3/27/10

When storing sweaters away for the winter, make sure they are completely clean so they repel moths. Any organic materials -- food residue, grease (yuk!) -- is nourishment for moths. Place the clean sweaters in a storage box and add sachets full of dried lavender to naturally drive away the hungry insects.

3/26/10

Visit your local landscaping store and stock up on all your spring shrubs, flowers and other ground-cover plantings. Look for native species -- these are plant varieties that are indigenous to your growing region and will thrive better. Also, ask the nursery if you can return the plastic pots after you've finished planting; many will take them back to use again.

Resell good-quality designer clothing that you no longer wear at a local consignment store. These stores will sell your clothes and usually split the proceeds 50/50 with you. Sometimes you can either take cash for your clothes or earn more money in the form of store credit to shop for new duds. It's up to you.

Tip: Bring your clean, laundered clothes on individual hangers. And bring your out-of-season clothes (e.g. fall clothes in summer), because consignment stores sell clothes just like regular retail shops.