Closet Makeover

This is the time of year we're all changing out clothes for the season.  Take the opportunity this year to give your wardrobe a complete makeover!  


I had a professional come and help me with this and wanted to share some tips learned from the experience.


First, take everything out of your closet and/or drawers and sort it in three basic piles:


Like It
Love It
Needs To Go


Next invite a girlfriend over (one that will tell you the honest truth) and starting with the Like It pile, go through each clothing item and explain why you don't love it.  If she agrees, donate it to someone who will.


Move on to the Needs To Go pile and see if you both agree about what needs to go.  You may be surprised at what she likes and/or what combinations she may come up with.


Finally, review your Love It pile with her.  If she agrees you should keep everything, you'll be happier with your Love It clothes.  Make a list of small items you may need to fill in gaps from those things you don't.


And finally take the piles of clothes you don't wear, anyway, and pay it forward.  Donate the clothes to whomever you think it will be blessed by them.  It feels so great to make room in your closet for the clothes you actually feel good in!


Lastly, if you live near Kelley Smith, don't wait another minute.  Schedule an appointment with her right away.  I'm telling you, she is fabulous!  And if you book with her in the month of May she is donating half of the proceeds to our friends the Espinosas and their Allendale Mission.

http://kelleysmithstyle.blogspot.com/

Photo courtesy of Rubbermaid Products on Flickr.com 

Rice Dryer

Have you ever completely submerged your cell phone in a toilet, pool, or puddle of water?  It's a terrible mishap, but try this tip before replacing the phone.

Immediately take the cell phone completely apart (do not try to see if it works!) Remove the battery and place it in a bag of white rice for 1-1/2 days, then turn it over and leave it in a new bag of rice for another 1-1/2 days.  I was shocked, but it really worked on my husband's phone.  He used it for another 6 months or so!

Do not use a hair dryer, microwave or just leave it out to air dry.  Read more from the Popular Mechanics site, if you're interested.

Photo courtesy of babbagecabbage on Flickr.com

Waste Not

If you've hosted a party and peered at all the delightful leftovers, but T-O-S-S-E-D them so as not to increase your hip size, toss no more!

This tip came from a precious friend at our last Christmas party.  She suggested we share the leftovers with the local fire department.  What a fabulous way to share calories and love at the same time!

Since summer picnics and outdoor parties are on the horizon, let's think of our local authorities before we toss the yummies.  If they have to work all night, at least they can eat well!  (Do call first to make sure they're allowed to accept the gift.)



Photo courtesy of avlxyz on Flickr.com

Treat Your Dog

This tip is based on research regarding dogs and music.  If you are going to be away for a long period of time, you may want to consider treating your dog to classical music.  Choose classical pieces that are about 50-60 bpm. This can have a soothing effect, causing the dog less anxiety (and less barking).

Here are some albums you may want to try: