Winter Archives | De-clutter Me!

Not only does looking at plants comfort us during the winter, but they magically clean the air, too!

An Easy Fix to Boost Our Spirits and Protect Our Health

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Ellen Gurwitz

It’s been brutally cold here in Vermont, the kind of weather that keeps our population low. (Some people, who otherwise love Vermont, don’t move here because of our winters.) Wind chills have been dangerously low. It can test our spirits.

How to keep our spirits up, and also protect our health? It’s easy! House plants provide an easy fix. They can be comforting and restorative to look at, also reminding us of warmer times of year. Plus, they magically help to clean the air.

Bonus points. If you douse yours in the shower monthly, they’ll look much “happier.” I figure, too, that photosynthesis has a better chance of working if not competing with (even small amounts of) dust. More bonus points – as you tend to plants in the shower, you also may smell their potting soil. Perhaps it’s another reminder of gardening in warmer weather, which also may comfort you, especially on cold winter days. Though not anytime soon here in Vermont, spring WILL come!

Ahhh…

About De-clutter Me!
De-clutter Me! offers non-judgmental, competitively-priced and confidential assistance to help clear clutter in your home and/or business. We’ve been changing chaos to calm since 2013.

A simple recipe will keep Fido happy on winter walks.

Seasons, Timely Tips, Winter

To Protect Dogs’ Paws From Winter Salt

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Ellen Gurwitz

From the archives, the following recipe should protect your dog’s paws from winter salt.

Paw Wax Recipe
3 ounces beeswax
3 tablespoons calendula oil
3 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons coconut oil

Melt together in a pan on low heat, mix well, then pour into a small tin or other container. Let cool at room temperature overnight. To use, rub the bottom of your dog’s paws in the Paw Wax and go!

You also might want to give some as a holiday gift to friends, both human and canine.

Photo credit to Julian Dutton through Unsplash.

A pair of boots with laces tucked in to keep them dry!

Timely Tips, Winter

Dry Laces!

Posted on November 14, 2019November 14, 2019 by Ellen Gurwitz

Here in Vermont, winter has arrived early, with a punch. Many parts of the state got the first real snowstorm this week. Yesterday morning, the wind chill was -6. It’s NovemBRRR!

Here’s a tip for a small thing to do for yourself to keep comfortable and un-frustrated this winter. When taking off winter boots that may be covered with snow or ice, and if their laces are dry, you might tuck them inside the boots. That way, when you go to put on the boots again, you won’t have to deal with wet and/or cold laces.

You’re welcome!

Seasons, Timely Tips, Winter

To Protect Dogs’ Paws from Winter Salt

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Ellen Gurwitz

First posted last winter, this still works; or, I hope so! It’s about to become punishingly cold and we have some, though not a lot of, snow in this part of Vermont.

Paw Wax Recipe

3 ounces beeswax
3 tablespoons calendula oil
3 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons coconut oil

Melt together in a pan on low heat, mix well, then pour into a small tin or other container. Let cool at room temperature overnight. To use, rub the bottom of your dog’s paws in the Paw Wax and go!

You also might want to give some to friends, both human and canine.

About De-clutter Me!

De-clutter Me! offers non-judgmental, competitively-priced and confidential assistance to help clear clutter in your home and/or business. We’ve been changing chaos to calm since 2013.

Timely Tips, Winter

Stovetop Potpourri to Boost Winter Spirits

Posted on January 23, 2018March 20, 2018 by Ellen Gurwitz

Is winter getting to you? Here in Vermont, it’s been extremely cold at times, which is exhausting to many. There hasn’t been lots of snow, for those who like to play in it. It’s been icy, too, which makes for scary walking and driving.

On the plus side, since December through February are the three coldest months, we’re a bit more than half-way through them. Also, the days are getting longer, even if slowly, two or three minutes each day.

Could your spirits use an extra lift when at home?

You might simmer some stovetop potpourri.

Here’s a recipe that will smell like apple pie. (You also can find others online.)

Choose a medium sized pot and fill ¾ full of water.
Add peels of two apples, one cinnamon stick and one teaspoon vanilla extract.
Bring water to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer.
Replenish the water as needed.

Note: Keep in mind that cleaning the pot afterwards can be a chore. Some scrubbing may be involved, so don’t use your favorite pot.

Bonus points – the simmering potpourri will add humidity to the air, which might benefit humans, pets and plants.

About De-clutter Me!

De-clutter Me! offers non-judgmental, competitively-priced and confidential assistance to help clear clutter in your home and/or business. We’ve been “bringing calm to chaos” since 2013.

Timely Tips, Winter

To Protect Dogs’ Paws from Winter Salt

Posted on January 6, 2018April 1, 2018 by Ellen Gurwitz

A client gave me the following information on a beautifully clear and warm autumn day. I set it aside for when it would be more useful. Today works! It’s punishingly cold and we have some, though not a lot of, snow.

Paw Wax Recipe

3 ounces beeswax
3 tablespoons calendula oil
3 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons coconut oil

Melt together in a pan on low heat, mix well, then pour into a small tin or other container. Let cool at room temperature overnight. To use, rub the bottom of your dog’s paws in the Paw Wax and go!

You also might want to give some to friends, both human and canine.

About De-clutter Me!

De-clutter Me! offers non-judgmental, competitively-priced and confidential assistance to help clear clutter in your home and/or business. We’ve been “bringing calm to chaos” since 2013.