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Lightfoot and Pawlowski’s approach to organizing is empathetic, compassionate, and intentional: “I think our general, overall approach to everything in the home is that you don’t need to be a minimalist,” Pawlowski says. “But you do need to be intentional about what you’re keeping.” Through their decade-old New Jersey­–based organizing service and new book, Lightfoot and Pawlowski are hoping to change the way we bring new items into our home—and how we get rid of (or keep) those things we just can’t seem to let go of....

Frequency: Wipe up spills as they happen; deep clean once a week. Dishwasher Although a dishwasher is designed to clean other items, the appliance itself still needs to be cleaned every few weeks. Aim for a monthly schedule that includes wiping down the door, sanitizing the tub, and washing any accessories. Dishwasher maintenance is important not only for sanitary purposes but also to keep the appliance running smoothly. A buildup of food debris, rust stains, and other grime could compromise your dishwasher’s performance....

See No-Fuss Blue Cheese and Pear Salad recipe See Cherry Crumble Pie Bars recipe

You can use special soils or fertilizers for your container plants that might not be suitable for other plants in your in-ground garden. Neighboring plants won’t soak up all of those good nutrients for themselves, either. Container gardening is a smart method of growing foods like tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and peppers as well. Not only does the height of the planter protect the plants from hungry animals, but you can set it close to your kitchen door for quick and easy access....

How to Can Hot Peppers in a Boiling-Water Canner Break out your boiling-water canner and preserve your jalapeños, serranos, and poblanos with this easy pickled pepper recipe. Because boiling-water canners are usually used for foods with higher acidity, you’ll have to pickle your peppers in vinegar (which is highly acidic) to keep them safe to eat. If you don’t have a boiling-water canner, use a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute....

Step 1: Prep Your Pears Allow for 2 to 3 pounds of pears per quart. Wash the pears with cool, clear water, but do not soak them. Drain the pears, then peel and core them. Halve, quarter, or slice the pears, depending on your preference. Dip into ascorbic acid color-keeper solution and drain. Step 2: Make a Syrup Because pears aren’t a sour fruit, you want to use a thin or medium syrup for canning them, depending on how sweet you like your fruit to be....

No matter which geranium types you select for your next container or flower bed, make sure to keep up with deadheading. And don’t forget to feed them! Zonal, Ivy, and Regal Annual geraniums come in different types: zonal, ivy, and regal. The most common of the annual variety, zonal geraniums, is the most recognizable geranium; it gets its name from the broad band of darker coloring on its leaves. In some, this “zone” is more pronounced than in others....

Exterior finishes come in transparent, tinted, semi-transparent, and solid colors. The look you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference, but there’s a practical consideration: Clear or tinted products usually last just a year or two, depending on the climate. Semi-transparent and solid stains may last two to four years. Whatever finish you choose, deck stain can be applied in several ways, including with some new products that make the job a lot easier....

How to Clean Bathroom Countertops Quickly tidying up your countertops each day will make a big difference in the look of your bathroom. After your morning routine, take a few minutes to make sure everything goes back in its designated space. Place your toothbrush in its holder, makeup back in the drawers, and hair tools hidden behind cabinets. Once the countertop is clear, wipe it down with a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe to catch any new spills before you leave....

How to Clean Windows Inside and Out What You Need Cleaning solutionVacuum cleaner with hose attachmentWet clothGarden hose with sprayerLadder (optional)Warm soapy waterClean coffee filters (optional)Crumpled newspaper (optional)Microfiber or flour sack towel (optional)Squeegee with nick-free blade (optional) Step 1: Test the Temperature Don’t want to waste a sunny day chasing away the dirt and grime on windows? You’re not alone—and you’re in luck. One of the best pieces of advice for how to clean windows is to pick a cloudy day....

The Most Popular Winter Squash Types The most popular winter squash— spaghetti, acorn, and butternut—are plentiful during the fall and winter months. Acorn Squash: Green varieties of acorn squash are typically what you see in the produce aisle. Harvested when fully mature, acorn squash should weigh 1 to 3 pounds and have deep green, dull skin with spots of orange. Shiny skin means the squash was harvested too early. Store uncut acorn squash up to one month in a cool, dry place (50°F to 55°F)....

Know the Layout Get a pad of graph paper, a straightedge, a compass, and several colored pencils if you’re installing several circuits. Make a scale drawing of the room, including features such as counters and cabinets. Using widely accepted symbols, make a quick freehand drawing using colored pencils to indicate each circuit. Are the switches in convenient locations? Are all the circuits correctly loaded? Do you have enough receptacles, and are they easy to reach?...

It is also usually easiest to leave the exterior sheathing and siding in place while you cut the studs and build the framing. This prevents having to replace siding. However, if you will be replacing the siding anyway, you can cut a large opening in the exterior at the same time you cut the interior opening. If the window has brick molding or a flange, you will need to cut back the siding to accommodate it....

Here’s how to get rid of boxelder bugs in your home and keep them out this fall. 1. Seal Up Cracks Around Doors and Windows The best way to defend your home against boxelder bugs (and several other indoor pests) is to prevent them from coming inside in the first place. Make sure to weather-strip your doors and windows and seal up any other apparent cracks or holes you find on the outside of your home, like torn window screens and openings around vents....

Buy It: 10-Inch Rolling Pin Beech Wood ($9, Target) Buy It: Wilton Gel Icing Colors ($16, Michaels) Buy It: Wilton Ultra Bake Professional 24 Cup Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan ($13, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: Use kitchen scissors to cut and fuse the marshmallows together on its sticky side.

Buy It: NutriBullet Blender Combo, $149.99, NutriBullet Buy It: Williams Sonoma Cleartouch Nonstick Muffin Pan, $33, Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen Tip: For easy slicing and serving, chill your frosted cake for 1 hour before serving. Buy It: Nordic Ware Jelly Roll Baking Sheet, $20, Target

See how aged patinas, hearty architecture, and warm hues from nature can fill your house with the welcoming elegance of Tuscan style.