Posts

“Look for something that is tried and tested and has good reviews,” says travel blogger Helene Sula. “The idea is to save space in your bag, so opt for something that has a clean design and compression features.” As someone who has traveled to 54 countries only with a carry-on, Helene says it’s all about saving space and packing strategically—and packing cubes help you do just that. We researched the best packing cubes and evaluated features like materials, size, compartments, and number of pieces to come up with this list of the best packing cubes....

One of the best Prime Early Access rug deals we’ve been eyeing is the Safavieh Dallas Shag Collection area rug, which is up to 80% off, depending on the size you purchase. This fluffy statement piece features a thick, 1.5-inch carpet pile to make your room extra cozy, and it comes in 14 different colors to choose from. To add a trendy statement piece to your flooring, shop the Ashler Home Deco Faux Fur rug....

“A car vacuum should do two things: first, provide access to all upholstered and carpeted areas in your vehicle, and second, have enough suction to pick up the dirt, crumbs, dog hair, etc. that you and/or your family leave behind,” says Jennifer Myers, director of marketing at Kunes Auto & RV Group. Sounds simple, but it can be a tall order. To find the best car vacuums, we put 20 car vacuums to the test at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa....

“1,200 to 4,000-lumen floodlights are best for residential use, especially if it’s placed at the front of the house as you don’t want to be blinded when returning home in the dark,” says Lee Churton, manager of ProElec Electrical Services. “For other areas, and larger properties, you can go for a brighter light that can deter intruders, too.” To find the best outdoor floodlights, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind size, power source, watts/volts, brightness, and light beam angle....

When whipping up pizza dough, pie crust, or a delicious homemade bread, you’ll want to have one of the best rolling pins to help you. This can ensure that your dough is evenly spread and that none of it gets stuck to the pin as you work. According to Greg Mosko, pastry chef at The Gage restaurant, “the best all around rolling pin is a standard straight rolling pin, which can be used for all aspects of the business....

However, not all wallpaper is created equally. Some styles look cheap when applied to the wall, others are prone to wrinkling, making them look warped, and still others may start to peel off the wall soon after application. We put 30 of the best wallpapers to the test in our lab to figure out which brands and styles are the longest-lasting, easiest to apply, and most attractive when installed in your home....

“The tree collar should complement and color coordinate with the theme and decorations on your tree,” said Christine Mango, holiday designer and producer. “I’d also suggest the tree collar complement the style and décor of the room where your tree is placed in your home.” To find the best tree collars, we’ve researched a variety of picks and considered factors like dimensions and material. In addition to Mango, we also consulted Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions, for her input on the subject....

Gather a variety of tools to make this cute raccoon pumpkin. A pin tool (like the one you’ll use to poke holes along the stencil lines) is useful for creating small circles, such as the ones that form this raccoon’s pupils. A drill fitted with a tiny bit works well, too. Make sure the drill bit is long enough to completely puncture the pumpkin wall; otherwise, candlelight won’t shine through....

Salad: Italian Bread Salad For the salad course, head to Tuscany, where chunks of crusty Italian bread get equal play with fresh vegetables. Can you say “bravo”? The salad gets a smoky twist when you add roasted red peppers. You can buy them roasted and jarred, or go the DIY route. To roast your own red peppers: Get the recipe: Italian Bread Salad Soup: Danish Gronkaal Soup The secret to making ham and potato soup even cozier is a handful of rolled oats....

To find out just how much geographical location factors into a house’s value, we’ll take you to three different homes across the country with similar listing prices. Each valued around $730,000, these houses showcase how your dream home might vary depending on where you live. Prescott, Arizona: $714,500 Square feet: 2,557 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Listed by: Di Ann Norkus, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | BloomTree Realty...

Ficus are sensitive when moved to a new location, and they often show their unhappiness by shedding leaves. As long as there isn’t a draft in the new spot, they’ll settle down and releaf. The stickiness you describe, however, is bad news; it sounds like honeydew—the waste of sap-eating insects like spider mites, scale, or mealy bugs. Scale and mealy bugs are visible on the plant. Scale look like little gray or brown bumps....

While painted countertops are definitely a viable option when planning an upgrade, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. “The pro of painting your countertops is that you are solely responsible for the look of the finished product,” says Andre Kazimierski of Improovy Painters. This can make for a fun DIY project that’s totally customizable based on your style and color preferences. But an amateur job can be an eyesore and cost more money to fix in the long run....

1. Hairbrushes and Combs Your hairbrush harbors a lot more than just hair. It also holds onto dust, dirt, oils, hair products, and even dust mites—not the kind of buildup you want on your clean hair. Pull excess hair out of your brushes daily, and shampoo your hairbrush at least once a month. To clean, add a few drops of shampoo to warm water and swirl the mixture until suds form....

From floating shelves and classic cabinets to repurposed vintage furniture and open shelving, get inspiration from these pretty and practical laundry room shelves that elevate this utilitarian room. Our collection of favorite laundry room shelving ideas has something for every size and style of space. Related Video

Related Video

Related Video

Related Video

Related Video

Related Video

A. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘Stained Glassworks Copper’)—1 B. Lantana ‘Dallas Red’—1 C. Bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax)—2 D. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘True Red’)—1 E. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘Stained Glassworks Big Blond’)—1 F. Licorice vine (Helichrysum petiolare)—1 A. Petunia ‘Ruffle Pink’—2 B. Verbena ‘Aztec Raspberry’—3 C. Coleus (Solenostemon ‘Frilly Milly’)—1 D. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’)—2 E. Angelonia ‘Angelface White’—1 A. Bacopa (Silk ‘Bridal Bouquet’)—4 B. Torenia ‘Catalina Blue’—1 C. Calibrachoa ‘Cabaret Purple’—2 D....