5 Easy Backyard Projects Designers Recommend Tackling This Summer

Spruce up your outdoor living space with these designer-approved upgrades. They’ll make all of the difference! “Sometimes we hardwire them,” says Sydney Levy, designer atAnthony Wilder Design/Buildin Cabin John, Maryland. Credit:John Cole/Anthony Wilder Design/Build These lights cast a sparkly glow on the spaces at night and create mood lighting for evening entertaining." In this space, she styled a wooden table with driftwood centerpieces for a coastal look. Best of all, she says, planters are available in so many price points and styles....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 144 words · Lacey Chang

5 Easy Ways To Add Smoky Flavor To Food

Bacon is just the start. Getty Images Do you remember learning about thefour basic tasteswhen you were growing up? The Japanese have championed a fifth taste, umami, which loosely translates into the essence of deliciousness. Credit:Getty Images And in my humble opinion, the sixth tastethe Southern tasteis smoky. Its the foundational element ofour barbecue, but its so much more. While not every Southerner loves smoky flavors (my own mother included!)...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 189 words · Robert Hanson

5 Easy Ways To Make Boxed Cornbread Mix Even Better

It may not be from scratch, but it sure tastes like it. Many Southern cooks enjoy making everything from scratch, from simple salad dressings toelaborate cakesto pans of hotcornbread. But sometimes it’s best to use a convenient store-bought product when you’re short on time. Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall There is no shame in making cakes orbrownies from a boxed mix. My favorite thing to add is sugara hot topic that could be its own conversation!...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 259 words · David Ramirez

5 Easy Ways To Tell If Your Eggs Are Still Good

How do you tell if an egg has gone bad? This easy checklist will ensure you don’t use a spoiled egg. So, you’ve got acarton of eggsthat has gone well past its sell-by date. Credit: Howard Shooter/Getty Images All is not lost, as the printed date on the packaging isn’t the definite expiration date. In fact, most store-bought eggs kept in the refrigerator remain fresh for weeks beyond the stamped date....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 235 words · Eric Williams

5 Easy Ways To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger

And even better news, odds are you have everything on hand! This is usually pretty easy to remove with a simple lift. Don’t worry, this water is perfectly sanitary! Credit:Getty Images If you attempt these methods and a clog still persists, call your nearest plumber to tackle the issue. “Using hot water is one of the go-to methods for clearing clogs, but be careful with it. Pouring hot water straight into a cold toilet bowl too quickly can crack the porcelain,” Russum says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 266 words · Dennis Dunn

5 Eggplant Recipes Everyone Will Love

Make the most of this versatile vegetable. From appetizers to side dishes tomeatless mains, these easy eggplant recipes are sure to yo. The molasses is accompanied by harissa paste which kicks up the spice. Credit:Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley We recommend Japanese eggplants for this recipe because they’re longer and thinner than other varieties. Each mini eggplant is stuffed to the brim with a sweet and spicy tomato and corn mix....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 192 words · Kristen Lee

5 Fall Centerpieces Using Foliage And Blooms That Will Brighten Up Your Tables

These sunset-inspired centerpieces are holiday-worthy. If youre forgoing a professional for yourThanksgiving centerpiece, the florist encourages working with what you have. Here, she designed five golden hour-inspired arrangements using foraged materials,fresh flowers, and unique vessels. Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO; Styling: BROOKE MCAFEE I love them because theyre super unique and branchier with smaller petals than traditionalred poinsettias, says McAfee. Theyre also a good way to keep blossoms happy and fresh in water....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 237 words · Bryan Alvarado

5 Family-Friendly Florida Vacations That Aren't Disney World

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. There’s family fun beyond the Magic Kingdom. ROBBIE CAPONETTO When considering family-friendly vacations in Florida, most people instantly think ofDisney World. Casa Reina’s dinner crowd.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO Want to see what it was like in the 16th century? Visit the gun desk for some of the most stunning views of the city. Of course, you cant expect the oldest city in the country to not be a little bit haunted....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · Amy Jensen

5 Flank Steak Recipes To Impress Any Night

Make a fantastic meal with this affordable cut. You dont need a special occasion to break out a flanksteak recipe. Serve up a flank steak supper and any night is worth celebrating. Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Our recipes also feature delicious sauces, sides, and steak-stuffers too. The only thing left to do is dig in. This weeknight-friendly recipe features tender, delicious steak, and a zesty, bright sauce....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 156 words · Hayden Patton

5 Flooring Trends That Will Be Big In 2024

Start 2024 out on the right foot with these designer-approved flooring trends. Patterned Wood Flooring Move over, plain wood floors. Patterns will be big next year. Credit:PHOTO: NANCY NOLAN Instead, she anticipates that we will see more medium-toned and varying floor colors. With natural stone you’re free to also mix colors. Credit:Getty Images Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Paige Mullins Credit: Laurey W. Glenn Credit: Chris Edwards; Styling: Kendra Surface...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 75 words · Kara Jones

5 Freezer Organizing Tips That'll Help Reduce Clutter

Here’s how to use this limited space in a strategic way. But, without proper storage, you know that this small space can quickly turn into a disheveled space. Likeorganizing the refrigerator, setting up a freezer system is quite easy. Credit:CatLane / Getty Images “Organizational products creates boundaries that help keep your family on the same page. When you begin organizing your freezer, we recommend overbuying to ensure you like the way everything fits....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Sarah Mcbride

5 Fruity Sangria Recipes That Are So Refreshing For Summertime

These big-batch cocktails are perfect for parties and porch hangs. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox The best cocktails are those that feel perfect for the moment. There’s really a summer sangria for every occasion. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Here are our favorite sangria recipes you’ll want to sip on all summer long! However, you could garnish with extra mint when you’re in a pinch. Adorably shaped watermelon balls are combined with other fresh fruitsstrawberry!...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 220 words · Jeremy Owens

5 Habits Of People Who Always Have A Clean Kitchen

We asked a professional organizer for her best advice. If theres one room that feels impossible to keep clean, itsthe kitchen. The sheer amount of stuff required doesnt make it any easier. Credit: Carmel Brantley The question is, how do others maintain aclean kitchen? We asked a professional organizer for her best advice. Megan Ludvinsky is the founder ofAbout Space Organizingin Central Arkansas. Megan Ludvinsky, founder of About Space Organizing in Central Arkansas, calls this her main mantra....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 214 words · Stanley Morales