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Create a more beautiful landscape by avoiding these common design blunders. ), it’s best not to pair up or use even numbers of plants. Clashing Colors More often than not,we plant our gardens to be colorful. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Likewise, the smooth lines and angular form of most modern andcontemporary-style homeswould be overpowered bylarge, showy flowers. Avoid this huge mistake at all costs to avoid remodeling the whole yard yet again....

Skip these costly investments in favor of timeless pieces with staying power. But knowing the difference can be tricky. Whether you’re starting from scratch orredecorating one room, furnishing your home can be expensive. Credit:TRIA GIOVAN PHOTOGRAPHY Williamson recommends not investing in overly-trendy pieces that don’t have staying power. “Dont dismiss IKEA, either.” Knockoff Pieces Williamson also advises against splurging on imitation pieces. “The original is just too expensive to make.”...

To unplug or not to unplug? We’ve got the answers. Here are five instances when it makes a difference, with expert tips to guide you. Credit:Brie Goldman Appliances like your refrigerator or dishwasher can be left alone while you clean their inner components. On shorter trips, don’t worry about your larger appliances. Dont forget to reduce fire hazards by unplugging your washer and dryer, microwave, and even your oven. This is especially true if you have pets or young children in the home....

From the Grinch Frappucino to a velvety hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone. And don’t expect baristas to automatically know how to make every one of these items. Even some stores' interpretation of popular drinks may vary. Credit:Starbucks Come prepared with the instructions for what goes in it, and be flexible. Justdon’t call it the Medicine Ballwhen you orderbaristas prefer you to say Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Velvet Hot Chocolate Who doesn’t lovehot chocolatethis time of year?...

If you notice any of these indicators, it’s likely time to make the switch to heat. While it’s tempting to put this change off to save money, it could cause inefficiency instead. Before the cold sets in, learn the key signs that indicate its time to make the switch. Credit:Getty Images/Saklakova It also depends on personal preferenceturn on the heat as early as you feel necessary for your comfort. “Switching early helps your heating system handle any sudden cold weather more easily....

Some oven problems are worth repairing, while other warrant replacement. Here’s how to tell when your oven needs to be replaced. On one hand, repairing it can be a smaller investment and might buy you some time. Credit:Jay Wilde Plus, many repairs cost nearly as much as a replacement. The possibility of replacing your oven glass will depend on which oven you have. Some manufacturers offer replacement oven glass while others require to you purchase the entire oven door....

Regularly monitor these hidden moldy spots for a safe and sanitary home. Moisture from daily use can get trapped underneath, creating the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Paper is an ideal breeding ground for mold, especially when tucked into afiling cabinetthats rarely opened or moved. Credit:Getty Images / Olga Dobrovolska Houseplants As it turns out,overwatering your houseplantscan be just as damaging as underwatering them. Excess moisture and poor air circulation in consistently wet soil create the perfect conditions for mold spores to thrive....

Here are both dairy and non-dairy options for substituting sour cream. What Is Sour Cream? Sour cream is a fermented dairy product. Credit: Jason Donnelly It comes in different variations: regular, reduced fat, light or low-fat, and fat-free. Dairy-Based Sour Cream Substitutes The specific amounts to swap vary depending on the substitute. Or bake a tangysour cream pound cake. Credit: Blaine Moats

Bryce Jones Loyal Starbucks customers have concocted dozensmaybe even hundredsof personalized creations to get their ideal coffee order. Sometimes, it involves just adding a pump of syrup or swapping whole milk for soy. Not all off-the-menu orders are quite as excessivein fact, an entire secret menu ofStarbucks drinksexists. Credit:Bryce Jones However, some of them are popular enough that they’re well known throughout the Starbucks community. Here’s what to ask for on your next coffee run....

Master how to grill salmon on a cedar plank for added flavor with no extra ingredients. The grilled salmon is perfect as an addition to asalad,pasta dish, or flatbread. Cedar lends the most intense, aromatic flavor to salmon, but other woods are also excellent for plank-grilling. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Be sure to prepare your wood properly to increase cooking moisture and prevent burning. you’re able to add adry rub,marinade, or herb mixture to flavor the salmon....

What’s not to love aboutpansies? Here are a few more fun facts about these colorful cool-season flowers you might not know. BHG / Joules Garcia 1. Credit:BHG / Joules Garcia In Victorian England, people gave these flowers to each other to express romantic feelings. They Come in Three Basic Patterns The flowers from pansy varieties come in one of three color patterns. There are pansies with single colors without patterns, which are often yellow or blue....

Buying in bulk can often save you moneybut not always. Shopping in bulk can save you atonof money. Buying in bulk only really works if you use all of the product. Credit: sommart / Getty Images Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re buying. But did you know ground spiceslose their flavor and aroma quickly, and should be replaced every few years? Laundry Detergent Laundry soap is another household staple with a surprisingly short shelf life....

These unusual tips might sound bananas, but banana peels contain oils that make them ideal for shining objects. Potassium helps makeleather supple and durableby stabilizing its collagen, leaving the hide stronger and sturdier. After polishing, wash the silver with warm soapy water to remove the banana residue. Credit:Getty Images / Vlad Serbanescu / 500px Dust Houseplants Dusting houseplantsis an important (and oft-overlooked!) element of caring for an indoor garden. Don’t have leather conditioner on hand?...