Fall Clothing Switch-Out

Once we have a day that dips into the 60s, I'm ready to pull out all my fall jackets and get cozy for the cooler months.

My parents allow me to store my out-of-season clothes in their attic and this year I devised a little system for storage. All the clothes get put in Space Bags (I love those things!) and I label them with what they are, that they belong to me, and how many bags are in the lot. Obviously, I have learned from experience by spending a few months searching for that one jacket only to realize there must be a bag lurking somewhere. And it saves my parents going nuts deciding what's in the bag, getting annoyed that I even store them there, etc :)

A couple of weeks ago I picked up my three bags of fall/winter clothes. Mostly the bags are jackets, heavier pants, and lots of pull-over sweaters.

My family calls me Kathy...I've just embraced it. 

Then the process begins, pulling out clothes from the summer months, laundering them, and taking time to decide what might be needed for the next few weeks as it could stay a little warmer. I used to keep lots of tees, tanks, dresses, and pants out for the whole year. This year I've decided to only keep a few short sleeve tees 'active' as I rarely wear them in the cooler months and I will have clothes to look forward to at the start of spring next year.

It causes a disastrous mess!

I also take the time to check out the items I really never wore this summer and decide if they are truly flattering and comfortable. If I don't love them (for instance, a very bulky sweatshirt that says "be in gratitude" that I loved and had to have, but have not worn for two years) they are getting stored for next year's clothing swap (more on that in the summer 2011, I promise) or thrown away if they are discolored (why do I have three semi-white Jcrew long-sleeve tees???) or bleached (I haaaaate that!!!) .

And the closet even looks cozier with all the long sleeved items.

Then those wonderful Space Bags come back into play, storing all the summer and spring clothes for next year.

I must admit, I love autumn and all the clothes that go along with crisp temps and falling leaves. And I love putting outfits together with all the jackets!!

Favorites in February - Cleaning

This month I will highlight some of my favorite things, from products I love, favorite books and movies, to everyday stuff.

Today I will highlight my favorite cleaning products and helpers. I actually don't mind cleaning. It's one of those things that has to be done, so I just grab stuff that works best and get going.

1. Our Kenmore Canister Vacuum

I grew up always using a canister. I know, some people are cringing, they don't like to have to pull the canister around, but it is lightweight and I find it easier to move around. An upright can be too heavy for me, so this vacuum was an easy choice. After consulting Consumer Reports, we knew we were heading to Sears for a Kenmore. The features of our model are a very easily detachable head, a light on the head, lightweight, serious power, and a bag (bagless just get too messy for me). Plus, c'mon, it's a cheery yellow color :)

2. Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner

I love this stuff! One of the things that I need is a product that has a pleasing scent. No orange, no nastiness. This product is fresh-smelling and cleans every surface in the apartment, especially the stainless garbage pail.

3. Cleaning Cloths

In my attempts to be a little greener, I try not to use many paper towels as I clean. Instead, I stock up on microfiber cloths that have specific uses (glass, wood, bathroom, etc). When done, bleach 'em and they're good to go for next time. They attract dirt, deep clean, and cut down on waste.

4. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Ahhh, memories of my mom scrubbing grease off the stove with these. And they really do work. We have the mop, too. Like it.

5. All things Swiffer

Love the sweeper for the kitchen and bath, use the duster and cloths for quick dusting sessions.

6. Method Shower Cleaner

Just spray after you take a shower. The bathroom smells clean and the shower truly stays clean.

7. Soft Scrub

This stuff seriously cleans. Works in the bathroom and kitchen (and on stained cutting boards).

What are some of your favorites to make your home sparkle?