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Additions can also be a great investment option for homeowners looking to increase the value of their homes by adding a few more square feet. Although building an addition is not an easy task, bathroom, primary bedroom and bathroom, sunroom, and second-story additions can all significantly increase resale value, according to HomeAdvisor. Renovating can be costly (approximately between $20,000 and $75,000 for a home addition), depending on the size and materials used....

There are many varieties and color choices, but all have that distinct cheerful flower that seems to resemble a face. Plant pansies in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They add cheerful color and texture to the front of beds, or in containers in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. Plant bulbs in the fall in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil. They are lovely naturalized under trees or shrubs or planted in a rock garden to add winter interest....

Spoiler alert: The answer to all is YES, and our Test Kitchen experts are here with some major bread machine troubleshooting. (Before we get started, here’s how to convert recipes so you can use them in your bread machine.) 7 Common Bread Machine Mistakes Mistakes happen. Here’s what to do if you encounter any of these snags while using your bread machine. 1. Not Taking into Account Your Kitchen’s Climate Just as elevation impacts the results of your baked goods (check out our complete guide to high-altitude baking for more on that topic), the temperature and humidity in your kitchen can make or break the results of your loaf....

Plan a Scavenger Hunt Working to solve these outdoor puzzles may lead tosome friendly rivalry. How to Organize a Scavenger Hunt Create a hunt to meaningful local spots for your partner or family. Write clues on slips of paper wrapped around flower stems. Each time your partner completes a task, give them the next clue (and stem) until they’ve solved them all—and built a bouquet. Some clues can be finding locations, others activities like winning a game of pool at a pub....

Test Kitchen Tip: You can boil eggs for these stuffed snacks on the stove, in a pressure cooker, or by steaming. Buy It: Good & Gather Pitted Dates ($3, Target)

There are several types of air conditioners to choose from, including stand-alone systems, like portable air conditioners or evaporative air conditioners, and split systems, such as central air conditioners and ductless mini-split air conditioners, which have components inside and outside the home. Before selecting an air conditioner for your home, learn more about the various types in order to find the unit or comprehensive air conditioning system that best suits your needs and budget....

Just snip 4- to 6-inch long stems from any of the following plants, remove any leaves from the bottom half, and place the bare stems in water. Keep the cuttings on a sunny windowsill and change the water every few days. If you intend to plant them, once the roots are a couple of inches long, move your cuttings into containers of potting mix.

With a proper drop zone, you can leave the house in less time and with more confidence knowing you have exactly what you need to go about your day. Our collection of best entryway storage ideas, including tips for furniture choices, hook placements, and shoe solutions, will help you organize this essential area of your home. 1. Utilize a Dresser An entryway is the perfect place to showcase a favorite set of drawers or antique dresser....

Buy It: Wilton Nonstick Loaf Pan ($8, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: Make sure to look for oats or oat flour that’s certified gluten-free, as some may have been cross-contaminated with wheat products. Buy It: CorningWare Round Baking Dish ($14, Bed Bath & Beyond)

When it comes to decorating a bathroom, you can have a little more fun with color and pattern. Since these small rooms are typically closed off from the rest of the house, it’s an easy opportunity to incorporate hues you might not otherwise use in your home. And whether you’re looking for something cheerful and bold or contemporary and sleek, pink is one of the hottest new bathroom color trends....

1. Change hardware. To instantly add character to a rental, freshen bathroom or kitchen cabinets with modern knobs and pulls. Just be sure to save the originals for when you move out. Look for inexpensive options at retailers like IKEA. 2. Replace switchplates. For a style boost, swap out old plastic light switch covers for something different. Remove the covers when your lease is up or check with your landlord about leaving them for the next tenant to enjoy....

The couple added brightness to the great-room by whitewashing everything—beams, walls, and fireplace bricks. Even 1970s wall paneling looks like cerused wood after a decorative paint finish was applied. Then Erin further lightened the mood: Notice the “Beware of children” sign on the mantel? “You need to have some whimsy,” she says. Pillow-lined window seats at both ends of the light, bright space beckon budding readers, and the ottoman is sometimes a racetrack, sometimes a doctor’s exam table....

¼ cup butter 4 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped (about 5 cups) 2 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 tablespoon packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla Pinch salt 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon lemon juice 10 egg roll wrappers 1 egg, lightly beaten Vegetable oil for frying Powdered sugar or granulated sugar Maple Whipped Cream* (See recipe below) Maple Whipped Cream 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup Pinch salt

¾ cup softened butter 2 cup sifted powdered sugar ⅓ cup apricot nectar or raspberry juice blend 7 cup sifted powdered sugar pale peach food coloring

The artist here is interior designer Barry Dixon, who worked with Mary, a professional art curator, to shape a home that celebrates her collected pieces and the house itself. Mary and architect Anne Decker renovated the 1939 structure for modern family life. “I wanted some formal rooms to keep the interiors authentic to the architecture,” Mary says. “But our spaces have to be more than just pretty. They have to be livable....

¼ cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoon salad oil 1 ½ teaspoon chili oil 1 teaspoon sugar

1 16 ounce package powdered sugar (4-1/4 cups) 3 tablespoon meringue powder ½ teaspoon cream of tartar ½ cup warm water 1 teaspoon vanilla **Tip: Meringue powder is a mixture of pasteurized dried egg whites, sugar, and edible gums. Look for it in the baking aisle of your supermarket or at a specialty food store.