September's to-do list

The days grow shorter, the nights are longer, the air becomes crisp and a light blanket wrapped around your shoulders cloaks you in comfort. September is when we prepare to say goodbye to summer and welcome fall. Here are a few ideas to help you get the most of this month.

1. Clean out your closet
If your closet is full of things you don't wear, don't like or haven't worn in the past 10 years, it's time to take control. Arm yourself with two garbage bags and start purging. Fill one bag with garments to throw out. Fill the other with items that can be donated to the Salvation Army or another charity of your choice. And don't just stop at clothes. Weed through shoes, handbags and anything else that's cluttering your home. (Click here for more closet cleanup suggestions.)

2. Reread your favourite book
Whether it's a classic that left an indelible impression on your mind as a child or a racy thriller that made your palms sweat, pick up an old favourite and relive everything you loved about it the first time around. It's time well spent. (Chat about your favourite books with other readers in our forums!)

3. Clean the house from top to bottom
Roll up your sleeves and attack your house with gusto! Working room by room, take notice of the details that might get overlooked in your usual cleaning routine. Do the baseboards need a good scrub? Are the spindles on the banister looking a bit dusty? Is it time to take down those drapes and send them to the cleaners? Giving your house a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning will give you a great sense of accomplishment and it'll feel great when you finally sit down to relax in a spotless home. (Check out this cleaning advice from the pros.)

4. Make time for romance
Set aside a night to spend with your partner. Pick up some food to nibble on (fancy cheese, crackers and grapes, perhaps) and a couple of bottles of your favourite wine. Load up the CD player with some romantic music and enjoy a quiet and relaxing evening together. (Click here to read about 6 ways to make your relationship last.)

5. Sign up for a class.
The kids are heading back to school this month -- maybe you should, too. September is an ideal time to sign up for a course you've always wanted to take. Think about your personal interests and about things you've always wanted to try, but never got around to. Whether it's a yoga class, learning a new language or signing up for salsa lessons, it's never too late to learn something new. (Read about taking adult ballet classes here!)

6. Invite a friend to dinner
Hectic schedules mean we tend to lose touch with people. Invite a friend you haven't seen in a long time to dinner. Meals have a wonderful way of bringing people together and it's so much more meaningful to connect face to face. (Read about the healing power of female friendships.)

7. Buy some new clothes
The stores are full of back-to-school sales, so why not get in on the action? Take advantage of discounted prices and treat yourself to a few fall basics. You needn't overdo it, but an updated wardrobe is a nice way to rejuvenate yourself. (Check out these 4 ways to wear your summer favourites into fall.)

8. Organize your photos
Perhaps all those pictures from weekends at the cottage or your summer vacation are strewn about the house. Or, if you use a digital camera, the photos haven't been uploaded to your computer yet. Sound familiar? Now is the perfect time to get those pictures organized. If you've got printed copies, dig out some photo albums (or treat yourself to some new ones) and start putting them in order. If you have a digital camera, set aside an afternoon to upload your photos and organize them into handy folders. E-mail your favourite ones to friends and family -- it's a great way to stay in touch. (Get organizing advice here!)

9. Write a letter
In this age of cellphones and e-mail, it seems like we've lost the art of letter-writing. Buy some pretty stationery and write letters to people you've been thinking about. It'll make someone's day to open his or her mailbox and find your letter.

10. Try a new recipe
Dust off an old cookbook or surf the Internet for an interesting new recipe. Spice up dinnertime with appealing additions to the menu. Check out the Homemakers.com recipe section for appetizing ideas.