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How To Naturally Clean a Bathtub with Grapefruit and Salt
Lemons and vinegar are the great dynamic duo of green cleaning, but there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh grapefruit. It’s fresh and sweet, and can give your bathroom that extra boost of freshness that is usually only obtained with heavily scented candles and other cleaning products that aren’t so earth-friendly. I recently moved into a home that had sat empty for a year and while it was in great condition, the old cast iron tub looked pretty rough.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make a Fruit Fly Trap To Get Rid of Fruit Flies
We’ve all experienced it at one point: fruit flies, first a few then an infestation surrounding your fruit bowl. They’re pesky little critters, but we’ve found the best way to rid your kitchen of them. Here are our quick instructions for making a fruit fly trap with just a few simple materials. Vinegar, fruit or wine (apple cider vinegar works especially well) Glass or jar Sheet of paper Tape Find a suitable glass or jar.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Rug With Snow
Antique and handwoven rugs are breathtaking but can be tricky to clean. Stay away from chemical detergents by using nature’s cleanser, snow! Snowvember is upon us here in the midwest and I’m trying to make the most of it. After hearing about the magical cleaning powers of snow, I laced up boots, grabbed a recently purchased hand-woven rug and headed outside.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Polish Silver with Ketchup
Its delicious on french fries, but can you clean with ketchup, too? We gathered a few pieces of tarnished silver to see if this diner staple could pull double duty and make the job of polishing silver just a bit easier. Word on the street is that the acid in the tomatoes reacts with the oxidizing of the tarnished silver in just three simple steps. We tried this with our old souvenir spoons and the results were… well, lets just say this is not our preferred method of polishing silver!
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Fan
In anticipation of spending the warmer months with our oscillating fans on to keep us cool, now is a good time to pause and take a few minutes to give them a quick clean. They’ve got a lot of work ahead of them and could use a little bit of attention. (Plus it will keep your fan—and your lungs—in better shape!) Small toiletry items like cotton swabs, makeup brushes, foam craft brushes, or toothpicks are great for jobs like this.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Naturally Unclog The Bathroom Sink
A clogged or slow-draining bathroom sink is a common problem in most homes. It shouldn’t happen too often, but when it does, be sure to use this natural formula to remove all the gunk–believe me, you don’t want a list of what that “gunk” actually is–and get that drain in tip top shape. 1/2 cup Baking soda 1/2 cup Vinegar Lemon juice (optional) Measuring cups Step 1. Remove the drain cover.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
An “All Grown Up” Townhouse in Denver
Name: Allison Shaw Location: Denver, Colorado Size: 1,000 square feet Years Lived In: 1 When I arrived to tour the fabulous Allison Shaw’s home last month, she was in the final stages of prepping her latest venture: Brick & Mortar, a traveling dry goods general store housed in a Vintage 1964 Aristocrat Trailer. Allison and her equally fabulous business partner, Tran Wills, are two of the biggest supporters of local design in Denver, making both their homes and business fun and enticing.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
All We Are Saying, Is Give Bees A Chance: How To Grow a Pollinator Garden
Red Fox We’re probably not the first to tell you that bees have been disappearing from their hives, never to return, at alarming rates. Colony Collapse Disorder has been an issue here in the US since the 1990s and it’s now occurring all around the world. Among the super-bummer factors believed to be causing CCD is habitat loss. While this is a really large scale issue, there are a few things the average gardener can do to help out.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Wash a Pillow by Hand or Washing Machine
Can you remember the last time you washed your pillow? It’s generally a good idea to do it at least once each year to keep them fresh, clean, and free of dust mites. Whether you wash by hand or machine, this simple task will put your mind at ease and literally help you sleep at night. Mild, low-suds detergent Washing machine or deep sink Remove the pillow protector (using a zippered protector plus a pillowcase helps to keep your pillows cleaner.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
Before and After: A Smart Design Solution for a 1920s Dining Room
If you’re following along, you may have caught us drooling over Arlyn Hernandez’s makeovers. Arlyn is Emily Henderson’s editorial director and the proud occupant of not one but two beautifully designed rooms in a 100-year-old Los Angeles Mediterranean-style apartment building.
Ashley Poskin
May 28, 2019
Before and After: A Sophisticated ’20s Rental Living Room Makeover
Emily Henderson’s editorial director, Arlyn Hernandez, just revealed her “Bright and Happy” (rental) living room Makeover Takeover over on the site, and it’s packed with design inspiration and great advice for renters and homeowners alike. The living room “before” was so relatable: quality pieces that didn’t fit the new living space.
Ashley Poskin
May 24, 2019
How To Choose the Right Size Lamp Shade
Whether you’re buying something new or updating the old, pairing a new shade with a lamp can be tricky. We’ve got a few tips for you to keep in mind while you shop for that perfect shade. Measuring tape Lamp Remember these five things: The bottom edge of the lampshade should fall midway on the neck of the lamp. You don’t want the socket or the switch to be visible. When shade shopping, the shade size refers to the width across the bottom of the shade.
Ashley Poskin
May 21, 2019
Before & After: Boring White Closet Doors Get a Stylish Makeover
To anyone else, Adriana’s dark blue bedroom might seem complete—styled perfectly, designed for her particular taste, not a thing left to do! But the closet door was an eyesore that she just couldn’t overlook; it was tall and so bright-white and just didn’t seem to fit in with the design of the rest of the bedroom.
Ashley Poskin
May 7, 2019
How To Clean A Quilt
I am a quilt hoarder. No matter the style, if the price is right it’s coming home with me. I’ve never paid more than $50 for a quilt (but only because of budget restraints, believe me, I know the more expensive ones are worth every penny!), so this means that I’m often purchasing them from yard sales or thrift shops. And this means its imperative they get a good cleaning before taking up residence in the blanket closet.
Ashley Poskin
May 7, 2019
How To Grow Baby Lettuce (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Most folks don’t realize how easy (and cheap) it is to grow your own baby greens, even with a very limited amount of space. Just think about all the plastic bags and clamshell containers used for packaged greens that you buy at the store (not to mention how long they’ve been sitting in that plastic before they even get to market). Why not save the packaging and transit time, and harvest your own baby greens at home?
Ashley Poskin
May 6, 2019
How To Make Natural Garden Pesticides
Garden pests make otherwise enjoyable gardening frustrating. Whether it’s snails taking over your lettuce or aphids sucking on your roses, a pest infestation is definitely disappointing, but it’s not a reason to reach for harmful, toxic sprays. The sprays might eliminate the pesky culprits, but they are harmful to you and the environment. Instead, try whipping up one of these simple recipes with ingredients you most likely have on hand.
Ashley Poskin
May 5, 2019
I Tried a Vanilla Scented Paint Additive: Yum or Yuck?
During one of my many trips to the paint counter at the hardware store this week I spied a very curious item from Glade. Since I’m a sucker for scents and it was under $5, I just had to try it and see if it was as exciting/exotic as it seemed. For all you Scratch-n-Sniff enthusiasts, yes, the “smell for yourself” sticker actually smells like the end product.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Patch a Hole in the Wall
A nice big piece of art can hide a world of trouble on the wall behind it — and a few of my pieces did until I recently discovered how little effort it took to repair those minor accidents. I’m never really sure what I’ll get when I start working on the walls in my home—might be plaster, might be drywall, might be a layer of each— so my first (and let’s be honest, second) attempt at trying to put a screw in the wall didn’t go so well.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
Home Remedy Recipes: How To Use Rosemary Essential Oil
Whether you’re battling dry skin, tending to a sore throat, or just trying to keep germs at bay, rosemary oil is an excellent remedy for what ails you this winter. Check out just a few of our favorite uses and consider adding it to your health and wellness arsenal! Rosemary has been used medically for centuries as an antiseptic, an aid in digestive and respiratory health, and in skincare.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Decide Whether Christmas Lights Are Worth Fixing
Without fail, every year I end up with half lit (no, this has nothing to do with egg nog) strands of christmas lights. It doesn’t seem to matter if I safely store them away, or throw them haphazardly in a bag, they refuse to ever be on the same work schedule. Repairing Christmas lights is not particularly difficult, but I wouldn’t say that it’s easy either.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Clean Velvet Upholstery
I don’t buy into the I-can’t-have-nice-things-because-I-have-a-pet hype. This is especially true when it comes to textiles in my home. So when I spotted a gorgeous velvet sofa on Craigslist for a song, I did my research and went for it.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Recover an Old Lampshade
Recovering an old lampshade with new fabric is one of the easiest ways to make a large impact on a room — without largely impacting your budget. No sewing machine? No problem! Lamp shade 1 yard of fabric (if you are working with a very large shade you may need more) Sharp scissors Large sheet of blank paper (tracing paper or wrapping paper work great!) Spray adhesive Lots of clothespins Pen or marker 1.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Make a Pajaki Chandelier
A recent search for an “elaborate, colorful chandelier” for our living room lead me down a fantastic pająki rabbit hole. The paper and straw sculptures, typically Polish folklore holiday decor, were originally constructed to hang from the ceiling to resemble elaborate crystal chandeliers found in homes of the upper class. Pająki are usually made using wood straws but I wanted lots of color, so I changed it up a bit and used printed paper straws.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
Before & After: An Old Victorian Fireplace Gets A Facelift
Our home is full of lots of really gorgeous original details—and some not so gorgeous, not so original details. Somewhere around 1980, our fireplace’s original cast iron surround and summer cover were removed and replaced with plug-in, light-up logs and delightful glass doors.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Strip Paint From Hardware
Not all painters are created equal — especially those who ch0ose to slop paint over beautiful, antique hardware. It may seem like a daunting task to return those beautiful bits to their original glory, but don’t be fooled. Homeowners and renters alike can remedy this problem with just a few supplies, none of which are toxic. If you live in an old apartment building you’ve probably got interesting design details hiding in your hardware just beneath a few layers of paint.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Paint Laminate Countertops
One of the many things you can do to transform your kitchen is to change your countertops. If completely replacing them isn’t an option for you right now, updating your existing laminate with countertop coating is a great way to achieve a new, fresh look without breaking the bank. Countertop paint is great for homeowners and renters alike.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Grow Garlic
Growing garlic is very easy and very rewarding. It grows well in small spaces, a perfect specimen for a container garden, and also prospers in large garden beds. It’s a staple on most weekly grocery lists and has amazing health benefits, plus it keeps those pesky vampires away, making it one of the most valuable plants in your garden. Find a sunny spot with well-drained, rich soil for your garlic, and it will be very happy and fruitful.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Grow Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden plants out there, and for good reason. They are extremely easy to grow, and can be used in a wide variety of cuisines. And if you’ve ever plucked a sweet, juicy tomato straight out of the garden for a snack on a hot summer day, well, there’s just no going back. Tomatoes love sunshine and air—the two things almost everyone has access to.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Grow Strawberries
Strawberries are the quintessential summer fruit. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with vitamin C, they are a must-have for any summer garden. Organic berries can often be on the expensive side at the grocery store, so grow your own, cut down on packaging waste, and keep that extra cash in your pocket! Strawberries love the sun, they need at least 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day, so keep that in mind when placing your containers, or tilling up your bed.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
The Right Way to Use a Plunger to Unclog a Toilet
Everybody poops- let’s just get that out of the way. So when that blessed event occurs, and it happens to clog the toilet on its way down, be prepared to defend your bathroom’s honor with a plunger and the proper skills with which to use it. Plunger Rubber gloves Safety glasses 1. To stop the water from overflowing, turn the water off at the valve. 2. If there isn’t any water in the bowl, you’ll need to add some.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
Extend Your Gardening Season: Veggies & Herbs You Can Grow Indoors During the Winter Months
Depending on what part of the country you’re in, you still might be enjoying the delicious harvest from your backyard, but here in the Midwest, I’m tearfully waving goodbye to, well, almost everything fresh. While it’s probably impossible to keep gorgeous heirloom tomatoes growing, I’m looking on the bright side at the plants and herbs that will continue to thrive indoors during the dreary winter months.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
How To Test for Lead Paint in Your Home
Lead paint is nasty stuff. If you live in a home built before 1978, it’s very likely that layers of lead paint lurk on the windowsills, trim around the doorway, or walls. Not knowing if you have it in your home is scary — especially if you are pregnant or have children — so it’s worth finding out. Inexpensive kits are widely available, and testing is easy, so fork over the $10, be the responsible human you are, and put your mind to ease.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
What To Do Next if Your Lead Paint Test is Positive
If you got a sweet deal on a fixer-upper that was built before 1978, chances are you’re going come across lead paint somewhere in the house. Beautifully painted window trim that tests positive for lead paint isn’t necessarily the end of the world — but it quickly becomes a problem when the paint starts to deteriorate and chips or flakes away. So if you happen to have a flaky window sill you’re suspicious of, give it a quick test and don’t fear the results.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How To Tile a Bathroom Floor
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! Tackling tile installation yourself can save big bucks— and can mean the difference between affording the tile you love and buying the tile you just kind of like. While it’s not rocket science, it’s also not a job for the first-time home project DIY’er (or anyone with bad knees!).
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How To Finish Off Your Bathroom in Style With Baseboards
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! Baseboards are a fantastic way to spruce up a room, and put the finishing touch on a newly remodeled one. Multiple layers of decorative molding brings great visual drama, or you can use a simple wood plank for a straightforward, modern look. Baseboards are relatively easy to install.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How to Hang a Bathroom Mirror on Ceramic Tile
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! The process of drilling through ceramic tile is easy as pie — as long as you use the right tools. The hardest part? Taking the plunge wondering whether you’ve marked the right spot where you’ll soon drill into your pristine new tile. Glass & Ceramic tile bitDrillSpray bottle + waterAnchorRubber mallet 1.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How to Build a Long Wood Floating Shelf (That Won’t Sag in the Middle)
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! Floating shelves are fantastic, and I knew I wanted one above the tub in my new bathroom. We searched high and low for a floating shelf that not only looked good, but could hold a lot of weight without sagging —especially because the wall is pretty long.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Ashley’s Vintage Refrigerator Goes From Beast to Beauty
I’ve always been a huge fan of 1950s style kitchens, and was lucky enough to score a tiny vintage refrigerator from a few years ago. The small size made it a bit of a challenge (we had to be very cognizant while grocery shopping!) so, when we added a member to the family this year, we also decided it was time to upgrade to a bigger refrigerator.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How To Customize Your Bookshelves With Diagonal Shelf Inserts
I wanted to change up the look of my bookshelves as well as add a third shelf. With the help of a friend and a trip to the hardware store, this project took an afternoon to pull off and can be accomplished by someone with minimal experience. And, to help you out, I documented the process to walk you through each step. In my head, this project was super elementary. I’m not afraid of using a saw, so I wasn’t worried in the last bit.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Is Paintable, Removable Wallpaper Too Good to Be True?
Certain landlords, and almost all dorms, have strict rules against painting the walls, which is a major bummer if you love color. So imagine my excitement when I learned about removable, paintable wallpaper — I shouted “hallelujah” and quickly ordered some to find out if it was the answer to all our rental wishes and dreams. So, is this product too good to be true? One thing to note is that it took awhile to find actual removable paintable wallpaper.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Shave It & Save It: How To Give Your Upholstered Furniture a Second Life
Pilling on fabric is no good. It makes clothing and furniture look worn and tired, like it needs to be replaced. I certainly felt that way about this yellow chair before the most epic fabric de-fuzzer showed up on my doorstep. Friends, here me when I say this: This is the most satisfying $12.99 you’ll ever spend on a home-care appliance. I knew this type of tool existed, but I didn’t know how amazing the results would be when used on upholstery fabric.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Can You Really Dust Your Houseplants With A Banana Peel? We Tried It, Here Are Our Results!
It seems everyone and their brother has plant fever these days, and the only cure is MORE PLANTS! We’ve mastered the art of watering, they’re all stayin’ alive. Now we’re onto more cosmetic issues, like: just how shiny and clean can I get my plants? Can I buff them with banana peels? According to an old folk remedy (and a few people on YouTube) shredded banana peels draped all over plants can help to rid it of an aphid infestation.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How To Grout a Tile Backsplash Like a Pro
Grouting tile is as easy as frosting a cake (a very difficult, really pretty cake anyway). If that sounds like it’s above your skill level, hire a professional. But, if you’ve got the can-do spirit, are handy, and pick up a few grout-specific tools for the job, you’re going to be just fine. (FYI, I feel it’s important to note that I actually tiled and grouted this backsplash myself.) Before starting, choose your grout.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Here’s One Smart Way to Handle Your Lost Sock Problem
Keeping socks paired up through the laundry cycle is pretty simple if you toss them in a mesh bag beforehand, but that step doesn’t make its way into everyone’s routine. If you’re more likely to toss dirty socks in the general direction of the hamper—well, you’re probably hoarding a pretty large “orphan sock” collection.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Does Sun Bleaching Really Work? We Tried It
Nothing compares to the smell of fresh laundry that’s been hanging outside to dry. Not only is it a fresh and efficient way to do laundry, it’s also oft-touted as a way to brighten whites without having to use special detergents or harsh chemicals. All you need is plenty of time and sunshine. First, wash your clothing as usual, adding up to ½ cup of lemon juice to the wash for an extra boost. (You can also add lemon juice to a spray bottle and spray directly on tough stains.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
I Hacked My Messy Pantry Using Only Stuff From the Dollar Store
I’m pretty lucky. My rental apartment has a large, cavernous pantry, which is a boon in the kitchen storage department. However, what it has in size, it lacks in efficiency. For all that space, there are only a few shelves (which tend to overflow with canned goods and foodstuffs) and the full-size refrigerator prevents me from adding in more. In an effort to boost my pantry’s usefulness, I headed straight to the dollar store.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How To Get Your Outdoor Grill Clean & Ready for Summer
It’s time to take advantage of those warmer weekends by spending time on your home’s exterior, and prepping your grill for the season is a great project to get you started. You could always start with cleaning your gutters —but grilled veggies and BBQ chicken just seem like a much better reward for completely the task.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 30, 2019
Wishing for a Colorful Smeg Fridge? Here’s How To Paint a Vintage Refrigerator Instead
Everyone loves the look of a vintage refrigerator — especially a colorful model. If you’re really lucky, you bring home a brand new Smeg, or Big Chill for your kitchen. But if you’re a purist, or on a slimmer budget, you make your dream of a colorful vintage refrigerator come true for much, much less by rolling up your sleeves and doin’ it yourself.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 30, 2019