Month: May 2025

Let’s be honest– we’ve all been guilty of taking the easy way out when decluttering our homes by tossing stuff in the trash without a second thought about where it ends up.

But here’s the hard truth: our actions have consequences. And when it comes to decluttering, those consequences can be deeply harmful to the environment.

One of the biggest challenges we face when decluttering is the temptation to just throw things away. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s convenient.

But did you know that the average American generates about 4.5 pounds of trash every day? A substantial portion of that waste comes from our “out with the old” decluttering sessions. Most of it ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose – releasing toxic gases and chemicals into the atmosphere in the process.

Whether you’re just beginning your decluttering journey or you’ve been at it for a while, this guide is for anyone who wants to declutter responsibly and sustainably – and make a positive impact on our planet.

The Problem: Good Intentions, Limited Know-How

Even if you want to do the right thing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Maybe you’re not sure where to begin. Maybe you’re not aware of the many eco-friendly options available. Or maybe you haven’t yet seen just how powerful your choices can be.

Let’s change that.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Decluttering

Reduces Environmental Impact

By keeping items out of landfills, you help cut down on pollution and greenhouse gases.

Helps Others in Need

Donating or repurposing items gives them a second life and supports individuals or families who could use a helping hand.

Retrains Your Brain

When you repurpose or reuse, you begin to think differently about consumption – buying less, and buying more mindfully.

Eco-Friendly Decluttering Options

Donate Responsibly

Giving gently used items to charity helps others and reduces waste. Instead of sending your stuff to the dump, give it a second act.

Upcycle Purposefully

Get creative! Repurpose items that would otherwise go to waste. Old T-shirts can become quilts. Glass jars become organizers. Turn trash into treasure.

Recycle Properly

Check your local recycling center’s guidelines. Items like electronics, batteries, metals, and plastics often require special handling.

Freecycle, Buy Nothing Groups, and Curbside Giveaways

Look for local “Buy Nothing” or Freecycle groups online. They offer free listings for everything from tools to baby gear. You can also simply place items at the curb with a “FREE” sign – surprisingly effective!

Sell What You Can

If you have the time and want to earn a little extra cash, try:

• Online Platforms: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist
• Consignment Shops: Great for clothing, jewelry, and furniture
• Garage Sales: Classic and effective – just advertise locally

Pass It On

Ask family and friends if they want or need anything you’re ready to part with. Just be sure they arrange pickup quickly to keep things moving.

Read more, It’s Just Grandma’s Old Stuff… Until It’s Vintage. Then It’s Chic!

Category-Specific Responsible Options

China & Silver Flatware

• Replacements.com
• Local consignment shops specializing in these items

Clothing (Upscale or Designer)

• The RealReal, Poshmark, Plato’s Closet, local boutiques

Furniture

• Estate sale companies, local consignment shops, OfferUp

Books, Media, Games

• Half-Price Books (in-store)
• Decluttr app, GameStop

Toys, Sports Equipment, Hobby Supplies

• Once Upon a Child
• Play It Again Sports

Getting Started: Small Habits, Big Impact

Decluttering without harming the environment isn’t just possible – it’s necessary. And it starts with being more mindful of our choices.

Here are five simple habits that can create long-term change:

Prioritize Reuse and Repurposing

Shift your mindset. Think before you buy.

Practice One In, One Out

For every new item that comes in, let one go.

Make Do

Use what you already have. Practice gratitude for what you own.

Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Higher-quality items last longer—and feel better.

Shop Mindfully

Always shop with a list. Avoid impulse purchases.

You Can Do This

One small, intentional step at a time can change not only your home – but also the world.

Ready to start? Let’s declutter with purpose, passion, and a little planet-loving flair.

Your Thoughts:

What things have you thrown in the trash when decluttering? Do you know of better disposal places, now that you think of it?

The Bravolebrity talks Frick and Frack, shade, and her comeback. 

The anti-aging skin industry is currently growing at amazing rates. All of us aging beauties are looking for the next best product to reverse aging or make it stop and companies are making billions of dollars per year.

That’s an awful lot!

Did you know that you have plenty of amazing natural skin care products right in your kitchen and garden?

10 All Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

I want to share 10 of the best natural products for aging skin, and then I’ll give you the secret recipe to my anti-aging facial mask that is amazing and safe to use daily.

Before I share these natural anti-aging products with you, it’s important to make sure you do a sensitivity test to watch for allergic reactions. And of course, always consult your doctor before trying anything new, even natural products.

Aloe Vera Gel

Hands down without a doubt this is my #1 favourite product. I gently rub fresh aloe gel on my skin immediately after washing in the morning and the evening. Just a tiny amount will do! I don’t wash mine off though I feel that’s a preferential choice. It helps improve collagen production and skin elasticity. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow down the appearance of aging skin.

Honey

Who would have thought that this yummy sweet treat is also good to put right on your skin? Honey is amazing at retaining and rebuilding moisture on your skin without any irritation. It’s also really good at keeping the skin looking plump and young and preventing infections!

Word of caution: don’t leave it on your skin overnight or you may just end up being a human venus fly trap!

Turmeric

Turmeric can be taken orally, of course, in delicious foods and dishes but did you know you can also make a wonderful face mask with it too? Yup. Turmeric also boosts collagen production and speeds up the body’s ability to regenerate new skin. It’s also really great for lightening dark spots.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee is also a great brightening agent. It helps lighten age spots, sun spots, and reduces fine lines. It’s also great for acne and those nasty dark circles under your eyes. When using coffee grounds make sure they are super fine and don’t rub too hard. This can cause more damage than good.

Oatmeal

Oh gosh oatmeal has so many amazing skin benefits! Let’s start with how moisturizing it is. And then I can’t forget to mention it’s a wonderful exfoliant and cleansing ingredient too!! Another great product that boosts collagen and helps tighten and brighten the skin.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an amazing product for your skin. It is high in alpha hydroxy acid which is fantastic for reducing fine lines and preventing wrinkles. Using yogurt in a face mask is a really great way to get the most out of it.

Cocoa Powder

Besides putting this in your morning smoothie to make it chocolatey (yum), cocoa powder is also great for detoxifying your skin and increasing its elasticity. It also reduces oxidative stress which leads to premature aging.

Mangoes

These are super high in Vitamin C, not to mention they are also super delicious. Next time you are making a face mask, blend some mango in there too. This fruit helps boost collagen production too. Mangoes are high in antioxidants which help prevent premature aging.

Bananas

You can plop one in your blender for your smoothie and then mash another for your face! Bananas are considered nature’s Botox as they plump up your skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. They are also high in Vitamin A and zinc.

Essential Oils

Oh, how I love these. Where do I begin? Here are my recommendations for essential oils for the skin:

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Frankincense
• Neroli
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Carrot seed
• Sandalwood

Just to name a few. Add a couple of drops of any of these into a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Avocado, and you have a wonderful cleansing oil for your face!

More Tips for Healthy Aging Skin

Taking care of our skin also includes doing things from the inside like eating a healthy, well balanced diet, reducing your sugar intake, cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking.

Getting a good night’s sleep and proper exercise also play a huge role in how our skin, and bodies, age! I recently just started doing yoga and that has made a huge difference in how strong my body feels. I love it.

It’s never too late and you’re never too old to start a new health regime. Start small and go slow, but just start somewhere!

Skin Care Doesn’t Have to Hurt or Cost a Fortune

I get that some women don’t mind going under the knife for cosmetic surgery. I tried it once, a small filler and a little Botox, and I hated both and have never done it again. I’m aging, and I’m totally ok with that. I don’t need to look 25 or 35 or 40 anymore.

At almost 60, I’ve honestly never felt better in my entire life. It’s never too late to start self-care. You are so worth it!

Iva’s Anti-Aging Mask

This is my anti-aging mask that I use daily! Don’t forget to test the ingredients first to make sure you have no allergies!

2 teaspoons oatmeal

1 teaspoon natural honey

2 teaspoons all natural yogurt

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon super fine grind coffee

2-3 drops of each essential oil – neroli, lavender, frankincense, rosemary

Apply gently on your skin and let sit for 10-20 minutes. Wash off gently. I usually apply aloe vera gel right after this and my skin feels amazing! Mmmmmm. This should last in the fridge up to one week.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you take care of your skin on a daily basis? What about weekly basis? Do you have your own recipe for skin care? Which are your favorite natural products that you use to make your skin glow?

I had cataract surgery the other week – both eyes. It is amazing to wake up in the morning and see clearly without having to first put on glasses. Colors are more vibrant, and I am noticing things that I wasn’t able to see before. Sadly, these things also include the wrinkles on my face, grey hair, and brown spots.

I have worn glasses for more than half of my life and I always thought of them as an albatross, literally around my eyes. I chose my eyeglass frames carefully as I was actually creating what my face would look like, kind of like choosing which components to add to an emoji. My eyeglasses became part of my identity and style. Now that I only need glasses for reading, my face is an open canvas and I see a lot more irregularities.

In a previous piece titled “I Am Cataract Old,” I wrote about how the “old age diseases” creep up on you and how these events may become certain catalysts in one’s life. Well, with one “old age” ailment taken care of, I now see others – wrinkles, brown spots, and nonsense.

I Can See Clearly Now

Yes, I know the imperfections were always there, but now I see them more clearly and don’t have spectacles covering them up. Don’t get me wrong, I love my new eyesight, it’s just that sometimes what you don’t see, won’t hurt you. Now with 20/20 vision, I see EVERYTHING and that means coming to grips with the entire picture, warts and all.

Amazingly, this new clarity in vision trickles over to the inanimate. I have seemed to gain a super power in detecting poppycock. They say with age comes wisdom, and I now see people for what they truly stand for, not just what appears outwardly. Yes, this is a metaphor, and I am taking this opportunity to bring clarity in all aspects of my life.

It’s interesting how one action brings more focus to another (no pun intended). As I embrace seeing my surroundings for what they truly are, this also includes seeing certain behaviors as they are and making appropriate adjustments.

Cataract Surgery Is Truly Eye-Opening

Just as I will be applying makeup differently to my face, and may even select a different color palette to accommodate what I am now able to see more clearly; I will now concentrate on surrounding myself with people who share my values and bring joy to my life. I will focus on living authentically. I will no longer let my eyes deceive me (pun intended).

Cataract surgery truly is eye-opening. I am thankful for the clarity it has brought me in seeing everything! No more blurry lenses. What you see is what you get.

Let’s Discuss:

Are your friendships changing as you get older? Was there ever an “a-ha” moment that put you on a certain path?

See what he’s said.