KJ has a B.A. from Michigan State University featuring cognates of sociology, psychology, and rel. studies.Other types of KJ’s work can be found on sites like Oh My Veggies, Ancient Origins, Trivago, Kaplan, and Outward On, as well as blog posts created via Finfrock Marketing.KJ has several years of professional experience in the mental health and educational fields as well. My favorite purchase in recent years has been my Instant Pot....
As a result, I began to search for options to buy them a new couch. A stylish, comfortable, and good-size couch was on my list of must-haves when it came to shopping for a new model. A representative from Lovesac contacted me to ask if I would be willing to test their sofa, piquing my interest because Lovesac couches can be customized in both size and material. With its uber-functionality and ease of assembly, this sofa met all the criteria on my list....
Bonsai gardening originated in China more than 2,000 years ago before becoming popular in Japan. The art form reflects contemplative ideas of nature, elements, and change, uniquely expressed on a small scale. With regular care and attention, many prized specimens grow so old that they’re handed down from one generation to the next. You can create your own bonsai from young nursery plants or volunteer seedlings you find in the garden, like from a maple tree that drops a ton of its little helicopters everywhere....
Buy It: Grande Supertunia Royal Velvet ($30, The Home Depot) How to Grow Supertunia ‘Royal Velvet’ One trait that makes ‘Royal Velvet’ such an outstanding plant is that it’s a very heat-tolerant variety. While other petunias might sulk during the hottest part of the summer, you can count on this Supertunia to take the heat and even a little drought in stride. In fact, ‘Royal Velvet’ received 20 awards from plant trials across the country for its stunning, season-long performance in 2020....
Although the house was well-built, it had recently been neglected and fallen into disrepair. Uncontrolled humidity had led to rot and mold, so windows and trim needed to be replaced. Plus, lead paint meant the walls had to go. So the team decided to take the structure down to the studs and rebuild. With much of the storage accomplished by lower cabinets, fewer upper cabinets are needed, making the room feel even more spacious....
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Our best overall pick for a drain cleaner, Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover, is a simple and effective solution for many run-of-the-mill clogged drains, like hair in the shower or food in the sink. We also love FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner to physically remove hair and other sink-clogging debris. These are the best drain cleaners for every clogged drain or pipe in your home. Keep in Mind: Some tough clogs may require a second application....
“When it comes to outdoor lighting, a big factor is being able to keep the home visible at night while not leaving lights on all night, since that can be a waste of energy,” says Tara Dennis, co-founder and director of Archie Bolden, a design studio. “The best light type is a motion sensor light. It only activates when movement is detected and is a great solution when thinking about conserving energy....
Eventually, softer linens, like cut velvet, silk, and tooled leather, replaced this new material—a transition that made printing and painting easier. Wallpaper was also an economical alternative to tapestries, improving insulation and concealing cracks. Many early wallpapers mimicked more expensive materials, including brocade and wood. Flock wallpaper, made to resemble cut velvet, also gained popularity in the early 1600s. As wallpaper became more affordable, colorway, pattern, and material options greatly expanded....
The best air mattresses are comfortable, supportive, and durable, allowing you to sleep peacefully and wake up feeling well rested. “With any sleep surface, it needs to provide you with both comfort and support,” says Mary Helen Rogers, VP of marketing and communications at The Better Sleep Council. “When lying on the bed in your sleeping position, your head, neck and spine need to be in proper alignment.” We extensively researched the category and even tested a few of the most popular models, considering factors like size and height, weight capacity, and inflation method to inform our overall recommendations....
Raking leaves manually can take a long time and a lot of elbow grease. With a good leaf blower, the job can be done in a fraction of the time. Sean Khandker, owner of InsideOut Gardening, Landscaping, and Maintenance Services, suggests choosing a leaf blower based on what you want to do with the leaves afterward. “Fallen leaves can really be useful as mulch,” Khandker says. “So if you want to nourish your flower beds or use the leaves in a compost heap, choose a leaf blower with a vacuum capacity and a collection bag....
“Today’s nonstick cookware is more convenient and safer for everyday use than it was previously,” says Mellanee R. Harvin, private chef and owner of The Fork Goes on the Left. “Soap and warm water are all you really need.” To find the best nonstick pan, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, size, and whether or not it’s oven-safe. In addition to Harvin, we also consulted Marcel Vigneron, a chef, and Tom Dodds, a chemical engineer, for additional insight....
When shopping for the best toilets, Bill Strang of Toto recommends first understanding your home—particularly its plumbing, waste system, and bathroom layout. That will determine the size and orientation of your toilet. From there, consider your preferred design aesthetic, and look for features that will fit your lifestyle. “Dual flush systems, auto flush, and bidets can help save money on water and toilet paper,” Strang says. “Heated seats, automatic seats, and night lights can add comfort, accessibility, and safety....
Foods High in Iron There are two types of iron found in foods: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron (found in meat, fish, and poultry) is most readily absorbed by our bodies. However, there are plenty of plant-based (non-heme) sources for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians to obtain iron—the only difference is making sure you’re also adding proper vitamins (more on this later) to help your body absorb the iron. Animal-Based Iron Food Sources Animal sources with the highest amount of iron include:...
Best Types of Strawberries to Grow The three main types of strawberries are June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing strawberries, such as ‘Shuksan’ ($20, Raintree Nursery), grow well in Zones 6-10, but some varieties are better for your local conditions than others. Keep in mind that June-bearers will produce their crop earlier in warm climates, which means you could be eating berries in April. In Zones 6-8 (except for hot, humid areas), everbearing or day-neutral strawberries may be your best bet....
This year, an estimated $10.6 billion is going to be spent on Halloween candy—up $0.5 billion from last year, according to Statista. To navigate which candies are specifically landing in candy bowls across the United States, grocery delivery service Instacart decided to take a deeper look into the purchases and sweet tooth opinions of Americans. In order to find out which Halloween candies reign supreme during the holiday, Instacart analyzed purchase data from last year....
This house had everything. Designed by Hal Thomson in the 1920s, it showed the prolific Dallas architect’s grand and graceful style. Yet its limestone exterior offered a color and material departure from the period’s ubiquitous red brick. A sprawling yard could be landscaped into natural glory. Inside, architectural details abounded: paneling, dentil molding, and intricate ironwork. “Initially, this house was just a dream because it wasn’t available, so we bought a different house two streets away,” Jean says....
Start Watering Early The very best time to water turf is early morning, between 4:00 to 8:00 a.m. The combination of cooler temperatures and minimal winds allows water to soak deeply into the soil without much evaporation. Also, during this window, there’s not as much demand for water on municipal systems, which can impact pressure. Watering at midday is less efficient, since evaporation is rapid and strong winds are more common....
What Is Garden Lime? There are different types of lime, and not all are meant for landscaping purposes. Lime intended for garden use is labeled as “garden lime” or “dolomitic lime.” Made from ground-up rock, limestone, or dolomite, lime is high in calcium. Dolomitic lime differs from garden lime in that it contains magnesium, in addition to calcium. Lime makes soils less acidic, raising the pH level. Does My Soil Need Lime?...
A glass-and-metal lantern offers a beam of light for the entry and porch. If a porch floor is wood, it can be stained or painted; either way, it will require periodic retouching or refinishing. Oversize cushions provide casual, flexible seating. An eclectic mix of furnishings maintains visual consistency by relying on similar colors, including rich browns and greens. Learn how to use a path to connect your porch to your yard....
