom Home A Fresh Look at Furnishings that Last
Why not expand on the spring tradition of home cleaning by appraising existing home furnishings and décor to see how rear- rangements can freshen the whole presentation? Employ- ing a few basic creative strat- egies will yield long-lasting beauty, cost savings, health benefits and utility, all adding up to enhanced sustainability. Secondhand items readily spruce up interiors when they are thoughtfully selected. Look for gently used, new-to-you items—ranging from furniture and lamps to accent pieces like pottery and wall art—at antique and thrift shops; yard and estate sales; or via online forums such as
CraigsList.com and
Freecycle.org. Seeking out fair trade items helps support a fair wage for artisans around the world.
Plants enliven and beautify any space while cleaning
indoor air, according to a recent study by the National Aero- nautics and Space Administration and Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Plants cited as especially effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from the air include bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, Eng- lish ivy, Gerbera (African) daisy, chrysanthemum and peace lily. Pot them in used jars or other repurposed containers to conserve materials and add character and more personality to home décor. Overall balance is key. “An imbalanced room has large furniture grouped together at one end and lightweight furni- ture and bare walls at the other,” says professional designer Norma Lehmeier Hartie, author of Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your Life, Your Home & Your Planet. “The effect is like being on a tilting boat in a storm.” Furniture arrangements are best when they allow light
to flow through spaces with ample allowance for moving about the room. The ideal setup facilitates worktable projects and small-group conversations. Round tables help make ev- eryone feel like they belong, according to green living expert Annie Bond.
Sustainable kitchen wares are often the classiest. Sturdy pots, pans and kettles, like Le Creuset and Picquot Ware, may offer replacement parts and lifetime guarantees; Bialetti and Bodum coffee makers and Littala glassware are du- rable and long-lasting. While some may cost more upfront, their longevity saves money over time. Then there’s always grandma’s iron skillet.
Additional sources:
GreenPages.org and
GreenAmerica.org
What is it to live a courageous life?
Barton and Megan Cutter inspire positive change in our com- munity and motivate others to reach their dreams through life coaching, writing, and motivational speaking. Their book, Ink in the Wheels: Stories to Make Life Roll, is their real-life love story.
Not only do Barton and Megan share their story of an inter-ability married couple impacted by disability, they touch on themes of perseverance, overcoming challenges, family dynamics, depression, intimacy, infertility, and the balance of care giving.
Spice up your next conference or event! Barton and Megan Cutter combine their humor, honesty, and insights that will leave your audience motivated and inspired. Topics include: • Go Beyond Your Boundaries, Limitations and Challenges • Perseverance to Achieve Your Dreams • Restoring Your Passion Through Self Care, Client Engagement and Development • Creating Healthy Relationships
Or contact Megan and Barton Cutter for one-on-one life coaching to reach your dreams!
Ink in the Wheels: Stories
to Make Love Roll is available at
www.inkinthewheelscom
megan@cuttersedgeconsulting.com • 919-389-6423
Build a powerful Web presence with this insider’s guide to online marketing for small business owners and managers
LOCAL AUTHORS
▪MARTIN BROSSMAN Social media expert, business coach,
consultant & trainer ▪ANORA MCGAHA
Social media manager, internet researcher and creative writer
Order your copy online now at:
TheSocialMediaForBusinessBook.com
Amazon.com
natural awakenings April 2014 43
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56