5 Reasons You Should Grow Heirloom Seeds

Growing heirloom seeds in your garden can literally bring the past to life. What Are Heirloom Seeds? Either way, like the name suggests, heirloom seeds have been around a long while. Credit: Carson Downing A few seed companies and organizations have also helped preserve heirloom seeds and make them more widely available. Here are five qualities that set these seeds apart and make them well worth giving a try. When you’reshopping for seeds, you may also find some called hybrids....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 173 words · Sarah Williams

5 Renting Mistakes to Avoid Before Signing a Lease

Finding the perfect property to rent can be daunting. Experts advise steering clear of these five things before signing a lease. You don’t want to be stuck in a lease you’re not satisfied with. Credit:Andreas H / Getty Images When renting a house, a lease will also include expectations about maintenance. Ask your landlord to include these things in the leasebefore you signso you have the expectations in writing. “And see to it you clarify any questions up front before signing the lease....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 265 words · Keith Bailey

5 Retro Decorating Tips from the '80s That Still Work Today

The ’80s are making a comeback. Embrace these time-tested design principles to create a stylish and nostalgic home. SCOTT LITTLE / BHG APRIL 1983 ISSUE 1. Credit:Read McKendree This approach celebrates abundance, layeringbold colors, patterns, and textures. However, achieving a stylish, curated look requires design intentionality rather than random chaos. To simplify mixing and matching, a 1980s BHG issue recommended curated design collections. Paint suppliers offer curated palettes, while fabric suppliers provide collections with cohesive textile combinations....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 328 words · Kimberly Smith

5 Rooms You Should Never Put Carpet In

Carpet has been a staple in homes for decadesbut you should never install it in these rooms. Jay Wilde Carpet floors have been a staple in homes for decades. Its comfortable and practical, making it a frequent choice for bedrooms and living rooms. Credit:Jay Wilde While carpet has its upsides, it also has its drawbacks. Frommaintenance to cleanup, carpet flooring can be costlyespecially if you install it in the wrong spaces....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 285 words · Roy Harvey

5 Sample Thanksgiving Menu Ideas to Celebrate Right

There’s something for everyone among these sample Thanksgiving menu ideas. Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Lisa Hubbard Do you prefer pumpkin orpecan pie? To cut down on stress the day of, prepare the potatoes up to 48 hours ahead and chill. Credit:Blaine Moats Some of these quick and easy Thanksgiving recipes take just 10 minutes to prepare! Stick to easy make-ahead appetizers like cheese balls that can hang out in the refrigerator overnight....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 175 words · Jonathan Peterson

5 Screen Porch Ideas on a Budget

A screened-in porch is a great space to relax and entertain guests in your home. Here are some screen porch ideas on a budget. That’s why we’ve put together these gorgeous screen porch ideas on a budget. Credit: Richard Leo Johnson So how much will it cost to add this relaxing, functional space to your home? Here are ways to plan and build a screen porch without spending a fortune....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 278 words · Ian Gomez

5 Secrets for Finding Buried Vintage Treasures, Straight from Design Pros

This mother-daughter duo spills their best tips and tricks on how to find vintage pieces for your home. They shared their shopping rules along the way. you’re gonna wanna have a lot of patience," says Mally. Credit:Annie Schlechter It takes a while to learn the tactic of doing junk stores well," says Mally. It must have taken someone hours to create that little ceramic piece. It’s OK to Walk Away...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 103 words · Samantha Baxter

5 Signs You Have a Clogged Dryer Vent That Could Cause a Fire

In many homes, the dryer vent goes untouched. Theres more to preventing dryer fires than cleaning the lint tray. Because its behind a bulky machine, its all too common for homeowners to ignore this vent. Credit: Edmund Barr But leaving yourdryer ventto collect debris can be very dangerous. A blocked or clogged dryer vent prevents your machine from working properly and can even cause a house fire. There are local services that can help you maintain a clean, safe dryer vent....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 301 words · Katrina Pineda

5 Simple Storage Ideas for Bulk and Backstock Items

Stay on top of household inventory and keep your space more organized with this easy storage guide. Shopping at wholesale retailers likeCostcoor Sams Club comes with a number of advantages. Knape / Getty Images 1. Credit:Knape / Getty Images Conversely, if you have the storage space, you might benefit from buying in bulk more often. From a financial and accessibility perspective, it can save significant money and time. As youre taking inventory, be sure to include the following categories....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Elizabeth Clark

5 Simple Tips for Preparing Your Garden for Winter Weather

Help your perennials, trees, shrubs, and more come back stronger after the winter. As temperatures drop in autumn, it’s a good time to start preparing your garden for winter. It may seem like not much is happening in your yard as the weather cools. Credit: Marty Baldwin However, a lot is going on in the soil until it freezes. you’re able to help prepare all your plants for winter with these simple techniques....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 367 words · David Camacho

5 Simple Ways to Keep Cut Lilacs from Wilting in a Vase

Find out how to keep cut lilacs from wilting too quickly with these tips. So, how do you keep cut lilacs from wilting? Cut Lilacs Strategically The best time tocut flowers from lilac shrubsis early morning when theyre fully hydrated. Credit: Andy Lyons Use sharp,clean pruning shearsto sever the stems just above a set of leaves. Then, immediately plunge the stems into a bucket of cool water. On a warm day, move the flowers indoors into cooler temperatures as soon as possible....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 261 words · Laura Dawson

5 Smart Home Upgrades that Can Make Every Day a Tiny Bit Easier

You dont have to be a tech genius to enjoy the benefits of these life-simplifying smart home upgrades. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, there are several smart home features that can transform your life. Multi-room Wi-Fi home audio systems let you play DJ throughout your homewith full control over the sound. Credit: EyeWolf / Getty Images This is ideal for families with distinct schedules and styles. Some can even measure the temperature outside and adapt to weather changes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 329 words · Marcus Thompson

5 Smart Solutions for Dealing with Poor Drainage in Your Yard

Constantly soggy soil makes it tough for most garden plants to survive. Use these ideas to either fix the problem or work better with what you have. That’s because the soil has tiny pore spaces that hold oxygen that roots need to stay healthy. Credit: Laurie Black But there is good news! Some plantsthrive in constantly moist, even wet, soil. How Wet Is Your Soil? If you have wet, soggy soil, moisture-loving plants such as cardinal flower will still thrive and bloom....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 352 words · Charles Mitchell