How Do I Remove Permanent Marker From a Laptop Screen?
Sent by AngelaEditor: First try using a pink eraser to remove the mark. If the marker stain proves stubborn, a mixture of 1 part isopropyl rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water (you make have to tweak this proportions) can also remove the stain.Ironically, using a black dry erase marker over the permanent marker can also help remove Sharpies marks, due to the solvent in the formula!Leave any additional suggestions for Angela in the comments below.
Mar 11, 2019
Look Inside: A $2M Laguna Beach Cottage with Ocean Views and Gardens Galore
Glorious gardens and dreamy ocean views combine to create a scenic sanctuary in Laguna Beach. 805 La Mirada St Located in Laguna Beach, California $1,998,000 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1 partial bath It’s tough to narrow down our favorite part of this Laguna Beach home that proves cottages can be both charming and contemporary. Keeping watch over the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic beach views are an obvious contender.
Mar 11, 2019
Don’t Throw Away Your Old Mascara—It Could Save a Baby Duck!
If you thought your dried-out mascara wands weren’t good for anything but the trash can, think again. Thanks to Reddit user marilynbmonroe, the web is abuzz with a surprising—and potentially life-saving—way to repurpose your old mascara wands when you’re done with them. The Wands for Wildlife initiative is asking supporters to recycle their mascara wands to help save the lives of wild animals.
Mar 11, 2019
4 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund, According to a Financial Planner
‘Tis the season for filing taxes and more importantly, receiving your tax refund. But before you go and blow it all on a trip to Tulum or a pricey pair of shoes—guilty!—you may want to consider some more productive ways to use your tax refund. We called on financial advisor Douglas A. Boneparth, CFP and President of Bone Fide Wealth for advice on how to smartly use our tax refunds, no matter how big or small the amount. But first: savings.
Mar 10, 2019
BarkBox Sells Flower Crowns for Your Dog–Just in Time for Spring
We’re finally approaching the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The first day of spring is March 21 and it cannot come soon enough. To say we’re tired of all the snow and gloomy weather that winter has brought would be an understatement. If we could break up with winter, we totally would and we’d never call it back. With spring approaching, that means warmer weather, and with that, it means we’ll finally get to see some beautiful flowers!
Mar 10, 2019
7 Tweets That Hilariously Sum Up How Hard It Is to Buy a House
Buying a home can be an incredibly stressful process. Although it’s exciting to look forward to having a new space to call your own, anyone who’s been through it before can tell you it’s not always as fun as it looks on HGTV. From trying to figure out what you can actually afford, to finding the right real estate agent, to the delicate art of making an offer, the home-buying process is not without its craze-inducing moments.
Mar 10, 2019
This Bar In Orlando Has a Dog Park and Even Serves Doggy ‘Beer’
Every dog owner thinks that their dog is the best. And they are right! We all have the best dogs in the world. If you’re obsessed with your dog, you are obviously not alone. In fact, nearly half of pet owners prefer to cuddle with their dog, rather than their human partner. For one couple, their love for their dog inspired them to do something big. Paul Jaszczenski and Lainie Pekich brought home their beloved German shepherd, Kaia, and never wanted to leave her side.
Mar 10, 2019
This Sunny Home Has 75 Houseplants… Each with Its Own Name!
Name: Wendy Lau, husband Kwan, and a whole lot of plants Location: Toronto, Ontario Size: 1,770 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, owned I was first drawn to this house for the natural lighting and the sunroom and I knew that it would be perfect for all my plant babies. It was a true labor of love as we renovated this 1970s home to update it to its full potential. We took down all the interior walls and made it one big open space.
Mar 10, 2019
This Woman’s ‘The Office’-Themed Bridal Shower Would Be Approved by The Finer Things Club
Everyone has that one TV show that just makes them happy, no matter how many times they’ve watched all of the episodes. For quite a few people, that show is “The Office.” The show is the most-watched TV program on Netflix, with nearly twice the views that “Friends” gets, according to data released in 2018.
Mar 10, 2019
5 Tips for Cutting Down On Dirty Dishes
As hard as one might try to piece together the perfect kitchen, if you find yourself with an uncontrollable mound of dishes, that perfect kitchen ends up looking like a pile of mess. But is every spoon, fork, cup and plate in the sink absolutely essential? Can you really cut down the amount of dishes you do every day, without using disposables? Yes! Here are five places to start. 1. Own fewer dishes.
Mar 9, 2019
How To Make an IKEA Hack “Fauxdenza”
I had a growing pile of paper work on my desk, and shoe boxes full of more paper work on the floor. I needed a quick and affordable closed storage system that hid all the clutter, but still fit in our small office. If this sounds familiar, perhaps this IKEA FULLEN “fauxdenza” hack is for you. We’ve blogged about the “fauxdenza” phenomenon before.
Mar 9, 2019
Stucco Homes Are Totally Underrated—Here’s Why
The ancient Greeks and Romans had some great ideas that are still around today in some form (The Olympics, geometry, newspapers, grid systems, bacchanals, etc.) Another unsung hero from the period? Stucco (the form of siding similar to plaster) which was formerly used as a base for painting frescoes. Though the average homeowner is no longer using it to paint “The Last Judgment,” they are still using it to side their homes.
Mar 9, 2019
Just Like ‘The Brady Bunch’ House, These 5 Retro Features Are Making a (Big) Comeback
Let’s just say you loved the look of “The Brady Bunch” house—we’re talking sunken living room, modular furniture, the works. If that retro vibe talks to you, this is good news: These blast-from-the-past features are now on the major rebound.
Mar 9, 2019
You Can Buy Matching Robes for You and Your Furry Best Friend
Buying matching items with your best friend is exciting. But buying something to match with your four-legged best friend? That is so much better! Our collective obsession with our pets has led to the mass creation of products catered toward pet owners. From things like slippers that look like your dog to doggy leggings, there’s basically an endless supply of things to buy for your pet. Now, you can purchase a robe for yourself and a tiny one for your dog.
Mar 9, 2019
The Owner of the ‘Most Beautiful Independent Store’ in Missouri Has an Equally Lovely Home
Name: Lauren Thorp, husband, two children, cat and dog Location: Historic Shaw Neighborhood — St. Louis, Missouri Size: 2,700 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned My husband, two young children, dog, and cat live in our 122-year-old home in the Historic Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Our house was rehabbed down to the studs in 2016 by investors who we purchased it from.
Mar 9, 2019
How To Make an Origami Fortune Teller
Sometimes it’s just more fun to let a little piece of paper make a decision for us, be it paint color, vacation spot, or dinner delivery. You might remember these paper fortune tellers (also known as cootie catchers, chatterboxes, salt cellars, or whirlybirds) from your grade school days, made to pass time and bring a laugh or three. They’re great to play around with for nostalgia sake, or when you just can’t make that really “difficult” decision on your own.
Mar 9, 2019
Solutions for Headboard Stains from Oily Hair?
Q: A few years ago I DIYed an upholstered headboard for our queen-sized bed. Since then, we’ve moved into our own house and are looking at finally upgrading to a California king, as my partner is 6’5″ and has never slept on a bed that his feet didn’t dangle off of. In looking for a new mattress, we’ve also started considering a new headboard.
Mar 9, 2019
The Mystery of the Smelly Old Floor
Q: My house—over 150 years old—has one room that is different than the others…my living room has an “old” smell. The kitchen on the same level has no odor. There is NO crawlspace for these rooms. Back when the house was built, they used white oak logs to support a room added-on. We’ve had a lot of rain lately, and no, we do not have gutters.
Mar 9, 2019
How To Clean Hunter Boots
If you’ve been playing in the garden and find your Hunter boots covered in all the offerings of spring, they may be lookin’ worse for wear. Keeping them clean and tidy may seem as easy as jumping in a puddle, but high quality rubber requires just a bit more attention than your basic rain galoshes.
Mar 9, 2019
Tiny Refrigerator Tips: Ways To Organize More, Waste Less
I love a fridge makeover as much as the next person, but I die a little inside each time I see a mega-propped-out “after”. I mean, yes, it’s beautiful and yes, it took a lot of work to make it look that good, but show me how it looks in a week. How do those cute little scrapbook labels look after you’ve dripped salsa all over them? How is storing butter in a mason jar working out? The point is, don’t worry about making it pretty.
Mar 8, 2019
How to Remove Annoying Sticky Residue With One Common Household Item
Congratulations! You’ve just removed that ugly label from your prized possession, but now you’re faced with a new problem: sticky residue from said label. What’s the quickest and easiest way to make it disappear? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back- just start walking towards the pantry.
Mar 8, 2019
How To Remove Sticky Residue From Marble
Yes, marble is a stone, but it is surprisingly soft which makes it very susceptible to damage. Minimize the risk of scratches by avoiding using tools like a metal spatula blade or butter knife to remove sticky residue. Try this tip instead: Cooking oil (canola or olive work great!) 1. Pour a good amount of oil over the sticky residue and lightly work it in with your finger.
Mar 8, 2019
How To Make All Natural Toilet Cleaning Tablets
Plop plop, fizz fizz — oh how easy it is! Whip up a batch of these fizzy-fresh toilet tablets and say goodbye to the harsh chemical cleaners. 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup citric acid 40-60 drops of essential oil (we recommend Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, or Lavender) Water Silicone or non-stick baking mold Medium bowl Mixing spoon Our tablets contain just a few simple ingredients and are essentially bath bombs.
Mar 8, 2019
How to Get Rid of 20-Foot-High Cobwebs?
Q: The ceiling in my stairwell to the basement rises the full height of the house. From the bottom landing to the ceiling is probably more than 20 feet, and the corners up there are getting heavy with cobwebs. How on earth can I clean up there? My largest extending tool only goes to six feet. I’m 5’3″!
Mar 8, 2019
Make a Renter-Friendly Magnetic Photo Display in 3 Easy Steps
I love hanging on to old photos, heartfelt cards, and fun prints and postcards from my various travels, but it’s hard to figure out how to display them without buying a dozen different frames, or haphazardly attaching them to my wall with washi tape. But that doesn’t have to be the case — thanks to magnets. With a handful of supplies and 30-minutes or less of your time, you can dress your walls up and display all your favorite prints with this easy photo display tutorial.
Mar 8, 2019
Keep Your Entryway Clutter-Free With This DIY Acrylic Organizer
We all need a little more organization in our lives. One thing I wasn’t expecting was how hard it was to find a letter organizer that matched the rest of our decor and could be mounted in the tiny two-foot wall space of our entryway. And when you can’t find a solution, you DIY it! This one can be customized with different colored acrylic or painting/staining the wood.
Mar 8, 2019
This Dutch Home Is Like Stepping onto the Set of ‘That ’70s Show’
Name: Laura Hofenk and 2 cats, Jisse and Jaro Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 9 months, renting In April 2018 I moved to this apartment with a modern anthracite [gray-colored] couch and boring gray carpet. But at some point I started collecting vintage from the ’60s and ’70s, and then I decided to go all the way with this style. Now I’m literally living like they did in the ’70s.
Mar 8, 2019
The Real Life-Changing Magic Happened After I Finally Tidied Up
I have a confession to make: I haven’t watched “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.” But that’s mostly because I don’t watch anything. Watching the newest show right when Netflix releases it seems like a waste of my brain energy when I would rather be thinking about Henry Cavill’s Mission: Impossible-Fallout mustache or that Chrissy Teigen Instagram post of John Legend on vacation slowly rocking Miles in his swimsuit when she asks “Can you do GIFs on a video?
Mar 8, 2019
Prepare for Brighter Nights & Mornings with Target’s Flash Sale on Blackout Curtains
Longer days are great–until it's time to go to sleep and the sun's still shining.
Mar 8, 2019
The Best Credit Score Advice Experts Have Ever Heard
As far as credit is concerned, there are no hacks that can cause your score to magically skyrocket overnight. (Ahem, we’re wagging our fingers at schemes promising you a “new credit identity.”) But, what does exist is good, sound credit advice that advocates for responsible borrowing and takes into account the anatomy of your credit score, like utilization and payment history.
Mar 8, 2019
I Thought I Was Watching ‘Attack of the Clones’—But It Was Just an Open House
In Los Angeles, people build entire careers out of resembling someone else. There are the impersonators, the stand-ins, and the stunt people who make a living looking like celebrities. It seems pretty cool to look like someone else—until you’re searching to buy your first house in a super competitive real estate market. Suddenly, you’re at an open house, surrounded by a swarm of doppelgängers.
Mar 7, 2019
This Cute Studio Above a Garage Is How to Do A Lot With a Little
Name: Sarah Choate and a spooky black cat named Jackson Dale Location: Wilmore, Kentucky Size: 400-500 square feet Years lived in: 7 months, renting This is the first place I’ve lived in totally on my own and so far, I really love the peacefulness that comes with living alone. I’m 24 and work as the marketing coordinator for a faith-based nonprofit that does international community development work.
Mar 7, 2019
These Wooden Pop-Up Hotel Rooms Are Made of Eco-Friendly Shipping Containers
When you hear pop-up accommodations, you’re probably thinking of a tent. AccorHotels has something a bit more glamorous in mind that maintains that connection to your surroundings in an eco-friendly way. The travel and lifestyle group that manages more than 4,300 hotels, resorts, and residences in 100 different countries has entered the commercialization stage for Flying Nest, its mobile hospitality concept.
Mar 7, 2019
8 Things Real Estate Agents Zero In On the Moment They Walk Through Your Door
​Turns out, first impressions are worth a whole lot. Or at least to real estate agents stepping into a home for the first time.
Mar 7, 2019
Before and After: This Home Office Nails the Beverly Hills Hotel Vibe on a Budget
After living in her house for five long years, Kate felt a burning need to shake things up. She admits her style has a tendency to change and evolve, and periodically needs to explore a completely new aspect of her personality. This time, she scratched that itch in her home office. The home office had a lot going for it, with its soothing gray-green walls, comfy furniture, and plush shag rug.
Mar 7, 2019
Partner
Spring Refresh: 3 No-Fail Projects to Boost Your Curb Appeal
If you feel like you’ve been slogging through cold, rain, and slush for too long, we’ve got good news. Spring (officially) starts March 20, and the shift is in the air. Every week for the lead-up, we’re working with Lowe’s to share quick updates you can do in a weekend, including step-by-step instructions and a list of supplies. This week we’re at the gateway to your home, the front door.
Mar 7, 2019
I’m 25 and I Can Afford to Live in the City—But Here’s Why I’m Sticking to the Suburbs
Like millions of Americans who graduated with more than $50,000 in student loan debt, I knew it’d be a serious challenge to start my career living in pricey Washington D.C. and pay off my loans. Recent stats show the District’s median rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment is an eye-popping $2,121. At the time, I was only earning $12/hour as a radio station assistant and an unreliable-but-similar rate nannying in the afternoon.
Mar 6, 2019
13 Rooms that Prove Poufs Are the Versatile Furniture Your Home Needs
Think poufs are overrated? Not so fast. There’s a reason these guys keep popping up in room after room. After all, they’re portable, comfortable, colorful, and stylish… certainly not every piece of decor fits this description. Need a little more convincing? Check out the ways in which 14 different homeowners and renters styled poufs in their spaces. Ah, the classic moroccan pouf.
Mar 6, 2019
45 Percent of People Don’t Know Who Pays Their Real Estate Agent—Do You?
Buying a home is expensive. Selling a home is expensive. This is common knowledge. Something I recently learned is not common knowledge? Just who pays the buyer’s real estate agent once a house sells (and who pays the seller’s, too). It’s likely you haven’t really thought about this ever. For expediency’s sake, the answer is “the seller.” Yes, the seller pays their listing agent and the buyer agent’s commission.
Mar 6, 2019
This Van Conversion Is Called Big Gigantic, For Good Reason
Transitioning to life on the road is a huge undertaking but thanks to the numerous options for camper and van conversions, the process of pivoting to permanent #vanlife can be a little less harrowing. The latest home-on-wheels to catch our eye deserves an honorable mention based on its name alone: the Big Gigantic is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter build-out, courtesy of Washington-based Freedom Vans.
Mar 6, 2019
Another Adorable DIY Van Conversion That’ll Make You Crave a Road Trip
Name: Lara and Adrian Location: Australia Size: Around 150 square feet Years in: 1 year, owned From the house tour of the cute and quirky Melbourne home of Lara Ivachev, Adrian, and their two dogs Otis and Kiku, it’s clear this is a couple that has great style. And that knack for decor extends to the road; they recently renovated a van for taking long and comfortable road trips.
Mar 6, 2019
IKEA’s Iconic BILLY Bookcase Just Turned 40 and Got a Fresh Birthday Makeover
Am I the only one who wants a complete makeover every time another birthday rolls around? There’s just something about starting a new year that feels like the perfect time to try out a fresh look. My own is coming up next week and I’m already planning to dye my hair a new color and maybe get another ear piercing. And it turns out, IKEA furniture is a fan of the new year, new me mantra too.
Mar 6, 2019
Partner
Simplify Your Spring Cleaning in 10 Minutes a Day
Spring cleaning: It’s a big annual ritual that we actually kind of love, but it doesn’t have to become an overwhelming task that eats up an entire weekend. With little more than an all-purpose cleaner, a good spray mop, and 10 minutes a day, you can keep a mostly clean house year-round so that when the big weekend does come around…it won’t be so big.Making the bed is one of the most powerful things you can do first thing in the morning.
Mar 6, 2019
How to Deal With Being Homesick
We’ve all been there. Whether you’ve packed up your life for a cross-country move, or you’re just on an extended business trip, sometimes you can’t help but feel a little homesick. How can you cope when you’re yearning to be home and more importantly, what do these feelings even mean? We called on clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., to help us break down everything we ever wanted to know about homesickness.
Mar 6, 2019
The 6 Food Choices That Saved Us When My Husband Lost His Job
When my husband came home from work and told me that the next day would be his last at his job, we went into immediate emergency cost-cutting mode. And we quickly learned that the easiest place to slash the budget, in principle, was one of the most painful in practice: our food expenses. We love food—eating it, cooking it, talking about it, sharing it. And an embarrassingly large percentage of our budget went to food—good ingredients, kitchen equipment, eating out.
Mar 5, 2019
Alexis Stewart’s NYC Triplex For Sale Is Actually 4 Units in One
While Martha Stewart continues to dominate the world one lifestyle venture at a time (see: her pet CBD line), her daughter Alexis is busy working on a major real estate move. The younger Stewart recently listed her impeccably designed West Village triplex for $53 million, after having purchased the home between 2006 and 2007 for approximately $35 million.
Mar 5, 2019
14 Colorful Doors That Make a Great First Impression
Colorful front doors are all the rage right now—just take a quick scroll through Instagram and you’re bound to see dozens. The best part is that you can’t really go wrong shade-wise, so now is the time to be creative. Feeling shy? Try transforming an interior door with a pop of paint and you’ll be amazed at how much brighter your space will look. Feeling a little more bold? Slap a fresh coat of paint on your exterior door to really make a statement.
Mar 5, 2019