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Signs Your Blinds Need Replacing If you’re wondering whether or not it’s time to replace the blinds in your home, you can usually make that determination through a quick examination. While blinds are typically made to last seven to eight years, outside factors such as humidity, malfunctioning parts, and the purchase of new windows could force your existing blinds into early retirement. If you’ve had the same set of blinds for close to a decade, you’ll probably notice natural wear and tear caused by age, such as warped or bent slats and frayed cords....

Many figs will change color as they ripen, but coloration varies between varieties. Take care not to harvest before they’re ripe; unlike many fruits, figs don’t ripen any more once picked. You’ll find figs that aren’t fully ripe don’t have a rich, sweet flavor and may have an unappealing dry, rubbery texture. Fig Plant Care Native to Mediterranean regions, figs like a warm, sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter....

6 eggs, separated Nonstick cooking spray for baking 1 cup sugar 3 tablespoon water 3 tablespoon canola oil 1 ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring or 1 tablespoon liquid food coloring 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil 1 cup cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Filling: ½ cup water 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin 3 ½ cup whipping cream 1 8 ounce container mascarpone cheese 1 cup powdered sugar...

How to Clean a Microwave Naturally Rather than reaching for a store-bought cleaner, you can use natural cleaning products and home remedies to clean up your microwave. Using this simple method, learn about microwave cleaning with vinegar and steam. A safety note: Unplug your microwave or leave the door open when scrubbing the inside or exterior, so you don’t accidentally turn the microwave on. Also, avoid getting cleaner or other liquids into the vents or inner workings of the appliance....

A Tall Fence is a Good Garden Privacy Idea Decorative and valuable hardscape pieces and plantings soften the lines of a towering fence with this garden privacy idea. Simple details, including a wide cap piece, break up an overwhelming facade on this extra-tall barrier. A decorative latticework hung on the fence is an outdoor-ready, artistic element. A low stone bench, with river rock collected on top and at the base, offers an additional seating spot....

If you like to regularly add new plants to your home or desk, Succulent Studios will send you two succulents every month for just $10. However, if you decide your indoor garden is large enough or want to focus on planting outdoors, you can skip a shipment without getting charged or canceling your subscription. The company is based in California, with a nursery in Fallbrook and a fulfillment center in Long Beach....

** Look for acai puree in the freezer section or online. To naturally sweeten puree, blend it with frozen sweet fruits such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, or dates.

1 cup powdered sugar ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 4 teaspoon water

2 tablespoon bottled hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, minced Maple-Balsamic Glaze 3 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard Orange-Horseradish Glaze 3 tablespoon orange marmalade 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon horseradish Spinach Sauté 3 tablespoon pine nuts or chopped walnuts 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound fresh spinach leaves dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauc salt ground black pepper

2 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup finely chopped tomato ¼ cup finely chopped cucumber ¼ cup cup finely chopped pitted Kalamata or ripe olives

Last year, we saw a lot of neutral tones on ceramic pumpkins, pillows, and dishware. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like this year includes many of the same items, with a few more pops of bright orange. HomeGoods often has the same products several years in a row but will add in a few fresh pieces as well. Keep in mind that no two stores carry the exact same inventory, so if you have your heart set on something you’ve seen online, call your local store to see if they have it in stock....