Wellness

Everything you need to know about wellness trends, self care, home fitness, and more.
Vintage-style closet with wooden dresser, green chair, clothes rack, framed poster, and exercise ball.
Clothes Versus Closet: Does Your Home Dictate the Size of Your Wardrobe?
In other words, does the size of your closet determine how many clothes you keep/buy/give away? Does a studio apartment mean having an ultra-efficient capsule wardrobe, or do you just store your sweaters in the oven? I lived in a studio apartment for years and years, and had a reasonable/small closet to work with. I stored my clothes, jackets, and shoes in the closet and my socks, underthings, and workout gear in bins on an overhead shelf.
Tess Wilson
Mar 11, 2020
Bathroom Decorating Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Any Bathroom Feel More Spa-Like
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to get away and treat ourselves to a spa weekend, like every weekend? Well, if that dream is a bit out of your reach for financial or practical reasons (we’re all probably in this boat!), there is still something you can reach for: A more spa-like bathroom that melts the day’s worries away or gets you in the best, relaxed mood to face the day. These six ways are affordable and should work in just about any bathroom (even small or windowless ones!
Adrienne Breaux
Mar 11, 2020
Personal Challenges: 18 Fasts to Improve Your Health, Wealth & Outlook
Lent. No-shave November. By nature, people love to challenge themselves. Changing the routine for a short time gives us a temporary pass to explore another lifestyle — one without meat or with the addition of a lumberjack beard, perhaps. Breaks and fasts can definitely be fun, but they can also teach you a lot about yourself. With a definite expiration date looming on the horizon, people find more willpower to stick to a diet plan or household budget.
Taryn Williford
Mar 11, 2020
5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home a Haven
Lately my day job, combined with being almost seven months pregnant, is leaving me pretty tired by 5 p.m. I’ve been thinking more and more about what makes my home a comfortable place to be — something anyone can relate to. Here are some of our best tips for making your home a cozy place that you’re always happy to come home to. 1. Diversify lighting. I’m a proponent of having three points of light in a room.
Kim R. McCormick
Mar 11, 2020
Easy DIY Project: Making Your Own Cloth Napkins
I’m not quite ready to go off the grid but I try to be eco in small ways, like turning off the faucet when washing dishes, keeping lights off in rooms I’m not using, and not using paper towels. Using cloth napkins is just one of those things that I’m hooked on. A few stats from Earth911 help put things into perspective: 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used in the U.S. every year.
Theresa Gonzalez
Mar 11, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Making Any Rental More Energy Efficient
Think that because you don’t own, you have no control over your home’s energy use? Not true! Here’s our ultimate guide; full of links to quick, easy and yes, even inexpensive, ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your bills (your landlord will thank you!). Most of these changes are likely to pay for themselves in energy savings over the duration of your rental.
Rachel Wray Thompson
Mar 11, 2020
10 (Non-Renovation) Renovation Ideas For Renters
If you’re a renter, then you’re probably thinking about taking a mental checkout from our October theme (Green Building and Renovating). I can’t renovate. I can’t even paint! you think. Don’t worry, my friend. We have solutions for you, too! We call it the non-renovation renovation— temporary yet effective ways to dramatically change your home without sacrificing your security deposit.
Cambria Bold
Mar 11, 2020
Making the Switch To Glass Food Storage Containers
Back in March, I took the No New Plastic for a Month Challenge, and it inspired me to replace all of my plastic food storage containers with glass, and I haven’t looked back. Below the jump, you’ll find out how I transformed my refrigerator.First, I did some research to find the everyday glass food storage containers I now needed. I opted for Duralex Lys Square Bowls because they are stackable, made of tempered glass, and square in shape.
Kate Legere
Mar 11, 2020
The Big List: 49 Smart, Money-Saving Creative Reuse Ideas
We get excited about stylish, functional, and innovative creative reuse ideas, from the myriad ways you can reuse a jar, to uses for chipped tea cups, antique bread bins, vintage card catalogs, bubble wrap, wallpaper scraps, even old gym floorboards. Here’s a big roundup of some of our favorites… The Many Amazing Ways to Reuse a Jar: • 10 Simple Uses for Spaghetti Jars • Crafty Uses for Baby Food Jars • Don’t Throw Out That Jar!
Cambria Bold
Mar 11, 2020
A Microbiologist Shares How “Target Hygiene” Cleaning Can Help When Everyone’s Getting Sick
We’ve got good news for you: You probably don’t have to spend all day disinfecting.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 11, 2020
How Bad is it to Clean Bare-Handed?
You know you should wear gloves to clean, but knowing and doing are two very different things.
Julie Sprankles
Mar 10, 2020
How to Clean and Disinfect Your House Keys
You're waging a valiant defense against germs. But what if you found out you were pawing a germ magnet every day, multiple times, without a second thought?
Shifrah Combiths
Mar 10, 2020
Here’s Everything the CDC Wants You to Know About Cleaning Your Home Right Now
Here's a condensed version of the health agency's recommendations for how healthy people should be cleaning their homes right now.
Taryn Williford
Mar 10, 2020
The Counterintuitive Way My Family Saves $100 a Month on Our Monthly Bills
Month after month, I would look at my bank statement and resolve to spend less on food. The solution to that problem? Accepting reality.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 10, 2020
I Tried a Hands-Free Automatic Soap Dispenser at Home and I’ll Never Go Back
Knowing how easily and quickly I could wash up turned a switch on in my brain that kept committed to hand-washing.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 8, 2020
Chrissy Teigen Tried This Hack to Stop a Recurring Nightmare and Get Some Sleep, But Does It Work?
Would you try it?
Arielle Tschinkel
Mar 6, 2020
Please Don’t Use Tito’s Vodka to Make DIY Hand Sanitizer, Begs Tito’s Vodka
Twitter users were claiming that the drinking alcohol can be used to make a homemade hand sanitizer.
Nicoletta Richardson
Mar 5, 2020
The DIY Sanitizer Recipes You’re Seeing Everywhere Don’t Work—Here’s the Right Way to Do It
Some people are taking sanitizing matters into their own hands (pun intended). Here's why that won't work.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 5, 2020
3 Disinfectants You Can Use If You Can’t Find Clorox Wipes
Brand loyalty is great, but the best product is the one you can find (or already have at home).
Taryn Williford
Mar 5, 2020
I Tried the Charlie App for Just One Month and Saved Hundreds on Amazon
It’s nice to have someone—even a robot penguin—looking out for me.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 2, 2020
Dryer Sheets Come Out On Top for Softer Towels—But I’ll Never Use Them Again
I recently tested name brand dryer sheets against two other fabric softening alternatives, and while the difference in softness was significant, it wasn’t enough to convert me to start buying dryer sheets. I know too much.
Ashley Poskin
Mar 2, 2020
10 Things Productive & Organized People Do Before Noon
Better make the most of your morning hours – you're never going to get them back.
Taryn Williford
Feb 28, 2020
6 Instagram Accounts That Will Get You Motivated for Spring Cleaning
Here's some cleaning feeds to scroll through that'll inspire you to tidy the digs you stroll through.
Elizabeth Seward
Feb 13, 2020
8 Simple Things Happy Couples Do Every Day, According to Relationship Experts
These habits and routines can lead to relationship success—and they’re way simpler than you might be thinking.
Olivia Muenter
Feb 13, 2020
How to Stop Feeling Exhausted After Work, According to Reddit
It's possible to have more energy post-5 p.m.
Laura Martisiute
Feb 13, 2020
Science Says Cleaning Could Be the Key to Great Sex
Uncovering some eye- and leg-opening research.
Taryn Williford
Feb 11, 2020
These Soft, Self-Dimming Bedside Lamps Improved My Sleep Almost Instantly
The best thing I ever did for my overall mental health was to stop sleeping with my phone next to my bed.
Olivia Muenter
Feb 11, 2020
Here’s How Much Sleep Scientists Say You Need, Based on Your Age
8 hours isn't for everyone.
Inigo Del Castillo
Feb 4, 2020
Try This 4-Step Guide to Improve Your Restless Winter Sleep
You'd think with all the nesting you'd be sleeping like a baby during the winter season. Not so.
Carrie Murphy
Feb 3, 2020
Ben and Erin Napier From HGTV’s “Home Town” Don’t Agree On Everything When It Comes to Their Perfect Night In
Perfect Night In is a series where we ask actors, artists, entrepreneurs, and beyond how they’d spend the ultimate luxury—a blissful evening at home.HGTV hosts Ben and Erin Napier are having quite the year already. Their new spinoff “Home Town Takeover” was announced, which involves them revitalizing an entire town (no pressure). Plus, the fourth season of “Home Town” just aired on January 20, 2020.
Nicoletta Richardson
Jan 31, 2020
8 Products that Will Help You Practice Mindfulness Every Day
All you need is five minutes.
Nicole Lund
Jan 29, 2020
4 Cleaning Tips You Need to Know If You Have Stainless Steel Appliances
Though you might be tempted to grab a bottle of cleaning solution, give your appliances a quick swipe, and call it a day, the wrong technique can actually damage some of your home’s most expensive machines.
Brigitt Earley
Jan 25, 2020
The 9 Best Money-Saving Personal Finance Hacks
Each one is designed to change the way you act or think to give you a little leg up on deciding where your money goes day after day and year after year.
Shifrah Combiths
Jan 23, 2020
Why I Think It’s Important to Set Appointments With Your Home
January Cure
Your little efforts are just as valuable and worthy of your time and focus as any meeting.
Taryn Williford
Jan 23, 2020
5 Ways to Keep Up with Your 2020 Fitness Goals (And the Tools to Help You Do It)
New year, new goals.
Nicole Lund
Jan 22, 2020
Feeling Lonely? Tending a Garden Can Help, Experts Say
We’re not talking about making friends with your plants (but that could work too).
Inigo Del Castillo
Jan 22, 2020
The Real Difference Between a Living Room and a Family Room
Living
According to the experts.
Ashley Abramson
Jan 18, 2020
20 Funny-‘Cause-It’s-True Tweets Anyone With Seasonal Depression Will Laugh At
These tweets about seasonal depression serve as a reminder of just how typical this disorder can be.
Megan Johnson
Jan 17, 2020
I Felt Something After KonMari-ing My Home—But It Wasn’t Joy
I felt something different and equally as meaningful.
Amanda Becker
Jan 9, 2020
Marie Kondo’s ‘Tidying Up’ Explains Our Anxiety Over Clutter
It’s no secret that clutter and anxiety are linked.
Marissa Hermanson
Jan 9, 2020
The Best Home Fitness Equipment (Starting at $9!), According to People Who Stick to Workouts
We talked to some personal trainers and at-home workout aficionados to find the best workout equipment that still fits in a small living room.
Ashley Abramson
Jan 8, 2020
What Capricorn Season Means For Your Home in January 2020
It’s a slow and steady start to the new decade. And the self-guided speed at which we choose to travel will define the very quality of the ride.
Bess Matassa
Jan 6, 2020
10 Realistic Tips from People Who *Actually* Work Out in Their Living Room
“A living room workout might not have been your first choice, but look at the positives: You get to play your own music and have the ‘gym’ all to yourself!”
Ashley Abramson
Jan 5, 2020
13 Small and Simple Ways to Start Living a Healthier Lifestyle
These changes might seem small, but little decisions add up—especially when they become routines.
Ashley Abramson
Jan 3, 2020
31 Simple, Miniscule Resolutions to Improve Your Life in January
By this point, you’re probably really ready to stop seeing “new year, new you” articles. January is a month that many industries thrive off of when it comes to marketing, and can you blame them? The start of the new year means a fresh start for everyone, and many people look at this as a way to revamp their personal or professional life. But sometimes the biggest mistake anyone can make going into a brand spankin’ new year is to think too big.
Olivia Muenter
Jan 3, 2020
Like “Hygge,” “Pyt” Is a Danish Concept That Might Improve Your Life
It's a healthy way of looking at stress.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 29, 2019
The Gross Factor of the American Sofa
You wouldn’t dream of leaving your sheets unwashed for weeks at a time, but the sofa never really gets that sort of deep clean.
Sarah Magnuson
Dec 23, 2019
How To Make Your Own Pasties
Looking to turn up the sexy this Valentine’s Day? Last week, I was invited to learn how to make nipple pasties by Rogue Burlesque, and I’m here to tell you, it’s just as fun (and not as hard) as you might think. You’ll be shaking your sparkly bits in no time. Brandy Wine is the de facto pasty artist for Rogue’s burlesque dancers, and she also makes bedazzled bowties for those who’d prefer their sparkle north of their nipples.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 20, 2019
How To Find a Mold-Free Rental?
Q: Hello! I have severe mold allergies and recently moved to the Pacific Northwest. I was careful to check for signs of dampness when we were house hunting—and even turned down a great place because of a hint of mustiness in the back bedroom—but, after a year of various illnesses, and despite air purifiers and dehumidifiers, I just tested my home and mold was detected. My question is this: How can we, as renters, ensure that our next place is not (or is less) moldy?
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Handmade Scrap Fabric Twine
Do you have an over abundance of fabric scraps that you are holding on to, “just in case”? Cintia from My Poppet was doing just that, and then she came up with the clever idea of turning her scraps into pretty twine. You can find the simple tutorial below. Scrap fabric strips in assorted lengths (max 1″ wide) Something to wind your twine on to Scissors For more pictures and the full tutorial, head over to My Poppet.
Kate Legere
Dec 19, 2019
Lorenzo Diggins + The Essential Man Showroom
Name: Lorenzo Diggins Jr/The Essential Man Location: The Unique Space | Downtown Los Angeles (Arts District) Size: 180 square feet Years lived in: A little over a month — Rented Last week I took a visit to the new Unique Space in downtown LA, where I met Lorenzo Diggins, creator of The Essential Man and got a tour of his new workspace.
Bethany Nauert
Dec 19, 2019
Evelyn Lee’s Sustainable Starter Apartment
Name: Evelyn LeeLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYSize: 1,185 square feetYears lived in: 2 years; OwnedMeet Evelyn and her cat, Sam. Evelyn’s Williamsburg apartment was her first project directly out of Parsons’ Interior Design program (yes, she’s LEED accredited); and where she was able, she used sustainable materials to create a relaxing haven she calls home.
Beth Bates
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy and Robert’s House of Festive Flair
Name: Nancy and Robert SalzLocation: Berkeley, CaliforniaYears lived in: 25 Nancy Salz says her home is devoid of architectural interest. But over the past 25 years, she and her husband Robert have embellished their three-bedroom family lair with lovingly crafted DIY projects and intriguing collections, making it one of the most colorful and creative homes in Berkeley, California. The first floor flows easily from room to room showcasing vibrant surprises around every corner.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
BJ & Megan’s Traveling Farmhouse Homestead
Name: Megan & BJLocation: Chatham County, NCSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: Renting for over 2 years Traveling homestead? you ask. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Well, in the case of BJ and Megan’s 1917 farmhouse, that’s exactly what it is. After contentedly nestling itself into the soil of Burlington, NC for the better part of a century, the owner had it relocated 30 miles away to save it from demolition in 2002.
Katie Gard
Dec 19, 2019
Holly and Ryan’s Vintage Minimal
Name: Holly, Ryan and their son AugustLocation: Portland, OregonSize: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: 5 Holly is one of Portland’s most celebrated fashion designers. After photographing the sweet shop she co-owns, I had a hunch that the qualities I found in her clothing line—romance, inspiration from past eras and subtle palette—would be echoed in her home. I hunched right! Join me for a tour of a mellow, beautiful home. Holly and Ryan have a great touch in their home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Penelope and Nathan’s Full–Hearted Eclectic
Name: Penelope, Nathan and Bell MillerLocation: Portland, OregonYears lived in: 2 Penelope and Nathan turned a broken down house in North East Portland into a handmade palace full of personality and joy — the perfect spot to raise their 20 month old daughter, Bell, and even have leftover room for guests and grandparents. When Penelope needed a bit of peace and contemplation, they built an outdoor lounge room completely from reclaimed, tossed–aside materials.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
“Found, Free & Flea” Author Tereasa Surratt’s Rustic Camp
Image: Bob Coscarelli for CS Interiors magazineName: Tereasa Surratt and David HernandezLocation: Wandawega Lake Resort, Elkhorn, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 Author Tereasa Surratt (A Very Modest Cottage) and her husband David Hernandez know about reusing and recycling with style. In Tereasa’s new book, Found, Free & Flea: Creating Collections from Vintage Treasures, she shares her style advice, using the couple’s idyllic lakeside getaway as a setting.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Canvas & Ochre Founder Andrew Corrie’s Island Home
Name: Andrew CorrieLocation: Shelter Island, New YorkSize: 2,400 sq. ft.Years lived in: 6 Andrew’s Shelter Island home has just weathered two storms – first, Hurricane Irene, and second, the constant motion of three children under the age of four. Yet between the casually simple style and the sweeping water views, the home feels tranquil, “part beach shack, part Scandinavian cottage.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Lyndsay and Fitzhugh’s Summer Cottage in the City
Name: Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh KarolLocation: Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 4 years, owned Lyndsay and Fitzhugh have always loved designing interiors. When the artistic couple graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, they tackled their first joint project: their own home. Flooded with light and studded with rich woods and soft stone, the airy apartment feels like a summer cottage in the city.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy & David’s Restored Ranch
Name: David Florimbi and Nancy SimonLocation: Santa BarbaraYears lived in: 6 Nancy and David moved into a single story ranch style home in the hills of Santa Barbara, California six years ago. They preserved the bones, but opened up many of the rooms and gave the whole thing a coat of fresh white paint. The open floor plan, combined with large windows and a vibrant color palette, give this home an air of exotic getaway.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Ros and James’ English Countryside California Cottage
Name: Ros Wyatt (of Green Plum Design) and James VernonLocation: Kensington, CaliforniaSize: 2,100 sq/ftYears lived in: 9, OwnedWho else lives here: Jack, Mischa and Alfie In classic English style, interior decorator Ros Wyatt’s San Francisco Bay home features a multitude of pretty prints. A plaid throw drapes over a wing chair, gingham rambles across a coverlet, mod poppies blossom beside a bed, and cabbage roses bloom in the medicine cabinet.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Wallpaper Designer Kimberly Lewis’ Brooklyn Alcove
Name: Kimberly Lewis of Kimberly Lewis HomeLocation: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NYYears lived in: 1 Kimberly’s line of wallpapers are absolutely stunning—their colors, repeats and scale are so fresh and inspiring—so when she agreed to a green tour, I was thrilled!
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Kirsten & Kyle’s Restored Bungalow
Name: Kirsten and Kyle NiemanLocation: NE Portland, Oregon Years lived in: almost 4Kristen is a home decor maven with an eye for upcycling and reclaiming cast away items from Craigslist, garage sales and friends. Her home is relaxed and beautiful with a predominate palette of grayish tones, whites, neutrals and pops of yellow. Join us for tea and a tour of this 1925 Portland, Oregon bungalow.Kristen’s interest in decor and styling is apparent in every room of her home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Joan & Jim’s Lovely, Artful Home
Name: Joan and Jim TannerLocation: Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: ampleYears lived in: 45 Joan and Jim live in one of the most artful, layered homes I’ve ever come across. It is at once cozy, enchanting, exuberant, chic and family-centered. Their space is truly a reflection of what full, vibrant lives Joan and Jim have led as an artist and a doctor. Join me in the hills of Santa Barbara for a unique glimpse into a remarkable home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Johnelle’s Mignonne Maison
Name: Johnelle Mancha (Founder of Mignonne Décor)Location: Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 980 sq/ftYears lived in: 5 months, rented Stepping into artist and designer Johnelle Mancha’s Oakland cottage is like entering one of the great salons of 1920s Paris. Welcoming rooms, outfitted in exquisite vintage decor whisper of European aristocracy, Middle Eastern adventures, and the joys of classic American recreation.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Anil and Shannon’s 655-Square-Foot Two-Bedroom Loft
Name: Anil & ShannonLocation: New York CitySize: 655 square feetYears lived in: 5 years, owned How do you hide two bedrooms in a 655-square foot studio loft? With one Murphy bed in the living room and a second revealed by a sliding kitchen wall, which skims the floor on ceiling tracks. Moving a kitchen wall sounds daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. As seen in the photo above, just clear off the counter, scoot over the rolling kitchen table, and give it a tug.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Toni and Rick’s Serenity in Stone
Name: Toni and Rick SturtzLocation: Neillsville, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 years, owned Toni and Rick Sturtz live in a cozy stone farmhouse nestled between a restored prairie and miles of towering fir and birch trees. They see themselves as stewards of the farmstead—caretakers of their 120-year-old home and the natural resources that surround it. As they carefully adapt their home to modern living, they make changes with sustainability in mind.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Alison & Jeff’s Eclectic Williamsburg Railroad
Name: Alison Feldmann of TeenAngster and Jeff Bergstrom, as well as cats Bug and DagmarLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New YorkYears lived in: 1 year Perched on the top floor of a Williamsburg walkup, Alison and Jeff’s eclectic railroad was filled with warm afternoon light the day I visited. Streaming in with unobstructed access, it lit surfaces and highlighted textures, softening the space this couple has made their own.
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Matthew and Emma’s Eco Environment
Name: Matthew and Emma McGregor-MentoLocation: New York, NYSize: 650 sq/ftYears lived in: 6 months When Matthew and Emma bought their 6th floor apartment in the East Village, they knew they wanted it to be filled with natural living things and to convey the sense that “nature was taking the apartment back, like a small plant growing from a crack in the sidewalk.
Cambria Bold
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Tiny 400-Square-Foot Cozy Apartment
Name: Lauren Yarmuth Location: New York CitySize: 400 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5, owned Lauren’s 400-square-foot apartment was classic New York real estate: a sliver of space in an old brick building, with little light and even less charm. But in just three weeks, she gave it a clean and natural makeover, putting every inch of space to use with clever storage solutions. When she bought it, Lauren explained, the building “was a dump.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Robin’s Gorgeously Green Artist Barn
Name: Robin Luciano BeatyLocation: Byfield, MassachusettsSize: 800 square feetYears worked in: 1½ years It was love at first site when I parked my car across the street from Robin’s art studio in Byfield. Her barn — set on an angle 50 feet from the road — is loosely landscaped with natural rock and wild flowers. A vintage blue Vespa sits out front adding to the warm, countryside feel.
Tanya Lacourse
Dec 19, 2019
Jennifer’s Vintage Glam Loft
Name: Jennifer White Location: McGregor, IowaSize: 800 square feetYears lived in: 13, rented Jennifer White’s friends refer to her colorful, antique-filled loft as “the flamenco palace.” We’re pretty sure the “flamenco” has to do with the prodigious amounts of ball fringe, and the “palace” with the richness of retro-ocity in every corner.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019