Posts

1. Refrigerator Coils Dusty condenser coils make your fridge work harder, making it less energy-efficient and shortening its life span. (There goes your ice cream budget.) Note that some refrigerators require special DIY cleaning techniques; others should be cleaned by a professional. Refer to the owner’s manual before you begin. When to Clean Complete this cleaning task twice a year; more often if you have pets. What to Do Find the coils....

1. Stick to Seasonal Produce It’s a safe bet you’ll find better prices on strawberries or tomatoes in the summer rather than the middle of winter. Aim to plan your meals around whatever vegetables and fruits are in season. This way, you can rely on enjoying fresh, flavorful dishes without spending more money. McDowell recommends buying local from your farmers market when possible to find great deals while also supporting local businesses....

1. Establish a Connection Between The Street And Your Front Porch From overgrown shrubs to a hidden walkway, too often the pathway to a home is difficult to find or navigate. The very first thing you can do to boost your front porch’s curb appeal is to clearly articulate the way to your home’s entrance. Hardscaping or other structures such as arbors can help designate an entrance, as can strategically-placed planters that direct traffic....

Test Kitchen Tip: Avoid the dreaded “avocado hand” injury by using our tips for cutting avocados with ease. Buy It: Genuine Mexican Manual Guacamole Salsa Maker Volcanic Lava Rock Stone Molcajete ($40, Walmart)

Price at time of publish: $19 Price at time of publish: $8 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $7 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $15

1. Under or overwatering seedlings. Because they’re just developing their roots, newly planted seeds and young seedlings require a steady supply of moisture—don’t let them dry out! Water seedbeds lightly every morning, and check them again in the evening. If a dry crust forms on the soil surface, it can be difficult for new seeds to germinate. And if a germinating seed dries out, it may die. On the other hand don’t let the soil get too soggy; overwatering a seedbed can promote diseases such as damping off, a fungus that kills young seedlings....

Test Kitchen Tip: For a unique riff on a skillet Buffalo chicken dip, try this recipe with leftover or canned chicken instead of crab. Test Kitchen Tip: If white meat is more your style, try cooked ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute for the chorizo. Voilà: Skillet white chicken chili dip.

1. Need: Measuring Cups and Spoons You can’t bake without measuring cups—both liquid and dry—and measuring spoons, so having these tools handy is a must. And check that you’re using them all correctly, so your recipes turn out well (for instance, don’t use dry measuring cups for liquid ingredients, and vice versa). You really only need one set of each, though, so if you have extras, and you’re trying to declutter, toss the ones you’re not using....

1. Best Strawberry Shortcake No matter how you slice it (or serve it), everyone loves strawberry shortcake. This towering strawberry cake recipe will satisfy a family or party of six and requires zero kneading, rolling, or slicing. Try our lemon poppy seed, mixed fruit, walnut, or savory (with cheese and bacon!) twists if you’re feeling adventurous. 2. Classic Shortcakes Two dream teams make this from-scratch strawberry shortcake recipe stand out:...

Kitchen Remodeling Guide Get the FREE Kitchen Remodeling Guide before you start your next project. 25 smart kitchen storage ideas.

Where and When Will 17-Year Cicadas Appear? Brood X is expected to make an appearance in May, once the ground temperature has reached 64°F, in Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Other broods of periodical cicadas live as far west as Nebraska and south as Texas, but Brood X is the only group of 17-year cicadas expected to emerge this year....

Here’s a closer look at what to expect when embarking on a sunroom project and how to cut costs if you’re on a tight budget. The Average Price of Sunrooms Like nearly any other type of construction project, the cost of building a sunroom varies significantly based on the size and type of sunroom structure you’re planning, the finishes selected, and whether you opt for a custom design or a prefabricated kit....