Wondering what to do with all of those clothes that you just don’t wear anymore? Many thrifty fashion lovers nowadays are starting to host clothing swaps, during which groups of friends get together to trade their gently worn clothes, shoes, and even accessories. Do something good for your budget and even for the environment by using these tips to host your own clothing swap at Avana Grove!

1. Decide on the perfect group. Choose a manageable group that you can fit comfortably inside of your home. While you don’t want to go overboard with people, you’ll likely want to invite at least three or four friends to ensure ample swapping opportunities.
2. Send out detailed invites. Be sure to describe how the swap will work and exactly how many items to bring in your invitation, email, or text message.
3. Create a comfortable swapping area. Set up an area in your living room or other common space where you can set up chairs, snacks, and other essentials. Designate a spare room as a "changing room."
4. Take the reins. Since many of your guests have likely never done a swap before, get things started by demonstrating how to browse the clothes and swap for items. You may even want to give people a limit on how many items they can take home.
5. Bring refreshments. Once the swap is done, keep the mood light by socializing over snacks and drinks.

How to Hold a Fashion Swap Party [WikiHow]
10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Clothing Swap [Woman’s Day]
13 Rules for a Successful Clothing Swap [Oprah]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bramblewood Fashion

Did you know that you could find rare paintings from artists like Monet, Picasso, Renoir and more here in San Antionio? If not, you must not have heard of the McNay Art Museum in Terrell Heights.

Founded in 1954, the McNay has grown from namesake Marion McNay's modest 500 piece collection to nearly 20,000 unique works of art. It's all contained in an expertly designed museum and gallery that now holds exhibits, a garden, lectures, and classrooms. The collection contains American, European, Southwest, Medieval, and Renaissance art. The McNay houses an incredible collection of theatre arts depicting scene and costume designs through the centuries. Paintings and sculptures by the well-known and little-known sit side by side.

In addition to the main house, you will love walking the beautiful grounds surrounding The McNay. Closed on Sundays, but open the rest of the week, you can get the most bang for your buck by going Thursday nights from 4 to 9 p.m. where the main house is open for free. To see the rest admission ranges from $15+ for adults.

McNay Art Museum
6000 N New Braunfels Ave
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-5368
www.mcnayart.org

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr BarnImages.com

Chocolate lovers in the San Antonio area love to pay a visit to Schakolad Chocolate Factory (pronounced “shaq-oh-LAD”) for sweet treats after dinner in the area. This European-style gourmet chocolate shop sells chocolates made entirely from scratch, on site. By using traditional European recipes passed down for three generations, Schakolad creates decadent chocolate truffles, rich fudges, chocolate-covered fruits, and much more. In addition to its chocolates, you can enjoy housemade ice creams on crispy waffle cones.

Inside, the shop is well decorated and inviting, containing glass display cases filled to the brim with beautiful chocolates that you can admire before making a purchase. With a convenient location right at The Vineyards in San Antonio, Schakolad makes the perfect dessert spot or even a great place to pick up a special gift!

Schakolad Chocolate Factory
1203 N Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 490-5333
www.schakolad.com/store29

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr m01229