Posts

How to Etch a Pumpkin Supplies Needed Real or faux pumpkinPrinted pumpkin stencilScissorsStraight pinsWashable markerWood carving gouge or rotary toolCrafts knifeBattery-operated tea light Step-by-Step Directions With a few supplies and these how-to instructions, you can create your own fall pumpkin decoration. Customize your etched Halloween pumpkin with one of our free printable stencils. Step 1: Prep the Pumpkin If you’d like to place a candle inside the pumpkin, you’ll need to cut a hole in the bottom (not the top!...

Ready to make the move to metal? We’ll teach you the metal stud framing techniques you need—and can easily manage if you have a few basic DIY skills, like measuring, cutting metal, and using a stud finder. Keep in mind: Most walls in remodeling projects are non-load-bearing, meaning they don’t help support the weight of the house; when building a load-bearing wall, make sure your metal studs are rated for that use....

How to Freeze Herbs To start, make sure your herbs are clean. Give herbs a good wash under cool water, then pat them dry. Spread clean, dry herbs (leaves and stems) in a single layer on a cooking tray ($13, Walmart), and put the pan in the freezer for about one hour, or until frozen. (This is known as flash freezing and works well on other fruits and veggies, too.) Put the frozen herbs into labeled, sealed containers....

Running your home’s air-conditioner on full blast for long periods can quickly cause your energy bill to skyrocket. And with many of us working remotely, we’re home during the peak mid-day heat more than ever. So use these tips for the most effective ways to cool a house and lower cooling costs to beat the heat and keep your budget in check this summer. 10 Ways to Keep Your House Cool and Lower AC Costs 1....

Buy It: Anchor Hocking Casserole Dish ($6, Walmart) Buy It: Our Table Ramekins Set ($10, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven ($100, Target)

Buy It: Cuisinart Waffle Maker ($30, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Wilton Loaf Pan ($9, Target) Buy It: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet ($25, Walmart)

Whether you’re drawn to calming neutrals or want to go bold with color and pattern, these modern bedroom ideas will help you create the cozy retreat of your dreams. Put a modern spin on cabin style by creating a contemporary rustic retreat, or use contrasting colors for a touch of sophisticated drama. We’ve gathered our favorite modern bedroom ideas to help inspire your own space. Modern Rustic Bedroom Warm wood tones, soft textures, and clean lines give this bedroom a modern rustic flair....

Buy It: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven ($50, Walmart) Buy It: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Slow Cooker ($42, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: When shopping for corn look for corn with golden to brown silks and healthy green husks. Once you’ve got the kernels off, keep the cobs to add to soups and sauces for a bit of sweetness. Buy It: Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill ($80, Walmart) Buy It: Jacent Butcher’s Kitchen Twine ($3, Walmart) Buy It: NuWave Brio 7....

Name: Ilex verticillata Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, acidic soil Size: To 12 feet tall Zones: 3–9 Buy It: Southern Gentleman Winterberry ($20, The Home Depot) Name: Pyracantha coccinea Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 10 feet tall Zones: 6–9 Name: Ilex crenata Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 10 feet tall Zones: 6–8 Buy It: Holly Sky Pencil Shrub ($94, The Home Depot) Name: Edgeworthia chrysantha Growing Conditions: Part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 6 feet tall Zones: 7–10 Name: Hamamelis virginiana Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 20 feet tall Zones: 3–8 Name: Daphne odora Growing Conditions: Part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall Zones: 7–9 Buy It: Variegated Pink Winter Daphne (Wilson Bros Gardens) Name: Camellia japonica Growing Conditions: Part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 feet Zones: 7–9 Buy It: Snow Flurry Camellia ($77, Lots of Plants) Name: Cornus sericea Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade Size: Up to 9 feet tall Zones: 3–7 Buy It: Red Twig Dogwood Shrub ($37, The Home Depot) Name: Corylusavellana ‘Contorta’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well drained soil Size: Up to 10 feet tall Zones: 4–8 Buy It: Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick ($146, Buck Jones Nursery) Name: Ilex x meserveae Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well drained soil Size: Up to 15 feet tall Zones: 4–7 Buy It: Castle Spire Blue Holly Shrub ($37, The Home Depot) Name: Ilex glabra Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade Size: Up to 8 feet tall Zones: 4–9 Buy It: Holly Inkberry Shamrock Shrub ($38, The Home Depot) Name: Chamaecyparis pisifera Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 70 feet high Zones: 4–8 Buy It: Gold Mop False Cypress Shrub ($15, The Home Depot) Name: Thuja occidentalis Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 7 feet Zones: 3–7 Name: Symphoricarpos albus Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet tall Zones: 3–7

Buy It: Nordic Ware Spring Form Pan ($13, Target) Buy It: Reese Hearts Of Palm ($6, Target)

“It was easy to assemble and it fit right into our picnic table,” one five-star reviewer wrote of the umbrella. They confirmed that the crank is easy to use and that the umbrella even tilts on its own once it’s fully opened. “I highly recommend this umbrella,” they added. Of course, a blossoming garden helps to add color to your patio and give you the chance to grow your own produce at home....

Modern Farmhouse Makeover Create a modern farmhouse look by layering salvaged items and industrial elements over a whitewashed palette. This primary bedroom pulls it off by pairing a sliding barn door and weathered bench with sleeker furnishings, like a midcentury modern pendant light. A few pops of orange and blue wake up the room. Timeworn Elegance An eye-catching wicker pendant lights up this relaxing farmhouse bedroom, but the real focal point is the DIY headboard....

Test Kitchen Tip: Love mangoes? Substitute the blushing island fruit for raspberries. Buy It: Ninja Professional Blender ($100, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: This ice pop recipe is easy to make with almost any fruit you have on hand. Try our pineapple-blueberry and mango-raspberry variations to discover your favorite.

Buy It: Analon Advanced Home Saucepan ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker ($20, Walmart)

Must-Have Cookie Baking Tools These are the best cookie baking tools to have on hand to make delicious cookies any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season. 1. Measuring Cups and Spoons Just like a science experiment, baking requires precision. Measuring cups and measuring spoons are important cookie baking tools to ensure you’ve measured ingredients properly for the best-tasting results. 2. Cookie Sheets Baking sheets come in all colors, textures, and sizes....

Moveable Islands Kitchen islands are on the move, with wheels that allow homeowners to push, pull, and play with this once-stationary item. Tucked to the side, an island offers surface area but allows square footage for larger groups to gather. Moved to another room, an island becomes an instant buffet table or dining extension. Unique Storage Containers Storage of even just 10 years ago were reliably plastic and unattractive. But personality-driven decor has infiltrated even the most basic of storage solutions, giving homeowners the freedom to use that which is artful and useful....