Posts

Unfamiliar with the homebuying process, they started where many people do—the internet. Videos on YouTube introduced them to some of the fundamentals of New Jersey real estate, including general information about loans as well as specifics on the area’s significant property taxes. Their first hurdle was actually getting to see the houses that interested them. They used Zillow to contact properties that caught their eye and called the numbers on real estate yard signs, but no one was getting back to them....

Building a deck frame with angled or clipped corners also helps you avoid a boxy look by softening the edges. The angles make it more challenging to lay joists and give your deck the support it needs, but it’s not an impossible task. We’ll walk you through the entire process, including how to level the beams and attach angled joists. Follow the steps below to learn how to angle corners and joists when building a deck frame....

Interlocking-block walls don’t require a footing, but some styles require you to set the first course in a trench to hold the bottom of the wall in place. Cut the slope back 12 to 15 inches from the rear of the trench to leave room for gravel backfill and a drainpipe—a must for retaining walls. Save the topsoil and use any extra as fill elsewhere in your landscape. To lay a 3x16-foot wall, expect to spend 10 to 20 hours....

Before you begin, determine the width and location you want for your DIY outdoor bar, since the block units are very heavy to move when finished. Once assembled, paint parts of your bar legs as desired with water-base paint for a finished look. From there, work your way up building the rest of the bar using the diagram. In-between each layer should be concrete glue. When you are done, the top layer should have two concrete blocks on either side....

Whether you opt for a full-on party with friends or a casual movie night with the kids, these festive ideas will help you count down to midnight in style. No matter who surrounds you, they’ll enjoy our ideas for a New Year’s Eve spent at home, including our top suggestions for how to celebrate virtually with out-of-town loved ones.

If you already know the magic of your trusty slow cooker, but you’re not sure how to return the love by way of a thorough cleaning, don’t fret. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your slow cooker so it’s prepped and ready for making those delicious meals. How to Clean a Slow Cooker You might be tempted to treat stuck-on stains with harsh cleaners, but all it takes to clean a slow cooker are a few simple household ingredients that you likely already have on hand....

Use our tips to learn how long to boil crab legs, so they’re cooked to perfection and sure to impress. Because they’re almost always precooked, boiling crab legs is a cinch for your next fancy dinner. All you need to do is serve them with melted butter (always, butter!). How to Boil Crab Legs Thawing crab legs is the first step when there aren’t fresh crab legs available (yay for you if you can get them fresh!...

What are Mussels? Mussels are marine bivalve mollusks that are sold live with tightly closed shells. The creamy-tan meat is tougher than the meat of the oyster or clam and has a delicious, slightly sweet flavor. The most abundant type of mussel is the blue (or common) mussel found along the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Pacific coasts. Known for its dark blue shell that is 2 to 3 inches long, mussels are generally available year-round....

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee Before you begin making cold brew, you’ll need the following materials: Coarsely ground coffee beansCold waterCreamer or milk (optional)2-qt. pitcher or glass jarFine-mesh sieveCheesecloth or coffee filter Our base cold brew recipe uses 1 pound coffee (about 1-1/2 cups) and fills a 2-quart container (six 6-ounce servings). Test Kitchen Tip: Ground coffee can be added in any ratio you like for cold brew coffee, but we like to use 1 to 2 Tbsp....

Legginess is not just an awkward phrase some plants go through before they blossom. It’s a sign the plant is straining to position its leaves in the sunlight, enabling it to produce enough energy to stay alive. Reaching in the direction of available rays, stems grow longer and thinner and drop leaves that the plant can’t support with its limited food reserves. Fortunately, with a few smart interventions, you can help your houseplant regain its lushness....

A serene scheme of soft blue and white makes this spacious living room feel calm, cool, and collected–a gracious setting for elegant gatherings. A light tan carpet underfoot warms the space and keeps the cool tones in balance. The walls in this room are wallpapered with a chic print. The effect brings warmth and texture to the walls and gives them a look of antiquity. Projecting lintels over the door and windows, a deep cornice, and a paneled and beamed vaulted ceiling combine to give this white-washed living room a sense of place....

Teal Front Door With wood siding, trim, and flooring, this home’s all-neutral exterior demanded some contrasting color. A bright shade of teal on the front door stands out against the rich wood tones and beckons visitors inside. Containers with bright pink blooms flank the entrance for an extra dose of color. Suggested Paint Color: Teal Tone 663, Benjamin Moore Coral Entrance A happy hit of color draws the eye and makes the front door a focal point on this asymmetrical exterior....

Buy It: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet ($13, Target) Buy It: PowerXL 5-Quart Single Basket Air Fryer ($60, Target) Test Kitchen Tip: Use a potato masher ($16, OXO) to smash your potatoes for an easy, even press that won’t risk burning your hands. Buy It: Kikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs ($2, Target)

In the south, on the other hand, avoid fertilizing dormant warm-season grasses, unless they’ve been overseeded with winter ryegrass. Test Garden Tip: Power raking and vertical mowing can damage centipede grass, St. Augustine grass, and others that spread by surface runners. Use a machine that has knives correctly spaced for these grasses.

And don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns for an elevated, designer-style look. An oversize lumbar pillow features the same print as the wallpaper and contrasts the patterns on the nightstands, wall sconces, and accent chair for added visual interest.

Protein: 12 grams Protein: 14 grams Roasted Chickpea Recipes You’ll Want to Snack on Forever Protein: 10 grams Protein: 7 grams Protein: 10 grams Try Our Other Favorite Smoothie Recipes Protein: 7 grams Protein: 9 grams Protein: 7 grams How to Build a Simple Charcuterie Board Protein: 12 grams Protein: 9 grams Our Best High-Protein Vegan Recipes Protein: 7 grams Protein: 8 grams Try These High-Protein Breakfast Recipes Protein: 7 grams...