Clothing swaps are becoming increasingly popular ways to recycle your old clothes and gain some new-to-you favorites in return. By simply inviting a few friends to bring a few items each, you can organize a clothing swap in no time. Here are a few tips for pulling it off.

1. Get the word out. It’s best to invite 10 to 15 people for maximum swapping possibilities. Send out email invitations about one month in advance describing how to event works so that guests have ample time to start cleaning out their closets.
2. Choose the perfect space. If you live in a studio apartment, it may be best to host the swap at a friend’s house with a larger common space. Choose a living room or even a covered area in the backyard if it’s warm outside.
3. Get organized. Even among close friends, things can get a bit crazy if you simply dump the clothes into a pile and have at it. Create a type of system where each guest gets a certain number of items, or have the previous owners “auction” their pieces off by telling a background story about each item.
4. Settle fights efficiently. If more than one person wants a particular item, develop a system for deciding who should get it. Choose a name out of a hat, or if your friends feel comfortable, let the group decide who wears it best.

13 Rules for a Successful Clothing Swap [Oprah]
10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Clothing Swap [Women’s Day]
Swap 'Til You Drop: Throwing a Clothing-Swap Party is On-Trend [Bethenny]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/2Tales

Challenger 7 Memorial Park is perfect for hiking, running, walking, or just enjoying the great outdoors in Webster. The park was designed as a tribute to the seven astronauts who lost their lives in the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion. A monument is located within the park. Plenty of amenities are located in the park, like bathrooms, a few water fountains, benches, and playground areas. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the pavilions. Take a casual stroll on the boardwalk or explore nature on one of the trails. The trails are great for walking or running. They aren't too difficult but offer some challenges, like hills. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer and until 7 p.m. in the winter.

Challenger 7 Memorial Park
2301 W Nasa Boulevard
Webster, TX 77598
(713) 440-1587
http://hcp1.net/Parks/ChallengerSevenMemorial.aspx
http://www.yelp.com/biz/challenger-7-memorial-park-webster

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Rosewoman

One of the leading casual dining chains in America right now is Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Founded by two men from Texas who wanted to share the joy of flavorful, inexpensive Italian food with the world, it’s grown rapidly since incorporating in 1986 and now boasts hundreds of locations around the country. The fare is solid and well-prepared.

Start your meal with one of their can’t-miss appetizers – they have a menu of five delectable choices for just five dollars each. The lightly fried zucchini is quite good, as is the bacon and caramelized onion flatbread. For entrees, regulars rave about the chicken Bryan – wood-grilled chicken served with sundried tomatoes, goat cheese, fresh basil and lemon butter. Meats and fish from the grill are a specialty, with sirloin marsala and a hazelnut-breaded tilapia both drawing raves. Their pastas are also good, with the oven-baked manicotti a favorite.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill
502 W. Bay Area Boulevard
Webster, TX 77598
(281) 338-0574
www.carrabbas.com/restaurant/locations/TX/Webster/Webster/Index.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/carrabbas-italian-grill-webster

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jseita