What Is Shiplap? A Guide to the Popular Building Material

Learn everything you should probably know about shiplap, including installation considerations and whether or not to go faux. Beyond the basics, there’s much to learn about these charming rustic planks. What Is Shiplap? Credit: Anthony Masterson Shiplap originally referred to the horizontal boards or planks used to construct boats. They employed a tight groove system that kept water out and, thus, boats afloat. “They all look very similar to the untrained eye,” Montgomery says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 221 words · Michelle Brock

What Is Slow Decorating? The Sustainable Home Trend with Timeless Style

Design pros share the benefits of mindful decorating, plus tips for how to successfully embrace the trend. And it can be especially challenging for someone starting with a lot of blank walls or empty floor space. What Is Slow Decorating? Credit: David A. Land It’s also an eco-conscious endeavor. Buying high-quality products results in less being thrown out or replaced. Slow decorating encouragesfinding antiques, buying used but quality items, andupdating older piecesfor continued use....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 559 words · Ray Cortez

What Is Slow Girl Autumn? 3 Home Aesthetics That Celebrate the Fall Trend

In other words, slow girl autumn has officially arrived. So how can you embrace slow girl autumn in your home decor this year? Julia Newmanis the principal designer and owner of Julia Adele Design. Credit:JEFF HERR A deep color in a bedroom embraces you and makes the room feel like a hug. Lighting a spiced candle and switching on any warm-hued lamps will also create an inviting atmosphere. Newman says it perfectly encapsulates slow girl autumn....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 179 words · Ralph Roberts

What Is Soy Sauce? Here’s What You Should Know

Soy sauce can be beneficial for gut health, but itshigh levels of histaminesmay also trigger allergies. What Is Soy Sauce? Soy sauce, or shoyu, is a dark brown, salty liquid. Credit: Atlas / Adobe Stock There is also usually an acid or fermenting agent such as mold or yeast. What Does Soy Sauce Taste Like? Soy sauce provides a salty, savory flavor to dishes whenused as a condiment. Credit: Blaine Moats...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · Connie Mullen

What Is Stinging Nettle? 5 Painless Ways to Get Rid of This Common Weed

Stinging nettle is a plant that can irritate skin. Here’s how to get rid of this unpleasant weed safely. Jevtic / Getty Images Stinging nettle(Urtica dioica)lives up to its name. Credit:Jevtic / Getty Images Brush against the pesky plant, and youll instantly know youve encountered it. A run-in with stinging nettle leaves skin red and fiercely itchy. Occasionally, blisters form, and the irritation can last for several hours. Credit: Denny Schrock...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 505 words · Seth Ross

What is Tajín? All About This Tasty Mexican Seasoning

Acid meets heat in this trendy (and addictive!) Mango or slices of watermelon, to start. Pronounced ta-HEEN, the seasoning features one of Mexican cuisine’s most popular flavor combinations: chile and lime. Credit: Courtesy of Tajín What Is Tajin Seasoning? Tajin has a warm and mild flavor with bold, tangy notes from the lime. Other varieties include low sodium or habanero, which adds an extra kick perfect for spice lovers. What Is Tajin Good On?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 237 words · Francisco Pena

What Is Tapioca, And How Do You Use It?

Its not just for tapioca pudding and boba tea. Heres why our Test Kitchen suggests stocking tapioca as a go-to pantry staple. Tapioca is native to Brazil, where its been used since the 1500s. Credit:ALLEKO / Getty Images But stateside, we still receive quite a few reader questions along the lines of what is tapioca? What Is Tapioca? Tapioca is a nearly-flavorless versatile starch. In gluten-free baking, tapioca is used in larger amounts to add structure and texture to breads and pastries....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 251 words · Jennifer Gray

What Is Tarragon? Discover How to Use This Versatile Herb

Tarragon is known as The King of Herbs in France. Aniko Hobel / Getty Images What is tarragon, exactly? If you ask the French, its The King of Herbs. Credit:Aniko Hobel / Getty Images There arethree types of tarragon: French, Russian, and Mexican (aka Spanish). Plus, were sharing the best tarragon recipe ideas, whether youre in the mood for sweet or savory. What Does Tarragon Taste Like? Credit:Blaine Moats All types of fresh tarragon have a hint of licorice flavor....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 170 words · Catherine Phillips

What Is Terrazzo? A Guide to the Popular Material

This favorite flooring and surface material stands the test of time. Jacob Fox The word terrazzo comes from terra, which is Latin for ground. This antiquity-inspired material gives an artisanal feel to home interiors. Credit:Jacob Fox Terrazzo is a composite material made with marble, granite, glass, or quartz chips set into cement. It is either poured by hand or precast into blocks that get cut to size. It comes in multiple colors and designs, which can be purchased as ready-made tiles....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 464 words · Shannon Wilson

What Is the Chalky White Stuff on Chocolate? And Is it Safe to Eat?

Those white spots on chocolate are the result of either fat or sugar bloom. Heres how to avoid it. Thats the result of chocolate bloom, which is usually due to warm temperatures or moisture. Chocolate with chocolate bloom typically has a chalky white coating. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES / TRYGVE FINKELSE. But what exactly is chocolate bloom, and how can you avoid those white spots on chocolate? Read on for everything you should probably know....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 314 words · Patrick Lopez

What is the Cost to Build a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro?

But first, you should know the average cost to build in today’s market. Costs range from $2,200 on the low end to $35,000 on the high end. How Much Does it Cost to Build a Deck Yourself vs. You’ll pay about $30 per square foot if professionally installed. Credit: Bob Stefko In fact, the economy of a DIY deck may allow for a larger design or higher-quality materials. These examples show the cost to build a deck yourself vs....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 226 words · Drew Cross

What Is the Cozy Home Aesthetic?

A focus on comfort over appearance is bringing a plusher, warmer look into our homes. After a long day, nothing feels better than sinking into your favorite comfy chair and relaxing. A timeless style that many families prefer is thecozy homeaesthetic. Credit: Jay Wilde Amber Brandt is an interior decorator and coziness consultant. Amber Brandt, an interior decorator and coziness consultant, believes that the reason behind this is apparent. To initiate this immediate shift, Brandt recommends engaging all the senses toincrease the feeling of cozinessin your home....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 119 words · Allison Lewis

What Is the FIFO Organizing Method? Here's How to Use It

This no-brainer technique will help you stay organized and save money. Learn how to use it in your everyday life with these tips. While it sounds elaborate on the surface, the concept is amazingly simple. Credit:Anthony Masterson Photography (In fact, you may already be practicing it to some extent without even realizing it!) What Is the FIFO Organizing Method? Both restaurants and homes can (and should!) Credit:Edmund Barr apply the method to keep kitchens neat and prevent food from unnecessarily going to waste....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 296 words · Stacey Chapman