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The most necessary step to keep your vacuum performing at peak performance is to regularly empty its contents. Bagged vacuums utilize bags to capture particles and need to be replaced when they are full. An indicator light will come on to tell you it’s time to replace the vacuum bag, as the time will vary depending on how often you vacuum and your bagged vacuum model. Bagless vacuums, or canister vacuums, also need to be emptied regularly....

Why Are Plant-Based Diets More Economical? Meat accounts for one-third of food expenses, according to Oxford University research, published in The Lancet Planetary Health. The study used food prices from the World Bank’s International Comparison Program to analyze seven sustainable diets. The researchers then compared those diets with the current standard diet in 150 countries. The findings show that vegan diets are up to one-third more affordable than the standard diet in high-income countries....

Margao has a knack for executing luxe style on a budget and she’s an expert in sourcing unique, one-of-a-kind furniture and housewares. But finding the perfect timeless vintage home decor can be tough. It is an art, not a science, to elevate your space by adding a hint of history. Margao admits that finding the perfect painting or furniture made with precious materials is hard, but not impossible. In advance of the summer release of her book, How to Source Like a Pro, Margao shares her tips and tricks for buying vintage furniture and accessories for your home....

Tidy Blanket Folding Method For an orderly look, fold your throw blanket in thirds lengthwise. Next, fold the length of in half. You should now have a tidy rectangle. Lay your folded throw blanket over one corner of a sofa or chair, smoothing it out if needed. You might place a throw pillow or two in front. Flip-and-Flop Folding Method For a look that feels more casual, start by folding your throw in half vertically, matching up the corners....

Ants are also a common household pest that are drawn to food. While each is typically half the size of a paper clip, a large infestation of ants, called an army or colony, can be an unsightly nuisance. Worse, a study showed that Monomorium ants can carry pathogenic bacteria harmful to people, and another study indicates that the pharaoh ant is related to asthma and respiratory allergies. That’s even more reason to get rid of ants around your home....

Shiplap Stunner Shiplap is a timeless farmhouse accent, but this version achieves the look using lattice. The converging lines add dimension to the whitewashed wall without overwhelming it. A horse drawing, wicker basket, and rustic galvanized bucket provide classic country charm. Learn how to install your own shiplap wall to accent your farmhouse decor. Charming Character General store or farmhouse kitchen? Decorated with antique wall art, such as marquee letters, a chalkboard, and a salvaged door from a general store, it’s no wonder this room blurs the line....

Rescue a Cabinet Corner Shelf It can be challenging to store bowls or food storage containers with lids in the same place. This can lead to a drawer full of mixed-up lids nearly impossible to keep straight. To help, sort your lids by size or container type and arrange them on a three-tier shelf as you see fit. Print labels to make sure nobody in the house gets them mixed up....

At the forefront was a coronavirus pandemic that disproportionately affects Black and brown communities and racial injustice protests after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. For some, it was a time to pause and take inventory of their place in the world. Throughout history, Black people have shaped the narrative and identity of America, from food to music and even the Americana aesthetic. During enslavement, Reconstruction, and segregation, Black people continued to impact art and culture, exploring the topics of race, identity, and legacy in their work....

We asked cleaning experts to share their favorite strategies and organic-based solutions for spot-cleaning carpets. Use these natural ingredients and must-know cleaning tips to lift unsightly wine, pet mess, and greasy stains from carpets and rugs. How to Remove Carpet Stains Naturally When cleaning carpets, act quickly to ensure spills and stains don’t set or spread. Scrape up solid bits; if the spilled substance has dried, vacuum the area before applying a stain remover....

Test Kitchen Tip: Satisfy those with bigger appetites by spooning this recipe over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes. Buy It: Cuisinart 12-Inch Deep Fry Pan with Cover, $45, Bed Bath & Beyond Buy It: Classico Basil Pesto Sauce, $3, Walmart Test Kitchen Tip: If tilapia is not your thing, try branzino or red snapper. Test Kitchen Tip: Try it with black beans if you don’t have any poultry handy or you want a vegetarian variation....

Test Kitchen Tip: Put the spicy chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven to keep it warm while you fry the rest of the bird. Test Kitchen Tip: Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use our fried chicken guide to find out the optimal temperature for every cut of meat.

Buy It: Lipper International Acacia Wood 3-Piece Salad Bowl and Server Set ($43, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper ($50, Target) Buy It: Miranda Trifle Bowl ($40, Crate & Barrel) Buy It: Pyrex 3-qt Easy Grab Baking Pan with Lid ($15, Target) Buy It: Dyna-Glo Open Cart Propane Gas Grill ($139, The Home Depot)

Keep in mind that learning about these leaders is only the start—and learning about Black history shouldn’t be limited to just the month of February. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, bring the whole family on board and pick up some children’s books that celebrate inclusivity and self-acceptance (these are a few of our favorites!) or educate yourself about a prominent civil rights activist (here are five resources to help you learn more about Dr....

The idea is simple: Spend the day doing small acts (like buying a stranger’s coffee or paying all the parking meters downtown) to help make someone’s day brighter. If you need inspiration for how to spend the day, here are a few of our favorite ideas. 1. Pay for a Stranger’s Coffee I’ve been grabbing coffee almost exclusively via drive-through during the pandemic, which is not only safer but also provides the perfect opportunity to make a stranger’s day....

Buy It: Hamilton Beach Food Processor ($58, Target) Buy It: Expert Gas Grill ($89, Walmart) Buy It: Crock-Pot Slow Cooker ($50, Target) Buy It: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Pan ($145, Williams Sonoma)

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Editor’s Tip: Plan ahead for next year. Purchase red or green slipcovers, pillows, and glassware at after-Christmas sales. You’ll be able to add bursts of holiday color at a budget price.

DIY Tip: Make sure you have your placement perfect before you attach the decals. Though they’re removable, some are difficult to reapply after they’ve been removed.