Laundry Survival

I can't be the only person who feels like laundry sometimes takes over their lives right, right?

It can be all consuming. I thought it was intense pre-baby girl, but boy I had no idea.

There's just so much.

And, it doesn't help that we have a two-story house with the W&D on ground one and all the bedrooms on the second. Not convenient for a procrastinator/lazy laundry gal like myself.



So when I get down to it, I want to be sure I'm doing it correctly... and as efficiently as possible..

I always use All Free & Clear detergent so there's no perfumes, and it's safe for those with sensitive skin and allergies. I've been using it since day one with baby girl and she's also a fan.

{Moms: no need to spend the big bucks on Dreft if you ask me; so similar, half the price.}

TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LAUNDRY TIME

{pre-treating and washing}

- Keep a stain remover (I love Shout) near your laundry basket. This way you can pre-treat right away and most are fine to leave on clothes at least 5-7 days before washing.

(want to really get it into the fibers with the stain remover? Use an old toothbrush!)
- For bright loads, I've toss in a Shout Color Catcher sheet to prevent color transfer. I've only used it a handful of times but so far, I'm very impressed. HATE when that happens to something I love.

- Use cold-water wash for most items, just no need for hot water.

- Do not overuse detergent; the power-packed ones are specifically designed to use minimal amounts.

- I know it's tempting to stuff clothes in the washer for one less wash, but doing so doesn't effectively clean them. Boo.

- Don't leave clothes in the washer too long; they'll get that icky mildew smell (truth: I'm guilty!).
Re-wash  if this happens.

{drying}

- I'm a huge fan fan of drying on the "low heat" cycle; significantly cuts down on shrinking clothes and unnecessary wear and tear.

- Untangle clothes when moving them from the washer to the dryer.

- Don't use more than one dryer sheet per load; most are even fine if you break them in half!

- Don't keep turning it on to keep the wrinkles out of clothes. Wait until you're ready to fold.

- I now leave a chair by the dryer and fold as the clothes come out; amazingly helpful.

- And, I mentioned this on Facebook: get Downy Wrinkle Releaser to get rid of any wrinkles that you didn't realize you had. I leave it near my closet for convenient access.

photos: via real simple

{additional tips, tricks & resources}

How to clean the top 5 kiddie disasters

Taking care of our delicates (you know what I'm talking about)

The when-to-wash-it handbook

Fab Find: Sparkly Attire for Under $100

I should say that the holidays make me want to wear fun sparkly items, but truth be told, who doesn't want to feel sparkly and gorgeous all-year-round? Enter awesome shops who are carrying so many fun, embellished items it makes this gal smile from ear to ear. And, it's not just for a big night out. Some items included below are perfect for daytime. Or, take a dressy skirt or dress and pair it with a more casual cardigan or chunky sweater and flats for a fun and flirty afternoon out.

While we love this look, it's not something we typically invest in. We believe in investing in jeans, quality shoes, handbags, and accessories like nice jewelry and scarves. Important note: closely check out your find before buying. Be sure the sequins or detailing is solidly placed and remember that it's going to require some special cleaning.

So check out these items and remember, a little glitz and glam does a body good!

Savvy Shopping: Clean Closet, Happy Gal

We spend way too much time thinking about what we're going to wear, what we need to buy and what we wish we had in our closet. Is your closet overflowing, yet you don't love most of what's in there? Try these tips to help clean through the clutter and get what you really need.

TIP #1: Determine what you wear, discard what you don't.

Do you know most people only wear a fraction of their clothes? To see what you actually wear – and what you can part with – do this: turn all of your hangers backwards -- so it hangs looking like a question mark. If you're motivated, take a few extra minutes to pull out any items you know you're ready to donate. Now, every time you wear an item and return it to the closet turn the hanger the right way again. After a few months you’ll see what hasn’t been worn. Strongly consider if it’s time to give these items a better home (donation, consign, give to a friend, etc).

When I did this, I not only found items I could part with, I also put together outfits I haven't worn in ages or normally wouldn't combine because I was trying to make use of more of my wardrobe!

TIP #2: If you must, think before you donate.

I find it hard to get rid of clothes... though I am getting better. I’m crazy sentimental and therefore, kind of a pack rat. To minimize wasted space in my closet, I go through my closet every few months and make two piles: a donation pile and a “I don’t think I need it but can I live without it??” pile. I put that pile in the back corner of my closet (or wherever is convenient for you) and a few months later check it out. Did I miss these items? I wind up keep one or two things but the rest? Didn't even miss it. Donation! If you find it hard to part with items, try this method.

TIP #3: Plan before you buy.

With every new trend and every season, us average gals are dying for new pieces to add to our wardrobe. This season for example, there are so many trends: military, neutrals, greys, faux fur, leapord... I could go on and on. Before buying, consider what you really need and want.

Recently, I knew I wanted a Tory Burch wallet, skinny green cargo pants and a few blouses for daytime (felt like I only had blah tees and work-ish type shirts). Sooo.... I didn't buy a pair of jeans on a great sale at Loehmann's or pair of Steve Madden sandals on sale for $25 from $80 because I really didn't need them... just wanted them. BUT, I have since bought my fab wallet and last week I scored my skinny green cargos. And, every time I look at these items I'm really happy. Happier than those random jeans that would be sitting next to 20 more in my closet.

What do you really want? Make a list and stick to it!

****TIP #4: Only buy it if you love it (not because it's on sale!)****
Think of me as your best friend hanging over your shoulder as you're in the fitting room. When looking at sale items, ONLY purchase if you love it and would buy it at full price. I don't mean if you could afford it at full price, but do you think it's worth it? If you’re only buying it because “it looks good on me for $12 yet it's kind of bunches here and I wish it was slightly longer" then is it really a deal? Will you wear it? Save that money toward one better item! You'll be happy you did.

TIP #5: Don't be afraid to return
Did you buy something and a few weeks later you're thinking, why the hell did I buy this? Then, put in the to-be-returned item and reciept (I hope you save all your receipts, for at least a few months!) in your car right now. This way, if you happen to unexpectedly pass the mall or that boutique you can return it. I swear this has saved me time, effort and money countless times.

Happy de-clutting, saving... and shopping!