A Complete Guide to Combination Switches and Receptacles

Learn how to install 12 different types of switches, plugs, and receptacles in your home. There’s more to a light than just a flip of the switch. A responsible homeowner understands thedifferent types of switchesand how they work. Once you’ve mastered the basics, learn about nontraditional receptacles and switches and how they function. Installing Combination Switches These devices combine two functions. Correctly installed, they’re just as safe as two individual switches....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 410 words · Amy Conner

A Complete Guide to the Most Common Types of Curtains

Shopping for new window treatments? Our guide to curtain types can help you choose the right style for your room. In an interior design Venn diagram, curtains occupy that essential middle space between function and fashion. Credit:Anthony Masterson Eddings adds that she typically uses rings tohang almost all curtains. Rings are more functional for opening and closing during everyday use and cause less damage to the curtains. Double-Panel Curtains Panel pair curtainsare also sometimes called double-panel curtains....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 310 words · Walter Nguyen

A Complete Guide to the Types of Cinnamon to Use in Your Fall Recipes

Learn what’s really in the jar in your spice cabinet. We chatted with some spice experts all about cinnamon. What Is Cinnamon? Credit:Carson Downing All cinnamon comes from the bark of several types ofCinnamomumtrees within the laurel family. The bark is harvested from the base of the tree and placed in the sun to dry. As theyre dried, they naturally curl up, which gives us the cinnamon sticks you’re familiar with....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 263 words · Jack Lawrence

A Definitive Ranking of All the Foods I Tried at Magnolia: Here’s What to Order

From melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls to an iced peach matcha, these are all the treats I tried at Magnolia. Spoiler alert: One item was so good it earned an 11 out of 10! Orange Cream Cupcake Ranking:9/10 Where to find it:The Silos Baking Co. (Plus, my coworker Clairerecently tried all the cupcake flavorsat Magnolia and raved about this one!) Credit:Emily VanSchmus My only complaint about it was the cake-to-frosting ratio. The icing was incredible, but the orange cake was somehow even better....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 269 words · Francis Sherman

A DIY Cookie Kit Is the Perfect Gift for the Baker in Your Life

Everyone loves a sweet treat. If this idea sounds sweet to you, we have some good news. Iesha Williamsis the founder and CEO of AmazCakes. Credit:Ines Fraile / Getty Images Blaine Moats Why a DIY Cookie Kit? In addition to being fun and tasty, cookies are a creative way to giveaffordable giftsin large quantities. “I may be a little biased as a baker. Credit:Blaine Moats Who wouldn’t enjoy making cookies and eating them, too?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 216 words · Calvin Bush

A Florida Duplex Became a Peaceful Retirement Retreat for This Homebuyer

Homeowner Howard Brown decided to buy a duplex in Jacksonville, FLa city hed never even visited. Jordan Lye; chictype | Design: Kailey Whitman Howard Brown isnt one for uncertainty. I dont second guess myself, he says. Credit:Jordan Lye; chictype | Design: Kailey Whitman I dont pray on it. I dont go back and forth. If I like something, I tell you I like it. However, he wasnt new to Florida, or to homeownership....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 513 words · Deborah Young

A Foolproof Guide to Hosting Friendsgiving

Hosting Friendsgiving should be all about food and friends, not stress. Food and friendsthere’s so much to be thankful for! Celebrate your friends with the ultimate holiday gathering. Credit: Adam Albright If you haven’t heard of Friendsgiving, we’re here with the ultimate what-to-know guide. There aren’t any Friendsgiving rulesjust gather your pals and enjoy a meal together. We’re sharing tested tips for hosting Friendsgiving with ease. Credit: Hannah Bigot Plus, we’ve got you covered with fast and free printables!...

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 665 words · Kelsey Dillon

A Freestanding Kitchen Lets You Create the Versatile Space of Your Dreams

Ditch the built-in cabinetry for a freestanding kitchen that changes to meet your needs. Well, freestanding kitchens make that possible. No more awkwardly-placed kitchen cabinets and bulky islandsthis vintage storage unit brings a one-of-a-kind touch to your home. Credit:STACEY BRANDFORD What Exactly Is a Freestanding Kitchen? Plus, this style fits aesthetically with current design trends. “Additionally, using vintage furniture is a budget-friendly and sustainable way to outfit your kitchen. Credit: John Granen...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 127 words · Melissa Knight

A Guide to Garlic Scapes and How to Use Them in Spring Recipes

Dig into our garlic scape guide to infuse fresh, robust flavor into your spring menu. If this hits home, we have three pieces of great news: Read on for all the dirt. You might just dig up your new favoritespring vegetable! Credit: Brie Passano What Are Garlic Scapes? Unlike most fruits and vegetables with one harvest season, garlic has two. The first harvest hits in late spring and early summer and involves garlic scapes....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 199 words · Robyn Mccormick

A Guide to Pruning Plants for Healthier Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers

Learn how, when, and what to prune in your garden for the healthiest plants possible. The ideal window depends on the jot down of plant. Take the mystery out of when and how to do it properly with this guide on pruning plants. Credit: Doug Hetherington Dead stems attract insects and invite diseases. When to Prune Hydrangeas Manyhydrangea typesbloom on old wood, including bigleaf and oakleaf forms. Prune these types ofhydrangeasbefore midsummer....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 696 words · Debra Walker

A Guide to Staking Plants and Training Perennials for the Best Blooms

Staking gives your garden good looks and enhances plant health. The keys to aperennial garden’sbeauty are primarily unseen. Reasons for Staking Plants Perennials lean, topple, and flop for many reasons. Sun-loving perennials in part shade tend to stretch for the sun, which frequently requires that you stake plants. Other perennials are prone to flopping because of large flower heads or lanky stems. Guide to Staking Plants Staking plants falls into two categories: preventive and remedial....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 440 words · Amanda Bruce

A Guide to the Most Common Types of Decks

The easiest way to classify decks is by the material used in the construction. Each requires different cleaning and maintenance. Heres everything you better know about the types of decks available. Credit:William Wright Deck Materials Decks are frequently categorized based on the types of materials. Below are the most common deck materials. Nathan Kirkman 1. Credit:Nathan Kirkman Wood Natural wood is durable, easy to install, and feels good under bare feet....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 751 words · Lisa Allen

A Hotel Manager Told Me the Secret to Making a Luxury Hotel Bed at Home Involves These 2 Things

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. And each pick is 22% off in honor of Earth Day. After trying outNaturepedic’s bedding during a recent press trip, it quickly became my go-to bedding brand. Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Naturepedic Now, Naturepedic is hosting its largest sale ever in honor of Earth Day. From now until April 28, use the codeEARTH22for 22% off sitewide. Its what gives hotel beds that irresistible combination of comfort and luxury....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 121 words · Christopher Thomas