6 Plastic Items You Should Never Recycle

A common misconception is that all plastic items can be recycledbut that’s actually not the case. Below are everyday household items that cannot be recycled and why. What Kinds of Plastic Can You Recycle? Credit:Getty Images / Os Tartarouchos (But whether or not you live near one of those program drop-offs is another story.) Household Plastic Items That Can’t Be Recycled 1. If you havent already, we suggest making the switch toreusable bags....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 132 words · Heather Berry

6 Retro Decor Trends That Are Making a Groovy Comeback in 2025

Second, homeowners have a deep yearning for the nostalgia and comfort represented by past decades. Midcentury Classics As we move into 2025,midcentury moderndesign continues to be a strong retro trend. This trend is characterized by rich woods such as oak and walnut, clean lines, and low-sitting furniture. Credit:Emily Followill / Interior Designer: Atelier Davis Werner Straube Eclectic Kitchens Credit:David Land Credit: Greg Scheidemann Credit:Werner Straube

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 65 words · Melanie Berg

6 Smart Strategies for Winning a Bidding War on Your New Home

These expert-recommended tips will help you close on your dream home, even when youre up against multiple offers. You have a pretty solid idea of what you want in a neighborhood and a home, too. But then you hear back: Youre not the only one who got the feeling. Credit:Getty Images / Kseniya Ovchinnikova The home has inspired multiple offers. Youre about to enter a bidding war. What Is a Bidding War?...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 207 words · William Townsend

6 Things to Do to Get Rid of Garden Bugs Safely

Some insects and other small pests can cause big problems when they attack your plants. Here’s the best approach for dealing with them. You should figure out if the bugs are eating or harming your plants. Japanese beetles often show up in large groups.Credit: Denny Schrock Here’s how to put this approach to work for you. How to Get Rid of Garden Bugs 1. Decide on Acceptable Levels of Garden Bugs...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 175 words · Brandy Phillips

6 Things to Store Now That It’s Spring

This mindset shift applies to our spaces, too, says Tony Ditzler, president of ShelfGenie, aNeighborlycompany. Hand soaps, surface sprays, even our dish soap all get the seasonal treatment. Slow Cookers and Holiday Serving Platters Consider giving your casseroles, stews, and soups a season off. Credit:Jacob Fox It will help absorb any lingering odors so theyre fresh the next time theyre needed. Heavy Bedding, Blankets, and Pajamas Even yoursleep routineneeds a seasonal refresh....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 130 words · Henry Bean

6 Things You Should Always Wash Inside Out

From workout gear to sleepwear, your wardrobe will thank you for washing these garments inside out. Anotherway to protect clothingis to turn some garments inside out. Washing clothing inside out will protect againstcolor loss, which is particularly important for dark and brightly colored clothing. Credit:Getty Images / shironagasukujira It also washes away the buildup of body soils, leaving fabrics cleaner and fresher smelling. Read on to find out what you should always wash inside out....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 143 words · Samantha Gonzalez

6 Things You're Actually Cleaning Too Much (Yes, That's a Thing!)

Turns out, excessive cleaning can actually lead to costly damage. Below, she shares six common culprits and simpleregular maintenancetips so you’re not tempted to over-clean these areas. Given its frequent use, you may be tempted to sanitize it weeklybut Cohoon says that’s not necessary. Credit:LPETTET / Getty Images “These small steps can help maintain the integrity of your microwave,” Cohoon notes. Her recommendation is to get carpets professionally cleaned once or twice a year to keep them looking fresh....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 127 words · Billy Bryant MD

6 Tips for Making Woodfired Pizza at Home

Make lightly charred woodfired pizza at home, just like your favorite restaurant! Learn how to recreate a smoky pie at home using these tips and tricks. But even if you dont, you canset up a charcoal grillto achieve similar results using a few tricks. Credit: Matt Armendariz Use Wood for Smoky Flavor Addingwood to your grillwill create a lot more smoke than charcoal. The wood will catch fire and create smoke for the pizza....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 195 words · Eric Cox

6 Unique Ways to Store and Display Your Squishmallow Collection

Show off these adorable stuffed toys while keeping them organized with these practical storage solutions. Kristin Mitchell/Getty Images Squishmallows have been a popular collectible stuffed toy for the last couple of years. Storage Hammocks A hammock isa space-saving solutionthat also adds some whimsy to a room. Credit:Kristin Mitchell/Getty Images To install, you’ll need sturdy hooks and enough wall space to stretch out the hammock securely. Cube Units Opencube storage unitscome in various sizes and are very versatile, particularly for playroom organization....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 191 words · Amanda Davis

6 Ways to Get Rid of Aphids on Milkweed Without Harming Monarchs

Treating bright orange aphids on milkweed isn’t always needed, but these monarch-safe methods can help. What Are Milkweed Aphids? Are Aphids on Milkweed Harmful? Credit:Annie Otzen / Getty Images If youregrowing milkweed for monarchsand are worried that aphids will interfere with monarch caterpillars, dont fret. These two species usually coexist just fine. Milkweed aphids are typically much less damaging to monarchs than pest control treatments, including organic treatment protocols. Credit: Bob Stefko...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 153 words · Emily Jones

6 Ways to Majorly Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer

These simple changes can create big savings this season. If you have a unit that is undersized, youll be paying too much. There are calculators online where you might match BTUs to square footage, which is sufficient for window units. Credit:AlbertPego / Getty Images For central air, it’s best to consult a professional for an assessment. Changing your lifestyle and coming up with ways tostay cool without ACis vital for significantly lowering your energy bill....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 168 words · Jacob Fisher

7 Brilliant Ways to Use Your Candle Warmer Lamp Beyond Just Melting Wax

Prapat Aowsakorn / Getty Images Candle warmer lamps offer a stylish and practical alternative to traditional candle wick burning. But their benefits dont stop therethese trendy home accessories are surprisingly versatile. Make Fondue Using a heat-safe vessel, melt either cheeseor chocolateto make a mini portion of fondue. Credit:Prapat Aowsakorn / Getty Images Dip strawberries and pretzels in the chocolate fondue or chips and bread in the cheese. Check the dish every so often to confirm the oils dont evaporate too fast....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 157 words · Mark Maxwell

7 Candle Safety Tips You Absolutely Should Be Following

An expert shares must-follow safety tips for burning candles in your home. knape / Getty Images There’s no better way to fill your home with warmth and coziness thanburning candles. Light a candle and you add instant hygge to any space. Credit:knape / Getty Images But since there is an open flame involved, safety is of utmost importance. Plus, learn how to minimize the risk of damage and fire hazards....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 206 words · James Davis