Skip to content

Summer Closets Turn to Autumn Closets

/ / Comments are off for this post.

With the summer nearing its end, it may be time to start changing over your closets from summer clothes to autumn clothes. In an effort to help make this change as easy as possible for you, the good people over at Seventh Generation, have compiled 5 simple steps to help you clean out and switch over your summer closet for an autumn one.

Changing Over Closets for a New Season

As seasons change, so do your clothing needs. Now’s the time to clean, sort, store and organize so your clothes, shoes & accessories are ready to go as new weather rolls in. It’s also a great time to give your closet space a deep clean before you fill it back up! Tackle closet changes in 5 easy steps:

  1. Separate into 2 piles – ‘keep’ & ‘donate’: Go through all of your drawers, shelves, shoes and hanging space and separate items into two piles – those you’ll want to keep and those you no longer have use for. Bag up anything that can be donated and bring to your local donation center.
  2. Store seasonal items in bins: For the clothes and shoes you plan on keeping but won’t wear this season, store them in air-tight containers or bags – clearly marked so you know what’s what when they’re ready to join your closet again. Make sure items are clean before packing!
  3. Clean your closet: Now’s a great time to give your closet space a deep clean. Vacuum the floor, wipe off shelves to remove dust & grime, and toss any broken hangers.
  4. Unpack and wash: Last year’s stored items will likely need a refresh before being added back to your closet. Unpack containers and wash those that do need it with a gentle detergent. Iron out wrinkles from time spent in storage.
  5. Try it on: Before putting everything away, try on the seasonal clothes you’ve just brought out. Make sure things fit well and are free of any damage. Hang or fold and you’re good to go!

Bring the Smell of Autumn, Indoors

/ / Comments are off for this post.

There are many things that I love about the fall season; the chilly temperature, the changing of the leaves, and tailgating at a football game are all things that make Autumn, my favorite time of year. However, the one thing that I love even more than all of the things I’ve already listed, are the scents of the season. Apple, pumpkin, cinnamon…..I love it all! There is also nothing better than coming home and having those wonderful scents fill your home. Unfortunately, in order to achieve this many people turn to artificially scented sprays and candles. However, thanks to our friends at Seventh Generation, you can forget about those sprays and candles, and make your own Autumn concoction in a simmer pot. The following article tells you what ingredients you’ll need and gives directions on how to naturally fill your home with the scents of fall.

 

Fill Your Home With the Scents of Fall – Naturally

As cooler air makes its way across the country, we’re reminded that the holidays are quickly approaching. From Thanksgiving decor to Christmas trees, our homes start to feel the holidays approach, too. This year, skip the artificially- scented candles and sprays and create your own simmer pot! Using fruit, liquid and spices, a simmer pot is an easy, natural way to make your house smell like fall.

What You’ll Need

  • 4 cups of apple cider
  • The peel of 2 naval oranges
  • 1 apple, sliced in half
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon of allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
  • 4-5 cardamom pods
  • 1 small piece of fresh ginger
  • 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepot and bring to a simmer over low heat. Keep the pot on very low heat for up to a few hours, allowing the scent to fill your house. Add more liquid as needed – and save the mixture in your refrigerator for up to 3 days!

Tips On Making Homemade Autumn Scents

/ / Comments are off for this post.

BLOG-AUTUMNAutumn just happens to be my favorite time of year. Everything about it, from the much needed drop in temperature after a long hot summer, to the changing of the leaves and the start of the holiday season. Of all of the things I love about this time of year, the thing I love most is the smell. The scents of Autumn remind of being a kid, playing football with my friends, drinking apple cider, and my mom’s baking. For some tips on how to fill your home with the smell of the season, check out this article from eHow, on how to create your own homemade Autumn scents.

Homemade Autumn Spice Fragrances

As the leaves change color and the temperature begins to drop, the arrival of autumn is signaled by the fragrances of the season. The warm, rich fragrances of autumn remind us of our mom’s cooking or playing in the giant leaf pile as a kid. Capture these scents with homemade autumn spices using items from around your house. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on scented candles, oils and potpourri, when you can make your own for a couple of dollars.

Potpourri

  • Make autumn spiced potpourri to place around your home. Cut thin slices of apple and place in a single layer and bake at 150 degrees for 30 minutes to dry. Combine carnations in shades of pink and red, dried sweet woodruff leaves, grated nutmeg, julienned orange peel, whole cloves, a few cinnamon sticks and a few drops of cinnamon or vanilla scented oil. Determine the amount of ingredients to use based on the total amount of potpourri you want to make. Experiment with the mixture and store extra in a tightly sealed jar for use at a later time.

Scented Pine Cones

  • Prepare scented pine cones to place around your home. Gather 10-15 pine cones in various sizes. Arrange the pine cones in a single layer in a plastic grocery bag. Purchase or make your own pickling spice. Combine ¼-cup pickling spice, cinnamon powder and whole cloves. Mix well. Consider mixing with oils such as orange, balsam or cinnamon for extra fragrance. Use spray adhesive to coat the pine cones, but avoid breathing in the fumes. Spread the spice mixture over the pine cones, close the bag and gently shake to cover all the sides of the pine cones. Place the pine cones on newspaper to dry. Shake when dry to remove the extra spices which do not stick.

Baked Goods

  • Add autumn spice fragrances to your home with homemade goodies. Home baked goods can fill a house with the scent of fall and provide your family with some tasty treats. Simmer spiced tea or apple cider with cinnamon sticks on the stove for a warm treat on crisp autumn days. Keep the temperature on low and the house smells wonderful all day. Make a batch of apple butter in the crock-pot. Chop apples and add a few spices, allowing the mixture to simmer for the day. Other homemade treats to consider include gingerbread cookies, apple pie or pumpkin bread.