Go Ahead and Wear White After Labor Day

Fashionistas may tell you that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. But the rule emerged around the same time as the nation’s labor movement in the 19th century, The Pioneer Woman says. Wearing white was associated with keeping cool, but workers tended to wear darker clothing to hide the dirt and stains a hard day’ labor would produce. Wealthy people continued to wear white on rural holidays in the off-season, but gradually adopted the custom of wearing white during #summer only. Regardless, the rule no longer needs to be followed; while winter temperatures might demand heavier fabrics, wear whatever colors you like. #LaborDay

Why We Celebrate Labor Day

As you enjoy your day off next Monday, remember that Labor Day was established to honor the men and women who campaigned for workers’ rights in the labor movement of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Without their efforts, Americans might not enjoy the rights and protections we now take for granted — a 40-hour work week, safe and humane working conditions, paid time off, sick leave and even federal holidays. However you decide to celebrate, remember to “pay tribute to all the laborers, past and present, who helped build America and make it the country it is today,” says The Pioneer Woman.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors on Labor Day

Labor Day — the unofficial end of summer — puts you on notice to enjoy the warm weather while you still can. Get outdoors and soak up some sun with a bike ride, cookout, tailgate or trip to the beach, Country Living suggests. A hike or overnight camping trip a state or national park is a great way to commune with nature and get away from it all, and most people have outdoorsy options close to home if you have to be back at the office on Tuesday. You could even do some backyard camping with the family, complete with a neighborhood parade or ice-cream social. Whatever you choose, take full advantage of the #holiday. #LaborDay

Free Yourself From a Lifetime of Clutter

The latest word in #decluttering advice is “death cleaning,” a no-holds-barred strategy to get rid of unnecessary belongings that can be undertaken long before the ultimate demise forces family members to do it on one’s behalf. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter, artist Margareta Magnusson asks readers to embrace #minimalism to put things in order for good. It can be a difficult but invigorating process, and the book is an entertaining beach read for any aspiring #declutterer with aging family members. When you’re done reading and #decluttering, contact ClothingDonations.org for a free donation pickup!  #SummerReading

Summer Reads to Fit Your Schedule

Pick an #organizing book that fits into your schedule to avoid getting overwhelmed with the task, says VeryWell Mind. Pick a short book with small projects if you’re time-constrained, or something more detailed from a #decluttering or home guru such as Marie Kondo or Martha Stewart. If you can count on your family to join you in the struggle to #declutter and #organize, try The Real Simple Method to Organizing Every Room: And How to Keep It That Way, which offers checklists and step-by-step instructions for a variety of household organizing projects that can build a new routine and encourage long-term tidiness. #SummerReading