As fall begins, the weather starts to turn from hot and wet to cool and breezy, making it an ideal time to swap out shorts and skirts for sweaters and pants. Gather a few supplies: plastic bins, space bags, and shoe bags for the keepers. Then, sort your #clothing, pulling out “anything you can get rid of” and putting it in a trash bag for #donation and grouping #garments by type for #storage. “If it won’t be worn in the next six months, it goes into the storage pile,” says Apartment Therapy. “#Organize your off-season stuff in the predetermined storage space and marvel at the amount of empty hanging, #drawer and #shelf space.” #StoringSummerClothes
Tag: clothing donations
Put Life on Pause for the Long Weekend
The kids are back in school. Friday hours are ending. Deadlines are looming. Stores are ready for Halloween — still two months away. And people are asking, “Where did the #summer go?”
Granted, this happens every year, but something about 2026 seems to have more people feeling shortchanged by the #seasons. Is it inflation and higher prices? The increasingly unpredictable weather? The social media time-suck? The relentless news cycle? Nobody knows for sure.
If you’re among the many who feel that summer slipped away too soon, take advantage of this last “official” week of the summer season. Over the long Labor Day weekend, unplug from the stress, shake things up and enjoy yourself.
One way to do this is to treat the #weekend like a #vacation rather than just three days of non-work time, says Self. Tweak your schedule to make the weekend feel more leisurely. “That might look like turning off your alarm, lingering in bed or savoring your favorite breakfast.”
Seek out awe-inspiring activities, the story adds, by finding a scenic hiking trail, watching the sunrise or going to a museum. Put a special, optional event on your schedule so you don’t skip it in favor of work or chores — whether that means a coffee date, a class or a shopping spree.
Meet the weekend head-on by getting enough sleep, says LifeHack. Try to get up at the same time you would on weekdays, but don’t be afraid to take a nap to reduce “negative emotions, increase alertness and enhance your abilities to learn.”
Next, truly unplug. While social media feeds can seem interesting and even educational, mindless scrolling saps #time and #energy. Leave that phone in another room and read an old-fashioned book to let your imagination wander.
Something that might seem like a chore can enhance #relaxation and improve your mood: #Decluttering. #Organize some paperwork; #clean the refrigerator; weed out your #wardrobe. And #donate any lightly used clothing and household items to ClothingDonations.org.
There’s only so much summer to go around. Make the most of your long weekend and what’s left of the season!
How to Make an Adult Birthday Memorable
To make an #adult #birthday party truly memorable, go beyond the basic #party or dinner and drinks and instead arrange an experience that gives “you a story to tell instead of another dinner receipt,” says The Rustic Brush. “A nice meal is never a bad choice, but the problem is that it often blends into every other Friday night.” Try starting the day early with a hike or paddle. Build a birthday around something that you or that special someone has been meaning to do. Do a #DIY art workshop with friends, or learn to cook something new. Take an overnight trip. Or kick back with a massage or spa day. #BetterBirthday
Keep Costs in Check on Kids’ Birthday Parties
To #save on the cost of kids’ #birthday parties, stock up early. Check #thrift stores, dollar stores, clearance bins and websites for deals on the things you know you’ll need, buy them and set them aside for the big day. Use an e-vite instead of paper invitations and get creative by decorating balloons or making a piñata yourself. Cakes don’t have to be expensive, either; it’s easy to dress up a box mix with homemade frosting and sprinkles. For entertainment, “You don’t have to hire a clown or a traveling petting zoo,” Parents says — games like Red Rover and charades offer plenty of fun at little or no cost. #BetterBirthday
Pick a Theme for Your Birthday Party
A good theme can make planning an adult #birthday easier, says Guest Reel — especially if you’re planning the #party on a budget. A costume party (themed by decade, color scheme, or pop culture reference) can help guests get creative, and the #thrift stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org can provide a lot of source materials. A board game tourney or trivia night is a good way to encourage friendly competition. A craft night allows guests to something they can take home while socializing. Or try a wine-and-cheese tasting. Whatever you choose, the goal is to #celebrate the particular person. #BetterBirthday