Space Treat: Prune Away Your Clutter.

What do pruning a tree and clearing out your clutter have in common?

Pruning is one of the healthiest things you can do for a tree:
· It prevents diseased branches from further destruction.
· It supports healing when you remove a damaged limb.
· It encourages a tree to develop a strong structure and restores it's vitality.

This is exactly what happens during the "pruning" phase of organizing. Whatever you call it - editing, tossing, letting go, reducing, eliminating or pruning - when you move your excess and clutter out, you get the same benefits as the tree.
· It prevents chaos and clutter from further expansion.
· It reduces the overwhelming feelings created by excess clutter.
· It creates forward momentum by letting go of draining items.
· It stimulates creativity, energy and productivity.
· It builds an environment that supports your current lifestyle and goals.

Go get yourself a big "lawn and leaf" bag and start filling. Clutter blocks your vision the same way branches do. Just imagine how much better you'll feel by lightening up your space. Go on... prune the branches of clutter that are weighing you down and clear the path to your future!

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Update Your Undies

A new season has begun and your wardrobe is changing. Are your undies changing with it? Having the right undergarments to wear under your clothing is key to a sleek look. Wearing old and faded lingerie can leave you looking lumpy and bumpy, not to mention feeling frumpy. Restocking your lingerie chest should start with a good cleaning out. Discard anything that’s worn, faded or doesn’t fit. Then take an inventory of what you need. Take into account the type of clothing you’ll wear this spring and summer and think about a few items that will make your lighter weight clothing fit better. If you haven’t been fitted for a bra in a couple of years this is a great time to have a professional fit you to ensure you’re wearing the correct size. Your basic undies should be in a color that’s close to your natural skintone for the most discreet look. Have black to wear under your black and darker items, as well as some colorful items just for fun. Try adding a few items of shapewear to your stash to ensure you’ll be covered in all the right places. Your clothes will look fabulous and you’ll feel sleek and sexy knowing that your unmentionables are boosting your bottom line and keeping the girls right in place.

Indulge Mom in Chocolate

If you're like me you do like some good chocolate at the end of a long day. Preferably with a glass of really good red wine. And a little quiet time to really enjoy it. Well, the quiet time rarely happens but the wine and chocolate are a frequent indulgence at my house.

Why not treat yourself or your own mom to Mother's Day gifts from See's Candies? Well-known and loved since 1921, See's brings you a wide variety of chocolates and candies to please even the pickiest of moms.

We want to treat you to some chocolate this Mother's Day. One winner will receive a $25 gift card for See's Candies. To enter, just tell us what your favorite flavor is - orange filled, caramel, etc... Don't forget your email. Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 30.

Help Mom Shape Up with Shapewear

Know what's going to make mom (you!) look great this Mother's Day? Shapewear from Spanx! What she wears underneath it all is what creates a good foundation, ensuring that her clothes fit well without any unsightly bumps or bulges. If you're new to shapewear, sit back and relax while I show you some key pieces that will help bring mom a smooth, sleek silhouette while they visually take off pounds and make her look fabulous!

Power Panties ($30) are the starting point when you don't want to show the world all you've got. Loved by Gwyneth and Blythe alike, Power Panties work for women off all generations to create a smooth bottom line. Wear these under your clingy knits, anything white or your most fitted dresses to avoid lumps, bumps and VPL. You'll wonder what you did without them. A must have!

Expectant mamas needn't miss out on all the opportunities to look sleek and smooth! For you Spanx has created the Power Mama ($32) that shapes your rear and thighs while supporting your growing belly and your back to keep you looking chic and feeling fantastic!

For a top half that looks and feels as great as the rest of you, try a Bra-llelujah! Available in both underwire and soft cup styles, it features an all hosiery back for a smooth line under clothes and a soft feel. This bra gives you all the support you need while freeing you from uncomfortable hooks, elastic and tags. This will have mom saying hallelujah!"

Throwback to Simpler Times - and Real Sugar!

Back in the day soft drinks such as Pepsi and Mountain Dew were smooth, delicious - and sweetened with natural sugar. Fast forward several decades and the formula has be tweaked and the sweetener changed to high-fructose corn syrup. While change can be good, it doesn't always result in a more desirable outcome. Call me a purist, but I much prefer natural sugar to high-fructose corn syrup, so when I heard about Pepsi Throwback I was very excited.

Now available nationwide for a brief stint of only 8 weeks beginning April 20 (why do they tease us like this?) in 20-oz retro designed bottles and 12 oz. cans, Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback will leave you wistful for the good old days!

Win It!
In honor of this Throwback, Pepsi is giving away some memorabelia along with some of the good stuff - both Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback. One winner will receive a $150 Throwback prize pack that includes:

Pepsi Throwback Trucker Cap
Retro Pepsi Tin Lunch Box
Retro Clock Radio/CD Player
USB Lava Lamp
Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback

To enter, leave a comment and tell me what you like about this Throwback (don't forget your email address). Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 30.

Hats to Go

A hat is a powerful thing. Possessing the power to transform an outfit from simple to elegant, hats create mystery and intrigue. But a good hat does much more than make a woman look like she leads a fascinating life - a hat shields our delicate skin from the sun. If any of you have had a scare with skin cancer, you know how increasingly important this is, and that sometimes sunscreen is not enough.

Finding a great hat that you can stash in your pool bag, keep in the car for soccer games or pack in your suitcase for your next vacation can be a challenge. This Ribbon Roller Hat from the Proper Topper is just $34 and rolls up compactly to stash in your glove box or your tote bag.

If you're looking for a straw hat that can top your look off with some color, these packable straw hats with a 3" brim are just the thing! At $39.50 you get an adjustable and chic hat crafted from durable poly-straw. Top it off with a flower pin and you'll look lovely!

Grandparents Behaving Badly

Now that you have kids, how has your relationship with your parents changed? Are they good grandparents, respecting your decisions and supporting your role as parent? Or do they sneak junk food to your kids when you're not looking, have tantrums of their own and ask very personal (offensive, even) questions and expect you to answer them?

Grandparents.com is all about grandparents and the roles they play in our lives. Read what mommy bloggers had to say about their kids' grandparents (you'll hear about my beef with my own mom) at Grandparents.com in an article dedicated to letting moms vent about some of the crazy things their own parents (or in-laws) do once they become grandparents. Sometimes they'll really shock you!

Aveeno Goes Green

To celebrate Earth Day AVEENO® hosted a design contest with Fashion Institute of Technology students to create a chic print for a limited-edition, organic cotton AVEENO® ENRIROSAX® Bag. Today, the first 1,000 people to log-on to aveeno.com/JUBILANCE at 12:00 PM (Eastern Time) will receive the winning bag plus a sample of the new AVEENO® NOURISH+ Hair Care Collection.

These eco-chic bags were designed by up-and-coming designer Jeff Tsui and are only available as giveaways through the site. Although they are free, they they benefit a great cause. For every bag given away AVEENO® will make a $10 donation to Global Green USA, which supports the fight against global climate change and the creation of green buildings and cities within the United States. So spend your lunch hour doing something good and get rewarded with free stuff.

It's Earth Day - Let's Celebrate!

Happy Earth Day! Today is a day for reflecting on our environment and taking stock of our daily habits to see where we may possibly tread a little more lightly on our planet. Creating awareness by marking one day as "earth day", we should use this moment to create new habits that are a bit more eco-friendly. Fortunately, some great companies have already beat us to it and are going along for the ride to see that eco-friendly doesn't mean boring. Quite the contrary, eco-friendly has opened up a whole new world that is inspiring and helps us to feel good as we do good. Here are some things eco-friendly that we just love:

The popular polish brand butter LONDON is offering a free nail lacquer of your choice if you’re one of the first 500 customers to log onto butterLONDON.com on Earth Day. butter LONDON is a 3 Free company whose products contain no formaldehyde, no Toluene and no DBP for a manicure that you can feel good about. If I'm up early enough to log on in time I'll have to decide between Yummy Mummy, Pink Ribbon or Eastender, three shades that all rock the nudes trend I'm so fond of this season. ($14 value)

Treating yourself to eco-friendly fashion doesn't have to break the bank.
Loomstate has been a pioneer in organic clothing design for some time and has recently created a line of casual separates exclusively for Target for both men and women. Ranging from denim to shorts to tees, all items are crafted from 100% organic cotton and priced between $14.99 and $44.99.

Keds is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for each and every pair of Green Label Keds sold in 2009. These eco-friendly kicks have uppers made from organic cotton and a 20% recycled rubber soles. Non-toxic dyes give the canvas its color, laces made from 100% recycled PET (water bottles), and the list goes on. Quite a bargain of a shoe for $55.

Do you know if your beauty products are as natural as they claim to be? With natural and organic becoming hot buzzwords, they're not always used accurately. To help resolve this dilemma, the Natural Products Association has created a certification program that defines what natural can be used to label, and sets a standard of compliance that products must adhere to in order to be marked with the seal. In an industry with so little regulation this is great news that will help consumers make better choices.

Go Bohemian!

Along with warmer weather comes a little more relaxed attitude about fashion. Spring is a bit more unstructured, time to shake off the rigidity of the colder months and have a little fun with our clothes!

A great way to add a fun accent to your casual wear is with pair of jangly boho earrings. Whether they're chandeliers with crystals, filigree or piles of beads, they'll add a hint of romance and an air of mystery to even your most basic warm weather clothes.

Shield Baby from the Sun While Nursing

Now that the weather is getting warmer and we're spending more time outdoors, protecting baby's delicate and sensitive skin from the sun becomes more important than ever. But if you're nursing, time spent outdoors watching the older kids also means a little more risk of exposure. Why not conquer both problems with a fun breastfeeding hat from Moboleez? These cute hats are equipped with an oversized brim designed to do double duty. It works to shield baby from light, noise and exposure to the sun while protecting your own delicate areas from exposure while baby nurses. Made in super-soft fabrics, Moboleez breastfeeding hats come in either pink or blue with your choice of designs or even your child's name on top.

Wear Nude Shoes to Lengthen Your Legs

Want longer legs? Then opt for one of the hottest trends of the season and choose nude colored heels. This trend has been brewing for some time with celebrities rocking nude-hued heels with their LBDs. As color began to emerge the shade of the dresses evolved - but the shoes remained. And why not? Wearing skin-toned shoes is flattering for a variety of reason. First of all, wearing a color that repeats your skintone works to enhance your skin's natural beauty. But most important is that nude toned shoes (that is, shoes that are similar to your own natural skin color, whatever that may be) lengthen your leg line and make your legs appear longer. You'll look tall, sleek and slim.

The nude trend works nearly as well in flats as it does heels. Try a nude-toned flat with your cropped pants, jeans or skirt for a chic and contemporary look. The other great thing about nude colored shoes is they work well with any color. Wear them with your graphic black and white prints, your floral sundresses, or your most vibrant shades of lemon, turquoise or coral. Your look will be fresh - and even if you change your clothes at the last minute your shoes will still look fabulous with the outfit!

Space Treat: Showcasing Your Photos

If you read last week's Space Treat, you now have the techniques to differentiate between your photo gems and duds. The duds go directly into the trash and the gems can either be stored or displayed. Today's Space Treat is dedicated to creative ways to display some of your gem photos so that they don't end up cluttering your home.

1. Use magnetic ropes for displaying photos spontaneously or for creating a rotating gallery.

2. Turn a photo into a night light or lamp at PhotoLightFrames.com.

3. Create custom wallpaper from any digital image.

4. Turn pictures from last year's summer vacation into art for your home by enlarging any photo to a poster size print. Or turn a photo into a static window cling image and transform a window that needs privacy or has an unsightly view .

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Make a Statement

When wearing jewelry this season remember: less is more. Jewelry is all about making a statement in 2009 and a fabulous pair of oversize earrings, a chunky ring or a statement necklace is really all you need. Try a bold necklace with your favorite top and skirt for a look that’s very on-trend. Or wear a pair of oversized hoop earrings to your next soiree. Just remember to keep the scale of the jewelry in proportion with you. You want to wear the jewelry, not have the jewelry wear you.

Let Rick Springfield Sing Your Kids to Sleep

Many years ago I saw Rick Springfield as my very first concert. It was the summer before my freshman year of high school and my BFF and I were HUGE fans. We'd rush home to catch "Dr. Noah Drake" on General Hospital just to ooh and all over his tall, dark and handsome good looks. We'd swoon as we listened to "Jessie's Girl" and when we had already planned a beach trip one weekend, there was no question we'd change our plans when we found out he was playing a concert at Carowinds. Fortunately, her mom was a trooper! She even sat with us on the front row.

Fast forward a few (dozen) years later and Rick and I have both changed a lot. I'm now a responsible parent waiting for the next concert to come around that MY daughter will swoon over. And that's kind of ironic because Rick is now singing to her generation. With his new CD, My Precious Little One, Rick serenedes the little ones with his original lullibies. Written for his very own sons, his songs are soothing enough to comfort your child yet just mellow enough to help you relax while enjoying his great voice. It does seem slightly strange to hear that voice cooing out lullabies - but when I look at how much time has passed between then and now, it's a perfectly natural evolution. I give My Precious Little One a thumbs up!

Win It!
One winner will receve a copy of My Precious Little One. Just send me an email and tell me your favorite Rick Springfield song (don't forget your email) and you could win an autographed copy and let your kids grow up listening to him too! Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 24, 2009.

Diaper Bags for Busy Bees

With so many diaper bags on the market these days it can be hard to choose the one that's right for you. I'm winding down on my diapering days (hopefully - my son's 2 1/2 already), but if I were in the market for a great looking diaper bag that suited my needs, I'd sure be tempted by the chic and functional bags from Baby Bee. What I love most about Baby Bee bags is the luscious fabrics they come in. No, wait, it would have the be their multi-functionality. Ok, it's a toss up. Let's just say there's a lot to love about these bags.

With two collections designed to keep modern moms (and dads) fully stocked for busy days with baby, Baby Bee has created the Fabian line and the Eglan line. The Fabian line is perfect for mamas trekking through the city, or those who need to have their hands free. This line features backpack style bags with padded and adjustable straps (one strap is even equipped with a cell phone pocket to keep it handy), stroller straps and tons of pockets for everything from wipes to snacks. A detachable changing pad unfurls from the bag to keep it handy, or zips off to be washed. Exterior pockets keep sippy cups and water bottles close at hand.

The Eglan line is designed to be worn as a backpack, over the shoulder or messenger style. It includes all of the above, but adds my favorite touch - a detachable pouch that you can use for your personal items (keys, cash, feminine products) so you don't have to haul the entire bag with you to the ladies room or to run a quick errand. Made from a micro-fiber, these bags are easy to clean and made to last. So if you're expecting, or just not happy with your current diaper bag, try a Baby Bee. You won't be disappointed.

Win It
We're giving away this Eglan bag in orange from Baby Bee ($130 value). To enter, just tell us which print and style you like best and don't forget your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 21.

Quote for the Day

"The best thing a woman can do is to ignore the trends and trust her instincts."

Mary Michele Little

Space Treat: Picture Perfect

Just like your paper, magazines, mail and e-mail, photos can easily contribute to that cluttered feeling. Whether you have boxes of 35mm prints stockpiled under your bed or digital photos monopolizing your camera and computer, it can be quite a challenge to differentiate between the gems and the junk. Overwhelmed by the mere thought of editing your photo collections? Here are 4 qualities you can use to ditch the duds.

1. Memorable Moment. Does it fully capture a specific moment in time that you want to remember forever? For example, your son's graduation from College or your daughter's graduation from Medical School.

2. Love it. You have to absolutely love the expression of the photo regardless of how anyone actually looks in it. Sometimes the best picture happens when you're not looking exactly picture perfect. For example, some photos from last Summer's Memorial Day BBQ pool party… maybe you're not exactly loving the bathing suit shot of you but everyone else is laughing so hard at a joke you were telling that you practically start laughing just looking at it.

3. Meaning. Does the photo evoke emotions? Is it reflective of a day that has particular meaning to you? Are the people in it particularly meaningful to you? For example, a photo of your kids in the park the day you all decided to adopt your dog from the shelter.

4. Reduce. Only keep 1 to 4 pictures representative of each particular experience. You know how this goes… you snap, snap, snap a dozen photos hoping to capture an event. They all seem relatively decent and worth keeping but be ruthless and whittle it down to 4 per experience maximum.

You may find using all 4 guidelines very challenging but in the end you'll have a photo library that's easier to enjoy and manage.

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Shield Your Skin

With everyday exposure to sun, chemicals and environmental irritants sometimes lotion isn’t enough to protect our skin. Skin MD Natural™ is a new formulation that creates a barrier to protect skin from outside chemicals and irritants while healing itself. This thin lotion is instantly absorbed into the skin without any greasy residue. The SPF of 15 protects against exposure to the sun and the shield protects against free radicals, leaving your skin smooth, soft and looking radiant. Recommended for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, as well as normal, healthy skin. Use Skin MD Natural™ on your face as well as your body to provide hydration and keep the ravages of time at bay. Available in several sizes for $18 – $25.

Beach Bum on a Budget

Last week my kids were on spring break so we headed to the beach for a few days of relaxation and fun! What's great about going to the beach in April is that, after months of chilly weather peppered with sunny days, the beach is already warm and inviting. Our attempt to swim in the outdoor pool was foiled when my son exclaimed that the water "feels like ice cubes", and the ocean wasn't much better. However, it was just perfect for an Easter egg hunt oceanside and some much needed family time.

The only thing that really stressed me out this weekend was what I was going to wear. Not necessarily clothing, but shoes. I have purchased a few great pairs of sandals recently, but none were very beach friendly. Beach is synonomous with casual in my world (we frequent Pawley's Island, SC where you can walk into almost any restaurant wearing flip-flops and shorts), but I still wanted something cute. Here are some of the chic sandals I discovered, and the best part is the price! All can be had for a song, and will be perfect for your next trip to the shore.

1. These bright turquoise patent slingback Margo Thongs from KMart brighten up your basics for just $14.99.

2. For a boho feel try these Fringed Suede Slingbacks, also from KMart, for just $16.99.

3. Miss Trish of Capri has teamed up with Target, who now features a collection worthy of Palm Beach. Her Starfish Sandals are perfect for lounging, as well as running around, and can be had for just $29.99.

4. Have you been tempted by the jellies coming off the runways at Tory Burch? Try these Yellow Jelly Thongs that come in at about 1/10 the price and add a shot of glamour to your poolside look.

5. Miss Trish of Capri for Target does it again with her Bee Sandals. In white patent, they're perfect with shorts, a maxi dress or a cute sundress at just $29.99.

6. Target keeps us on our toes by bringing us the hottest styles at prices our budget won't mind. These Bronze Gladiators bring high style to a casual sandal for just $19.99.

7. A shot of bright yellow gives your summer look a golden glow. These Yellow Patent Cork Thongs from KMart are just $14.99, but look like so much more!

8. Metallics are everywhere this season and are perfect for your next holiday to the beach. These geometric Thong Sandals go with everything from nudes and neutrals to your brightest brights, slip easily into your beach bag, and are just $14.99.

Countdown to Your Summer ShapeUp

Ok, mamas, January 1st has come and gone - how are you doing on your fitness resolutions? With only a little more than 2 months left until summer, and a wardrobe filled with tank tops, swimsuits and shorts, are you ready?

Well get ready because Helena Collins of Life in Synergy is ready to coach you into shape. Helena is an award-winning fitness trainer who has created an online program designed to help you bust through your obstacles and get yourself in the best shape of your life. Helena has created the Synergistics Lifestyle Program, an online program based on the simple idea that your overall fitness and health does NOT happen in the gym, but in your everyday life (sound do-able? I thought so!) Her eight-week program helps you to do more than just count calories - it'll help you get the most out of your workouts. A daily lesson coaches you on the essentials of well-being such as stretching, breathing, stress release, spinal care and nutrition followed by a simple plan to put it all into action.

Helen's clients typically pay $3600 for her one-on-one guidance, but she's offering it up online for just $49.99 (just 89 cents a day - much less than a latte) and includes a pedometer, fitness bag and water bottle.

Get ready, bikini!

One Fit Mama Giveaway

Exercising while pregnant helps to balance hormones, encourages better sleep, gets baby off to a good start and gives you a healthy glow. Fit2BMom wants to encourage moms to embrace a fit and healthy life style and does their part by designing versatile active wear that contours to a woman's changing shape during all nine months. Tops, jackets, bottoms and headbands make up the Fit2BMom line and give moms stylish options for the gym and beyond ($49 - $79).

Use code "CHICMAMA09" receive a complimentary “Get Fit Kit” with purchase containing a Fit2BMom drawstring gym bag and moisture-wicking headband on all orders placed before 4/15/09.

Win It!
One winner will receive a
2BActive Kit ($120 value) with either long or cropped pants. To enter please leave a comment and tell us what your favorite Fit2BMom item is. Also, let us know whether you'd like long pants or cropped, and what size you'll need. These both come only in black so you'll be good to go with your basics. Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 15, 2009.

Makeup That's Good Enough to Eat

With all the talk of eco-friendly and organic products, it seems that finding good makeup that isn't filled with parabens, mercury and other toxic ingredients is either a huge challenge, or incredibly expensive. Not true with 100% Pure products. This affordable line is created using the finest fruit extracts, antioxidants and other things that sound as delicious to eat as they are for your skin.

This gentle Pure Lip & Cheek Tint ($15) gets its luscious color from organic berries and red wine. We all know how red wine can stain lips - what a clever idea to include it! This great product is not only all-natural and contains some serious moisturizers, but does double duty as both a cream blush and a lip tint.

Do you avoid mascara because of all the toxic additives? You no longer have to with 100% Pure's Lengthening and Conditioning Mascara ($27.50 for 2 tubes). Infused with fruit pigments instead of mercury and parabens, your eyes will really pop!

Nourish your lips with Pigmented Lip Glaze ($21.36 set of 2) that infuse your lips with antiaging antioxidants as well as all-natural color and strawberry flavory and you'll look (and taste) gorgeous!

With products this pure and natural, wearing makeup becomes more beneficial to your skin than ever, and gives new meaning to the term peaches-and-cream complexion!

Treats and Goodies

The key to a happy life is continual treats...and a few goodies, too. That's the premise behind the website One Goodie, whose aim is to bring us one goodie a day at a great price. How cool is that? Today's FoodieGoodie just happens to be from one of my favorite chocolatiers, South n' France, and just in time for Easter!

Regularly $24, One Goodie offers us these Easter Egg bon bons at a bargain price of at $19.25. Sounds like a winner to me! Just make sure you don't give them all to the kids - save some for yourself, too!

Space Treat: Clutter to Cash

Hi there!

Thank you to all who wrote in with congratulations and good cheer regarding my feature in last week's Daily News! The writer, the photographer and the featured woman, Lisa, were absolutely delightful to be with so I had a blast doing what I love most - digging people, just like you, out from underneath their disorganization. In case you didn't get a chance to read it yet, click here for the Daily News website. It's loaded with lots of easy-to-implement tips.

And since the focus of the article was about turning your clutter into cash, I thought I'd follow up today's Space Treat and share the best tips for creating a successful listing on-line that sells!

Here you go:

1. Create an account at Craig's List (referred to as CL from here on out). This makes it very easy to access and edit your listings.

2. Create a "folder" in your email program. Call it "Craig's List" and use it to manage and store all the emails from potential buyers as well as the original email confirmation from CL.

3. Research what comparable items are selling for on CL. So, if you want to sell your 7 year old iMac G4 but not sure what it's worth, then just do a search and see what the going rate is.

4. Photograph. CL allows 4 photos but you can have a link to another site like Flickr with more pictures there. It's important to have multiple photographs that show not only the overall look but also the close-up details. Show all angels not just the front. Photos make the sale so clean up your item to make it as photogenic as possible for the camera and remove any extra clutter from the area before shooting.

5. Describe. Share as many details as you can here like materials, age, origin, measurements, damages, honesty counts here, current condition and price. The more accurate and honest your listing is the better your chances are that they won't decline when they come to see it. Engage all senses when writing the description and make it personal - use "I" and craft a small storey about the object. With furniture or clothes/fabrics mention that it comes from a smoke-free, or pet-free home if applicable. Include suggestions like, "college kids love these - makes for a great graduation gift" or "very easy to clean and pet-friendly". Offer a grouping of items - say you have 2 large ceramic bowls and one small one - instead of listing each on separately. List all 3 as one post. So for example, a client has had success by creating a listing for 2 ceramic bowls from Deruta, Italy and writing that she would toss in the third small one for free. Note, if you continue to receive the same question over and over from prospective buyers, edit your listing to include the answer. Only accept cash.

6. Outline the exchange. State what neighborhood the item is in and how you expect them to get it. Will you drop it off, pick up with a door man, should they hire a man with van, is it walk up or elevator building, how heavy is the item, how many people are required to move it or where you would like to meet in public - maybe at a local Starbucks.

7. Contact. How should they contact you. I prefer the anonymous option through CL and then follow up with a cell phone number once you've decided to meet. I think you should always get their cell phone number because it's more traceable than an email that can be hacked or dumped.

8. Post appropriately. See which category most items like yours are listed in and post yours there as well. When writing the subject line, include key search words that buyers would be thinking about and using during their search.

9. Time limits. Set time limits for yourself so that you don't spend all your free time posting on CL. The posting has a better chance of success if you include ALL the above tips. The trick here is not to agonize over it though. We're looking for DONE not perfect. If you tend to mull over every detail, then get yourself a kitchen timer and race the clock to get it posted in a limited amount of time. Say 10 or less minutes per post.

10. Delete the listing once sold.

11. Donate it if it doesn't sell.

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Rain Boots to Keep You More Than Dry

Ah, 'tis the season for spring brunches al fresco, an afternoon spent at the arboretum and an impromptu spring shower. But don't let a little shower ruin your best footwear - keep a pair of rainboots at the ready and you'll be assured of more than dry feet. With these fashionable takes on galoshes, you'll be singin' in the rain in no time flat!

1. Shiny Wedge Rainboots from Target are a classic and understated look that keep your budget looking good too at just $17.49.

2. Sperry TopSider makes these chic paisley boots ($49).

3. If you favor the unique and non-traditional, these Peacock Cowboy Boots keep you riding high in style ($68).

4. Naturalizer's Finola boots keep you looking just dotty ($38).

5. Bogs Autumn Leaves rain boots are made from neoprene and waterproof rubber with an Aegis antimicrobial contoured insole ($89).

6. These Mod Dot boots are some of the cutest around and just a sampling of the great selection Target offers for just $24.99.

A Happy Ending to Celebrity Apprentice

The Celebrity Apprentice just wrapped up with a guest appearance by Perez Hilton and 2 really bad videos that the folks at all® just couldn't stomach. This not only means that both teams lose, but so do the charities they are playing to support. To redeem themselves, Joan and Melissa Rivers each produced a video that you can view - and vote on - and help to make one team a winner (along with either Joan's Guide Dogs for the Blind or Melissa's The Lili Claire Foundation).

Take a peek at Melissa as the Laundry Fairy (you don't want to miss this one!) and Joan in Guess That Stain. You can also download a $2 coupon for all® small & mighty® as well as enter the all® small & mighty® Celebrity Apprentice Sweepstakes: a grand prize of 2 tickets and an expense paid trip to the Celebrity Apprentice Finale! 50 runners-up will receive a 1 year supply of all® small & mighty®, a hardworking mini that's pretty mighty!

Easter Candy that's Nut-Free

With Easter just a week away, have you been pondering what E.B. will bring to the kids in your house? I've been gathering goodies for my kids for a couple of weeks and can't wait until Easter morning! I picked up a vintage Walt Disney Fun-to-Learn Library (for just $5!) for my daughter who will be 6 in June. She's reading like crazy and this gives her 19 volumes to devour, while she savors (or rather, scarfs) her Easter candy. My son is getting a trio of Thomas the Tank Engine videos to fulfill his love for the cheeky little train. They're both getting a set of bunny ears and a nice assortment of chocolates from Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates.

With so many choices for chocolates and candy you may be feeling overwhelmed. But if your kids have any kind of nut allergies, you know how much that limits your options. Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates understands how important it to create high-quality chocolates and candies that have not been exposed to nuts, and creates some amazing nut-free goodies that will leave your children feeling indulged, not like they're missing out on the good stuff.

Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates makes the classics, like solid-chocolate rabbits, chocolate coins, even cream-filled eggs and jelly beans. But they also have some fun treats like chocolate shaped pigs, fish and cats. So treat your kids without the worry this Easter with Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates.

Win It
We're giving one winner a few nut-free chocolate surprises from Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates. To enter, just tell us what you'd order from Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates and don't forget your email. Deadline is Midnight, April 8th, 2009.

Tim Gunn Goes With the Tide

If you're a fan of Project Runway then you're familiar with Tim Gunn, that arbiter of style with the dry sense of humor. The Washinton Post home staffer, Jura Koncius, recently spoke to Gunn about washing or dry-cleaning jeans and the relationships people have with their clothes. Here, he offers some tips that will help us get the most out of our clothes between washes as well as care for them for the long term.

WP: How should you arrange your closet to best care for your clothes?

TG: Don't cram everything in your closet. That pulls and stretches fibers. Lots of people believe everything should be on a hanger. No. Sweaters should be folded or stacked; a knit may be draped over a bar. I have cedar hangers for all my suits and dress pants. I'm not a snob about these. I get them online at hangers.com. I hang my shirts on the wire hangers they send from the cleaners. They don't take up a lot of space.

WP: How should you clean out your closet and organize your wardrobe?

TG: I ask women to extract everything they wear all the time and identify what they don't wear very often or not at all. Let's prioritize and give you ease of access to things you use a lot and put away things you don't use, or donate them to Goodwill or Dress for Success, or throw them away. We go through the items she wears all the time, and I ask her to look at them from the standpoint of quality. What is the condition of the garment right now? Frequently that is very revealing, and there are tomato sauce stains on this and red wine on that.

WP: I hear you're a fan of Tide to Go stain-remover pens.

TG: I carry one with me in my messenger bag, I have one in my desk drawer and also a stack in my linen closet. I have to tell you, it works brilliantly. I was nervous about it, but now I use it on my ties. And once I had a guest drop a glass of red wine that splattered all over my camel-color sofa. I got out my Tide to Go pen, and it took it all out.

*Editor's note: Tim offers some wonderful tips here that I have to agree with. I am a huge fan of Dress for Success, as well as a volunteer. If you don't know about Dress for Success, it's a wonderful organization that provides business attire to women who have been displaced or need assistance. A women gets an interview suit, then upon acceptance of a job offer, is fitted with a week's worth of clothing. It's wonderful to see these women feel empowered to care for themselves and their families. If you have clothing to donate, please consider donating it to a great cause such as Dress for Success.

Shop Your Closet: The Blazer

This season the blazer is a hot item and can be the focal point for creating multiple looks. Not just meant to be paired with it's matching pants or skirt, think of your blazers as jackets in their own right that can mix and match with many items already in your closet, giving you an updated look. A blazer is also great for adding polish to a casual look and help you feel pulled together. It looks great topping off everything from a pretty dress, a ruffled top and pants, a tee and cropped pants or jeans and a tee shirt. It's transformative powers create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

If it's been years since you've worn a blazer, don't dig through your closet and expect to pull out something that's up to the minute. Take the time to find one that fits you well and is in a color that will complete many outfits, such as this shrunken double-breasted Three-Quarter Sleeve Blazer from Topshop. In a shade (gray falls in the "nudes and neutrals" that are so on trend this season) that pairs will everything from black to white to turquoise and everything in between, it's a no-brainer as that one item that will stretch what you already have to make it look fresh and modern.