A Clothing Swap Party!

A great idea from CNN.com! By Wendy Atterberry

Not only is a clothing swap a great excuse to organize your closets, get rid of stuff you no longer want, and gather a group of girlfriends for an afternoon or evening of cocktails and clothes, it's also an opportunity to score some totally free new-to-you outfits and accessories.

Swapping clothes can turn into a festive occasion with food and drink.

I found one of my favorite dresses -- a vintage summer maxi dress -- at a clothing swap a couple years ago, but I've also scored some cool jewelry, a couple silk vintage slips, a few purses, and once I even nabbed a pair of barely-worn Seven jeans that fit like a glove (for once, I was grateful for my curvy hips).
Hey, one woman's trash is another woman's favorite pants, here's my top six tips for throwing a successful clothing swap...

Read more and enjoy!

Lentil Salad- Perfect Picnic Food

This Lentil Salad has become my "go to" salad this barbeque season! Not only is it tasty, but easy to make, and improves the longer it sits! Great for picnics, since there is no mayonnaise and tastes good at room temperature. I just throw the salad together, so here is my impromptu recipe.

Try it this Labor Day weekend- you will not be disappointed!

Lentil Salad

Cook half of the bag of lentils according to directions on the package. Use the whole bag if feeding a crowd! Lentils expand a bit, so it makes a lot.

When the lentils are cooked and still warm, mix with your favorite Italian dressing and dried Italian seasoning to taste.

Then add: chopped carrots and celery, one chopped red or yellow bell pepper

The best part: Add anything marinated and from a jar! I use:

marinated artichokes

spicy banana peppers

sliced black olives or green olives

roasted red peppers

pickled green beans

marinated mushrooms

And the list goes on, only guided by your creativity.

Stir all together and let blend for at least a couple of hours- great overnight!

The pictures are decorated with a fresh nasturium- they add a slightly peppery taste.