After all, theres no place like it. Below, three Southerners share what theyll always love and remember about their first homes. The Seasons My first home surprised and delighted me at every season, Smrekar says. Credit:James Ransom I will always remember the joy of discovering what bloomed in my yard the first spring I lived there. It was the warm feeling of something so old supporting something so new and young....
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell Is it your turn to host family for the holidays? Have friends stopping in town while road-tripping with their little ones? When in doubt, follow these recommendations from etiquette experts for guaranteed sweet dreams for all. Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell By the time your guests arrive, you should have everything ready to go and easily accessible. She likes toorganize the bathroomdrawer so that it looks like a hotel....
Think before throwing it down the sink. I rarely run much through it, says Wilson. Basically the scraps that stick to the plates. Credit:Getty Images Fats can solidify and clog the pipes over time, says Palla. Garbage disposals are not designed to handle hard items like bones, explains Palla. Vegetable Peelings All peelings, especially potatoes, go straight to the trash can, says Wilson. Peels can create a huge mess in the drainpipes down the road....
Some grocery items just arent worth it. Those containers of chopped melons, deli trays, and bagged salads save a lot of time. Here are the top things you shouldn’t buy at the grocery store if you might help it. Credit:Getty Images Plus, those plastic bottles can leach contaminants and contribute significantly to plastic waste. But it’s a lot more economical to buy whole fruit and slice it yourself. Pre-cut produce also spoils quicker and could pick up pathogens when sliced open....
Experts are sharing the hidden gems to look out for when secondhand shopping. Getty Images Why fill your home with solely brand new items when you might shop for some incredible piecessecondhand? Weaver often sees pre-made customcurtainswhile out secondhand shopping, too. Credit:Getty Images “Just ask the company running the sale and check for sun damage.” Kelly Riley, the founder ofJune Taylorin Lakeland, Florida, will source lots of her art books secondhand....
Some gentle reminders for helpful guests this holiday season. or “Could you use a hand with the ham?” In that case, do not insist on helping and stay out of the kitchen. Credit:Getty Images Nor can you assume that your jumping in to help toss the salad or prepare the potatoes is appreciated. Sometimes, all that help proves no help at all. Keep Unsolicited Opinions to Yourself Congratulations! Your host has invited you into the holiest of sanctuaries and given you a task....
Yes, it is possible. One of the best ways to enjoy some of the season’s bestdead-ripe tomatoesis to cook up asimple sauce. Many of us have a favorite sauce recipe, perhaps a hand-me-down family recipe, if we’re lucky. Credit: fcafotodigital / Getty Images There are many paths to an excellent sauce. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, a batch of tomato sauce misses the mark. It’s not awful, but it could be better, more tomato-y, and compelling....
You don’t have to plan an extravagant trip to enjoy quality time together. So youve made the executive decision that everyone in your family could use a vacation. Or maybe youre searching for a quickmountain getawayyou can reach in just a couple of hours. Credit: Robbie Caponetto Either way, some sort of break is in the cards. Theres just one catch: Youre sticking to a budget. Plan Ahead Life can get busy....
No, your clothes won’t be ruined forever if you act fast! Not every fabric is compatible with all cleaning products on our list. To use this method, make a paste of one part baking soda and three parts water. Credit:Getty Images Then, apply the paste all over the surface of the stain and let it sit until it dries. Once the paste has dried, vacuum it up or brush it away gently....
These tips will help make shopping at Publix not only a pleasure, but also more affordable. Check with your local store for the policy in your area. Create A Club Publix Account Club Publixis a free loyalty program that offers special savings for members. Credit:Getty Images You simply key in your phone number at checkout so perks and savings can be applied to your transaction. New members can get $5 off $20 for signing up....
Including how one dirty, left-behind fork can do more damage than you think. Glenn Lewis is the Waco, Texas-based president ofMr. You know, the one that somehow managed to go unnoticed until 5 minutes into the wash cycle? Credit:Getty Images It can damage the door switches and other electrical components. Being Too Forceful When closing your dishwasher door, you shouldnt have to put muscle behind it. If you do, theres likely something blocking the racks or door that should be adjusted....
Designers say it’s best to leave these window treatments in 2024. Here, Southern designers share seven window treatments that they no longer consider to be in vogue. Steer clear of these looks as you decorate your space this year! Credit:Getty Images “Valances in general feel dated to me, especially if they involve ruching,” he says. Balloon valances, though, are the biggest no-no, according to the designer. “They make the interior of your home dark and heavy,” she explains....
Soda has popped up in all sorts of recipes, with 7UP cake being one of the most famous. The effervescence of 7UP produces a lighter crumb inpound cakesmade from scratch and givespackaged cake mixa mild lemon flavor. Grease and flour a 14- to 16-cup Bundt pan. Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner Gradually add sugar, beating on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes....
