Add fragrant lavender to your gardens and window boxes. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite types of lavender here. For more tips on planting and tending lavender, read ourguide to growing lavenderin the South. Credit: Szabolcs Kiss/EyeEm/Getty Images It has silvery foliage and a strong fragrance, and it bears its bright purple blooms profusely. Spanish Lavender Lavandula stoechasThis hardy lavender with fragrant gray-green leaves is drought and heat tolerant....

Reuse your scraps for a bounty that keeps on giving. Before you get started, there are a few things to keep in mind. Keeping your water fresh and keeping an eye out for any sliminess will also be key. Credit:Rafael Ben-Ari/Getty Images Change the water every two days or so as you wait for your greens to reach their full potential. Start with a base of romaine that is about 2 inches in length....

Ralph Anderson Soggy soil doesnt have to be a wasteland. Mary Phillips is the Head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at theNational Wildlife Federation. Linda Vater is an expert forSouthern Living Plant Collection. Credit:Ralph Anderson This becomes especially important during hot, dry periods. Finally, Phillips warns that fungal diseases are more common in moist areas, so watch out. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to elevate your plantings. Credit:Getty Images...

It’s the original budget beauty buy. When we’re thinking of those tried-and-true products, Ponds products are always at the top of the list. Grandma loves Ponds Cleansing Cream for removing makeup and so much more. Credit:Getty/SuperStock Take a spin down memory lane for all the waysGrandma used Pondsand why we do too. Getty/SuperStock Makeup Remover This one’s probably a bit obviousit’s on the bottle, after all. With so many cleansers on the market though, it’s easy for Ponds to fall off the radar....

“It’s all about elevating the day to day.” As Wolf say, “Beautiful china isnt just for eating off of!” “A small saucer or bread plate makes for the perfect bedside jewelry dish. Credit:Kerry Kirk for Katie Davis Design The list goes on!” Take your china out of the cabinet and put it to work in the kitchen or dining room. Plus, Gutter adds, every china wall will look unique and stylish in its own way....

Heres how to keep these biting pests away from your family. Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm. No wonder we’re desperate to keep mosquitoes out of the yard, but it’s a difficult task. Credit:Getty Images Theres also no safe time of day to be outdoors. The goal is to be diligent about managing them in your immediate living space, says Gray....

Use these easy methods for your tacos, salads, casseroles, and more. Its versatility comes from its easy-to-eat nature and the thorough way that it absorbs seasonings and sauces. “First, boil or cook the chicken to your liking. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox check that to use skinless,boneless chickenor to remove any skin and bones before using this method. Then, take a small utility knife and cut straight down through the crevice/joint of the breast and leg....

It’s one of the world’s oldest and most popular spices. Despite that, the annual herb is actually considered divisive. Cilantro, like many fresh herbsincluding basiland parsleywill wilt and brown within days if not handled with care. Credit: Magdalena Niemczyk/Getty Images Read on for the best methods on how to store cilantro in the fridge and the freezer. Should You Wash Cilantro Before Storing? Before cooking or eating, however, you should definitely wash your cilantro....

There are non-invasive alternatives that make beautiful additions to Southern gardens. I have railed against thespring-blooming, white-flowering treefor years. Many of them are underused in Southern gardens, and they deserve a closer look. Credit: Maria Mosolova/Getty Images They all bloom in spring with white flowers but without the fetid stench of the Bradford pear. Here are five white-flowering trees to replace a Bradford pear. These varieties are good replacements for Bradford pear....

While arriving a few minutes early is okay, give your sellers a chance to get set up first. However, in that excitement, beconsiderateof where you leave your car. Also, be prepared to let an item go if its important to another shopper. Credit:Getty Images/David Sacks Practicingproper etiquetteand being kind should always take precedence over having material things. Credit:Getty Images/Massimo Ravera Flea Market Finds.Credit: parema / E+ / Getty Images Credit:Getty Images/Jose Luis Pelaez

But sometimes, life happens and you’ve got unexpected company. No need to worry. For occasions like these, we keep an arsenal of easy, quick recipes in our back pocket. Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Theseappetizer recipesall have one thing in common: They’re made with five ingredients or less. They can be made ahead, require minimal cooking, and just a few ingredients. Chunky Guacamole This guacamole comes together in under 10 minutes and will probably disappear just as quickly....

A busy family on the go doesn’t mean dinnertime has to suffer. These casseroles ensure that everyone is full and happy. A busy family on the go doesn’t mean dinnertime has to suffer. Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless We’ve even included a few four-ingredient casserolesit doesn’t get much easier than that, folks. Everything cooks in the skillet, which then gets popped in the oven for 10 minutes....

Here’s how to put this fan-favorite protein on the dinner table without any fuss. We’re notJulia Child, after all. you might customize this simple recipe to fit what’s in your pantry and fridge, too. Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee It’s comforting, filling, and budget-friendly. All the readers who reviewed it and gave it five stars sure love it! You probably have everything you gotta whip up our special sauce....